Lin Yun and Pan Wei walked side by side through the bustling streets of West Lake City, the neon lights of the city beginning to flicker on as the evening deepened.
The air was filled with the aroma of street food—grilled skewers, steaming buns, and the occasional whiff of spicy hotpot. Pan Wei led the way, his enthusiasm palpable as he chattered about his time in Far East City.
"So, Brother Yun," Pan Wei began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, "you won't believe the past month I've had. Far East City is… well, it's something else. The pace, the people, the food—it's like a whole different world compared to our hometown."
Lin Yun nodded, his hands tucked into his pockets as he listened. "I've heard it's a city that never sleeps. What have you been up to there?"
Pan Wei grinned, his round face lighting up. "Well, for starters, I've been traveling around the city with Chu Ling'er. She's been showing me all the hotspots—the university town, the nightclubs, even some hidden gems that only locals know about. It's been a blast."
Lin Yun raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Chu Ling'er, huh? Sounds like you two have been getting along well."
Pan Wei's cheeks flushed slightly, and he waved a hand dismissively. "It's not like that, Brother Yun. She's just a good friend. She's been helping me get familiar with the city, that's all. Besides, she's way out of my league."
Lin Yun chuckled. "Don't sell yourself short, Fatty. You've got your charms."
Pan Wei rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the grin on his face. "Anyway, the university town is incredible. It's like a mini-city within the city. There are students everywhere, and the energy is just… electric. I've been spending a lot of time there. It's been a great way to meet people and learn new things."
Lin Yun nodded, impressed. "That sounds like a fantastic experience. I'm glad you're making the most of it."
Pan Wei's expression softened, and he glanced at Lin Yun. "What about you, Brother Yun? How's life been treating you? You've been pretty quiet lately."
Lin Yun sighed, his gaze drifting to the passing cars and pedestrians. "It's been… busy. I've been working on a new project—a CNC system. I've got a lab at WLIT now, and I've been spending most of my time there, upgrading old machines and building new ones. It's challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding."
Pan Wei's eyes widened. "A CNC system?"
Although Pan Wei wasn't tech savvy, he knew one or two things about the heavy machines. After all, he had seen some of them in his family factory. CNC systematic machines seemed to be very complicated as far as he knew.
Lin Yun smiled. "Yes, CNC system. It's progressing well. I've already upgraded one of the lathes, and I'm working on building a new machine from scratch. It's a lot of work, but I'm enjoying every minute of it."
Pan Wei whistled, impressed. "That's amazing, Brother Yun. I always knew you were a genius, but this is next level. You're going to change the game with this project."
Lin Yun shrugged modestly. "I'm just doing what I love. But enough about me—tell me more about your adventures in Far East City. Any interesting stories?"
Pan Wei's face lit up, and he launched into a series of anecdotes—getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the old town, trying exotic foods that left his mouth on fire, and even attending an alumni charity event through Chu Ling'er's connection.
Lin Yun listened intently, laughing at Pan Wei's misadventures and marveling at his friend's ability to find joy in every experience.
As they walked, they eventually arrived at a small, cozy restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley. The sign above the door read "Lao Wang's Noodle House," and the smell of rich, savory broth wafted through the air.
"This is the place," Pan Wei said, gesturing to the restaurant. "Best noodles in the city. You're in for a treat, Brother Yun."
Lin Yun chuckled. "Funny. You know about this city more than I do."
"Well, you know that my old man often dragged me along with him." Pan Wei curled his lips.
They stepped inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere immediately putting them at ease. The walls were adorned with old photographs and memorabilia, and the sound of sizzling woks and clinking bowls filled the air. They found a table near the back and sat down, a friendly waitress quickly bringing them menus.
As they waited for their food, Pan Wei leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Brother Yun, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
Lin Yun raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Fatty?"
Pan Wei fidgeted with his chopsticks, his usual boisterous demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic shyness. He glanced around the restaurant as if making sure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in closer to Lin Yun, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
"Brother Yun… how do you… you know… pursue someone like Chu Ling'er?" he asked, his cheeks flushing a deep red.
Lin Yun blinked, caught off guard by the question. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. "Oh, so it is like that, huh?"
Pan Wei groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Don't tease me, Brother Yun. I'm serious. I… I think I like her. But I don't know how to even begin. She's… well, she's Chu Ling'er. Her family's loaded, she's smart, she's beautiful—she's basically out of my league. I'm just… me."
Lin Yun leaned back in his chair, his grin softening into a thoughtful smile. He couldn't help but chuckle at Pan Wei's predicament, but he also understood the weight of his friend's feelings. It reminded him of his own past.
Back then, he'd been a young man with a crush on a girl in his class. It was puppy love, innocent and awkward, but it had taught him a thing or two about pursuing someone.
"Alright, Fatty," Lin Yun said, his tone gentle but firm. "First of all, stop thinking you're not good enough for her. Confidence is key. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect her to?"
Pan Wei peeked out from behind his hands. "But how do I even start? I mean, she's used to a certain lifestyle. Her dad's a mayor, her mom owns a hotel chain—she's practically royalty. What can I possibly offer her?"
Lin Yun shook his head. "You're thinking about this all wrong. Chu Ling'er isn't looking for someone to shower her with money or status. She's already got all that. What she's looking for is someone who can make her happy, someone who'll be there for her. And that's something you can definitely offer."
"Besides, you are not bad yourself. Your family is also loaded. Don't forget that."