Tomorrow Will Still Love You - CHAPTER 8:

The sun was still hanging low when Pei Ning arrived home.

From the kitchen came the warm, familiar rhythm of chopping vegetables

the housekeeper was already preparing dinner.

She dropped her suitcase and stepped into the courtyard.

Grandpa. Grandma.

Two golden Labradors bounded toward her, tails wagging, pressing against her legs.

Her grandmother, leaning on a cane, was watering the flowers.

So fast this time, she said with a smile. I thought you’d arrive after dark.

Her eyes swept up and down. You’ve lost weight again.

Pei Ning laughed softly. That’s what I’ve been aiming for, isn’t it?

Her grandfather sat in his wheelchair under the sunlight,

a newspaper spread across the small wooden table in front of him.

His body had long since lost sensation, but his face was peaceful, even healthy-looking.

She crouched beside him and began to rub his legs gently.

You took the train? he asked, his voice thin.

The high-speed rail, she replied.

He frowned a little, trying to stop her hands. Pointless, he murmured.

It helps you relax, she said, smiling.

Her grandfather looked unconvinced. You’re really back working in Beijing?

he asked after a pause, as if still not believing it.

Pei Ning nodded hard, speaking louder so he could hear.

I’ll be able to visit you both more often. The train’s so convenient now.

He didn’t catch all of it, but her bright expression made him nod anyway.

Her grandmother finished watering and walked over, waving her hand dismissively.

No need to keep running back and forth. We can video call anytime saves you money.

Ever since she’d gone abroad, Pei Ning had kept up the routine of video calling every night.

She smiled. Seeing you on a screen isn’t the same.

Her grandmother chuckled. It’s the same enough.

Even if you worked here in the county, we wouldn’t talk every day.

Now at least I see your face every evening that’s better than nothing.

Pei Ning took her hand. Grandma, once I’m more settled in Beijing,

why don’t you and Grandpa come live with me?

Her grandmother shook her head. What would we do in Beijing? We’re fine right here.

But Beijing’s night views are beautiful, Pei Ning teased.

I could take you both walking through the old hutongs.

We’re too old for that, her grandmother said gently.

I just hope I can stay healthy another year or two.

She gestured toward the garden. Look at this place do you know

how much a garden like this would cost in Beijing?

Pei Ning laughed. Then I’ll just have to work harder.

A few more years, and maybe I’ll afford one.

My salary’s even higher now than when I worked overseas.

Her grandmother brightened. Really?

Mm. Uncle Ye hired me at a high salary. I even get a year-end bonus.

Her grandmother didn’t quite understand what that meant, so Pei Ning added with a grin,

It’s like extra money for the New Year.

Her grandmother nodded approvingly. That’s because your Uncle Ye’s always looked after us.

Remember, when they grow old, you must take care of them the same way.

As she spoke, her voice softened, nostalgic. Your Uncle Ye and Auntie Ye

treated you better than some parents treat their own children.

You had everything growing up the best clothes, the best food.

Even the wealthy families in the village couldn’t compare.

And you got to see half the world before you were even an adult.

Promise me you won’t forget what they’ve done for you.

Pei Ning smiled faintly. I won’t.

Her grandmother nodded, satisfied. Then, almost mischievously, she asked,

When’s Xicheng getting married? Tell me when he does.

Your grandpa and I will give him a big red envelope.

Pei Ning bit her lip before she could stop herself.

Grandma didn’t know she and Ye Xicheng had once been in love.

I don’t know, she said quietly.

He was thirty now. It wouldn’t be long, probably.

A man like him, with his family background when he decided, everything would happen fast.

The engagement, the wedding all neatly arranged within months.

Her grandmother, oblivious to her thoughts, asked how long she’d be staying.

Until Saturday morning, Pei Ning said.

Good, her grandmother smiled. Friday I’ll make some marinated

chicken feet for you to bring back for Yilin.

