◎If I’m not important, why did you choose me in the first place?◎

In the silence, Fu Jiaxi could clearly see Yue Jincheng’s expression.

His lips were pressed tightly together, and his brows seemed to carry a frosty edge—he was clearly displeased.

He said coolly, “Your enlightenment is quite advanced.”

Fu Jiaxi was also in a bad mood. She had been unjustly accused earlier that morning, so why should she care about his reaction?

With equal parts dignity and composure, she retorted, “It’s my fault for realizing this too late—it’s a truth I should have understood long ago.”

Yue Jincheng asked, “So, do you regret it?”

Fu Jiaxi met his gaze head-on, her tone sharp as she countered, “Don’t you think so too?”

Yue Jincheng’s face darkened, as if he were the one lying on the hospital bed instead of their son.

Fu Jiaxi continued, “What’s wrong with earning money? Whether it’s a lot or a little, it’s honorable. In your family’s eyes, other people’s efforts always seem insignificant.”

Yue Jincheng muttered, “I’ve never thought that way.”

“I don’t like your Aunt Yin,” Fu Jiaxi stated bluntly. “Please avoid these unexpected visits in the future. If they plan to come, let me know in advance so I can excuse myself. It’s part of the agreement—don’t overstep.”

Her words were as plain as a blank sheet of A4 paper—cold and white, without any embellishment.

Yue Jincheng felt as though an invisible wound had been inflicted upon him, leaving him with no words to express his pain.

What troubled him wasn’t her criticism but that phrase—”not important”—which might as well have been directed at him personally.

Finally, Yue Jincheng couldn’t hold back. “If I’m not important, why did you choose me in the first place?”

Fu Jiaxi paused, looking at his handsome face, and gave a self-deprecating smile. “Exactly. That’s why I cut my losses.”

Yue Jiayi, sitting on the hospital bed, was engrossed in studying the Lego gift, completely unaware of the subtle tension between his parents.

Later, Yue Jincheng regained his composure and spent half an hour playing with his son as if nothing had happened, until Jiao Rui knocked on the door. “President Yue, it’s time to leave. The meeting can’t be delayed any further.”

Without sparing a glance at Fu Jiaxi, Yue Jincheng brushed past her.

Outside the ward, they walked down the corridor in silence.

Jiao Rui followed closely, reporting, “The speech draft is ready. You can review it anytime based on the meeting schedule…”

Suddenly, Yue Jincheng raised his hand and punched the wall with unrestrained frustration.

Jiao Rui panicked. Had he said something wrong? Would his quarterly bonus be at risk because of his boss’s outburst?

________________________________________

Inside the ward.

Fu Jiaxi packed up her belongings in preparation for discharge later that afternoon.

Yue Jiayi said, “Mommy, Daddy didn’t look happy when he left.”

Fu Jiaxi hummed in acknowledgment. “Daddy has been very busy with work lately.”

“Oh.” Yue Jiayi lowered his head to focus on the Legos again, but soon looked up once more. “Daddy told me to remind you to check your laptop.”

After the nurse administered the final IV drip and Jiayi fell asleep, Fu Jiaxi opened her laptop.

To her surprise, next to her tender proposal document was a newly revised file.

Clicking it open, Fu Jiaxi froze.

It was Yue Jincheng’s reorganized version of her tender proposal, meticulously worked on during his overnight stay.

The framework, data pathways, supplementary explanations of derivative regulations—even several English phrases had been refined to make the writing more professional. His edits elevated the quality significantly.

________________________________________

After Yue Jiayi recovered, Fu Jiaxi quickly threw herself back into work.

At the office, she handled pending tasks nonstop, not even finding time to drink water throughout the morning.

“Jiaxi, have a plum candy—it’s not sour at all,” a colleague offered, knowing she disliked sour foods and特意 bringing sweet ones.

“Thank you.”

The plum candy stimulated saliva production, its sweetness lingering pleasantly. Fu Jiaxi massaged her stiff neck and asked, “Was Director Qin in a meeting this morning? I haven’t seen him return to the office.”

“He’s on a business trip.”

“Oh.”

The colleague whispered, “Jiaxi, haven’t you heard the news?”

Fu Jiaxi looked up. “Hmm?”

“There’s a rumor going around that Director Qin is planning to quit.”

Fu Jiaxi frowned, immediately dismissing the idea. “He’s only been in the position for a month, and the Osto project is proceeding normally. There’s no valid reason for him to leave suddenly.”

The colleague glanced around nervously, lowering their voice even further. “We’re not sure if it’s true, but the rumor originated from Jin Yu Company. Do you think there’s any truth to it?”

Jin Yu was also participating in the Osto bidding process, competing fiercely with Changdi Securities.

After some thought, Fu Jiaxi leaned toward the belief that it was likely a deliberate rumor spread by their rivals as a competitive tactic.

