Chapter 18: The Bright Moon Knows My Longing

Three days later, the time had come for Qin Ke to return.

Cheng Ang had gone on a business trip to Guizhou Province, leaving Bian Xiaoqi to man the Xizhou office. When she wanted to go to the airport to see Qin Ke off, he gently dissuaded her. She held him tightly, her heart aching at the thought that she would not see him for over a month, and whispered, "What will I do when I miss you?"

"I will miss you too. I will call your house every night at 10:00," Qin Ke promised.

"But I still don't want you to leave me." She buried her head in his chest.

"We will meet again very soon, and before long, we won't need to be apart at all. Whenever you encounter technical problems, come straight to me," he reassured her.

"Kiss me," she said, lifting her face and closing her eyes, waiting for him.

Qin Ke felt a surge of warmth. He hugged her tightly, leaned down, and their fervent lips met once more. All their deep affection and sorrow at parting were contained within that long kiss.

"You must miss me," she murmured.

"I have already carved you into my heart," he replied softly.

"Write me another poem, so I can read it every day," she requested.

Reflecting on how quickly their relationship had blossomed over the past few days, Qin Ke felt as if he were in a dream. The joy of love mingled with the bitterness of the impending departure, stirring deep emotions within him. A poem in the style of "Yi Qin E" came to him instantly:

Time flies, the departure date urges the traveler westward.
The traveler westward, mind lost and drifting, filled with a sense of loss.
Tender and sweet, we clung to each other in perfect harmony, pouring out our hearts.
Pouring out our hearts, the east is already bright, the sky vast and azure.

"That is beautiful; I love it," she said.

When the plane landed at Haiyuan Airport, it was already three in the afternoon. With no home in Haiyuan, Qin Ke went straight to the A Company office building. Ignoring his colleagues and superiors, he rushed to the phone on his desk and dialed the Xizhou office.

Ever since Qin Ke had left, Bian Xiaoqi had remained in the office, guarding the phone, having skipped lunch entirely. As soon as the phone rang, she picked up the receiver and asked anxiously, "Qin Ke, is that you?"

"Xiaoqi, it's me. I've arrived safely at the company," Qin Ke’s voice came through.

"Did the plane have any problems?" It seemed the shadow cast by her previous flying experience had not yet vanished.

"This was a large Boeing jet; it flew high, and it was smooth and safe," Qin Ke laughed.

"What will you do next?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"I haven't seen President Zhou yet. I'll go see him in a moment." As he spoke, he saw Zhou Pinyi walking toward his workstation.

"Xiaoqi, Zhou Pinyi is coming; I have to hang up. Take care of yourself and eat well. I’ll call you again tonight," Qin Ke said hurriedly.

"Mm, and remember to miss me," she whispered.

"Yes, I will miss you too. Goodbye, Xiaoqi," he said softly.

"Mm, take care of yourself, too." Putting down the phone, Bian Xiaoqi smiled happily.

As soon as Qin Ke hung up, Zhou Pinyi reached him and laughed, "You have quite the influence, making me come to see you."

"President Zhou, it was an urgent call from a friend. I was just about to come see you after I finished," Qin Ke replied hastily.

"A new girlfriend, I presume?" Zhou Pinyi teased.

Feeling guilty, Qin Ke quickly changed the subject and smiled, "President Zhou, let's go to your office; I'll give you my report."

Once seated in Zhou Pinyi's office, before Qin Ke could speak, Zhou Pinyi began: "No need to report; I already know everything. Listen: first, I’m fulfilling my promise. Here is the 800 yuan bonus from the company; just sign here." He pulled a stack of cash from his drawer.

"Thank you, President Zhou." Qin Ke signed the paper and happily tucked the money into his pocket.

"Second, finish your expense report for this trip immediately. You are headed to Jin Province tomorrow; they need you to put out some fires," Zhou Pinyi continued.

"President Zhou, I just got back and haven't even had a chance to catch my breath..." Qin Ke started.

Zhou Pinyi cut him off with a laugh, "Spare me that. How do those three days of leave you took in Xizhou count? Since you don't have a home in Haiyuan, it’s the same wherever you stay. You can earn some extra money on the road; it’s killing two birds with one stone."

"Third, President Gao wants to see you. I don't know what he has in mind for you. If you know anything, tell me."

Qin Ke thought of Cheng Ang's plan, which might be related, but he wasn't sure. "President Zhou, I know nothing. I'll find out after I see President Gao."

"Fourth, you are coming to my house for dinner tonight. My treat."

"No, no. President Zhou, I can't go to your house anymore. I'm truly afraid to go there now. I have a real girlfriend, and I cannot let her down," Qin Ke declined hurriedly.

