Please Be More Serious | Chapter 28

Qiu Zheng Qing has never climbed a mountain.

During his days in university, his faulty did organise group hiking activities but he always claimed to be ill and stayed in university to study and revise. After graduation, there are no other opportunities to go hiking again. For him, running on the treadmill for half an hour is more efficient than doing things like hiking. If he needs to mimic hiking, he can just adjust the treadmill and walk on a steep slant. That would work just as well.

Thus, this weekend will be his first experience in hiking. He places a lot of importance in this. He purposely scours the net to see what kind of equipment that he would need. He already has hiking shoes but he still needs to buy climbing stick and a backpack. He must also remember to prepare water and food, as well as some common first-aid items like band aid.

The next day is Wednesday. Straight after having a take-away dinner at the office, he heads to the nearest shopping mall. He buys everything he needs and after thinking about it, decides to just get new hiking shoes while he is at it. The water and food can be bought later, but first he needs to get the first-aid items.

He ends going home rather late after his shopping spree. He also doesn’t go into his study to do more work. Instead he washes up and goes straight to bed. He feels very content, it is very rare for him to be able to experience the pleasure of shopping. In the past, he would just buy whatever he want and that would be it. But this time he actually feels excited while shopping. He thinks that he really must be in love, there is no doubt about it.

He must give this project even more points. What is the reason? He likes her. He thinks of her every day.

Are things progressing too quickly? He is not sure. He has never fallen in love before. He doesn’t know if falling in love after meeting a person for a few months can be considered too odd. He only knows that this feeling is irresistible and beyond his control. This weekend they will meet again, they will go hiking together. He really, really anticipates it.

On Thursday, just right before he is about to finish work, Yin Ting calls him. At this time, he is having a meeting with two senior executives. As soon as he sees the name displayed on the screen, he tells the executives, “I must answer an important phone call. You two can return first, I will come and see you again.”

The two executives agree and walk out, discussing what just happened. Are there any super important projects going on in the company right now? There are no rumours about that. When they turn around, they see Qiu Zheng Qing closing the door with a serious, no-nonsense expression. Looks like it’s a really important matter indeed.

By the time he gets his guests to leave, Yin Ting has already hung up. He quickly calls her back.

“Great Director Qiu.” Yin Ting doesn’t yell his nickname. Immediately he feels an unlucky premonition.

“I’m really sorry. I have a relative coming over tomorrow, this weekend I can’t go hiking anymore.”

It really is bad news. His heart sinks to the lowest of pits. He is disappointed, very much so.

But of course he cannot say that, so he says, “That’s okay then, next time.”

“Okay.”

“Then if you want to hiking next time, remember to ask me,” he cannot help but add.

“Okay,” Yin Ting readily agrees.

After the phone call, he gives himself only three seconds to collect his thoughts and readjust his mood. Remembering that his meeting stopped halfway, he calls the two executives and has them come over to continue the meeting.

The executives can feel the obvious change in his mood, he is downcast. It seems like that project he is discussing over the phone is not going too well. Even though he is trying hard to control his expression, he knows that he is not looking too good. That day he works late into the night. He doesn’t have anything to do anyway, working makes him feel more productive.

When he reaches home, he lies on the bed for a long time without the slightest inclination to move. Only when the hour is getting late that he finally gets up to take a shower. When he walks into the closet, he sees the newly-bought climbing stick and backpack. He stares at them and unable to resist himself, he says, “Are you guys screwing with me? Why do things never go smoothly? Are you telling me that the frog shouldn’t be coveting to be with the swan, even if it’s a golden frog!” Angrily he picks up his towel and heads into the bathroom. When he comes out again to blow dry his hair, he tells the climbing stick and backpack again, “I’m not afraid at all! Since when have you seen me give in? The word ‘give up’ doesn’t exist in my dictionary!”

He ends going to bed with a stomach full of anger.

“The bigger the obstacles, the bigger the happiness we will have in the end.” He remembers that she once said this. The angel is right. He should not be depressed; he must find the silver lining. She is a really good teacher, she has been teaching him things since the beginning.