In the afternoon, Qin He arrived punctually, and the regular team meeting proceeded as scheduled.

The discussion atmosphere was lively, and Qin He remained focused and composed as usual. Fu Jiaxi became even more convinced of her earlier speculation and dismissed the rumor with a smile.

After the meeting, Qin He said, “Jiaxi, stay behind for a moment.”

After the team members left and the door was closed, Qin He retrieved a gift bag from under his desk. “I went to Shuidu over the weekend. Their honey is famous—I brought you two bottles to try.”

Fu Jiaxi accepted it with a smile. “Thank you, Director Qin.”

“There’s no one else here—call me Senior,” Qin He said. “After so many years of work, hearing titles like ‘President’ or ‘Director’ has become numbing.”

“Is this what they call humble-bragging?” Fu Jiaxi teased, laughing lightly. “Every system has its own rules. As long as you don’t lose yourself, it’s fine.”

Qin He chuckled. “Talking to you is always so comfortable. Whenever I feel like I’m losing my way, one call of ‘Senior’ from you reminds me of my初心 (original intentions). Do you have any thoughts on the issues we discussed during the meeting?”

The points about cost control and item categorization aligned closely with Yue Jincheng’s edits.

Fu Jiaxi’s mind wandered for a moment before she refocused. “Yes, I’ll add more details.”

Qin He said, “Our biggest competitor this time is Jin Yu. Securing the Osto project will make all your hard work worth it.”

“It’s everyone’s effort,” Fu Jiaxi replied thoughtfully. After a pause, she asked, “Senior, if a better opportunity came along, would you consider leaving?”

“If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll certainly give it a try,” Qin He answered sincerely. “But right now, I just want to focus on doing every task well.”

Fu Jiaxi felt reassured and nodded. “Once I’ve finalized everything, I’ll send it to you for review.”

________________________________________

Bai Duo had arranged dinner early—a new Chaozhou hot pot restaurant where they could try something fresh.

“Why didn’t you bring my godson?”

“He’s just recovered from his illness and isn’t going to kindergarten yet. He’s with his dad.” Fu Jiaxi sat down while rubbing her sore lower back.

“At the Yue family’s house?” Bai Duo sneered. “Those people probably filled his head with nonsense, trying to drive a wedge between you and your son.”

Fu Jiaxi remained unfazed. “My son isn’t stupid—he knows he has a great mom.”

“Oh, please,” Bai Duo joked, pretending to brush goosebumps off her arms.

“He’s not at the Yue residence. He’s with his dad, building Legos in the office.” Fu Jiaxi added, “I’ve been very busy lately. The bidding meeting is next week.”

Bai Duo smirked. “He’s not just your child—it’s good for Jiayi to spend time with his dad.”

Fu Jiaxi responded objectively, “Yue Jincheng has never shirked his responsibilities.”

“Forget him,” Bai Duo said cheerfully. “Let’s not ruin the mood of the hot pot. Later, come shopping with me—I need to buy some things.”

Fu Jiaxi was directly dragged to the fourth floor of the mall by Bai Duo.

“Which one do you think looks better?” Bai Duo enthusiastically held up two options.

Fu Jiaxi cleared her throat. “You should ask your boyfriend Xiao Zhao.”

J.M., the boutique they were in, was tastefully designed—from the decor to the product displays and shopping layout, everything felt comfortable. Bai Duo picked up two bikini sets, one fluffy and paired with metallic chains—a striking contrast.

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but marvel at the adventurous spirit of age-gap relationships.

“A bit expensive,” Bai Duo mused, weighing the price. “Maybe I won’t buy those extras.”

The assortment of auxiliary items opened Fu Jiaxi’s eyes. Anyone unaware might assume Xiao Zhao had performance issues.

The salesperson enthusiastically promoted various discounts. “The higher your membership level, the better the perks.”

After hearing the explanation, Bai Duo asked, “How much does the platinum card cost?”

“Five thousand.”

“Too expensive.”

Bai Duo didn’t have a trust fund—this amount was too steep for her.

“Sister Jiaxi!”

A voice called out from behind. Fu Jiaxi turned around—it was Wan Yu.

Wan Yu approached them warmly, offering help. “I have a membership card. Let’s use my discount!”

She confidently provided her card number with tact. “I won’t disturb you anymore, Sister Jiaxi. I’ll browse a little longer.”

Fu Jiaxi could only thank her, giving Bai Duo an approving glance.

After leaving the store, Bai Duo asked, “Who was that?”

“She’s married to Yue Yunzong—Jiayi’s second uncle,” Fu Jiaxi explained.

“Oh, the new wife?” Bai Duo sighed. “Such a pity—a beautiful woman marrying a divorced man.”

Fu Jiaxi avoided gossip, brushing it off. “Everyone has different pursuits.”

________________________________________

Yue Jincheng brought Yue Jiayi back to the Yue residence for dinner.

