"Whether this money can be invested depends on the final market research and data analysis results. You're speaking too soon," Song Jiaping interrupted her directly.
She was momentarily speechless, "Right. Then I have nothing more to say. I'll cooperate fully with Mrs. Lu's friend for the research."
They didn't speak further. Huangfu Mengqi asked the driver to take him near his residence.
As soon as he got out of the car, Huangfu Mengqi went online to search for what constituted black tea and what the best black tea was.
At the teahouse, she had heard Song Jiaping say that the two major cancers affecting women were highly prevalent, and women over thirty should start paying attention.
She was also in her early thirties and felt a bit nervous. It was time to start paying attention to her health.
...
This weekend, Susu took time to work out at the boxing club. She hadn't practiced for a while and felt rusty on some moves.
Daisy had been guiding her, telling her not to overexert herself to avoid muscle strains and that she should come more often.
After working up a sweat, she felt much better and sighed, "Life is about movement. I can't just sit around all the time."
"Of course, prolonged sitting is harmful," Daisy said, handing her a towel.
While resting, she noticed Daisy had prominent under-eye bags and asked, "Are you alright lately? Didn't you sleep well last night?"
"I'm fine, just slept a bit late."
"How are things developing between you and Huangfu Shaohua? Have you both figured things out?"
Daisy drank water with her and said, "I've figured it out. I want to give it a try, after all, he's made me feel something."
Susu smiled and said, "It's good that you've made a decision. It's most painful when one is hesitant and conflicted."
"What's the use of me making a decision if I haven't had a chance to talk to him?"
"Ah," Susu scanned the trainees in the hall, not seeing Huangfu Shaohua. "Haven't you two met yet? Hasn't he come looking for you?"
Daisy told her about Sheng Zhuzhu.
"During this time, he's been almost constantly at the hospital taking care of his childhood friend Sheng Zhuzhu. I don't want to bring this up with him now; it would seem abrupt and ridiculous."
Susu agreed, saying, "Just consider this a test from heaven. It depends on how you both face and resolve it."
"We face it together?" Daisy asked, confused.
Susu smiled and said, "You both feel you've been negligent and responsible, and by not contacting each other, you're both avoiding the issue. So, how do you plan to make amends to Sheng Zhuzhu and sacrifice your own love?"
Daisy quickly shook her head, "I want to wait until her condition improves."
"Her body will eventually recover, but she's clinging to Huangfu Shaohua's guilt. What if her mental state never recovers?" This matter reminded Susu of Sophie.
Daisy was stunned and said, "I don't know, I haven't thought about it."
"I think you should proactively contact Huangfu Shaohua, ask him how he's doing, show some concern, and see if there are any good solutions," Susu suggested.
Daisy thought about it, nodded, and said, "Okay."
Just then, a trainee called her. Susu told her to go ahead and rested by herself.
She hadn't visited Sophie in a while and thought she should make time to visit her soon.
After work, Daisy thought about what Susu had told her.
She was indeed avoiding the issue, afraid to proactively ask Huangfu Shaohua and hear an answer she didn't want to hear.
Walking into the community garden, she saw no one around and took out her phone to call Huangfu Shaohua.
He answered quickly.
"Daisy, you're off work. How have you been lately?" Huangfu Shaohua's voice sounded very tired.
Daisy replied, "It's the weekend today, so I got off work early. Have you been at the hospital lately? You must be very tired."
"Yes, but it's okay," Huangfu Shaohua said. "Zhuzhu selectively forgets the bad things that happened that night and insists she was with me. The doctor also said not to stimulate her and that we can't tell her the truth about that night yet, and it will take time. Can you understand?"
"Okay, I understand. I won't disturb you. Take good care of her." Daisy didn't know what else to say besides appearing magnanimous.
"Daisy, wait. Do you have time to have dinner together tomorrow, Sunday?" Huangfu Shaohua asked.
Daisy said, "I'm usually busier on weekends than on weekdays..."
"We'll just have a meal near the boxing club at noon. It won't take up too much of your time."
"Alright, I'll wait for you at the restaurant next to the club tomorrow at noon." She hung up first.
Huangfu Shaohua breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he would ask his mother to help look after Sheng Zhuzhu tomorrow, as he also wanted to see Daisy and catch his breath.
In fact, during this period, his guilt towards Sheng Zhuzhu had been worn down by her constant entanglement, and he wanted to escape his current state as soon as possible, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
On Sunday noon, Daisy found a window seat in the restaurant. Huangfu Shaohua hadn't arrived yet; she was early.
She waited for half an hour. The lunch rush at the restaurant was in full swing, and it was almost full, but she still hadn't seen Huangfu Shaohua.
Daisy worried if Huangfu Shaohua would still come, if he could come.
Just as she was about to order a couple of dishes for herself, Huangfu Shaohua finally appeared.
She really wanted to run over and hug him tightly, but she held back, stayed seated, waved at him, and smiled.
Huangfu Shaohua saw her at a glance and sat down in front of her, feeling much better.
He ordered dishes according to Daisy's taste. They didn't speak at first, eating in silence.
Daisy looked up at him first and couldn't help but ask, "If Sheng Zhuzhu can't live without you in the future, what will you do?"
Huangfu Shaohua lowered his head, looking at his chopsticks, and didn't answer her.
She quickly added, "Actually, we haven't officially established a relationship. If you want to take care of her for the rest of your life, I can withdraw..."
Huangfu Shaohua put down his chopsticks and interrupted her, "What nonsense are you talking about? I'll make things clear with her in a couple of days and never go to the hospital again. You prepare the household registration book."
Daisy asked inexplicably, "What do I need the household registration book for?"
"Of course, to get married," Huangfu Shaohua said decisively.
Daisy understood, and the happiness came too suddenly, almost overwhelming her.
But she quickly calmed down and glared at him, "You wish! You want me to marry you without anything settled."
"It's not difficult to want me to propose. We'll sort it out together at the Civil Affairs Bureau the day after tomorrow afternoon." Huangfu Shaohua grabbed her hand without further ado and gently kissed the back of her hand. "You'll be relieved after we get married, right?"
"I'm not worried," Daisy said, her eyes full of anticipation as she looked at him again.
"Then do you want to get married to me or not?" Huangfu Shaohua asked, raising an eyebrow.
Daisy quickly said, "But can your family agree? And I haven't told my parents either..."
"Falling in love and getting married is between the two of us," Huangfu Shaohua said seriously. "I've thought about it. This might be the only way to resolve the current situation. If they pressure me again, I'll tell them directly that I'm already married to you, and no one can do anything to me. As for your parents, I'll personally visit them to apologize and let them entrust you to me with peace of mind."