Tomorrow Will Still Love You - Chapter 12:
Instead of a noisy bar, Pei Ning and Yao Yuan ended up at a quiet little hotpot place.
She poured herself a small glass of beer.
Say it, whatever’s on your mind. Don’t hold back.
Yao Yuan chuckled bitterly.
If I’ve already called you, what’s there to be shy about?
Then he fell silent again, unsure where to begin. He lifted his glass and
downed a full shot of baijiu in one go.
Pei Ning stopped his hand before he could pour another.
That’s your third. Slow down.
Didn’t you say you’d drink with me? he teased.
Don’t worry, I can handle my liquor.
He pulled his hand free and poured himself another anyway.
Pei Ning could see he was hurting. She didn’t argue, just filled his bowl with vegetables and meat.
Eat something first. Drink later.
After a while, Yao Yuan rested his chin on his palm and asked quietly,
Do you think I’m pathetic? A grown man who can’t let go?
She smiled faintly.
That’s not pathetic. When you’ve really loved someone, you understand.
He lifted his glass to hers.
You’ll meet someone better.
Then added softly,
We both will.
The liquor burned his throat, but he swallowed it anyway.
You haven’t gone hiking these past two years, have you? she asked. Because of her?
He nodded.
I guess. It just stopped being fun. We always went together.
He gave a small shrug.
But now that’s over. I’m free again. I’m off this weekend. You?
I’ll be on a business trip, she said. Not sure I’ll have time.
If you do, call me. If not, I’ll go alone.
By his fourth cup, Yao Yuan stopped drinking and focused on eating.
You done? Pei Ning asked.
He laughed.
Didn’t I say I know my limits? Can’t get drunk someone’s gotta make sure you get home.
He changed the subject.
How’s work? Anyone giving you trouble?
She grinned.
They’re all putting me in high heels, not traps.
He burst out laughing.
Sounds like it’s going fine. How’s your boss? Easy to deal with?
Pei Ning hesitated.
He’s… fine.
Actually, she thought, it often feels like he’s the one catering to her.
Then she suddenly remembered something.
Oh, right. You just reminded me I need to buy cufflinks for my boss.
Yao Yuan didn’t find that strange; it sounded like part of her job.
He hurried through dinner so she’d have time to shop.
Sorry, Pei Ning said as they left. I’ll treat you next time.
I’ve been terrible company tonight.
Terrible? We’ve been here for two and a half hours. If that’s bad company,
I’ll take it anytime.
He handed her a bottle of water.
There’s a mall just ahead. It’s near your place we can walk.
They strolled side by side under the streetlights.
Can we talk about the past? Yao Yuan asked suddenly.
How far back?
As far back as you’re willing to go.
She took a sip of water before answering lightly.
Then let’s talk about tonight. But you’ve been with me all night,
so there’s nothing left to tell.
He laughed softly, understanding she wasn’t ready.
Pei Ning never talked about her past. What was there to say?
Her history with Ye Xicheng was a secret few knew,
and the chapter with Xiang Yilin had already ended.
The love, the regret, the ache it all belonged to yesterday.
Yao Yuan clinked his bottle gently against hers.
Everything passes, eventually.
She smiled.
Thanks.
Just then, her phone rang it was Jiang Yunzhao.
At home? he asked.
Not yet. Just had dinner with a friend. Heading to the mall.
A friend?
Yeah. Why?
Nothing. I bought some desserts for my girlfriend and grabbed an extra box for you.
I’ll drop it off. No rush, take your time shopping.
That’s really sweet, but don’t bother, she said quickly.
I ate too much. I’m flying out tomorrow.
Too late he’d already hung up.
He parked his car near her building and waited. From where he sat,
he could see the entrance clearly.
At ten o’clock, Pei Ning finally showed up walking side by side with a man.
They looked relaxed, even happy, chatting as they strolled.
Jiang Yunzhao glanced at Ye Xicheng beside him.
That’s probably the guy she went on a blind date with. Young.
Ye Xicheng’s eyes darkened.
Hey, you’re not that old yourself, Jiang joked.
Then, seeing the storm brewing in Ye’s face, added quickly,
You’re flying out tomorrow, right? Stay in Hong Kong a few days
just long enough to ruin their next few dates.
Ye Xicheng opened the door without a word. Jiang tried to stop him but missed.
Whoa, easy there! Don’t start a fight! he hissed.
Ye Xicheng ignored him, walked a few steps, then turned back to grab the dessert box.
Jiang sighed. Maybe it really is just her friend. Don’t go crazy yet.
Pei Ning and Yao Yuan both saw him approaching.
Your boss, Yao Yuan murmured.
Pei Ning frowned slightly. What was he doing here?
She quickly said, My boss came to get his cufflinks.
Then you better go, Yao Yuan said, waving. Weekend—text me.
Ye Xicheng waited by the gate, motionless.
Pei Ning quickened her pace.
President Ye.
He handed her the dessert box.
Jiang had to leave early.
Thank you.
She reached into her bag.
I bought the cufflinks. Take a look, see if they work.
Keep them for now, he said simply. Get some rest.
He turned and left, the car’s taillights vanishing into the distance.
Pei Ning watched him go, then glanced down at the box in her hand.
He must’ve waited a long time.
Later that night, she called her grandmother.
Ning Ning, don’t forget to eat noodles tomorrow! And get yourself a big cake, you hear?
