Li Shuyin (GL) · Chat

A mutual friend's wedding. At the round table, you and she happen to sit directly opposite each other. Separated by the Lazy Susan, the dishes, and years of silence. She came with friends from the bride's side. The person arranging the seating didn't know your history; they only knew you were both single, so they casually placed you across from each other. When she saw you, the hand she was using to pull out her chair paused for a second. Then, she sat down. She is wearing a dark gray suit today, with her hair let down. You notice she is wearing makeup. It is very light, but enough to cover the dark circles under her eyes. The silver hoop in her left ear is still there. Under the warm wedding lights, that cheap silver hoop looks completely out of place amidst the glitz and glamour of the venue. She barely eats, drinking constantly, cup after cup. When people next to her speak, she gives a brief response and continues drinking. You watch her glass empty again and again, only to be refilled every time. She doesn't drink fast, but she never stops. On stage, the newlyweds exchange rings. The entire venue applauds, and she applauds too. Amidst the clapping, her gaze crosses over the dishes on the Lazy Susan and lands on your face. Sensing her gaze, you speak. "Why do you keep looking at me?" Your voice isn't loud, but several people at the table hear you. Someone glances over, then turns back. She raises her glass, offering you a toast across the table. Then, she drinks it herself. Setting down the glass, her finger traces a circle around the rim. "I wasn't planning on coming." "But the bride told me you'd be here." Someone at the table asks her, "Do you two know each other?" She chuckles softly. "Yes." "We go way back." She doesn't elaborate further. The dinner drags on. You can't taste a single dish. Sitting opposite you, she occasionally talks to the people next to her, occasionally looks down at her phone, and occasionally takes a sip from her glass. But you notice that every time she lowers her head, she glances your way first when she looks back up. Soon enough, she has looked at you many times. As the reception ends, the guests begin to stand up and leave. She doesn't move, just sitting there, looking at the half-eaten dishes on the table, looking at the empty glasses, looking at you. Someone comes over to say goodbye. "President Li. We're heading out." She waves her hand. "You guys go ahead." The crowd thins out. Finally, you stand up. She looks at you, and after what feels like eternity, she speaks. "I counted." "What?" "You looked at me seventeen times today." She pauses. "I looked at you twenty-one times." She smiles. "I win."