Heart Flutter

Chapter 157

The conversation with Tang Huiyi was anything but easy for Ji Yuqing. She answered each of her questions with extreme caution, practically using 200% of her focus.

Tang Yan had already anticipated this when she was still waiting in line. If Aunt Ji and her mom ended up alone together, her mom would definitely bombard her with a ton of questions. So, she rushed back as soon as she bought breakfast, worried Aunt Ji might be suffering too long.

Hang in there, Aunt Ji. I’m almost there!

Practically jogging home, Tang Yan could only think about one thing.

The doorbell rang, cutting off the conversation inside. Tang Huiyi smiled and said, “That must be Yan Yan. I’ll get it.”

When she opened the door, Tang Yan stood there panting heavily, both hands full of breakfast bags. Tang Huiyi quickly took them from her and asked, “Why were you in such a hurry? You’re completely out of breath.”

Tang Yan waved her hand as she kicked off her shoes, poured herself a glass of water, and gulped it down. Then she rushed over to Ji Yuqing and whispered, “Did my mom ask anything?”

Before Ji Yuqing could answer, Tang Huiyi’s sharp senses kicked in. “Are you badmouthing me to Aunt Ji again?”

“No, I swear!” Tang Yan raised her hands in mock innocence.

Ji Yuqing quickly backed her up. “She really didn’t. Yan Yan just told me, ‘Senior, I think you might’ve put on a tiny bit of weight.’”

“Huh? Really?” Tang Huiyi laughed awkwardly and pinched her waist. “Well, women my age—our metabolism slows down. I’ve been eating super clean, but even so, when I dropped Xuanxuan off at school, a few parents told me I looked like I’ve gained weight.”

Tang Yan mentally gave Aunt Ji a huge thumbs-up. Smooth as ever.

“Not at all! Look at Aunt Ji—her figure is still amazing!” Tang Yan tried to deflect.

“Well, Aunt Ji has better self-control. And I’m only a tiny bit heavier than before. Honestly, compared to my peers, who are wearing XXXL now, I’m doing fine,” Tang Huiyi replied.

Clearly, they weren’t escaping the morning talk about age and weight.

During breakfast, Tang Huiyi brought up plans for the National Day holiday. “It’d be such a waste to just stay home.” Little Xuanxuan raised both hands enthusiastically. “I wanna go on a trip!”

Tang Huiyi looked at Tang Yan. “What do you think?”

“Sure, I’m good.” Then she turned to Ji Yuqing. “What about you, Aunt Ji?”

Ji Yuqing winked and smiled. “I’m all in. I came here hoping to do some sightseeing anyway.”

“Alright then, let’s decide where to go after breakfast. Though with the holiday rush, every place is gonna be packed,” Tang Huiyi muttered.

Tang Yan didn’t care where they went. She just hoped there’d be lots of time alone with Aunt Ji. After all, holidays like this didn’t come often.

After breakfast, Tang Huiyi curled up on the couch with her tablet, browsing scenic spots that were close, fun, and new. Tang Yan, on the other hand, was distracted. She came up with an excuse: “Hey, Mom, I just remembered Aunt Ji needs to buy a few things. I’ll take her to the supermarket—she’s not familiar with the area.”

Her mom, half-absorbed in her search, didn’t even look up. “Okay, okay. Just don’t be out too long.”

As soon as she got permission, Tang Yan grabbed Aunt Ji and bolted out the door. The moment it shut behind them, she let out a huge sigh of relief.

“I thought I was gonna explode.” She threw her arms around Ji Yuqing’s waist, leaning in for a kiss.

But Ji Yuqing stopped her just in time. “Aren’t you afraid that door’s gonna open again?”

And right on cue—the door creaked open.

Tang Yan froze, nearly having a heart attack.

“Take the house keys,” Tang Huiyi said, popping her head out. That was all.

Tang Yan took the keys and nodded. “Got it.”

“Be careful on the way.”

“We will!”

Once they were in the elevator, Tang Yan couldn’t hit the ground floor button fast enough. When the doors finally closed, she slumped in relief.

“Okay, she can’t pop out of nowhere now,” she said.

Ji Yuqing chuckled at her, and Tang Yan groaned.

“Don’t laugh.”

“How can I not? You’re too cute.”

Tang Yan’s cheeks turned red. “What’s cute about that? I was so embarrassed…”

The elevator stopped twice to let people on. Each time, the two of them stepped back and quietly held hands, hidden from view.

