Back Then, I Adored You

Qin Zhi’ai had expected to receive Professor Zhu’s reply the next morning; however, upon settling her bill and exiting the cafe, before she could flag down a taxi, her phone rang in her bag. It was Professor Zhu’s reply. “Of course there is. You are the most outstanding student among those from your group. If you’ve made up your mind, I’ll be working at the school tomorrow morning. You can drop by at eight, and I’ll have your recommendation letter ready and get your signature. I’ll send it to the school’s administration office after Chinese New Year.”

“Okay, Professor Zhu.” After a brief pause, Qin Zhi’ai typed, “Goodnight, Professor.”

“Goodnight.”

Qin Zhi’ai sent him an emoji conveying courtesy and respect.

…

At 7:00 a. m. the next morning, Qin Zhi’ai was already up. After washing up and packing her bag, she left the apartment.

By the time she reached West University, it was already a quarter past eight, and Professor Zhu had already finished a cup of tea in his office.

“Xiao’ai,” he said when he saw Qin Zhi’ai walking in. He picked up the recommendation letter from his desk, handed it to Qin Zhi’ai, and tapped twice at the area where her signature was required. “You just need to sign your name here.”

“Okay.” Holding the pen, she scanned through the document and signed “Qin Zhi’ai.”

…

As she walked out of West University, Qin Zhi’ai fished out her phone and called Xiaowang. “Chauffeur Wang, I would like to meet with you and Master Gu now.”

Xiaowang was stunned briefly by her firm tone but then replied, “Secretary Qin, is there something wrong?”

“Yes…” Qin Zhi’ai suddenly heard Gu Yusheng ask Xiaowang, “Is it Secretary Qin?”

“Yes. Secretary Qin would like to meet with you,” Xiaowang replied quickly.

Gu Yusheng had been staring at his computer and typing quickly on the keyboard, but he stopped abruptly.

Although she had not mentioned the purpose of their meetup, he had some vague ideas about what it could be about.

“Master Gu?” Xiaowang nudged when he didn’t reply.

Snapping out of his daze, Gu Yusheng continued to type away on his keyboard. After a moment, he stopped again and said, “Get Secretary Qin to meet me at the Peking Clubhouse at 11.”

“Yes, Master Gu.” Putting the phone back to his ear, Xiaowang relayed the message to Qin Zhi’ai. “Secretary Qin, Master Gu said to meet him at the Peking Clubhouse at 11:00 a.m.”

“Okay. See you then.”

When Xiaowang said goodbye to Qin Zhi’ai, Gu Yusheng’s fingers slowed down on the keyboard for a moment before resuming. Eventually, he closed his laptop.

…

The Peking Clubhouse was a bit too warm.

Qin Zhi’ai followed the waiter to a private room and, when she walked in, Gu Yusheng was already waiting for her inside. He was wearing a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up below his elbows but still revealing his fair but solid arm. He was casual and laid back, yet still clean and sharp.

Xiaowang greeted Qin Zhi’ai before motioning for her to take a seat.

“Master Gu and Chauffeur Wang,” Qin Zhi’ai greeted them before sitting down.

Xiaowang passed her a warm cup of tea.

Because she wanted to avoid caffeine during her pregnancy, Qin Zhi’ai thanked him with a smile and left the drink on the table after accepting it.