Before leaving, Zhu Jingru put the silver ring on his finger. He bent down to put on his shoes, hesitated for a few seconds, then went back and sprayed some perfume on his wrist, but then didn’t want to appear too eager.
He kept the car window open the entire way, trying to dilute the scent of the perfume.
Zhu Jingru walked up the steps one by one. The coffee shop’s glass reflected his figure. He wore uniquely tailored loose black knitwear with cargo pants. Judging by his face and figure alone, he didn’t look like someone in his early thirties. He also possessed a pair of eyes skilled at deception, seemingly devoid of desire yet also full of it.
This time, however, Zhu Jingru’s plan fell through. He didn’t even get a chance to try his tricks. He sat by the window, gently rubbing the tabletop with his fingers, his knuckles bent, his peripheral vision filled with Bai Qinglin, who was standing at the counter, reading a book.
He finally understood why Bai Qinglin had agreed to a meeting — because he was only responsible for making coffee and investing; the coffee shop had a dedicated finance person.
“It was a pleasure doing business with you.” The long-haired, wavy-haired beauty sitting opposite him extended her hand.
He had managed to establish a connection, not a bad outcome. As they shook hands and signed the contract, the beautiful finance person suddenly said, “I heard you’re very fond of the coffee our shop manager makes.”
“Indeed, I am.” Zhu Jingru didn’t hesitate, turning to look at Bai Qinglin, “I didn’t use to be.”
“The coffee beans he sources are more than three times the quality of those on the market, yet the price is the same.” Li Wenxue handed the contract to Bai Qinglin. “Who would have thought, such a free spirit has actually been to South America and Africa, and even has a friend who grows coffee beans. Every month, there’s a small surplus of fresh beans, which we can use.”
“Mm.” Bai Qinglin looked at Zhu Jingru’s signature. It was as flamboyant as the man himself, the strokes sharp. His gaze swept downwards. There were two small letters written in the blank space on the page: “Hi”.
Li Wenxue also noticed them. “Saying hello to you?”
Bai Qinglin reflexively looked up at the window seat.
The person was already gone. He put away the documents and was about to tie on his brown apron.
The server next to him asked curiously, “Sister Wen, what kind of ‘free spirit’ are we talking about?”
“As free-spirited as they come. And that face, who wouldn’t be captivated?” Li Wenxue replied, then met Bai Qinglin’s eyes and felt a shiver down her spine. She figured that Lao Bai didn’t like gossip, so she ignored the discomfort and continued sharing the gossip with the young girl, “He’s quite famous. He was in a band that became popular more than ten years ago, then disappeared… I didn’t expect the bar across the street to be his. I finally saw him in person today.”
“Too bad he’s not interested in women. I heard he’s gay.”
…
Bai Qinglin turned around and washed his hands, then dried them. He was accustomed to keeping everything organized and under control. After drying his hands, he went outside to the delivery truck to unload coffee beans.
He had to pass a silver car each time he went in and out. In a place where every inch of land was valuable, any luxury car was commonplace, but there was a parking lot nearby.
The driver seemed to be sleeping, his body and face covered with a blanket.
As he carried the last box, Bai Qinglin passed by one last time. Then the car window slowly rolled down, a hand adorned with a silver ring reaching out and resting on the edge.
“Are you free for lunch together?”
Unexpectedly, they met again.
Zhu Jingru’s voice, like his appearance, was very distinctive, his tone comfortable and relaxed, like a casual invitation to an old friend, not at all offensive.
Hearing the voice, Bai Qinglin stopped. He looked down at Zhu Jingru’s slightly reddened nose from being covered by the blanket and spoke frankly, his voice even, simply stating a fact, “I’m not used to eating out.”
The implication was clear — he was welcome to come for coffee anytime, but personal contact was unnecessary.
Bai Qinglin had a rather intimidating aura when he looked down at people like this, his eyelids slightly narrowed, his pupils dark. And he spoke so directly, it could leave one speechless.
“Is that so?” Zhu Jingru didn’t seem embarrassed at all, as if the rejection was expected, like he had just asked casually.
Bai Qinglin stood there and watched him leave. As the car window passed by, Zhu Jingru deliberately turned his head and glanced at him, his charming face indeed flirtatious. He left a playful remark, clearly amused.
“Shop Manager Bai, it was a pleasure doing business with you.”
