#24: Exchange

◎One Hundred Ways for an Ex-Husband to Die.◎

Tripe, yellow throat, and kelp knots—Fu Jiaxi’s three favorite hot pot ingredients—were being devoured with great satisfaction. Knowing that Yue Jincheng maintained a regular fitness routine and consumed fewer carbs, she didn’t encourage him to join in.

Yue Jincheng handed her a napkin. “Is this how you eat hot pot with that guy?”

Fu Jiaxi slurped half a mouthful of glass noodles, shook her head, and replied, “He’s different from you. He loves to eat too. He can have three plates of tripe in one go.”

Silently, Yue Jincheng reached out with his chopsticks and picked up a slice from the pot.

Fu Jiaxi: “Don’t you never eat these kinds of things?”

Yue Jincheng: “My mouth feels bitter.”

Fu Jiaxi saw through it but didn’t call him out. “Never giving up, good for you.”

Yue Jincheng smiled, rolled up his sleeves, cracked open a beer, and said, “I’ll drink a little. You can drive later.”

“Alright.” Fu Jiaxi ate earnestly, her lips tingling and turning a vivid red, more vibrant than her usual lipstick shade.

Yue Jincheng averted his gaze and asked, “Jiao Rui mentioned that Jin Ming fined you five hundred yuan.”

“Mm.” Fu Jiaxi casually replied, “I didn’t do my job well.”

“Old Jin is the kind of person who hides daggers behind smiles. He has his ways. Try to avoid him as much as possible and don’t suffer silently.”

The surrounding noise was loud, and Fu Jiaxi said something.

“What?” Yue Jincheng didn’t hear clearly.

Fu Jiaxi repeated, “I can help you.”

She suddenly raised her head, her eyes exceptionally clear amidst the bustling steam and smoke—decisive, resolute, confident. The brilliance in her gaze instantly captured Yue Jincheng. He even stopped thinking, completely captivated by her expression in that moment.

Fu Jiaxi looked at him and said, “I know your difficulties. Yue Yunzong has been controlling the major operational rights of the group for years—from business associations above to Jin Ming in the marketing department below. Your younger brother has both power and people. When I was writing market reports, I reviewed statements showing procurement amounts in the billions. I think the suppliers and sales channels behind them must all be connected to Yue Yunzong.”

Yue Jincheng was momentarily stunned.

Even during their most intimate years, he had never discussed such complex work matters with her.

“Am I right, President Yue?” Fu Jiaxi fanned herself with her hand, having eaten some spicy peppers, she quickly grabbed water to drink.

Yue Jincheng remained silent for a while, then asked, “What else do you know?”

“You’ve always wanted to regain control over the group’s actual operations. But Yue Yunzong isn’t easy to deal with; you face many difficulties and haven’t made much progress.” Fu Jiaxi looked at him. “Your best entry point is actually Liu Yun. Liu is talented, down-to-earth, loyal to the company, and has been suppressed by Jin Ming, leaving him frustrated and unfulfilled. He needs a platform, and coincidentally, you can provide it.”

Yue Jincheng’s Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed. “And what about you?”

“Me?” Fu Jiaxi gave a slight smile and teased, “I’m the link between you and Liu Yun. I can give you inside reports and act as your vanguard.”

“Is this for me?”

“Of course not.” Fu Jiaxi swiftly cut down his hopes and calmly said, “I have conditions, as part of our exchange.”

Yue Jincheng found it hard to describe his feelings at this moment.

The woman in front of him was clear-headed, determined, and had a clear self-plan.

She focused on the matter at hand, without mixing in personal feelings.

For a moment, Yue Jincheng thought he would only be worthy of sharing a hot pot meal with her if he lowered himself and begged humbly.

A waiter came over to add broth to the pot. The spicy aroma bubbled and steamed, creating a barrier that blurred his focused gaze.

“Jiaxi,” he said softly amidst the stifling heat, “I never wanted you to endure so much hardship. I didn’t want you to know about exhausting matters. That was true before, and it remains true now.”

Fu Jiaxi responded with an “Mm,” and said lightly, like clouds drifting by, “Regardless of the past or present, regardless of the role I once played for you, I have always been Fu Jiaxi. I’ve always been this way. It’s just that you chose not to see it.”

Yue Jincheng found himself speechless.

