Chapter 56 What is Love

(1)

When Bian Xiaoqi returned home in the evening, Qin Ke recounted what Lin Haidong had said to her. Bian Xiaoqi remarked, "Lin Haidong was a fickle flirt throughout his college years, wasn't he?"

"Lin Haidong is intelligent, forthright, eloquent, and unconstrained by trivialities. He plays the guitar quite well and was very popular among female classmates during college. I remember he had two relationships. In the first one, the girl's parents objected because he did not want to stay in Bincheng after graduation; in the second one, his parents objected, saying the girl was too flashy and unsuitable for their intellectual family. Having been his classmate for four years, I believe he is a reliable man. This time, he might have found true love. Entrusted by a friend, you should just pass the message along; after that, it's up to him and Meng Changxue whether they have fate."

Bian Xiaoqi stared at Qin Ke, smiling without a word.

Understanding the implication in her gaze, Qin Ke immediately defended himself: "Those who stay near vermilion get stained red, and those who stay near ink get stained black—not necessarily so. The two of us slept in upper and lower bunks for four years, but my historical record is pristine. 'A single glance could topple a city, a second could topple a state' exists only in poetry. Our engineering university was a typical one where female students were scarce; there were far more monks than bowls of porridge. It's not that I had extraordinarily high standards, but dating requires money. The living expenses my parents gave me were barely enough for meals, and I certainly didn't want to spend their hard-earned money on a romance with no future. After graduation, couples flying off like parting swallows and heading in opposite directions were everywhere, and Lin Haidong's romantic conclusion will be no exception."

Seeing Qin Ke rush to explain himself, Bian Xiaoqi burst into a giggle and said, "I hadn't even said a word, and you've already launched into a long speech."

"Your silence at this moment speaks louder than words. However, I still believe in love. I wanted to wait until graduation, until my work was stable, before embarking on an idealized romance. And then, I met you. 'Having searched for her thousands of times in the crowd, suddenly, when I turned my head, there she stood in the dim light.' That was the feeling I had when I first saw you in Xizhou."

Hearing this, Bian Xiaoqi snuggled into his arms and asked softly, "What is the love of your imagination like?"

"‘Ask the world, what is love, that makes life and death a pledge? Flying side by side from south to north, how many winters and summers have aged our wings? The joy of meeting, the sorrow of parting, amidst it all are infatuated souls. You should have a reply: across tens of thousands of miles of layered clouds, a thousand mountains of evening snow, to whom shall I fly alone?’" Holding Bian Xiaoqi, Qin Ke recited the first stanza of Yuan Haowen's *Ci to the Tune of Moyu'er: Ode to the Wild Geese*.

"‘I live at the head of the Yangtze River, you at its tail. Day after day I think of you but cannot see you, yet we drink from the same Yangtze River. When will this river cease to flow? When will this sorrow ever end? I only wish your heart were like mine, and I would surely not fail our yearning.’" Bian Xiaoqi recited Li Zhiyi's *Ci to the Tune of Busuanzi: I Live at the Head of the Yangtze River*.

"Xiaoqi, I am willing to let my clothes grow looser without a single regret, pining away for you." With that, he pulled her tighter into his embrace, and their lips and tongues intertwined.

The night grew late, and their tenderness lingered long.

After a long while, Bian Xiaoqi said, "I believe in love too, and I hope all lovers get married, but reality often falls short of our wishes. How many sworn vows have been worn away into nothingness by the passage of time, leaving behind only scars and solitude, just like Zheng Yutong's current situation. Given Lin Haidong's fickle nature, do you think Meng Changxue will be his final true love?"

"If there is no love, what meaning is there in this human world? Since ancient times, the endless stream of infatuated men and resentful women is precisely what adds color to love and flavor to life. Therefore, you should still encourage Zheng Yutong. Similarly, you should give Lin Haidong a chance—what if it actually works out?" Qin Ke smiled.

"What if you encounter such an opportunity as well?" Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke and pinched his arm hard.

"Xiaoqi, you are my 'what if,' and there will never be another," Qin Ke stroked her fair, smooth skin and said with absolute certainty.

