The next day Weiwei received another message from Qi.
Would you be up for seeing the sailboats this weekend? The weather is going to be perfect, let's not miss the chance.
Weiwei re-read it a few times, trying hard to suppress an involuntary grin.
Is this a message from a friend? Or is it a little more than that?
Weiwei felt a sweet throbbing in her heart. She was much happier about the message than she would want to admit.
It doesn't matter. Even if there is nothing more to it, I wouldn't say no to a friend. I really want to have one. And as Yihan said, why should I be shy?
Could she ever forget that she had always been the useless Weiwei? With the new surroundings and new people around, she felt like a different person, so maybe it was possible, after all. If she started fresh and worked hard at it, the old Weiwei could become just a distant memory.
"That would be nice, thanks," typed Weiwei and forced herself to send it before she had a chance to panic and reconsider.
Now you can second-guess yourself all you want, little girl. It's too late. You can only be brave now. I'm going to start being brave. I'll stop doubting, I'll learn to be in control.
After spending some time at the marina, Qi took Weiwei to a terrace café at the sailing club, and they sat down under a large canopy at a table facing the water. A warm, light breeze was bringing a fabulous sweet-and-salty air from the harbor, lulling Weiwei. Everything around looked, sounded, and smelled so peaceful and friendly that she felt like falling asleep on one of the lounge chairs strewn around one level below them.
I'm in paradise. What an unfamiliar, pleasant feeling! I haven't felt this way since Grandma passed away.
She glanced at Qi, who was patiently waiting for her to restart the conversation.
And each time I feel all right, it's with him around. The man I don't really know. But somehow he helped me feel joy again. Is that what this is? Joy? Is it possible? Or is it all just in my imagination?
Weiwei sensed that the bravery she had promised herself was about to abandon her, and quickly blurted out the first question that came to her mind.
"Do your parents also sail?"
Qi's eyes flickered and he looked out to the harbor. "My parents passed away," he said matter-of-factly.
Weiwei froze.
I'm so stupid! Why did I ask such a random question? It was very insensitive of me.
"I'm really sorry, I had no idea."
Qi looked at her calmly. "It's quite alright. You didn't know. I could've asked you the same thing."
"My parents also passed away a long time ago," said Weiwei, trying to make up for her mistake.
"I'm sorry to hear," Qi said, looking a little sad. "When I said I could have asked the same question – what I meant was – I was just giving an example."
"I know," said Weiwei. "I don't mind telling you this. I guess we have that in common."
Qi nodded. "Still, I'm very sorry. I know how tough it is."
They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments. Weiwei blamed herself for steering the conversation in the wrong direction.
"I was raised by my uncle," she said. She wasn't sure what else she should be talking about now. "And then I came to Xīnchéngshì."
"You have no family here?"
"Well, I have a distant relative… But she's very busy with work and her family…" Weiwei could sense that her face was slowly turning red.
"I lived with my grandfather for a while," interjected Qi, clearly trying to save her from discomfort. "I moved out several years ago, but I still spend time with him regularly." Qi smiled. "He's a very strong-willed man."
Weiwei appreciated the diversion. "I'm sure he has his reasons."
"He does. He spent many years building his business, and it's impossible to succeed in business without being tough." Qi flashed his eyebrows. "I'm pretty sure I would've failed in his place."
What is he trying to tell me?
"Is he very tough?" asked Weiwei, now trying to choose her words more carefully.
Qi shrugged. "He can be ruthless when it matters. I don't know – I don't really know how tough he can be. And I don't know whether I'd be able to be ruthless. Would you?"
Weiwei stared.
Ruthless? Me? Doesn't he remember how we met?
"I don't think so," she forced out. "But I'd like to become stronger than I am now."
Qi nodded with a warm smile. "Based on how we grew up, I'm certain you're quite strong."
The breeze took Weiwei's breath away. Or was it Qi's words? Or was it his smile?
What happened to all that bravery you talked about, little girl?