Heart Flutter

Chapter 135

This was probably the most embarrassing thing that had ever happened to Tang Yan. No competition. If a hole had opened in the ground at that moment, she would’ve thrown herself into it without hesitation. Honestly, calling it the most mortifying thing in the world wouldn’t even be an exaggeration. The shame? Beyond words.

She didn’t even want to think about that night again. If she could rewind time, she would never have spun that chair around—no, she wouldn’t have opened that video in the first place.

She didn’t remember when or how Aunt Ji had left her room. Didn’t even remember how she herself had made it to bed. All she wanted was to forget.

The next morning.

Tang Yan dragged herself out of bed, sulking. She didn’t want to get up, but she forced herself. A gloomy cloud hung over her. She was still too embarrassed to face Aunt Ji after what had happened.

“You’re up? Come eat breakfast,” Ji Yuqing called from the dining area as she tidied up the dishes. She noticed Tang Yan just standing there in the hallway, zoning out.

“…Okay,” Tang Yan responded a beat late, shuffling over stiffly.

“I didn’t cook today. Ordered porridge from that place nearby. After breakfast, we’ll stop by the supermarket for some essentials, then head to the nursing home,” Ji Yuqing said casually, as if last night’s incident had never happened.

“…Alright.” Tang Yan’s heart pounded as she pulled out her chair, visibly more reserved than usual.

“So? How’s the porridge? Compared to our usual spot?” Ji Yuqing asked.

“Huh?” Tang Yan, who’d been silently focused on her bowl, startled. “It’s good. Tastes… good.”

Then she went quiet again. Ji Yuqing chuckled softly, walked to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of milk, poured some into Tang Yan’s cup, and said as naturally as ever, “Honestly, watching those kinds of things isn’t that big of a deal. Totally normal. I get it. Don’t let it bother you.”

Those words felt like a massive weight lifting from Tang Yan’s chest. She looked up and asked, “Aunt Ji… have you ever watched… that stuff?”

Ji Yuqing paused briefly, then smiled. “Nope.”

“Never?” Tang Yan pushed.

Ji Yuqing stayed calm, still smiling. “Never.”

Tang Yan bit her lower lip. “Then I won’t watch it anymore either.”

“Why not?”

“You don’t watch it, so I don’t want to either. Besides, I don’t really want to look at random women’s bodies. I swear! I only saw the beginning last night. They hadn’t even taken their clothes off yet.”

Ji Yuqing burst out laughing at her honesty, then quickly composed herself. “Alright, finish your porridge before it gets cold.”

Tang Yan nodded and dug in, quickly polishing off her bowl and licking her lips in satisfaction.

Once breakfast was done, they headed out. Ji Yuqing let Tang Yan drive again to get more practice.

As they buckled in, Ji Yuqing casually asked, “How’s your thesis coming?”

“Finished a few days ago. Just waiting on the defense now,” Tang Yan replied confidently.

Ji Yuqing smiled, eyes curving with warmth. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

Tang Yan was getting more and more comfortable behind the wheel. She still needed to get used to the streets around their place, but she was improving fast.

At the supermarket, Ji Yuqing grabbed the biggest cart without hesitation—she clearly planned to stock up.

It was the weekend, so of course the place was packed. Some aisles were so crowded they could barely pass through.

Tang Yan, being a few centimeters taller than Aunt Ji and with no heels involved today, could reach items from the high shelves easily. That small, silly sense of pride bloomed in her chest.

They filled the cart with fresh veggies, seafood, and meat for the fridge. Ji Yuqing also wanted tomato sauce, salad dressing, and black pepper sauce. That aisle wasn’t crowded, so Tang Yan quietly moved closer, and when no one was around, slipped her fingers into Ji Yuqing’s hand.

Fingers interlocked.

Ji Yuqing flinched slightly and looked around nervously, but let it happen. They held hands as they strolled for a while, only letting go when they ran into other people. Tang Yan loved the thrill of sneaking around like that.

She also noticed that even though Aunt Ji didn’t say anything, she’d smiled—just a little. That was enough proof. She was happy too.

After they’d bought everything, they made a stop at the supplements section—donkey-hide gelatin, bird’s nest, cordyceps—to bring to the nursing home.

Sure, everyone knew such things were mostly placebo when it came to serious illnesses. But sometimes, that little bit of comfort was exactly what people needed.