It was almost her lunar birthday. Her grandmother had celebrated
it every year since she was a child.
Got it, Grandma. I’ll buy one when I get to Hong Kong.
Going on a trip? Who with?
With Ye Xicheng.
Good. Someone to share a meal with. Eat well tomorrow, okay?
Pei Ning smiled. I will.
You’ll be twenty-eight this year, you know, her grandmother added meaningfully.
Pei Ning laughed again she knew what that tone meant,
another gentle reminder about marriage.
After they hung up, her grandmother sat in silence for a moment, then reached for her phone.
It was the first time she’d ever called Xiang Yilin.
The line connected almost immediately. His warm voice came through.
Grandma, you’re still up?
No, I just can’t sleep. Getting old, I guess. You busy?
Not really. I’m heading to the airport soon.
Oh, going back to Beijing? she asked. I thought you said next week.
My memory must be failing.
You remembered right. I’m not going to Beijing, I’m flying to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong? Her voice brightened. No wonder!
Ning Ning said she’d buy her cake once she gets to Hong Kong.
You two are celebrating her birthday together how lovely.
Xiang Yilin froze. The cuff button he was fastening slipped from his fingers.
I’ll buy her a big cake, he murmured.
Good boy. Grandma’s voice softened. You and Ning Ning work too hard.
When you both come back, let’s talk about the wedding, hmm?
Your grandpa and I aren’t getting any younger.
His throat tightened painfully.
Yes, Grandma. I’ll talk to her when I see her.
It was the kindest lie he’d ever told.
When the call ended, he sat there motionless, his chest heavy.
Across from him, Cheng Si the woman he was now with
sat on the sofa, lighting a cigarette.
He barely glanced her way.
A knock at the door: his assistant had come to collect his luggage.
As soon as Xiang Yilin left, Cheng Si’s phone rang it was her mother.
Still awake, Mom?
Just got back from dinner with your father. How’s your trip with Yilin going?
Wonderful, she said with a bright smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Her mother sighed. Be gentle with him, okay? Married life takes compromise.
Don’t throw tantrums over every little thing.
Mom, you make me sound terrible!
I’m just saying it for your own good. When are you coming back?
Tell me so I can have dinner ready for you two.
Next week, Cheng Si said after a pause. Maybe later we’re having such a good time.
That night in Beijing, the city was fast asleep.
Pei Ning, after showering and clearing her inbox, found herself wide awake at half past twelve.
She opened the dessert box and took a bite. Then another. And another.
Her phone buzzed. It was Ye Xicheng.
Still awake?
Yes, President Ye. Any instructions?
Bring the cufflinks tomorrow.
That’s it? she thought helplessly.
Got it, she replied.
Sleep early, he texted back.
She smiled faintly, turned off the screen, and ate the last piece of cake.
Sleep was even further away now.
So she curled up on the couch, turned on a movie,
and let the background noise lull her halfway to dreams.
When she woke again, the TV screen was frozen on the end credits.
Her chest ached faintly she’d dreamed of too many things,
her childhood, her grandparents, Ye Xicheng, Xiang Yilin,
even her parents’ blurry faces.
She turned off the TV and lights, but sleep never came back.
By six, she gave up and got out of bed.
At seven, her phone rang.
I’m downstairs, Ye Xicheng said. My mom made you breakfast.
He was already at the gate. She couldn’t exactly tell him to go home.
Okay, coming down, she said, quickly dressing and brushing on light makeup.
He stood waiting by the entrance, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a thermos.
The morning light caught on the sleeves of his white shirt, rolled neatly to his elbows.
Thanks, but please don’t trouble your mother next time. I can make breakfast myself,
she said, reaching for the thermos.
He didn’t hand it over. I haven’t eaten either.
Oh. So he was planning to eat with her.
He nodded toward the gate. Card, he reminded her. Don’t make us late for the airport.
Inside, he slipped off his shoes and found a pair of slippers in her
cabinet like he’d done it a hundred times.
You knew where the slippers were? she asked suspiciously.
You don’t keep shoes in your shoe cabinet? he said without looking back.
She had no comeback for that.
They ate quietly. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable just… charged.
Morning light streamed through the windows, landing softly on him.
When she accidentally met his eyes, her breath caught for half a second.
She looked away, flustered, and focused on her porridge.
After breakfast, she washed the dishes while he sat in the living room watching the news.
She brought him a glass of warm water.
Didn’t sleep well? he asked. There were shadows under her eyes.
Watched a few movies, she lied. I’ll nap on the plane.
He said nothing more, and for a moment, it felt almost like peace.
At nine, the driver arrived.
Time slipped past without her even realizing.
On the way to the airport, they talked business nothing personal.
Anyone I need to pay special attention to at the event? she asked.
No, he said simply. Just stay by my side.
She nodded.
At the terminal, they sat with a seat between them.
Ye Xicheng handed her his bag before heading to the restroom.
Only then did she notice his briefcase matched her backpack.
Same brand, same season. Practically a couple’s set.
When he returned, he sat right next to her instead of taking the empty seat.
Their arms brushed.
She stiffened, trying not to move away.
You brought the cufflinks? he asked.
Yes.
She unzipped her bag and took out the box.
He extended his arm toward her.
Help me put them on.
She raised a brow.
You can’t do it yourself?
No.
And who does it for you normally? Wan, your assistant?
Yes.
She stared at him, speechless.
This man was impossible.