Chapter 11 #2
Yan Yichen turned toward Jennifer, his expression softening.
His ghost self looked incredibly wistful, eyes locked on her.
It was sad, really, that mix of resignation and longing on his face.
He knew he couldn’t wish to return to life, but part of him did anyway.
“You look amazing, Jen. How are you? How’s our child? ”
My heartstrings tugged, seeing him looking at her with yearning, hearing the pure affection in his voice.
He had clearly loved her in life, and even though he knew she’d likely moved on, there was still a connection.
A feeling not forgotten but cherished. I was heartbroken for them because, if he were still alive, there was no doubt in my mind they’d still be happily together.
Through the hunts, I’d faced danger most people never would. I’d faced my own mortality at one point, as a Bloody Bones had tried to drag me into the water. I knew exactly what Zhen was up against, the odds of him making it safely out of each hunt. I was under no illusions.
I hoped, prayed, I’d never be in Jennifer’s shoes.
It was almost too much, the rising anxiety and heartache at the thought that one day I might only be able to speak to Zhen through a medium doll.
And while I was still working through my own emotions, I knew I wanted nothing more than to live by this man’s side for the rest of our lives.
The thought of not being able to terrified me.
Seeing how connected and disconnected these two people were, I found myself praying all over again.
I never, ever, wanted to be the surviving spouse, a widow left to mourn Zhen.
I didn’t want to even imagine that possible future.
Zhen had put up safeguards for me in case something happened, but my heart broke over the idea of ever needing to live in a world without him.
That all I’d have left of him were faded memories and cold trinkets.
Even now, looking at him across the room, imagining being in Jennifer and Yan Yichen’s shoes, it felt like someone had stabbed me in the heart and twisted.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to carry on if I ever lost Zhen.
I prayed I’d never have to live in such a world.
Muchen came out from under the table to lean his head against my hip. I gave him a good scratch, appreciating the comfort. He looked a little sad for the couple, too. Maybe we could comfort each other.
“I’m good.” Jennifer’s eyes softened, bright with unshed tears. “I’ve raised our daughter to know both of her heritages. I wanted her to know her daddy’s world.”
“Thank yo—” Yan Yichen’s voice broke, but he tried again. “Thank you for that. Our baby girl, she’s healthy?”
“Perfectly. I would have brought her today but…I didn’t want Luna to see her. She—she’s a lot like you, actually.” Jennifer swallowed back tears. “Loves to paint. She sings silly songs and pets every cat she sees. She’s just…so perfect.”
Yan Yichen chuckled in delight, the sound thick with emotion. “If she’s anything like you, then I’ve no doubt she’s perfect. Jen, I want her to know my family.”
Wu Hua’s English sounded stilted, clearly beginner level, but she was perfectly clear and adamant. “We want to know, too.”
Jennifer turned toward the older woman. She looked on the fence but answered, “Mei Ling should know her family. After the funeral, I didn’t know how to reach out. More than that, I didn’t know how you’d feel about her. Or me. Feels late for introductions, but better late than never.”
“We welcome you both,” Yan Haoyu assured her in English after Zhou Jia Li finished translating before he switched back to Mandarin. “In our son’s place, we want to help support you both as well.”
A small smile graced Jennifer’s lips. “I don’t need monetary support. But if you want to pay for her schooling, I’m open to discussing.”
“Yes, please.”
I listened as they worked out some details with Yan Yichen’s input about how to bring Mei Ling into the family.
How to introduce them, what the grandparents were allowed to do, and so forth.
It went well, surprisingly, and without further drama involved.
Both the brother and daughter-in-law also seemed pleased to have a niece join the family.
Jennifer even pulled her phone out, showed a few pictures and videos, and everyone was ecstatic to get a look at the little girl.
I saw some glimpses, and Mei Ling was absolutely adorable.
She’d win over her new family in no time.
I had a feeling language lessons for all parties would be occurring so they’d be able to converse more easily.
Muchen apparently decided the show was over, as he hopped back into a shadow and was off. I mentally switched back into work mode myself, as I doubted they needed anything else from me.
Numbers were exchanged so they could stay in contact, and Jennifer forwarded several pictures and such by text. Still, as gracefully as she handled it, you could see her sorrow. My own heart ached in sympathy.
We were winding down, and Yan Yichen asked the question no one had yet. “Jen, I realize it’s a bit of a foreign concept for you, but would you consider marrying me? And joining me in the afterlife after your time on this world is done?”
She shook her head, smile sad. “I’m sorry. I’ve moved on. I’m dating someone now, and I think we’ll be engaged soon. Rest assured, he adores Mei Ling and is incredible with her. She adores him just as much. You won’t need to worry about our daughter.”
