An Expectation of 1 in 20,000

Author: 萧憬

English translation:An Expectation of 1 in 20,000 – twilightpavilion (wordpress.com)

Tagline

Five years of hope The probability is 1 in 20,000.

Five years of searching The probability is 1 in ten million.

Await

“AW”

It's a small coffee shop. But it's famous for being open 24 hours a day, located on the most prosperous street in the city with many customers passing by. In the midst of a noisy neighborhood Survival of the store

AW”

That's extraordinarily alien. The decoration looks beautiful and simple. And compared to other coffee shops It's more like a bookstore. This can be seen from the books arranged in rows on the bookshelves that fill the store.

It was getting late and there were fewer people. The sky gives a feeling of loneliness and loneliness. There was a sound of thunder coming from the dark clouds. And soon the rain came down. Warm, soft lights on the front porch illuminate the street where people seek shelter from the rain.

soft music There was a loud noise in the shop along with a figure busying himself in front of a bookshelf. Her movements were slow as she rearranged the books. By placing them one by one in an orderly manner.

The reason "

AW”

Mostly famous because of this beautiful store manager.

Jingle

The wind chime hanging on the shop door rings when customers enter.

"welcome"

Lin Xi stepped on the climbing ladder without looking back.

“Can I have a hot Americano please?”

“Beautiful woman, I would like a latte.”

“Uh, I would like to…”

It was raining heavily, and the number of customers in the store kept increasing. Most came to escape the rain but were too embarrassed to just wait in the store. So they started ordering drinks.

“Brother Lin, there have been a lot of orders. Doing it alone is difficult!”

Lin Xi responded, brushing off the dust from her hands. Then he stepped down from the stairs. before walking to work behind the counter

Fresh coffee beans are ground into a fine powder with the machine's low roar. Light fragrance spread throughout the store Relieves cold and humidity carried by wind and rain.

Lin Xi turned on the machine, coffee slowly poured into the cup, making the aroma stronger.

As evening approached, there were fewer employees in the store. Coffee orders take a long time. Many customers took the opportunity to observe this gorgeous store manager. Most people just glanced at her from time to time. while others Gossip about a good-looking barista.

“Your latte. Be careful, it's hot."

Lin Xi's gentle voice and charming smile added points to the ordinary drink. Because no matter what Few people would refuse service from such a beautiful person.

After finishing the last order Lin Xi glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

A strong wind was still blowing outside the store. And it looks like this rainstorm won't stop falling for a while.

“When will the rain stop?” Xiao Qiu muttered.

Xiao Qiu is a new barista. and was the last barista on shift. She usually leaves after 6 p.m., but today she was stuck in the store because of the rain.

“Here, drink this. Thank you for your hard work.” Lin Xi handed her hot cocoa and rubbed the lovely woman's head.

“Thank you, Brother Lin! You're so kind.” The young woman held up a hot drink. Her big eyes radiated love towards Lin Xi.

Lin Xi crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter. She glanced at the clock from time to time. while tapping his forearm with his index finger

“Brother Lin, it is raining heavily. And after this, how will you go home?” Xiao Qiu raised his head and looked at Lin Xi.

“I usually stay in the store until late. By then, the rain should have eased. I don't stay too far from here.”

“Ah...like this, then I...”

The young woman looked at the hot cocoa in her hand with concern.

“What's the matter? Aren't you in a hurry to go home?"

Lin Xi ran a hand through her messy hair.

“I'm a little worried about my dog. It's skittish. It might get scared if I'm not home.” Xiao Qiu pouted as he mumbled.

“Ah, it's difficult to call a taxi right now. But it might get better after a while. Don't worry.”

Lin Xi sighed and lightly patted the girl's shoulder.

The moon is dim. Customers want to go home. The number of people in the store began to decrease.

The two people behind the counter stood together. Lin Xi continued to glance at the wall clock from time to time.

“Brother Lin, why is the shop called ‘

AW’

So?”

“Um... Actually, it means

Await[1]

” Lin Xi took a sip of coffee and replied.

“Does that mean ‘wait’?”

“Not really, it also means ‘looking forward to’.”

"Eh? 'look forward to'? Are you waiting for someone?”

“That is a secret.” Lin Xi smiled softly.

