It was another normal workday.
Susu and Yike exchanged random messages throughout the day, nothing serious. Before she realized it, it was almost time to get off work.
The Dubai business trip she had mentioned earlier was finally confirmed.
She texted him.
"I just checked the cost for Dubai. It's actually pretty cheap this time. Four people — flights and hotel together are around 21–22k."
Yike replied almost instantly.
"That's not bad. Probably low season."
"Yeah. Low season. But extremely hot."
"Next time add one more person and transfer the reimbursement money to my account."
Susu paused when she read that, then laughed.
"Nice plan, handsome. Found yourself another way to get rich, huh?"
"Yes."
"You're killing me."
—
8:04 p.m.
At the gym, Susu casually recorded a short video on WeChat before starting her workout.
By the time she was finishing her last set, she checked her phone.
9:00 p.m.
A message from Yike sent at 8:04.
"Are you the only girl there?"
She replied.
"Just looked around. Mostly, yeah. Two are training with coaches."
"Mm. When are you heading home?"
"After this set. Today was basically all lower body."
"Don't hurt yourself."
"Okay."
9:36 p.m.
"Home."
"OK."
—
The next morning at 11:05.
Yike messaged her.
"Tomorrow and the day after, I can sneak out again haha."
"Jealous," she replied. "I have to go out to run some errands this afternoon. Dinner with friends tonight."
"Nice."
They chatted a bit more.
Yike mentioned that when he was sleepy, he would just sleep. He never drank coffee.
Susu found that interesting.
She wondered how he managed to stay awake without tea or coffee. But everyone had their own way of living, and somehow it suited him.
—
In the afternoon, Susu went to Yuexiu District to deal with some household registration paperwork.
The staff told her it had to be handled in another district.
There wasn't enough time that day.
A little frustrated, she told Yike.
"I think you should buy a car."
"Maybe next year. I've thought about it."
"Electric or gas, either one works. But in your situation, driving would make things easier."
"True. I'd also be able to take my cats to the vet. Or go on road trips."
"Is it far?"
"About forty minutes by subway," Susu said.
"I'll go tomorrow morning before work."
—
While walking, she noticed a drink shop she hadn't visited in a long time.
She bought a salted yellow-skin fruit tea and snapped a quick photo.
Almost five o'clock.
Yike replied.
"Is it good? Been crazy busy this afternoon."
"It's good. I'm heading to dinner now."
She sent a little sticker.
—
Later that night, after dinner with friends, Susu returned home.
She checked her messages. No reply from Yike yet.
She texted:
"Home. Lying down for a bit."
"Alright. No gym today?"
"Rest day. Back tomorrow."
"Good. Rest when you need to."
Susu looked at the little beagle sticker he had sent.
For some reason, it reminded her of him.
A little proud. A little cute.
—
Before she realized it, it was almost midnight.
She typed:
"Going to sleep. Good night."
"Good night, Susu."
She stared at the screen for a moment.
Why did he suddenly call her by her WeChat name?
It felt strangely distant.
A small, unfamiliar feeling passed through her.
But she didn't think too much about it.