In a rush, Tang Yan threw on a simple bit of makeup and changed into a presentable set of business attire. She straightened her collar, and when she stepped out of the bathroom, Aunt Ji was still sound asleep. Her cheeks had a soft, naturally flushed pink, looking especially beautiful. It was probably the first time Tang Yan had seen her sleep in like this. Usually, whenever they shared a bed, Yuqing would always be up before her. But this time, she really seemed to be sleeping peacefully.
Tang Yan didn’t have the heart to wake her. Everything she did in the room was silent and careful. She pulled out a marker and sticky note from her bag and left a message on the nightstand by the bed: I’ve headed out. You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you. See you tonight. Love you.
Worried her coworkers were waiting, she slung her bag over her shoulder and made for the door—only to double back, return to the bedside, and lean down to place a soft kiss on Yuqing’s forehead. Then she quickly slipped out, closed the door gently behind her, and made sure it was locked before heading off.
By the time she made it downstairs, her coworkers were already waiting outside the hotel.
“Sorry, I’m late. I didn’t mean to keep you guys waiting,” Tang Yan said as she jogged over, a bit flustered.
“No worries. The car’s not even here yet. Did you eat?” one of them asked.
She shook her head. “No, I just came down.”
“Well, let’s grab something, then. Who knows how long it’ll take the Americans to show up.”
“I know a good breakfast spot nearby—Chinese-owned,” Tang Yan said excitedly. It was the same place she’d gone to with Aunt Ji the day before.
Her coworkers had no objections, so the three of them headed over.
The shop was packed—crazy busy at this hour. Since there were no seats, they decided to order takeout to eat on the go. As they waited, the owner recognized Tang Yan and, with a smile, asked why she wasn’t with her partner today.
With her coworkers standing right there, the question made her a bit flustered. She smiled and explained, “She’s still sleeping.”
On the way back, one of the coworkers asked curiously, “Hey, Tang Yan, do you know that shop owner?”
She shook her head. “Went there yesterday morning. I introduced my partner to him.”
“So… how did you and your partner get together? No offense, but you two don’t seem like you’re from the same generation.”
Tang Yan didn’t mind the question at all. She’d never felt ashamed or awkward talking about being with Yuqing.
“She’s a friend of my mom’s.”
“Wow…”
She could sense their surprise, but she didn’t care.
Soon, the car from the American company arrived—a big black van. The driver, a tall, muscular white man with wavy brown hair, introduced himself as Switt. His cologne was strong, as expected.
As she climbed into the car, lifting her leg up reminded her how sore she was. She winced slightly but kept her face neutral as she slid into her seat, discreetly pressing on her inner thigh to soothe the ache.
I need to start working out again, she thought. Back in college, she could run two 800s back-to-back and still be fine.
They arrived at a fancy-looking office building where their training would take place. That day’s lecture was given by a well-known professor from the University of San Francisco. Since it was all in English, they were provided with translation headsets. It was a little embarrassing, but honestly, a lifesaver—none of them had great English skills.
Tang Yan took notes seriously, just like she had in college. But today left her determined: she had to start working on her listening and speaking. No more feeling helpless in a foreign country.
And next time she traveled abroad with Aunt Ji, she wanted to be able to handle herself—talk confidently with locals instead of hiding behind Yuqing.
Meanwhile, Ji Yuqing didn’t wake up until noon. She hadn’t slept that deeply in years—maybe ever. She couldn’t even remember the last time she felt this rested. She stayed in bed for a while, eyes closed, still savoring the wild memories of the night before. It had been years since her last relationship, and even longer since she’d been touched. Last night, Tang Yan’s wild energy had completely undone her—her poor back was still sore.
She finally sat up, moving slowly. Her waist and thighs ached, but nothing too terrible. Then she noticed the sticky note on the nightstand and couldn’t help but smile. She got up, pulled a clean outfit from her suitcase, and headed to the bathroom.
After a refreshing shower, she towel-dried her hair, slipped on her slippers, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows. She opened the curtains wide. The vast blue ocean came into view, instantly lifting her mood. She stood there in silence for a long while, simply enjoying the scene.
Her phone rang—it was a WeChat call.
She picked it up. Caller ID: Zhang Miya.
“Hello?”
“Where are you? I’ve been buzzing your doorbell forever. Tried calling too, but couldn’t get through!”
Yuqing laughed. “I’m not home.”
“What? Then where are you? You went on vacation and didn’t even invite me?”
“I’m in the U.S.”
“The U.S.?! When did that happen? You just disappeared!” Zhang was baffled. Two days of no contact, and Yuqing had crossed an ocean?
“Yan Yan’s company sent her to San Francisco for training. I came along.”
“Wow, Aunt Ji! You’re basically her personal nanny now. Aren’t you bored when she’s off at work?”
“Not really. Don’t forget—I used to travel alone for years.”
“Ugh, I’m jealous. If I didn’t have to drop off and pick up kids every day, I’d be on a flight too.”
“Come join me.”
“And who’s gonna watch my kid?” Zhang sighed dramatically. “Never mind. I was gonna ask you out today, but now you’re halfway across the globe. How long are you staying?”
“No idea. A few months maybe.”
“Alright, I’m heading home then. Talk later!”
After hanging up, Yuqing did her makeup, grabbed her bag, and left the hotel.
She had a solo lunch, wandered around a bit, and ended up buying a set of pajamas she liked. She couldn’t help imagining how Yan Yan would look wearing them—and before she knew it, she bought two identical sets. Matching couple pajamas.
She’d never done that with anyone before—not even in past relationships. But now… she wanted to try. The two sets cost under $200, not bad at all.
In the afternoon, the training session continued with meetings between the team and their U.S. counterparts, discussing collaboration and business plans. It was a full 8-hour workday, really, just like being back in the office.
But the vibe was easier. It was paid training after all, with a side of vacation. An opportunity too good to waste.
On the ride back, the two male coworkers joked about visiting the local red-light district. Tang Yan, confused, asked what that meant. They just chuckled and didn’t explain.
She wasn’t interested anyway. She got off the van before reaching the hotel, dropped by the Chinese restaurant, and picked up dinner. The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over half of California.
She walked with a bounce in her step, eager to get back to the hotel and see her again.
At the door, she knocked. Yuqing opened it with a warm smile. “You’re back. How was the day?”
“Not bad! I brought dinner!” Tang Yan raised the takeout proudly.
“Come in, come in.”
“Mm-hmm!” Tang Yan stepped inside and noticed two paper bags on the bed. “Huh? What’s this? You went shopping?”
“Guess,” Yuqing said.
“Clothes?”
Yuqing pulled out two matching sets of pajamas. “One for you, one for me.”
Tang Yan took one set, glanced at the other, and laughed. “They look like couple’s pajamas.” She looked up and smiled brightly.
Yuqing played dumb. “Do they?”
“Totally.”
Tang Yan set the pajamas down and sat beside her. After a whole day apart, she had so much to say.
“Did you sleep well last night? Sorry I kept you up so late…”
“Best sleep I’ve had in forever,” Yuqing answered without hesitation.
“Really?” Tang Yan perked up. “I didn’t wake you up this morning—I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” She lowered her head and wrapped her arms around Yuqing’s arm.
“What’s this?” Yuqing teased, watching her snuggle up like a kitten. “What are you thinking about?”
Tang Yan hesitated, a little shy. “Um… how was I last night?”
Yuqing tried not to laugh. “You were great.”
“Really?” Tang Yan was skeptical. “You’re not just saying that?”
“Really.”
Tang Yan bit her lip, her face flushing. “Then… I want more tonight.”