Heart Flutter

Chapter 147

Most Westerners wore perfume with a strong, overwhelming scent. Tang Yan, newly arrived, wasn’t used to it at all. She often found herself pinching her nose and holding her breath.

It was rush hour in the city when they went out for breakfast, and the streets were alive with energy. Urban women strode past with confidence and grace, heads held high, beautiful and self-assured. The professional men were equally well-dressed and composed—a totally different atmosphere.

Probably the most relaxed people on the street were Tang Yan and Ji Yuqing, walking hand-in-hand. The Chinese restaurant they picked wasn’t far—just a few hundred meters away—close enough to walk and enjoy the sights while soaking up the city’s vibrance.

Unfortunately, when they got there, it wasn’t open yet. Yuqing had overlooked the fact that lunch wouldn’t be served this early. Luckily, there was a Chinese-owned breakfast shop next door, known for its xiaolongbao and dumplings.

“What can I get you two?” the owner asked in Mandarin.

Hearing their native language in a foreign country felt like home. Tang Yan lit up. “Xiaolongbao for me. Aunt Ji, what about you?”

“Do you have congee?” Yuqing asked, glancing up.

“Sure do. All kinds. Let me grab a menu.” The owner was cheerful and accommodating.

“How’s the taste?” Yuqing asked, noticing how happily Tang Yan was digging into her dumplings.

“Try it yourself.” Tang Yan picked one up with her chopsticks and held it out.

Yuqing leaned forward and took the whole dumpling in her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out adorably, making Tang Yan giggle uncontrollably.

Soon after, the congee arrived. The owner, possibly trying to make conversation, remarked, “You two seem really close. Are you here on vacation?”

“Kind of a business trip,” Tang Yan replied hesitantly, glancing at Yuqing for confirmation. Once she got a nod, she repeated confidently, “Yeah, business trip.”

“She came with me. We’re a couple,” Tang Yan added boldly, lacing her fingers with Yuqing’s to prove it.

The owner, a man in his fifties, was visibly startled at first. After a moment, he softened with a smile. “The world’s much more open now. Some states here in the U.S. even have same-sex marriage laws.”

Tang Yan and Yuqing shared a smile. When the owner walked away, Yuqing leaned in and said quietly, “You don’t have to introduce us like that to everyone… Some people still won’t understand.”

Tang Yan didn’t care. “But I want to. I want to tell everyone we’re together. Even if we can’t do that back home yet…”

“Alright, alright—whatever you want,” Yuqing said, smiling fondly as she took a sip of her congee.

After breakfast, they strolled around the area, found a local grocery store, and picked up some essentials before heading back to the hotel.

As soon as they walked in, the hotel WiFi connected automatically. Tang Yan had barely sat down when a video call came through—it was her mom.

Her heart skipped. She quickly showed the screen to Yuqing.

“Go ahead and answer,” Yuqing said. “I’ll stay quiet over here.”

The understanding was mutual. Tang Yan nodded and picked up the call, making sure only her face was visible in the frame.

The video stuttered briefly before clearing up. Her mom, Tang Huiyi, peered at the screen. “Why’d you take so long to pick up?”

“The signal was bad. I kept trying to answer, but it lagged a lot,” Tang Yan replied smoothly, though her nerves were bubbling under the surface—especially with Yuqing in the room, hiding just out of frame.

“I figured you must’ve landed by now, so I wanted to check in. Make sure you got there safely.”

“I did. Just got here, dropped off my luggage, and went out for breakfast with some coworkers. We just got back.”

“How many coworkers?” her mom asked. “Are they men or women?”

Of course. The classic mom questions.

“Two. Both men. They’re my seniors in the department.”

Her mom frowned slightly. “So you’re the only girl? Make sure you stay safe, okay? Look after yourself.”

“I know, I know. They’ve been super nice and look out for me. I’ll be fine, really,” Tang Yan replied, growing a little impatient. She just wanted the call to end.

But her mom noticed. “You don’t want to talk to me? Or are you hiding something?”

“No, no, not at all,” Tang Yan waved her hand frantically. “I just didn’t sleep well on the plane… still adjusting to the time difference.”

“Yeah, you should rest. The time zone shift is pretty big between the U.S. and home.”

