Lingering On and On

Chapter 8: Making Acquaintances

Tong Yuling had scarcely set foot back in the company when her colleague Yu Xiaoling grasped her arm and pulled her aside. Yu Xiaoling's countenance was a curious blend of mystery and excitement, which immediately piqued Tong Yuling's interest. "What in the world is going on? You've got this strange look so early in the morning. Could it be that you've encountered a strikingly handsome fellow?"

The two of them were of a similar age, having both embarked on their professional journey at the company after graduating the previous year. Their friendship had blossomed organically, and they had become quite close. Unlike the exquisitely beautiful Tong Yuling, Yu Xiaoling possessed a more commonplace appearance. However, like many other young women, she was filled with romantic fantasies and eager anticipations regarding love. "I don't possess your extraordinary allure. Meeting a truly handsome man is likely to remain nothing more than a distant dream for me," Yu Xiaoling admitted, a faint trace of self-doubt flickering across her delicate features.

Tong Yuling hastened to offer words of solace. "Xiaoling, don't allow such thoughts to take root. Love and destiny are impartial, showing no partiality based on outward appearance or character. Every individual is destined to cross paths with their one true love. It's merely a matter of when that moment arrives."

Subsequently, Yu Xiaoling redirected the conversation, her voice tinged with a touch of inquisitiveness. "Yuling, given your outstanding qualities, it stands to reason that you must have a legion of suitors vying for your attention. Why, then, have you not yet entered into a romantic relationship? Is it that none of them have managed to capture your heart? Or perhaps you have your sights set on marrying a fabulously wealthy individual?"

Tong Yuling was momentarily taken aback, a bemused expression crossing her face. After a brief pause, she replied with a gentle smile, "Didn't I mention that it all hinges on fate? And furthermore..."

"And furthermore what?" Yu Xiaoling pressed, her natural curiosity getting the better of her as she leaned forward, eager to hear more.

Tong Yuling simply offered a faint smile and deftly steered the conversation in a different direction. "Enough about me. What about you? The instant you returned to the office, you seized me. There's clearly something on your mind. Out with it, won't you?"

At this prompt, Yu Xiaoling recollected the news she had been so eager to share. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she announced, "I've received word that tomorrow evening, all the employees of our company will be gathering for a dinner with those from the Ocean Freight Company. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the successful forging of a long-term cooperation between our two enterprises!"

Tong Yuling responded with a shrug. "What's so remarkable about that? Our company frequently engages in such dinners with its various partners."

"But this time is different!" Yu Xiaoling insisted, her voice rising with excitement. "I've heard that a significant number of the male employees at the Ocean Freight Company are not only remarkably good-looking but also possess exceptional talent and enjoy high salaries and excellent benefits. Who knows? If luck is on our side, one of us might just manage to catch the eye of one of them. It could be a life-changing opportunity!" Yu Xiaoling's eyes took on a dreamy quality as she continued, "Oh, and by the way, Yuling, I've also heard that the son of the owner of the Ocean Freight Company will be in attendance. He's a young prodigy who has already assumed the mantle of general manager, having inherited the family business at a tender age. There's a distinct possibility that he might take a fancy to you!"

Tong Yuling dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "With such remarkable credentials, it's highly likely that he already has a girlfriend."

"Regardless of whether he does or not, you should still make an effort to look your absolute best tomorrow. You never know; this could potentially be the moment that alters the course of your life and propels you into the lap of luxury as the wife of the general manager of the Ocean Company!"

Tong Yuling merely chuckled softly in response and, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, returned to her workstation to resume her work.

When the evening of the dinner finally arrived, Tong Yuling opted for a simple and understated appearance. She donned an ordinary set of winter attire, her straight, lustrous hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders. Despite the lack of elaborate adornment, her natural beauty shone through, lending her an air of effortless elegance. In contrast, Yu Xiaoling seemed to have pulled out all the stops. She was bedecked from head to toe in brand-new finery, and after painstakingly applying her makeup and styling her hair, she presented a far more captivating and alluring image than usual.

