On the way back, Li Ru and I did not talk much.
Since I knew where Li Ru lived, I drove straight back to the city and took her home.
As she was getting out of the car, Li Ru spoke to me:
"Jiang Ning, we haven't eaten anything all night.
How about... how about coming to my place for a bowl of noodles?"
The moment she finished speaking, just as I was about to answer, she hurriedly added:
"Or... or we could get some barbecue at the stall up ahead?"
I smiled and politely replied:
"No need! Go home and get some rest early. You still have work tomorrow!"
When Li Ru heard my answer, a faint trace of disappointment appeared in her eyes.
Still, she forced a smile.
"Alright! You should get some rest early when you get home too!"
With that, Li Ru did not linger. She opened the car door and got out.
After Li Ru got out, I nodded to her through the window, then stepped on the gas and drove away.
Looking in the rearview mirror, I saw Li Ru standing by the roadside, gently waving her hand until I turned the corner and she disappeared from view.
I only sighed. I understood everything.
I had already done my best to keep my distance from her. Aside from the occasional work-related contact, we barely had any private interaction anymore.
She would have to break out of the circle she had drawn for herself.
When I drove back to Fish Mouth, I found Master leaning against the sofa and smoking. There was a bucket beside him, and it seemed to contain live fish.
He was still wearing a raincoat and rubber boots. It looked like he had just come back from fishing!
"Master!"
I called