“We… we haven’t…”
Rosalind’s voice choked up, tears falling one after another. She hadn’t expected, truly hadn’t expected… that someone had been silently looking after her since middle school! She had always thought she was unloved.
“Ah? Not together?” The proprietress was confused.
“But he came here a year ago, even sponsored us to keep the business going, left his phone number, and said if we needed financial help again, to contact him.”
She had thought they were a couple already!
“Auntie… can you send me this photo?” Rosalind asked.
“Of course! Go find this young man. He loves you so much, don’t let him down! Men who are so considerate and caring are rare in this world, don’t miss out,” the proprietress encouraged.
Rosalind quietly lifted her head, her lips moved before she spoke in a hoarse voice, “Auntie, next time he comes, could you not tell him I was here?”
“Why?” asked the proprietress.
“For some reasons, we can’t be together. I hope he can forget me and move on,” Rosalind explained. The proprietress frowned, puzzled.
“What reason could there be! As long as you both have the intention, nothing is unsolvable! Look at your uncle and me, we fight every day over trivial matters, even talk of divorce, but we’re still together after all these years.”
Rosalind lowered her eyes, shaking her head.
“Our situation… it can’t be solved, and besides, he’s already married.”
She wished it were just minor quarrels, just trivial daily issues.
“Ah, I always thought you two were a perfect match, such a pity,” the proprietress sighed and stood up to serve Rosalind some food. This was probably the most complex meal Rosalind had ever had. She couldn’t tell if the bowl contained soup or her tears, as her cheeks were continuously streaked by them.
Looking at a profile photo of Ulric on her phone, Rosalind touched it repeatedly. He had lost weight. Surely he hadn’t been eating well. The sparkle that once brightened his dark eyes seemed dimmer-was it because of her?
After finishing her meal, Rosalind rose to pay. The proprietress waved her off, “No need! Consider this our treat. That young man helped us because of you; you’re our benefactor. Come back and visit us.”
“Auntie, take this money. I’ll come back to visit,” Rosalind insisted. Seeing her determination, the proprietress accepted, “Alright then! Make sure you do.”
Rosalind had already stepped out of the restaurant when she hesitated, turned back, and cautioned, “Auntie, please don’t tell him…”
She walked out the door, still hearing the proprietress’s sigh. This might be the only person who genuinely hoped she and Ulric could be together.
Leaving the restaurant, Rosalind didn’t want to return to the hotel, so she walked along the streets. She knew the roads of Jingtown well, having walked this path countless times going to school! Rosalind thought, back then, Ulric must have often watched her from behind, secretly observing her. At that time, she was solely focused on making money and studying, never thinking beyond that. Thinking of Ulric, a student of excellent character and scholarship, having a crush on her since middle school and for so many years, felt both outrageous and touching.