When Carrie asked Song Er if she had prepared Gu Lixing's birthday gift this year, Song Er didn't react until Carrie pointed twice at a circled date on the calendar. Only then did she finally remember that Gu Lixing's birthday was coming up soon.
Ever since things in China settled down, she had been busy with her competition. Aside from eating and sleeping, she was basically at the dance studio. She was the type of person who, when busy, would have a hard time thinking about anything else. She really had forgotten about this.
She looked at the calendar again and confirmed that Gu Lixing's birthday fell on the eve of the competition. She turned to Carrie and said, "Carrie, I think I've made a mistake."
"You didn't forget his birthday, did you?" Carrie was also a bit surprised.
Song Er nodded shamefully: "I think so."
"You really..."
For the three years she was abroad, no matter how hard she pretended not to care, she never forgot Gu Lixing's birthday. How could she have no idea now?
Just as she was leaving Carrie, she received a call from Gu Lixing. Because of the time difference, Gu Lixing would rarely call at this hour. She specifically checked the clock on the wall: 6:30 PM, London time.
"Still at the dance studio?" Gu Lixing asked.
"No, I just left Carrie's place and am about to head back."
"When are you coming back?"
He rarely asked what she was busy with, but this was a question he would ask every time. The word "back" was as if he were a big tree standing somewhere, and no matter where she, a bird, flew, he would be there when she looked back. But now, it sounded a little different.
She wanted to say she would come back right away, but in reality, she could only regretfully explain, "The competition is coming up. I probably won't be able to come back until it's over."
There was a rare silence on Gu Lixing's end: "I see... Then good luck!" His slow tone sounded like he was thinking about something, but he ended up not saying anything.
"I'm sorry," Song Er said softly, admitting her fault.
Gu Lixing's mind immediately pictured her sad, remorseful look. He could only comfort her, "What are you thinking? Focus on the competition."
"But I promised you I would celebrate your birthday with you this year."
"I have a birthday every year, but this competition only happens once every four years. You've prepared for so long, don't have any regrets."
Even though she knew Gu Lixing wouldn't mind something like this, she still felt bad. It made Song Er feel even more guilty.
"How about I talk to Carrie and see if I can take some time off to go back?" she suggested.
Unexpectedly, Gu Lixing suddenly became serious: "Song Er, you're not a child. You can't be so casual with your plans. Winning the championship would be the best birthday gift for me."
With Gu Lixing saying this, Song Er couldn't insist. She understood his personality; if she really went back just for him, he would probably be upset.
Although she finally agreed to focus on the competition, she couldn't help but feel guilty for not keeping her promise to Gu Lixing. This made her subsequent practice a bit absent-minded.
Carrie asked her if she wanted to go back, but she shook her head. She had promised Gu Lixing she would win the championship, and she couldn't break her word. Besides, she didn't want him to think of her as a child.
On the day of his birthday, various competition matters piled up, leaving her no time to make a phone call. By the time she was done with everything, it was already well past midnight in China.
She still called, and Gu Lixing answered quickly.
"Happy Birthday," she said.
"Thank you."
"Were you already asleep?"
"No, I'm waiting for someone."
"Waiting for someone?" Song Er checked the time again. If she wasn't mistaken, at this hour, even the late-night activities in China would be winding down.
"Yes, waiting for someone to get back to the hotel."
When Song Er saw him in the hotel lobby, she didn't react at first, until Gu Lixing walked up to her.
"How did you suddenly have time to come?" she asked in confusion, her mind a blank slate.
They were both very busy. Gu Lixing was now managing both the Gu and Song corporations. Although Han Xun was helping him, it was still a lot of work. As for her, she would go abroad for every competition, and during her intensive training, she didn't even have time to rest. It had been several months since they last saw each other.
Gu Lixing's eyes were filled with a loving smile: "I heard someone felt very guilty for not being able to celebrate my birthday with me, so I came to check on her."
"I didn't," Song Er denied instinctively.
"Is that so? Then I just missed you."
"Hmm?"
"I had planned not to disturb you so you could focus on the competition, but I couldn't help it. I missed you, so I had to come myself."
Gu Lixing rarely said things like this and felt a bit awkward. Without waiting for Song Er's reply, he took her hand and walked outside: "Let's go, let's get some food."
"You haven't had dinner yet?" Song Er asked.
"There's still an hour left of today. Let's go celebrate my birthday."
Song Er belatedly realized that Gu Lixing had come to celebrate his birthday. She quickly followed in his footsteps. According to the local time, there was indeed one hour left. Enough time to celebrate a birthday.
On the way, Song Er said sincerely, "Gu Lixing, thank you."
Thank you for not blaming me for having to make sacrifices for my career. Thank you for allowing me to feel at ease, without having to worry about what's behind me.
Gu Lixing had a faint smile on his face and pulled Song Er into his arms.
If one person has to give more in a relationship, he hopes it's him, standing behind her and witnessing all of her growth. He can stand still and open his arms to embrace her, and he can also cross mountains and rivers to go to her.
As for her, even if she doesn't look back, she won't have to worry about losing him.
Comments
Post a Comment