Once, he gave her the best of everything, making her the envied Mrs. Yue, free from worries about food and clothing.

Had he done wrong?

His perception of what was best for her had been narrow-minded and shallow. He had never considered that a woman’s inner strength could be resilient, vibrant, and enduring.

—

After this night, Shen Ye never contacted Fu Jiaxi again, and his WeChat avatar sank to the bottom of her contact list.

However, just as one wave subsided, another rose.

Early in the morning upon arriving at the office, Fu Jiaxi was scolded harshly by Jin Ming.

He slammed last month’s market research report she had written onto her desk. “You clearly stated in the report that the market would decline this month. Okay, the company adopted your judgment, postponed the purchase of main materials, and reduced last month’s procurement volume—but now, look, look! Market prices have skyrocketed. It’s your faulty analysis and counterproductive advice that caused the company double losses!”

Fu Jiaxi remained silent. The office door was open, allowing all department colleagues to hear.

Liu Yun hurried over to defend her. “Director Jin, this is merely a market analysis and suggestion. It wasn’t formally discussed in any meeting. The essence of the material’s nature hasn’t risen to the decision-making level.”

Jin Ming sneered coldly. “Liu, this has nothing to do with you. I know you attended a financial lecture last month, and this report was entirely handled by Fu Jiaxi.”

“The market inherently carries uncertainties. Her real-time judgment was based on the fundamental data available at the time,” Liu Yun argued reasonably. “What is forecasting? It’s about probability bias, relative rather than absolute.”

Jin Ming’s words were sharp. “Your existence is to provide absolute answers! Making a wrong judgment is incompetence!”

Employees glanced sidelong, the atmosphere tense and confrontational.

Fu Jiaxi stood firm, not bowing her head or bending under the scolding.

Jin Ming’s outburst was destructive—it hurt her dignity.

At this moment, Yue Shaoheng’s cool voice sounded from the doorway. “Is Director Jin’s tone when reprimanding someone a bit too harsh?”

Seeing the newcomer, Jin Ming immediately switched to a smiling face. “Young Master Shaoheng has come to guide us. I will certainly heed your suggestions.”

Yue Shaoheng ignored the flattery and walked straight to Fu Jiaxi. “Even as a layman, I know every prediction carries probabilities. Are you saying she’s incompetent? Then the person who made the final decision—wouldn’t they be even more incompetent? My older brother, such a meticulous person, could also make mistakes in judgment and choose the wrong person.”

Jin Ming inwardly cursed. This young master’s bullets were blatantly aimed at him.

Yue Shaoheng rarely visited the company and wasn’t professionally trained. He seemed disinterested in taking over the family business. However, his status spoke volumes—he had confidence and pride. In his expression, Jin Ming seemed to see four words:

Protective instincts.

…

After leaving the office, Fu Jiaxi felt a throbbing at her temples.

She wasn’t made of wood. How could she not be hurt after such a dressing-down?

She went to the usually deserted tea room to catch her breath and listlessly brewed coffee.

“So this is how my eldest brother protects you?” Yue Shaoheng stood behind her, his gaze complex and contemplative.

Fu Jiaxi remained unfazed, continuing to stir her spoon.

“What kind of person is Jin Ming to dare speak to you like that?” Yue Shaoheng’s voice turned colder. “If my brother can’t solve this, I’ll help you.”

“Ding—”

Fu Jiaxi slammed the spoon heavily against the cup, turned her face, and looked at him with a cold gaze. “A boss scolding an employee is normal. When I took this job, I was already prepared for this kind of treatment. If you’re feeling overly compassionate, why don’t you donate some unwanted clothes to impoverished areas?”

Yue Shaoheng: “Jiaxi, you don’t have to endure this kind of hardship.”

Fu Jiaxi: “What I endure has nothing to do with you.”

As they passed by each other, Yue Shaoheng reached out urgently to grab her hand. “Jiaxi, are you still blaming me?”

The heat from his palm penetrated her sleeve, carrying too much reluctance and longing.

Fu Jiaxi didn’t struggle but calmly asked, “What answer do you want to hear? ‘I don’t blame you’—you’ll take it as self-indulgence. ‘I blame you’—you’ll start defending yourself. You’re asking for yourself, but you’re putting me in a difficult position.”

Yue Shaoheng: “I’m not doing that.”

