Chapter 25(A, Gu Lin’s Perspective)
1650 Words
Gu Lin felt a bit annoyed; he should have told Wang Miao about his return earlier so she wouldn't have made other plans.
However, hearing Wang Xiwen mention that Wang Miao had lunch plans with a French classmate made Gu Lin feel more at ease. It seemed that no matter what, they couldn't spend the entire day alone together.
This was good too; spending time with his girlfriend and her family and friends felt like a close-knit relationship. When Fan Sizhe was available, he wanted Wang Miao to meet him too.
With Wang Xiwen tagging along, Gu Lin held off discussing the family dinner plan with Wang Miao, fearing the child might repeat the conversation to her grandparents.
As they went shopping on the pedestrian street for Wang Xiwen’s gift, Gu Lin took the opportunity to chat with Wang Miao. “Look, I got tanned in just two days back home.”
He placed his arm next to hers, highlighting her fair skin. “Is your Ukrainian friend a close one?”
“Just an ordinary classmate,” Wang Miao replied casually.
Gu Lin thought about it and realized that a foreigner visiting might not know many people in China, so even a casual acquaintance could feel like an old friend in a foreign land.
Later, when Wang Miao bought cloth shoes, he noticed her skirt made it difficult for her to bend over, so he squatted down to help her change shoes.
Many passersby glanced their way, and Gu Lin saw Wang Miao’s face turn from slightly red to pale with embarrassment at being watched.
Such a shy girl.
Fortunately, Wang Xiwen broke the awkward atmosphere by returning with her purchases.
As Gu Lin carried Wang Xiwen's bags, he noticed their weight and asked casually, “You must be really close to this classmate to buy so many things.”
“No, I rarely get to come out, and the ceramic dolls looked nice, so I bought them for everyone.”
Gu Lin felt flattered, “Oh, there’s something for me too?”
“Of course. Aunt said you have dogs, so I got you a husky figurine. Grandpa and Grandma got a pair of longevity dolls, and Aunt got a chubby cat.”
Gu Lin felt a pang in his heart. It seemed she was naturally cautious, always trying to please all her relatives without even realizing it.
If he ever had a daughter, he’d pamper and spoil her, not let her grow up too quickly.
Sons were different; they belonged to others.
Wang Xiwen held up a flowered ceramic doll, “I also got a gift for the Ukrainian uncle!”
Gu Lin glanced at it in the rearview mirror, chuckling, “I’m jealous. His gift is so nice.”
“He’s a guest, after all,” Wang Xiwen muttered, “And he’s a single, handsome guy.”
“Really? I always hear news about Ukrainian beauties marrying Chinese farmers. I thought their men were unattractive, so the women all married abroad,” Gu Lin said, aiming the joke at Wang Miao. She remained silent, looking dazed.
Feeling his joke had fallen flat, Gu Lin stopped talking.
Getting out of the car, he asked Wang Miao if she hadn’t slept well, and she sweetly said she was too excited about his return to sleep.
He couldn’t help but be fond of her. Did she really like him that much?
He wanted to kiss her but refrained, thinking it was inappropriate in public, so he pinched her in places he wanted to kiss.
He avoided her lips, not wanting to smudge her lipstick and get scratched.
Though she had looked cute preparing to scratch him that one time.
Gosh, how was she always so adorable?
Entering the restaurant and seeing the Ukrainian man, Gu Lin realized he knew little about Ukrainians.
That Ukrainian guy was really handsome!
But too enthusiastic.
In a blink, Wang Miao almost got a bear hug. Gu Lin quickly pulled her aside to change tables and asked her on the way, “What’s that guy’s name again?”
Wang Miao stared at him, “Why are you cursing?”
“…,” Gu Lin pinched her shoulder, “Don’t joke.”
Wang Miao laughed, “His name is Bernard.”
Gu Lin nodded, feeling an inexplicable dislike for the man, probably because he was better looking than himself...
During the meal, Wang Miao and Bernard chatted. Gu Lin listened while looking at the menu, unable to understand a word of their conversation.
Gu Lin tried to make small talk with Bernard in English, but Bernard claimed his English wasn’t good and switched back to French with Wang Miao.
Gu Lin whispered to Wang Miao, “Why do I feel like he’s looking at me with hostility?”
Wang Miao brushed her hair behind her ear, “Really? I didn’t notice. Why do you keep staring at him?”