“Ah, tell me, Brother Lin! It must have a story! I want to listen!” Xiao Qiu put down the cup. He shook Lin Xi's hand while frowning.

The store was quiet. Xiao Qiu's voice therefore attracted a lot of attention.

Lin Xi couldn't bear to see the girl's expression like that and reluctantly consented.

Xiao Qiu pulled Lin Xi to sit on the chair next to the counter with an expectant expression on his face.

The surrounding customers stopped what they were doing. And the noise in the shop gradually quieted down, leaving only the sound of the rain. Most of them were aroused by Xiao Qiu's voice just now.

Lin Xi coughed slightly and put down the cup.

“When I first went to university, Everyone was dating each other. So the library is always noisy. There is a coffee shop with a good atmosphere next to the university. So I go there often. To write reports and spend the afternoon with a cup of coffee.

“Then...I met people who came almost every day at the same time. That person[2] always orders drinks to take home. And I've never seen him drink coffee in the store. And because I'm in the store often So I see that person every day without exception.”

Halfway through the story Lin Xi's ears suddenly turned red. Then she sipped her coffee.

“Later on, I came to the store whenever I had time. I slowly began to look forward to that person's arrival. Secretly observe his clothes, his facial expressions, all the details. Listen to his conversation with the boss.

“That person usually only stays for a short time. Then hurriedly left after getting coffee.

“I like the feeling that even though I don't know the person, But I always find him.

“It continued like this until time passed. The university is closed for the semester. I went home I often miss that person during the holidays. And I began to look forward to when the university would start classes again.

“The beginning of the school year is very busy. I went to the coffee shop as usual and waited for the person's arrival.

“Only...he didn't come that day.

“Or the second day. or the third day I go to that store every day. But that person still hasn't arrived...

“One week One month... I can't wait.

Lin Xi looked at the coffee in her hand. Then use your finger to lightly touch the side of the cup.

“What happened next?!” Xiao Qiu stared at Lin Xi with even more anticipation.

“What happened next? After graduation I opened this shop.”

Lin Xi reached out and poked the girl's face.

“Then Brother Lin You opened this shop to wait for that person?!” The woman asked Lin Xi as she waited for an answer.

“Go to work, I'll tell you when it's finished.” Lin Xi got up and walked behind the counter to clean the coffee machine.

"open...! Why did Brother Lin do this? Ugh"

The sound of the rain changed from heavy to light. And the moon gradually grew darker, and the customers left one by one.

Lin Xi picked up the cup and saucer and placed it in the sink. She wiped her hands and stood behind the counter. Massage is your stiffness.

“We're almost done. Brother Lin, let's go rest.”

Xiao Qiu smiled mischievously.

How could Lin Xi not be able to discern the girl's intentions?

“Yes, to wait for that person. That's why I opened the shop.” Lin Xi turned his head to look at the young woman and smiled.

“Then you waited until...?” Xiao Qiu asked roughly.

As soon as the sound stopped The wind chime rang as the door moved.

There was a large golden retriever wearing a dog raincoat. He looks silly while wagging his tail.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the dog. Until the dog handler obediently ordered him to sit at the door. Everyone's eyes then focused on that person. The customer was tall and slender. Wear a sweater with a hood covering most of your face.

The person put down the umbrella. Walk straight to the counter. Find an empty seat and sit down to order.

“Hi, can I have a latte please?”

“Yes, please wait a moment.” Xiao Qiu wrote down the order and handed it to Lin Xi.

Upon receiving the order, I glanced through it. Without saying a word, Lin Xi began grinding the coffee beans.

Everyone turned their attention to the customer with the dog.

They saw the person rubbing his or her hands. He looked timidly at Lin Xi who was busy at the counter.

“Wife, wife, please add some more sugar.”

The shocking words shocked many customers. Including Xiao Qiu

Lin Xi's hand holding the milk frother trembled when he heard those words. causing a lot of milk to spill out Her pretty cheeks turned pinkish red.

“Xiao Qi!”

Lin Xi slammed the milk jug down hard.

“That's wrong!” The person took off the hood of his sweater. His waist-length hair was spread out. She extended her palmed hand towards Lin Xi.

Lin Xi had truly experienced being ignored.

