The day after Jinyong and Fang had talked things over about their relationship, Jingong deemed it fit to pay a visit to his best friend, Chang. It became clear to him that if he wasn't going to do that, Chang wasn't going to do it either; after all, the fault was his (Jinyong).
He misunderstood Chang and Fang's friendship. He had earlier thought they were dating just because he had seen Fang's phone contact on Chang's phone.
He became nervous as to what Chang's reaction would be like. Was Chang going to act like Jinyong did nothing wrong to him and they were cool?
**********
Crossing his arms "Well, look who finally decided to show up! Jinyong, you've been avoiding me for so long."
Nervously "Chang, I know I've been distant, and I owe you an apology."
"Apology? For what, stealing my girl?" He asked sarcastically.
"Wait, Chang, you got it all wrong. Fang and I were close friends before you came into the picture, even before she accepted to be my girl. We've been friends," he said defensively.
"Close friends, my foot! Do you think I didn't notice your reaction the very day you were trying to make use of my phone to reach her?
So you discovered her number was saved in my phone, and you became bitter about it without letting me know?"
"I admit, I was wrong for that, but it was a misunderstanding. I didn't know you and Fang had already exchanged numbers." Sounded Frustrated.
Scoffs "Misunderstanding, sure! And then you just went silent, like I was the enemy."
"Chang, I was confused and angry. I thought you and Fang were hiding something from me. But that's not an excuse for how I acted."
Calming down slightly "You're darn right, it's not an excuse! You should've talked to me about it."
"I should have, and I'm truly sorry. I value our friendship. And I want us to be close again," he said apologetically.
"Well, it's going to take some time to trust you again, Jinyong. But let's start over as friends. This better be worth it."
Relieved. "Thanks, Chang. I promise to make it right and be a better friend."
"That's no problem. Everyone deserves a second chance. So that's what I'm going to do. A lady shouldn't come between us."
"Thanks. If I may ask, how did you first meet Fang?"
Smirking. "Well, it was quite the adventure, my friend. I saw her one day on her way to the market. She was so different from the other girls, always so decent and proper."
Intrigued: "Decent and proper? Tell me more."
Chuckles "Oh, she had this aura of grace and integrity around her. I couldn't resist, so I followed her for days, admiring her from a distance."
Surprised. "You followed her? That sounds a bit...intense, Chang."
"I admit it was, but I was determined. Fang was not an easy catch, you see. She did not give her number to just anyone." He was grinning.
Impressed "That does sound like Fang. She's always had high standards."
Nodding " Exactly! It took me a while to prove to her that I was worth her time. But eventually, she agreed to give me her number. She's not one to be swayed easily."
Respectfully. "I have to hand it to you, Chang. Fang's a remarkable lady, and it's clear you value her qualities."
Gratefully "Indeed, she's special. I'm glad she saw something in me that she liked. Even though we can't be lovers."
"Do you still talk to Fang these days?" he asked curiously.
"Well, we did have a conversation not too long ago. She wanted to make sure we were still on good terms."
"What did you guys talk about?"
Reflective "She made it clear that she had already accepted you, Jinyong. She told me you were the one she wanted to be with."
Surprised "She said that?"
Nodding. "Yeah, she did. Fang is a straightforward person, and she values honesty. She didn't want any misunderstandings between us."
Appreciative "That's good to hear. I'm glad she's honest about her feelings."
Continuing.. "She also mentioned her plans to travel and visit her mother soon. So, we talked about that and wished each other well."
"Yeah. She talked to me about her two-month leave her company granted her, and she intends to spend one month with her mother, and she would be back in town to spend the remaining one month here."
"Wow! That's nice."
"Yeah. She deserves some time off from work."
"You're right. So tell me, how far have you two gotten in your relationship? Any plans with her yet?"
Smiles, "Well, we've been together for a while now, and things are going great. We've gotten to know each other's likes and dislikes, and I believe that's a starting point for a blissful relationship."
Nodding "That's good to hear. So any big plans for the future with Fang?"
"We've talked about traveling together, exploring new places, and even considering moving in together shortly. We're both excited about it."
"That sounds like a fantastic plan. I'm glad to see you two working things out and looking ahead."
"Thanks, Chang. It means a lot to have your support. It's been a journey, but I'm glad that we can put our misunderstandings behind us."
Smiles "It's all in the past now; I'm happy for both of you, Jinyong. You deserve happiness in your relationship."
"I know, right? We spent time talking about our experience with our ex, and I discovered she wasn't given the maximum respect she deserves from her ex."
"Really? That's so unlucky of her ex. He's going to realize his mistakes in letting her go someday.
And you too, Ruoxi just doesn't know what she let go of just yet."
"Chang, how's work been treating you lately? Any exciting developments in your business?"
"Work's been keeping me busy, but it's going well. We're expanding our client base, and there are some exciting projects on the ground. I'm planning on getting more vehicles for transportation in other cities. How about you, Jinyong? How's the company going?"
