A week passed in a state of melancholy before the results of the semi-finals for the New Designer Competition were announced.
Upon receiving the text message, Chen Dongyang immediately logged onto the official website to check the list. He and Tiantian were both among the selected individuals.
Although this outcome was expected, his heart still fluttered with joy.
What made him even happier was that the organizers, to ensure fairness, impartiality, and transparency in the competition, provided a venue.
All selected semi-finalists were invited to a designated location to prepare their next competition drafts for a week, until everyone submitted their work.
This meant that if things went this way, he and Tiantian would have another week together.
Even though this extra week wouldn't change the ultimate outcome for the two of them, Chen Dongyang couldn't help but feel happy.
After feeling listless for the past few days, seeing these few lines of text seemed to infuse him with fresh blood, and he instantly came back to life.
After much thought, he went to find Dou Ya.
"You always told me how good Miss Jiang was to you, how she didn't look down on you, and even lent you money, saying you should repay her well and treat her to meals. Why aren't you saying that anymore?"
For the past week, he had been like a pent-up tyrant, and anyone who got close to him would suffer. Dou Ya had been too afraid to even speak to him, let alone gossip.
Hearing his question, and thinking he was about to scold him again, Dou Ya quickly raised his hands.
"I haven't said anything because I heard Miss Jiang injured her foot and has difficulty moving. I'm very willing to treat her to a meal, and I wish I could see her every day. Brother Chen, you know, I'm definitely not being stingy!"
Seeing how terrified he looked, Chen Dongyang patted his shoulder with a smile.
"I know. We're not working overtime tonight. I'll give you some time to treat her to a meal."
"Ah?"
"What 'ah'? The opportunity is given to you. Just say whether you want it or not."
"Yes, yes, yes."
It was rare for him not to have to work overtime today, and Dou Ya was overjoyed. He washed his hands and sent a message to Tiantian.
Although Tiantian had been feeling bored and unhappy staying home alone recently, she still felt embarrassed to accept Dou Ya's offer.
Working overtime every day and earning such little wages, which also had to be sent home, eating his meals felt like drinking his blood.
"It's such a small matter, why are you still keeping it in mind? I've already forgotten. We're friends, and it's natural to help each other. Don't mention it again."
"It's a rare day off. You should just get some good rest. You haven't had a good appetite lately and don't feel like eating."
Dou Ya was very disappointed.
Tiantian was the person with the highest social status and the most beautiful among everyone he knew.
Although he didn't know what she did, he had a gut feeling that this friend was worth making. Was Tiantian planning to cut ties with him?
"Miss Jiang, do you look down on me? Do you think I can only afford to treat you to a bowl of noodles, not even enough for your travel expenses?"
Tiantian quickly said that wasn't what she meant. "Dou Ya, don't overthink it. I truly consider you a friend, but I really don't have an appetite lately."
"Then how about we postpone it? Tell me when your appetite gets better. After all, I'm a man. Although I don't earn much, I'm not so poor that I can't afford a meal. If you refuse me, how will I have the face to see you again?"
Tiantian had no choice. She put herself in his shoes and realized that owing someone a favor felt truly uncomfortable.
"Alright then. I'll go. What do you want to eat?"
"What do you want to eat?"
"I already said I don't have an appetite and don't want to eat."
Chen Dongyang, standing nearby, gave Dou Ya a suggestion: hot pot.
"How about hot pot, Miss Jiang? Eating spicy food can whet your appetite. It makes you happier the more you eat. Try it."
Tiantian thought that since she didn't want to eat anyway, she might as well go and appease them. What they ate didn't matter, so she agreed.
Just as she was wondering how to get there, Dou Ya said,
"Then wait at home. Brother Chen and I will pick you up later."
Tiantian immediately regretted it. "Brother Chen? Chen Dongyang is coming too?"
Dou Ya said yes. "Brother Chen is also off today. Fortunately, he's off, otherwise, we'd have to take a taxi. Hehe."
Tiantian was speechless for a moment, thinking: Nan Cheng is such a small place. No one can guarantee they won't meet someone again in the future. It's not good to keep hiding.
Instead of being awkward, it's better to face it calmly. Time will fade everything. So be it.
She agreed, "Okay. Then I'll wait for you at the entrance of the residential complex."
The weather was getting warmer. Although it was still a bit cool at night, Chen Dongyang didn't mind at all.
He and Dou Ya quickly took a cold shower, changed into clean clothes, and went to pick up Tiantian.
She was already waiting outside the complex entrance, sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a simple white dress, her hair gently cascading over her shoulders.
After not seeing her for a few days, she seemed to have lost more weight.
Sitting alone in the large wheelchair, seen from a distance, she truly resembled Lin Daiyu.
Chen Dongyang's heart couldn't help but ache.
Dou Ya, carefree, got out of the car upon arrival and greeted Tiantian, pushing her towards the car.
Chen Dongyang followed a step behind and also got out.
Tiantian didn't look at him, pretending to be busy talking to Dou Ya. When they reached the car, Dou Ya was about to help her stand up, and Chen Dongyang stepped forward.
"Let me carry you."
Tiantian finally looked at him, but only for a fleeting moment.
"No need, I'm almost recovered. I can walk by myself now. Just help me open the door."
Dou Ya quickly pulled open the car door. She walked with a slight limp, first stepping with her right leg, then slowly lifting her left leg, and squeezed in with great effort.
Seeing that she was recovering well, Chen Dongyang felt a mix of sadness and sweetness.
The sadness stemmed from the fact that she wouldn't need him anymore, and they might never have a chance for close contact again.
The sweetness came from the fact that as long as she was healthy, that was all that mattered.
The three of them got into the car. Dou Ya turned around from the passenger seat to chat with Tiantian.
Wushuang's house had been renovated, and all the wages had been paid to the workers. They were preparing to buy appliances and air out the formaldehyde, planning to move in at the end of next month.
They chatted casually, and Dou Ya suddenly asked her.
"Miss Jiang, after knowing you for so long, I still don't know what you do. What kind of work do you do?"
Tiantian smiled. "What do you think I do?"
"I don't know." Dou Ya honestly scratched his head.
"You're so beautiful and have such a good figure. Could you be a model?"
"Hahaha. You think too highly of me. I'm not tall enough to be a model."
"Why not? A print model."
Dou Ya knew a little bit.
"It seems you're not. Then let me guess what you do. An office worker in a big company?"
"Office worker in a big company" was a very broad term. Tiantian smiled. "Yes. I'm an office worker in a big company."
"Wow. Then your salary must be very high."
"It's alright. I've been recuperating at home lately and haven't been to work in a long time."
"Oh, it's not easy for you either."
As she chatted playfully with Dou Ya, Chen Dongyang watched her in the rearview mirror.
Seeing the faint smile always on her face, he couldn't help but feel his own mood lift considerably.