During the time since Mai Shining had returned to the country, her days were spent almost entirely in a blur of eating and drinking. Mrs. Mai doted on her as much as ever, and Old Mai turned a blind eye; as far as he was concerned, it was enough that his daughter was willing to come home obediently. As for work, there was no rush.
Zhang Jikang called and texted every day, waiting for the right moment. Mai Shining neither showed resentment nor rejected him, which was the greatest tacit understanding between them. Back then, there had been her youthful impulsiveness and his stubborn persistence; now, after enough time had passed for things to cool and settle, they proved that true love could withstand the test of time and space.
On the night of the twentieth, Zhang Jikang called. "Mai Mai, do you have plans tomorrow?"
"I’m going to a photography exhibition with Xiaobao."
"And after that?"
"Dinner with Xiao Fan and the others."
"Then I’ll wait for you downstairs at your place."
"I don’t know what time I’ll be back."
"I’ll wait."
"Suit yourself."
By the time Mai Shining returned to the Yayuan apartments that night, it was nearly eleven o'clock. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she saw Zhang Jikang standing by his vehicle. In the biting wind, he stood like a pine tree—upright, resolute, and unmoving. Mai Shining had been drinking a bit that evening, and for a fleeting moment, she felt dazed, reminded of the boy who used to wait downstairs in the early morning to walk her to school. Now, Zhang Jikang wore a black trench coat, his features sharp and defined, with a hint of dark stubble on his chin. Images of the teenage Zhang Jikang flickered and overlapped with the man before her; she shook her head to clear it.
"Mai Mai," Zhang Jikang called out, stepping forward.
"How long have you been waiting?" Mai Shining asked, feeling a bit lightheaded.
"A few hours," he answered honestly.
"Have you eaten?"
"A little."
"Is that a 'yes' or a 'no'?"
"No."
"Idiot!" Mai Shining huffed, turning to head inside.
"Wait a second, I have something to say."
Zhang Jikang opened his trunk and pulled out a cardboard box filled with items. Looking at her, he began to pour his heart out.
"These are gifts I’ve wanted to give you over the last three years, starting from April 17, 2010, but never had the chance. Now, I’m giving them to you all at once. For 2010: a Children's Day gift, a set of original signed manga by your favorite, Gosho Aoyama. After you left, I thought a lot; I went to Daocheng Yading alone and found a blue sheep skull at Haizi Mountain. Since they’re a protected species, I couldn't bring the skull back, so I only kept this tooth—I thought you’d like it as a birthday gift. For the Mid-Autumn Festival, I made mooncakes myself; here’s a photo of me with them. I wanted you to understand that no matter where you go in the world, the moon is roundest in your homeland, and that I would always wait for you. For Christmas, a pair of couple's rings—maybe a bit cliché. We had a pair before, but I didn't know if you’d been cold-hearted enough to throw yours away, so I bought new ones.
"In 2011, the New Year's gift was a set of cartoon onesie pajamas. My mom dragged me shopping that day, and I thought they looked cute. For Valentine's Day, a box of chocolate models that will never expire. For Women's Day... hahaha, sorry, our Mai Mai doesn't celebrate that one. For Labor Day, a camera bag. For your birthday... actually, I secretly followed Xiaobao to Amsterdam that time, but I didn't have the courage to show my face. I bought this bouquet of tulips near your apartment; happy birthday. There was no Christmas gift because I was away at a conference—you’ll forgive me for that, right?
"For New Year's 2012, I cooked a whole table for the reunion dinner at home. It was my first time cooking, and my parents were stunned. It turns out I have a talent for the kitchen, so it doesn't matter if you can't cook. For Valentine's Day, well, I did something a bit illegal—I went to the park to set off fireworks. I trust you received my email then. For Children's Day, I had Old Qin bring these back from Japan: a Doraemon for Xiaobao, and this Conan for you. For your birthday, this one is really cool—I designed and built it myself over a month. It’s an architectural model of a house; I hope you like it. Today is the twenty-first, and Christmas is coming. If you hadn't come back, I really wouldn't have known what else to give you. But thankfully, you’re back."
Mai Shining stood with her arms crossed, listening to his rambling and watching him pull gifts out of the box like a magician. When he mentioned Amsterdam, her composure broke. Tears spilled over, and she quickly covered her face with her hands, feeling embarrassed. "Idiot," she forced out through her teeth.
Zhang Jikang stepped forward and gently pried her hands away from her face, wiping her tears. "Yes, I’ve always been an idiot. But luckily, you don't mind."
Mai Shining lowered her head, refusing to speak.
Zhang Jikang took her hands in his. Ignoring her "ostrich" behavior, he continued, "Our past impulsiveness and stubbornness led to over three years of separation and regret. I don't know if the end of the world is coming, but I know how much I missed you during the days I lost you. If today really is the end of the world, I have to be with you. Mai Mai, I love you, just as I always have. I wonder... can this old ferry ticket of mine still board your Noah's Ark?"
Mai Shining suddenly looked up. Though tear tracks were still visible on her face, she deliberately put on a fierce expression. "Neither riches can corrupt, nor poverty can swerve, nor threats can bend—don't think sweet talk and a box of stuff can buy me off!"