Smiling "You know how it has always been. Massive growth is what we've been experiencing, but it comes with lots of tasks and busy schedules to keep that intact. Life, on the other hand, had been great. Fang and I are planning on vacation on her return from her mom's.
Impressed "That's fantastic news. Congratulations on the growth the Hes Corporation is experiencing. You deserve some accolades, CEO He Jinyong."
"Yeah, you can say that again."
"Is Fang aware that you are the CEO of the Hes Corporation?"
"I doubt. But there was a time when I told her what I was into. I can't say for sure what exactly I said to her."
"Well, let's assume she doesn't know for now and she gets to find out later. What do you think would be her reaction?"
"I don't know. I can't say for now! But I don't expect her to react badly or be too surprised or excited about it; we're all humans, and we're equal as far as I'm concerned."
"There you go again! You talk as if you don't know who you are. Of course, she's supposed to react overwhelmingly to being with the CEO of the Hes Corporation. She's very lucky to be with such a prominent man as you."
"Nah! I think I'm the lucky one here to have such a beautiful and decent lady like her. Chang, believe me, I'm lucky. Fang is priceless, and you know it."
"I know, right? I'm not disputing that fact about her. I'm happy to hear that things are going well in both your career and personal life."
"Yeah. I have decided to treat her like the queen that she is. I'm going to make life very easy and sweet for her."
"Of course, she deserves such treatment from you, Jinyong. If I may ask, do you see her as your kind of wife?"
"She's got everything I need in a woman to make her my wife, so why not? The plan is not to date her and dump her. The plan is to wife her, dude!" He laughed calmly.
"Wow! That sounds like a great plan from you toward Fang. Have you told her about it yet?"
"Not yet. I'm planning to do that when she returns. Possibly, I will be proposing to her when we're on our planned vacation."
"I think you're being too fast with this whole thing, Jinyong. What if she's not interested in spending the rest of her life with you and she turns down your proposal?"
"Fang would never do that, bro! That girl is so into me, and I respect her feelings a lot..
"If that is the case, you are good to go with her. Your major concern should be about your mother. Do you think she's going to accept Fang? Considering her background, She's not your class, and you know how your mother considers these things, which is why she made sure you and Ruoxi dated."
"I know. That's going to be my only obstruction, and I'll sort that out when we get there."
"That's okay, then. So tell me, have you guys?
"Come of it... What's that you cannot complete?"
"You should know what I'm talking about."
"Of course, I do know what you are talking about. I know you very well. But sorry to disappoint you; we haven't done that yet."
"Why? What's going on?"
"It's our decision not to let that happen just yet. Although that was Fang's suggestion, I respect that a lot."
"And you are okay with it?"
Smiling "Chang, I am cool with it. There's no need for a rush. It will happen when it is time. I respect her decisions a lot, and I'm with her on this."
"Sometimes you talk like a novice. I'm not surprised, though. You are a novice, and you act like it even after dating a girl as wild as Ruoxi. I'm sure Ruoxi was the one doing everything back then." He mocked.
"Why are you this spoiled?"
"Oh, so I should be like you?"
"Of course not; it's obvious you cannot be like me in any way. We are two different people."
"Oh, so you know. Keep being patient with her like a patient dog who's going to eat the fatest bone someday."
"Yeah, someday I'm going to eat the fatest bone, like you just said."
"Don't tell me you're not going to do anything with her on vacation. Guy, vacation isn't going to be fun and complete without eating the forbidden fruits."
"Can you just mind your business for once in your life? How about life in general? Is there anything new and exciting you've been up to outside of work?"
"Well, I've taken up a new hobby—painting."It's been a great way to unwind. How about you, Jinyong? Any new interests or hobbies?
"That's interesting, Chang! I've been getting into cooking recently. Trying out different recipes and experimenting with flavors has been quite fun. It's a great way to de-stress."
Curious "Cooking, huh? Maybe you can share some of your culinary skills with me sometime. It's always good to learn something new."
"Chang. We should plan a dinner together soon. Catching up on work and life is great, but it's even better over a home-cooked meal."
"You're right. Tell me the truth, are you learning these cooking skills to impress Fang someday?"
"Maybe. Not really about her, though. You know, growing up, I had maids and cooks who did all of the housework for me, cooking included. So because of that, I became a bad cook. I always eat out or order food. You know, I've always told you that I won't have a maid in my house until I am married. So I'm keeping to my words so I can learn how to do house chores myself."
"That's a good one, Jinyong. Now that you have Fang, she can be coming to your house to do all of that for you before she moves in with you."
"Nah! I wouldn't want to stress her. Once we start staying together, a maid is coming in with us."
"That's going to make her lazy. Don't you think so?"
"Chang, if that's going to make her start acting lazy, so be it. She's gone through life stress, and she deserves to rest and enjoy."