#23: Jealousy

◎Boss Yue is feeling sour. What should my son call him? Little Daddy, New Big Brother?◎

When Fu Jiaxi was still officially Yue Yunzong’s “sister-in-law,” he hadn’t paid her much attention and had even secretly mocked the sharp-minded Yue Jincheng for being a shortsighted romantic.

If consolidating one’s position was the goal, why not seek out an alliance with someone of equal standing?

Everyone in the Yue family had acting skills; no matter what they said behind closed doors, they maintained a facade of harmony when face-to-face. The only exception was Yue Yunzong—his arrogance, disdain, and contempt were all too evident. Fu Jiaxi had analyzed every member of the Yue family, but only Yue Yunzong remained truly consistent inside and out.

Under his watch, Fu Jiaxi had suffered many hidden losses. In the past, she had to be mindful of their relationship, but now, she didn’t need to be overly considerate anymore.

After the divorce, Fu Jiaxi grew increasingly clear-headed, unwilling to swallow every ounce of委屈 as before. With Yue Yunzong clearly here to provoke trouble, who would still yield to him?

—

In the morning, upon arriving at the company, she happened to run into Yu Xiaomi.

“Good morning, Sister Jiaxi.”

“Morning.” Fu Jiaxi asked, “Hmm, you didn’t bring breakfast today?”

The young ones liked to sleep in during the mornings and usually brought takeout to the office.

“No way.” Yu Xiaomi said, “Haven’t you noticed that our manager has been in a bad mood lately? His temper flares up at the slightest thing. Yesterday, he gave Xiao Yuan a good scolding.”

“It must be work pressure.”

“I don’t know. But Sister Jiaxi, you should be careful.”

Fu Jiaxi had a rough idea of the reason.

Since the last management meeting where Yue Jincheng instructed Liu Yun to send daily market analyses to the senior executives at the group, Jin Ming was occasionally called in by Yue Jincheng to report on the market, trends, and strategy recommendations. This left Jin Ming completely baffled.

Jin Ming had always ignored Liu Yun and certainly didn’t pay any heed to his work content.

Over these years, Liu Yun had been like a shriveled seed stashed away in a corner.

Unsatisfied with the feedback, Yue Jincheng berated his subordinates harshly.

Negligence, partiality, lack of familiarity with business functions, neglecting self-improvement… Jin Ming’s back was drenched in sweat. Every word hit home, leaving no room for excuses.

Across the wide desk, Yue Jincheng threw a file onto the floor in front of him, coldly saying, “From now on, Liu Yun will join you in reporting.”

This incident quietly spread, its details unclear, but the president’s stance was firm and clear.

Liu Yun received a promotion and gained importance.

No matter how reluctant Jin Ming was, there was nothing he could do about it.

Sometimes, Fu Jiaxi became the scapegoat. For minor issues, Jin Ming exaggerated them and never gave her a friendly look. This month, he even deducted five hundred from her paycheck under some pretext.

On Friday, just before the end of the workday, the cool younger brother Shen Ye sent her a photo of a coffee shop downstairs.

Fu Jiaxi: “Passing by my company?”

Shen Ye: “Not passing by, waiting for you to finish work.”

And he waited quite conspicuously—a large black Harley, metallic matte paint job, matching well with his deep-sea blue T-shirt.

Shen Ye propped his long legs on the ground, making sure to look as cool as possible, “Let’s go eat hot pot.”

Fu Jiaxi gestured at her outfit, “Do you think I’m dressed appropriately?”

A pristine white suit, high heels—the epitome of a refreshing professional beauty.

Shen Ye said, “We eat hot pot with our mouths, not with clothes. Sister, give me some face, okay?”

Many colleagues passed by. Timing his invitation perfectly, the younger brother was spot-on.

Fu Jiaxi said, “I need to drive my car back. How about this—you wait for me at the intersection ahead.”

It was a routine day; Yue Jia Yi was taken by the Yue family for dinner. Fu Jiaxi had enough time to eat a meal. She told Shen Ye, “I can eat with you, but on one condition—I’ll pay for the hot pot.”

“Why?”

“I’m your elder.”

Shen Ye was momentarily speechless, then smiled, “Deal.”

