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Z

hengqing’s alarm clock rang at eight. He did his morning

ablutions, had breakfast, and head to the mall at nine. That would give him an

hour to find and buy a gift, and then take it with him to see Yin Ying.

Everything was going as planned.

At nine-thirty, he entered the mall. The Christmas

decorations were already up. Zhengqing thought of another negotiating factor:

if she dated him, she’d have a boyfriend for Christmas.

He mentally made it his twelfth point. (Zuben: It’s a daft

point, but okay)

Twenty minutes later, he found what he thought was the

perfect gift. He was overjoyed. He did not hesitate to buy it.

He was in a great mood. Things were going so smoothly.

He found a coffee shop to sit for a quick break before he

had to go and pick Yin Ting up. It was an opportunity to do a quick review of

what he had to say. He was a bit nervous.

He opened the small notebook to read, when his phone rang.

It was Yin Ying. He laughed. It was still early, but she was

eager. He answered the call

‘I’m so sorry,’ Yin Ting said, her voice sounded tearful,

‘I’m so sorry, I can’t make it today. My dad fell ill last night, we had to

take him to hospital in the middle of the night. My dad has to be hospitalised,

we’re still there now.’

Zhengqing’s heart sank. He was very disappointed. Yan Ting

took a deep breath, she had not slept all night and had been hoping that she

could still see him but things had not gone as planned. Her dad’s was

irritable, he wanted to leave the hospital. The doctor had to scold him. Yin

Ting and Yin s.h.i.+ were drafted to convince him to stay, Yin Ting did not dare

leave the hospital.

‘I’m really sorry, please don’t be angry.’ She said her

voice somewhat choked with tears.

‘Don’t worry, don’t worry,’ With Yin Ting like this,

Zhengqing could not be angry, ‘How bad is your dad?’

‘Don’t know how serious it is, we are waiting for results

from the tests that have been done. But his personality has completely changed!

He does not want to see the doctor, he is argumentative…I can’t leave. I’m

sorry I didn’t want to do this.’ She apologised again, ‘I really did want to

meet you.’

‘Don’t worry, don’t take it to heart. Family is more

important. Take care of your dad. I understand. Our matter isn’t something that

needs to be dealt with right away. We can meet in a few days, when your dad is

a bit better, okay?’

‘Alright,’ she said tearfully.

Listening to Yin Ting’s voice, he felt distressed. Was she

crying? Was her father’s illness really something terrible?

He said to her, ‘If I can help with anything, don’t be

polite, let me know.’

‘Alright,’ Zhengqing wasn’t angry, and even offered to help.

Her heart was relieved a bit.

‘You should also pay attention to yourself, don’t try to be

brave. Elders get cantankerous as they age. If he gets annoyed with you, don’t

take it to heart. Make sure you get plenty of rest. You can’t take care of the

patient if you’re also tired.'

‘Yes, I know.’

They were both silent for a few minutes, they had finished

all the wanted to say but were reluctant to hang up.

‘Xiao Ting…’he began to say, but in the background he heard

the voice of a man shouting loudly.’

‘My dad. There’s trouble. I have to go and see him. I’m

sorry. I’ll call you later.’ She went off, not waiting for Zhengqing to say goodbye.

Zhengqing held the phone for while, listening to the engaged

tone. He was unable to describe the feelings in his heart. Finally, he sighed,

and put the phone back in his pocket. He drank his coffee and went home.

There was a greeting meow from Dada when he walked in.

Zhengwing was glad he adopted Miao-Dada, at least he had someone to listen to

his heartache. Although, there was a meow of reluctance as Zhengqing picked him

up, but the cat eventually resigned to its fate.

As Zhengqing stroked the cat’s head, he poured out the day’s

events to it. It wasn’t that Yin Ting was not good, or his preparation was

insufficient. It was just bad luck. ‘Forget it,’ he said letting the cat go, it

escaped with relief, ‘there’s a good chance that this beginning would lead to

lots of happiness.’ (Zuben: Not if daddy has anything to say about it. You may

not have parents but she does!)

