The world stopped, like a freeze frame in a movie. All the sounds and people around Weiwei momentarily disappeared – she could only see and think about the man she was staring at.
Oh my god, what is he doing here? Why did he look at me? What is he going to think?
Before she could fully process her shock, Qi was already walking toward her. Weiwei wanted to turn around and run away. She didn't know why, but everything felt so out of place that she didn't expect anything good to come from meeting Qi here.
Why did I agree to come here! Why did I have to see him here? Who is he, really? He seems to be the youngest person in the room. Although I have never asked him how old he was.
"Hello. What are you doing here?" asked Qi with a faint smile.
"I- I was asked- I need to deliver these to Vice-President Hu," mumbled Weiwei, holding up the papers she was carrying. Her hands barely listened to her.
"Ah! Let me get him for you," was all she heard.
Weiwei's heart was hurting and her face was burning as Qi returned with a short, balding, middle-aged man.
"Ah! Are these the papers?" the man asked brusquely. "What about the USB?"
"It's right here," pointed Weiwei.
"Good, thanks," said the man and walked away.
Qi was left standing in front of her with his hands in front of him, his long interlaced fingers looking jittery.
Weiwei wanted to teleport as far away from the Third Tower as possible. She knew she was blushing heavily and couldn't do anything about it.
"Thanks for bringing it over," Qi said. "Do you need a ride?"
Yes, I want to fly away!
"No, no, thanks, I'm okay."
"Are you sure?" His voice waivered slightly.
"Yes, I'm just fine, thanks for the offer. I have to go."
While Qi hesitated, Weiwei glanced at the security guard, who was impatiently waiting for the end of their conversation. It made Weiwei feel even more awkward.
"Have a good night," she said to Qi, then turned to leave.
"Weiwei," Qi called out, but paused when she glanced back. He touched his chin with the same odd indecision she had noticed during the harbor cruise. "Have a good night," he murmured.
"You know Vice-President Feng?" the guard asked politely on the way to the elevator. "Why didn't you tell us? He could've authorized your pass."
Who is he talking about? About Qi? Is he Vice-President Feng?
Weiwei's thoughts were too confused to quickly sort them out. Only when she got to the exit and took out the phone to order a taxi that she saw a message from Qi: I'm sorry. Can I please take you home?
Why would he want to take me home?
"Thanks, I'll be okay," she typed, noticing how her fingers trembled.
His reply popped up right away.
Please. The reception is almost over. I'll be downstairs in 5 min.
Weiwei began to feel tired. She stared into the dark street not seeing anything, just continuing to turn things over in her head.
"As you wish," she finally replied, almost mechanically. She lowered herself on a bench and leaned back.
*
Weiwei wasn't sure how much time passed before Qi appeared next to her.
"I've requested a car," he started, as if nothing happened.
I wish you'd leave me alone!
"My cab is almost here," Weiwei blurted out.
He took some time to reply.
Is that all you have to say? Then you might as well go back to the reception.
Weiwei lifted her eyes. She was surprised by how pale Qi looked. He seemed to be struggling to stay upright. That made her soften a bit.
"What is it? Are you okay?"
"Oh yes. I'm just-" He suddenly froze.
"What's wrong?"
Is he drunk?
Qi gritted his teeth: "I'm good." He noticed Weiwei's look and added: "I only had one glass."
Well, it's enough for some people. If he's not drunk, then what could it be?
Qi took a deep breath. "Weiwei, let me explain. I want to tell you everything."
What does he mean? Is there anything else that he was hiding from me? I don't want to hear any explanations. Oh, why am I so unlucky? Just when I thought things were finally going well. I'm just not meant to be happy; I should accept it once and for all.
"There is no need," Weiwei said, looking away.
Her car was here, and Qi walked up to open the door for Weiwei, almost tripping and falling.
"You should take this one," said Weiwei. "You're not feeling well."
"No, it's your cab," Qi waited for her to get in. "I just wanted to tell you one thing."
To Weiwei's surprise, he also got into the car and closed the door.
"I don't know what happened," he groaned. "It's as if someone-"
"Someone what?" Weiwei glanced at Qi.
His face was nearly white and contorted.
"Driver, go first to Rose Lane, 15!" Qi exclaimed and suddenly deflated like a punctured balloon.
"What's wrong? Can you hear me?" Weiwei panicked, but there was no response.
Qi appeared to be deep asleep.