Love in a Shanghai Summer

5: Wechat（微信）

Word of the day: Wēixìn (微信)

Literal translation: Tiny letter.

Definition: Also known as Wechat. It's a popular messaging platform in China developed by Tencent. It's like Facebook, Whatsapp, Paypal, Google Maps, and Apple Pay in one nifty app.

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Li Zi'an wandered around the park and its surrounding neighborhood every chance he got. It was his daily exercise, or so he told himself. Nevermind that going for a walk in the morning, at noon, and late at night was a tad excessive. If his pedometer app was to be believed, he was putting in around 20,000 steps daily, but who was counting? He wasn't.

Besides, even though he was outside the office, he was still working. Nature has a way of inspiring creativity. He sketched better when he was outside. Tugging his backpack a little higher, he greeted the security guard at the park entrance.

"Oh, you're here again," said the old man with a toothy grin. "Just got off work?"

Zi'an stopped and shook his head. "Just taking a break."

"Have you had your dinner?"

"Not yet, maybe a little later."

The man checked the watch on his wrist. "Oh, but it's already past eight. Young man, don't forget to eat. Making money is good, but your health should come first. You'll realize this when you get as old as I am."

Zi'an grinned. "Uncle is right as usual. Thank you! I'll go and have a meal soon."

"All right, then. Off you go. See you tomorrow!"

"See you."

With a wave, Zi'an set off again. He crossed the main path dodging joggers as he went and made his way towards the perimeter of the man-made lake. There, couples, children, and the elderly strolled at a more casual pace. Zi'an stopped to observe the reflection of light on water admiring how it shimmered with the occasional ripples. Then he turned to look at the crowd, scanning through the multitude of faces for one that was familiar. When he didn't find what he was looking for, he walked again.

This time, he passed by a wider paved area where a group of middle-aged ladies was taking a break from dancing.

"Ah, the handsome man has arrived," one said out loud, waving him over.

He obediently approached them and greeted everyone.

"Taking a walk after dinner?" said a woman he knew as Aunty Han.

"No, just taking a break from work."

Zi'an remembered Aunty Han well because she had tried to set him up with her daughter. Zi'an had to tell her he already had a girlfriend for Aunty Han to let him off the hook. He didn't like lying, of course, but in this case, his white lie wasn't completely far from the truth. He did have someone in mind lately and had no room to spare for anyone else. Except, she was not his girlfriend and may never even be in the future judging by how bad his luck had been, but what was a little wishful thinking?

"So you haven't had dinner, then?" said another lady he recognized as Aunty Zhang.

Zi'an shook his head. "I'll get some after my break."

"Āi yā, that won't do." Aunty Han dug into a huge canvas bag and pulled out a plastic bag. "Here have some meat buns."

"Oh, it's okay, Aunty Han. You don't have to. I'll go have some dinner in a bit."

"Āi yā, don't be so polite," said another lady. "Just take the buns. Young people these days always work so late and don't eat properly. It's not good for your health."