But Zhengqing did not expect the twists and turns that were

coming his way.

On Thursday, Zhengqing got a call from Yin Ting, her dad was

going to be discharged the next day. She would like to see him on Sat.u.r.day or

Sunday. Zhengqing readily agreed.

For the past few days, she’d been on his mind, he wanted to

call her but held back. She had only updated her microblog once, telling her

followers to take care of their health and be happy. Because, of this message,

Zhengqing went to the gym on Tuesday. However, while he was running on the

treadmill, his thoughts went to her. He missed her. They had not seen each

other since Sat.u.r.day, but it felt like longer.

Now she was finally free, Zhengqing was very happy.

But at two ‘o’ clock that afternoon, Zhengqing received a

call; the R-City branch was in a crisis. The general manager and the chief

financial officer had embezzled funds and flown the coop. It had been reported

to the police, but the wages of their employees had not been paid.

This matter was indeed grave and needed to be handled

quickly, Qin Wenyi sent Zhengqing to manage the situation as soon as possible.

He released funds to pay the staff wages and then they needed to coordinate

with the police, a.s.sign a new manager among other things.

Zhengqing instructed his secretary to book the next flight

out to R-City. He convened meeting with the high level staff about the

situation. Informed their partner companies about the situation. Rather than

let people hear random gossip, he made sure everyone involved was informed of

the situation. He hoped this would help stabilise morale and instil confidence.

In his office was his spare suitcase which help ready change

of clothes and items for an emergency trip. It was rarely used because there

was rarely an emergency of this magnitude. He did have time to do home and

pack, but instead he called Yin Ting to ascertain where she was.

He asked the driver to stop by the hospital. He’d promised

Yin Ting if he was travelling he’d let he know.

Yin Ting, on her part, was wondering what was happening.

They had been planning on meeting that weekend, but suddenly, he was leaving on

a business trip.

She was at the entrance when he arrived. He was surprised to

see her, he strode to her,

‘Why are you outside? You’ll get covered in dust.’ He said 

‘You sounded very anxious, I was a little worried.’

Zhengqing sighed, but now was not the time to talk about

their matter. He took out his house keys and gave them to Yin Ting, ‘I’m sorry.

There’s been a situation at work, and I have to go to R-City. I didn’t mean it

to be like this, but the situation isn’t good and I’ve been sent in to manage

it.’

Yin Ting looked at him, and suddenly started laughing, ‘I’m

sorry, I know this is very serious, but your words reminded me of what I said

the other day. Is this karma?’

Zhengqing laughed, ‘Heaven must think that since you were

unable to keep the last appointment, it must be equalised with me not being

able to make it to the next. I suppose it must be fair.’

Yin Ting held on tightly to his key. Though, they could not

meet that weekend, she’s gotten to see him. He had come especially to see her,

to give her his key. She was relieved.

‘You can be rest a.s.sured; I will take care of Miao-dada. And

you must take care of yourself, the business is important, make every effort

you can, but you must take care of yourself. And if you need my help, don’t be

polite.’

Listening to her words, Zhengqing could not help but laugh,

‘You also,’

‘Alright.’

They were reluctant to leave each other,

‘I should get going.’

‘I should get back inside,’

‘Alright,’ he took one look at the building and then back at

her, ‘Goodbye.’

Yin Ting nodded,

‘We’ll talk when I get back.’

Yin Ting nodded. (Zuben: Now would be a good time to kiss

her but whatevs)

He turned to go, but Yin Ting rushed into his arms, hugging

him. Zhengqing was surprised. He felt self-conscious, there were pa.s.sers-by and

the driver glancing at them. Zhengqing’s face was red but he was stiff, Yin Tin

let go.

‘Come back home quickly, bye!’ she said and ran off, rather

like Miao-dada. Zhengqing watched her departing figure not knowing how to

react. He turned to see the driver laughing,

Zhengqing got back into the car, ‘To the airport,’ he said

imperiously.

