Cicada's Summer GL | Chapter 11 | Waiting for the Right Person | Novela.app

As luck would have it, the moment they stepped into the restaurant, Xia Yinuo spotted Liang Juejun sitting by a window. Zhang Jikang had called ahead to book a private room, so as the three of them walked down the long corridor of the dining area, Xia Yinuo only caught a glimpse of the man sitting beside Liang Juejun. He had a fair complexion, a tall, upright build, clear eyes, and a warm, approachable smile. The man’s name was Cheng Tu, an alumnus from Liang Juejun’s university days. When they first met, Cheng Tu had been smitten with her at first sight. He had pursued her relentlessly for several years, persisting even after being rejected countless times. Left with no other choice, Liang Juejun had once even asked a senior from her lab to pose as her boyfriend, only for the ruse to be exposed. Finally, she had been forced to tell him the truth. "I won't be with you, and I won't be with any man, because I like women," she had said. "And the person I like is someone you know—Tracy. However, she doesn't feel the same way about me. I’m not lying to you this time, and I hope you can keep this secret for me." Those words had left Cheng Tu stunned for several minutes. Eventually, he had said solemnly, "Alright, I respect your decision. I won't pester you anymore. But if there ever comes a day when you want to get married, or if you want to find a boyfriend, could you please consider me?" Liang Juejun had agreed, and from then on, they became good friends. Cheng Tu worked in international trade, which required constant travel. On this business trip, although it wasn't exactly on his way, he had made a detour to C City to see her. "How is life here?" he asked. "Very good. It’s simple. The environment in C City is lovely—mountains, rivers, and the food suits my palate," Liang Juejun replied. "I was just worried that after being away for so long, you wouldn't have many family members or friends nearby." "I’ve actually made some new friends. Once, I even ran into a primary school classmate on the street who recognized me instantly. Can you believe the coincidence? Nearly twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye." "The world is big, yet it’s also quite small. I suppose that’s what they mean when they say life is full of unexpected encounters." Cheng Tu raised his wine glass in a toast. Liang Juejun toasted back with tea, and they shared a smile. "I heard Tracy got engaged?" Cheng Tu couldn't help but ask. "Yes." "And how are you doing?" Liang Juejun smiled and asked, "How else would I be? Don't worry, I let go of that a long time ago." If something wasn't meant to be yours, letting go was the only way to find peace. Hearing this, Cheng Tu gave a warm, thin-lipped smile. "That’s good." "How many days are you staying in C City? Shall I show you around tomorrow? I’m practically a local now; I should fulfill my duties as a host." "Forget it. I only managed to squeeze in some time to come over today. I have a flight back tomorrow afternoon." "Alright then. I’ll likely head back to San Francisco around Christmas." Liang Juejun idly toyed with her tea bag, not actually drinking. "I suppose that’s all we can do." Cheng Tu looked at her. "You know, I’ve always been here." Liang Juejun looked up at his face and said seriously, "I know. And you know that I don't want to hold you back." Cheng Tu laughed. "Hey, don't think I'm only waiting for you. I'm just waiting for the right person." "Actually, so am I. I'm not waiting for Tracy; I'm just waiting for the right person." After saying this, they looked at each other and smiled, clinking their glasses once more. There were some things that didn't need to be said to be understood, and that was a good feeling. *** On the other side of the restaurant, Mai Shining was in high spirits, having ordered a table full of food. Zhang Jikang was equally happy. Mai Shining enthusiastically recounted many interesting stories and sights from her time abroad, raising her glass multiple times. Finally, she said, "I'm not leaving this time. I'm back for good." "Really?" Zhang Jikang blurted out. "I mean... you've decided?" Xia Yinuo also waited with interest for Mai Shining's answer. "Decided. I've had my fun; it's time to settle down," Mai Shining said, setting down the glass she had been playing with and turning serious. Zhang Jikang lowered his head. In that brief moment, Xia Yinuo saw his eyes turn red. After a few seconds of silence, Mai Shining continued: "I used to always think about leaving, but now that I've seen and done it all, who can say our hometown isn't the best? Besides, the people here are so honest and warm. And isn't my old man always wanting me to come back and behave? I've resigned from my job. I plan to rest for a while before making any further plans." Xia Yinuo gently patted Mai Shining's hand; everything was understood without words. When Zhang Jikang looked up again, he had returned to his usual self. "Mai Mai, you know that no matter what decision you make, Xiao Bao and I will always support you." Three glasses clinked. Some feelings required no questions and no answers—only understanding and support. Once they had their fill of food and wine, Mai Shining noticed Xia Yinuo looking a bit sluggish. "Xiao Bao, did you drink too much?" "I'm fine, just a bit too full." Xia Yinuo was simply thinking about Liang Juejun eating with someone else outside. She wondered who that man was. Should she have gone over to say hello just now? But then again, what would be the point? It seemed like her private business. "Come on, let's start the 'truth after wine' segment. Tell your big sister—did you have any romantic encounters while I was away?" Zhang Jikang burst out laughing at the question. "Her? She's the Goddess of the Medical School, but unfortunately, she's practicing asceticism. She doesn't go near men." A typical case of kicking her while she was down. "Watch your mouth!" Xia Yinuo brandished a fist in front of Zhang Jikang. "Hahaha!" Mai Shining joined in the mockery, living up to her reputation for never letting anyone have any peace. "You'd better worry about how your old man is going to greet you when you get home later!" Xia Yinuo countered. "Oh no!" Mai Shining dramatically clawed at the air, gritting her teeth. "My Lord, save me!"