—

After two rounds of typhoons passed, time quickly approached the end of June.

“Du Cheng” overseas assets passed the final round of evaluation, allowing the listing plan to progress substantially. This was truly Yue Jincheng’s own business venture. Even though he returned to Baifeng and took over the family enterprise, over the years, Du Cheng’s operations formed a healthy cycle, each step solid and stable.

This was the starting line of his career, and also the cliff bottom where Fu Jiaxi once accompanied him through the rain.

Jiao Rui prepared the gifts carefully, placing them neatly on the passenger seat.

Today was Yue Shaoheng’s birthday, and despite travel fatigue, Yue Jincheng had to attend.

The birthday banquet was changed to an outdoor theme park format, immersive and lively, full of energy, perfectly fitting Yue Shaoheng’s temperament.

As the eldest brother, Yue Jincheng was warm and courteous, attentive to etiquette. He chatted animatedly with Yue Shaoheng by the small clay stove.

With many guests present, everyone kept an eye on the host’s every move.

Each of the three brothers of the Yue family had their unique style.

Yue Jincheng was handsome and steady, while Yue Shaoheng had clear eyes and a rare youthful charm.

“Their relationship seems fine, not like the rumors of discord.”

“The Yue family is united. How could there be discord?”

“Bah, dirty laundry isn’t aired in public. Rumor has it—I just heard—that Yue Shaoheng has fallen for…”

“What? Who??”

“His sister-in-law.”

Gossip flourished in one corner, while whispers continued elsewhere.

“You mean that new place on Nanxi Road?” Wanyu tried hard to fit in with the female members of the Yue family, “Business is indeed good. Last weekend, I even saw Sister Jiaxi eating hot pot there.”

“Was she with a man?” Yin Zhen asked.

“Yes, and quite young.” Wanyu feigned surprise, “Auntie, did you see it too?”

Yin Zhen sneered, “How could I not notice such prominent figures.”

Yue Linmei placated superficially, “Don’t get upset. Though we’ve always considered Xiao Xi part of the family, she’s single now and has the freedom to make friends and date.”

Yin Zhen fell for it, “Who cares who she dates? The guy looks like a student, obviously younger than her. They seem playful, not even driving a car. Riding that loud motorcycle disturbing the peace, she sits with the young man as if she’s still a girl.”

Wanyu, who had played the role of stirring trouble, suddenly shifted her attitude, “Ah, Auntie, don’t say that about Sister Jiaxi. Maybe they’re just good friends.”

Everyone exchanged glances, feeling the chill on their backs.

Yue Jincheng stood not far away, silent but exuding a killing aura like a blade.

…

“In a bad mood, hiding here avoiding people.” Guan Yeqin found Yue Jincheng in a secluded pavilion in the garden, cheerfully handing him a bottle of water, “Here, cool off.”

Her sudden appearance didn’t give Yue Jincheng enough time to conceal his gloomy expression.

“What’s the matter? Are you so angry that you can’t even drink water?” Guan Yeqin had been invited to the birthday party and spent the evening mingling with the women of the Yue family, hearing all the gossip loud and clear.

“Brother Jincheng, you shouldn’t take it too much to heart. It’s all out of concern for Jiaxi. The words may have been inappropriate, but the intentions were genuine,” Guan Yeqin said. “Jiaxi… it’s good that she has her own opinions. Whoever she chooses to be with is her decision, isn’t it?”

Her words seemed soothing on the surface, but they carried hidden barbs.

Yue Jincheng remained impassive for a few seconds before asking, “Are you comforting me, or are you comforting yourself?”

Guan Yeqin furrowed her brows. “Comfort myself?”

“Yes, comfort yourself from being envious.”

“I… what do I have to be jealous about?”

“Jealous of Jiaxi having a younger brother pursuing her, taking her on dates, treating her to hot pot, and giving her rides on a motorcycle.” Yue Jincheng’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Her suitor is quite handsome, owns an auto detailing shop, and earns a decent income. How’s that? After hearing this, don’t you feel even more envious?”

Caught off guard by his blunt exposure of her true feelings, Guan Yeqin couldn’t hide her shock. “You’re not bothered by it?”

