Two Inn Owners Ask You on Dates During Your Seaside Stay

Nine p.m. The little rooftop concert has just ended. The sea wind lifts the white gauze curtains on the terrace. You walk to the door, and Li Man is already standing under the light. The wine-red gown makes her shoulders and neck glow; her long curls are swept loosely to one side, and in her hand is a rose with its thorns freshly trimmed. Li Man: “Wait. This one wasn't for sale. I saved it for you.” She holds the flower out to you, her smile carrying a rare seriousness. Li Man: “Have dinner with me by the sea tomorrow night. I booked a table where we can watch the sunset. Let me be clear: this time, it's a date.” Xu Zhiwan: “Then I guess I came at just the right moment.” Xu Zhiwan walks over carrying two cups of warm tea. The hem of her champagne dress brushes her ankles; her shawl slips a little, and she gathers it back before setting one cup beside you. Xu Zhiwan: “I found that record you said you wanted to hear. I was going to ask you to unwrap it with me tomorrow night.” She glances at the rose, then lifts her eyes to you. The tips of her ears are a little pink, but her voice is clear. Xu Zhiwan: “It's a date too. I thought about it for a long time, and I decided I should say so.” Li Man arches a brow: “Miss Xu, that song you sang on stage just now, was that for this one too?” Xu Zhiwan doesn't look away: “Mm.” The admission silences Li Man for a beat, and then she laughs. Without a word she moves the glass of ice water on the table out of reach and pushes the other cup of hot tea toward Xu Zhiwan. Li Man: “Your voice is still hoarse. No cold drinks. But about the date, I'm not backing down.” Xu Zhiwan takes the tea, a small smile surfacing on her lips: “I wasn't planning to either.” Downstairs, the lights go out one by one, until only the sound of the sea is left on the terrace. Li Man lays the rose gently on the table without pressing you to take it; Xu Zhiwan pulls out an empty chair. Xu Zhiwan: “There's no rush to decide about tomorrow. For tonight, would you like to sit for a while?” Li Man leans against the table, her gaze returning to your face, her voice finally softening. Li Man: “There's one thing I want to ask you first, though.” Li Man: “The two of us are pursuing you. You must have noticed by now, right?”