Heart Flutter

Chapter 86

Tang Yan had never looked forward to this particular annual holiday—not once in her life.

Every New Year, unlike the other children in the village who eagerly anticipated their parents returning home with new clothes and snacks, reunited in warm family gatherings, Tang Yan had nothing but unpleasant memories. Even after waiting the whole day at the village entrance, all she received was ridicule from the boys.

“Tang Yan, you’re just a wild child with no parents! Hahaha!”

“Wild child! Wild child!”

“I’m not a wild child!” she would shout back, trying to reason with them. But no matter how she argued, deep inside, she had already accepted defeat.

Compared to them, she truly was different. Worse still, her aunt would always order her around during the holiday, making her do endless chores far beyond what a child her age should endure.

So in her memory, the New Year was never joyful.

But this year, she had been looking forward to spending it with Aunt Ji. For days, she had imagined what she would wear and how the day would unfold.

On New Year’s Eve, Ji Yuqing woke up early, put on makeup, dressed warmly, and said she was taking Tang Yan to Qingshan Sanatorium outside the city.

The caregivers at the sanatorium worked year-round, earning several times the average wage. Most of them were locals or lived in the suburbs—only a few were migrants who had left their hometowns to earn more for their families.

That day, Ji Yuqing gave the two caregivers she hired a day off and decided to bring her mother home herself for the New Year’s Eve dinner.

She wasn’t the only one with this idea. By the time they reached the sanatorium, the parking lot was already full. Ji Yuqing had to park outside, and she and Tang Yan walked in.

The first floor of the inpatient building was packed, making it hard to even tell where the stairs were. Tang Yan followed closely behind Aunt Ji, who reached back to grab her hand and instructed, “Stay close.”

Being suddenly held like that made Tang Yan’s mind go blank—it felt like winning the lottery.

Aunt Ji’s hand was soft and a little cold, but Tang Yan’s was warm. They pushed through the dense crowd together and finally found the stairwell. Ji Yuqing dismissed the elevator—it was overcrowded and would take forever—and chose the stairs instead.

Even then, she never let go of Tang Yan’s hand. Tang Yan was secretly delighted but also slightly embarrassed. Aunt Ji probably still saw her as a child, afraid she’d get lost. But Tang Yan felt she had grown up a lot—at least compared to who she had been six months ago.

When they reached the right floor, Ji Yuqing finally let go of her hand after a glance back, then strode ahead.

Tang Yan stood frozen for a moment, instinctively raising her hand to her nose. It smells… nice.

“Yanyan?” Ji Yuqing called back, realizing she hadn’t followed. Tang Yan quickly lowered her hand, blushing as she hurried to catch up.

When they arrived, the two caregivers were helping Ji Yuqing’s mother with breakfast. They were thrilled to see Ji Yuqing and exchanged polite greetings. She explained her plan to take her mother home for the New Year and return her the next evening, which would give the caregivers almost two full days off.

She then opened her bag and handed each of them a thick red envelope.

“This is just a small token of my appreciation. Thank you both for the care you’ve given my mother these past few years.”

The caregivers were startled by the weight of the envelopes.

“This is too much. We can’t accept this. You’ve always treated us well, paid generously, and even brought us gifts when visiting. We really can’t take this.”

Despite their protests, Ji Yuqing insisted, and after some back and forth, they finally accepted the red envelopes.

Having worked in society for years, Ji Yuqing knew that to be treated with sincerity, one must offer sincerity first. Only by showing heartfelt gratitude would the caregivers continue to care for her mother wholeheartedly, making her remaining days more comfortable.

“I know my mother’s condition well. Taking care of her isn’t easy. This is nothing—just my heartfelt thanks. You’ve earned it.”

Eventually, they agreed to accept the envelopes.

Getting her mother into the car wasn’t easy either. Every year on New Year’s Eve, her mother would refuse to leave the sanatorium. Stubborn as ever, she never wanted to go, and Ji Yuqing would have to return alone.

She worried the same thing would happen this year.

Her mother still mistook Tang Yan for Ji Yuqing, calling her “Tuantuan” over and over. But Ji Yuqing didn’t mind anymore. It wasn’t all bad—thanks to Tang Yan, her mother finally agreed to go with them. After completing the discharge procedures, the three of them got into the car.

As night fell, Ji Yuqing began preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Tang Yan had wanted to help, but Ji Yuqing’s mother wouldn’t let go of her hand, insisting she stay to watch TV with her. Tang Yan had no choice but to sit with the elderly woman. Ji Yuqing didn’t mind. She said she could manage dinner on her own. As long as her mother was happy, that was all that mattered.

Besides, if they both were in the kitchen, leaving her mother alone could be risky.

From the open kitchen, she could peel vegetables while occasionally glancing up to see her mother and Tang Yan laughing and eating fruit on the couch. It was a warm, joyful scene—a scene she hadn’t seen in a long time due to her mother’s worsening condition. She felt content, touched by the rare moment of peace and happiness.

Though her mother no longer recognized her, she still remembered her daughter’s childhood nickname—Tuantuan—and loved her deeply. Even illness hadn’t taken that away. Ji Yuqing felt comforted, because she too loved her mother deeply.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoyun was still at the office. That night, the building was nearly empty except for her floor. Few stayed to work overtime.

“Xiaoyun, I’m heading out—my boyfriend’s taking me to dinner.” a coworker said, packing up. Before leaving, she turned and asked, “You’re not going yet? It’s already 8 p.m.”

Zhao Xiaoyun smiled and shook her head.

“We’ve already done a full day’s work. You’ve earned your pay—don’t push yourself too hard. Go home and rest. It’s New Year’s Eve after all. The streets are lively tonight.”

Still, Zhao Xiaoyun politely shook her head and waved her colleague off. She thought, No matter how lively the world outside is, it has nothing to do with me.

The computer’s dim glow lit her face. She picked up her phone and browsed her feed. Everyone was posting about family reunions, tables full of New Year’s dishes. Only she sat at a desk with a large bag of bread—bought in the morning, half uneaten. The sadness was palpable.

She looked up. The office was completely silent. Every movement echoed. But even if she left, she’d just return to her lonely rented apartment. It was no different from staying here. At least the internet was better.

Suddenly, footsteps approached. She assumed a colleague had forgotten something. But then someone tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped up in shock.

“You?! What are you doing here?” she exclaimed, stunned.

Shen Yuyin shrugged. “I went to your place. Your roommates said you hadn’t come back, so I came here. Honestly, this whole building’s dark except your floor. Aren’t you scared being here alone?”

“What’s it to you?” Zhao Xiaoyun snapped, gripping the desk edge with both hands.

Shen Yuyin remained calm. “Come on. I’m taking you out for a feast.” She reached for Zhao Xiaoyun’s arm.

Zhao Xiaoyun dodged, looking awkward and uneasy. “Why… why should I go with you?”

“We’re both alone tonight. Let’s just make do and spend the holiday together,” Shen Yuyin said casually, smacking her lips.

That piqued Zhao Xiaoyun’s interest. “You too?”

“Yeah. Had a fight with my family. So—are you coming or not?” Shen Yuyin asked, clearly growing impatient.

“No!” Zhao Xiaoyun huffed.

“You’re coming whether you like it or not!” Shen Yuyin grabbed her wrist and began dragging her out.

“Wait, wait—I haven’t grabbed my bag!” Zhao Xiaoyun yelped.

Striding ahead, Shen Yuyin called back, “What bag? I’m paying tonight!”