"Yuling, we had an understanding, didn't we? Why didn't you take the trouble to dress up?" Yu Xiaoling couldn't help but voice her dissatisfaction as she compared their respective outfits, her lips puckering into a slight pout.

Tong Yuling bestowed upon her a warm and affectionate smile and offered a sincere compliment. "Your ensemble looks truly stunning! As the saying goes, 'Clothes make the man,' and in your case, it's certainly true. Xiaoling, you're bound to be the center of attention this evening!"

"But... Do you think they might perceive me as being overly ostentatious?" Yu Xiaoling queried, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

"Not at all!" Tong Yuling assured her. "Just look at Lily, Amy, and the others. They're all similarly attired in their finest. You fit right in." With a gentle pat on Yu Xiaoling's shoulder, she sought to allay her friend's concerns.

"However, you're an exception!" Yu Xiaoling shot a sidelong glance at Tong Yuling and couldn't resist posing the question once more. "Yuling, why do you seem so indifferent when it comes to planning for your future? You are undeniably beautiful, but my mother has always emphasized that, regardless of one's physical attractiveness, if one fails to seize opportunities when they present themselves, they may ultimately find themselves bereft of any real prospects. We're both 24 years old, at the very zenith of our youth. This is the prime time to seek out a worthy partner and secure our future happiness."

Tong Yuling regarded her friend intently for a moment before finally divulging, "Xiaoling, the truth is... I'm waiting for someone."

"Waiting for someone? Could it be that online acquaintance you've mentioned to me in the past?"

"Yes," Tong Yuling affirmed with a nod.

"You haven't even laid eyes on him in person. How can you allow yourself to become so fixated? What if he turns out to be unattractive or, worse still, not at all the kind of person you had envisioned? Wouldn't you be squandering your precious youth in vain?" Yu Xiaoling's tone was laced with a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Even if he does meet your expectations, can you be certain that he reciprocates your feelings? You've known each other for an extended period, and yet he has never given any indication of romantic interest."

"Nevertheless, I've made up my mind to give it a shot. In any case, he'll be returning in a year's time. If it turns out that we're not meant to be, it won't be too late for me to explore other options." Tong Yuling's expression was resolute, her eyes betraying a steely determination.

"I'm simply worried that you've set your heart so firmly on him that, even if you realize the relationship is doomed to failure, you'll be incapable of opening yourself up to other potential suitors." Yu Xiaoling's brow furrowed with worry.

"Don't fret. You know how much I cherish my mother. For her sake, I would never allow myself to become so consumed by unrequited love that I lose sight of my responsibilities. Now, let's set aside these concerns. The dinner is about to commence. Shall we make our entrance?" With that, Tong Yuling gave Yu Xiaoling's attire a final, affectionate adjustment before linking arms with her and proceeding slowly into the lavishly decorated hall.

The entire hall had been reserved exclusively for the event, and six large tables were arranged in an orderly fashion, occupied by employees from both companies. As Tong Yuling and Yu Xiaoling made their grand entrance, they immediately became the object of numerous admiring glances from the staff of the Ocean Freight Company.

Tong Yuling greeted everyone with a gracious smile and a polite nod, her poise and confidence unwavering. Yu Xiaoling, on the other hand, was overcome with a sense of shyness, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink as a coy smile played upon her lips.

Once they had located their seats and settled in, Tong Yuling engaged in animated conversation with those around her, her manner completely at ease and free from any trace of self-consciousness. Laughter and animated chatter filled the air as the evening progressed. By the time the dinner finally drew to a close, the clock had already chimed ten o'clock.

Some of the colleagues who shared accommodation chose to pool their resources and take a taxi back together. Yu Xiaoling, unfortunately, resided in the opposite direction from Tong Yuling, and so the two friends bid each other a fond farewell at the hotel entrance.

Tong Yuling stepped out into the cool night air, a gentle breeze caressing her face as she made her way towards the bus stop. The streets were relatively deserted at this hour, and the only sound was the soft echo of her footsteps on the pavement. As she walked, she was suddenly startled by a series of sharp, insistent horn blasts from behind. Turning around, she was greeted by the sight of a strikingly handsome face peering out from the window of a sleek gray car.