By around 11am, they were done shopping. After unloading everything back home, they headed straight to the nursing home and grabbed lunch at a roadside restaurant along the way.

When they arrived, Ji Yuqing’s mother had just taken her meds and fallen asleep. Ji Yuqing asked the doctor for an update. The answer: hit-or-miss. When things got bad, it sometimes took several people and a sedative to calm her down.

But her appetite and sleep were good. For Ji Yuqing, that was enough of a relief.

They handed off the gifts to the caregiver and stayed for a while. Tang Yan didn’t talk much—partly because of the quiet environment, partly out of respect.

“Let’s go,” Ji Yuqing suddenly said, standing up.

“Where to?” Tang Yan asked.

“It’s boring here. I’m taking you hiking.”

“…Hiking?”

To her surprise, they reached a scenic mountain area just ten minutes away. The entry fee was cheap, and there were a fair number of hikers.

Seeing that Aunt Ji seemed in decent spirits, Tang Yan couldn’t help but ask, “Doesn’t it still hurt sometimes… seeing your mom like that?”

Ji Yuqing smiled gently. “At first, yeah. The first two years after the diagnosis were the worst. But over time… I’ve come to accept it. Everyone leaves this world eventually. And maybe, with the way she is now, passing sooner might actually be a blessing.”

Most people couldn’t talk about death so calmly. Tang Yan admired her composure.

The hike was tough—but not for Tang Yan. Her years of college workouts paid off.

Ji Yuqing followed behind slowly, already struggling to keep up. Tang Yan, full of youthful energy, barely broke a sweat.

They eventually reached the summit. There was a pavilion at the top, and a few other hikers already resting there.

The view was stunning—totally different from ground level. You could see for miles. Even the isolated nursing home stood out in the distance like a quiet haven in a forest of high-rises.

Tang Yan dragged Aunt Ji into a bunch of selfies with the mountain scenery as the backdrop. Moments like this deserved to be captured.

They didn’t stay long before heading back down. Tang Yan, full of stamina, started jogging ahead, widening the gap between them.

“Yan Yan, slow down! Don’t trip!”

“You okay? Want me to carry you?” Tang Yan ran back and grabbed her arm.

Ji Yuqing nodded. “I’m fine, I can still walk.” But she was clearly winded.

“Let me carry you for a bit. You rest,” Tang Yan insisted.

Ji Yuqing didn’t fight it this time—she really was exhausted. There was no keeping up with her little bull.

Tang Yan carried her on her back and whispered, “Everyone’s staring at us.”

Ji Yuqing chuckled. “They’re probably wondering why I’m not walking on my own.”

Tang Yan pouted. “I want to carry you. Bet they wish someone would carry them.”

Truthfully, Aunt Ji was lighter than Tang Yan had imagined—even lighter than herself. Carrying her down the mountain was easy. More than that, the rare intimacy made Tang Yan feel giddy with happiness.

How could this be tiring? It was pure joy. She could do this forever.

As the sun dipped low, casting golden light on the trees, Tang Yan carried Ji Yuqing step by step down the mountain. Their silhouettes, surrounded by glowing flora, looked like a painting.

That night.

Tang Yan decided the moment had finally come.

She’d officially moved back. She took a long, fragrant shower, scrubbed herself clean, and slipped into her pajamas before heading to knock on Ji Yuqing’s door.

A few seconds later, the door opened.

Ji Yuqing appeared, wearing light, sexy sleepwear. Tang Yan nearly lost control and pounced on the spot.

“Something you need?” Ji Yuqing asked, pretending not to notice.

Trying hard not to get a nosebleed, Tang Yan leaned on the doorframe and said, “Can I… sleep with you tonight?”

Ji Yuqing casually flipped her hair, and the scent from her skin hit Tang Yan like a wave. “If it’s just sleeping, sure…”

“And what if it’s not just sleeping?” Tang Yan asked, face burning, trying her best to act bold. Honestly, Aunt Ji in this moment was so ridiculously hot she could barely stand it.

Ji Yuqing understood exactly what she meant and, with a mischievous glint, gently broke the news.

“I’m on my period.”

Tang Yan: ???

“Still want to sleep together? Just sleeping,” Ji Yuqing asked sweetly.

Tang Yan shook her head so fast. Watching and not being able to touch? Literal torture. She’d rather retreat to her own room.

Period: the ultimate mood killer.