“Brother...Brother Lin, this is...” Xiao Qiu was also shocked.

Lin Xi dropped the milk foam into the sink and pushed a cup of black coffee towards Xiao Qi.

“Drink it! What sugar do you want?!”

“Wha…” Xiao Qi picked up the coffee with a helpless expression on his face.

The rainwater turned into mist. Almost all the customers have left. He left with a look of shock and confusion on his face.

On a rainy day, it's easy to find a romantic love story like this. Unfortunately, love leaves before it even begins.[3]

Xiao Qiu stood by the cash counter and looked at the two of them. One person fiercely glared at the other. While the other person looked at the coffee in pain.

“Can you...can you...drink?”

Xiao Qi stretched out his finger and showed a hesitant questioning expression.

“Drink it, I already drank it.”

Lin Xi crossed his arms over his chest, leaning on one side. while speaking indifferently

Xiao Qi gulped. While holding the cup, drink slowly after swallowing. She closed her mouth with a look of disgust.

When I glanced at the empty cup Lin Xi reached out and rubbed Xiao Qi's head.

“Very good. The drink is delicious, right?”

The sourness that remained in his mouth made Xiao Qi speechless in agony from the bitter taste. She could only give a thumbs up.

“Brother...Brother Lin. The rain is about to stop.” Xiao Qiu finally regained his composure.

“Um, you go clean up and go home quickly.” Lin Xi glanced at his watch.

“Uh... Brother Lin. I still haven't finished telling you…” Xiao Qiu rubbed his head and mumbled.

Lin Xi glanced at Xiao Qi. Her ears instantly turned red. She coughed softly. while holding Xiao Qi's right hand

“Ah...I'm waiting for the results. This is this person.” When Lin Xi finished speaking, Her cheeks reddened again.

“S-Hello, boss's wife! You are so cute!” Xiao Qiu said, looking at the hands clasped between the two of them. While eating dog food [4] big words

“Thank you for the compliment. But my Xiao Xi is the best.” Xiao Qi held Lin Xi's hand tightly as he looked at Lin Xi.

She was like a golden retriever sitting by the door. Only there is no wagging tail.

"Go first. See you next time!"

Xiao Qiu knew that she was now a giant light bulb[5] and hurriedly left.

“Be careful,” Lin Xi told Xiao Qiu at the door to avoid Xiao Qi's affectionate gaze.

There's no one else. Xiao Qi walked behind the counter and wrapped the other person into his arms.

“Xiao Xi, what is that woman talking about waiting for?”

Lin Xi was forced to face her. Even though we have been together for a long time But she still blushed. heart beats faster Especially after just telling the previous story.

Lin Xi lowered his head and shrank into Xiao Qi's arms.

She said vaguely, “It's nothing. I just told her that she couldn't wait that long for someone in the future. And it has to start quickly.”

Xiao Qi took a moment before responding. She raised her hand and caressed the head of the person in her arms. While whispering softly in my ear

“Thank you for being willing to bet five years on a [6] 1 in 20,000 hope.”

Lin Xi smiled faintly back at her.

“Thank you for letting me wait for that 1 in 20,000 hope for five years.”

city

M 

There were more than 20,000 coffee shops, and Lin Xi was willing to spend five years waiting for her 1 in 20,000 hope, she waited.

And I hope you find one in a million too.

Happy belated Valentine's Day. May all readers be happy??????'•

[1]she said “

Await”

in english

[2]She uses the universal/masculine pronoun 他, where 他 (universal/masculine pronoun) and 她 (feminine pronoun) are pronounced the same. Therefore, the listener cannot distinguish whether the person is a woman or a man. I guess the author chose the masculine pronoun to slightly disappoint readers, as 他 is more general.

And we know she's talking about women. So I chose to translate it with “that person” (English translation is “

they”)

[3] The romantic fantasy in the rainy day cafe of Lin Xi's infatuated customer ends before it begins because of Xiao Qi.

[4]Eating dog food is slang for someone who is being treated like a sweetheart by a lover.

[5]Being a light bulb means being a roadblock in a lover's throat.

[6]I chose to translate it into hope (

expectation)

more than chance (

chance)

This is because it is both a literal translation and a more romantic translation. Because I feel it has more to do with fate than luck.