Weiwei's new office desk was located close to the window with a harbor view, just like the room where she had interviewed.
It was a sparkling clean off-white desk with a low divider and a couple of plants placed on the sides to beautify it and create a bit more separation from the other employees' desks.
Weiwei loved everything about her working space: the smell of freshness, the light filling it from top to bottom, the low murmur of people conferring in a nearby meeting room – there was nothing she didn't enjoy about her new surroundings.
She was a little concerned about just one thing. The day she signed the job offer and confronted Mr. Bai, she had sent a message to Qi to thank him for the referral and tell him that she'd like to buy him a meal as a token of gratitude. His reply came quickly. "Happy to hear all went well. Of course, let's have dinner."
Was I too forward? It wasn't wrong of me to invite him, was it?
But then again, what was wrong with thanking the only person who had ever helped her, and not just helped her—rescued her from her utterly miserable existence?
What am I thinking? Of course, I should thank him! Even eighty meals wouldn't be enough to thank him for what he'd done. I was at the end of my rope, I didn't expect my life to ever get better – and it did, as if by magic. All thanks to him.
Weiwei remembered how the two of them met on the rock in the rain storm and how Qi covered her with his umbrella and bought her tea that day. There was something warm about the way he carried her cup and put it on the table in front of her, leaning forward cautiously. He didn't know her and could only guess how much pain she was in, and yet he was so kind and gracious in his every action that she couldn't believe people like that existed.
For a second, Weiwei thought again about how handsome Qi was, but she immediately chased away that thought, and tried to pretend as if it never came to her mind.
He is a great person. He helped me, and I'll be forever thankful for that. That's all.
But then why did she feel in her gut that it wasn't all?
"I'm so glad to see you in good spirits," smiled Qi as they sat down.
Weiwei felt a flutter of anxiety going out with him. She wanted to make a better impression on Qi compared to the day they met. How embarrassing she must have looked then: wet, disheveled, and sobbing uncontrollably. This time, Weiwei wanted Qi to see the real her – the normal her. She even bought a new, simple yet elegant dress to wear to their dinner because she realized how shabby all of her clothes had been. When she looked at herself in the mirror in the new dress with her hair tidied up, Weiwei noted with satisfaction that she looked quite pretty.
Not that I'm trying to look pretty.
"How do you like the new place?"
Weiwei snapped back to reality. "Oh yes, I really like it."
"I told you," Qi nodded. "It's a very good company."
"How did you find out about it?"
"I also work there."
"Really?" Weiwei suddenly didn't feel as great about her new job anymore. I could run into him in the office anytime. How would it feel?
"Yes, but in a different part of the company," said Qi, likely sensing her hesitation. "My office is a few blocks away."
Weiwei felt a big relief. Still, they were coworkers, in a way. A little awkward.
"Are you happy with the offer? And your office space?"
Why does he ask? Did anyone complain about me?
"Definitely. Everything is just perfect."
Qi smiled again. "Well, I'm relieved to hear it. I hope you enjoy working at TTT Group."
"I'm sure I will."
Their food arrived, and they ate and chatted about the city. After a moment of hesitation, Weiwei decided to mention that she had only recently arrived in Xīnchéngshì, worried it would mark her as an outsider, a looked-down-upon migrant.
"Then I must show you around!" exclaimed Qi.
"I don't want to trouble you," started Weiwei, but he waved it off in his usual effortless fashion. Somehow every suggestion of his quickly disarmed Weiwei. He wasn't forceful, but everything he said was irresistible.
"It's no trouble at all – it'd be my pleasure." Qi seemed to be happy about the discovery. "As someone who grew up here, it's my responsibility as a good host. What are your plans for this weekend?"
The question left Weiwei completely stumped.
"Plans? Weekend?"
She had forgotten that people with normal lives spend weekends enjoying themselves. Until she met Qi and got the new job, Weiwei had neither desire nor opportunity to enjoy her weekends. To her, the weekends were just a painful extension of the week with only one difference: she could get more sleep.
"Do you have other plans?" Weiwei thought there was a trace of concern in Qi's voice, even though his face remained neutral.
"Oh no, I don't have any plans." What am I saying! "I mean, I wouldn't mind seeing more of the city." Why am I still talking? I should've said no thanks, right?
"Very good," Qi smiled, looking relieved. Weiwei couldn't believe her eyes when she detected a slight blush on his cheeks. "Then I'll pick you up around noon on Sunday, if that works."
"Okay," mumbled Weiwei, cursing herself internally for not finding a reason to refuse Qi's offer or at least postpone their next meeting.