A week passed in a state of subdued spirits, and 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. Both he and Tiantian were among the selected contestants.
Although this outcome was expected, his heart still fluttered with joy.
What made him even happier was that the organizers, in order to ensure the competition's fairness, impartiality, and transparency, had provided a venue.
All contestants selected for the semi-finals were invited to a designated location to prepare their subsequent competition drafts, for a period of one week, until everyone submitted their work.
This meant that, in this way, he and Tiantian would have another week together.
While this extra week wouldn't change the ultimate outcome for either of them, Chen Dongyang couldn't help but feel happy.
He, who had been listless for the past few days, felt as if he had been injected with fresh blood upon seeing these few lines of text, and instantly came alive.
After much thought, he went to find Douya.
"You used to tell me all the time how good Miss Jiang was to you, that 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 anything recently?"
For the past week, he had been like a tyrant waiting to erupt, and anyone who got close to him was in trouble. Douya was almost afraid to speak to him, let alone gossip.
When Chen Dongyang asked, he thought he was going to be blamed again, so Douya 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 his extremely frightened expression, Chen Dongyang patted his shoulder with a laugh.
"I know. We're not working overtime tonight. I'm giving you some time to treat her to a meal."
"Ah?"
"What 'ah'? I've given you the opportunity, now it's up to you whether you want it or not."
"Yes, yes, yes."
It was rare for him not to have to work overtime today, and Douya was overjoyed. He ran to wash his hands and sent a message to Tiantian.
Although Tiantian had been feeling lonely and unhappy at home recently, she was still too embarrassed to impose on Douya.
Working overtime every day and earning such a small salary, and still needing to send money home, eating his meals was no different from drinking his blood.
"It's such a small matter, why are you still keeping it in mind? I've already forgotten. We're friends, it's natural to help each other. Don't mention it again."
"I have a rare day off. You should get a good night's sleep. I haven't had much appetite lately and don't feel like eating."
Douya was very disappointed.
Tiantian was the most beautiful and socially prominent person he knew.
Although he didn't know what she did, his intuition told him that this was a friend worth befriending. Was Tiantian no longer planning to interact with him?
"Miss Jiang, do you look down on me and think that I can only afford to treat you to a bowl of noodles, which isn't even enough to cover your travel expenses?"
Tiantian quickly said, "That's not what I meant. Douya, don't overthink it. I truly consider you a friend, it's just that I really don't have much appetite lately."
"Then how about we postpone it? Let me know when your appetite improves. After all, I'm a man, and although I don't earn much, I can still afford to treat you to 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 should we eat?"
"What do you want to eat?"
"I already told you I don't have much appetite and don't feel like eating."
Chen Dongyang, standing nearby, gave Douya a suggestion: hot pot.
"How about hot pot, Miss Jiang? Eating spicy food can stimulate the appetite. The more you eat, the happier you'll be. Give it a try."
Tiantian thought that since she didn't want to eat anything anyway, she might as well go and humor them. It didn't matter what they ate, so she agreed.
Just as she was worrying about how to get there, Douya said.
"Then wait at home. Brother Chen and I will come pick you up."
Tiantian immediately regretted it: "Brother Chen? Chen Dongyang is coming too?"
Douya said yes, "Brother Chen is off today too. It's a good thing he's off, otherwise, we'd have to take a taxi. Haha."
Tiantian was speechless for a moment. She thought to herself: Nan City is just this big, and no one can guarantee they won't meet someone again in the future. It's not a solution to keep avoiding them.
Instead of being awkward, it was better to face it calmly. Time would dilute everything, so let it be.
She agreed, "Okay. I'll wait for you at the entrance of the residential complex."
The weather was getting warmer, and although it was still a bit chilly at night, Chen Dongyang didn't mind at all.
He and Douya 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 her wheelchair, wearing a simple white dress with her hair gently cascading over her shoulders.
After not seeing her for a few days, she seemed to have become even thinner.
Sitting alone in the large wheelchair, she looked a bit like Lin Daiyu from afar.
Chen Dongyang couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.
Douya, carefree as ever, 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 of the car.
Tiantian didn't look at him, pretending to be busy talking to Douya. When they reached the car, Douya was about to help her stand up, and Chen Dongyang stepped forward.
"Let me carry you."
Tiantian finally looked at him, but only cast a fleeting glance.
"No need, I'm almost recovered. I can walk by myself now. Just help me open the door."
Douya quickly opened the car door. She limped over, 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's heart felt both sour and sweet.
The sourness was because she would no longer need him, and they might never have a chance for close contact again.
The sweetness was that as long as she was healthy, that was all that mattered.
The three of them got into the car. Douya, from the passenger seat, turned back to chat with Tiantian.
Wushuang's house had been renovated, and all the labor costs had been paid. They were preparing to buy appliances and ventilate for formaldehyde, planning to move in by the end of next month.
They chatted about mundane things. Douya 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." Douya 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."
Douya knew a little bit about that.
"Then you're not. Let me guess what you do, a white-collar worker in a big company?"
"White-collar worker in a big company" was a very broad term. Tiantian smiled, "Yes. I'm a white-collar 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 gone to work in a long time."
"Ah, it's not easy for you either."
As she chatted playfully with Douya, Chen Dongyang watched her in the rearview mirror.
Seeing the faint smile on her face, he couldn't help but feel his own mood lighten considerably.