At noon, Susu met that former colleague for lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant.
She wore the same blue qipao she had worn the first night she met Yike.
She arrived early, chose a quiet table, and sat down to wait.
When her friend walked in and saw her, she stopped short.
"Wow," she said. "You look amazing, Susu. Really."
Susu smiled.
And, without meaning to, thought of Yike.
They talked easily—about the past, about work, about how much life had changed. They laughed about old stories, shared the strange turns the past year had taken, and spoke carefully about the uncertainty of what came next.
For a moment, it felt like they were back in those old days, working side by side.
By the time they checked the clock, it was already two.
They said goodbye, and Susu took a cab to April's place.
Around three, she arrived at the location April had sent. April spotted her immediately and came bouncing over.
The moment Susu stepped out of the car, April wrapped her in a tight hug.
"You're glowing," she said. "I'm so glad you finally came."
Susu hugged her back.
"So are you," she said. "That long hair really suits you."
They talked all the way back to April's apartment.
Once inside, April eagerly introduced her cats.
"This one's Xiaoxue. That's Jinjin. Absolute little troublemakers."
Susu listened with a smile as April talked—about her cats, her work frustrations, the chaos of everyday life. Susu mostly listened, responding when needed.
Eventually, April asked softly,
"And you? How are things… with him?"
Susu hesitated.
"We divorced last year."
After a pause, she told April about Yike.
April's eyes lit up.
"That sounds… really nice," she said. "I'm kind of jealous. As long as you're happy, that's what matters."
Susu nodded.
"I know. But…"
April interrupted gently.
"I get it. Don't overthink it. Enjoy what you have now. You don't need to decide the future today."
"I understand," Susu said. "Logically. Emotionally, it's harder."
April pulled her into a hug.
"You're doing fine. Don't doubt yourself. Whatever happens next, let it happen. No expectations, no pressure. You've already been through enough."
Susu leaned into the hug.
"Thank you."
April's phone rang—it was a friend checking what time she'd be leaving. She had plans that evening.
"I need to get ready," April said, then took Susu by the hand and pointed to an empty room.
"This is yours. I kept it for you. Next time you're in Suzhou, you stay here. No excuses."
Susu laughed.
"I promise."
A quiet warmth settled in her chest.
Being remembered, she realized—
felt good.