Chapter 15: So he did not?

At the terrace, Nana felt the cool breeze brush past her face. It calmed her nerves a little, just what she needed to face this conversation.

Chen Jianyu spoke first.

“Miss Nana, Firstly, I would like to apologize on behalf of my mother for making you uncomfortable like that yesterday. I understand how awkward it must be for you to have a proposal suddenly. My mom just got excited. I hope you forgive us.”

Nana quickly said, “No, it’s fine. I understand. I know she meant well.”

He was relieved. “Thank you.”

Silence again.

“Well..” Jianyu said, “As you saw last night, my mother is really insistent for us to date..”

Nana gulped. Here we go.

“..But if you don’t mind, can we start as friends?”

Nana widened her eyes. It took a few seconds to process. She looked at him questioningly.

“I mean it. We can be friends first. We can slowly get to know each other, and if things go well, we can consider date officially. But if we don’t then there still won’t be any problem to remain as friends, right? What do you think?” Jianyu suggested.

Nana was stunned. Not in a million years, she thought that it would turn out this way.

But it was not a bad idea. Actually, this was the best they can come up with, given the situation.

Nana thought for a while and said, “I think that’s a great idea.” She took a deep breath as readying herself of what is to come next. “Yes, we can do that.” She nodded.

“Really? Thanks. I’m glad you agree.” He smiled.

Silence again. It’s like the main concern for the day is over and nothing is left to talk now.

Aaah! This is so awkward, Nana thought. Why does it always suddenly become so weird? What should I say next?

Jianyu could see all the expressions clearly on her face.

He chuckled. “It’s alright. You don’t need to think so hard about any topic for us to talk about. I’m sure as we’ll get to know each other, we’ll be able to talk like it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

Nana got embarrassed.

“Oh, yes! If you don’t mind, can we exchange numbers? Whenever we are free, we can plan to meet up.”

“Yeah, sure.” They exchanged numbers and added the other in WeChat.

“Alright, then. I should leave now. I also have a meeting later.”

“Sure. I will come with you to the entrance.” Nana said.

They walked out of the terrace. The twins finally saw them coming out and immediately straightened up.

“Well, then, I will see you later.” He said.

She nodded. “Okay.”

He left in his car, and once again, the twins came rushing.

“What happened?”

“Did he reject you?”

“Or did you reject him?”

“Wait..what did he mean by ‘see you later’?”

They stared at her like gossiping aunts.

Nana said, “Nothing like that happened.”

“What do you mean?” Both asked together.

And Nana told them their whole conversation.

“Wow, that’s pretty cool,” Yukito said.

“No, that’s playing safe,” Yukira said.

“Well, anyway, but Nee-chan, are you sure about this?” Yukito asked.

Nana ruffled their hair and smiled.

“Anyone you both care about me so much. But don’t worry, I am okay with this. I don’t find anything wrong to be friends at least. Whatever happens next, I will deal with it when the time comes.”

The twins looked at each other. They had a tacit understanding. If their sister says it’s fine, then it’s okay with them too. But if anything happens which will make her sad, then their cricket bats are always ready for action. Two brothers. Double dose.

“Alright, Nee-chan.” They said.

—

Chen Jianyu was heading back to the office. He had an important meeting to focus on, but his mind was somewhere else.

He looked at the passing scenery. The people, the crowd. Some people walking with their hands interlocked. Some were happily shopping. Their smiles, the laughter somehow suffocated him.

For him, he could now only remember those memories they once had shared. Those times when he was the part of that happy crowd as well..were gone.

What is she doing now? Does she think about me? Does she miss me? Where did I go wrong? She didn’t even tell me.

He sadly mocked himself.

But I think I am the only one who is thinking about her. I think I am the only one stuck at this place.

I guess now its really time to move on.

—

In a tall skyscraper-like building, a man stepped out of the elevator. As soon as he reached his office, a woman’s bright smile greeted him. She dashed towards him for a big hug.

“Hubby~~Suprise!”

The man was indeed surprised to see her. He certainly didn’t expect that his wife will suddenly come to the office.

He gave an affectionate smile.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I have an important thing to discuss. Do you remember what is special in the next two weeks?” She asked in anticipation.

“Of course, how can I forget. Our second wedding anniversary.”