Yue Jincheng replied, “Of course I’m bothered. She’s the mother of my son. If she wants to start a new life, I naturally need to vet her choices. I don’t want Jia Yi to have a stepfather who’s beneath him.”

Guan Yeqin was completely thrown off balance by his unexpected response.

Yue Jincheng took in her flustered state with a confident and arrogant gaze. “Since you call me ‘Brother Jincheng,’ I should remind you, Yeqin, to stay away from my aunties and uncles. Middle-aged people with too much free time will always find ways to entertain themselves, and I fully understand that. But you—young and full of vitality—shouldn’t be led astray. Don’t let their cynicism dull your shine.”

—

At ten o’clock in the evening, Shen Ye sent a WeChat message right on time: “I’ll pick you up for work tomorrow morning. I’ve got a new motorcycle.”

Fu Jiaxi felt a lingering unease. “No!”

Shen Ye: “Why?”

Fu Jiaxi silenced her phone and stopped replying.

People had to accept their age. That one motorcycle ride had given her no sense of thrill, only the fear of weightlessness and the soreness of being jolted like a ragdoll.

On Monday morning, before heading to work, Fu Jiaxi applied two pain-relief patches to her lower back.

As the workday neared its end, her symptoms hadn’t improved. Her tailbone throbbed with pain, making it hard for her to sit or stand comfortably.

In a quiet corner of the tea room, she finally relaxed her posture, supporting her lower back and releasing a soft sigh. The patches weren’t working; her skin burned, and small blisters had formed.

“That punk’s riding skills aren’t great. Did you check if he has a license?” came a sudden sarcastic remark. Yue Jincheng appeared behind her.

Instinctively, Fu Jiaxi straightened her back, which strained her muscles and made her wince in pain.

Yue Jincheng quickly stepped forward, pulled out a chair, and gently guided her to sit down. “Still pretending to be tough, huh?”

“The boss is here—I should at least greet you properly.”

“You don’t usually show me much attention.” Yue Jincheng sneered. “And now you’re still being stubborn despite the pain. Have you gotten an X-ray? Seen a doctor? If all else fails, go to Manyuan. Uncle Liu’s massage techniques are second to none.”

Fu Jiaxi shook her head. “No time.”

“Tonight, I’ll pick up our son, and after work, I’ll have the driver take you there.”

“Forget it. No need to bother.”

Yue Jincheng clearly wasn’t pleased. “Grandmother never thought you were a bother. Don’t use that as an excuse to distance yourself from me.”

Fu Jiaxi genuinely didn’t have such intentions and explained, “No, no, no. I really do have plans after work.”

After a brief pause, Yue Jincheng’s tone softened. “What, going to eat hot pot with that younger brother again on his motorcycle?”

Fu Jiaxi was surprised. “How did you know?”

Yue Jincheng swallowed the bitter pill of jealousy. “...”

Fu Jiaxi nodded. “The new hot pot place on Nanxi Road is really good. You should try it sometime.”

Yue Jincheng said, “Who are you going with? I don’t have a sister who rides motorcycles.”

Noticing his displeasure, Fu Jiaxi sincerely replied, “Oh, then good luck to you.”

Yue Jincheng’s chest tightened as he finally couldn’t hold back any longer. “So, you’ve accepted him?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“...”

A whirlwind of emotions churned within Yue Jincheng. Her answers flowed effortlessly, without a hint of hesitation, her eyes clear and bright as they met his gaze.

Innocent, sincere, like a mountain stream after a spring rain.

Yue Jincheng’s chest muscles twitched faintly. He said, “That guy is very young.”

“Yes, four years younger than me, eight or nine years younger than you.”

“Is that so? I thought he was four and a half years younger.”

“You’ve met him?”

Yue Jincheng turned his face away. “Heard about him.”

“From whom?”

“... Jiao Rui.”

Fu Jiaxi was quite surprised. “So Secretary Jiao is such a gossip.”

Realizing his lie was unraveling, Yue Jincheng changed the subject, asking coolly, “He’s so young. What should I tell my son to call him? Little Brother? New Dad?”

Fu Jiaxi shot him a glance. “Don’t be so harsh. No matter what he’s called, you’re the only father my son will ever have.”

Yue Jincheng’s heart instantly untangled, and his previously sharp, jealous gaze softened.

