Chapter 4: Threads of Connection
The next morning, Lin Yue woke up to sunlight streaming through her window and the faint buzz of her phone. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she reached for it and smiled when she saw a text from Zhang Wei.
*"Did the editor survive you prioritizing dinner over the article? Or do I need to prepare an alibi?"*
She chuckled, quickly typing back:
*"Let's just say I'm a master of late-night writing. The article's done, and I'm still employed. But thanks for the concern, Mr. Alibi."*
His reply came almost instantly:
*"Glad to hear it. Breakfast today? Or is that pushing my luck?"*
Lin Yue hesitated for a moment. *Two meetings in two days? Is this moving too fast?* But then she thought about the previous night—his honesty, his laughter, the way he made her feel seen.
*"You're definitely pushing your luck. But I'll allow it. Same café as yesterday?"*
*"Deal. See you at 10."*
---
As she got ready, Lin Yue found herself humming a song Zhang Wei had mentioned during dinner—a melody that had lingered in her mind long after the evening ended.
*"Strange how someone can become a melody you didn't know you needed,"* she thought, brushing her hair.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she sighed. "Alright, Lin Yue, don't overthink this. It's just breakfast." But deep down, she knew it wasn't *just* breakfast.
---
When Lin Yue arrived at the café, Zhang Wei was already there, seated at the same table they had shared the day before. He waved her over, a cup of coffee already waiting for her.
"Am I that predictable?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat down.
"Just attentive," he replied with a grin. "Though I wasn't sure if you were a black coffee kind of person or a latte lover. I took a gamble."
She smirked. "Lucky for you, black coffee's my go-to. But don't let it go to your head."
They fell into easy conversation again, the kind that felt natural despite the short time they'd known each other.
---
Halfway through breakfast, Zhang Wei's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his expression shifting for a split second before he put the phone down.
"Work?" Lin Yue guessed, noting the flicker of tension in his eyes.
"Something like that," he said lightly, but she could tell he was brushing it off.
"Come on," she pressed, leaning forward. "You're allowed to vent. What's up?"
He hesitated, then sighed. "It's just… my investors. They want the app launched sooner than planned, and I'm not sure it's ready. I don't want to put something out there that isn't perfect, you know?"
Lin Yue nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like you're a perfectionist."
"Maybe," he admitted. "Or maybe I just want it to matter. If it's not done right, what's the point?"
Her gaze softened. "I get that. But sometimes, perfection can be the enemy of progress. Maybe it's not about being perfect—it's about being good enough to make a difference."
Zhang Wei studied her for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're full of surprises, Lin Yue."
"Is that a compliment?" she teased.
"Absolutely."
---
After breakfast, Zhang Wei suggested a walk. The weather was crisp, the kind of cool that hinted at the changing seasons. They strolled through a nearby park, the leaves crunching under their feet.
As they walked, Lin Yue noticed a street musician playing a soft, haunting melody on a violin. She stopped, transfixed by the music.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Zhang Wei said softly, standing beside her.
"It's like the music is telling a story," she replied, her eyes never leaving the violinist.
Zhang Wei pulled out his phone and recorded a short clip. "I'll send this to you. Maybe you can use it as inspiration for your next article."
Lin Yue smiled. "Thanks. But what about you? Any chance you'll use it for your app?"
"Who knows?" he said with a shrug. "Music has a way of connecting people, just like words do."
---
As the morning turned to afternoon, their conversation grew quieter, more introspective. Lin Yue found herself opening up in ways she hadn't expected, sharing stories about her childhood, her struggles as a writer, and her dreams of one day publishing a book.
Zhang Wei listened intently, his gaze never leaving hers. "I think you'll do it," he said simply. "You've got the talent, and you're stubborn enough to make it happen."
She laughed. "Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence."
"I'm serious," he said, his tone earnest. "You're the kind of person who makes things happen. I can see that already."
His words warmed her in a way she couldn't quite describe.
---
By the time they returned to the café to part ways, Lin Yue felt a strange mix of emotions—contentment, curiosity, and a hint of something deeper.
"Thanks for breakfast," she said as they stood by her car. "And the walk. It was… nice."
"Nice?" Zhang Wei teased. "I'll take it."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "See you around, Zhang Wei."
"Count on it," he replied, watching as she drove away.