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nTranslator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

nI could not continue searching for information about you like I had over the past eight years.

nAlthough I never learned much, it had helped me wait patiently for you to come back into my life.

nI never married, but when you did I knew nothing would ever happen between us.

nGu Yusheng, I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your life.

nQin Zhi’ai cried for a long time, and she did not stop until her tears ran dry.

nShe wiped her cheeks with a tissue from her purse and then took out her cell phone to open the message.

nZhou Jing’s text popped up: “You will switch back with Xiaokou, 4:30 p.m., at Room 201 at the Ladies Club.”

nQin Zhi’ai texted back, “I know.”

n“Remember to take all your belongings in Gu Yusheng’s house,” Zhou Jing replied.

nShe did not text her back.

nQin Zhi’ai pressed her lips together and closed the message. She searched for Lu Bancheng’s number and texted him: “Something happened to Gu Yusheng. He’s in the First People’s Hospital. If you have time, you should come. Something important has come up, and I have to leave now.”

nLess than half a minute after she texted him, Lu Bancheng called.

nQin Zhi’ai did not pick it up. She ignored his call but texted him again, “I cannot answer calls now.”

nLu Bancheng texted back, “Got you. I’m coming over now.”

nWhile deep in thought, Qin Zhi’ai’s fingers lingered on the keypad. She finally put her phone away, walked out of the alley, and hailed a taxi to the nearest airport. She bought a ticket back to Beijing on her way.

nWhen she arrived in Beijing, it was only 2:30 p.m. Qin Zhi’ai took the car she had parked at the airport and went to Gu Yusheng’s house.

nThe housekeeper was not home, likely having gone grocery shopping.

nQin Zhi’ai did not immediately go upstairs after she parked the car. Instead, she stood in the yard admiring the impressive three-level house before walking to the door. Once there, she entered the passcode and went inside.

nShe changed her shoes before walking to the living room, where she scanned the familiar decor and then slowly walked upstairs.

nFirst she went to the study, and then to the second bedroom, the family room, and the sunroom, before finally entering the master bedroom.

nShe had spent most of her time in this room. Every corner held memories. No matter good or bad, they were all precious.

nQin Zhi’ai swept her fingers across the furnishings as she recalled the past.

nShe had applied medicine for him on the sofa. He had peeled sunflower seeds for her there.

nHe had dried her hair in front of the vanity.

nHe had watched the stars with her on the balcony.

nShe had handpicked a tie for him from the closet.

nHe had pressed her on this wall and kissed her there.

nQin Zhi’ai sat on the bed. She gently caressed the silk sheet and quilt. She remembered the many intimate scenes she had shared with him here.

nQin Zhi’ai had not been in the bedroom long when she could no longer bear the pain of the memories. She immediately stood up and went to the closet. She had packed the suitcase a long time ago and was now ready to use it. Without looking back, she walked out of the master bedroom and dragged the suitcase down the stairs.

nAfter putting the suitcase in the trunk, she gripped the car door handle. The corners of her mouth tensed while she gathered the courage to look back at the house where she had stayed for more than half a year.

nIt was just a glance, a quick one. Then she pulled the door open, got into the car, and drove away.

nQin Zhi’ai arrived at the Ladies Club at 4:28 p.m

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