Jiang Jian strolled through the bustling supermarket, scanning shelves for daily essentials. His new house, though lavishly furnished, lacked the basics.
As he reached for a packet of rice, a familiar voice startled him.
"Mr. Jiang!
Jiang Jian turned to find Ling Wei, her hair tied in a ponytail, smiling warmly.
"What brings you here?" Jian asked, intrigued.
"Just grabbing some groceries," Ling Wei replied, holding up a basket filled with fresh vegetables.
Jian chuckled. "I'm doing the same. Never thought I'd be shopping for rice and toilet paper."
Ling Wei laughed. "The perks of being a CEO."
As they shopped together, Jian learned about Ling Wei's love for cooking and hotpot.
"I'm actually moving into a new place," Jian said, inspired. "Would you like to come over for homemade hotpot this weekend?"
Ling Wei's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to."
Jian smiled, pulling out his phone. "I'll send you the address. Tonight at 6?"
"Sounds perfect," Ling Wei replied, exchanging numbers.
As they parted ways, Jian felt a sense of ease he hadn't experienced in years.
Tonight couldn't come soon enough.
...