“I’m the only one who doesn’t know him. Of course, I’m watching him.”
“They have many big bears there that attack people from behind, so they don’t like being watched. They’re sensitive and might get upset and shoot at each other.”
Gu Lin almost laughed, nodding seriously, “I believe you.”
Wang Miao shook his arm playfully, “You can look at me. I don’t have a gun.”
Gu Lin’s gaze fell on her pouting, moist lips.
Actually, I also want to… ahem, wrong channel.
They were at a Yunnan restaurant, and the first dish was “Black Three Chopped.” Gu Lin thought he could eat two bowls of rice with it, but Bernard actually did.
No wonder people from a bear-fighting nation had such appetites.
Wang Xiwen, the quietest at the table, focused on her food.
Gu Lin, the second quietest, concentrated on picking out fish bones for Wang Miao.
Wang Xiwen looked up and asked Gu Lin how to present the gift to Bernard.
Gu Lin finished deboning the fish and said, “His English isn’t good. Just gesture. Your aunt will translate for you.”
Wang Xiwen nodded, took out the ceramic doll, pointed to herself and then to Bernard, and said, “Give you,” receiving his thanks with a blush.
Gu Lin felt a bit off. He had thanked her sincerely before, but she didn’t seem to value it as much.
Exercising his “uncle” authority, he told Wang Xiwen, “English is a global language. You should learn it well, or traveling abroad will be tough.”
Wang Xiwen, distracted, replied, “This barbecue is tough to chew.”
…
Gu Lin ate in silence, listening to Wang Miao chat with Bernard, who laughed continuously. What was so funny?
Just as he felt uncomfortable, Wang Miao touched his arm, asking about the herb on the fish, “What’s this called?”
“Lemongrass.”
Wang Miao translated for Bernard, who repeated it, sounding like “little cat grass.”
After that, they laughed.
Gu Lin asked, “What’s so funny?”
Wang Miao explained, “He asked if my Chinese name also means ‘little cat.’”
Gu Lin requested, “Can you translate every sentence? I feel left out.”
“That’s too much work. Finish your meal quickly. Afterward, we can go see that play. I hope tickets are still available.” Wang Miao squeezed his arm, urging him to eat.
Seeing she also wanted to end this meeting quickly, Gu Lin felt better and focused on eating until Wang Miao said it was time to go.
Eager for their private date, Gu Lin walked ahead to get the car. Behind him, Bernard managed to give Wang Miao a big hug.
Gu Lin told himself to be mature. It was just a friendly hug.
To show his maturity, he gave them time to say goodbye and went to fetch the car.
Just outside the restaurant, Fan Sizhe called, asking to meet for dinner to discuss something.
Gu Lin declined, saying he had plans with his “fiancée.”
Fan Sizhe teased, “You sound unhappy. Who upset you?”
“No one. By the way, Sizhe, do you speak French?” Gu Lin suddenly wanted to learn French to avoid today’s situation in the future.
“No.”
“You’re named after a French brand and don’t speak French? Aren’t you ashamed?”
“Not at all,” Fan Sizhe scoffed, “Versace is Italian. But I do know ‘Je t'aime.’ Gu Jin taught me; it means ‘I love you.’”
“Oh.” Gu Lin coldly hung up.
He wants to ask me something? He can ask Gu Jin.
Driving to the restaurant’s entrance, Gu Lin saw Wang Miao and Wang Xiwen walking quickly to the car, complaining about the sun.
Wang Xiwen spoke first, “Uncle Gu, drop me at the XX subway station. I’ll take the subway home. Aunt bought play tickets for three o’clock. You’re tight on time.”
“It’s okay. I’ll drive you home. The subway is crowded during holidays.” Gu Lin replied and then drove in silence.
After dropping Wang Xiwen at her neighborhood, Gu Lin turned toward the theater. At a red light, he saw Wang Miao looking sleepy and decided to try his new French phrase: “Je t'aime.”
It woke Wang Miao up. She asked in surprise, “You speak French?”
“Just this one phrase. Fan Sizhe taught me.” Gu Lin grinned but then grew serious, “That banana guy likes you, right?”
“Bernard.”
Ignoring her correction, Gu Lin asked again, “That banana guy likes you, doesn’t he? He was looking at you with such affection.”
Wang Miao didn’t confirm it.
But she didn’t deny it either.
Holding his hand, she said, “But I like you.”
- Writer
