I have a question.

"But how did you know about the satchel?" Menxiang turned, confused.

"I saw it in your purse." Chunlan lied flawlessly, schooling her facial features in place.

"Oh...okay. Well I will see you later. Bye." Menxiang grabbed her purse on the table and closed the door, quietly.

Chunlan stood with determination. She was going to get an answer from him. In this life, she was his and he was hers. There was no room for escape!

She finally arrived in front of a fast food restaurant. She got out of the cab, tipping the driver and stared at the entrance. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside, sitting at a corner of the booth.

She spotted him, taking an order from   a group of girls, his face a cold mask. She could see it in their eyes the love and admiration. She consciously checked herself. Why did she forget to make up?

After taking their order, he moved to her table not looking up. He said huskily "What is your order?"

She felt her throat close up, her heart fluttering. She leaned in slightly "Uhm, a plate of ham cheese omelet please."

He froze and finally looked at her, his eyes filled with shock. "Chunlan."

Gazing into his eyes, she gulped. "Hi."

He closed the notepad, his other hand running through his hair. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to pick you up. But I am also hungry, please feed me." Her soft voice whined.

His eyes softened, full of doting and adoration. Finally, she was caring about him. He felt like this was a dream and was tempted to pinch himself. "Okay. Wait here."

After taking the orders, he gave them to the chef. He rushed her, afraid to let Chunlan starve. He served her, hearing her faint voice. "Thank you."

This, this was what kept him awake, motivated even when things got hard for him. He could still hear it, the taunts from his classmates anytime they came into the restaurant. He worked multiple jobs, read twice as hard and rarely slept just to give her a better life.

He saw her open her purse and bring out money. "Here."

He pushed it back, his heart freezing. "I am paying, no need." 

She shrugged and closed her purse. "Okay."

Satisfied, he continued working.

Chunlan watched him work, her heart and body satisfied. After some while, she drifted asleep.

She felt a hand tap her gently. "Chunlan, wake up."

She rose up groggily. The place was now empty, the lights turned off except in the room they stood in. "Are you done?"

"Hmm." He nodded slowly.

She smiled and linked her hand through his. "Then let's go."

He wrapped his hand around her waist, his eyes gauging her expression. Seeing her smile brighter, he smiled tenderly. "In the future, there is no need to come here during my night shift. It is not safe for a girl."

She paused, remembering why she was here. "Actually, I have a question to ask."

He gave her a look. "Ask."

"Jihai, do you love me?" She clutched her dress. "Have your feelings for me changed?"

She felt her heart drown in despair and pain when he didn't answer. She consoled herself, if this was the retribution for her past deeds, she was willing to pay it in full. "Its okay. This doesn't change anything." Her smile was shaky.

"I do, Chunlan. I love you so much my heart feels empty when you are not with me. I am willing to abandon my pride to see you smile at me and abandon my integrity to see you happy with me. I sometimes hate myself for loving you but I can't stop myself. Everything I have done and will always do is for you. Because I have only you."

A tear slipped off Chunlan's cheeks as she gazed at his lonely back. She hugged him, her hands intertwining to his front. She rested her cheeks on his lean back. "I will never leave you."

"Forever?" 

"Forever."