It was very nice not to have to worry about rushing to work in the morning or getting groceries for dinner on the way back. The first couple of days with Qi were just one long stretch of bliss, holding hands, cuddling on the sofa wrapped in a blanket, waking up in the same bed.
Weiwei sometimes felt that she was dreaming.
I can't believe I'm living it! Me, the useless Weiwei who could never get things right, that didn't have real friends, the orphan Weiwei.
Weiwei had to look in the mirror or pinch herself from time to time to confirm that the things around her were real. Even if Qi left her the next day, the fact that they had spent these days together, that he had chosen to be with her, most importantly, that she got to experience the state of total elation she was in – it all would still feel magical.
If I knew how to pray, I would. Thank you, heaven, for everything!
Another thing Weiwei couldn't believe was how easy it was for her to get along with Qi. She never expected someone raised in a rich family, someone who held a position of power in business to be this agreeable. She remembered seeing him at the fated reception at the Third Tower and couldn't comprehend how the same person could be making her breakfast and be so gentle and sensitive.
"I guess, it's another miracle," she concluded.
One day, Qi finally left the house to run a couple of errands. He invited Weiwei to join him, but she declined.
I don't want to suffocate him with my presence. It must be healthy to miss each other from time to time.
Weiwei hadn't been alone for too long when her phone buzzed, and she thought: "See, he misses me already."
However, the voice she heard was unfamiliar.
"Hello, I'm calling from the office of Lawyer Li," a woman on the line said. "He's very anxious for you to meet him here today. Would 11:30 be convenient?"
"What is it about?" asked a stunned Weiwei.
"I don't really know, miss, but I understand it's a very important family matter."
What could an important family matter be? I don't have any family here. And how does this lawyer know my name and number?
Weiwei texted Qi that she was going out for an hour or so and got ready.
Am I in trouble? Did someone sue me? Should I ask Qi to come in case it's something bad? But I didn't do anything wrong. Let me find out first.
Trembling from fear of the unknown, she headed downtown. After a few days of self-imposed isolation, seeing packed streets and buses felt unusual to Weiwei. She would've admired the hustle and bustle with the fresh set of eyes, if not for the gnawing concern of why she was urgently summoned like this.
Lawyer Li's office was very fashionable. It didn't take an acute power of observation to deduce that he was making a lot of money.
Weiwei was escorted to a meeting room by a clerk in golden rimmed glasses and expensive suit.
I hope I don't have to pay for this visit. I wouldn't make enough money in my whole life to pay this lawyer.
A suave, attractive, tall middle-aged man walked into the room, and Weiwei immediately knew it must be the big lawyer. There was something about his confident and polished appearance that announced unconditional success. His tailored suit hinted at sophistication, while the way he carried himself exuded an air of authority.
"It's such a pleasure to make your acquaintance," the man said in a measured but commanding voice. "Especially because my mission is to deliver happy news to you."
"Happy news?" Weiwei was still on edge. "Could you please tell me what this meeting is about?"
Lawyer Li smiled and sat down across the table from Weiwei.
"Of course, miss," he said, opening his black leather folder. "I'm here to deliver some personal property to its rightful owner."
Personal property? What do you mean?
"You see, your uncle contacted us to locate you and inform you that some of the property bequeathed to you by your late grandmother had been found, and can now be transferred into your possession."
Weiwei stared.
"My grandma?"
"Yes, miss," the lawyer passed a piece of paper to her. "This is the list and detailed description of the set of coins that you inherited from your grandmother."
My coins!
Weiwei couldn't believe that was the reason she had been invited to the meeting. She never expected to hear about her grandma's coins again.
She was brought back to reality by Lawyer Li's voice: "Could you please review the list for completeness, miss?"
"To be honest, I don't remember the details," mumbled Weiwei. "Maybe if I saw the box…"
"Certainly."
The lawyer sent a text message, and a few moments later the same clerk brought in a metal safety deposit box.
"Here we go," said the lawyer when the clerk left the room. He opened the metal box and extracted from it a small wooden case that Weiwei instantly recognized.
Tears filled Weiwei's eyes before she could even touch the case. She tried to contain her emotions, but tears escaped down her cheeks and onto the fancy table.
"I'm sorry, miss," said the lawyer softly as he got up and handed her a couple of tissues. "Please take your time."
Weiwei quickly dabbed at her tears and tried to calm herself down. But after opening the box and seeing the coins that reminded her of the happy days with her grandma, she started to sob again.
Lawyer Li discreetly waited for Weiwei to regain her composure. "I'm sorry about your grandmother," he said. "You must've loved her very much."
"Oh yes," stammered Weiwei.
"I realize it may not be most appropriate to talk about practicalities at this point, miss, but may I strongly recommend to store these coins with a lawyer or at a bank," he said with a polite smile.
Weiwei wasn't grasping it.
"Why?"
"Well, some of these coins are very valuable."
Weiwei wrinkled her forehead. "Valuable? My grandma never mentioned it."
"Well, she might not have known. Or might have chosen not to disclose it to you when you were young."
That doesn't make sense.
"When you say valuable, what exactly do you mean?" Weiwei asked.
Lawyer Li gazed calmly into her eyes. "I mean, some of them are worth several million, miss."