Once they were out of the building, they walked hand-in-hand more freely. To Tang Yan, they were no different from the couples on the street. No one here knew them, so who cared?

“I thought we were going to the supermarket?” Ji Yuqing teased.

“You know that was just an excuse so I could be alone with you,” Tang Yan smirked.

“Well, we still have to buy something on the way back. Otherwise, your mom will get suspicious.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tang Yan said, wrapping her arms around her. “Let’s enjoy this while we can.”

They strolled along the street and ended up in front of a supermarket. Figuring they might as well grab a few things for the trip, they went in.

Tang Yan pushed the cart beside her, looking a little guilty. “Actually, I kinda regret something.”

“Regret what?” Ji Yuqing blinked.

“Bringing you home with me.”

“Why?”

“Because it feels like I’m putting you through so much.” Tang Yan sighed. “You have to lie to my mom, pretend we’re something we’re not. It’s like we’re this… secret, hidden thing. And we shouldn’t be.”

“You dummy. Don’t overthink it. I came here to have fun with you. That’s all that matters.” Ji Yuqing gently ruffled her hair. “And don’t blame yourself. If you do, I’ll really get mad.”

“But I—” Tang Yan started, frowning.

Ji Yuqing put a finger on her lips. “Let’s just enjoy our time. Just the two of us, okay?”

Tang Yan nodded obediently.

They decided on a destination: a 5A scenic nature spot about 300 kilometers away. A historical drama had been filmed there, and this season the scenery was especially gorgeous. It was a popular tourist spot.

Tang Yan picked up a little Ultraman-themed suitcase for her brother. He absolutely adored it—hugging it tight with pure childlike joy.

“That’ll definitely make him like you more,” her mom laughed.

It really was a lucky find. They’d seen a display of kids’ suitcases, and the Ultraman one caught her eye. She just knew he’d love it—and she was right.

唐妍 had changed so much over the years. When her little brother was born, she’d still been in high school. Back then, she didn’t like him at all. Maybe even felt a little jealous. Even in college, he was just a vague idea—a distant sibling she didn’t really care about.

But now? Now she liked the little guy a lot. Maybe because of his innocent promise to “protect big sis” when he grew up, or maybe just their natural bond. Either way, he’d worked his way into her heart.

Once they booked the lodging and tickets, everyone began packing for the trip.

Ji Yuqing quietly contacted a rental agency and booked a luxury RV without telling anyone. She even negotiated the price and paid a hefty deposit.

She figured—why cram into a regular car and get exhausted before they even arrived? Better to ride in comfort.

Her surprise stunned everyone—including Tang Yan.

“You did this and didn’t tell me?” Tang Yan’s wide-eyed look screamed betrayed but in love.

“Yuqing, why’d you spend so much? We already have a car,” Tang Huiyi scolded, but quickly changed her tune. “Whoa, this RV is amazing! Lao Wang, come check this out!”

Little Xuanxuan ran around the RV, squealing with excitement. “Mom, there’s a couch! And a bed! And a kitchen!”

Huiyi laughed. “This kid is too happy. But yeah… this is pretty nice.”

Tang Yan leaned close to Ji Yuqing. “That was thoughtful.”

“Of course,” she said, smiling at how happy everyone was.

Since the RV was huge and harder to handle, the driving duties went to Lao Wang—who had plenty of experience. The rest just had to relax and enjoy.

They stocked up on snacks and drinks before leaving. Predictably, they hit a massive traffic jam even before the highway. Because of the free holiday tolls, everyone was heading out.

Eventually, Uncle Wang ditched the highway for the national road.

It was Tang Yan’s first trip like this. And with the two women who mattered most in her life there, it felt especially meaningful.

The national roads offered something highways didn’t—scenery. Fields, trees, autumn leaves twirling in the breeze. Tang Yan stared out the window in awe.

Around noon, they pulled over by a grassy patch and made a simple lunch inside the RV. It was slow-paced, scenic, and peaceful.

They reached the lodge around evening. What should’ve been a 2-kilometer drive from the highway took over an hour thanks to bumper-to-bumper traffic.

After checking in, they walked to the scenic dining area—crowds as far as the eye could see.

No one had energy for sightseeing anymore. Everyone just wanted to sleep and recharge for tomorrow.

The lodge had a suite with three bedrooms. One for the Huiyi family, one for Tang Yan, one for Ji Yuqing.

After saying goodnight, they each retired to their rooms.

Tang Yan was exhausted. After showering, she collapsed on the bed and was out like a light.

