I returned the pink shoes to the sales assistant and then looked at the WeChat message Ye Zhi had sent a minute earlier. She said, "I'm so sorry, the doctor said my mental state is not good, so my assistant forcibly took away my phone and told me not to contact the outside world and to rest well... I just woke up and got my phone back from her... I really didn't expect you to come to Shanghai, you should have contacted me in advance."
My feelings are a bit complicated. If I remember correctly, this should be the longest message Ye Zhi has ever sent me since I met her... She is not a person who likes to explain, so I can feel the sincerity and guilt she felt when she said these words.
Gradually, I felt less aggrieved, and after calming down, I replied to her message: "It's okay, I decided to come to Shanghai at the last minute, so I didn't contact you beforehand... Are you feeling better?"
"I had a good night's sleep and I feel much better... Where are you now?"
"I'm getting ready to go to the airport. I booked a flight back to Kunming at 10:30."
Ye Zhi didn't reply immediately, and I took the opportunity to chat with the sales assistant about the shoes again. I said to her, "These shoes are quite nice, how much are they?"
"1288".
Are there any discounts?
"I'm sorry, sir, there are currently no discounts available for this shoe."
I felt a little reluctant, but I gritted my teeth and replied, "I'll take it."
What size do you need?
I was a bit stumped because I really didn't know what size Yang Sisi wore. After thinking for a moment, I said to the sales assistant, "I don't know what size shoes she wears... How about this, I'll pay for them first, and then let her come to the store to pick them up herself. You can ask her what size she needs and give her that size."
"You'd better ask now, because the sizes of these shoes are not very complete. Size 37 was already sold out yesterday."
"It's okay, let's see how it goes... If it's not her size, it's nice to keep it as a souvenir."
The sales assistant smiled and replied, "Alright, if you insist, I'll issue the invoice for you now. After you pay, please leave me this lady's name so she can pick it up with her ID card or phone number later."
After handing my bank card to the sales assistant, I wrote Yang Sisi's name and phone number heavily in the store's notebook...
...
As I walked out of the store, I couldn't help but look back one last time. I felt a little sad, but also a little relieved, because I had finally managed to leave Yang Sisi a farewell gift before leaving Shanghai. I had expectations for her, hoping that in a few years, she would be more mature and responsible, so that she could walk steadily on the long road ahead in life... Of course, her liveliness, her kindness, and her creativity should not be lost either... That's what makes a truly sophisticated woman.
Aside from all that, I hope she's happy, and I hope that she can wear these shoes I gave her, just like having my gaze on her, allowing me to see the scenery of the world.
In the next few years, I probably won't be able to leave. I can only stay in Dali and wholeheartedly make a career for myself, because this is a responsibility I can't shirk.
...
A few moments after leaving the store, I boarded the bus to the airport. During the bumpy ride, Ye Zhi finally replied to my message: "Can you wait another day before you leave?... I'd like to treat you to a meal."
My heart longed to wait, but the responsibilities I bore reminded me of the urgency of time. After weighing the options, I replied resolutely, "I really have to go. There are still many things to take care of in Dali... Let's have dinner next time; we'll have a chance to meet again sometime."
"I feel really bad about it!"
"It's alright, really alright... I mainly came to Shanghai this time to get some certification from my former company, so you don't need to feel bad about it."
After sending the message, I instinctively gripped the phone tighter. I'm not bad at emotional intelligence, and I knew what saying this meant, but the initial anger in my heart had really passed, so I didn't want to say anything inappropriate to Ye Zhi.
That's just how people are. Once they miss the best opportunity to do something, they don't want to force themselves to do it anymore, because it's no longer the same as it was originally. Moreover, compared to personal feelings, I should be working hard for my career at this stage, otherwise I'll feel like I lack confidence in whatever I do.
This is also reflected in Tie Nan; otherwise, he wouldn't have risked taking on that seaside inn... He and I are both in dire need of proving ourselves at this stage.
Tie Nan is a mirror for me. Even he feels pressured when facing Tao Zi, who is based on love and affection; how much more so for me when facing Ye Zhi?
...
After an hour's drive, the airport bus finally took me to the airport. As expected, Ye Zhi stopped replying to my messages after I said that. But I don't regret saying it. At least she doesn't have to feel guilty, and I don't have to leave with unrealistic thoughts... I don't ask for much. Knowing that she is recovering well makes me feel at ease.
But fate is really a tricky thing. I was supposed to go back to Shanghai to see Ye Zhi, but in the end I spent an unforgettable night with Yang Sisi.
I couldn't help but wonder if I really owed Yang Sisi something, so God used Ye Zhi to give me a chance to make it up to Yang Sisi.
I hope it's not like that, because I don't like my fate being controlled. In my heart, whether it's Yang Sisi or Ye Zhi, they are both mysterious rivers that flow freely in my world. Wherever they finally stop is a kind of nourishment, and they don't need to be designed or arranged by people.
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