MGTSSSR Chapter 7

Time always slips away unnoticed. The summer cicadas had only recently gone quiet, and before long, spring of the following year had quietly passed.

 

Over the past six months, Gu Nan and Xiaoci’s relationship had steadily deepened.

 

“What are you doing?” Xiaoci asked via WeChat after returning to her dorm. She had just finished class and wasn’t feeling particularly hungry.

 

“Done with class? The big boss is in a meeting. We’ve got a product launch next month,” replied Gu Nan. Since they started dating, Gu Nan found himself checking his phone more often during meetings. Xiaoci had become his little muse, always providing inspiration and ideas for his work.

 

“Alright, then. I’ll take a nap.”

 

“Be good. Eat something before you sleep.”

 

“I don’t feel like eating. I really want your sweet and sour spare ribs…”

 

“Alright, get some rest. Let me know when you wake up.”

 

After putting down his phone, Gu Nan glanced at his watch. He had planned to tell Xiaoci that he’d be flying to Shanghai the next day for the product launch and could take the high-speed train to Hangzhou to see her. But hearing how tired she was, he decided to keep it to himself.

 

Still, she had said she wanted his sweet and sour spare ribs…

 

The next flight to Hangzhou was at 4:30 PM. It was just before 3 PM. Driving to the airport would take forty minutes, and there was a market near the office where he could grab the ingredients in ten minutes.

 

Impulsively, Gu Nan decided to go for it. After all, people should act on impulse at least once in their youth, right? Though at 25, he wasn’t exactly “youthful” anymore.

 

He quickly bought some ribs at the market, vacuum-packed them, and picked up some other ingredients and vegetables. Then he sped to the airport.

 

His colleagues helped him book a ticket since he was too pressed for time. Armed with only his ID, phone, and a power bank, he dashed to catch his flight.

 

While waiting at the airport, Gu Nan finally reflected on his rushed decision. But by then, it was too late to turn back. He parked his car, grabbed his groceries, got his boarding pass, and cleared security.

 

Xiaoci found out about Gu Nan’s impromptu trip three hours later when she woke up and called him, only to discover his phone was off.

 

How did she know? Because Gu Nan was standing right outside her dorm building, holding a thermos.

 

“Xiaoci, come downstairs.”

 

Seeing Gu Nan in his dress shirt holding the thermos, Xiaoci couldn’t believe her eyes.

 

“Didn’t you say you wanted sweet and sour spare ribs? Miss Song, your delivery has arrived!”

 

It wasn’t until she took a bite of the ribs Gu Nan had prepared that everything felt real. They were indeed made by him, though without any spice. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

 

Gu Nan explained how he’d requested time off, rushed to buy ingredients, and caught the flight to Hangzhou. As soon as he landed, he took a cab to her school, found a nearby restaurant, and begged the chef to let him use their kitchen. There, he prepared sweet and sour spare ribs and stir-fried bok choy for Xiaoci.

 

“I think I left the chili peppers at the market,” he said sheepishly. “The restaurant was Shanghainese, so I couldn’t ask for any. Shanghainese cuisine is milder, and they even use ketchup in their sweet and sour ribs. So, I had to tweak the recipe a bit. I hope it’s to your taste.”

 

Xiaoci didn’t reply with words. She simply set down her chopsticks and hugged the man who had been rambling beside her.

 

“Gu Nan, thank you.”

 

“If you really want to thank me, finish your meal.”

 

Gu Nan returned the hug. He had missed her. Despite his frequent detours to Hangzhou during business trips, the struggles of a long-distance relationship couldn’t be ignored.

 

Sometimes, Gu Nan wondered: if he didn’t have a stable job or financial security, would they still be able to sustain this relationship?

 

“Gu Nan, I’ll be interning next semester. My mom wants me to stay in Hangzhou, but I want to rent a place on my own. I don’t want to keep freeloading at home.”

 

“Good. Renting is more convenient. That way, I won’t have to look for a kitchen to cook for you anymore!”

 

After they finished eating, Gu Nan washed the thermos and took Xiaoci for a short walk before heading to the train station.

 

Standing at the school gate, Xiaoci wondered: if it weren’t for Gu Nan’s efforts, could their long-distance relationship still be this happy?

 

Her phone vibrated. It was a message from Gu Nan.

 

“Xiaoci, Superman can’t fly, but I can.”

 

Before she could reply, another message followed.

 

“And I’ll always bring your favorite sweet and sour spare ribs with me.”