16 Chapter 22: Siberian Ginseng

Three years into her marriage to Jiang Baizhi, the day after Qi Banxia's thirtieth birthday, at 8:12 a.m., a black-and-white profile picture posted a single message. Within moments, it was trending everywhere.

Jiang Baizhi: "She's gone."

A public announcement—and a farewell.

Qi Banxia remembered her birthday night. Fireflies flickered outside the glass house as she nestled in Jiang Baizhi's arms and slowly closed her heavy eyes.

But when she woke again and reached for her phone, she discovered she'd returned to the day after her wedding to Jiang Baizhi—three years earlier.

After all the twists and turns, it was still you. There was no escaping you, no avoiding you.

***

On the set of a wellness interview show, host Qi Banxia turned over the final question card. She paused for a moment, then smiled and asked her guest with practiced composure, "Doctor Jiang, you've mentioned your partner several times. The viewer whose question I've drawn would like to know: Is she here today?"

Jiang Baizhi's smile deepened. "She's right here beside me."

A story about getting a second chance to make things right.