Fu Jiaxi saw through him but chose not to point it out. She rose to leave.

“It’s not time to leave yet.” Yue Jincheng stood firm, blocking her path. “Where are you going?”

“I asked Team Leader Liu for half an hour off. All procedures are in order.”

“Not valid.” Yue Jincheng tilted his chin slightly, exuding authority. “The biggest boss here is me. Ask for leave again, directly from me.”

Fu Jiaxi suppressed a smile and complied. “Alright, President Yue. May I please take half an hour off to leave early?”

Yue Jincheng asked, “What for?”

Fu Jiaxi replied, “To meet my younger brother and treat him to hot pot. Will you approve, President Yue?”

After a few seconds, Yue Jincheng stepped aside, clearing the way, displaying gentlemanly manners. “Drive carefully, and take care of your back injury.”

Their exchange was smooth, each parrying the other’s moves without losing composure.

Both were clear-headed individuals.

Yue Jincheng maintained control, knowing that in his current position, he no longer had the right to interfere.

She had every right to start a new life, at any time.

After leaving the marriage, she was free.

—

Bullet Shell Automotive Service Experience Shop

The name of the shop fit Shen Ye perfectly—hard-edged, with a few rebellious streaks hidden beneath.

Fu Jiaxi stepped into the shop, and a young apprentice greeted her. “Miss, are you here for car repairs or modifications?”

Fu Jiaxi looked around. The shop was a duplex with a clear layout, every parking bay occupied with work.

“I’m looking for Shen Ye.”

The apprentice, unfazed, replied knowingly, “Brother Ye is out. He’s not here.”

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Shen Ye came bounding down the stairs from the second floor, eyes gleaming. “I’m here! I’m here!”

The apprentices gathered curiously, having never seen Brother Ye so enthusiastic and proactive before.

“This side is for modifications, that side is for color changes, wraps, and repairs—but that’s not really my forte,” Shen Ye said as he led her. “Let’s head upstairs for a tour. My little home up there is nicely decorated.”

There were fewer people on the second floor. Once they went up, Fu Jiaxi refused to take another step.

“Shen Ye, I need to talk to you.”

Shen Ye turned around, studied her for a moment, then sat lazily on the sofa with an air of nonchalance, as if he’d already anticipated this. “Sister, are you here to break my heart again…?”

The younger brother was clever, using softness to counter hardness, appearing wise yet simple, stubborn to the end.

“I like you, I’m pursuing you—what do you lose by it? Don’t be so cruel in rejecting me. I don’t mind being the spare tire. What’s going on here? Such a handsome younger brother, such a small and pitiful request, and you still won’t grant it?”

Shen Ye stretched out his long legs and lazily remarked, “Sister, aren’t you being a bit too harsh on me?”

She stood while he sat.

“Shen Ye, do you know…” She looked at him, her gaze calm, pure, and rational. Fu Jiaxi spoke softly. “I’ve been married before. I also have a child—he’s four years old this year.”

…

The summer night in the city was sticky, heavy, and suffocating, as if wrapped in a fleece jacket.

Fu Jiaxi felt a deep sense of relief, taking a long breath despite the haze of smoke and exhaust fumes in the air.

Her mood wasn’t particularly good or bad; she just felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. Finally, the troublesome matter was resolved.

The younger brother was wonderful, and his sincere and earnest heart was admirable.

But she didn’t need it. No matter how generous the offering, it would only become a burden.

Just moments ago, Shen Ye’s expression could only be described as stunned. However, Fu Jiaxi didn’t see herself as the villain. By revealing the truth, she had helped the younger brother come to his senses sooner.

She adjusted the strap of her bag that had slipped down, letting the night breeze tousle her hair.

When she looked up again, a familiar figure on the roadside unexpectedly caught her eye.

Yue Jincheng leaned against a black Maybach, arms crossed, dressed sharply in a business suit that accentuated his physique.

Fu Jiaxi froze. “What are you doing here?”

Yue Jincheng replied, “I came to check if you took your younger brother out for hot pot.”

Realizing what he meant, Fu Jiaxi smiled lightly. “Nope, what should we do now?”

Yue Jincheng’s gaze burned intensely as he lowered his tone. “... Then, would you mind taking me there to try it instead?”