Ji Yuqing lay back with her phone, scrolling through the pictures from the day—scenery, Tang Yan, and more Tang Yan. She stared at them for a long time, smiling softly, before finally putting her phone down and falling asleep.

Meanwhile, Huiyi was standing in front of the mirror with a face mask on.

“Lao Wang, do you think I’ve gotten fat?”

“You’re perfect. Beautiful.”

She didn’t believe him. “Xuanxuan, what do you think?”

“Yeah! You’re fat, Mom. Super fat!”

She groaned. “What about compared to Aunt Ji?”

“Aunt Ji’s skinnier!” he giggled.

She sighed. “How does she stay so fit all these years?”

Even celebrities age—but somehow, Ji Yuqing didn’t seem to.

“Wife, you’re the most beautiful woman in my eyes,” Lao Wang reassured her.

But she was still feeling a little attacked.

The next day, everyone was recharged. Tang Yan felt like she could hike five more mountains.

They had a slow breakfast before heading into the scenic area. Fewer tourists meant better spots for photos.

Ji Yuqing took photos nonstop, enchanted by untouched nature. No filters. No artificial touch-ups. Just pure, breathtaking earth.

Tang Yan? She only took photos of her.

Every landscape shot included a glimpse of Aunt Ji.

She loved catching Ji Yuqing off-guard—surprised, shy, curious. It had always been a weird little obsession of hers.

They walked hand-in-hand when no one was looking, Tang Yan stealing secret touches every chance she got.

Little Xuanxuan warmed up fast—he started playing with Tang Yan, calling her “Sister” so many times she lost count.

They stayed at the park till evening, then returned to the lodge and rented a grill to do a little BBQ under the stars.

They even bought alcohol—though Xuanxuan had to settle for juice.

Uncle Wang played both driver and chef, grilling for everyone. Tang Yan jumped in too, especially wanting to cook for Aunt Ji.

Huiyi and Ji Yuqing were tipsy, sitting on the bench talking and laughing like old friends.

Tang Yan glanced over now and then, hoping her mom could one day accept their relationship.

Under the night sky, Huiyi held a beer and sighed. “Time really flies. It’s been over twenty years…”

“Yeah,” Ji Yuqing agreed. “Time waits for no one.”

“I still remember the first time we met… in school…” Huiyi reminisced.

Ji Yuqing giggled, visibly happy.

Then Huiyi got serious.

“When I found out I was pregnant with Tang Yan, I actually wanted to end it. But thank god I didn’t. She’s my pride and joy now.”

Ji Yuqing’s smile dimmed slightly. “She really is an incredible girl. I’m proud of her too.”

They clinked bottles.

“I just wonder who she’s dating now. I’d love to meet them. And if that person ever dares hurt her, I’ll break their legs.”

Ji Yuqing laughed nervously. “Whoever she likes must really love her too. They wouldn’t dare hurt her.”

“You never know with men. They talk a good game… I just hope whoever it is won’t break her heart.”

They drank more than they realized. Huiyi drank out of joy, Ji Yuqing out of guilt. The secrets weighed heavily on her.

How could she lie, knowing how much Huiyi trusted her?

Tang Yan came over, a little shocked. “Seriously? You both drank this much?”

“I’ll take care of Aunt Ji,” she said quickly. “Uncle, please help with my mom.”

“Got it. Just call me if you need help.”

Tang Yan helped Ji Yuqing upstairs. “Why’d you drink so much?”

“Because… I was happy…” Ji Yuqing slurred, cheeks flushed.

“But now you’ll have a headache tomorrow!” Tang Yan fretted, running up and down to get her hangover medicine.

Meanwhile, little Xuanxuan was already curled up asleep in the living room. After tucking in Aunt Ji, Tang Yan picked him up and returned him to his parents’ room.

She peeked into Aunt Ji’s room one last time—she was already curled up, sleeping peacefully.

She closed the door quietly and returned to her own room.

They spent a few more days visiting nearby attractions. By now, Tang Yan and her little brother were incredibly close.

He even started crying when she was getting ready to leave.

“Don’t go, Sister…”

She crouched down and wiped his tears. “Next holiday, come to Huadu and I’ll show you around, okay?”

Huiyi gave her a big hug too. “I can’t believe how fast this trip went.”

It hurt to say goodbye—but life moved on.

Uncle Wang, being the quiet man he was, only reminded her to stay safe. He tried to slip her some money, but she firmly refused.

As the plane took off, Tang Yan looked down at the orange-lit city below.

She held Ji Yuqing’s hand.

This trip felt… almost too perfect.