Qingji needed all day to work up the courage. He'd spent last night psyching himself up. Now, when Wamin Restaurant was nearing closing time and the restaurant's patrons had all gone, he made his move.
Shenhe greeted him as he approached. "Hello, may I take your order?"
"Oh um…I'm not hungry. I just wanted to ask you something."
"If you're not here to eat, then you should move along."
Her eyes had this intensity that scared him. His flight-or-fight instinct told him 'Get the hell out of there right now.' Except he couldn't. Qingji had talked a big game to Wenlieu, saying he'd ask her today. He couldn't back down now.
"Miss Shenhe," he said, "Would you join me for dinner tonight?"
Shenhe cocked her head. "Why?"
"W-well, I like you and I want to know you better."
She stared with quiet intensity. Her face did not inch. "You are asking me on a date?"
He nodded.
"I appreciate the gesture, but I have a boyfriend."
"Oh, I didn't know," he said apologetically. "I'm sorry."
"No apologies necessary. I am flattered."
"Well, thanks for the answer," he said. "Your boyfriend's a lucky man."
"Indeed. We all love him very much. Good night."
Hands in his pockets, he wandered home.
Qingji found, to his surprise, he wasn't at all devastated. He knew there was always a good chance she'd say no. Now that he asked, he had his answer. Sure, he was disappointed, but at least he tried.
Suddenly he stopped. Wait a second, why did she say, " We all love him?"