“Whether or not you are has nothing to do with me. I don’t blame you; I just hate you.” Fu Jiaxi lightly blinked her eyelashes. “You knew it was wrong, yet you insisted on doing it. You were moved by your own actions, but you pushed me into the deepest part of the quagmire.”

“Yue Shaoheng, if you don’t let go, I’ll call everyone over to watch. Young Master Shaoheng harassing a female employee, the third young master of the Yue family纠缠 his former sister-in-law.” Fu Jiaxi said lightly, “I can simply leave, taking Jia Yi to live in another city. But your family, Baifeng—all will suffer reputational damage because of you.”

Yue Shaoheng instinctively loosened his grip, his expression shaken.

Fu Jiaxi knew very well. In the face of tangible benefits, where does great true love come from? It’s all about prioritizing lesser issues.

The matter of Jin Ming criticizing her spread moderately.

But two days later, Fu Jiaxi unexpectedly took the initiative to admit her mistake and expressed gratitude for Jin Ming’s words.

With a step down available, Jin Ming felt more comfortable, considering the matter closed.

However, Fu Jiaxi immediately followed up, saying, “After serious reflection, I’ve recognized my shortcomings and lack of ability. Given the massive volume of group procurement and sales, I suggest establishing an independent, professional market research team within the group.”

By the time Jin Ming realized something was amiss, it was too late.

On the other side, Liu Yun, who came weekly to the president’s office to report on market conditions, had already used this opportunity to report the matter to Yue Jincheng, sincerely self-criticizing and offering sincere apologies.

Yue Jincheng judged right from wrong. He first gave a pompous critique of their business capabilities, stating that Minister Jin Ming’s criticism was correct and that they needed strict punishment and timely rectification.

He then immediately gave approval for Yue Yunzong to take charge of forming the research team.

At that moment, Yue Yunzong, who was playing golf, was caught off guard.

This matter seemed to still be within his domain, but Yue Jincheng’s attention and interference became justified and increasingly concrete.

At the end of the workday, the evening twilight was exceptionally beautiful. Amidst the gradient blush mist, golden butterflies emerged.

Fu Jiaxi paused at the entrance of Baifeng, gazing at the sky for a long time.

The daylight waned, and the neon night was about to begin.

—

During this period, Fu Jiaxi frequently worked overtime, leaving early and returning late.

Yue Jincheng never imagined that he would become the one staying home to take care of the child.

Although daily companionship was scarce, he still managed not to drop the ball. According to the schedule given by Fu Jiaxi, he completed every parenting task.

Making dinner, no spicy food, three dishes and a soup must include a big chicken leg. After washing the dishes, he accompanied the young master for a walk, holding a skateboard in his left hand, a basketball in his right, and a pair of roller skates hooked on his index finger.

Yue Jia Yi was full of energy, dashing around the neighborhood like a little horse.

“Dad, I want water.”

“Dad, I’m awesome at shooting hoops. Watch, watch!”

“Dad, I’m sweating!”

“Dad, you have to compliment me on how handsome I am.”

Yue Jincheng gradually lost himself amidst the constant calls of “Dad.”

This son was quite a handful.

They played until eight o’clock, then went home for parent-child reading. Following the teacher’s requirements, there was sign-in, photo uploads, and a craft assignment to make a small lantern.

Yue Jincheng rubbed his temples and closed his eyes, then called Jiao Rui.

Secretary Jiao dutifully asked, “President Yue, do you need me to return to the company to work overtime?”

“Buy two lanterns and send them over.”

“…?”

At ten o’clock at night, the little prince was finally put to sleep.

Yue Jincheng’s spirit slightly dispersed, more exhausted than after last week’s boxing class.

Fu Jiaxi finished her overtime and was preparing to drive home when she received a message from Yue Jincheng.

“The son is asleep.”

Fu Jiaxi opened the photo. Jia Yi’s innocent face was curled up slightly, resembling a newly hatched little turtle.

“Did he drink milk?”

“Yes.”

“Did you apply skincare oil after his bath? He’s been a bit allergic lately.”

“Yes.” Yue Jincheng reported everything he had done in detail, a long text followed by a [sigh][exhausted] emoji.

Fu Jiaxi smiled and replied with an emoji: [pat pat]

Yue Jincheng: “Are you off work? Let the driver take you home.”

