First Date in China: 2021 Edition

This is an update to my last week’s blog post: What if I’m Single Forever?

I’m fortunate to be in China during this pandemic. While the rest of the world struggles, no one has issues wearing a mask here. Last week, I received a few private messages asking me to be careful, “what if she has the virus?” Don’t worry, I’m currently in Shenzhen, where we have zero COVID-19 cases, yet we continue to wear masks in public places. It’s safe to date.

Since last week, I’ve gone on five first dates. There was something memorable about each of them, and I’ve rated them as: red flag (signs of lunacy), cute (potential for second date), or deal breaker (they did something I couldn’t stand.) And I want you to rate them too. Tell me what you think of this date in the comments below. Let’s have some fun!

My first date was last Thursday. I made a reservation at a Mexican restaurant in the northern part of the city, it was one of her favorite cuisines, and the place was recommended by a foodie friend of mine. We decided to meet at Exit A of the Bao’an Center metro station at 6:00 PM. I got there a few minutes earlier and sent her a message. At 6:05 she wrote back, “Why you lie? You no here!” My first reaction was WTF (maybe a red flag,) but I told her what I was wearing so she could easily find me. She sent me a photo of Exit F, then an angry face emoji. I asked her if she wanted me to meet her there or wait at Exit A. She didn’t reply, but showed up at around 6:15. She wore a beautiful knitted top with spaghetti straps, had long brunette hair, and when she took off her mask, I couldn’t take my eyes off her lips, she was gorgeous. Nothing like her filtered images on Tinder (digital bunny ears, cat whiskers, and the reindeer antlers.)

While we walked to the restaurant, she told me how much she was looking forward to this date, “My job so boring, my life so boring,” she said. I wanted to tell her how much I loved my job, and how happy I was with my life, but I stayed quiet and nodded. When we arrived at the restaurant, we got seated by the window, the sunset was stunning, the moment was perfect except that she was on her phone texting and giggling. At least she’s happy, I thought.

I asked for a margarita, she ordered an orange juice for herself, took the menu from my hand and returned it to the waitress, “Yīgè càidān jiù zúgòule,” (one menu is enough). That’s odd, I thought, but smiled at the waitress, she rolled her eyes and walked away.

“What’s your favorite Mexican dish?” I asked. I wanted to tell her we could try the mixed fajitas that came with beef, chicken, shrimp, and sautéed vegetables; it was recommended by my foodie friend. “I want pizza,” she said. “Sure, so how about we get a small pizza and also try something Mexican, and we can share,” I said. “No, I order, then I go bathroom,” she took her phone and walked away. At least the sunset is beautiful, I thought. I was also grateful that the waitress made the margarita strong, she knew I needed it.

When she came back from the bathroom, she put the phone in her handbag, finally, I thought. Then she told me how much she hated Chinese guys, and that she only dated foreigners. I told her I have many great Chinese friends, and that maybe her perception was based on a few bad apples. She disagreed, and said, “I’m Chinese, I know.”

The waitress brought a large pepperoni pizza, raised her eyebrows, and smiled at me. “I’m assuming you also ordered something Mexican, right?” I looked at my date. “This enough for two people,” she grabbed a slice and took a bite, “Hěn hào chī,” (very delicious).

“Can we also get mixed fajitas,” I told the waitress. “And another margarita, I suppose?” She winked at me. “Yes, please,” I laughed. Don’t get me wrong, I love pizzas, pretty much all kinds except pepperoni and Hawaiian, but she didn’t know that, so I wouldn’t count this as a deal breaker. But why the hell didn’t she order anything Mexican, the whole reason we were there was because it was her favorite cuisine! “Why you so picky?” She said. At least she was right about something.

She was from Jianxi province (same as my ex), so I told her everything I knew about the Jingdezhen porcelain and its connection to the Ming dynasty. She was impressed until I told her about my ex. She said that wasn’t a good sign because she was concerned that when we have sex, I would think of my ex. I didn’t understand the logic in that, but I clearly saw that it was a sign from the gods; watch out buddy, they said.

On the way back to the metro station, she asked me why I broke up with my ex. I told her she wanted kids, and I didn’t. “Wǒ yě bùyào háizi,” (I also don’t want children) she said.

“Why did you break up with your ex?” I asked.

“Why you ask that?” She stopped walking, put her hands on her waist, and turned towards me.

“It’s the same question you asked me,” I smiled.

“He useless, no cook, no clean, and say I very bossy. I no bossy, right?” Her face turned red.

“Of course not,” I said.

“So one day, I put his stuff in garbage bag, and throw him out.” Then she said something in Chinese that I didn’t understand.

When we got to Exit A of the metro station, I opened my arms to give her a hug. “Where you go?” She looked surprised. “I’m gonna take a taxi, I’m meeting my friends for drinks,” I said. “No, no, no, you come with me. We go home. I’ve already decided that,” she held my arm and looked at me with her beautiful puppy eyes. I thought that at any moment, antlers would pop out of her head or she would turn into half cat half woman, just like her photos on Tinder.

I kissed her on the cheek, “maybe next time,” I lied, and walked away.

P.S. So how would you rate this date? Red flag (signs of lunacy), Cute (potential for second date), or a Deal breaker (she did something I couldn’t stand?) Please write your comments below, I would love to know what you guys think haha.