They were classmates and also good friends for many years. However, from the standpoint of business, the client company’s negotiating representative did not blindly like the second short film recommended by Zhu Maolin.
But after a round of negotiations, Shao Fei bought the second piece of film because the second piece’s cost was not high. It could even be regarded as cheap while the quality was adequate. It was qualified to be broadcast on TV channels. With that, the advertising effect might become better.
Overall, it was a delightful meeting.
“Maolin, you have worked hard.”
After the meeting, Shao Fei came to Zhu Maolin. They tend to be chatty with each other. Shao Fei handed Zhu Maolin a cigarette. Zhu Maolin shook his head, saying that he had quit.
Zhu Maolin thought for a while and said, “It’s been more than half a year, right? It should be either April or May.”
Shao Fei was a little surprised. He smacked his lips before speaking out, “Have it been such a long time? Why do I feel like it’s only three or two months?”
Zhu Maolin nodded, “It’s been such a long time. Last time I saw you, this belly doesn’t seem to be that big.”
“You were fit,” replied Zhu Maolin.
Shao Fei suggested, “How about we have a weekend party after finishing the advertising project? You should bring your wife along. It just so happened that I haven’t rested for a long time. The wife and children at home seldom welcome me home.”
“No.” Zhu Maolin shook his head, “I still have a project on hand. I am afraid I can’t spare any time else.”
Zhu Maolin just patted Shao Fei’s shoulder lightly, “Let’s leave it as it is. I have to go back to the company to wrap up. We will talk next time.”
“Well, it’s up to you.” Shao Fei nodded without pushing too hard.
After Zhu Maolin left, Shao Fei planned to finish smoking the cigarette. He continued to look at the city outside, thinking about his hustling after he came out of campus six or seven years ago. Those were sleepless nights.
In short, for Shao Fei, tomorrow was always another day filled with hope and gratitude.
…
She was a little curious. Who was the person who came up with this headline? Did he have such a strong mentality? It took a lot of positive energy to face all the suffering and challenges to life. Or, was it just empty words pieced after multiple trials?
Perhaps, there could be someone being optimistic and positive who could overcome all challenges. After all, the population of this world was so huge.
Buses stopped in front of her and drove away one by one; some buses followed the destined routes suitable for her while some didn’t.
How long had passed since then?
She somehow did not want to think about this issue; she even inclined to stop thinking. If she could quit her brain cells from functioning… Would she be able to avoid accidentally recalling those “events?”
Hou Chen Yuhan covered her face with both hands and started crying on this bustling street… Passers-by still rushed to and fro. Everything seemed to her like a silent pantomime—a one-person show by someone mysterious.
“Are you alright?”
It was a kind-hearted soul.
Hou Chen Yuhan shook her head and stood up. She lowered her head without saying a word and hastened her pace, sped past the kind aunty. She then wandered on the street.
This was what she experienced before coming to this place – supposedly. However, Hou Chen Yuhan did not have any idea of how she walked into this place.
The decoration here gave off a different feeling. It felt like it was a fractured time between the past and present, calming her down.
Under the swaying candlelight, a young man was looking at him with a smile. Beside him was another dream-like beauty standing beside him.
This was a place where people got what they wanted. The mysterious boss explained to her the meaning of this place.
She believed it naturally as if her common sense did not deny the illogical power of this place.
“Do you want a child?” Luo Qiu looked at Hou Chen Yuhan. This was the request that felt close to her heart at the moment.
Boss Luo thought for a while and said, “If you want a child, why don’t you adopt one? If it’s just for emotional sustenance, there are examples of deep connection, even if not blood-related. In this case, I feel that dear guest, you don’t need to get it from us.”
From a business perspective, Hou Chen Yuhan found this boss weird. This was like persuading the guests to think twice before purchasing.
She couldn’t even tell whether the young man was kind or false-hearted.
“No. If it isn’t our child, it won’t work.” Hou Chen Yuhan shook her head. She seemed more firm than a few minutes ago.
The boss stretched out his hand in front of Hou Chen Yuhan. A row of flower cards [1] appeared in front of her. These were all the prices she could use to pay for the service.
“As long as the selection is not made, you can still withdraw the request.” Luo Qiu reminded lastly, “But again, once a decision is made, no future changes can be made. So, we hope that dear guests can consider it carefully. After all, we are not willing to charge you the fee when you are full of hatred.”
After looking at the flower cards one by one, Hou Chen Yuhan looked at Luo Qiu with a complex expression as if she had become hesitant. The price marked in it tilted the measurement in her heart.
It was her bottom line that made her hesitate to make a decision. When there was still room for hesitation, her hesitation reflected as normal behavior.
The boss had incredible patience as he calmly waited for Hou Chen Yuhan’s decision. He didn’t urge nor gave her any advice. His calm composure merged naturally with the peacefully burning candle flame around.
“Of course.” Boss Luo smiled and said, “We do not force our guests. Moreover, dear guests, you do not have to worry that you will miss the opportunity. Strictly speaking, we are always on your side. If you remember that clearly, you can always…”