(2)

The next morning, Bian Xiaoqi handed two cell phones to Qin Ke, telling him to give them to her parents and claim he bought them for the elderly couple. She also asked him to bring a set of Estée Lauder cosmetics for Shen Jing, and reminded him to call her every single night.

Qin Ke went out to buy two bottles of top-tier Erguotou liquor, then hurried to the Capital Airport to rendezvous with Technical Director Qi Guosheng, Sales Director Xu Weixin, Financial Director Tang Anhua, Sales Manager Zhan Dechun, and Finance Manager Ling Yunkake.

Once the six of them boarded the plane, Qi Guosheng, Xu Weixin, and Tang Anhua sat in the same row, while Qin Ke, Zhan Dechun, and Ling Yunkake took seats in another row.

After the plane leveled off, Qin Ke took out his laptop and carefully reviewed several technical proposals from the Southwest Branch. Zhan Dechun chatted for a while with Ling Yunkake, who was seated between them, but after a short conversation, the two ran out of things to say.

Ling Yunkake turned her head to look at the deeply focused Qin Ke. After watching him for a moment, she smiled and said, "Supervisor Qin, we have plenty of time. You're working so hard; don't wear yourself out. Why don't you rest for a while?"

Hearing this, Qin Ke smiled and replied, "These two hours are idle anyway. Manager Ling can close your eyes and rest for a bit."

"I'm not tired. I've heard of your great reputation for a long time. Getting promoted and getting a pay raise right upon joining the company is unprecedented, and probably won't be repeated by anyone after you. Seeing you in person today, you really are different," Ling Yunkake flattered him.

"How am I different? I also have two eyes and one mouth," Qin Ke smiled.

"To become a legend, one must possess extraordinary traits. What's different is your dedication and focus, and besides, you're quite handsome."

Qin Ke felt that Ling Yunkake was buttering him up, but he also felt she was speaking some truth.

Still, he modestly replied, "Where, oh where? Manager Ling flatters me."

"If I had a memory as good as Supervisor Qin's, reviewing the financial accounts of the Southwest Branch would save a tremendous amount of time. Who knows, I might even need your vigorous assistance."

"Every trade has its master. I don't understand finance."

"I can teach you. You're so smart, you'll definitely learn it as soon as you try."

"The work Director Qi assigned to me is more important. Manager Ling, we each have our own duties, so I'm afraid I can only be willing to help but unable to do so," Qin Ke politely declined.

"I didn't ask you to agree immediately. As pretty a girl as I am, I've never asked anyone for a favor before. You're the first. Are you really unwilling to help me?" Ling Yunkake stared at Qin Ke and spoke boldly.

Hearing her put it this way, Qin Ke began to appraise her. She was about his age, with her hair tied in a ponytail; she wore a well-tailored white dress and had delicate facial features. Through her rimless glasses, a pair of phoenix eyes naturally radiated allure. She was quite a pretty girl, turning her head slightly and smiling as she stared at him.

Qin Ke smiled. "Such a glib-tongued Manager Ling. It sounds like I'll lose something if I don't help you. If Director Qi gives the word, I—"

"You'll lose the chance to date a beauty. Alright, it's a deal." Before Qin Ke could finish, Ling Yunkake's soft, delicate hand immediately grabbed his large hand, pressing even closer to him.

A faint scent of perfume drifted into his nose. Qin Ke's face instantly flushed slightly, and he hurriedly pulled his hand away from her firm grip. He shifted his body to the side, stopped looking at her, and buried his head back into the documents on his laptop.

Seeing the awkwardness of a young man displayed by Qin Ke, Ling Yunkake couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

She became even more interested in him.

(3)

After finishing the morning meeting at the sales center, Bian Xiaoqi stepped out the front door and immediately saw Fu Sichen walking toward the sales office in a hurried manner.

She went up to her and smiled, "Classmate Fu, coming to look at apartments so early. Come on, I'll personally assist you today."

There was not a trace of a smile on Fu Sichen's ice-cold face as she said, "Director Bian, I'm not here to buy an apartment. Nor would I ever buy one here. I'm here to demand an explanation."

"Who offended our talented Fu? What can I do to help you?" Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile.

