Xiang Hang was waiting for Wang Li to get off work, from dawn until dusk, and then into the evening.

It was past seven in the evening, the busiest time at the store. As the store manager, Wang Li had to personally attend to the customers, especially the regulars, who all wanted her help.

Xiang Hang leaned against his car outside, not sure how many cigarettes he had lit up and smoked; he had finished the last one eventually and found himself boringly counting the cigarette butts he’d dropped with his shoe on the ground.

Waiting is torturous, which is why he never waits.

But today, he heard Wang Li planned to resign, and for some reason, this stirred such a big reaction in him that he could no longer ignore it.

Some of his most memorable moments with Wang Li were in bed, yet even those moments were hard to let go of.

Did he need Wang Li as a woman, or did he just need her body?

Xiang Hang kept pondering this matter. He could do without emotional needs, but yet he pursued them anyway. And then what?

Wang Li was someone suitable to be a wife, but he was not quite fit to be a husband.

More than a lover, he put more effort into being a boss. Would Wang Li be able to accept such a person?

At half-past nine, after the last wave of customers left and the store closed.

The staff came out first, turning their heads to see Xiang Hang standing outside. They were used to greeting him, and even teased him: "Brother Hang, still waiting for Sister Li so late?"

"Brother Hang, you better impress her, don’t let us down!"

"Wish Brother Hang success in his proposal; we all want to be bridesmaids!"

Xiang Hang watched the group of girls waving their hands as they passed by, leaving such blessings for him. He couldn’t help but smile.

Since when did his world no longer consist of harsh faces, of indifferent matters?

When Wang Li was about to close the door, she looked up, reaching for the curtain, when suddenly a longer arm reached over, easily pulling down the curtain first.

Wang Li involuntarily looked at him, just standing woodenly there until he stood up and glanced at her.

"Still waiting?"

Wang Li asked him in a low voice.

"Yes!"

Xiang Hang, usually a man of few words, was even quieter now due to his nervousness.

Wang Li smiled slightly then lowered her head, walking ahead. It wasn’t until she reached his car that she stopped again and turned to him.

Xiang Hang grew even more nervous, but his eyes couldn’t leave her.

They were no longer young, didn’t require grand gestures, just one outcome: yes or no.

When Qin Mingzhu came out of the bookstore with Wang Huanyu and their child, they happened to see the two of them talking about something. Qin Mingzhu quietly observed, then whispered to Wang Huanyu: "Wang Li might accept Xiang Hang’s marriage proposal today."

Wang Huanyu looked over, holding their son in his arms, then turned to his wife: "Let’s go home!"

Qin Mingzhu had always loved being part of lively events, drawn to wherever the excitement was, a trait she never shook off as she grew older.

"Oh! Just a little longer? They might kiss soon!"

Qin Mingzhu agreed, but reluctantly left, still peering back at the bookstore entrance.

Wang Huanyu smiled helplessly, thinking how he managed to get off work early to pick her up, only for her to be engrossed in others’ excitement, not eager for their alone time.

"If we don’t go, the baby might catch a cold, and it’ll be on you to handle."

Wang Huanyu kindly reminded.

Qin Mingzhu reflexively turned to look at him, giving him a ’you spoilsport’ glare.

Wang Huanyu carried the child into the car first, and Qin Mingzhu had to follow, although still in a hurry, she thought to herself she’d make sure to come to JY Store first thing tomorrow to check on Sister Li, and nothing would stop her curiosity.

Wang Li left with Xiang Hang.

The two of them decided to be companions for each other, not needing excessive love, just suitability.

Wang Li felt she wouldn’t end up old and alone, and thought that after marriage, she’d have a child, and her life would be complete.

——

The next day, Wang Li had taken the morning off, as did Xiang Hang!

The weather was bright, blue skies and white clouds, a beautiful, hopeful morning.

Qin Mu and Qin Mingzhu waited anxiously at the store.

No one would have guessed that the couple who were about to break up yesterday, would go to the marriage registry this morning.

At five past eleven, Wang Li and Xiang Hang drove back.

"Here they come! They’re here!"

A clerk who had been standing at the door for who knows how long, waiting for them.

The moment Xiang Hang’s car stopped, that girl excitedly squealed.

Inside, women drinking coffee and reading put down their books and looked outside. Indeed, the couple had gotten out of the car.

The rest rushed to prepare, and the dozen or so store employees lined up outside, with party poppers in hand. As they approached with curiosity, the employees pulled the poppers open at the base.

Suddenly, the vibrant confetti burst over their heads amidst the cheers and laughter, becoming the most beautiful moment.

Qin Mu and Qin Mingzhu stood smiling at the entrance, seeing Wang Li shy for the first time in years.

"Congratulations to the bride and groom, wishing you a lifetime of happiness and togetherness, and many children soon!"

The employees offered their enthusiastic blessings while Wang Li walked in saying, "Hurry in for the celebration candy, then get back to work. We’ll celebrate tonight."

"Still thinking about making everyone work, seems like I don’t need to hire another store manager?"

Qin Mu joked with her.

"Yes!"

Wang Li nodded, smiling, a bit embarrassed but also deeply moved.

Finally, they didn’t have to part.

They remained the best of partners.

During lunch, Qin Mu and Qin Mingzhu had privately congratulated the newlyweds. In the afternoon, Qin Mu called Mu Yichen: "We’re celebrating for Brother Hang and Sister Li tonight, care to join in the fun?"

"Got their marriage certificate for real?"

Mu Yichen, still in his office, incredulously asked Qin Mu.

"Yes! Not only that, but Wang Li also told me they’re planning to have a child soon."

Qin Mu sat at her desk, resting her chin in her hand, recalling the days just after they got married.

"That’s great news, but I have a gathering tonight, can’t get there on time. How about this? Book the venue at our hotel, I’ll join you all a bit later."

Mu Yichen thought for a moment and suggested to Qin Mu.

"Sure! Since you have work to do, we’ll go eat first, then everyone will go have drinks, karaoke, and you can join us then?"

Qin Mu asked him in a good mood.

"Alright!"

Mu Yichen agreed, hearing the happiness in Qin Mu’s voice. Although he still had a furrowed brow, his eyes couldn’t help but flash with some joy.

It seemed this life, her joy was his, her sorrow was his!

"Knock! Knock!"

It was Yang Qin knocking at the door from outside; Mu Yichen glanced over that way, and replied plainly: "Come in!"

"Do you have work now?"

Qin Mu heard his voice and asked him quietly.

"Yes!"

"Then I won’t disturb your work any longer, see you tonight!"

Qin Mu hung up the phone.

After Qin Mu hung up, Mu Yichen put down his phone, then looked up at Yang Qin: "Is everything ready?"

"Yes! Mr. Zhang and the others are waiting for you in the conference room!"

Yang Qin replied.

Mu Yichen nodded, got up, and left.

Yang Qin followed behind him.

Yang Qin noticed that Mu Yichen had seemed particularly cold these past few days; several times her discomfort was evident to him, yet he never asked, leaving her to speculate if he had discovered something but was afraid to confirm rashly.

——