“I drove here.” Fu Jiaxi said, “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Are you hungry? Should I bring you something to eat? How about wonton noodles, dumplings?”

The chat box floated gently in the quiet night, each phone vibration like the pulse of a heartbeat. Yue Jincheng felt somewhat dazed; such warm moments flowed like slow honey.

Fu Jiaxi’s tone carried patient coaxing, and Yue Jincheng wanted more.

“Hungry, but not in the mood.”

“Then take some children’s digestive tablets. The son has some.”

Yue Jincheng laughed, “Are you treating me like a child?”

Fu Jiaxi, waiting at a red light, also chuckled as she replied, “Alright, alright. So, what does the father of Little Jia Yi want to eat?”

Yue Jincheng said, “I want the mother of Little Jia Yi to come home quickly.”

The red light cast a faint glow on the phone screen like a thin veil of mist. Fu Jiaxi paused, turned off the screen, and didn’t reply.

Two turns later, she arrived at the residential area. There was an empty parking spot in the open-air section. She parked, got out of the car, and walked a few steps. Suddenly, she sensed something amiss. She turned around to see a dark figure squatting by the roadside.

Fu Jiaxi frowned, “It’s really you.”

Shen Ye also frowned, “You’re killing me. Am I so invisible?”

“Sorry about that.” Fu Jiaxi asked, “You came to our neighborhood... to fix a car?”

“Yes, fixing a car. Finished now, just waiting for you.” Shen Ye patted the toolbox by his feet to prove he wasn’t lying.

He stood up, his 185 cm height even more imposing in the night.

Fu Jiaxi roughly guessed what he wanted to say and pointed upward, intentionally reminding him, “Want to see my son? He’s asleep.”

Shen Ye said, “I know you have a child. Having a child isn’t something special. I’ll have one someday too.”

Fu Jiaxi smiled, “Good. Then good luck to you.”

Shen Ye said, “Mm, I’ll work hard to chase you.”

Fu Jiaxi sighed in exasperation, “Why are you so stubborn?”

The corners of Shen Ye’s eyes slightly lifted, like the lingering embers of fireworks. Suddenly looking aggrieved, he said, “Isn’t it because Sister, you’re so hard to chase…”

The younger brother’s flame of love reignited, both cool and pure.

Before leaving, Shen Ye slipped something into her hand, saying it was a gift she would definitely like.

It was square-shaped, carefully wrapped, and felt like a book when weighed in the hand.

Fu Jiaxi went upstairs and opened the door gently.

Yue Jincheng happened to be drinking water and peeked out from the kitchen, his voice clear and smooth, “Back already?”

He wore a light white short-sleeved shirt, casual and comfortable at home; his model-like figure looked good in anything.

Fu Jiaxi bent down to change her shoes.

Her slippers had been taken out in advance and were quietly placed beside her.

He also poured her a glass of water and handed it over with a smile, asking, “You didn’t really bring me any late-night snacks, did you?”

Fu Jiaxi glanced at him, “With the boss personally helping me take care of the child, how dare I let you eat takeout? If I don’t cook myself, what if President Yue gives me a hard time later on?”

Yue Jincheng’s voice lowered, “Did Jin Ming deduct your money again?”

“He can’t stand seeing me now,” Fu Jiaxi sighed. “Being a target isn’t easy.”

“How much did he fine you? I’ll compensate you.”

“Abusing your position for personal gain? Are you afraid I’ll report you?”

Yue Jincheng chuckled, “Can’t the president have some pocket money?”

Fu Jiaxi lazily replied, “Give it to Jia Yi. Taken from mom, used for the son.”

No longer teasing, she casually placed her bag and the gift on the sofa, tied up her hair as she walked towards the fridge, “How about tomato and egg noodles?”

Anything she made would do.

Yue Jincheng noticed the gift next to her bag, “What did you buy?”

“Someone gave it to me. It should be a book.” Fu Jiaxi said, “If you want to read it, go ahead and open it.”

With a simple gesture, Yue Jincheng tore open the plastic film—a deep blue package with silver glitter, very thoughtful.

“Who gave it to you?” he asked while unwrapping.

“Shen Ye.”

Yue Jincheng’s hand paused, his ears bombarded and his eyes simultaneously tormented.

Indeed, it was a book.

Not a very proper book—

100 Ways for an Ex-Husband to Die.