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hengqing wanted very much to tell her how he felt, but thiswas a serious matter and this wasn’t the right place and now wasn’t the righttime. He needed to be somewhere he could tell her slowly. But he had guest andthey were discussing business, they could not stay in the kitchen too long.

He couldn’t just say I am nine years older than you but Iwill be good to you, will you be my girlfriend, and then rush over to theliving room to talk business.

No not good. It can’t be like this.

He must also let Yin Ting think about things. He did thinkshe might like him, however, girls are more restrained (Zuben: LOL!) , and theyneeded time for to carefully consider her options. Then they need to talk abouttheir feelings and if things were equal, then discuss their futurerelationship. If Ying Ting did not like him, he also wanted to know what theissue was.

Therefore, this moment, this time and place, would not begood

So despite the words on the tip of his tongue, he asked herinstead, ‘Can I see you tomorrow? I have something to tell you.’

Yin Ting gawked, what is this?! He was slamming on thebrakes unexpectedly.

‘Sure,’ but why wait till tomorrow? Was it going to beformal? That would be terrible. Now was the right time, he tells her he likesher, she replies with “Yes” and they go off and have tea with the othershappily, no? (Zuben: Do you know they person you want to date at all? You callhim ‘Please be more serious’!)

He wants to do this tomorrow?

‘What do you want to talk about?’ Yin Ting not quite gettingit yet, asked,

Zhengqing choked, ‘I will tell you properly tomorrow.’

Fine, tomorrow then. Yin ting nodded. For tonight, she wasgoing to have to do some yoga meditation to quell her heart. She was afraid shewould not be able to wait, she would grab Zhengqing’s shoulders and shake him,shouting, “Tell me now! Tell me now!”

Yin Ting mentally shook the cartoonish imagination out ofher head, and asked politely, “What time would be convenient?’

‘Late morning? We can have lunch together.’

For lunch, he’ll choose a romantic restaurant. Zhengqingbegan to make plans; he would also buy a small gift, Yin Ting should like that.

‘Sounds good,’ Yin Ting agreed. She would choose a quiet restaurant with good atmosphere and private rooms.

‘I’ll come and get you.’

‘Okay,’ Yin Ting agreed, ‘Call me when you’re on your way.’

‘Alright,’

The settled on their decision, so they took the tea out tothe other two.

The rest of the evening did not involve Yin Ting much, andshe barely understood what they were saying anyway. Huizhu and Zhengqing didnot introduce her as an investor but as Zhengqing’s friend. She knew it was toprotect her so she didn’t quibble, but she thought Wu Fei was trustworthy.

Wu Fei finally noticed Yin Ting observing him, it made himsomewhat uncomfortable, and she realised Zhengqing was watching the two ofthem.

But sitting around doing nothing was too stuffy, withZhengqing keeping her from observing Wu Fei. So she went to play with MiaoDada.

As she played with the cat, she realised that Zhengqing madethe right decision not to discuss them today. Since lunch time, they’d beentalking about Huizhu’s business and making plans. Huizhu was taking advantageof Zhengqing’s availability, using his expertise. Ying Ting"s duties had been to helporder take out, and serve drinks.

Wu Fei seemed to be a decisive person. Once he’d heard aboutHuizhi’s company, he’d resigned from his current job. Once things arefinalised, he’d be able to help Huizhi full time.

Later, Zhengqing and Yin Ting were washing the dishestogether, ‘You can tell Wu Fei has been dying to leave his company. See how quicklyhe volunteered. He definitely liked Zhu-jie.’

What she really wanted to say was, ‘Don’t take people atface value, you need to observe more.’ But she decided to be restrained.

Zhengqing was thinking, does Yin Ting appreciate this kindof thing? Maybe, he should embrace a more positive att.i.tude. (Zuben shrugs:Don’t ask me what she’s appreciating.)

Zhengqing drove Yin Ting home. He did not say much, but didask her to invest in Huizhu’s company. In Yin Ting’s heart, Zhengqing was hernegotiator. He and Huizhu had already discussed the a.s.sessment of feasibilityto help Yin Ting know about the conditions, and the budget and so on.

‘When its time, I will come with you when we speak to youraccountants.’

‘Good,’ she replied.

‘The contract between you and Huizhu will be finalised byme. I will make sure the terms are beneficial to you both.’

‘Good.’ Yin Ting was really happy; it was so nice to have atalent like him helping her. It made her feel powerful.

They had reached her house, but the both of them werereluctant to part.

But there was tomorrow, and they would sort it out then.

