Heart Flutter

Chapter 173 [Extra 3]

The weather bureau issued a report saying strong winds and heavy rain were expected in the coming days, urging residents to take precautions.

It was Friday. As usual, Ji Yuqing and Tang Yan got ready for work together. The wind howled outside the windows, and as Ji Yuqing reached the doorway, she called back, “Better bring an umbrella. Looks like it’s going to rain.”

The sky was dark and gray, like the world was ending. The wind bent the young trees in the neighborhood’s green spaces, and property staff had rushed in workers to secure the area. Still, a few freshly planted trees had already snapped.

Tang Yan came out last, umbrella in hand. The wind made her squint, and her trench coat hood puffed up like a balloon. “Wow, the weather’s insane today.”

“Yeah, hurry up and get in the car or we’ll be late,” Ji Yuqing said, pulling the car door open and getting in.

The wind was so strong, you had to walk carefully to avoid being blown off course. If you were thin enough, you might actually get swept away.

Fighting against the wind, the car needed more power. Tang Yan switched from D to S mode for a stronger drive.

Halfway to work, the rain finally came pouring down. Even though the forecast had warned everyone, the people caught in it still scattered like it was the apocalypse.

Raindrops pelted the windshield like beans, thudding hard. Tang Yan glanced up and around, muttering, “Anyone going to work today without an umbrella is doomed.”

Ji Yuqing chuckled. “They’ll be total drowned rats.”

The storm only made traffic worse. Every time Tang Yan saw a guy holding his briefcase over his head, sprinting across the street, she couldn’t help but wonder—was he one of their coworkers?

By the time they reached the company, they were told the underground garage was flooded. They had to park temporarily outside. Even though they shared an umbrella, the wind and rain still managed to get them both a little wet.

Tang Yan secretly liked moments like this—rushing under one umbrella, leaning into each other. Ji Yuqing’s hair smelled nice, so did her clothes. And with an arm wrapped tightly around her waist, Tang Yan felt this weather might not be so bad after all.

Just as expected, a few male employees had shown up soaked to the bone. The women fared better, most of them habitually carrying umbrellas.

Attendance wasn’t great though. Only about a third of the company had made it in. Others were stuck on the road—couldn’t get a ride, traffic jams everywhere.

Ji Yuqing stood in her office, coffee in hand, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows. The city looked like a mess—overturned trash bins, broken trees, pedestrians running like they were fleeing disaster. She fell into thought.

Tang Yan knocked and walked in to report. “Only three people from our department made it in, and that’s just because they live nearby. I’ve been in Huadu for over five years, and I’ve never seen weather like this.”

Ji Yuqing turned around and said, “How about we give everyone the day off? It’s the weekend anyway—let them stay home and rest.”

Tang Yan clapped her hands. “Yes! I’ll let everyone know.”

The whole company got the day off, with full pay. It turned into a mini three-day vacation. People were thrilled—some already planning lunch outings.

A few even invited Tang Yan along. She politely declined. With this weather, she just wanted to go home.

As for why no one invited Ji Yuqing, that was simple. She had a reputation as the tough boss. Even if someone wanted to invite her, they wouldn’t dare. Tang Yan, though, was part of the employee crowd. Everyone loved her.

Once the message had been sent out to the group chat, the office emptied fast. It suddenly felt deserted.

Ji Yuqing and Tang Yan were the last to leave. After making sure all the computers were off and everything was locked up, they cut the power and closed up.

To their surprise, Pei Wen was still downstairs waiting. “So, any plans for today?”

“With this weather? Going home and sleeping,” Tang Yan said.

“How boring! I’m heading to the pool hall. Wanna come?”

Tang Yan looked at Ji Yuqing, and Ji Yuqing looked back. Neither of them looked interested. Pei Wen sighed. “Fine, fine, I’ll leave you two alone. I’ll go play by myself.”

Tang Yan quickly waved, “Have fun, sis!”

They drove home. Once they hit the older parts of town, the poor drainage meant water was pooling everywhere. Luckily, they were in an SUV—any other car would’ve been half-submerged.

They parked and rushed inside. Even moving fast, they still got a little soaked.

“Just changed this outfit this morning, now I have to change again,” Tang Yan grumbled.

“Can’t be helped,” Ji Yuqing replied. “It’s freezing too.”

They’d basically been running around since waking up. It was a relief to be home—warm and cozy.

They turned on the central heating. As the warm air filled the apartment, Tang Yan took a hot shower and changed into fresh pajamas, feeling much better.

She came out and saw Ji Yuqing hunched over the back of the sofa, still fiddling with her phone. “Go shower! Wet clothes are the worst,” she said.

“Soon,” Ji Yuqing muttered. “One employee didn’t see the group message and actually went to the office. I’m dealing with it.”

Tang Yan walked over, placed a hand on her back—her clothes were soaked. She couldn’t help but feel bad. “Let me handle it. Go take a shower and put on something dry before you catch a cold.”

Ji Yuqing hesitated, then handed over the phone. “Alright, I’m going.”

“Go on!” Tang Yan smiled and nodded.

The rain kept falling, even heavier than in the morning. Anyone still out playing in this weather? Tang Yan truly admired them.

She, on the other hand, was more low-key. Getting to stay in with someone she loved on a day like this was way more enjoyable.

They didn’t step outside for the rest of the day—just curled up on the sofa, closed the curtains, turned on the lights, and watched horror movies.

At some point, Zhang Miya called to vent. Ji Yuqing put her on speaker, and Tang Yan giggled along.

“Ji, I swear I’ve had the worst day. My mother-in-law slipped and fell this morning, I had to rush her to the hospital. On the way, it started pouring. My tire blew. I spent all day at the hospital, only to come home and find all my laundry blown from the second floor to the first and stuck in gross mud.”

“Wow, yeah, that’s rough,” Ji Yuqing laughed.

“You’re laughing at me?! No sympathy at all?! I’m offended. Hmph, QAQ!”

Ji Yuqing laughed again, “Come on, you’re not my baby. You’re your husband’s baby. My baby’s right here.” She naturally pulled Tang Yan closer. Tang Yan leaned in and shouted into the phone, “Hi Aunt Zhang!”

“Ugh, you guys are killing me!” Zhang Miya groaned. “I gotta go pick up the kid from daycare. Bye!”

After hanging up, Ji Yuqing and Tang Yan burst out laughing again.

Later that night, Tang Yan lay curled on the couch, Ji Yuqing nestled against her, both of them scrolling through their work group chat.

The chat was lively. Everyone was posting updates—some at arcades, others playing pool, others posting food pics trying to tempt the rest.

Eventually, even the silent lurkers—Tang Yan and Ji Yuqing—got called out.

“Hey Little Tang Boss, where’d you and Boss Ji go for your date today?”

No one knew why, but everyone called Tang Yan “Little Tang Boss.” Not just “Boss Tang,” but always with a “little” in front.

Tang Yan typed back while showing the phone to Ji Yuqing: “Nowhere. Just stayed home.”

“Boring.”

“Yeah, thought you’d be out partying.”

Tang Yan frowned and typed again: “Party in this weather? Nah. Best thing to do is stay home and cuddle your wife.”

She sent the message and turned to tease, “Right, wifey?”

Ji Yuqing’s face turned bright red.

And with that, the group chat exploded.

“Well, there it is. Little Tang Boss showing off again.”

“Why am I getting fed dog food on my day off?”

“Guess I’ll just eat dog food for dinner then.”

“…”