Flustered, she turned her face away. Someone chimed in, “Silence means consent! We’re all witnesses, and we’ll be expecting wedding drinks soon!”
Casting a helpless look at He Su Ye, she found him calmly holding her hand, smiling as he introduced her to everyone.
“These two are from Weill Medical College—my university friends, Ben and Chris.”
After making the introductions, he added,
“Oh, and one more thing—this is my girlfriend, Shen Xi Fan. She’s studying MMH. Please take good care of her!”
The room filled with laughter and cheers. One person immediately declared, “If you need anything—moving furniture, groceries, whatever—just call us. Don’t hesitate!”
More laughter followed.
“Old Song, you wouldn’t even carry a box of juice upstairs last time. What’s with the sudden enthusiasm?”
“That’s different!” he retorted. “She’s Su Ye’s girlfriend—I have to be extra helpful. Besides, I’m counting on him to turn my luck around at the table tonight!”
They played until late before finally preparing to leave. The group walked them far down the road, with Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye trailing behind.
Curious, she asked, “He Su Ye, how is it that you seem to be good at everything—even mahjong?”
He smiled.
“The best gamblers are mathematicians. I’m decent at math, so playing with them is easy. But against professionals, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Shen Xi Fan pouted, “I can’t play mahjong, and I doubt I’ll ever learn. My hobbies are ‘sleeping until I wake up naturally’ and ‘counting money until my hands cramp.’ I used to learn art and calligraphy as a kid, but I’ve pretty much forgotten it all.”
“My grandfather loves calligraphy,” He Su Ye said with a smile. “He’s always writing at home. I’ll bring you to meet him someday.”
“Don’t make me embarrass myself! My handwriting is awful!”
“I wasn’t really talking about that.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I was referring to what they mentioned earlier… tonight.”
Shen Xi Fan blinked in confusion, but then realization dawned on her. She kept her face blank and feigned ignorance. Laughing playfully, she asked, “What are you talking about? Be clear! How would I know if you don’t explain?”
Caught off guard, He Su Ye found himself at a loss. Normally composed, he suddenly felt unsure of how to proceed. Gritting his teeth, he decided to just say it:
“I mean marriage. Have you thought about it?”
His directness made her face flush red instantly. Lowering her head, she was at a loss for words. He took her slightly sweaty hand in his and smiled faintly. “I know it’s a bit sudden. But I’ve thought it over myself, and that’s why I took the opportunity to ask you today.”
Her heart raced as she stammered, “Can I think about it first?”
Before she could say more, his roommate called out from up ahead, “Hey, Su Ye! We’re heading out—keep it short, or finish the conversation later on the phone!”
The group burst into laughter, with someone chiming in, “If you’re saying goodbye with a kiss, don’t mind us!” Though they teased, they tactfully dispersed to give the couple privacy.
Embarrassed, Shen Xi Fan’s face grew even redder. He Su Ye gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and whispered, “I have to go now. Take your time to think it over, but let me know by March at the latest. And please, take care of yourself—don’t overwork.”
She nodded earnestly. “I will.” After a pause, she added, “When you get home, remember to call me. There’s no need to keep things hidden anymore, right?”
He smiled, his brows softening, his face looking even more handsome. “I wasn’t hiding anything on purpose. Alright, I’ll go now.”
Releasing her hand, he climbed into the car. She stood there, smiling softly as the vehicle drove off, disappearing around the corner.
She thought to herself, My smile when we parted must have been carefree and happy.
If you can’t bear to say goodbye, then don’t say it.
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