The sun was already shining brightly when they woke up.
"Good morning!" Dan smiled at the girl in his arms as she slowly opened her eyes.
She groaned with furrowed brows. "Mornin'..." she lazily yawned and stretched.
He kissed her nose then he walked towards the bathroom.
They went out and took a stroll along the streets lined by snacks. They tried all kinds of food--from conventional ones like bubble waffles and curly fries, with fried eggplant, to local delicacies like spicy river snails and soft shell crab kebab.
After which, they visited a temple frequented by tourists.
"They say that one should pray to the City God and to the Wife of the City God for a good and happy marriage." Dan suddenly blurted out.
Midori turned to him then smiled. "Then, shall we pray?"
He chuckled then handed her the incense sticks.
They continued strolling until they reached a bridge overlooking the lake. Boats similar to where they had dinner on the first night of their stay were cruising along the waters.
"Midori..." he called.
She turned to him in confusion. The last time he called her like that was the first time they met. She always tolerated the nickname he gave her. She was a little bit confused, then she became worried as she saw his serious face.
"Where do you plan to enroll?"
"Huh?" She was taken aback by the sudden inquiry.
"You will be taking up a business course, right?"
"Ah..yes. I will be taking SAT even if H International Business School does not require it. They said that though it is not a requirement, if you submit your results, they will be part of your evaluation for admission."
Dan's face lifted up instantly. "I will also be applying for their undergraduate program!"
Midori smiled. "After I finish the program, I will continue to their masters degree program..."
"Me too!" He was so excited that he cut off her sentence.
"Then I'll come back in the country for electives. Which campus are you eying?" she continued.
"The one in City B. Is it also your choice?"
Midori just smiled. Then she took his wrist and dragged him away.
Their dinner consisted of local dishes, which were made from local produce. Among these were fish in vinegar gravy, fried shrimp in Longjing tea, beggar's chicken and braised pork. After these dishes came the sweet lotus root powder soup and double happiness.
Midori blushed as the waitress explained that the dessert was served in tandems to symbolize love and happiness.
_______
In their room, Midori was tapping on her phone, asking Mei what kind of souvenir would she want, as she was lying on the bed.
Dan had just finished his bedtime routine. He climbed on his side of the bed.
"Woah, woah...wait a second!" Midori gestured for him to stop, frantically waving her hands at him.
He looked up to her but continued to position himself on the bed.
"Just what do you think you're doing?!" There was annoyance in her voice.
"Relax. I will not do anything to you. I only want to sleep..." he replied while closing his eyes. Then he partially opened them again and gave the nervous-looking her a side eye as he says, "Unless, you have other things in mind."
"I do not!" She turned her body away from him and ended her conversation with Mei. She placed her phone on the bedside table and covered herself with the sheets.
_______
The following morning, they went out to buy souvenirs.
She bought a pair of silk his-her pyjamas while smiling cunningly.
"Is that for us?" She was startled as Dan sneaked up on her.
"No way! These are for my folks." she giggled.
"And here I thought it was sweet of you." he pretended to be hurt as he pouted.
"Why would I buy you these when your maximum height is yet to be determined? On the other hand, my parents will not be growing any taller than they are now."
"Okay. We'll get a pair when we get married." Dan flashed his smile to her squinting eyes.
Then her face lit up. "Why don't you buy your folks a pair?"
He snickered. "My dad seldom comes home. I also believe that even if he did, my mom will not be sleeping with him. It's like the purpose of intimacy between them was only to have me."
"Hey, it's been bugging me a little. Why did you spend your birthday with me, instead of with your family? You have a sister, right?"
"I usually spend it at home...only with Van-jie. However this year, she is busy with her fiancé abroad, so she sent me a 'birthday gift' and told me to spend it however I want to." He had a rare bitter smile.
"It's okay. From now on, I'll be with you on your birthday." She caressed his cheek.
Dan tried to suppress his emotions as he felt tears were threatening to fall from his eyes.
"Uhm...help me get a souvenir for my sister! After all, she gave me enough to travel with you." He held her hand. "Oh! You think she will like that?" Before she could answer, she was dragged onto another shop.
She brushed off the negative emotions stemming from the photos sent to her. Right then, Midori promised herself that she will make him happy.