On Friday, after working overtime he goes to the gym. He runs on the treadmill for 40 minutes. Sweating from head to toe, he finally feels a little better. While running, he listens to the song Yin Ting has once shared on Weibo, that song she sang with the taxi driver while stuck in the traffic. The big river flows east, the Big Dipper is twinkling in the sky…

Their voices are absolutely horrible, but he actually feels encouraged.

These few days, he purposely stops himself from stalking her Weibo. Even though her updates would make people very happy. She would post short articles and random photos she took of flowers, streets, etc. But the more he reads her updates, the more he misses her. But he thinks that he should not make haste and sign the project. He needs to give himself a few days to cool down.

On the weekend, Qiu Zheng Qing works at home as usual. Early Sunday morning, he finishes his grocery shopping and heads home. He tries to work but his productivity is strangely low. In the end, he gives up working and just shuts down his laptop. Instead he picks up a management book to read.

Around 4 pm, he receives a call from Mao Hui Zhu.

“I think I have not informed you officially. I’ve finally finished all the procedures to quit my job.”

“You really haven’t told me,” he says. He still talks to Mao Hui Zhu online occasionally but their conversations are lesser and lesser these days. She is rarely online, she seems to be very busy. But he didn’t expect her to have finished the necessary procedures to quit her job. “What are your future plans?”

“I do have some ideas. I plan to be an enterpreneur.” On her side, he can hear the sound of vehicles zooming past. She seems to be on a street somewhere.

“Is it?” He feels a little surprised hearing that from her. He thought she would be resting for a while longer. Moreover, she is bound by her contract and is restricted from entering the same industry for a period of time. If she wants to start working immediately, she would have to enter another industry and change her path altogether. It’s indeed quite risky. But if he is placed in her shoes, he would do the same thing. “What are you planning to start on?”

“I want to start a company that deals with trade and export. In this aspect, I have some resources. During the national holiday, I went to visit some friends in US and talked to them about this idea. But this idea has not matured yet, I still need to plan further.” Mao Hui Zhu continues, “I’ll tell you in detail when we meet in person. I still want to ask for your help.”

“Of course. Just ask, I’ll do my best to help.”

“Okay, I’ll say my thanks first,” she says. “It is not urgent. I still need time to think over it and analyse the situation. The actual reason I’m calling you is to tell you that I saw Yin Ting a moment ago.”

He is stunned. This is really surprising. He has been hoping to meet Yin Ting for a long time, even trying to ask her out, but Mao Hui Zhu can encounter her just like that.

“I’ve been visiting trading companies lately. Since I never officially dealt with this business, I feel a little depressed. Today I went out to find a place for my new company, went to a few neighbourhoods but they’re all really expensive. I ended up spacing out on a bench somewhere. Then I heard someone calling my name. When I look up, it’s Yin Ting.”

This is really unfair. She’s just sitting on a bench outside and is able to meet Yin Ting. Therefore he should not be in his office right now, he should also find a bench to sit outside.

“She’s still riding that bike of hers and asked if I want to go on a ride with her.”

“She said what?” he begs her pardon.

Mao Hui Zhu laughs heartily. “Really, she asked if I want to go on a ride with her. She said the weather’s very good and is very suitable to go for a ride.”

He leans his forehead against his palm. Really, he really gives it to Yin Ting. “You definitely didn’t agree.”

“I did! I sat on the passenger seat and went with her.” She laughs.

He is rendered speechless. Very well, very amazing. Yin Ting this angel not only has the ability to befriend just about anyone, she can also make others act equally as crazy as her.

“I’ve been alive for so long but this is the first time someone asks me if I want a ride on their bike. I really want to experience it once. Even if it’s a girl, so I just reluctantly agree.” From the way Mao Hui Zhu puts it, he feels like she is acting ungrateful after getting such an opportunity.

“She cycled past a few streets, her physical strength is quite good. To be honest, riding on a bike is really quite comfortable, definitely doesn’t lose out to a ride in a car. The weather today is really good, it’s not cold at all. There’s a slight breeze on your face, it’s very comfortable.”

