Weiwei finished washing her face and brushing her teeth and went to the kitchen. Qi was already there, setting up the table for breakfast.
Weiwei smiled and let out a slight sigh at the same time.
There he is, just like in those days when we stayed together in my tiny apartment. How simple everything was then… Those were probably the sweetest days of my life.
Qi heard her come in and turned with a broad smile.
"Good morning, my baby," he said.
"Good morning." She kissed him softly on the cheek.
"Ms. Zhang just called," he said. "He's doing even better today."
Grandfather Feng has been released from the hospital, to his and everyone else's relief. He had been a difficult patient. Now back home and out of bed, he thankfully returned to his usual positive, low-maintenance self.
"I'm glad to hear that," said Weiwei. "I hope Ms. Zhang is not as stressed now."
"It seemed so; she sounded quite cheerful."
They sat down to eat, and Qi covered Weiwei's hand with his.
"I hope you're also doing better, my baby."
Weiwei smiled at him. "Yes, I am. I'm sorry about the other day."
On the way home from the hospital, Weiwei told Qi about Grandfather Feng's intention to include her in his will.
"I don't want to offend your grandfather, but I don't want to be part of the will," she said.
Qi glanced at her, surprised. "Why not?"
Weiwei shook her head. "I don't want anyone to ever accuse me of sponging off the Feng family."
Qi chuckled. "I was going to make a lighthearted comment, but I can tell you're in no mood for jokes." He gently patted her knee. "Don't take it to heart. I'm sure he just wants to make you feel like you're part of the family."
"That's the wrong way to make me feel that way," protested Weiwei. "I won't sign the papers."
"That's fine," Qi nodded. "Take your time. That's really not that important to us right now."
"It is important to me!"
Qi nodded again. "I didn't mean it wasn't important. I just wanted to tell you another piece of news."
Oh no, what now? I never thought I'd be so tired of the word "news"!
Weiwei looked at him, expectantly.
"The shareholder meeting took place today, as you know," Qi said. "The vote to keep my funding agreement won."
"That's good news, isn't it?" Weiwei asked. Fingers crossed!
"Yes, it is. I just wanted to tell you first that, as a result, I was appointed the new CEO of TTT Group."
Weiwei stared, completely speechless.
"The new CEO?" she asked, her voice shaky.
"Yes, if you approve," smiled Qi.
"Approve?! Don't make fun of me," sighed Weiwei.
By then they had arrived home and parked. Qi turned to Weiwei, his face earnest and bright. "I'm not joking, Weiwei," he said. "I would only take the job if you're okay with it. I hope I've already proven to you that you're the most important person in my life. I don't have to be the CEO, I don't have to be a manager, I don't have to have money – as long as I'm with you, I'm happy. I was happy in your apartment with you—"
"I know," Weiwei interrupted gently and took his hands into hers. "I'm sorry. I would like you to take the job." She looked at him with firmness and encouragement. "I would like you to carry on your family's legacy, be successful, and make the lives of TTT's employees as good as possible. Just never stop being the man I met on that rock under the rain."
Qi swallowed hard, clearly moved by her words. He wrapped Weiwei in his arms and held her very tight. "I promise," he said, after a few moments of them just melting together.
Today is a new day, but we should remember yesterday. Because yesterday has today's beginnings.
Weiwei finished her breakfast and stood up.
"I have the new tie for the new CEO to wear to work," she said proudly and went off to get it.
Weiwei brought the tie and watched Qi put it on.
"What do you think?" He turned to Weiwei.
"It looks perfect on you," she said.
Qi moved closer and wrapped his arms around her.
"Don't wrinkle your suit," said Weiwei half-jokingly.
"Have a nice day, my love," Qi said, kissing her on the mouth.
The day is perfect already.
"Have a nice day, my CEO," she replied, their gazes locked for a while.
When she closed the door behind Qi, Weiwei went to the window and smiled, looking outside, at the hills around the city. "Thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you, Grandma," she thought. "I'm happy now. I hope you're also happy, wherever you are."