"Last night, Lin Haidong called to say he found true love and wanted to break up with me. This bastard, fickle and insatiable, always wanting an inch after taking a yard. What does he take me for? Someone he can date whenever he wants and dump whenever he pleases? No way!" Fu Sichen's eyebrows arched in anger as she gritted her teeth.

"What happened between the two of you? Come on, get in my car and tell me all about it." Bian Xiaoqi pulled the furious Fu Sichen into her Jetta.

"Qin Ke is his classmate; he must know. Didn't Qin Ke tell you anything?" Fu Sichen asked.

"Qin Ke doesn't know a thing. Who did Lin Haidong say he fell for this time?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Even if he didn't say it, I know who it is. It must be Meng Changxue, that real estate salesperson under your command. I'm here today to settle accounts with this home-wrecker," Fu Sichen said bitterly.

"Sichen, listening to what you've said, I understand a bit. I have a few thoughts here, please consider them," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"First, the principal party is Lin Haidong. This is a matter between the two of you, and it still requires the two of you to negotiate a resolution. Second, I don't know whether Meng Changxue even likes Lin Haidong. You and Lin Haidong were only in a dating relationship, not married, so there is no such thing as a 'third party.' Even if Meng Changxue likes Lin Haidong, that is her freedom. Third, we are both educated and reasonable women; we must think twice before acting when facing trouble. When you see Meng Changxue, what do you plan to do? Tear at her hair in public? Shout curses? Weep bitterly? I think none of these are appropriate. Not only would this ruin your poise, but it would also turn you into a spectacle for onlookers. Fourth, I believe that if a man cannot remain constant to you, he is simply not worth spending any more of your energy on."

"I can't swallow this anger. Am I just supposed to let him get his way so easily?" Fu Sichen was unwilling to let it go.

"Sichen, as women, we must first have self-respect, self-love, and self-reliance. Love is wonderful, but it is not essential. A woman can be a flower, allowing herself to be loved. A woman can also be a towering tree, providing a place to lean on," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"If you encountered this kind of thing, what would you do?" Fu Sichen shot back.

"My fourth point just now is my decision. I would do it without hesitation," Bian Xiaoqi said.

Fu Sichen's blazing anger gradually subsided under Bian Xiaoqi's words. She thought for a moment, then, maintaining her icy expression, turned and left without looking back.

Having persuaded Fu Sichen to leave, Bian Xiaoqi felt a sense of relief.

She walked back into the sales center and saw Meng Changxue standing before the floor-to-ceiling window; no doubt Meng Changxue had witnessed the scene just now.

When Bian Xiaoqi walked up to her, Meng Changxue asked, "Director Bian, that Ms. Fu came to see you—what did she say?"

"She came looking for you, and I intercepted her. After talking with her for a while, she should be feeling somewhat unburdened now. Manager Meng, what are your thoughts on Lin Haidong?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Director Bian, I don't understand him well. He's your friend. What do you think I should do?" Meng Changxue asked.

"Manager Meng, since we're colleagues, I'll speak the plain truth. Lin Haidong is a Beijing native, a graduate of Binhai University—a prestigious school. He's handsome, talented, and has a good personality. That's all I know about him."

"Is he still quite a flirt?" Meng Changxue asked.

"The appreciation of beauty is human nature. Whether a man is fickle depends on whether a girl can make him stay focused. I choose to make myself scarce because I've already learned how to fly. A clever Manager Meng surely knows what to do. I have faith in Manager Meng's charm and capability," Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said.

"Director Bian, you're making fun of me." Hearing Bian Xiaoqi articulate the answer to her three implicit tests, Meng Changxue shed the professional competence and confidence she usually displayed at work, blushing like a young girl.

(4)

Qin Ke and his group of six checked into the Sheraton Hotel in Xizhou, with all their rooms located on the 18th floor. Qin Ke chose Room 1809, and Ling Yunkake chose Room 1810, staying directly across the hall from him.

Before checking in, Qi Guosheng announced that the afternoon was free time. Ling Yunkake happily declared, "Wise leadership."

After checking in, Ling Yunkake walked into Qin Ke's room and said, "Supervisor Qin, this is my first time in Xizhou. What are the good places to see and delicious foods to eat here?"

"Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and Kuanzhai Alley are all worth a visit. And when in Xizhou, hotpot is an absolute must," Qin Ke said without lifting his head.

"It seems you're very familiar with Xizhou. It's still early. You take me sightseeing, and I'll treat you to hotpot. How's that?" Ling Yunkake smiled and asked.

"I have plans tonight," Qin Ke refused flatly.

"Rejecting a pretty girl's invitation requires a better excuse than that flimsy one. You're really no fun," Ling Yunkake pouted.

"What kind of excuse would you consider not flimsy?" Qin Ke was amused to the point of laughter by her.

"You're not from Sichuan, nor did you graduate from a university here. Who could you possibly know here?" Ling Yunkake said.

"It seems Manager Ling has done her homework. But do you know if I have a girlfriend?" Qin Ke smiled.

"I couldn't care less whether you have a girlfriend. If you don't, even better. If you do, I still don't mind. Would eating a meal together cause some shrewish roar?" Ling Yunkake said domineeringly.

"A friend of mine in Beijing entrusted me to bring some gifts for her parents and friends, and I must deliver them tonight. Besides, I already have a girlfriend. How about that? Are you disappointed?" Qin Ke bantered.

"I'm not disappointed at all. If you didn't even have a girlfriend, that would be disappointing. Off you go, then—I'll wait for you in my room."

Ling Yunkake's unconventional train of thought left Qin Ke speechless. He picked up the gifts, walked out of his room, and headed toward Bian Xiaoqi's home.

(5)

Bian Xiaoqi had already called Jiang Sumei. By the time Qin Ke arrived at her home, Jiang Sumei and Bian Guoning had already prepared six dishes and were waiting for him. He presented the gifts to the two professors, explaining that the cell phones were bought by Bian Xiaoqi and the liquor by himself. Jiang Sumei and Bian Guoning happily accepted the gifts and urged him to sit down for dinner. Bian Guoning opened a bottle of Wuliangye and had Qin Ke keep him company with two taels of drinks. While eating, Qin Ke answered the professors' questions.

"Xiao Qin, Xiaoqi said you might come to Xizhou to take up a post—is that true? If so, what about Xiaoqi?" Jiang Sumei asked.

"Auntie Jiang, I'm just here on a business trip, ordered by higher-ups to investigate the issues that occurred at the Southwest Branch; my subsequent assignments haven't been finalized yet. Xiaoqi's career momentum in Beijing is very good right now, and I don't want to be separated from her. So even if the company assigns me to a post here, I won't consider it."

"That may be what you say, but you must also assess the situation according to the times. You are both young and have opportunities to advance; you shouldn't miss them," Bian Guoning said.

"Being able to stay together for the long term is far more important to me than money or a title," Qin Ke replied.

"If career and romance can both be managed, it's best not to separate," Jiang Sumei said, after all, looking out for Bian Xiaoqi's interests.

After dinner, Qin Ke said he needed to deliver the gift Bian Xiaoqi sent for Shen Jing, so he bid farewell to the two professors, promising to visit them again before leaving Xizhou.

Ling Yunkake had been keeping watch on the movements of Room 1809. As soon as Qin Ke returned to the Sheraton Hotel and opened his door, she heard it. She immediately followed him into his room. Seeing him pick up a gift bag and prepare to head out again, she asked, "Where are you off to now? You should be a gentleman and ask if I've eaten dinner."

Qin Ke smiled. "A girl always has her reasons whether she eats or not. Eating is to keep from starving, and not eating is to maintain her figure; therefore, I shouldn't pry into either. I'm going to see another female friend—would you like to come along?"

Thinking Qin Ke was joking, but realizing he didn't look like it, Ling Yunkake immediately said, "Don't try to fool me, of course I'm going. I'm not afraid of being a third wheel. Give me ten minutes to tidy up."

"Ah?" Qin Ke had assumed she would retreat in the face of difficulty, but instead she pressed forward. He instantly regretted it immensely.

