First Encounter Friend Request

“I’ve accepted your friend request, so now we can start chatting,” Wang Zeyu’s message appeared on Lin Xinyu’s WeChat.

“Hello,” Wang Zeyu greeted first.

“Hello?” Lin Xinyu replied, confused.

“If not hello, then what?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Who are you?” Lin Xinyu stared at her phone, puzzled.

“I’m the receptionist from the billiard hall today,” Wang Zeyu responded.

“Do you need something?” Lin Xinyu replied indifferently.

“If I didn’t want anything, why would I add you as a friend?” Wang Zeyu joked.

“Alright then,” she answered.

— The conversation ended abruptly there.

Over the next three days, Wang Zeyu kept sharing snippets of his daily life with Lin Xinyu, but she replied only perfunctorily.

During one chat, Lin Xinyu invited Wang Zeyu to teach her how to play billiards.

— Three days later —

*Ding* — Lin Xinyu had just reached the station when she received a message from Wang Zeyu.

“Are you there yet?” Wang Zeyu asked eagerly.

“Not yet, waiting for someone,” Lin Xinyu replied calmly.

After a while,

Lin Xinyu and Liu Lan entered the billiard hall. Lin Xinyu glanced around; the crowd was bustling, yet she couldn’t find the familiar figure she remembered. She tried to recall Wang Zeyu’s appearance, only clearly recalling the white sweatshirt he wore that day; his facial features remained a blur.

She took out her phone, about to message him, when she noticed several young men nearby subtly looking her way, their eyes filled with anticipation and speculation. Lin Xinyu grew even more confused and hesitant, unsure whom to approach. A flush rose to her cheeks, and she felt unusually helpless amidst the crowd.

“Where are you? I forgot what you look like,” she asked awkwardly.

“I’m sitting inside by the front desk.” Moments later, Wang Zeyu emerged from the front desk.

Wang Zeyu smiled as he approached Lin Xinyu, a barely noticeable tenderness flickering in his eyes. He gently took the bag from her hand and led her to the billiard table. Under the lights, the green felt of the table shimmered softly, the cues neatly lined up beside it.

Lin Xinyu watched intently as he demonstrated. The balls traced graceful arcs through the air, dropping into pockets with crisp sounds. Their accidental glances created a subtle shift in the atmosphere between them.

Whenever Lin Xinyu bent over to take a shot, Wang Zeyu would awkwardly look away. Liu Lan lounged on a nearby sofa, scrolling through short videos on her phone.

Night fell quickly...

By then, only Lin Xinyu and Wang Zeyu remained.

“Want to grab some barbecue and drinks?” Wang Zeyu initiated.

“No, I’m a bit tired,” Lin Xinyu declined gently.

...After persistent coaxing from Wang Zeyu, Lin Xinyu finally agreed to go for drinks with him.

— At a barbecue restaurant —

Wang Zeyu set down his bag and pulled Lin Xinyu to sit beside him.

“Do you want me to sit next to you or across?”

“Either is fine,” Lin Xinyu replied coolly.

Shortly after, Wang Zeyu called over a waiter. “Order up!” He handed the menu to Lin Xinyu. “Take a look and see what you want.”

“I’m fine with anything,” she answered, still aloof.

Soon after, Wang Zeyu’s two close friends joined them...

After a few drinks, Lin Xinyu started feeling sleepy and asked Wang Zeyu to take her home.

At the entrance of her apartment complex,

“Thanks for tonight. Take care on your way home.”

— At five in the morning —

*Ding* — Lin Xinyu’s phone buzzed with a new message.

“Have you ever thought about dating?” Wang Zeyu asked tentatively.

“Why?” Lin Xinyu had already guessed what was on his mind.

“Just asking.”

“Maybe I have.”

“Well, do you think I’m suitable?”