When they got out of the car, the wind was strong, so he draped his suit jacket over his son.

Yue Jiayi muttered, “I wonder if Mommy brought extra clothes. Daddy, I want to sleep with Mommy tonight.”

Yue Jincheng lowered his head and asked, “What? Don’t you want to sleep with Daddy?”

“Yes,” Yue Jiayi replied earnestly. “But Mommy is afraid of the dark and the cold. I don’t want her to be alone.”

The weather forecast predicted a typhoon that evening, and the winds had already begun to pick up.

Aunt Zhou greeted them, and Yue Jiayi, surrounded by attention, entered the house first.

Yue Jincheng stood in the courtyard, calling Jiao Rui.

“President Yue,” Jiao Rui answered immediately, ever the diligent secretary. “The engineering department has submitted the planning document. The writing is solid. Should I send it to your email now?”

Yue Jincheng gazed at the swaying hydrangeas. This typhoon night would likely delay their blooming season again.

“The cashmere blanket I bought on my last business trip to Qinghai,” he said. “Go and fetch it, then deliver it to Jiaxi.”

She was afraid of the cold.

And he remembered.

Inside the villa, the family gathered happily, enjoying each other’s company.

Through the floor-to-ceiling window, Wan Yu spotted Yue Jincheng walking into the house. Turning to Aunt Yin Zhen, she smiled sweetly. “Auntie, guess who I ran into today?”

As Yue Jincheng entered, Aunt Zhou took his bag and handed him slippers. “Jiayi is upstairs with Grandpa. Rest for a bit—dinner will be ready soon.”

Aunt Yin Zhen’s voice cut sharply through the air. “I’ve always said, what’s the point of her salary? She hesitates even over small purchases. If someone sees her, they’ll surely gossip about our Yue family.”

“Oh, Big Brother,” Wan Yu stood up, explaining. “I ran into Sister Jiaxi shopping at the mall today.”

Aunt Yin Zhen still harbored resentment over being rebutted by Yue Jincheng in the hospital room. Seizing this opportunity, she declared harshly, “There’s nothing wrong with wanting independence, but she should recognize her limitations. Making grand statements without substance only reflects poorly on us.”

Aunt Zhou tactfully handed over a cup of ginseng water. “It’s just the right temperature. Have a sip.”

Yue Jincheng accepted it and drank it calmly.

Aunt Yin Zhen, feeling justified, continued smugly. “People need to face reality.”

Crash! A sharp sound abruptly silenced her.

Yue Jincheng slammed the empty teacup onto the ground, shards flying everywhere.

Wan Yu gasped, clutching her chest. The entire Yue household froze.

Yue Jincheng stepped closer to Aunt Yin Zhen. “She doesn’t need anyone’s permission to do anything. How she lives her life doesn’t have to follow anyone’s template. Everything I give her is my duty, my obligation. Whether she accepts it or not is her choice. If we’re talking about relationships, she’s Jiayi’s mother and my former partner. What does any of this have to do with you, Auntie?”

Aunt Yin Zhen dared not breathe. “Some things affect the reputation of our family and the group.”

Yue Jincheng looked down at her. “Auntie, you don’t hold a position in the group, nor do you bear the Yue surname. This has nothing to do with you.”

His words spared no dignity, no pretense of politeness.

Slowly squatting down, Yue Jincheng began picking up the broken shards, his voice calm but cutting. “Auntie, as an elder, you’re very familiar with the concept of ‘facing reality.’ Starting tomorrow, Minghang will be transferred to a subsidiary and will work under Minister Li, gaining grassroots experience. It’ll benefit him for life.”

Aunt Yin Zhen panicked. That was her son, always pampered and spoiled.

“How… how can you do this? He’s your cousin!”

“Undisciplined, irresponsible,” Yue Jincheng said coolly. “Thank you for reminding me, Auntie. As you said, someone like him would indeed tarnish the reputation of the Yue family and the group.”

This eruption of anger was unstoppable, and not a single person dared to intervene.

Yue Jincheng turned and headed upstairs, deliberately waiting in the second-floor lounge for Wan Yu.

Wan Yu trembled with fear, approaching him hesitantly. “Big Brother, is there something you need?”

Yue Jincheng’s tone softened slightly. “You ran into Jiaxi today.”

“Yes, on the fourth floor of Guojin Mall.”

“What did she want to buy?”

Learning that Fu Jiaxi had hesitated over something she liked deeply unsettled Yue Jincheng. After confirming the details, he immediately sent everything she had considered purchasing to her.

Wan Yu hesitated, smiling awkwardly. “Big Brother, I’m embarrassed to say. Do you know J.M.? It’s a brand that specializes in lingerie and adult products. I ran into Sister Jiaxi there.”

“…”

That night, Yue Jincheng worked through the night to fight off insomnia.

Whenever his mind wasn’t occupied, one question kept surfacing:

What possible use could she have for these things?