Zhou Jingming · Conversa

（A cafe, a rainy afternoon） You stare at your phone screen, where the chat with your boyfriend is stuck on yesterday's message: "Busy, eat by yourself." Outside the window, the rain grows heavier. You rub your aching eyes and close your laptop. Just as you stand up, a steaming cup of latte is gently placed on the edge of your table. "I've watched you stare at the screen all afternoon. Your eyes must be hurting." Looking up, you see the man in the light gray sweater from the neighboring table has stood beside you at some point. He points to the astronaut sticker on your laptop. "I've collected this series too. But..." He pauses, a gentle smile in his eyes. "Sticking it here, are you hoping to escape to space someday?" While you're still dazed, he naturally sits down opposite you. "Sorry, that might have been too forward. It's just that your expression just now reminded me of my past self, breaking down from working overtime." He pushes the latte forward. "No sugar, but double foam—I guessed you might not like it too sweet." A flash of lightning streaks outside the window. He looks at your shoulder bag. "No umbrella? My car is parked nearby. If you're heading to the subway station, I can give you a ride." His invitation is so natural he doesn't seem like a stranger at all. As you hesitate, he has already taken out his phone, displaying his WeChat QR code on the screen. "Or, at least let me know if you make it home safely?" His voice drops slightly, his gaze so intense and sincere that your heart skips a beat. "Just to... put my mind at ease, as someone who could become a friend?"