“Okay, okay. Don’t have to explain your feeling.” His heart is beginning to twist with jealousy.

Mao Hui Zhu laughs heartily. “Afterwards we stopped at a café to have a drink. She asks whether I drove here, and if I need her to send me back to my original location. We ended up chatting. I told her I just quit my job and just sold my car. She said that she asked me to take a ride with her because I was looking depressed. And then she even asked me if I know why plain water has no taste.”

“En.” He knows the answer, Yin Ting once wrote it on her Weibo.

“She said the answer is that, no matter what kind of ingredient you put in plain water, the water will reflect the taste of the ingredient. Water is plain and ordinary, but it is actually the most omnipotent. She praised me for being capable. She said the Zhu of my name is the wisdom’s pearl [zhu] and hoped that I will be more confident. She said as long as one has confidence and is willing to work hard, success is within grasp.”

He thinks that, out of Yin Ting’s friends, perhaps he is the only one who she has never praised properly.

She even mocks him for being serious.

Mao Hui Zhu continues, “She’s quite interesting. She makes such boring words sound fun.”

“En, there are people who are born with the talent to comfort and encourage others.” Yin Ting is one.

“If it’s not for the fact we’re both women, I would have thought she wants to court me.” Mao Hui Zhu laughs loudly. He feels that it is not funny at all. So did she call just to show off?

“Okay, end of the story.” She really did call to show off. There are some parts of the story that she kept from Qiu Zheng Qing. For example, she asked Yin Ting if she has seen him recently. Yin Ting said no. They originally planned to go hiking together but her relatives made a sudden visit, causing them to cancel the plan. Mao Hui Zhu suddenly feels like laughing. Qiu Zhen Qing this person would actually agree to go hiking with someone, the same Qiu Zhen Qing who feels that time is precious and needs to use it wisely on work. Hiking is such a waste of energy and time, such an inefficient sport, he would actually agree.

Mao Hui Zhu feels that her guess is correct all along. Therefore she did this on purpose. He is unable to meet Yin Ting, but on the other hand she is able to see her. Not only is she able to see her, she is also on Yin Ting’s passenger seat, hugging her waist.

“Do you feel like vomiting blood?” she asks.

“What?” His face feels warm but his voice is still indifferent and calm.

“I wish you good luck, Zhen Qing. There must be one who is lucky between the both of us.”

The phone call is over. He feels a little antagonised. She even said good luck, then why would she purposefully provoke him. He doesn’t have much luck. He is unable to ask her out after so long, it is hard to even see her around. If he presses his luck and directly confesses his feelings, would his ending be the same as Yin Ting when she confesses to those guys?

Right, Yin Ting once sent him something she called her guide to romance, hoping it would help him. He searches his mail box, trying to find that long-buried email. After a glimpse, he is unable to continue reading. So pointless, he feels that there is no use for him at all. The guide is probably written by a teenager, all style and no substance, completely not his style. There are even those recommendations on where to dine and have fun. But since he can’t even manage to ask her out, what’s the point of him memorizing all these.

Red thread, oh red thread, why is when he needs it to be effective, it isn’t?

Monday, it’s a cloudy day with a light drizzle. Qiu Zheng Qing’s mood is not too good.

Tuesday, it’s raining heavily. His mood only got worse. He really doesn’t like the rain. He misses the blue sky. He likes the shapes of clouds, remembering that Yin Ting once went too far on her bike because she was chasing after a cloud. Really an idiot, how cute. He stands at the window, watching the rain for a long time, thinking about her.

A sudden inspiration hit him and he posts on Weibo: “Question: why does it rain?”

Yin Ting is not online, she missed the sofa seat.

Someone comments: “Director Qiu, you’re changing your style.”

He replies: “Yeah, changing it up a little.” He won’t even leave the stool seat for her!

By the time Yin Ting sees his update, there are already 12 comments. To be honest, there are only 3 people who commented, but thanks to Qiu Zheng Qing’s active contribution, it stretches out to 12 comments. When Yin Ting sees this, her heart is immediately shattered. She leaves a crying emoji under his update. His reply is just a smiley emoji.