As the car drove off, Zhengqing still felt her body

temperature. His heart was very warm.

Yin Tin ran till she got exhausted up till the fourth floor;

at this height she should be able to see him go. The black car pulled out of

the parking lot and merged with traffic. The car was really ugly and black, it

was taking her boyfriend away. Well, he was not her boyfriend yet, but he will

be soon. He was already her boyfriend in her heart.

Yin Ting bit her lip and held the key tighter in her hand.

She had his house key. She had his heart. He liked her, she knew that. She

would like just a little “I love you” (Zuben: Hold ya horses, gel)

Yin Ting bounced back downstairs to her father’s room.

She can wait. She’d imagine all the ways he would confess.

She was looking forward to it, she would wait.

Later Yin Tin raced to Zhengqing’s house to feed Miao-dada.

She sent a message to Zhengqing.

The day after, her father was discharged. She went over to

Zhengqing’s afterwards and played with the cat for a while.

When Yin Ting was cleaning out the cat litter, she got a

message from Zhengqing asking what she was doing.

She finished cleaning the cat litter and answered,

‘Shovelling excrement.’

Zhengqing was in the car being driven back from the Police

Station. Last night, he had only slept three hours, at least the result was the

finances were on track and the wages were at least paid. Though he was very

tired, but he still had to return to the company to work, he needed stimulation.

Contacting Yin Ting was the best thing; his spirit felt excited, lifted.

‘h.e.l.lo, excrement shovelling labourer,’ he replied.

After a while, received a picture; it was Ying Ting holding

Miao-dada. She was smiling brightly, but Miao looked very displeased.

Yin Ting texted, ‘Sorry, it took a while to reply, you know

trying to catch a cat takes time.’

Zhengqing burst out laughing. His colleague who was driving

glanced curiously at him.

After a bit, she sent another text, ‘Are you busy? Tired?

When are you coming back?’

Zhengqing wanted to say not busy, but he didn’t want to

pretend with her so he told her the truth.

‘I hope you can come back before Christmas.’ She replied.

Zhengqing’s heart kicked up, Christmas ah. It was a western

festival, but it had become an eastern Valentine’s day part two. Is she hinting

what he thought of for his twelfth point? He wanted to get back before

Christmas, but what if it wasn’t possible?

Zhengqing was apprehensive. Every time they made a plan,

something goes wrong. It wasn’t a big deal, it was just rather aggravating.

Zhengqing pulled out the notebook from his coat pocket.

(Zuben: I wondered if he left it at home)

These twelve points are strategy he hasn’t been able to

implement. Zhengqing looked at his colleagues sitting in front of him in the

car, they weren’t paying him attention.

He typed, ‘There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.

I wanted to tell you on the date, but your dad took ill. I wanted to tell you

this weekend, but I had to go on this trip. There never seems to be a chance,

so I don’t want to wait,’ otherwise, he may not be back before Christmas and his twelfth point would be moot.

He didn’t give her a change to reply, but continued in

another text. ‘But it’s just something for you to think of ahead of time, till

we can meet to discuss it face to face.’ (Zuben: Dude, stop treating everything

like a merger or a business acquisition.)

Yin Ting received the two texts in quick succession. Discuss

face to face? This old fas.h.i.+oned over-serious guy! When they were together at his

house and the atmosphere was right, he did not say. When they met at the

hospital, he did not say. Now she can’t see his face, he just has to tell her?!

Yin Ting quickly replied, ‘Tell me,’

She thought he was going to reply with something short and

succinct like, “I like you. Let’s date.”

The antic.i.p.ation built in Yin Ting as she waited for his

reply. There was a beep, to tell her she’s received a message. She quickly

opened it to find he’d sent her pictures of small notebook, densely packed with

bold writing. She enlarged the picture to read the text,

“Number one, the most important thing; I like you. You said

that you didn’t think it was inappropriate and if the feelings are mutual we

can adjust to suit each other. And if they don’t both like each other, then

everything else is useless. Therefore, liking is most important. I like you.

