Confronted with his mother’s inquiry, Qin Hualin felt a mix of helplessness and amusement.
He could only say: “A colleague.”
Hearing it was a colleague, Mrs. Qin’s interest waned, mistaking it for work-related matters: “Then come home early.”
“Will do.”
The bond between Qin Hualin and his parents was somewhat superficial-not out of estrangement, but due to the long stretches he spent alone abroad. He became accustomed to internalizing his struggles, shouldering them without revealing his innermost thoughts.
Over time, his inner world had become a solitary domain.
Leaving the Air China Building, Qin Hualin received Amelia’s W******p message.
Amelia: Is this place okay?
Amelia: [Location]
Qin Hualin glanced at it and replied: On my way.
On the other end, Amelia had specially ducked out of work early to change into a new outfit before heading out again.
The prospect of meeting Qin Hualin filled her with excitement, greater than any she had experienced when meeting new people. Her anticipation was through the roof.
After all, every aspect of this man appealed to her visually. Any additional attraction would have to come through personal interaction.
Amelia waited nervously, occasionally checking her makeup in the mirror to ensure perfection.
About fifteen minutes later, a figure finally appeared in the restaurant.
Amelia spotted him instantly, but she wasn’t the only one; other women’s gazes also homed in on Qin Hualin with ravenous intrigue.
Sensing their predatory stares, Amelia grew increasingly uneasy.
The next moment, she stood up, waving to him, “Mr. Qin.”
Qin Hualin’s gaze shifted toward her, he nodded slightly and strode over.
Amelia wasn’t overly dolled up, just lively enough to give off a refreshing vibe, starkly contrasting Qin Hualin’s subdued and methodical presence. “Mr. Qin, please order,” Amelia handed him the menu.
“Just call me Qin Hualin.”
Qin Hualin then asked, “Have you ordered?”
“I’m good with anything.” Amelia’s smile was genuine and easy, unforced, and comfortable.
Such an expression rarely ventured into Qin Hualin’s world.
He was used to purpose-driven smiles and official demeanors.
Qin Hualin picked a couple of dishes, then let Amelia choose another two.
Four dishes in total were enough for them.
Once the waiter left, Amelia launched the conversation: “Do you have any hobbies outside work?”
“Rarely. I usually get home late after work.”
“And on your days off?”
Qin Hualin wasn’t being evasive; he simply stated, “Days off are scarce too.” Ads by PubFuture
Amelia surmised that Qin Hualin must indeed be part of Air China’s management team.
She fiddled with her fingers, “Qin…Hualin?”
The man across smiled gently, “Yes.”
“May I ask a bold question?” Amelia blushed slightly, a rare show of shyness, “Are you… single?”
Qin Hualin leaned back in his chair, not quite languid, but decidedly relaxed.
He observed Amelia silently.
Amelia’s looks were definitely top-tier, and her figure, as expected of a flight attendant, was unquestionably attractive. Her disposition, however, was that of a radiant sunflower in full bloom. After what seemed like half a minute, Qin Hualin slowly nodded, “Yes, single.”
Amelia was aware that Qin Hualin wasn’t setting any unnecessary barriers for her.
Her heart pounded like a drum; the smooth talking that came so naturally to her seemed misplaced now.
Even speaking felt like stumbling over words.
“Let’s eat first, it’s been a long day.”
When the food arrived, Amelia pushed some dishes a bit closer to Qin Hualin’s side.
He didn’t mind, initiating a new topic, “Is your job demanding?”
“It’s okay. A bit busier usually, but pretty relaxed lately,” Amelia answered with a chuckle.
Qin Hualin nodded in acknowledgment.
Amelia took a bite, “How long have you been with Air China?”
“Not long, just joined. I was working abroad before, also in aviation.”
“That’s impressive.” Amelia had a thing for men who were serious about their careers.
Qin Hualin offered a modest laugh, “Nothing impressive, really. Just another employee.”
“Not all
Amelia a gestured with her
S are the same,”
with her finger,
e like you has brains.net
part of the workforce.”
W
Her candidness amused Qin Hualin, “How old are you?”
“27. And you?”
“Three years older.”Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
“The age of standing firm,” Amelia nodded, then blurted out, “The perfect age to settle down.”
Qin Hualin couldn’t help but glance at her.
Amelia quickly held back, “It’s what the elders say.” Ads by PubFuture
The man nodded with a smile.
As they continued their meal, the conversation mostly revolved around Amelia’s life, with Qin Hualin listening attentively.
Despite his few words, he showed genuine respect for Amelia.
Throughout the dinner, Amelia was delighted, and Qin Hualin, not one for socializing, didn’t feel weary.
At the restaurant’s entrance, Qin Hualin asked, “Same way home?”
They lived across from each other.
Amelia nodded emphatically, “Of course!”
Qin Hualin smiled, “Let’s go together.”
“Great!”
On the drive, Qin Hualin occasionally glanced at his phone but didn’t reply or answer calls, taking road safety seriously.
“Qin Hualin.”
“Hm?” He responded casually.
Amelia opened her mouth, then hesitated.
She was impulsive by nature, not one for dawdling.
Watching the traffic light countdown in the front, she managed to hold back her words.
“Never mind.”
Qin Hualin gave her a look but didn’t pry further.
They arrived safely, and as Amelia
got out of the car to head across the street, she turned, “Mr. Qin, I really enjoyed dinner with you tonight, I hope you did too.”
Just after closing the car door, Qin Hualin up, pausing for a
oked,
l.net
before nodding, “I did. Have rest when you get
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“Will do!”
Back across the street, Amelia leaned against her door, catching her breath.
Jessica walked over with a face mask, “Were you chased by a dog?”
“Go away, nonsense.” Amelia kicked off her shoes, her face flushed with an odd shade of pink.
Jessica found her behavior strange, “Where have you been?”
“It’s a secret; I can’t tell you.”
“Oh, you have secrets now?” Jessica was incredulous.
Amelia, giddy in her pajamas, began her nightly beauty routine, her thoughts lingering on every move Qin Hualin made.
She used to despise stodgy old men, deeming them dull.
But now…
Maybe they were not so dreary after all?
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