Just as Tang Yan began to relax, her mom added, “Show me your hotel room. I want to see it.”

“It’s the one Mr. Chen booked. It’s pretty nice.” With Yuqing’s help, she slowly panned the camera around, making sure not to show her. After a full sweep, she stopped. “What do you think?”

“Looks great. Big room. Your company treats you well. But… I think I saw another suitcase. Are you sharing the room with someone?”

“Oh, no! I brought two myself. Aunt Ji gave me one of hers to use too. Since we’re staying a while, I had to pack more stuff.” Tang Yan’s heart was beating out of her chest.

“Oh. I thought someone else was staying with you,” her mom said, then softened. “Alright then, get some rest. Eat well, dress warm. Don’t go out alone at night. I’ll call again soon.”

“Okay, bye!”

Call finally over, Tang Yan let out a long sigh and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Yuqing, who had been hiding by the door the whole time, stepped back into view. Tang Yan’s heart ached. She rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

“I’m sorry. One day, I’ll make sure our relationship doesn’t have to be hidden anymore.”

Yuqing patted her gently on the back. “It’s alright. Don’t pressure yourself. For people like us… the road’s always going to be harder. It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

Tang Yan hugged her even tighter, burying her face in her shoulder.

That night, they took a walk along the coastline near the hotel. The long, winding seaside road stretched endlessly. A few European backpackers stood at the railing, taking photos of the ocean. In the distance, a glowing lighthouse stood tall—a guiding light for sailors at sea.

With the sea breeze in their hair, the sound of waves in their ears, and their hands tightly held, everything felt calm and perfect. Tang Yan wished time could freeze right here, that she and Aunt Ji would never have to part.

“Aunt Ji?”

“Hmm?” Yuqing turned her head.

Tang Yan reached up and pressed her hand behind Yuqing’s neck, pulling her into a lingering kiss.

A backpacker, mid-scenery shot, caught the moment and couldn’t help snapping a photo of the sweet scene.

Back at the hotel, they took turns showering. Tang Yan went first and came out to sit quietly on the bed, flipping on the TV out of boredom.

She randomly changed the channel—only to be greeted with a steamy, late-night adult film. The screen lit up with blush-worthy visuals and suggestive sounds.

From the bathroom, Yuqing peeked her head out. “Yan Yan?”

Panicking, Tang Yan grabbed the remote and shut the TV off. “That wasn’t me! It just came on by itself!”

…

While waiting for Yuqing to finish her shower, Tang Yan sat on the bed, wide awake. She didn’t do anything—just sat.

Maybe it was because she knew what might happen tonight. She was nervous. It would be her first time. She had no experience, no idea what to expect.

Yuqing finally came out, wrapped in a bath towel, cheeks flushed, damp hair dripping over her bare shoulders.

“You’re still awake?” she asked, climbing into bed.

Tang Yan couldn’t meet her eyes. “Mm-hmm.”

As Yuqing drew closer, a sweet scent filled the air. Tang Yan gulped and asked, “Should I… turn off the lights?”

“Up to you,” Yuqing replied softly.

With permission, Tang Yan shot up, switched off the bedside lamp, and finally leapt into the arms of the woman she had dreamed about countless nights.

Lights out.

That night, Tang Yan tasted one of life’s deepest pleasures for the first time. She was like an untamed little wildcat—endlessly curious and insatiable. If she could, she would’ve stayed there forever, never moving an inch.

She didn’t know when they fell asleep. Probably close to dawn.

They hadn’t gotten much rest when the alarm rang.

Tang Yan reached out to silence it, but her arm was sore. Trying to sit up, she found her whole body aching. Her waist, her back—she felt drained. And then it hit her: Oh god… last night was too much.

She’d gone too far, lost in the moment, clinging to Yuqing again and again.

Yuqing was still sound asleep on the other side of the bed, her face peaceful. Tang Yan felt a wave of satisfaction… maybe even pride. Come to think of it, Yuqing had looked pretty satisfied too?

The thought made her grin.

She stumbled out of bed and tiptoed into the bathroom to wash up. Her muscles screamed in protest. It felt like she’d run a marathon—and thrown in some squats for good measure.

She squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush, her hand trembling with fatigue. Still, not one ounce of regret.

After all, she had just experienced the most wonderful night of her life.

And it was worth every second.