Pei Ning’s heart faltered.

Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled as she continued.

When I heard you’d be working in Beijing again, I was so happy I couldn’t sleep for nights.

Now you and Yilin won’t have to live so far apart.

Couples being apart never ends well, you know.

Pei Ning’s expression stiffened. She stayed silent.

Her grandmother still thought she was with Xiang Yilin. They had broken up a year ago.

She’d never told her. She hadn’t wanted to upset her grandmother or make her feel guilty

the old woman had always feared the man’s family might look down on them.

Pei Ning had planned to tell her once she’d moved on, once there was someone new.

But her grandmother’s voice went on, gentle and sure.

That boy Yilin treats you so well. You must cherish him, or I won’t forgive you.

Pei Ning didn’t argue. She just listened quietly, letting her grandmother’s words drift

around her like falling petals.

Then her grandmother said something that made her pause.

I’ve been keeping a little secret from you.

What kind of secret? Pei Ning asked, startled.

Yilin’s been visiting us, said her grandmother matter-of-factly.

He said you were too busy to come home, so he came instead.

Every month or so. Sometimes he stays for the night.

Pei Ning froze. Xiang Yilin had come here?

Back when they were together, he’d never done that not even once.

Her grandmother smiled fondly. He told me not to tell you, afraid you’d feel guilty.

Tell me, how many young men are that thoughtful nowadays?

Pei Ning still didn’t respond. Her grandmother didn’t notice her silence, only went on happily.

He always brings gifts, expensive ones too.

I tell him not to waste money, that you two should save up for a house, make life easier later.

I’ll talk to him, Pei Ning murmured faintly.

She’d once believed Xiang Yilin came from an ordinary family.

It wasn’t until much later that she’d discovered he was the son of the Xiang Group’s chairman.

The housekeeper called them for dinner then, mercifully ending the topic.

That night, the village was still and quiet. Pei Ning lay awake past midnight, unable to sleep.

Finally, she picked up her phone and messaged her best friend.

Tell Xiang Yilin to stop this, she wrote. It’s pointless.

Her friend was shocked when she saw it.

He’s married now what’s he trying to do?

Pei Ning didn’t reply. She couldn’t understand him not before, not now.

She had been his first love, the center of his world. For two years he’d pursued her,

even extended his studies just to stay near her. When they were together,

he had loved her with a devotion most people could only envy.

He’d taken her climbing across the Alps France, Switzerland, Italy

standing with her at the peaks of the world. When storms came,

he always shielded her, always made sure she was safe.

He’d carried her through mountains, both real and metaphorical,

expanding her world beyond anything she’d known.

People used to say, If what Xiang Yilin feels isn’t love, then love doesn’t exist.

But one day, he let go. Just like that. And married a woman he didn’t even love,

simply because she was suitable.

Her friend called immediately after reading the message.

Leave it to me, she said fiercely, muttering something about men being

useless before changing the subject. How are your grandparents?

They’re doing well, Pei Ning said, leaning against the headboard with a pillow.

And the marriage talk? her friend teased.

Pei Ning sighed. Of course. They never stop, even when I’m not here.

Over dinner, her grandmother had asked when she and Xiang Yilin would get married.

Pei Ning had dodged the question. She knew her grandparents worried time was running out

they wanted to see her in a wedding dress before it was too late.

And time was, indeed, slipping by. In a few days, she would turn twenty-eight.

After a silence, her friend spoke softly. Maybe it’s time, Ning.

Try dating again. Someone normal. No drama, no heartbreak. Just a simple, steady life.

Pei Ning stared out the window. Fate doesn’t come when you look for it, she said quietly.

I know some good people, her friend insisted. Locals in Beijing. Not rich, but stable. Kind.

She smiled faintly. With their families, I doubt they’d look twice at someone like me.

Don’t say that, her friend protested. You’re beautiful, capable, elegant.

What could they possibly find wrong with you?

