Chapter 11 First Meeting
Five years ago, after the Divorce, once I went abroad.
The first thing I did was complete the Paragliding I had once shied away from.
After finishing that challenge—thrilling and risky enough for me—
my legs were so weak I could barely stand, but excitement still showed on my face.
Gu Chaonan reached out and steadied me.
That was the first time he and I met.
A chance encounter.
Yet we talked pleasantly.
He took me for an extreme sports enthusiast.
After we added each other as friends, he shared a lot of experience and obscure spots with me.
We occasionally went hiking, surfing, and skiing together.
Those few short months
were more spectacular than the first half of my life.
Gu Chaonan introduced me to many friends.
Little by little, he deepened my sense of belonging in this world.
Once we grew familiar, some mutual friends would tease him and me.
They said they had never seen him so patient with anyone.
I neither confirmed nor denied it.
My last marriage hadn't been a terrible experience.
I wasn't against starting a casual relationship again if it came naturally.
During a rock-climbing outing,
the safety point failed, and I was stuck in midair.
Gu Chaonan risked his life swinging over to save me, and nearly got hit in the head by falling rocks.
In that moment, whether it was the suspension bridge effect or something else—
I kissed him on the lips of my own accord.
A touch, then apart.
Gu Chaonan's clear eyes reflected my flushed face.
After a long while, he said in a hoarse voice:
"No wonder Gina said today was my lucky day."
Gina was a fortune-teller.
I was amused by him.
Following my heart didn't feel bad at all.