Chapter 2 Between Apologies and Challenges

Mei Ling thought that after her chaotic first day, her job at the courier office would finally settle into a routine. She had arrived early that morning, determined to focus on her tasks and completely forget about the mischievous guy who had given her such a hard time the day before.

However, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, her mind kept drifting back to the moment when Jian Wei had smiled at her before leaving, promising to return the next day.

"He probably just said that to tease me," she thought as she organized the shipping forms.

"Daydreaming?"-asked Mrs. Tan, the supervisor, giving her a sideways glance.

"What? No, of course not"-Mei Ling quickly responded, straightening in her seat.

"Good, because we have a long day ahead. Get ready for lunchtime-that's when everyone decides to send last-minute shipments."

Mei Ling nodded and forced herself to concentrate. But just as she was beginning to feel calmer, the glass door swung open, and a familiar figure strolled in with a relaxed stride.

Jian Wei.

He was wearing a sporty jacket over a white T-shirt and dark jeans. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he hadn't made any effort to fix it-yet somehow, it gave him a casually attractive look. Mei Ling felt a slight shiver when she realized she was staring at him for too long.

"No. Don't fall for his game," she told herself.

Jian Wei walked straight up to her with a confident smile and leaned his elbows on the counter.

"Good morning, Mei Ling!"

She barely glanced at him.

"Are you here to send another 'top-secret package'?"-she asked dryly while reviewing some papers.

He let out a small chuckle.

"Not today. I just came to see you."

Mei Ling looked at him skeptically.

"See me?"

"Well, and also to apologize again. I was a bit annoying yesterday. I didn't mean to make you that angry."

Mei Ling blinked. She hadn't expected him to come back just to apologize.

"It's fine,"-she murmured, surprised by his sincerity-"It was just a silly joke."

Jian Wei smiled.

"So, do you forgive me?"

"I'll think about it,"-she said, trying to keep her composure.

Jian Wei placed a dramatic hand over his chest.

"So cruel! I won't be able to sleep tonight."

Mei Ling sighed.

"If you're done with your act, there are customers waiting."

But Jian Wei didn't move.

"Before I go, I have a question for you."

"What is it?"

"What do you say about my invitation from yesterday?"

Mei Ling raised an eyebrow.

"You're still on that?"

"Of course. I don't give up easily."

She sighed, looking away.

"I don't get why you insist so much."

"Because I want to make it up to you,"-he said, leaning slightly closer-"And because I think it'd be fun."

Mei Ling stared at him. Was it really worth giving him a chance? She couldn't deny that, despite everything, there was something intriguing about him.

After a few seconds of silence, Jian Wei smiled again.

"I won't pressure you. Just say yes or no, and I promise I won't bother you anymore if you decide not to."

Mei Ling pressed her lips together. Something inside her told her she should say no, but for some reason, the words that came out of her mouth were different.

"Alright,"-she said reluctantly-"But only because I want to see if you really keep your word."

Jian Wei made a triumphant gesture.

"I promise! Bubble tea and a calm conversation. No jokes."

"We'll see if you can resist,"-Mei Ling replied, trying to hide a smile.

"I'll pick you up here at six. You won't regret it."

Jian Wei winked at her and walked out of the office with the same confidence he had entered with.

Mei Ling exhaled, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.

"Looks like you have a date,"-Mrs. Tan commented with an amused smile.

"It's not a date!"-Mei Ling quickly corrected, feeling her face heat up.

"Whatever you say, dear,"-her supervisor replied teasingly before walking away.

Mei Ling sighed, wondering what she had just gotten herself into.

A Different Night

When the clock struck six, Mei Ling stepped out of the office and found him waiting outside, leaning against a lamppost.

"Punctual,"-he said approvingly.

"I said I'd come, so here I am,"-she replied, crossing her arms.

Jian Wei smiled.

"Perfect. Let's go."

They walked together through the illuminated streets of Singapore, where paper lanterns hung from the posts and the scent of street food filled the air. The city buzzed with life, and Mei Ling slowly felt her initial discomfort fade away.

"Do you always come to this bubble tea shop?"-she asked when they entered a small café decorated with warm lights and walls covered in panda illustrations.

"Yeah, this place has the best taro tea in the city,"-he replied-"But if you prefer another flavor, just say the word, and we'll change it."

Mei Ling looked at him in surprise.

"And what if I say I want something completely different?"

Jian Wei smiled.

"Then we'll get it. The goal is for you to have a good time."

For the first time since she met him, Mei Ling felt that his smile was genuine, without any hidden intentions.

They ordered their drinks and sat at a table by the window. As the conversation flowed, Mei Ling discovered that beyond his playful attitude, Jian Wei was actually fun and easy to talk to.

"So, you send stuffed pandas to Spain every week?"-she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jian Wei laughed.

"Yeah, my sister is obsessed. But that's not all I do. I also study architecture at the National University of Singapore."

Mei Ling's eyes widened in surprise.

"I wouldn't have guessed."

"Did you think I was just some jobless guy who spends his time annoying new employees?"

"Something like that,"-she admitted with a smile.

Jian Wei pretended to be offended but then laughed.

"Well, now you know a little more about me. What about you? Why did you decide to work at the courier office?"

Mei Ling took a sip of her tea and gazed out the window, looking thoughtful.

"It's a long story..."

Jian Wei leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"I've got all night."

For the first time in a long while, Mei Ling felt like she wanted to share her story with someone.

Maybe-just maybe-this night wouldn't be as bad as she had imagined.