When spring arrived, Wang Li started seeing a new girlfriend, Miss Zhou, a researcher at a museum. Quiet and composed, she exuded an elegance reminiscent of a bygone era—a calm, graceful demeanor that left a lasting impression on Wang Li. Bao Yong also found Miss Zhou to be a rare gem: unpretentious, understanding, poised, and beautiful, with a natural charm.
One evening, while flying back from Shanghai to Beijing, Wang Li suddenly turned to Bao Yong mid-flight and asked, “What do you think about me getting married?”
Bao Yong smiled. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Her response was measured and respectful. Wang Li considered her words, then said, “When you have time, come with me to pick out a ring. I trust your taste.”
For the first time, Bao Yong accompanied Wang Li abroad—to Antwerp, the “Diamond Capital of the World.” Over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds are processed in this city, polished into brilliant loose stones, with 50% of them sold directly here. They spent most of the day on Hoveniersstraat (the diamond district), carefully selecting a diamond.
When trying on ring settings, the jewelry store manager couldn’t help but comment to Bao Yong, “C’est mon dieu, vous êtes la fille la plus chanceuse du monde.”
(Translation: “Oh my God, you are the luckiest girl in the world.”)
Bao Yong smiled. The luckiest girl in the world? Miss Zhou would surely feel the same when she saw this ring.
Once the diamond was chosen, they left it with the jeweler for mounting. Wang Li appeared much more relaxed. “Let’s go explore Antwerp,” he said.
Bao Yong diligently played the role of tour guide, taking him to the Grand Place and the cathedral—typical yet essential stops. Perhaps revisiting familiar places put her at ease, and she seemed more cheerful and lively. As night fell, she boldly asked, “Would you like to try the local cuisine?”
Wang Li surprised her by agreeing, and they ended up dining on salmon and lamb kidneys. The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet corner of a small square. Seated on the terrace, they looked up to see a sky full of glittering stars.
Wang Li asked, “Have you been here before?”
“With an ex-boyfriend,” Bao Yong answered candidly. “A very handsome Belgian.”
Her expression was tinged with wistfulness, subtle and layered—part sigh, part nostalgia. Her gaze, reflective and soft, caught the candlelight on the table, reminding Wang Li of the diamonds they had seen earlier—radiant, mesmerizing, their brilliance captivating in every flicker.
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