Ten minutes later, the medium-height Ling Yunkake stood before him wearing a fiery red dress, her long hair pinned up, wearing contact lenses, lightly made up, and beaming with a smile. Looking at his astonished expression, she smiled and asked, "How's that? Am I prettier than your girlfriend?"

"There is simply no comparison," Qin Ke replied bluntly.

(6)

Qin Ke took a taxi to Xizhou's Bar Street.

As soon as he stepped out of the car, Ling Yunkake looked at the dazzling neon-lit streetscape and said excitedly, "Supervisor Qin, you have such good taste. Xizhou has such a wonderful spot as this. I love it."

Walking into the "Blue Bridge" bar, Qin Ke was immediately enveloped in warm lighting. Customers sat in small groups around tables, savoring various fine wines. On the stage, a female singer was playing and singing the song *Inseparable*. Finding the voice familiar, he walked closer and saw it was none other than Tang Wen, the singer he had "encountered" at the Houhai bar. He walked up to the bar counter and saw Shen Jing lowering her head to record accounts. Shen Jing wore a beige dress, her hair pulled back, looking exceptionally radiant.

Qin Ke greeted, "Shen Jing, hello!"

Shen Jing looked up and, seeing Qin Ke, exclaimed in pleasant surprise, "Qin Ke, hello! Xiaoqi said you'd be coming to Xizhou on a business trip these couple of days. Did Xiaoqi come with you?"

"Xiaoqi is a very busy person now. I came alone." With that, Qin Ke handed the gift to Shen Jing.

Shen Jing smiled and said, "My best friend really knows how to treat me well. Please thank Xiaoqi for me. What would you like to drink?"

Qin Ke said, "You're so busy, I won't bother."

"How can that do? If Xiaoqi knew I neglected you, she'd surely come settle accounts with me," Shen Jing smiled.

"I'll have an 'Angel's Kiss,'" Ling Yunkake suddenly chimed in from behind Qin Ke.

The moment Shen Jing saw the smiling Ling Yunkake, her brow furrowed slightly, and she cast a suspicious look at Qin Ke. Qin Ke immediately explained, "Shen Jing, this is Ling Yunkake, my colleague on this business trip to Xizhou. She had nowhere to go tonight, so she came along with me to Bar Street."

Ling Yunkake also stepped forward generously and said, "Hello, I'm Ling Yunkake. You are truly beautiful."

"Hello, I'm Shen Jing. You're very pretty too. Welcome to 'Blue Bridge,'" Shen Jing replied with a cool, polite tone.

After leading the two to an empty table and seating them, Shen Jing turned back to the bar counter and instructed the bartender to prepare a "Pink Lady" and an "Angel's Kiss."

Taking advantage of Shen Jing's absence, Ling Yunkake remarked, "Supervisor Qin, you are quite blessed in romance. The bar owner is so gorgeous. Is your girlfriend even prettier?"

"She is prettier than you," Qin Ke bluntly stated.

"Supervisor Qin, you shouldn't be so impolite right in front of a beauty! Ah, I get it—you have no way to explain tonight's behavior to your girlfriend," Ling Yunkake laughed.

"I really regret it now," Qin Ke said.

"You're the one who personally invited me," Ling Yunkake smiled.

Shen Jing brought over two glasses of cocktails. Seeing the "Pink Lady," Qin Ke immediately sensed Shen Jing's underlying message and felt rather awkward. Ling Yunkake, however, interpreted a different meaning and smiled, "The name 'Pink Lady' is so lovely."

With a double entendre, Shen Jing said, "You are Qin Ke's colleague. Qin Ke is my best friend's boyfriend. Therefore, tonight's drinks are on the house. What I want to say is, not every 'Pink Lady' comes with an 'Angel's Kiss.'"

"In my view, when a 'Pink Lady' and an 'Angel's Kiss' meet, it's bound to have a very unique flavor," Ling Yunkake countered with her own double entendre.

Qin Ke was once again amused to laughter by Ling Yunkake. He wondered to himself where on earth she got such confidence.

Back at the Sheraton Hotel, before Qin Ke could speak, Ling Yunkake chuckled, "Supervisor Qin, Shen Jing is definitely going to file a report, so I won't say 'good night.' You'll have to talk your way out of this one yourself. Haha."