Weiwei lay on her side on the sofa, hugging a pillow to her tummy. She stared into space, feeling only the softness of the fabric in her hands. The familiar feeling of loneliness was creeping up on her, and she wasn't ready to combat it.
What are they talking about? It sounded like his grandpa was going to make peace with him. If that's so, is he going to stay with him now? Is he going to come back?
Weiwei wanted Qi to reconcile with his grandfather, to set aside their disagreements, which she didn't fully understand—beyond what appeared to her to be wounded pride on both sides. Despite Qi's grandfather's harsh initial reaction, like kicking him out of his home, she sensed the rift between the two of them wasn't deep-rooted. Instead, she assumed it was simply a lesson his grandfather was trying to teach Qi, a way to provoke a quick, desirable shift in his grandson's behavior.
He wanted to see him show loyalty and obedience. That's how the elderly see the world. Duty, respect, and tradition.
Weiwei thought of Grandma. With her for some reason she never felt the burden of duty or obligation. Everything she remembered about Grandma was filled with love, warmth, and understanding. Grandma never asked for anything. When she did something for Weiwei, Weiwei never felt that Grandma expected anything in return.
Maybe she was different. I certainly think she was special, but I don't think others appreciated how wonderful and giving she was.
Weiwei felt a quiet ache in her chest. She missed Grandma a lot yet again, now that she was afraid of being alone once more.
The phone lit up on the floor beside the sofa. Weiwei stretched out her hand. It was an incoming call from Qi.
"Are you already asleep?" she heard his calm voice.
I'm heartbroken. How could I be asleep…
"No," Weiwei replied.
"I'm sorry it took so long, I'm on my way. You can go to bed, just keep the door unlocked. I'll be there in twenty minutes or so."
He's coming back. For how long, though?
"That's okay, I'll wait."
"Are you sure? I'll see you soon."
Weiwei sat up on the sofa, still unsure of what to expect: joy or disappointment. When she heard Qi opening the front door, she quickly fixed her hair and got up.
Qi's face softened when he saw her. "Why aren't you in bed? You look so sleepy."
"I'm not," she said, irked.
He came over to her and wrapped her in his arms.
"You look very cute."
Weiwei put her head on his chest. "How did it go?"
"The talk? It was fine. He's giving me my home back, and asking to come back to the company."
Weiwei didn't feel any excitement.
I knew that's what was going to happen.
"Just like that?" she asked. "No conditions."
Qi lowered his chin, locking eyes with her. "Not really. Why?"
"I just find it strange that he'd change his mind like that."
Qi gave a slight shrug. "I'm his only family, after all. He said he realized that he overreacted."
I thought someone had said he was ruthless. Doesn't sound like a ruthless man to me.
"Come on," said Qi, cupping his hand gently under her knees and lifting her up. "It's too late, we can talk about it tomorrow."
The next morning, over breakfast, Qi invited Weiwei to help him move his things back to his place.
There we go. He's leaving…I'll be all alone…
"Go ahead," she said, without thinking.
"You're going to come too, aren't you?" Qi repeated, looking intently.
"Why?"
He smiled. "I really need your help."
"Okay," Weiwei said, listless.
Around midday they drove to Rose Lane, bringing back Weiwei's memories of the night she took sleeping Qi home. In daylight, the entire complex looked bright and welcoming, not at all how she remembered it: dark, empty, and sinister.
She was surprised to discover that Qi's apartment occupied half of the top floor of a mid-rise building, complete with two balconies facing a green ravine behind the complex.
How could he have been so content in my tiny place? It must've been real torture for him. And cooking – look at the size of his kitchen!
Weiwei couldn't comprehend how Qi managed his transition so smoothly. Is it possible that it had something to do with her?
Did he want to stay with me to grow closer?
Weiwei couldn't help but smile to herself.
So he must've really liked me, just like he told me.
"You like the place?" Qi asked, catching her smile.
"Oh, no, it's something else," she said, rushing to turn on a neutral expression. "But you have a nice place. You must've missed it."
Qi came closer and shrugged. "You know what, surprisingly no."
Well, now you're trying to trick me, Mr. Vice-President!
As she looked up at him, and their eyes met, Qi added: "But I'd miss you." He wrapped her in his arms and said: "You should move here, too."
Weiwei froze, caught entirely off guard. "What?"
Is that why he brought me here?
"Move in here," he repeated. "Please."
Weiwei shook her head. "No. I don't think so. How can I move in with you?"
"Why not?"
"We've just started dating."
Qi grinned. "We've been living together."
Trickster! Trickster!
Weiwei stared into the floor, flustered.
"I think I know what you're thinking," said Qi. "Come, I have one more argument."
He took helpless Weiwei by the hand and walked to the other side of the place. He opened the door to yet another room, and led Weiwei in.
Tiān nǎ! Oh my God!
Weiwei was speechless. In the center of the room was a beautifully arranged heart-shaped display of white and red roses. Beside it, was a small table set for two, with balloons in the shape of heart over it. Across the mirror behind the table, in red a large inscription said: Love you. Marry me.
"Do you like it?" Qi asked, his voice soft. "I really hope you do."
Weiwei stared at him, struggling to comprehend.
Is this real?
"Weiwei," said Qi, getting down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"