Heart Flutter

Chapter 179 [Extra 9]

(1) Shen Yuyin & Zhao Xiaoyun

Zhao Xiaoyun hadn’t been home in nearly six years. She was torn. Deep down, she didn’t dare go back. She didn’t know how to face that house. Out here, her life was good—free. She was afraid that the moment she stepped back, everything she’d built would unravel.

Shen Yuyin didn’t care much at first. As long as they were together, she believed, everything else was just noise. So the two of them roamed freely, launched a company with a hefty inheritance, learned to invest, and made real money. Life was smooth and thriving.

But recently, something shifted in Shen Yuyin’s heart.

It was Tang Yan and her sister Ji Yuqing’s wedding.

Even the aunt who’d fiercely opposed their relationship had shown up with her whole family. Seeing everyone take a happy, smiling group photo struck a chord in Yuyin.

“How about we go back? You can take me to your place,” she suggested.

“No way. My mom would kill me if she knew I was with you.” Zhao Xiaoyun pursed her lips. “And I haven’t been home in so long… I don’t know if I can.”

“What are you afraid of? I’m right here. If Tang Yan could do it, why can’t we?”

Zhao Xiaoyun sighed. “It’s just… things are more complicated with my family. Yan Yan’s mom always carried guilt toward her. But my mom? She never really cared. She and my dad only ever loved my brother. I was always… just there. Optional. I stopped caring a long time ago.”

“But don’t you want, even just once, for our relationship to be acknowledged and blessed by your family?” Shen Yuyin asked. “Let’s try—just once. If it doesn’t work, I’ll never bring it up again.”

That made Zhao Xiaoyun hesitate. Then, gritting her teeth, she nodded. “Okay. Let’s go back.”

She carried the mindset: if reconciliation was possible, great. If not, then so be it.

Shen Yuyin, ever committed to appearances, insisted they maintain standards. She drove her multimillion-dollar sports car, loaded up on gifts, and the two of them drove all the way from Huadu to Xiaoyun’s village. Unfortunately, the village was undergoing road construction, so they had to park outside and walk in.

The village roads were rough and uneven. Yuyin staggered through the potholes, muttering, “Didn’t Tang Yan say someone asked about you last time she came back?”

Zhao Xiaoyun nodded. “Yeah, she told me my mom asked when I’d come home. But I don’t know if she actually wanted to see me, or just wanted my money.”

Yuyin shrugged. “You know what? If money can fix it, then it’s not a real problem.”

Two stylish young women walking into the village naturally drew attention. Whispers spread quickly—wasn’t that the eldest daughter of the Zhao family from the east end? And who was that with her? She didn’t look like anyone from around here.

“Uncle Zhang,” Xiaoyun called casually, “Are my parents home?”

“They’re home. Both of them.”

As they approached the east side of the village, they could already hear yelling—Xiaoyun’s mom scolding someone. The moment the two women stepped into view, everyone froze.

Her mother didn’t recognize her at first, but something about her seemed familiar. Xiaoyun, staring at her mom’s noticeably bigger belly, couldn’t help but wonder—was she pregnant again?

“Hey! Come out here!” her mom shouted. A shirtless man emerged from the house and instantly froze.

The air grew thick with awkwardness—the kind Xiaoyun had feared.

She was mortified. Letting Shen Yuyin see this mess of a family situation made her want to turn and walk away.

“I’m home,” she said flatly.

Her mom blinked, then snapped, “Oh, so you do remember this is your home? Surprised you didn’t die out there!”

Still as vicious as ever. Xiaoyun curled her lip and turned to leave. She’d known this was a mistake.

But Shen Yuyin caught her wrist. “Wait here. Let me talk to them.”

There was confidence in her eyes—the kind that came from a very full bank account.

“Uncle, Auntie, hello. Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Shen Yuyin, from Huadu. Xiaoyun’s… girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Her mom gasped, turning sharply to Xiaoyun. “Explain this. Girlfriend? What, like Tang Yan? You’re one of those lesbians too?!”

Yuyin’s brow twitched. If it weren’t for the fact that this was Xiaoyun’s mother, she’d have blown up on the spot. Instead, she smiled warmly. “We came back to tell you that we’re getting married. If you’re willing to attend, that would be wonderful.”

“Yuyin—” Xiaoyun tried to stop her. She didn’t want her to say that. She didn’t want her family to be part of it at all.

Yuyin raised a hand, signaling her to let it go.

“Married? Are you kidding me? You can throw away your dignity, but I still have mine!”

“Get out! If you leave this house, don’t ever come back!”

Yuyin kept smiling, calm and composed. “Of course, if you do want to come, I can send a private jet to bring your whole family to Huadu. You’ll stay in the best seven-star hotel. And if you ever want to visit your daughter again, I can even buy you a house inside the third ring road so you’ll always have a place.”

Silence.

Xiaoyun’s parents stared at her, stunned. “Who… who is this person?”

Xiaoyun scowled. “Exactly who you hoped I’d marry—filthy rich. Happy now?”

Her mom’s tone flipped completely, doing a full 180. She was practically beaming, ready to worship Yuyin. “Oh goodness, I’m so sorry about earlier! You and Xiaoyun really are a good match. The world’s changing now, and as parents, all we want is for our kids to be happy…”

As her mom rambled on, Yuyin strolled over, took Xiaoyun’s hand, and said with a pampering smile, “See? Easy.”

Xiaoyun couldn’t even smile. “My family must be so embarrassing for you.”

“Don’t be silly. Your parents are going to be my parents too. And honestly… they just love money, that’s all.” Yuyin gently stroked her cheek.

(2) Pei Wen & Chen Yuyan

Tang Yan and Ji Yuqing’s company had no choice but to collaborate with Tang Yan’s former employer. Of course, no one smart would let personal grudges cost them a multimillion-dollar deal.

So they passed the responsibility to Pei Wen—capable, competent, and someone Ji Yuqing deeply trusted.

That way, no awkward face-offs for anyone involved, no emotional mess for Tang Yan, and they could still seal the deal smoothly.

Pei Wen didn’t care about avoiding anyone, but she was curious. What kind of woman had once seduced Tang Yan by abusing her position as a superior?

Knock knock knock.

“Come in,” said Chen Yuyan, swiveling her chair.

Her assistant opened the door. “President Chen, someone from the other company is here.”

“Send her in.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

A moment later, Pei Wen entered with a stack of documents. She gave a polite, confident self-introduction, then began a clear and thorough presentation on the company’s strengths and best terms for collaboration.

Chen Yuyan found her attention drifting. She started studying Pei Wen’s outfit, her presence. She was—unexpectedly—very much her type.

“President Chen? President Chen? Are you listening?” Pei Wen’s voice was going dry.

Chen Yuyan snapped back, adjusted her glasses, and smiled. “Sorry about that. Mind starting over?”

…

Author’s Note:

Pei Wen and President Chen’s story is left open-ended.