"Didn't we agree that you would talk to Lu Juan yourself?" Zhou Pinyi smiled.

"Dear President Zhou, I regret sponging meals at your house. I am very grateful for the care and help you and your wife have shown me, but please, spare me," Qin Ke pleaded.

Following the strategy he had discussed with Bian Xiaoqi, Qin Ke said firmly, "President Zhou, Lu Juan and I never actually started anything, so there is no 'breakup' to speak of. I cannot drag this out; it will only cause more pain for everyone. I will absolutely not see Lu Juan again. Please tell your wife for me. Otherwise, I won't go on the business trip tomorrow."

Zhou Pinyi laughed, "You've grown some backbone, daring to threaten me with a business trip. I suspect this trip is exactly what you want, isn't it?"

"President Zhou, you are truly perceptive," Qin Ke flattered him immediately.

Seeing that Qin Ke’s mind was made up, Zhou Pinyi stopped insisting. "I suppose that Lu Juan isn't a good match for you anyway; I will talk to my wife. However, I am curious about what kind of girl has made you so devoted. If she ever comes to Haiyuan, bring her to see me. I'll treat you both to dinner."

"President Zhou, she will be here soon, so prepare to spend some money. Just promise not to send me on any business trips when that happens," Qin Ke said happily.

"Then tonight, we'll eat alone, no one else. I'll be in my office; come over when you're done."

"Thank you, President Zhou. I brought two bottles of fine liquor from Xizhou; you can have a taste."

After a while, seeing Qin Ke standing there silently, Zhou Pinyi asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Qin Ke replied, "I was waiting for your fifth instruction."

"Get out! Next thing you'll want a hundred!" Zhou Pinyi threw his pen at him.

Qin Ke laughed heartily and left the office.

***

After settling his travel expenses for the Sichuan trip and filing the application for the Jin Province trip, Qin Ke went to the office of Vice President Gao Yuge. He knocked three times and heard a deep voice say, "Come in." He pushed the door open to find Gao Yuge sitting in his executive chair, talking on the phone. Seeing Qin Ke, Gao gestured with his left hand to the sofa while continuing his call. Qin Ke sat on a single armchair and waited.

Five minutes later, Gao Yuge finished his call, sat on the center of the three-seater sofa, pulled a cigarette from a pack of Yunyan on the coffee table, and offered one to Qin Ke. Qin Ke waved his hand, "Thank you, President Gao, I don't smoke." Gao lit his own cigarette and began to puff away.

Dressed in a suit, Gao Yuge was in his forties and over 1.8 meters tall—a typical sturdy man from Hedong. He watched Qin Ke in silence, seemingly enjoying his cigarette while testing Qin Ke's patience.

Qin Ke, having nothing to hide, didn't want to play this game and spoke first with a smile, "President Gao, President Zhou mentioned you wanted to see me. May I ask what is the matter?"

Gao Yuge didn't answer immediately. He stared at him, finished his cigarette, and suddenly laughed. "Qin Ke, you've done well. You haven't disappointed me; you've really brought honor to A Company."

"President Gao, that is thanks to your leadership," Qin Ke replied. "Your two subordinates, Cheng Ang and Bian Xiaoqi, are very capable and have excellent relationships with the clients. Without their support, I couldn't have solved the problems so quickly."

"You're quite modest. Good, there is still room for improvement," Gao laughed. "I am confident in their marketing work, but I am not at ease regarding the technical support."

It seemed Gao Yuge was getting to the point. "President Gao, our technical department is fully supporting the marketing team. I don't quite understand what you mean."

Gao Yuge replied sharply, "Don't play dumb. What happened in Tongyuan taught us a profound lesson regarding the efficiency of technical support. If the technical department can't keep up with the market's pace, it won't just affect the company's reputation; we will lose the clients' trust. Remedial work costs far more in manpower, materials, and money."

"I won't beat around the bush. We need to expand, and that requires restructuring to adapt to market changes. We are establishing a Southwest Market and Technical Support Center. I want you to be the Technical Director, in full charge of all technical matters for the Southwest market, including pre-sales and after-sales, to ensure tight coordination between market and technology."

"Cheng Ang must have hinted at this already. In the past, when I pushed you to do market work, you used your preference for technology as an excuse. Now that you aren't leaving technology, you won't have any more excuses, right? Tell me what you think."

Gao Yuge spoke like a machine gun. Qin Ke thought for a moment and smiled, "Thank you, President Gao, for your high regard, but I need to discuss this with President Zhou. Could you give me two months to consider?"