It was none other than Xiao Zhenghua, the only son of the chairman of the Ocean Freight Company and, coincidentally, the company's general manager.

"Miss Tong, would you do me the honor of allowing me to drive you home?" The car glided to a smooth stop beside her, and Xiao Zhenghua leaned over to address her with a charming smile.

Tong Yuling returned his smile but declined politely. "Thank you, Mr. Xiao, but the bus stop is just a short distance ahead. I'll be perfectly fine taking the bus."

Xiao Zhenghua, however, was not so easily deterred. He inquired about her address, and upon hearing her response, his face lit up with a feigned expression of pleasant surprise. "What a remarkable coincidence! It turns out that I'm passing right by your place. Please, allow me to offer you a ride. It would be my pleasure."

Tong Yuling hesitated for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. The likelihood of such a convenient coincidence seemed rather slim. "Mr. Xiao, I really don't want to inconvenience you. It's not necessary."

"Miss Tong, it's no trouble at all. I assure you. Or is it that you have some misgivings about me? Do you perhaps doubt my intentions?" Xiao Zhenghua's tone took on a slightly wounded edge, his eyes fixed intently on hers.

Faced with his persistent insistence and not wishing to cause offense, Tong Yuling reluctantly acquiesced. "Thank you, Mr. Xiao. I appreciate the offer." She murmured her gratitude as she carefully stepped into the car and fastened her seatbelt.

Once she was settled, Xiao Zhenghua set the car in motion, his eyes periodically darting to the rearview mirror to steal glances at her. The confined space of the car seemed to magnify the sense of intimacy, and Tong Yuling couldn't help but feel a trifle self-conscious. The only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the gentle rhythm of their breathing.

After a brief silence, Xiao Zhenghua broke the ice. "Miss Tong, how long have you been employed at Huabiao Trading Company?"

"Almost a year now," Tong Yuling replied, her voice soft and composed.

"Only a year? I must say, you carry yourself with such grace and confidence that I would have guessed you had been with the company for at least three or four years. Your conversation and deportment are truly remarkable for someone so new to the professional world."

Tong Yuling felt a faint blush color her cheeks. "Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Xiao. I graduated last year and have been fortunate to have had some wonderful experiences and learning opportunities at the company."

"How are you finding your work there? Are you satisfied with your role and the company's environment?"

"Yes, it's been a good experience so far. I've learned a great deal and have been able to contribute in my own small way."

"That's excellent to hear. And may I ask, Miss Tong, what are your long-term plans and aspirations? Do you have any particular goals or dreams you're striving towards?"

Tong Yuling paused for a moment, slightly taken aback by the directness of the question. "Well, I... I haven't really thought too far ahead in that regard. I'm focused on doing my best in my current position and seeing where that takes me."

"Forgive me if I seem overly inquisitive, Miss Tong. I have a habit of getting straight to the point. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, Mr. Xiao. It's quite alright." Tong Yuling offered a small, reassuring smile.

The remainder of the journey was filled with a somewhat one-sided conversation, with Xiao Zhenghua asking a series of questions and Tong Yuling providing polite and measured responses. Xiao Zhenghua also delved into topics related to work, sharing his insights and experiences with evident passion and knowledge. Through their exchange, Tong Yuling gradually came to realize that Xiao Zhenghua's position as general manager was not merely a result of his family background but a testament to his own capabilities and hard work.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was in fact a 20-minute drive, the car pulled up in front of Tong Yuling's residence. She unfastened her seatbelt and turned to Xiao Zhenghua with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much for the ride, Mr. Xiao. It was very kind of you."

With that, she quickly exited the car and made her way towards the entrance of her community, her steps hurried and her gaze averted, deliberately avoiding meeting his eyes.

Xiao Zhenghua watched her retreating figure until it disappeared from sight, a pensive expression on his face. After a moment's pause, he pressed his foot on the accelerator and drove off, his thoughts seemingly preoccupied with the encounter he had just had.