Chapter 33

Cheng Lang began to re-examine this opportunity.
He'd been moving forward in a calm river for too long, mistaking this inertia for what his life should naturally be.
He had indeed lived very smoothly, but was this what he liked?
Cheng Lang seriously asked himself this question for the first time.
If he didn't like it, why spend so much time and energy when it didn't make much money? If he didn't like it, why had he persisted for so many years, unwilling to completely break ties with academia?
Always thinking about maintaining connections, maintaining connections—he was actually waiting for that day, wasn't he?
Shuangyun amplified the faint voice in his heart, amplified it, amplified it.
Amplified it until he could no longer pretend not to see.
"Is it in New York? Do you have detailed information? What position is it? I'm so curious!" Shuangyun said.
Cheng Lang's body moved. He got up to get his computer: "I'll show you."
Shuangyun briefly looked at the teaching position information and immediately became very interested in the school and city. She looked at local photos, continuously praising the architecture and scenery.
"Oh my god, it's so beautiful here! The sunsets must be especially gorgeous!"
"Wow, this lawn is nice, but not as pretty as our school."
"This night view really is the center of the universe. Sydney is slightly inferior in comparison."
Cheng Lang's mouth curved up in Shuangyun's words. She seemed to already be living there, every word full of anticipation for a new life.
"We could live in this area when the time comes. People say it's very convenient for living." Shuangyun had even started helping him look at houses. "The price is a bit expensive, but the view is really nice."
"You like this one?" Cheng Lang asked.
"Yes, I like houses with good views."
"And the study has big trees outside. I can sit here and take photos!"
Cheng Lang glanced at the address. Shuangyun quickly started commenting on the next house.
How did she manage to already fantasize about living there, where to shop, where to take photos, when everything hadn't even officially started yet?
Everything was still just a castle in the air, but Cheng Lang's heart was beating again.
He wanted to go to the US. He wanted to continue the dream he'd left unfinished many years ago.
The opportunity had disappeared and returned. Shuangyun supported him so much. He just needed to reach out lightly, and he could return to the life he'd once liked.
Cheng Lang began actively learning about the work in the US. Shuangyun often sent him apartment links she thought were good, stores they could visit, and useful posts from social media that she forwarded to him.
A life that hadn't yet begun, but Shuangyun had already painted it with vivid colors.
Cheng Lang's parents extended an invitation to Shuangyun one Saturday. They'd heard about Cheng Lang's relationship and had mentioned several times wanting to invite Shuangyun to dinner, but Cheng Lang had refused each time.
The US job application had recently concluded. The start date was right after Christmas, about two months away. Cheng Lang thought perhaps now was the right time to invite Shuangyun to dinner.
He extended the invitation to Shuangyun, also telling her it was just a simple meal, nothing else. Shuangyun cheerfully agreed.
On the day of the appointment, Shuangyun wore a simple, fitted black dress with a small string of pearl earrings on her earlobes. Her black long hair had been carefully curled, falling with gentle curves.
She was wearing makeup. Her full lips had an alluring color.
Cheng Lang wanted to kiss her. Shuangyun raised her hand and pressed it against his lips.
"Teacher Cheng, not today."
Cheng Lang laughed lightly.
For some reason, his heart also faintly welled with sour liquid.
Shuangyun smiled at him again: "Am I pretty today? Landon."
"Pretty. You're pretty every day."
Shuangyun tossed her head and walked ahead, laughing like clear silver bells.
"Of course."