As soon as Duanmu Ci returned to his office, Qiu Duli greeted him, "Teacher Duanmu, you're new here. Chu Xinsu and I discussed it and decided that we'd like to host a dinner party for you. We hope you can have a drink with us."
To improve relationships with colleagues, Duanmu Ci certainly wouldn't refuse. "No problem, it would be my honor."
Then Duanmu Ci looked in Su Wuyu's direction, "Then Teacher Su..."
Qiu Duli gave a wry smile. "Professor Duanmu, you may not know this, but Professor Su is introverted and prefers quiet. She doesn't like to participate in gatherings or dinners. Not to mention the office, sometimes she won't even attend departmental or college-level dinners."
Duanmu Ci was somewhat surprised. So aloof?
Chu Xinsu came over from his seat with a grin, "If Teacher Duanmu can invite Teacher Su over as well, then this meal is on me, and I mean it!"
There were only four people in the office. Three of them went out to eat, leaving the other one all alone. Duanmu Ci felt that this was not good and was inappropriate.
Duanmu Ci walked over, but before he could speak, Su Wuyu interrupted, saying, "I'm not going."
Duanmu Ci remained silent, only watching Su Wuyu, who was writing furiously.
Su Wuyu wrote for a while, then finally couldn't stand the intense gaze from beside her any longer. "What do you want?"
I'd like to invite you to dinner.
"I'm not going!"
Then Duanmu Ci stared at Su Wuyu again...
After a long while, Su Wuyu put down her pen, sighed, and said, "Alright, I'll go."
Chu Xinsu, who was forced to treat everyone, once again looked up in awe!
...
...
Duanmu Ci himself couldn't explain his current mental state.
Logically speaking, a person who has lived a long and healthy life should have an incredibly weathered mindset, as decayed as a withered tree, as lifeless as someone about to return to the underworld. And Duanmu Ci did indeed go through such a stage.
But later he came up with a solution: to make friends with people of opposite temperaments to inspire himself. For example, Li Bai's confidence, Su Shi's optimism, and the magnanimity of the Wei and Jin scholars all injected a fresh vitality into Duanmu Ci's gradually withering heart.
However, this method only influences oneself through external forces, and cannot cure the problem from within, until he met Li Zhi.
Li Zhi, a renowned scholar of the late Ming Dynasty, wrote an article of paramount importance to Duanmu Ci—"On Childlike Innocence." This article is virtually unknown in literary history, but for Duanmu Ci, it was nothing short of groundbreaking! Its significance is no less than that of the Analects!
The core idea of "Childlike Innocence" is to maintain a childlike heart, to stay true to oneself, to retain one's original intention, and to be a genuine person.
Thus, Duanmu Ci felt as if he had been given a new lease on life.
People may grow old, but their hearts may remain young.
So occasionally, he would do things like just now, staring intently at someone until that person felt uncomfortable and agreed to his request. Undoubtedly, this behavior was childish and didn't quite fit Duanmu Ci's character…
In truth, Duanmu Ci has been diligently maintaining his composure, trying his best not to appear jaded or jaded. What joy is there in life once the mind grows old? Especially for someone who has achieved immortality…
It was absolutely excruciating!
However, Duanmu Ci also noticed that he seemed to have two mindsets now: he could be as calm as an old monk, or as lively as a youth. The ability to switch between these two mindsets so easily made Duanmu Ci wonder if he had schizophrenia, but he was too afraid to see a psychiatrist…
Maintaining a positive attitude and living life earnestly are things Duanmu Ci pays close attention to...
For example, right now he's driving with three of his office colleagues/teachers, planning to find a restaurant to have dinner together.
...
...
Duanmu Ci wasn't familiar with Haishan, so he couldn't offer any advice on "where to eat." The only restaurants he knew were three-Michelin-starred establishments and alleyway noodle shops—two completely opposite extremes, neither suitable. Chu Xinsu, a local, however, offered several recommendations. After a brief discussion, the group decided on Qin Ji.
"Qin Ji" is a slightly upscale restaurant with attentive service but on the pricier side. Of course, you can't expect professors from prestigious universities to eat at roadside stalls. This isn't about being arrogant; it's simply that when you have the means to enjoy a better life, there's no need to lower your standards to cater to the average person's lifestyle.
That's true arrogance.
Duanmu Ci parked the car in the parking space and got out. At this time, Chu Xinsu and the others had already chosen a private room and were busy preparing the meal. When they saw Duanmu Ci come in, they asked him what he wanted to order. Duanmu Ci waved his hand indifferently, indicating that they could decide for themselves.
Then he turned his gaze to the only lady at the table, "I wonder what Ms. Su would like to eat?"
As Duanmu Ci had expected, Su Wuyu simply uttered two words, "Whatever."
Actually, Su Wuyu was very annoyed right now because she felt she shouldn't be here at all, in this kind of situation. According to her normal schedule, she should be sitting at home at her computer, watching Korean dramas with a face mask on, not having some kind of dinner party with three male colleagues!
She didn't know why, but after just a few intense glances from that guy named Duanmu Ci, she couldn't help but agree. Su Wuyu felt incredibly embarrassed recalling Chu Xinsu's almost stunned expression at the time…
I really shouldn't have come—
...
...
Qin Ji is quick to serve, even during peak dining hours, the speed at which dishes are served is still commendable – dishes such as Yuanbao shrimp, sweet and sour pork ribs, and hot red bean paste are brought to the table one after another, along with a case of beer.
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