Lin Jing is like a lonely twinkling star in the bustling city of Beijing, working alone for many years, she is invincible in the workplace, but she is gradually lonely in her private life. Under the countless proddings and arrangements of her friend Wang Mei, she finally reluctantly attended this so-called "elite blind date party".
The party takes place in a quaint courtyard restaurant that seems to have the best of both worlds, with the charm of old Beijing and modern comforts. Lin Jing was wearing a simple and atmospheric black dress, and her face without powder looked extremely elegant under the light.
"Lin Jing, why do you always look like a workaholic, relax tonight, maybe you can meet your Mr. Right。 Wang Mei's tone was full of excitement and anticipation.
Lin Jing smiled lightly, without too many words, but thought in her heart that if it was really that easy, she would not be alone until now.
Just as Lin Jing was looking at the layout of the courtyard somewhat absentmindedly, a man came over to break her contemplation, he was slender and dressed in a decent suit, with an air of uninhibition in his confidence.
"Hello, I'm Zhao Lei, it's a pleasure to meet you here." He smiled and stretched out his hand, his tone gentle and sincere.
Lin Jing bowed slightly and shook his hand, "I'm Lin Jing, and I'm also very happy." ”
The conversation between the two began, as if it were fate. As time passed, the voices of the other people at the party seemed distant and indistinct, and only the chatter of the two of them was clearly audible.
Zhao Lei talks extraordinary, and his topics range from ancient and modern Chinese and foreign culture and customs to personal life concepts. Zhao Lei, who has worked hard in this city for many years, always seems to be able to calmly cope with the challenges of life.
"Actually, I don't have much expectation for the so-called 'blind date'." When talking about personal feelings, Zhao Lei said, "But it feels pretty good to meet you today." ”
Lin Jing listened to his frank words, and a long-lost warmth filled her heart, and she replied: "Me too, I always felt that these occasions were too contrived before, but today I was unexpectedly happy to talk to you. ”
In the hours that followed, they shared their lives, their work experiences, and their visions of the future. Lin Jing found that she had inadvertently opened her heart to an almost unfamiliar man.
At midnight, the party gradually ended, and Lin Jing and Zhao Lei were still unsatisfied. Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Lin Jing blurted out: "I don't want to go home like this, are you willing to go for a walk with me?" ”
"Of course I do." Zhao Lei's answer was without hesitation.
In the dark night of Beijing, two lonely souls were strolling through the deserted streets, and suddenly, they made a bold decision together - no longer to go back to their respective homes alone, but chose to walk into Lin Jing's rented apartment together. Lin Jing felt like she had walked into a dream, and the days of living with Zhao Lei seemed like an adventure. In the beginning, everything was fresh and exciting, and every little gesture of his, every smile, and even every affectionate look made her heart skip a beat.
But life soon tore off the veil of romance, and real problems began to emerge. Zhao Lei's living habits are completely different from Lin Jing's, he is used to nightlife, guitar and music are an indispensable part of his life, and friends often come to his home to party until late at night.
Late one night, Lin Jing stayed up late and came home from overtime, but saw a few empty wine bottles on the dining table and snack bags scattered on the sofa.
"Zhao Lei, can we agree on a rule, at least on weekdays... Can it be quieter? I have to wake up early the next day to work. Lin Jing said helplessly.
Zhao Lei raised his head with a hint of doubt, "I think life should be enjoyed in time, such a sudden change in life is not easy for me, I can't give up what I like because of life." ”
Such conversations began to become frequent, and the contradictions between the two gradually emerged. Lin Jing is a perfectionist who likes planning and order, while Zhao Lei is more casual, believing that life should be full of surprises and spontaneity.
Once, Zhao Lei invited a group of friends home, and they sang songs and drank wine until dawn.
"Do you know you're making me uncomfortable like this? Your friends didn't leave until five in the morning, and I didn't sleep well all night. The next day, Lin Jing finally broke out.
"I just want to enjoy life with my friends, and I haven't forgotten to care about you, is that wrong?" Zhao Lei looked a little cramped and a little aggrieved.
However, despite the constant contradictions, Lin Jing found herself unconsciously becoming more and more dependent on such a life. Zhao Lei's uninhibition gave her a rebellious pleasure, and life was no longer as boring and predictable as before.
"You know what? I've never felt alive like I do now. Zhao Lei said to Lin Jing on a sunny afternoon.
"Me too, but we have to find a balance... I can't always accommodate you. Lin Jing knew that this kind of life could not last long, but her heart had gradually been filled by Zhao Lei.
