Weiwei's heart sank. There was nothing happy to expect from Qi's meeting with his grandfather. And "we need to talk" is the most ominous preamble of what a man intends to say to a woman.
So much for the happy life delusions…
Weiwei sighed.
"My Grandpa called me today because there is a serious crisis brewing at the company," said Qi, driving slowly. "TTT was working on securing a very important investment abroad, but he learned that someone had started spreading concerning rumors about our major clients, like Lántiān. It spooked the prospective investors and the deal is now on hold."
What does it have to do with me?
Qi glanced at Weiwei. "My Grandpa asked me to go abroad to see the deal through. I told him I'll think about it. I didn't want to commit without discussing it with you first."
"With me?"
Sunshine and rainbows poured back into Weiwei's soul.
He cares about me so much that he didn't want to give his grandfather an answer without checking with me first!
She couldn't control the warmth with which she gazed at Qi.
"Yes," Qi glanced at her. "What do you think? Should I consider doing it?"
"Of course," said Weiwei. "I know you've had a disagreement with your grandfather, but you shouldn't push him away because of that —especially during such difficult circumstances for his business. He's the only family you have left, please lend him a hand."
They stopped at a traffic light, and Qi looked at Weiwei softly. "You have such a pure heart, Weiwei," he said. "I've never met anyone quite like you."
Weiwei smiled back at him.
The light changed, and they drove off in a happy silence.
The devil is in the details. When Weiwei was earnestly convincing Qi to agree to his grandfather's request, she didn't realize that Qi was required to fly out the same night due to the urgency of the crisis.
At her apartment, she at first sat in her room listening to the sounds of Qi packing, and then came out to ask if he needed any help.
"No, thanks," he smiled. "I don't have too many things with me anyway. So I'm almost done."
"I see," Weiwei was disappointed.
It's my own doing. I told him to go, and now he's going. Should I have said what I said? Yes, I did the right thing. It's more important to do the right thing that a selfish thing.
She was reluctant to show her true feelings by asking when he would be back, so she just stuck around and made tea and watched him finish packing.
"Well," Qi checked his phone. "My car is on its way."
Weiwei suddenly felt very sad once again.
I can't just let him leave like this. What if this is the last time we're together like this?
She grabbed her bag and shoes. "I'll see you to the airport."
"It's so late already," he tried to object. But on the other hand, his objections were quite subdued.
He's happy I'm going with him.
"It's okay. I'd like to go."
Most of the way to the airport they spent in silence in the back of the car. At times, their eyes met in confused hesitation, but most of the time, they simply stared quietly out the car windows.
"It feels like the right day for it to rain," thought Weiwei. "Sad and gloomy. I wish he didn't go."
At the terminal, they got out and walked slowly through the building, which was growing quiet and empty in the late hour.
"Well, that's me," said Qi as they approached security.
I can't let him leave like that; I should tell him.
"Let's step over here for a minute," said Weiwei feeling her entire body shaking.
She looked at Qi, her heart racing and her eyes watery, and finally went for it.
"Qi, I should tell you that I know that you like me," his stunned expression confirmed her suspicion that he didn't remember the incident in the taxi. She took a deep breath and carried on. "You told me in the taxi that night, after the reception."
"Oh, I'm sorry," he stammered.
"You don't need to apologize. I'm glad you said it then," she again dared to look him in the eye. "Because if you hadn't, I wouldn't have thought it was possible. And I…"
She lost her voice, as Qi stared.
"And I wanted for it to be possible," Weiwei forced herself to continue. "Because I also like you."
That's it. I've done it.
Weiwei took a deep breath. She felt completely spent.
A smile slowly spread across Qi's face.
"Now I'm glad I had agreed to go on this trip," he said.
Why?
He must've seen her surprised look, because he explained, "Because I got to hear what you just said. I was hoping for it but was afraid it would never happen."
Weiwei was beginning to feel inflow of energy again.
In the end, I didn't make a mistake. I was right to tell him.
A boarding announcement interrupted her train of thought.
It's time. He needs to go.
Qi moved closer to Weiwei.
"Well, now I'd like to tell you this in person, and not in a delirium," he said. "I like you, Weiwei. I like you very much."
He lowered his head a little so that their faces got closer.
Yes, even though I'm scared, I'm going to do it.
"And I like you too," replied Weiwei, leaned forward and kissed him.