In some classic Chinese restaurant, Chang has booked the whole restaurant for Lifen. The table in the middle was well decorated for a romantic date but the main ingredient, romance was still lacking somewhere. At the side, a black shining piano was placed but there was no pianist at that moment. Only few waiters were present but they were too standing idle.
Lifen didn't paid much attention to surrounding as she just walked over with Chang towards the table. He went to one chair and pulled it out for her with respect of gentleman mannerism. Lifen sat on the chair and he then walked to the opposite side to take his seat.
Chang was looking deeply at Lifen. Seeing her he can easily make out that she is either feeling uncomfortable or nervous. He knew well that there was 98 percent of chance for her being uncomfortable but still he chose to believe the latter. He mumbled inside himself, 'No, I can't be negative at this moment. Why would she be uncomfortable with me? She have known me always. She is just a little nervous, after all this is her first relationship'.
He said softly, "Lifen, do you like this place? I know Chinese dishes are more appetizing to you, so I chose this one. You will love the food here".
"Thanks for thinking so much for me, Chang", she said with a plain smile.
A waiter came up, placed something on the table which was elegantly covered with a lid, "Sir, the dishes will be served soon, till then you can enjoy this and soon the dance floor is gonna light up". He bowed politely to them and left with a smile.
Lifen didn't noticed before but now after looking around, she was little surprised. There were no other customers around. "Chang, why there are no other customers around", she asked while gazing around.
"Dear, it our date today. It's the day I have always longed for. I won't let others ruin it, so I booked the whole restaurant for 5 hours", he said with a slight expression of smug. "Okay now come and let's cut this Dàngāo [●] in celebration". He lifted up the lid and next came in sight was a delicious pineapple cake.
Chang stood up from his seat and went to her side. He handed the knife to Lifen and hesitantly put his arms around her shoulder, which made her shriek. She ignored the thought of him touching her as she stood with him. She was about to cut the cake when he stopped her, "Wait dear. Did you forget that we are now boyfriend girlfriend so we should cut the cake together", he grinned.
Hearing him, she tilted her head to look at him but when realized their close proximity she coughed hard and easily shrugged off her shoulders away from his hold. She then let Chang hold the knife together and cut the cake.
Soon melodious tune of the piano engulfed the atmosphere. Lifen turned her head to look at the piano where there was no pianist before but now, there was one. When she turned back look at Chang, she felt a tinge of guilt, "Chang, there is something I need to tell..."
"It's okay, Lifen. Tell me afterwards. First let's dance", with that he pulled her to the dance floor.
There was no choice left for Lifen, she could only wait. After few minutes of dancing, Chang directed her back to their table where the waiter have already proceeded to bring out the dishes.
When they were about to complete the main course, Chang signaled the waiter and the waiter came with a bouquet of red roses.
Chang gently got up from his chain and presented the bouquet to Lifen. She subconsciously stood up and before she could say anything, he kneeled down in front of her and presented her with another shock.
He held a diamond ring in his hand and said nervously, "Lifen, please be mine for this life and if possible then for the coming lives too".
Lifen was dumbfounded. "Chang, I-it's....you...you know that it's not possible. You have asked me for 3 months and I agreed to that but ...this is not possible ".
Hearing her say this, he again lost all his hopes. Was all his efforts went futile. "Lifen, you can't say rhat without giving a try. There are still 2 months left. Just be with me for these 2 months and you will surely feel my love for you and your heart will reciprocate to it too".
"No, Chang. It's simply not possible. If you already have someone in your heart, no matter how much efforts other put it won't replace the one your heart yearns for".
"Lifen, don't say like that. There is always an exception. And the one you are waiting might never come. He might have move on in his life. He might have someone by side of him right now"
His words brought all the past again. Yes, every word Chang said was so true. All these years, she has waited for him but now when he has come, she is no more in his heart. She might never be there. He has someone else in his heart. But even so she can help her heart. It still gets raced up in his presence. His gaze still affects her. Still he is there in her heart, may be because her heart is already been used to keep him inside.
She laughed at her own thoughts, "Sure Chang, there are exceptions but I am not one. I can only have one person in my heart. No matter how many years, I have to wait. Even if my patience and wait went all futile, I will not regret, never ever".
Saying this Lifen turned to leave. She had already made herself clear, so she thought there was no use of waiting there. She was just about to take a step forward when Chang yanked her desperately and embraced her firmly, "Lifen, you can't be this heartless. How can you not see my love for you? I really love you. I really do. Don't leave me like that. Please".
Lifen resisted hard in his embrace. Everytime she frees herself, Chang grips again tightly, "Chang, that's enough. Let me go. Chang please don't be stubborn ".
Chang has almost lost all his rationality. The only thought that captured his mind was having Lifen in his world, all for herself. His grip tightened around her and he started to force himself on her. He was about to kiss her when a sound of hard slap resounded, "Pak".