Heart Flutter

Chapter 120

Zhou Qiluo opened Ji Yuqing’s fridge only to find it completely empty—just a few bottles of mineral water and two bottles of red wine. With a sigh, she packed up and headed to the nearby supermarket to buy groceries. As she walked through the neighborhood, she couldn’t help but daydream about the life they would have once they reconciled. It would be full of happiness, love, and peace. She had placed so much hope in the future they might still have.

After spending so much time in Xinjiang, she’d gotten used to buying ingredients for local dishes there. But today, she thought Yuqing probably still preferred the authentic flavors of Huadu. She’d cook her a proper meal—something she never got the chance to do before. That regret weighed on her, and now she just wanted to make up for all of it.

Since their breakup, Yuqing hadn’t dated anyone else. That had to mean she still couldn’t let go, right? There must still be a place for her in Yuqing’s heart. And if that was true, then she still had a chance. After all, they were meant to be together.

Once she finished shopping, it was just a short walk back—just across the street. Super convenient. It was still early, so she cleaned up the place before finally starting to cook around 4 p.m.

She made a full table of dishes and happily snapped a photo to send to Ji Yuqing, followed by a text:

“I made some of your favorite dishes. Come home, okay? I’ve got so much I want to say to you.”

After sending the message, Zhou Qiluo sat at the table, resting her chin on her hands, waiting.

The clock ticked from five to six. She got up to walk around the living room, trying to shake off her weariness. By seven, the sky outside had darkened and the streetlights flickered on. She leaned on the balcony railing, watching families pass by below, chatting warmly about what to eat for dinner. Everything looked so cozy.

Eventually, she picked up her phone and called Ji Yuqing. The call went through, but no one answered.

Yuqing, still at her office, saw the call and quietly switched her phone to silent mode, pretending not to notice.

But Zhou Qiluo kept calling. Again and again. The food on the table grew cold, and still, Yuqing didn’t come home—not even a single reply.

By midnight, Zhou Qiluo sat in front of the table of cold dishes, drained. She dragged herself to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of wine, and curled up on the couch, drinking straight from the bottle. As she drank, memories of their past flooded back. Her heart ached so badly it was hard to put into words. Tears slid silently down her cheeks and landed on the corner of the couch.

She finished the entire bottle by herself. Drunk and dazed, she picked up her phone again and dialed Yuqing’s number over and over like a broken machine—until she finally passed out.

Far away, Tang Yan was desperately trying to finish her tasks so she could go home early. She took on all the chores her lazy roommates normally avoided, burning the midnight oil to write everyone’s reports. She even made sure each person’s reflections sounded different. She was exhausted—but to her, it was all worth it. All she wanted was to get back, as soon as possible.

Thanks to her efforts, they completed the program three days ahead of schedule. When they checked out of the inn, they found the owner, He Xu, packing up too. Curious, someone asked why.

“I’m done with this place. You’re my last guests. Once I see you off, I’m closing the inn,” he said.

“Why? That’s so sudden,” Xia Zihan gasped.

Among them, only Tang Yan understood the real reason. With the trip over, everyone was in high spirits, running up and down loading their luggage. Since Tang Yan had written everyone’s reports, they insisted she take a break. Empty-handed, she stayed on the ground floor and chatted with the owner.

He Xu said he’d already listed the inn online and someone had quickly put down a deposit—it had a great location and charming décor. When Tang Yan asked what he’d do next, he said he was letting go of everything. He’d listed his apartment too, and once it sold, the money would go to his parents in Huadu.

As for him? He planned to join a monastery and become a monk—to leave the world behind.

When Tang Yan looked at him then, his eyes were truly empty of desire. It was as if he had lost all hope.

It was a heartbreaking story. But everyone has their own path, eventually.

“Tang Yan! Everything’s packed—come on, we’re leaving!” her roommates called.

She hesitated for a moment, then hurried to say goodbye. They’d probably never meet again. She had watched the whole tragic story unfold.

