Heart Flutter

Chapter 170 [END]

Year’s End

As the year drew to a close, Tang Yan’s company was fully focused on the development of a new project they hoped to launch before the new year. It wasn’t just about releasing a new product—it was about solidifying their standing in the industry. The tech department was under enormous pressure, and every other team was equally swamped. Everyone was determined to hit a performance high before year’s end and head into the holidays with fat year-end bonuses and happy hearts.

Tang Yan, one of the core members of the tech team, bore the brunt of the pressure. She wasn’t just carrying a product—she was carrying the hopes of the entire company.

Ji Yuqing, knowing how stressed and exhausted Tang Yan was, did everything she could to create a comfortable, distraction-free space for her. She stayed quiet when Tang Yan was working late, often sitting beside her with her own laptop, reviewing documents while sneaking glances at Tang Yan furiously typing away at her code—completely immersed, completely captivating.

And in the final month, after all that effort, the product launched successfully and performed well in the market.

The whole company, having been under relentless pressure for months, finally relaxed like a balloon letting out air. Everyone suddenly found themselves at a loss, unsure what to do with the quiet.

“How about we throw a celebration party?” Ji Yuqing suggested. “It’ll be a good way to thank the staff. Everyone’s worked themselves to the bone—they deserve a break and a bit of excitement.”

Tang Yan was all for it. Aunt Ji always had great ideas. No one in the company had ever complained about her—employees were wholeheartedly loyal. Compared to other startups, their company had arguably the best treatment and benefits around.

Over the next few days, the two of them scouted venues for the year-end party. But nothing really stood out—until one night, while eating in a business district, Tang Yan spotted a cruise ship poster by chance.

The enormous ship sailing across the sea was eye-catching. Tang Yan just knew—it had to be this one.

She rushed home and pitched the idea to Ji Yuqing, who was surprised at first and then kissed her.

“This is genius. I’ve been stressing about it for days.”

Tang Yan tapped her cheek playfully.

“Not enough. That idea deserves another kiss.”

Renting the cruise ship wasn’t cheap, but Ji Yuqing didn’t bat an eye. What mattered was that everyone could unwind and have fun—and more importantly, it was something Tang Yan wanted. That made it even more worth it.

They sent out beautifully made invitations, not only to employees but also to partners, advertisers, and friends of both women. As the date approached, the company buzzed with excitement. The women in the office were all busy booking dresses and makeup artists.

Ji Yuqing had already prepared matching outfits for her and Tang Yan—designed as “sister dresses,” but on them, the meaning was different.

On December 31st at noon, once all departments had wrapped up their final tasks, everyone gathered downstairs to board a bus bound for the coast. Since Huadu wasn’t a seaside city, they had to travel to a neighboring province.

Still, it wasn’t too far. They set off at noon and arrived at the port just before nightfall.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, its golden glow painted the line where sea met sky—a scene so breathtaking it looked like a painting. The deep hum of the cruise ship’s engine added to the cinematic feeling of it all.

Ji Yuqing and Tang Yan had arrived the night before to oversee final preparations with the crew. This year, the annual company celebration and banquet would take place entirely on board.

Besides the usual year-end bonuses, Ji and Tang had prepared some serious prizes: a brand-new family SUV worth over 200,000 yuan, high-end skincare sets, complete collections of luxury lipsticks… and more.

The night promised to be unforgettable. They even scheduled fireworks for midnight, which could be clearly seen from the ship.

When the buses arrived, the excitement was palpable. Usually scruffy programmers with glasses and stubble were suddenly dressed to the nines in tailored suits and ties. The women from other departments were radiant in cocktail dresses and elegant updos.

“It’s so lively—I’m so excited,” Tang Yan whispered beside Ji Yuqing.

Ji, calm and poised, smiled gracefully.

“Has Shen Yuyin arrived yet?”

Tang Yan looked around—and spoke too soon.

With the roar of a sports car engine, all heads turned toward the dock. Shen Yuyin rolled in, dramatically late as ever, driving a nearly 10-million-yuan limited-edition supercar, with Zhao Xiaoyun in the passenger seat. The entrance was flashy, stunning, and totally on-brand.

The men huddled together, buzzing about the car’s specs and rarity, while the women swooned.

“Even as a straight girl, I’m kind of in love,” one said. “If I had a sugar mommy like that, I’d switch teams on the spot.”

But the glamour didn’t last.

Shivering violently, Zhao Xiaoyun rushed over to Tang Yan.

“Do you have anything I can borrow? I’m freezing to death.”

Tang Yan quickly handed over her coat.

“What happened?”

“She drove the entire way on the highway with the top down,” Zhao Xiaoyun grumbled. “I’m frozen solid.”