Gao Yuge lit another cigarette. "I know how much weight you carry with Zhou Pinyi, but he must also obey the company's overall strategy. The key is your own choice. I can give you one month at most. Don't worry about your compensation. Time waits for no one; when you've decided, come to me. The sooner, the better," he said decisively.

Leaving Gao Yuge's office, Qin Ke's mind was in turmoil. By the time he left work, he still hadn't convinced himself, so he decided to wait and discuss it with Bian Xiaoqi that night.

Qin Ke took two bottles of Wuliangye from his suitcase—liquor Bian Xiaoqi had secretly taken from her father’s cabinet. He had felt they were too valuable and didn't want to accept them, but she had insisted, saying one was for his brother, Zhou Pinyi, and the other for his own father. Her thoughtfulness touched him deeply. Now, these bottles would come in handy.

Zhou Pinyi accepted the bottle without hesitation and, hearing there was another one to drink that night, told Qin Ke to do more "good deeds" like this in the future.

At the restaurant, they ordered four dishes. Qin Ke opened the Wuliangye, and a rich aroma immediately filled the air. "Good liquor," Zhou Pinyi praised. They didn't bother with the food; they clinked glasses and finished the first round in one gulp.

Zhou Pinyi was seven or eight years older than Qin Ke, with an outgoing and charismatic personality. They hit it off perfectly, drinking, eating, and chatting without formalities.

Without waiting for Zhou Pinyi to ask, Qin Ke recounted his conversation with Gao Yuge and asked, "President Zhou, what is your opinion?"

Zhou Pinyi set down his chopsticks. "Old brother Qin, we've worked together for so long; honestly, I think I understand you. Haiyuan is too small and relatively isolated; your ambitions are certainly not to stay here forever. I’m a few years older, I have a family here, and I'm held back by responsibilities—I no longer have the drive to venture out. You are different; you are single, and it's easy for you to leave."

"A Company has a limited product line, and there won't be much room for market growth unless there is a new product, which I don't see on the horizon. In telephone switching technology, you've already hit the ceiling. Even if you stay at A Company, the most you'll reach is my position. And now you’re being confined to the Southwest; isn't that like Liu Bei being stuck in Shu, content with a corner of the empire?"

"In the past, I didn't let you run the market not because you lacked ability, but because it's easy to move from technology to market, but hard to go back. As long as your technical foundation is solid, moving into the market will be a breeze for you."

"Communication technology is changing rapidly, and the internet tide is surging. Fixed-line technology has reached its end; mobile communication is the future. It will continue to evolve and move forward."

Buoyed by the alcohol, Zhou Pinyi spoke from the heart. "Qin Ke, you are very smart. I won't be surprised by any decision you make in the near future. I think you've already made your decision; you're just looking for confirmation from me. So, my opinion no longer matters. Come, drink."

"Only you understand me, President Zhou. I know what to do next. Thank you. Cheers," Qin Ke said, deeply moved.

The 52-degree Wuliangye was finished. Zhou Pinyi had consumed six taels, and Qin Ke had four. Seeing Qin Ke eyeing the second bottle, Zhou Pinyi quickly hid it in his bag, saying, "This is a gift for me; I'm taking it home to drink myself."

Qin Ke burst into laughter.

***

To handle sudden technical problems, A Company required technical staff to be on duty 24/7. After saying goodbye to Zhou Pinyi, Qin Ke returned to the technical duty room. He told the engineer on duty to get some sleep, promising to wake him in a few hours.

It was just after 7:30 PM. Qin Ke couldn't wait until their scheduled 10:00 PM call and dialed Bian Xiaoqi’s home in Xizhou.

Bian Xiaoqi had returned home right after work and hadn't left since dinner. She had spent the time in her room, copying the poem Qin Ke wrote for her onto special rice paper. As she flipped through the pages of poetry they had written together, she felt as if she could see him. She read them softly, her cheeks burning. Seeing the clock only read 7:00, she couldn't sit still and went into the living room.

Her parents, Jiang Sumei and Bian Guoning, were watching the news. Seeing their daughter pacing back and forth, they were surprised, as this was out of character.

"Xiaoqi, what are you pacing about?" Jiang Sumei asked.

"Mom, I'm fine, just keeping you and Dad company," she said naturally.

"Has the sun risen in the west today? My daughter is keeping me company; I'm flattered!" her father joked.

Seeing her glance at the phone in the corner, Jiang Sumei guessed her intent. "Xiaoqi, are you waiting for a call? From Shen Jing? No, is it from Qin Ke?"

Bian Xiaoqi sat next to her mother, hugging her arm. "Mom, just watch your show."

"Your father and I are going for a walk at 7:30," her mother smiled.