He Xu locked up for the last time, waved to the girls in the car, and watched them drive away. He was also saying goodbye to his past. As he turned for one last look at the inn, his eyes softened. Every corner—from the plants in the yard to the tiniest decorations—held memories of a life he built with someone who was now gone.

“I still can’t believe how much happened while we were staying at that place,” Xia Zihan sighed.

“Yeah… I hope the boss finds happiness someday. He seemed like a good guy,” Lu Wan murmured.

Tang Yan stared quietly out the window. These past days had made her feel like she’d grown. She’d seen how cruel and real life could be.

“Jie, Tang Yan’s coming back today. Are you going to pick her up?” Peiwen asked.

Ji Yuqing closed her file, checked the time—it was about right. She stood up. “I’ll leave work now. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Got it!” Peiwen respectfully saw her off, relieved.

Yuqing got in her car, fastened her seatbelt, set the GPS for the airport, and gently turned the wheel to head out.

This time, they chose to fly instead of taking the train. The scenic train ride had just been for the experience on the way out. On the way back, comfort and speed won out.

As the plane soared through clouds and blue skies, Tang Yan felt calm—but couldn’t help thinking back to last year’s National Day trip with Aunt Ji. That had been her first time flying, and she’d been terrified. But with Aunt Ji by her side, she’d felt safe.

They were almost back in Huadu now. She felt nervous about seeing Aunt Ji again.

Before leaving the inn, she’d done her makeup and put on her favorite dress—just to look nice for the one person she loved most.

Around 5 p.m., their group arrived at Huadu Airport.

Xia Zihan’s dad came to pick her up, Lu Wan’s boyfriend showed up too, and Han Shuang had a car booked. Everyone split up with promises to meet again at school.

Dragging her suitcase alone, Tang Yan immediately spotted Aunt Ji’s car. Yuqing had just arrived. She opened the door and naturally took the suitcase from Tang Yan. “Long trip?”

“Not really,” Tang Yan replied.

The two spoke stiffly, almost like strangers, and rode in silence.

“Are you still staying at the hotel?” Tang Yan asked.

“Yeah,” Yuqing replied, eyes on the road. “Haven’t been home for a few days. I’m sure Peiwen told you why.”

Tang Yan nodded quietly.

After a pause, she said, “That night, in your room… I drank too much…”

Before she could finish, Yuqing interrupted quickly, “It’s fine. I didn’t take it to heart.”

“Oh…” Tang Yan nodded again.

They arrived home in silence, only to run into Zhou Qiluo walking out with her packed suitcase. She froze for a second at the sight of the two returning together, then forced a smile and greeted them warmly. “Tang Yan, you’re back.”

Tang Yan said nothing, her expression cold. Zhou Qiluo quickly added, “I rented an apartment in this complex, just two buildings away. Yuqing,” she looked up, “since you’re busy with work and Tang Yan’s got school, I can come over and cook for you two.”

“No need,” Yuqing cut her off immediately.

Zhou Qiluo seemed to be deluding herself, clinging to hope. Not wanting to hear any more rejections, she rushed out with her suitcase and called over her shoulder, “It’s settled. I’ll come by to cook.”

Yuqing finally let out a sigh of relief. Tang Yan noticed her expression and asked, “You must’ve been really stressed these past few days, huh?”

Yuqing paused, then changed the subject. “You probably didn’t eat much on the plane. I’ll go make dinner.”

Tang Yan watched her walk away but didn’t press. She went to her room to unpack.

At dinner, the two sat across from each other. Tang Yan held her bowl, clearly distracted.

“If there’s something you want to say, just say it,” Yuqing said casually.

Tang Yan gently put down her bowl, speaking cautiously. “What do you plan to do about Zhou Qiluo?”

Yuqing kept eating, her head lowered. “I just hope she realizes the truth soon and stops holding on. There’s no future for us.”

Tang Yan nodded and picked her bowl back up, eating a bite and smiling naturally. “Your cooking’s still amazing, Aunt Ji.”

“Then eat more,” Yuqing said, putting more food in her bowl. “You look like you’ve lost weight.”

“Huh? No way…”