He looked at her, his eyes somewhat puzzled, as if he couldn't quite believe it himself: he had loved a woman for more than a year. During that time, the most significant thing he had done was pay for her college tuition.
Before this, no woman had ever made such a demand—in fact, being in love doesn't necessarily require a degree.
"Mr. Wan," she explained, "I can actually leave at any time. My health isn't an issue; I can be gone by tomorrow."
He responded indifferently, "There's no need to rush. I'll let you know when the time comes."
That night, he didn't initiate intimacy as he used to because there was a deep wariness in her eyes, as if she feared he would try to take advantage of her one last time on the eve of their separation.
He noticed but didn't point it out. He didn't leave either, remaining seated in the chair all night.
The next morning, when Yan Xixi woke up, he was already gone.
