Tears

“You… you want to confess to Jade?” Lin Qi stared at Da’an in astonishment.

“That’s right. Jade has been single for years, working hard to raise her child all alone. I want to shield her from the chaos of this world!” As Da’an spoke, he straightened his back, seeming to grow taller in his resolve.

“Oh, give it a rest. You just have a crush on her because she’s beautiful,” Lin Qi remarked mercilessly.

“Well, that’s part of it…” Da’an scratched his head, but then declared with conviction, “But the main reason is that I care for her. I want to give her a warm home! Anyway, could you help me out later? When I confess, you and everyone else wave the glowsticks for me, please!”

He slipped two packs of Yuxi cigarettes into Lin Qi’s pocket.

“Little Ma! Little Ma!” Da’an hurried off to another delivery rider.

There were more than twenty riders at the station, each getting two glowsticks and two packs of Yuxi. The expense was easily over a thousand yuan. For Da’an, it was a serious investment.

Knowing Da’an was going to confess to Hongyu, Lin Qi couldn’t help but feel a hollow ache inside. But he quickly pushed those emotions aside. Though he and Hongyu had once shared some ambiguous moments, he had no right to dictate her choices, let alone interfere in her love life.

Besides, Da’an was dependable and ambitious. He was already in his thirties and still single—really, they seemed like a good match.

Lin Qi exhaled, tucked the glowsticks inside his coat, and stepped into the delivery station.

Not everyone had arrived yet. The group was gathered in the courtyard, exchanging knowing winks, all waiting to see the show.

Hongyu was in the office balancing accounts, unaware of Da’an’s intentions.

Little Rui was in the corner doing her homework.

Da’an walked over, took out a lollipop, and handed it to Little Rui.

“Thank you, Uncle Da’an.” Little Rui smiled sweetly.

“You’re welcome.” Da’an sat beside her, watched her do her homework for a while, then whispered, “Little Rui, would you like Uncle Da’an to be your dad?”

Little Rui shook her head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re ugly.”

Da’an was speechless, rubbed his head, and muttered, “Kids don’t understand. This is called manly charm.”

“No, Brother Lin Qi is what handsome really looks like!”

“He’s just a pretty boy…” Da’an grumbled in dissatisfaction.

Soon, all the riders had arrived. With everything arranged, Da’an stood in the courtyard and called out, “Jade! Jade!”

“What is it?” Hongyu answered from the office.

“Jade, come out for a moment.”

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Why should I come out?”

“Just come out, I really need to talk!”

“Makes no sense, I’ve got a pile of work…” Hongyu grumbled as she stepped outside.

Then she froze.

Da’an stood there holding a bouquet, while the other riders waved their glowsticks. The courtyard twinkled with tiny lights—surprisingly romantic.

“Jade…” Da’an looked at her, mustered his courage, and began, “I…”

He’d prepared a whole speech for this moment, but before he could start, Hongyu stormed up to him, snatched the bouquet from his hands, and promptly smacked him on the head with it.

“What are you trying to pull?!”

“Have you finished today’s work? Have you replaced the batteries for the riders?”

“Don’t try this with me. I’ve seen it all before—enough to make me sick!”

With every word, she landed another blow on Da’an’s head, hitting him seven or eight times.

Da’an retreated, wailing, “Jade, I was wrong! I’ll change the batteries right away!”

“Get lost!” Hongyu flung the flowers to the ground and marched back to her office.

Da’an stood in the courtyard, utterly disheveled.

Little Rui was the first to break into laughter.

The other riders couldn’t hold back either, snickering and giggling nonstop.

Lin Qi shook his head helplessly, and while no one was paying attention, he slipped into the office.

Seeing him, Hongyu was instinctively flustered, but forced herself to appear composed. “You’re not out delivering tonight, and you’re dressed so nicely—going on a date?”

“Just had dinner with a friend,” Lin Qi replied, sitting down.

“I’ll get you some water.” Hongyu turned to fetch a cup.

“Jade, I want to resign,” Lin Qi said.

Hongyu’s hand froze in midair.

For a long moment.

“Jade…”

“Oh, it’s nothing…” Hongyu turned around, smiling as she said, “Being a delivery rider is a transient job anyway. It’s normal to switch every few days. Where are you headed next?”

Lin Qi saw no need to hide the truth. “Ms. Song appreciates my skills and wants me to be her bodyguard.”

Everyone knew how capable Lin Qi was.

“Wow, being Ms. Song’s bodyguard must pay well, right?”

“Quite well—fifty thousand a month.”

“You’re going to be rich!” Hongyu laughed brightly. “Don’t forget about us old friends when you make it big!”

“Jade, I won’t forget you,” Lin Qi replied solemnly.

“Alright, come by tomorrow to handle the paperwork.”

“Okay.”

Lin Qi stood up to leave.

The moment he turned away, Hongyu could no longer hold back. She collapsed over her desk, tears streaming silently down her face.