Tang Yan: …How could Senior Shen treat her girlfriend like that?

Once everyone had arrived, they boarded the ship in an orderly fashion. Tang Yan and Ji Yuqing did a final headcount—everyone expected had arrived, and they noted the few who couldn’t make it.

Then hand-in-hand, the two of them boarded last.

With the captain’s signal, the ship set sail for open waters.

Zhao Xiaoyun, still wrapped in Tang Yan’s puffer coat, was just beginning to thaw when Shen Yuyin draped an arm around her.

“When we get married, I’ll rent you a cruise ship too. How’s that?”

“That’s too expensive. No need, really.” Zhao Xiaoyun looked out at the dark sea. “Besides, I’ve experienced it now.”

“Then how about Antarctica?” Shen Yuyin teased.

“Achoo!” Zhao Xiaoyun sneezed. “Forget it, I’m cold.”

“Let’s head inside then. No more standing on deck.”

The ship had multiple levels—dining, entertainment, rooms—because no one was going back to shore that night.

For dinner, Ji Yuqing had hired the best chefs and pastry artists in the area. The service staff were from the cruise itself.

Soothing music played as some people began dancing. Tang Yan, holding a glass of champagne, stood beside Ji Yuqing and whispered,

“I heard we already have a few office couples.”

“Oh really?” Ji Yuqing was surprised.

Their company didn’t forbid workplace romance—in fact, they encouraged it. Same-sex couples even got financial bonuses. Straight couples received help with housing and family planning.

“It’s nice,” Tang Yan said, watching the joyful scene around them.

“This is all thanks to your hard work,” Ji replied.

“No,” Tang Yan shook her head. “You’ve worked just as hard.”

Ji Yuqing laughed.

“It’s our shared effort. Let’s call it that.”

“Mhm!” Tang Yan nodded.

At 11:00 p.m., the raffle began.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to join in. Tang Yan was the one drawing names, and Ji Yuqing handed out the prizes—completely fair and transparent.

Each employee’s name was written on a ball and placed in a sealed box. The first lucky winner would drive home with a brand-new car.

As winners were announced, some cheered while others groaned. Ji comforted the unlucky ones—there’d be more prizes next year, and even better ones.

Laughter and joy filled the air as the year slipped away. Midnight was approaching.

Everyone gathered again on deck, waiting for the countdown and the fireworks.

Tang Yan was brimming with excitement, clutching Ji Yuqing’s hand and recording everything on her phone to share with her mom and brother later.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”

Their voices were perfectly in sync—just like when they worked together to win success for their company.

“Five, four, three, two, one!” Tang Yan joined in with a loud cheer.

Boom! Fireworks exploded overhead, filling the sky with brilliant colors—blazing, dazzling, dreamlike.

It was the second most beautiful thing Tang Yan had ever seen. The first, of course, was always Ji Aunty.

“I love you,” Tang Yan said, eyes fixed on Ji Yuqing’s face.

Ji Yuqing turned toward her, smiling.

“I love you too.”

And right there on the deck, in front of everyone, they kissed—deeply and unbothered by the cheers and camera flashes around them.

It wasn’t until around 2 a.m. that the two finally made it back to their room.

Ji Yuqing was honestly jealous of the younger employees, still partying in the entertainment area like they had infinite energy. She, on the other hand, absolutely needed some sleep if she wanted to function the next day.

After a shower, she sat on the bed and noticed Tang Yan still sitting quietly by the window.

“Not sleeping yet?” she asked.

Tang Yan smiled.

“I want to stay up and watch the sunrise.”

“Why?” Ji asked, puzzled.

“I just want to know what it’s like—to see the sun rise over the ocean.”

Ji Yuqing looked at her hopeful face, thought for a second, then sat back up.

“Then I’ll stay with you.”

“No, no, no,” Tang Yan quickly waved her off. “You’ve worked so hard—you’re exhausted. Go to sleep. I’ll wake you when it’s time.”

“…Okay.” Ji smiled and nodded.

She lay down to rest, warmed by the central heating. Tang Yan tucked her in gently, then took a seat by the window alone.

The window was square, and outside was the deep sea, blanketed by stars. The water was still and silent.

The waiting was long and lonely. But when you endure the darkness, the light that follows is unlike anything else—something only you get to see.

Gradually, the sky lightened. Pale silver crept across the horizon. A red sun slowly peeked over the edge of the blue sea.

Tang Yan rushed to wake Ji Yuqing, who rubbed her eyes and quickly joined her at the window.

They sat shoulder to shoulder, silent, watching the sun rise slowly over the ocean—calm, content, and filled with quiet joy.