Yan Yichen didn’t look surprised, just resigned and sad. “I knew you wouldn’t stay single long. You’re too good of a woman. All right, I’ll let the notion go. Just be happy.”
“I am, I promise you.”
Jennifer gave her goodbyes at that point, as she needed to pick up Mei Ling, and this time when she moved to leave, people gave her quick hugs and promises to see her and Mei Ling soon. It was all rather heartening, to see family reconnect, joyous to make up for lost time.
Jennifer paused at the door, looking over her shoulder one last time at the doll, a temporary shell for the soul she’d once loved.
I almost believed she could see his ghost for a moment, or maybe she was projecting the face of the man she’d once loved.
A soft smile played across her lips, and Yan Yichen gazed at her in turn.
In their gaze was a future that would never happen, the acceptance of its loss, and hope for the future going forward.
And then she left.
I couldn’t imagine doing the same in her shoes, leaving for good. I’d have begged for more time, cried at the injustice. But I couldn’t fault her. It seemed she’d found her closure.
Zhen’s eyes caught mine across the table and, without saying a word, I knew he felt the same. He wouldn’t have let me leave. He’d want more time with just us, where no one else could hear our whispered words. Our eyes spoke and I smiled, knowing we were on the same page.
Despite this situation not having anything to do with me, I wouldn’t feel better about any of today until I got a good hug from him. Maybe after he’d held me for a while, my heart would stop feeling so mangled and raw at the sadness of this whole situation.
After Jennifer’s departure, the next question cropped up.
Boss offered gently, “Yan Yichen, you do not need to answer me right away, but would you like me to find you a bride?”
“I expected Jennifer to say no.” Yan Yichen murmured, still staring at the door where she’d left.
“I would have been more surprised if she’d said yes.
After years of being alone, I don’t see any reason why I can’t move on as well.
” His gaze turned to Boss, voice determined. “Please find me a bride, Matchmaker.”
“I’d be pleased to. Assuming your parents are willing to pay the fee?”
Both immediately said yes. No surprise there.
“Then, Yan Yichen, what are you looking for in your prospective bride? I can pull up candidates and let you meet them.”
That was my cue, so I pulled out my notebook and started to jot down things as he mentioned them.
I noticed while I played good little assistant, Charlotte snuck over to stand beside Jo Jo.
He leaned down as she pressed up on her toes to whisper something.
Zhen’s expression made it obvious he was trying not to eavesdrop, but the twitch in his lips said he wasn’t trying that hard.
After a few exchanges and nods between the pair, Charlotte snagged Jo Jo’s arm and left the room with him.
She was getting some flirting in, eh? More power to her. And luck.
The meeting wound down, but people seemed generally pleased over the outcome. Everyone had gotten what they wanted, so it was a happy ending overall.
No fireworks like I’d expected, but I thanked Yan Yichen for shutting Luna down so quickly.
Hopefully she got the hint this time and left everyone alone.
I somehow had the feeling she wouldn’t. Her obsession was too deeply rooted after almost a decade, and she’d left too easily. Crazy never quit easy.
Well, regardless, not my problem. Jennifer had already taken the right steps with the restraining order, so she was clearly on top of things.
With the info from Yan Yichen about what he’d like in a bride, the meeting broke up, with a follow-up meeting set for next week so Boss had time to review bride profiles and pick some possible contenders.
Charlotte—looking rather chipper after disappearing—reappeared with a contract for the parents to sign.
They put down a deposit, which meant we were essentially done for the day.
I put everything away with a sigh of relief. Done!
Zhen found me at the filing cabinet and silently offered a hug, arms outstretched. I stepped right into them, pillowing my head on his chest with a breath of relief. Why it felt so comforting and safe in his arms, I couldn’t quite explain, but I felt whole as I breathed in his scent.
“That whole meeting was so sad,” he muttered against my hair. “I can’t imagine moving on like those two.”
“I can’t either,” I mumbled against his chest. “Don’t ever do that to me, ’kay?”
“Trust me, I’ll stay alive out of sheer determination. I can’t…wow, no, I can’t leave you with a talking medium doll to live with for the rest of your life. I just can’t do that.”
My arms around his waist tightened. I couldn’t do it, either.
I soaked him in, his clean masculine scent, the warmth of his arms wrapped around me, his steady heartbeat under my ear.
Feeling him alive and well, my heart settled a little.
Jennifer and Yan Yichen’s story was regretful, but it was not my story.
I’d make damn sure our story never ended like theirs. Even if I had to shoot the thing trying to kill my husband.
Boss called, “Kris, I premade dinner for everyone. Lock up and come up!”
Oh! I didn’t have to cook? And I got to eat Boss’s cooking? Banzai! “We’ll be right there!”
After I finished hugging my husband first, though.