Back Then, I Adored You

I could not continue searching for information about you like I had over the past eight years.

Although I never learned much, it had helped me wait patiently for you to come back into my life.

I never married, but when you did I knew nothing would ever happen between us.

Gu Yusheng, I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your life.

Qin Zhi’ai cried for a long time, and she did not stop until her tears ran dry.

She wiped her cheeks with a tissue from her purse and then took out her cell phone to open the message.

Zhou Jing’s text popped up: “You will switch back with Xiaokou, 4:30 p.m., at Room 201 at the Ladies Club.”

Qin Zhi’ai texted back, “I know.”

“Remember to take all your belongings in Gu Yusheng’s house,” Zhou Jing replied.

She did not text her back.

Qin Zhi’ai pressed her lips together and closed the message. She searched for Lu Bancheng’s number and texted him: “Something happened to Gu Yusheng. He’s in the First People’s Hospital. If you have time, you should come. Something important has come up, and I have to leave now.”

Less than half a minute after she texted him, Lu Bancheng called.

Qin Zhi’ai did not pick it up. She ignored his call but texted him again, “I cannot answer calls now.”

Lu Bancheng texted back, “Got you. I’m coming over now.”

While deep in thought, Qin Zhi’ai’s fingers lingered on the keypad. She finally put her phone away, walked out of the alley, and hailed a taxi to the nearest airport. She bought a ticket back to Beijing on her way.

When she arrived in Beijing, it was only 2:30 p.m. Qin Zhi’ai took the car she had parked at the airport and went to Gu Yusheng’s house.

The housekeeper was not home, likely having gone grocery shopping.

Qin Zhi’ai did not immediately go upstairs after she parked the car. Instead, she stood in the yard admiring the impressive three-level house before walking to the door. Once there, she entered the passcode and went inside.

She changed her shoes before walking to the living room, where she scanned the familiar decor and then slowly walked upstairs.

First she went to the study, and then to the second bedroom, the family room, and the sunroom, before finally entering the master bedroom.

She had spent most of her time in this room. Every corner held memories. No matter good or bad, they were all precious.

Qin Zhi’ai swept her fingers across the furnishings as she recalled the past.

She had applied medicine for him on the sofa. He had peeled sunflower seeds for her there.

He had dried her hair in front of the vanity.

He had watched the stars with her on the balcony.

She had handpicked a tie for him from the closet.

He had pressed her on this wall and kissed her there.

Qin Zhi’ai sat on the bed. She gently caressed the silk sheet and quilt. She remembered the many intimate scenes she had shared with him here.

Qin Zhi’ai had not been in the bedroom long when she could no longer bear the pain of the memories. She immediately stood up and went to the closet. She had packed the suitcase a long time ago and was now ready to use it. Without looking back, she walked out of the master bedroom and dragged the suitcase down the stairs.

After putting the suitcase in the trunk, she gripped the car door handle. The corners of her mouth tensed while she gathered the courage to look back at the house where she had stayed for more than half a year.

It was just a glance, a quick one. Then she pulled the door open, got into the car, and drove away.

Qin Zhi’ai arrived at the Ladies Club at 4:28 p.m