Day after day, the two tried to adapt to each other, but the process did not go well. Lin Jing began to deepen her understanding of Zhao Lei's desire for freedom, and Zhao Lei was also trying to adapt to Lin Jing's life mode. This tug-of-war carries too much of an emotional roller coaster.
"It's not just work, that's what I believe in." Lin Jing's tone was firm, and her eyes were full of strength.
Zhao Lei was silent, and he began to think silently. Perhaps, this woman is not so different from what he thinks, she has her own insistence, just as the freedom he pursues.
The two begin to have a more sincere conversation, trying to understand and respect each other's philosophy of life. They admit their shortcomings and begin to find common ground.
Despite the conflict, the affection between them grows deeper. Zhao Lei was immersed in the report on women's rights for a long time, and when he raised his head, his eyes were full of mixed emotions. "Lin Jing, I've never really tried to understand your world before, I'm sorry."
Lin Jing put down the pen in her hand and responded softly, "We all have our own worldview, Zhao Lei, understanding and respect are mutual." ”
The conflict culminated in this profound understanding. In the days that followed, the argument between Zhao Lei and Lin Jing became deeper and deeper, but it was no longer the opposite side of each other.
As soon as she got home, Lin Jing found that Zhao Lei was assembling a large bookshelf in the living room. "It's for your books and materials, and I think you should have a better place to store them." Zhao Lei was sweating profusely but said with high spirits.
"You... Did this for me? Lin Jing was surprised and moved.
"Your career and beliefs are important and I should respect and support them." Zhao Lei said as he continued to screw the screws.
Lin Jing stepped forward to help, and the two fought side by side, like a tiny microcosm of their relationship. That night, the two sat around in front of their new bookshelves and fell into a deep conversation.
"I'm willing to try to understand you better, and I hope my life can be understood by you." Lin Jing held Zhao Lei's hand and said.
"I know there's a lot I don't do enough, but I want to show that I'm willing to work hard for our relationship." There was seriousness and determination in Zhao Lei's eyes.
The little things in life gradually reveal their gradual process of adaptation and compromise. Zhao Lei began to control the frequency of inviting friends to party at home, and communicated with Lin Jing in advance. And Lin Jing also tried to give Zhao Lei enough personal space, and no longer overemphasized the importance of order and planning.
In this way, after experiencing conflict and dialogue, the relationship between the two reached an unprecedented solidity.
Lin Jing came home from overtime one day, Zhao Lei was waiting at the door, and when he saw her, he said, "Tonight, I didn't have a friend and wanted to cook with you." ”
"Really?" Lin Jing smiled, her smile full of warmth and trust.
They are busy together in the kitchen, chopping, stir-frying, and tasting, as if everything, including their differences, can find a solution in the simple process of cooking.
On the dining table, there is an elaborate dinner for two. Zhao Lei raised his glass, "For us to be able to get to where we are today, I respect you." ”
Lin Jing responded with his toast, "Also for our future every day." ”
The willingness to adapt and tolerate has made their relationship stronger and more mature after this conflict.
After the previous run-in and getting along, Lin Jing and Zhao Lei finally sat down and decided to talk about the future seriously. Beijing's night sky is dotted with stars, but their living room is filled with warm lights and heavy topics.
"How do we move forward? Our lives, our loves, need a direction. Lin Jing started this long conversation late at night.
Zhao Lei looked at Lin Jing deeply, "I think, we all know what we want." What I want is not just freedom, but also days with you. ”
"Me too, I care about my career, but I care more about our relationship. We all have to make some changes. Lin Jing said seriously.
They began to discuss their ideals, including career development, family life, and even their children's education. They want to have a shared future while maintaining their personal identity and pursuits.
"There may be difficulties, there may be misunderstandings, but we are willing to face them together." Zhao Lei held Lin Jing's hand and said in a firm tone.
Lin Jing nodded, "With you, I don't think all difficulties are any longer a problem." ”
As the night deepened, the two of them spoke less and less. They know that the most important thing has been said, and what is needed next is action and proof.
In the end, when the silence of the night was only the sound of their breathing, Zhao Lei suddenly said, "Are we really ready to face the future together?" ”
Lin Jing looked at the starry sky outside the window, and then looked back at Zhao Lei, her heart was full of confidence and hope, "Maybe we were never really ready, but isn't this part of love and life?" ”
The stars outside the window seemed to be twinkling, as if in response to their questions.
This content is a fictional short story, and any name, place name, or other aspect of the text is not related to reality. If there is any similarity, it is purely a coincidence, please read it rationally.