A colleague of his comments: “It rains because it needs to show respect to the tribulations and ordeals created by nature, this way life will be more vibrant.” The colleague feels very satisfied with his answer. His answer is realistic and practical, it is Director Qiu’s style.

Qiu Zheng Qing ends up replying: “This is not the answer I’m thinking of.”

Yin Ting has also read the answer; it is not what she is thinking of either. She replies: “Because the Earth is strong and masculine, occasionally it also needs to cherish and protect.”

He replies: “This is not the answer I’m thinking of.”

“Then what is it?”

He replies: “I don’t want to say it now.”

What, how can he do that after igniting her curiosity! She immediately calls him. He answers it with a smile.

“What is the answer you’re thinking of?”

“I don’t want to say it now.”

“Is the answer better than mine?”

“Yes, I think my answer is much better. Your answer is not original enough.”

He actually puts it that way. Yin Ting wrinkles her nose and says, “I want to know.”

“I don’t want to say it now.”

“Then when do you want to reveal it?”

“When I want to say it.”

Yin Ting cries, “We’re the nonsensical riddle squad, how can you keep secrets from me!”

He laughs heartily. Is the nonsensical riddle squad their new organisation? His secretary stands at the door, quietly reminding him that it is almost time for the meeting. He tells Yin Ting, “I need to go for a meeting. Let’s talk again later.” Then he hangs up. Imaging Yin Ting’s fuming face, he is unable to stop himself from smiling.

It is still raining outside, but his dark mood has entirely cleared up.

He really thinks that his answer is good, really too good. But he cannot tell her now.

Thursday. Qiu Zheng Qing has been on the phone with Yin Ting since 2 pm, he wants to ask her out for a meal. That’s right, he will ask her out once a week. He won’t relax his efforts, he definitely must succeed in courting her. He wants her to be his girlfriend.

This week he uses the excuse of wanting to buy a new camera. He has think it through, he will use the camera as their conversation topic. The rest, he will think of it on the spot.

But when he calls her, the line is busy. He puts it aside and starts working. When he tries again, the line is busy again. He goes for a meeting first. When he tries again, it is still busy.

This time he is really unhappy.

Come again? Is this a dating curse? Every time he wants to ask her out, there definitely would be some kind of situation! He feels unsatisfied and plans to call again later. But the line is still busy. He seriously considers if it is his phone’s fault.

Ever after he gets off work, the line is still busy.

He just wants to ask her out on a date, he just wants to see her, why is it so difficult?!

He is angry! With a dark expression, he leaves his office. He doesn’t head in the direction of his home but drives towards Yin Ting’s house. He really is unsatisfied! He swears that he will see her today no matter what. He plans to drive around her area, and then call her. Then say he is coincidentally around her area and asks if she wants to have dinner together.

Halfway there, he calls her. The line remains busy. Very good, really too good. He decides to call again. If it is still busy, he will call Yin Shi. Either way, he is going to see her no matter what.

After driving past yet another street, he calls again. Still busy. He is worried, very worried. She wouldn’t be in any trouble, would she? While he is beginning to fear, he suddenly sees a familiar figure sitting on a bench nearby.

Yin Ting!

She is using her phone, talking to someone!

His joy is immediate and impatient, he almost braked right then. Luckily his rationality is still there, he parks his car at the roadside, stopping in front of Yin Ting.

She didn’t notice him, she is still on the phone.

Could it be that every time he tried to call her today, she is on the phone? He sweat-dropped.

“Xiao Ting.” He feels relieved, he finally saw her.

She lifts her head up in surprise. Then she looks happy. “Great Director Qiu.”

“What are you doing?” The moment he finishes asking, he hears a sound calling “meow.”

He is stunned. Only then does he notice there is an animal container beside her.

She also looks at the container, and then tells him, “Great Director Qiu, this is Miao Da Da.”

Miao Da Da?

Therefore, she really was calling Da Da, not Ba Ba [Father].

He remembers that every time she would run calling for “Da Da”. This is the first time Qiu Zheng Qing is officially meeting this cat, but he actually feels like he is confronting a love rival.