Days passed by just like that. Liu Jian was still at home, self-studying to create that small game, and he was progressing quickly; he was already at level ten. He told me that once the game reached level twenty, we would go to that upscale restaurant for dinner.
"Sounds good."
Recently, he had also become obsessed with making bento boxes. Every day, he would bring me a different homemade lunch to work, showcasing his culinary skills. He had always been a great cook, striving to prepare delicious bentos that made my colleagues envious.
"Your husband is quite the chef!"
"Yeah, he often cooks for me at home. I feel like he's spoiled my taste buds."
"That's nice! My partner doesn't even let me near the kitchen."
"Then let him cook for you."
"Forget it; I wouldn't even want to look at what he makes."
"Hahahaha..."
Every time I heard their compliments, I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. But honestly, Liu Jian's bentos were indeed delicious.
Yongmei's condition was worsening. She remained active in the group, encouraging everyone, but her contributions were becoming less frequent. I knew her time was running out.
Liu Jian's game continued to improve; he was now at level seventeen. He mentioned that once he reached level twenty, we would go to that upscale restaurant for dinner.
"Sounds good."
He had recently taken up fitness, waking up early every morning to run and hitting the gym downstairs in our community in the evenings. I knew he was preparing for chemotherapy.
I was still diligently searching for a job, having sent out dozens of resumes, and finally had an opportunity for an interview.
Liu Jian said he would accompany me to the interview.
"No need, I'll go by myself," I replied.
"I want to go with you."
"Really, it's fine. You can stay home and keep playing your game."
"Alright, then good luck."
"Yeah, thanks."
The results of the interview hadn't come out yet, but Yongmei had already left.
Before she left, she sent a message in the group chat.
"Goodbye, everyone."
No more words, just those four characters.
It made my nose tingle with emotion.
She shared one last message in the group: a photo of the seaside at sunset.
It was beautiful and serene.
After that, I never saw her in the group again.
Liu Jian's game also reached level twenty.
He kept his promise and took me to that upscale restaurant for dinner.
It was my first time at such a fancy place; everything felt so new and exciting.
The waiter led us to a table by the window, where we could see the distant ocean.
It was stunning.
Liu Jian handed me the menu and asked me to order.
I took the menu and flipped through the pages.
With each page I turned, my heart sank a little more.
Everything was so expensive; even a simple dish cost hundreds of dollars.
Noticing that I hadn't ordered anything for a while, Liu Jian sensed my hesitation.
He smiled and took the menu from me. "Actually, I've been here before, and I know which dishes are good. Let me order."
He casually selected a few dishes and handed the menu to the waiter.
After the waiter took the menu and left, Liu Jian held my hand. "You know, I really feel lucky to have met you."
"I feel the same way."
"So no matter what happens, as long as we had this moment together, there won't be any regrets."
"Mm."
The dishes arrived quickly, each one beautifully presented and delicious with every bite. It truly felt like a worthwhile experience.
After dinner, we took a walk by the seaside, gazing at the distant horizon. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and red.
Suddenly, Liu Jian asked me, "What would you do if one day I were to leave?"
"You won't leave."
"I'm just saying, if."
"There is no if."
"Just consider it a hypothetical situation."
"I wouldn't let you go."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to be alone in this world."
"I won't be alone; I'll always be with you."
"Really?"
"Really."
"I believe in you."
Comment 0 Comment Count