Gong Xuechang studied abroad for three years. After completing his Master and Doctorate studies, he returned to China to become an English professor at a college. In addition to English, he was also proficient in Japanese and Korean and knew a little German and French. He enjoyed doing translation work, so he had wide exposure to languages and other related works.
He became a teacher in his home country so he could practice his skills more even in his spare time. Translation was not limited to words, but it also required a certain understanding of the local culture, environment, its society , as well as a certain level of language aesthetics. Language was beautiful. Gong Xuechang firmly believed in this, and often told his undergraduates that their readings after class should not be limited to textbooks and rote memorization.
Because of his slightly good looks, his older senior professors set him up on many blind dates, despite having spent less than a year home. Gong Xuechang was far from anxious about his relationship status, but it was also difficult to refuse the kindness of the professors.
“Xiao Fang is a talented girl from our school. She is also very cute, and she is just three years younger than you. She’s the perfect match! Her mother’s also my friend. We do dancing together with a community every day. A mother-in-law’s personality is more important than anything else. I can guarantee this!”
“I have met her daughter Xiao Fang a few times! She is quiet and polite. I think she’s working as a clerk for a company… Well, the important thing is that she has a stable job, and it wouldn’t matter how much money she makes, right?”Gong Xuechang felt overwhelmed by the professors. He had no choice but to nod.
The senior professor was even more elated. She was very enthusiastic about her new identity as a matchmaker. “Then I’ll send you Miss Fang’s WeChat contacts,” she said. She did not forget to pat Gong Xuechang on the shoulder. “Don’t forget to contact her, boys should always take the initiative!” she reminded again.
Gong Xuechang could only nod. As a man, he was a gentleman. Although he was not keen on blind dates, he still understood that he should invite the girl out for a meal and pay the bill, since he had agreed.
After getting the other party’s WeChat, he sent an invitation to be friends. Just looking at the other person’s profile picture, she was indeed cute. She was wearing a hello kitty headband. It looked like the picture was taken in Disneytown.
Gong Xuechang glanced at it a little more before putting his mobile phone in his pocket. Then, he took his lecture notes and headed to the lecture hall.
After two classes, he glanced at his phone again. The other party had not accepted his invitation. After two more classes, he glanced at his phone again. It was still not accepted… He checked it several times that night, but it still wasn’t accepted…
It was not until he got up the next day that he saw the WeChat notification.[I’ve accepted your friend request, we can start chatting now.]
When he saw the time of this notification, he narrowed his eyes.
02:33 am.
Did this girl sleep so late? Or did she stay up late?
He had no position to interfere in another person’s life. After glancing at it, he went to the school cafeteria to eat as usual. Then, he prepared for his lecture. At 3:30 in the afternoon, he finished his work and returned to the office. He was questioned by the senior professor again. After being urged, he had no choice but to send a message.
[Hello, I was introduced by Professor Zheng. Are you free to have a meal together?]
After Gong Xuechang finished sending the message, he politely added another sticker of an awkward smile to avoid embarrassment. But this embarrassment did not subside at all, and it continued until the early morning of the next day! The other party didn’t reply until one o’clock in the morning the next day.
[Fang Xiaogong*: T-T…Sorry, I’m not available. My schedule for this week is full. Maybe next week, but please let me know three days in advance, if possible T-T…]
*This is Fang Qiuye’s WeChat name. Will be explained in the .
This subtle rejection did not make Gong Xuechang feel angry or annoyed. On the contrary, the two emojis made him take a second look.
[Gong Xuechang: It doesn’t matter. I can tell that you’re busy.]
They were both grown ups, and one naturally understood if another person was declining an invitation. Gong Xuechang kept his mobile phone and continued to prepare and lecture classes.
This lasted until Aunty… Professor Zheng came to him again. She was very concerned.
“Xiao Gong, have you guys met?” she began, then seeing his face, she added, “Huh? Not yet? What’s wrong? You didn’t invite her out?”
Gong Xuechang thought for a while and decided to take the blame on himself. “We were both busy.”
“What are you busy with? Both of you have time after you get off work!” Aunty exclaimed. “Gosh, I don’t know what to tell her mother. No matter how busy you are, you have to fall in love. You can be friends even if you don’t get married in the end. Isn’t that good?”
The professor of the English Department was indeed enlightened and had a modern mindset.
“You’re always alone, and that’s so boring!” she added. “This month, the party is organizing some activities, and there are two extra concert tickets. You can take them and invite her to listen to the concert, and have a meal on the way.”
Gong Xuechang had no choice but to accept it. He sent another message to the other party.
[Miss Fang, are you free this Saturday?]
Today was Tuesday, but it met her request to invite her out three days in advance. This time, he didn’t have to wait until early morning. A reply from the other party came after lunch break at noon.
[Fang Xiaogong: Bro, I’m sorry. I’ve been too busy recently…QAQ. I’ll apologize and buy you meal when I’m free next time~]
Gong Xuechang paid attention to the emoticons again, and there was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
[Sure.]
He didn’t look at his friends’ status often and he also rarely updated his status. But today, he couldn’t help but look at it.
Her WeChat name, Fang Xiaogong, seemed to encapsulate her real life story; there was no time when she was not busy. In her status update, there were many photos of her staying up late, which showed the busy, daily life of the other party.
