Question about H1 status

Since my I-140 has been approved, I want to go back to China this Summer. I have AP at hand, but no EAD. I don't want to loose my H-1B status because I-485 is still pending. I was told that if I work for the same employer after I come back from China, the H-1B will be automatically kept. Is it true or not? I am not sure because when one go abroad the I-94 will be taken away, how can one still keep it? Thanks for your reply in advance.