Pei Ning laughed softly. You sound like you already have someone in mind.

Not exactly, her friend said. There’s this guy also in finance,

loves the mountains like you do. Thought maybe you could be friends.

Even if nothing else, at least you’d have someone to hike with.

Pei Ning didn’t answer. The silence stretched, comfortable and heavy at once.

Outside, the night was endless.

It had been a year and two months since she and Xiang Yilin broke up

nearly a year since his wedding.

The day he got married, she’d received a call from Ye Xicheng.

He hadn’t spoken a word, but she knew it was him.

She thought she’d deleted his number long ago, but when it appeared on her screen,

her heart had remembered what her mind had tried to forget.

All the memories came flooding back like vines wrapping around her chest,

tightening until she couldn’t breathe.

The call had been silent.

She’d finally realized why he’d called. Because he knew.

He knew it was Yilin’s wedding day, and he was worried about her.

If her arms could have reached across the ocean from New York to Beijing,

she would have held him then, thanked him for caring, told him she was fine,

that he didn’t need to worry.

But she’d said nothing. And neither had he. Two people,

breathing the same silence from different sides of the world.

Later, her boss had mentioned that since breaking up with his first love,

Ye Xicheng had never dated anyone again.

That evening, she’d walked home through the gray streets of Manhattan,

lost among familiar buildings that suddenly felt foreign. Tears came without warning.

Back in her apartment, she had finally broken down, sobbing until her chest ached.

She didn’t even know what she was crying for only that it hurt, deep and raw,

like being torn apart.

Five, six years had passed. They hadn’t spoken once.

Even when Uncle and Aunt Ye visited her abroad, they never mentioned him.

And she’d made sure not to ask. She’d avoided every headline, every whisper, every trace of him.

She thought he’d forgotten her. Thought he’d built a new life.

But he hadn’t moved on. And she she’d only run farther away.

These past months, she’d lived half-awake. Working clearly, existing vaguely.

Waiting for a future that might never come.

Loving someone she was supposed to have let go.

Her friend’s voice pulled her back. Ning, go out sometime.

Even just with friends. You’ll feel lighter. Don’t lock yourself away.

Do it for your grandparents, at least.

Pei Ning hesitated for a long time before whispering, Okay.

Saturday morning, the high-speed train whisked her back to Beijing.

Four, five hours later, she stepped onto the platform.

Jiang Yunzhao was already waiting, waving from the exit. Pei Ning, over here.

She smiled, walking toward him. Thanks for picking me up.

You’re thanking me? he laughed. I should be thanking you.

As they chatted, his gaze drifted past her and froze. His brows lifted. Ye Xicheng?

Pei Ning turned sharply.

Through the crowd, she saw him instantly tall, composed,

speaking with Assistant Wan as they walked.

What were the odds?

The exit was crowded, so she and Jiang moved aside to wait.

Jiang made a show of looking surprised. Funny. Ye Xicheng taking the train today?

Maybe his destination was easier by rail than by plane, Pei Ning offered.

Maybe, Jiang said lightly.

But Ye Xicheng had seen her long before she noticed him.

Assistant Wan, now realizing what was happening,

finally understood why his boss had insisted on taking the

high-speed train home instead of flying back last night.

Their business in Shanghai had finished yesterday.

Normally, Ye would never delay.

Now, it all made sense.

The project they’d been handling?

The Community Support Agriculture initiative.

Its base right in Pei Ning’s hometown.

Assistant Wan waved goodbye, mumbling something about spending the weekend with his kid.

Jiang turned to Ye Xicheng. What about you? Working this afternoon?

Going home to rest, Ye said evenly.

Then you should, Jiang replied quickly, his tone casual.

You’ve been flying all week take a break. He glanced at Pei Ning. Let’s go.

They walked away together, side by side, voices fading into the crowd.

Behind them, Ye Xicheng stood still for a moment, watching.

His lips parted slightly, but no words came out.