Chapter 1063 - 60: Getting Closer

Chapter 1063: Chapter 60: Getting Closer

Once he started browsing the internet, Go Biqing completely lost track of time. By the time he snapped back to reality, he realized it was already seven in the evening. He replaced his phone battery, placed the dead battery on the universal charger, and planned to head out for something to eat. As soon as he opened the door, he noticed a few employees occasionally entering the company. Unexpectedly, there were night shifts at this company, no wonder they offered two meals.

When Go Biqing arrived at the employee cafeteria, he found out most of the food had already been sold out. Moreover, he hadn’t gotten his work ID today and would have to pay for his own meal here, but there wasn’t anything decent left. After looking around for a while, he decided it’d be better to go out and eat.

When he was downstairs, Go Biqing didn’t walk far before he received a call, it turns out it was Murong Qing calling. On the phone, she said she’d be over soon and asked Go Biqing to wait if he was free.

Go Biqing had no idea what she was coming over for at this hour, but Murong Qing had her own car, so if she really meant to come, it wouldn’t take long.

After waiting for a bit, Go Biqing saw Murong Qing get out of the car, holding some things and said: "Hop in, there’s no chair or table in your room. Let’s find a place to eat together, shall we?" Go Biqing asked curiously, "Weren’t you having dinner with Zhou Jiaying? Why’d you bring me stuff, didn’t you eat?"

Murong Qing shrugged and said: "It wasn’t much, I didn’t eat a lot. But I remembered to bring you some food, you can’t skip out on treating me to a meal someday."

Go Biqing laughed and replied: "How could I dare, Murong Miss has spoken, I must treat you. Even if the standard is too low, please don’t blame me."

Murong Qing started the car and shot Go Biqing a look: "Do you think I’m that sort of person?"

From that look, Go Biqing distinctly caught a hint of something else. To be precise, since his father’s passing, Murong Qing’s concern seemed to exceed the norm for friends. Yet, whenever he slightly sensed it and observed Murong Qing, it felt like she didn’t mean it that way at all. Could it be that he’s just overthinking?

The car drove near the river beach by the Yangtze River. Both got out and walked to a bench beside the river beach. Murong Qing opened the lunchbox and said: "I brought quite a few dishes, not sure if you’d like them."

Currently, Go Biqing’s appetite has changed, no longer picky like before. Previously, when he was busy with his father’s matters, he had survived on dry rations for days too.

"Very nice, I like them all." Go Biqing wasn’t just being polite; it seemed like he genuinely liked all three dishes. He didn’t know if Murong Qing had suggested them, but since she hadn’t mentioned it, Go Biqing dared not guess wildly.

With chopsticks in hand, Go Biqing dove in. Murong Qing also held a lunchbox containing some rice. Clearly, she had already eaten, as she didn’t really eat much, instead kept watching Go Biqing devouring his meal. Go Biqing was exhausted today, having moved and handled Go Gwen’s household registration issues, he hardly had time to rest all day.

As he continued eating, suddenly a lunchbox was offered in front of him, Murong Qing said: "You must be worn out today. I’ve got extra rice, can’t finish it all. Help yourself to some."

Go Biqing didn’t hold back and took some rice, continuing to eat. After a while, Go Biqing looked up and saw Murong Qing hadn’t touched her chopsticks, staring intently at him, a look Go Biqing understood. He wasn’t a fool; he’d dated before. It startled Go Biqing, wondering if Murong Qing indeed had feelings for him. But she was a proud and gifted young woman while he was practically a pauper, the disparity was significant.

Murong Qing was also startled when Go Biqing suddenly looked up. She was just mindlessly eating, but as she watched, she inexplicably seemed to sink deeper. When Go Biqing caught her looking, her face slightly flushed, she quickly stuffed some rice into her mouth. However, the gesture seemed rather conspicuous, as she ate the rice without the dishes.

Despite the questions swirling in his mind, Go Biqing dared not speak rashly. If it was merely his delusion, it would make things incredibly awkward between them, and future meetings might lack the ease they currently had, possibly hindering their friendship.

Thus, Go Biqing lowered his head, continued to eat, pretending he hadn’t noticed. However, Murong Qing’s bashful appearance had touched Go Biqing deeply, previously he merely thought of Murong Qing as a beauty not inferior to Zhou Jiaying, without much other consideration. Though maybe there was the most wicked thought lurking in the depths of his heart. Murong Qing’s current shy demeanor truly brought an involuntary acceleration to Go Biqing’s heart.

While eating, Go Biqing contemplated why his heart had raced earlier. Could he have feelings for Murong Qing? At this moment, Go Biqing was unaware of the subtle shift in atmosphere. Perhaps Murong Qing’s mindset had also changed.

Go Biqing remained absorbed in self-reflection, failing to notice any of this. After finishing the meal, when Go Biqing raised his head and met Murong Qing’s gaze, Murong Qing appeared somewhat flustered, seemingly wanting to avert her eyes, as if withholding a secret. This stirred in Go Biqing an irresistible urge to uncover the truth, yet it remained merely a thought. Go Biqing knew he shouldn’t get too close to Murong Qing now, especially when being unsure of her feelings, everything was speculative. But her gaze had left Go Biqing feeling as if he had grasped something.

"Thank you for the food, it was really good and filling. Oh, and I’m really thankful for your help this afternoon, running around all day for my sake." Go Biqing said afterward.

Murong Qing set down her lunchbox and chopsticks, saying: "It’s nothing, aren’t we friends? Friends are supposed to help each other, aren’t they?"

Go Biqing felt a bit touched, having friends like this during his downfall, there really weren’t many. Receiving help when you’re in need is much more touching than when you’re already flourishing.

Moreover, Go Biqing knew Murong Qing’s words were meant to comfort him. In his current state, how could he help her? Just avoiding asking her for help too often would be good enough. The more favors owed, the harder they are to repay, and favors are the toughest debt to settle.

"A full stomach deserves some exercise; let’s take a stroll by the river beach. Now, with the river breeze blowing, it feels quite pleasant." Seeing Go Biqing touched, Murong Qing smiled softly, tugging Go Biqing to stand.

After tossing away the lunchboxes, the two walked along the river beach, enjoying the cool river breeze and the sight of bright city lights. Murong Qing seemed lost in thought and didn’t seem inclined to speak.

Seeing her quiet, Go Biqing contemplated his future plans and how to manage the remaining funds, pondering matters far more tangible than the uncertainties involving Murong Qing.

However, Go Biqing didn’t notice that as they walked, they seemed to get closer, their arms brushing occasionally. To a casual observer, they’d definitely appear to be a couple, rather than just friends.

After contemplating for a while, Go Biqing formed a simple plan, snapping back to reality, he spoke: "It’s probably getting late; I think I should head back. I’ll need you to give me a ride."

Murong Qing was clearly lost in her own world and was jolted awake by Go Biqing. As she looked up, neither expected the closeness of their proximity.

By this time, Go Biqing turned his head towards Murong Qing, and as Murong Qing gazed up, they found themselves face to face, mere centimeters apart. Go Biqing could catch the subtle fragrance emanating from Murong Qing, and Murong Qing could perceive the distinct scent of Go Biqing.

At this moment, Go Biqing again saw in Murong Qing’s eyes the same look he caught while dining. This discovery left Go Biqing at a loss, now feeling at least five floors assured that Murong Qing might be interested in him.

Nonetheless, here stands Go Biqing with essentially nothing, not to mention the lingering thoughts of Zhou Jiaying. Go Biqing realized the need to reassess his relationship with Murong Qing. Perhaps keeping some distance might be better for both of them.