Zhang Jikang burst into laughter. When they were seventeen or eighteen and he had cornered her on the way home to confess, she had said the exact same thing, even striking a karate pose.
"Then what should I do? The things are already in front of you; they’re all yours now. I’m not taking them back," Zhang Jikang said, playing the rogue.
"I think I might be a little drunk," Mai Shining said, waving a hand dismissively. "Words spoken while drunk don't count. How about this: I’ll trade you. I have two boxes of postcards at my place—one for you, one for Xiaobao. Come pick them up when you have time."
"Mai Mai, you’re too good to me. You wrote us postcards from every place you visited? Why didn't you mail them?"
"I think after a few years apart, your tongue has gotten sharper. Have you been practicing?"
"Every word is from the bottom of my heart!"
"Alright, it’s late. My head hurts, I’m going up to sleep."
"At least answer my question first, okay?"
"Fine."
"So, is that a yes or a no?"
"I don't repeat myself!"
Zhang Jikang pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. "Understood! Goodnight!"
***
Tracy’s Chinese name was Ye Yuzi. She was two years older than Liang Jueyun and had been born in San Francisco—what people called a "banana," yellow on the outside and white on the inside. Not only were the Ye family neighbors to the Liangs, but Mrs. Ye was also Liang Jueyun’s Chinese teacher. Being close in age, the two girls had quickly become friends. Back then, Liang Jueyun’s father had not yet remarried, and life in the Liang household was somewhat dull and stifling.
Tracy took great care of Liang Jueyun, like a big sister from next door looking after a little sister. Not long after a teenage Liang Jueyun arrived in San Francisco, she caught chickenpox and had to stay home to recover. At the time, she still struggled with the language and had no friends in junior high. Her father had to work during the day, and only Tracy was willing to play with her, completely unconcerned about catching the virus. It was likely then that a special sentiment took root. In a city as open as San Francisco, as she reached adolescence and after rejecting numerous date invitations, Liang Jueyun gradually realized that the person she liked was Tracy. However, Tracy always had a boyfriend, which caused Liang Jueyun much distress; she even had to play the role of the "best friend," listening to Tracy share the details of her romances. Liang Jueyun told herself she could wait; perhaps there would be a chance. It wasn't until university that an accident caused Liang Jueyun to lose her composure, and she blurted out that the person she loved was Tracy. For a time, they were plunged into an awkward state. Fortunately, Tracy later graciously expressed her understanding but also made it clear that she was straight; they could only ever be lifelong friends and sisters.
Despite this, Liang Jueyun kept Tracy in a very special place in her heart. Perhaps it was a habit—a habit so ingrained that she eventually couldn't distinguish whether she truly liked Tracy or if she just liked the feeling of having liked her in her youth. From secondary school through her PhD, Liang Jueyun remained busy, deliberately ignoring many things and even using Tracy as an excuse to reject others, deceiving herself. Friends who knew the truth would advise her that she shouldn't stay trapped in those emotions. Liang Jueyun understood, but she simply hadn't met anyone who could make her heart flutter again. To this day, she couldn't deny Tracy’s significance in her heart. But some people are destined to be mere passersby.
At a Christmas party, Cheng Tu and Liang Jueyun sat in a corner chatting.
"How does it feel?" Cheng Tu asked, glancing toward Tracy and her fiancé.
"How does what feel?" Liang Jueyun asked, feigning ignorance.
"You know what I mean."
"I feel the same way you do. I hope she’s happy."
The two shared a knowing smile. Tracy walked over to greet them, and they both stood up to give her a hug.
"Why are you sitting here? Go get something to eat," Tracy suggested.
"I’ve already eaten plenty," Cheng Tu replied.
"Claire, can we talk?" Tracy asked.
Cheng Tu tactfully took his leave.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Tracy," Liang Jueyun said, looking into Tracy’s eyes with sincerity.
"Your blessing really means a lot to me. How have you been?"
"Very well. Everything is going smoothly."
"It is your hometown, after all."
"It’s changed quite a bit compared to when I was a child."
Liang Jueyun spoke a bit about the local customs and atmosphere of C City. The Ye family’s ancestral home was in Guangdong, and Ye Yuzi felt a sense of longing and curiosity toward Jiangnan cities like C City.
As they talked, Tracy suddenly asked, "So, have you met anyone... interesting?"
Liang Jueyun smiled faintly. "Maybe. But I’m not sure yet."
"Take your time."
"I know. I’m the best at taking my time, don't you know that?" Liang Jueyun joked.
"Hahaha. I see." Tracy hugged Liang Jueyun and said seriously, "Claire, you are my family, my sister. I’m sorry I couldn't give you more, but you deserve someone better to love you."
"I know," Liang Jueyun said, patting Tracy’s back. "Tracy, I understand. It was just a lingering obsession of mine, but I’ve long since let it go. We will both be very happy."
When they were young, Tracy used to hold her just like this, saying, *Claire, don't be afraid, big sister is here, big sister will always protect you.* Some people will never be together in this lifetime, but certain feelings can be cherished in the heart forever.
*Tracy, thank you.*
***
