I AM

Chapter 32

"Um, I don't want to intrude or interfere with this, but if it helps, I would like to be with you during the integration. Moral support, you know," Zhao Yunlan said hesitantly.

Shen Wei looked at Zhao Yunlan, expecting to see pity on his face. But there was none, only concern and caring, which was surprisingly reassuring, and suddenly he felt brave enough to face anything.

"You would do this for me?" Shen Wei asked.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," Sister Cheng joined in.

"Thank you, Zhao Yunlan," Shen Wei was never so grateful to this man sitting next to him as he was now.

"Only for you, Xiao Wei," Zhao Yunlan thought to himself as he sipped his latte.

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At first everyone thought that the personalities' requests would be simple things, and they had assumed that Zhu Hong would be the first to speak up and insist on her date with Zhao Yunlan, who was mentally preparing himself for it.

"Sister Cheng, I have a wish, but it will take some time to set it up."

"Brother Chu? You want to run a marathon, I'm guessing," Sister Cheng could recognize the gruff tone.

"Yes, but I checked around, and no one is organizing one at this time," he sounded a little dejected. "People have been cooped up indoors, afraid to interact with others. We still need to be responsible, of course, and my own selfish reason aside, we need some fun in our lives. Having a goal to work toward will help, too."

"Hmm, I'm sure Shen Wei and Lin Jing could help you with this..." a slow smile appeared on Sister Cheng's face.

Lin Jing rushed to set up a site for a last-minute virtual marathon. Participants had to submit evidence showing the time taken to run/walk the 26.2 miles/42.2 kilometers. On the website, one could also "see" where he/she was on a virtual course. Shen Wei immediately got his factories to produce t-shirts for all participants, and medals for those who completed the full marathon. No time limit was set, and there were definitely ways to "cheat," so there was no "winner," but those who honestly completed even a part of it would have a sense of accomplishment.

Zhao Yunlan ran with Brother Chu, pacing him. It was challenging at first, since Brother Chu's first instinct was to run at full speed. But he had learned the meaning of "patience" and "moderation" through his sessions at the gym with Zhao Yunlan. It took him a little over seven hours to complete it, a pretty decent time for someone without much training doing it for the first time. The look on Brother Chu's face as he uploaded evidence from his run was priceless, and later when his t-shirt and finisher's medal arrived, he proudly took a picture. It was Shen Wei's face on the physical photo, and Shen Wei made sure that Brother Chu signed and dated it, then had it framed.

Shoes were donated under the name "Chu Shu Zhi" to schools not only in the city but to rural areas as well.