NCCnovel Chapter 338 A thought is becoming clearer and clearer
Chapter 338 A thought is becoming clearer and clearer
Lin Qing's clear and gentle "Okay, Brother Yuan" was like a reassuring pill, instantly calming Yuan Baoguo's heart, which was about to jump out of his chest. It also made Yuan's mother and Yuan Bao, who were hiding behind the cashier "pretending to pay" but actually eavesdropping, almost unable to help but clap and cheer!
The atmosphere was both subtle and joyful.
Aunt Yuan walked over, naturally took Lin Qing's hand, and kept praising the coffee shop's desserts and ambiance, warmly inviting her to come often in the future, as if their coffee date next Saturday was already a done deal.
Lin Qing responded with a smile, her attitude poised and generous. Only when Yuan Baoguo occasionally stole a glance would she return a knowing look, making Yuan Baoguo's palms slightly sweaty.
Nestled in Yuan Bao's arms, Xiao Jiu's mind was filled with a joyful stream of information:
[Target's (Yuan Baoguo's) core needs confirmed! Date invitation successful! Emotional state: a mixture of nervousness, anticipation, and intense pleasure.]
[Dr. Lin Qing's feedback: Positive, optimistic, and with implicit expectation. The 'Wish Fulfillment' card's energy field has entered a stable peak operating period, with a highly focused turning point in destiny!]
The following week was a bittersweet ordeal for the Yuan family.
Yuan Baoguo remained outwardly calm, going to the traditional Chinese medicine clinic, reading books, and helping his sister with the accounts. However, Yuan Bao and Yuan's mother noticed his "unusual" little actions: he was playing with his hair in front of the mirror much more often.
The few slightly newer clothes that had been stored away in the closet were taken out and hung in the most conspicuous place;
His cell phone became an inseparable treasure. Whenever a message notification sounded, he would pick it up immediately. Although he tried his best to keep his face calm, the slight gleam in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Yuan's mother then transformed into a "logistics manager," dragging Yuan Bao to the mall, ostensibly to buy him new clothes, "It's a date, you always have to dress presentably!"
Yuan Bao was both amused and exasperated, but he was happy to cooperate and picked out two casual shirts for his older brother that suited his temperament without being too dull.
Yuan's mother also subtly inquired about Lin Qing's tastes, wondering if she should prepare some "gifts" for her son to take with him.
Little 9 became the busiest "intelligence agent" and "psychological analyst":
[Analysis of the target (Yuan Baoguo)'s behavior patterns 72 hours before the date: frequency of grooming increased by 150%, frequency of texting increased by 80% (target identified: Lin Qing), reading the e-book "Interpersonal Communication Skills" (a first in history!)]
[Comrade Yuan's "assistance" continues unabated; the shopping list includes: specialty coffee beans (Dr. Lin Qing's preference), a handmade cookie gift box (aesthetics first), and... a red envelope possibly for a future "change of address fee"?]
[My lord, system notification: The energy field guidance is nearing perfection, but the final performance still depends on the target's own efforts. Recommendation: Maintain a natural environment and avoid excessive intervention.]
Finally, the long-awaited Saturday afternoon arrived.
Yuan Baoguo started pacing around the room an hour early, changing several outfits before finally choosing the light blue plaid shirt Yuan Bao had picked out. Paired with clean khaki pants, he looked much more energetic and refreshed, even exuding a refined and cultured air that came with the maturity of a middle-aged man.
Yuan's mother and Yuan Baoqiang resisted the urge to see him off. Only when he left did Yuan's mother slip him a delicate little paper bag: "Take this. It's not right to go empty-handed!"
Looking at the beautifully packaged coffee beans and cookies in the bag, Yuan Baoguo felt a warmth in his heart, but also a touch of helplessness: "Mom..."
"Go quickly! Don't keep them waiting!" Yuan's mother pushed him out the door, closed the door, and immediately pulled Yuan Bao to the balcony, where they peered out the window.
At exactly 2:00 PM, Yuan Baoguo appeared at the entrance of "Time Lane" on time, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open to go inside.
Lin Qing had already arrived and was sitting in the same window seat as last time.
Today she was wearing an apricot-colored dress, her long hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, looking down at the menu, her profile gentle and serene.
Yuan Baoguo's heart skipped a beat again. He composed himself before walking over and saying, "Dr. Lin, you've arrived."
Lin Qing looked up and saw him, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents: "Brother Yuan, just call me Lin Qing. Please sit down." Her gaze lingered on him for a second, with a hint of barely perceptible admiration, "This outfit suits you very well today."
Yuan Baoguo's ears turned slightly red, and he sat down somewhat awkwardly: "Thank you... You look very good too."
He gently pushed the small paper bag that Yuan's mother had prepared towards him, "My mom... insisted that I bring it, just a little something."
"Auntie, you're too kind." Lin Qing smiled and accepted the gift without refusing. When she opened it and saw that it contained high-quality coffee beans and the cookies she had praised last time, her smile became even more sincere. "Please thank you for me, Auntie. I really like them."
[Live from the balcony: The target (Yuan Baoguo) successfully delivered the gift! Lin Qing's feedback: Extremely positive!] Little 9's consciousness excitedly flooded Yuan Bao's mind.
The waiter came over to take our order.
Yuan Baoguo remembered that Lin Qing had praised the latte at the shop before, so he ordered it for her.
Lin Qing was somewhat surprised, then her smile deepened: "Brother Yuan has a really good memory."
"I'm glad you... I'm glad you like it." Yuan Baoguo tried to find a topic to talk about.
He remembered the topic of "daily health care" that Yuan Bao had mentioned to him, which was the safest area for him.
So the conversation started with joint discomfort that is easily triggered by the recent weather changes, then moved on to several health-preserving teas suitable for late summer and early autumn, and then to a new batch of authentic medicinal herbs that the TCM clinic downstairs had just received...
Lin Qing listened attentively, occasionally asking professional questions or sharing her own insights.
Both of them were deeply involved in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Although their focuses were slightly different (Yuan Baoguo focused on medicinal materials and processing, while Lin Qing focused on physiotherapy and techniques), they found themselves very compatible when they started talking, and the tension they felt earlier dissipated.
Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting warm dappled patterns between the two.
The aroma of coffee wafts up, and the delicate tiramisu is shared.
They talked about work, their views on the industry, and their little habits in life (for example, Yuan Baoguo liked to get up early to tend to the herbs on the balcony, and Lin Qing had the habit of morning exercise). When they talked about something interesting, Lin Qing would chuckle softly. Her clear and melodious laughter made Yuan Baoguo's heart flutter.
[Core Interaction: Smooth! Topic Depth: Good! Common Language: Confirmed! Atmosphere Assessment: Relaxed, Pleasant, and Continuing to Heat Up!] Xiao 9's report was concise and powerful.
Time flies.
When Yuan Baoguo realized they had been talking for nearly two hours, the sunlight outside the window had begun to turn a pale gold.
"Time flies." Lin Qing glanced at her watch, her tone carrying a hint of lingering satisfaction.
"Yes..." Yuan Baoguo also felt a little reluctant.
Looking at the gentle, calm, and well-spoken woman before him, and seeing the warmth and appreciation in her eyes, a thought became clearer and stronger.