After her parents left, Bian Xiaoqi turned off the TV. The living room became quiet, save for the ticking of the clock. She stared at the hands, wishing they would move faster. She scolded herself for her lack of patience and felt annoyed at Qin Ke for insisting on 10:00. Why couldn't he call sooner? Did he not miss her? Just as she was spiraling into anxious thoughts, the phone rang. She flew to the phone and picked it up.

"Is this Professor Bian Guoning's residence?" The familiar voice came from far away, but she stayed silent.

"Is this Professor Jiang Sumei's residence?" Hearing no answer, Qin Ke asked again.

"Is this classmate Bian Xiaoqi's residence?" Still no answer. Qin Ke was confused. He checked the number and asked again.

"Hello! Hello!" Qin Ke sounded anxious.

Afraid he would hang up, Bian Xiaoqi couldn't help but giggle.

"Xiaoqi, why didn't you speak?" Qin Ke asked, relieved.

"Who told you to call so late?" she teased.

"Xiaoqi, it's only 7:30; it's still early," he laughed.

"Who said we had to wait until 10:00? Don't you know I'm waiting for you?" she pouted.

"I know, that's why I called early. I miss you too," Qin Ke said.

"Where are you? Have you eaten?" she asked.

"I'm in the duty room. I just finished dinner with President Zhou. It's free to call from here, so we don't have to worry about the time."

"Are you tired from working as soon as you got back? Are you alone?"

"I'm not tired. I'm here under the guise of duty just to call you. I sent the other engineer away so we could talk freely. By the way, was your day good?"

"No," she said.

"What's wrong? What happened?" he asked anxiously.

"I didn't want to do anything today, I just spent the whole time missing you," she whispered shyly.

"Haha, don't forget to eat or sleep, you have to take care of yourself," he laughed.

"Don't laugh! What did you do today?"

Qin Ke recounted his conversations with Gao Yuge and Zhou Pinyi.

"What do you think?" she asked eagerly.

"Xiaoqi, the plan we made in front of the Wuhou Shrine will not change," he said.

"I support you. Wherever you go next, I will follow. I don't want to be apart from you again; it's too torturous."

An hour passed without them noticing. Her parents returned, but she didn't even hear them. Seeing her alternate between loud and soft, happy and shy, the older couple quietly went to their bedroom.

"It seems Xiaoqi really likes Qin Ke," her father said.

"Yes! When has our daughter ever been so sentimental?" her mother agreed.

"Qin Ke, it's great that you have a friend like Zhou Pinyi," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Xiaoqi, President Zhou truly understands me. It's my good fortune to have a friend like him."

"Better than me?" she asked.

"Xiaoqi, how could he compare to you? You are the one I worry about most. By the way, I have to go on a business trip to Jin Province tomorrow for a week."

"You won't get any rest; don't work yourself to death," she said, her heart aching.

"Who told me to be so capable? It's fine; I'm alone in Haiyuan anyway, and it's easier to call you from the road. I'll find a chance to go to Xizhou; there will definitely be opportunities. Thinking of you gives me endless energy," Qin Ke said with spirit.

"I miss you too; I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep tonight," she whispered.

"I'll try to sleep. I want to dream of you, dream of your beautiful face," he laughed.

"I want you to coax me to sleep," she said, her face burning.

"Xiaoqi, the moon here is round and bright; how is it there?"

She looked out the window. "Mine is big and round too."

"Xiaoqi, let me write you a poem. Read it, and you'll surely fall asleep: Though we are worlds apart, the night wind stirs the heart. The moon knows my love, shining tonight on both our lands."

"I love it. I have one for you too: The moon is full in the middle of the sky, I count the hours in the dark. My heart has been sent to you on the west wind; do you know, in your hometown?"

"My great poet, I love you so much. I definitely know it," Qin Ke said happily.

They spent another hour whispering sweet nothings before reluctantly hanging up. Bian Xiaoqi turned off the light, crept into her room, and wrote down the two poems, soaking in the sweetness.

Her mother knocked and entered. "Mom, are you and Dad just back from your walk?"

"Silly girl, we've been back for a while," her mother said, looking at her daughter's glowing face. "Tomorrow I'll have the phone company install an extension in your room, so you don't have to pace in the living room anymore."

Bian Xiaoqi, who had previously refused an extension, smiled happily. "Mom, you are so thoughtful."

Her mother read the poems on the rice paper and laughed, "I'm worried our phone lines will burn out."

"Mom, you're teasing me again," she said, burying her head in her mother's chest.

In Xizhou, the moonlight was like water, and Bian Xiaoqi drifted into a peaceful sleep. In Haiyuan, the sound of crickets lingered, but Qin Ke stayed awake.