Number two; his economic status: I have a house with five

years left on the mortgage; I have a car not on loan. No other debts. I get

large bonuses at the end of each year, and have large savings. Although I

cannot compare to you or your family, I have enough that we can live a life of

comfort….

(Zuben: Blah blah blah…)

Number twelve: If you also like me, then you will have a

boyfriend for Christmas.”

Yin Ting was stunned.

What?!

What is this?!

This was not good, she was getting too excited.

With shaky hands, Yin Ting read through the notes again.

Her eyes burned hot.

She started to jump and scream and cheer in his living room.

Her screaming frightened Miao. She jumped on his sofa, she wanted to

somersaults or rolls, but there wasn’t enough free s.p.a.ce in the living room.

She ran to his bedroom. His bed was big, how nice!

She jumped on the bed, and rolled around several times. She

threw the pillows about, and squealed some more. Then, she sobered up. Then she

started to laugh foolishly, and suddenly became shy. While laughing she grabbed

a pillow to cover her warm face.

So loveable!

How was this old man so loveable! (Zuben: He’s not that

old.)

She was so very happy – too happy!

Zhengqing waited for what felt like forever, but he got no

reply from Yin Ting, he couldn’t take the apprehension any longer so her text

her, ‘So what do you think?’

Yin Ting heard her phone ding. She ran to check it. She had

left it on the sofa, she read the message and relied, ‘Good. Good. Good. Good…’

twelve times.

Actually, not good. He hasn’t asked her properly, she

hastily sent another text, ‘No, that last one is obsolete, ask again.’

Zhengqing has been smiling foolishly at the first reply, got

doused with cold water on the second.

Wintry cold.

Fortunately, her next text was, ‘My boyfriend is away on

business, his return date is unknown. Don’t know if he will be able to

accompany me for Christmas.’

Zhengqing felt great relief, as another smile burst forth.

This wasn’t good, he wanted to go back and negotiate properly.

He replied, ‘He will work hard to get back in time,’

‘Good,’ she replied, ‘Looking at his wonderful love letter,

I can’t wait!’

Her too-serious boyfriend’s face got hot; it wasn’t a love

letter, it was an outline of negotiations. (Zuben: Let it go and enjoy the

euphoria)

The car arrived back at the offices; Zhengqing quickly got

out and headed off ahead of the others. He wanted to call Yin Ting in private,

She picked up at one ring, ‘Hi,’ she greeted softly

‘Hey,’ Zhengqing replied, he wanted to be near her, ‘I just

called to tell you, I’m going into a meeting soon, I won’t be able to text

you.’

‘Why didn’t you call earlier?’

‘I was in a car with other people,’

‘Oh you’re shy!’

‘It’s an enclosed s.p.a.ce, if someone is on the phone it gets

so noisy.’ Zhengqing explained awkwardly, but Yin Ting replied in a mocking

whisper,

‘He’s shy, but quarrelling with others as an excuse.’

Zhengqing coughed twice, ‘Don’t be so loud, I can hear you.’

Yin Ting replied, still whispering, ‘Did you hear anything

interesting?’

Interesting? When is teasing your boyfriend interesting?

(Zuben: It is very interesting)

His head grew hot at the thought of the word “Boyfriend”, he

said to her, ‘Sorry, today is not very good. We’ll talk more when I get back.’

They would talk when they meet, that has been set. Yin Ting

thought snappishly, but then she had an idea, ‘When you get back you must give

that notebook to me.’

‘Why?’

‘I want to print it and frame it and hang it up so I can see it

everyday!’ she said solemnly.

‘…’ was he being teased again?

Zuben: I kinda feel sorry for Zhengqing, he is going to be

overwhelmed. Yin Ting is thirsty; he’s not going to know what hit him. He is

still a dork. Apologies for any typos.

❀ Chapter 40