On his way back home, Zhengqing wanted to buy the gift butthe malls were closed.

When he got back home, Zhengqing sat at his desk, he haddecided to outline a plan for tomorrow’s confession; his working and anycountermeasures. (Zuben: You’re going to be disappointed this guy.)

He took out a notebook to write his thoughts.

First of all, he needed to talk about his feelings. A girllike Yin Ting was big on feelings, and according to her doesn’t really needanything from the man aside from his love.

So number one, the most important thing; I like you. She hassaid that she didn’t think it was inappropriate and if the feelings are mutualthey can adjust to suit each other. And if they don’t both like each other,then everything else is useless. Therefore, liking is most important. I likeyou.

Number two; his economic status: He has a house with fiveyears left on mortgage; he has a car not on loan. No other debts. He gets largebonuses at the end of each year, and had large savings. 

Although he cannotcompare to her or her family, he has enough that they can live a life ofcomfort.

Number three; family: His parents are dead, he was anorphan. His only close family was his paternal aunt in his home town, althoughhe sent money to her, he doesn’t go back often. So there would be no problemswith in-laws.

As he wrote, Zhengqing pondered, what would she care aboutand be averse to? His age for one; he was nine years older that her. But hisage is not the problem, it any health issues in the future.

Number four; his age: He was nine years older than her. Thisdistance in age might hurt his wife. (Zuben: How?) But he was healthy, heexercised regularly, he ate well, kept alcohol to a minimum and did not smoke(Zuben: Can’t dance either!). His report from his yearly medical showed he wasin good health, so he wasn’t going to leave her too early.

This could be seen as planning for the future, he hoped hedidn’t seem too pushy and eager.

Fifth point; his working conditions: He was Yong Kai’s vicepresident. According to how things were going in Yong Kai, and hisinterpersonal relationships, his position was currently long-term. He wasstable. (Zuben: Why didn’t I know he was the VP? Do I need to read this again?Pre chapter 20 Zhengqing is insufferable and prejudiced.)

Sixth point; personality: She knew he was a very seriousperson but he wasn’t old-fashioned or boring. Though, their interests maydiffer, he was very patient and would like to know more about Yin Ting’sinterests and hopes she would be willing to understand him and his interests.

Zhengqing thought more about what Yin Ting would ask.

What did he like about her? One: He liked her looks; she wasvery beautiful. And when she laughed she made his heart squeeze. Two: He likedher personality. She was sweet and he was at ease with her. Even when she wasquiet she was till full of vitality and when he was near her, he was happy.Three: She was a good person; she was good to children and animals. And four:she was intelligent (Zuben: That’s number four?!), and her chicken soup wasrather interesting. Five:…

Was four reasons he liked her too small? Yin Ting was aromantic, she would like an abundance of praise. But what else? Zhengqing couldnot think of anything (Zuben: brave and witty!), so on five, he wrote think ofmore things.

And then she might reply with what she likes about him.

Eight: How long would he liked her? (Zuben: Who freakingknows. This s.h.i.t don’t come with warranties or guarantees)  There are two conditions to this; first, sheliked him too. Second; they work together on their relationship. If theseconditions are met, they should last a long time.

After these, Zhengqing could not think of anymore possiblescenarios to answer, he felt that if he was a woman, he would be a.s.sured withhis answers to all these questions (Zuben: Alas, you’re not a woman, and you’rea man with hinky EQ!). With feelings being clear, he had confidence in YinTing’s att.i.tude towards him.

Ninth: Think of other points.

He carefully read through his notes, felt that it wasappropriate. He would read it again tomorrow, and take it with him (Zuben:Don’t!) When he could not think of an answer her would consult his notebook.(Zuben -.-‘ : Cheat sheet)

He was satisfied with his work, so he went to bathe andprepare for bed.

As Zhengqing fell asleep, he suddenly thought of morepoints.

Ninth: Housework. They can share the ch.o.r.es.  If they were both too busy, they would get ahouse keeper.

Tenth: Children. At least one. We can talk about more.(Zuben: There’s a runaway horse, it’s name is Zhengqing! Someone la.s.so the poorthing before he breaks his heart.)

He felt at peace, he closed the notebook and then he thoughtof another thing; eleven: agree to deal with property held before marriage.(Zuben: Ooh? Whose property? Hers or yours?)

He sat at the table some more, thinking. But nothing came tomind, so he went back to bed.

Tomorrow must be done properly.

Zuben: Zhengqing is a dork. 

 ❀ Chapter 39