#32: Strawberry

◎Yue Jincheng looked at her and said, “Mm, it’s the sweetest one.”◎

Fu Jiaxi belatedly realized that Yue Jincheng’s words carried a hint of insult toward someone.

After he left, she picked up the pants and weighed them in her hand. The size was indeed off. Based on Yu Yanqing’s height and build, it was unlikely he could wear them either.

On Monday, Yu Yanqing asked her to come see him and handed her a research report.

“Did you check the weekend’s news? The government is promoting economic recovery, and the signals for easing the real estate market are clear. The Wenhua Commodity Index will see an uptrend, driving bulk materials, especially copper and steel.”

Fu Jiaxi quickly flipped through the report. “What do you mean?”

“Bofeng Group has several downstream production subsidiaries in the Wenjiang region that manufacture high-precision electronic components. Their raw material procurement volume isn’t large, but if we seize this opportunity for arbitrage, the subsidiaries’ performance this quarter won’t be bad.”

“Although it’s a policy-driven benefit, and the government intends to support it, there will likely be more stimulus measures introduced later.” Fu Jiaxi didn’t blindly follow but instead offered her own perspective.

Yu Yanqing’s eyes showed approval as he handed her a freshly brewed cup of coffee. “Exactly. But the price market operates on its own logic—what goes up must come down. After a sharp rise, it needs to correct itself.”

Fu Jiaxi smiled and nodded. “I’ve learned something.”

“Ding dang—” A strange noise came from the room. Yu Yanqing stood up and walked inside, his tone carrying irritation. “Orange Juice.”

The cat had knocked over the diffuser stone and now lay innocently at the crime scene, awaiting reprimand.

“Are your paws itching again? You never learn. As punishment, you’re not allowed on my bed for half a day.”

Fu Jiaxi found it amusing. This stark contrast was oddly comical on Yu Yanqing.

She glanced around the room and was drawn to the computer screen on the marble island countertop.

The trading page displayed a chart with temporarily still red and green bars.

At exactly 9 a.m., the red and green bars began to fluctuate rapidly, and prices jumped every second.

On Yu Yanqing’s trading software interface, the account balance changed accordingly.

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but step closer, thinking she might be seeing things.

She closed her eyes briefly, then confirmed again—his seven-digit principal amount had already accumulated over six hundred thousand in floating profits.

At that moment, Yu Yanqing’s voice came from the room. “Time to close out.”

Fu Jiaxi was too focused. “What?”

“Help me click to close all positions.” Yu Yanqing remained calm and composed. “Thank you.”

Fu Jiaxi’s hand holding the mouse began to sweat.

“Ding.” The system’s trade confirmation sound rang.

A profit of nearly 700,000 yuan was added precisely to his equity account.

As she stared blankly, Yu Yanqing had already stood behind her, reaching out to lower the laptop screen.

Coming back to her senses, Fu Jiaxi’s heart pounded loudly. On the drive to the company, she quietly tapped her chest a few times. The thrill and intensity of it all were exhilarating.

When she reported Yu Yanqing’s suggestions to her superiors, Jin Ming was the first to object. “Copper prices are clearly on an upward trend. Why hedge? It’s bound to keep rising. If I hedge now, wouldn’t I just be losing money? No, I don’t agree.”

Fu Jiaxi replied, “Director Jin, the purpose of hedging is to avoid the risk of falling prices. Naturally, we should do it at a high point...”

“Enough, enough. Don’t say anymore; I have work to do.” Jin Ming impatiently interrupted and turned to leave.

“Isn’t what I’m reporting considered work?” Fu Jiaxi didn’t back down but instead stepped closer to him. “You didn’t even give me a chance to explain or present my reasons. Isn’t that dismissive? These two subsidiaries have over 50 million in spot exposure sales. Have you calculated how much loss we’d face if the market turns? If I were you, I’d rather earn less than take on risks with no way out.”

Jin Ming hadn’t expected her to be so firm, presenting logical arguments with unwavering confidence.

Around 10 a.m., Fu Jiaxi received authorization. Together with Liu Yun, they identified relatively reasonable intraday prices and decisively executed trades.

Near the close of trading in the afternoon, Fu Jiaxi watched as the green bars on the minute chart lengthened, and the market plummeted sharply in the final moments.

On the account, the single trade yielded substantial profits.

News of this spread quickly within the group. Jin Ming forced a smile, feeling quite embarrassed, while Liu Yun and Fu Jiaxi gained significant recognition within the company.

During lunch, Fu Jiaxi discussed matters with Liu Yun as they walked.

Liu Yun spotted someone first and greeted them. “President Yue, President Yunzong.”

“Old Liu, let’s eat together?” Yue Yunzong smiled warmly. “Under your guidance, Jiaxi’s progress is evident to all. That straightforward Jin Ming admitted his mistake to me yesterday. He spoke highly of Jiaxi’s assertiveness during their discussion.”

Yue Yunzong’s words seemed like a strong recommendation to Yue Jincheng. “Those who don’t understand hedging might think she’s Yu Yanqing’s advocate, always speaking up for him.”

Yue Jincheng’s expression visibly darkened.

—

When delivering documents and settlement files requiring his signature to Yu Yanqing, Fu Jiaxi couldn’t resist sharing the incident with him.

“You should have seen me defending your suggestions with all my might. Overcoming obstacles, cutting through thorns.” Fu Jiaxi proudly praised herself, unable to hide her smugness.

Yu Yanqing reviewed their entry and exit points and objectively commented, “Nothing special, barely above the daily average line. Is this all you’re capable of?”

Fu Jiaxi shot him a sidelong glance. “Hey, do you know how to talk? We’re business partners after all.”

Yu Yanqing didn’t consider social niceties and instinctively responded, “Am I wrong?”

“...” Fu Jiaxi was slightly speechless. “You’re right.”

Yu Yanqing had worn glasses all day and felt some strain. Removing them, he lightly massaged his eyes.

Fu Jiaxi noticed his open computer and curiously asked, “Have you been trading recently?”

“No.” Yu Yanqing replied. “Frequent trading only increases your chances of failure. Catching one reliable big move is far more dependable than making ten small trades.”

Fu Jiaxi listened attentively, eyeing his trading page eagerly, wanting to study it thoroughly.

Yu Yanqing put his glasses back on and walked over, slamming the laptop screen shut.

“...”

Fu Jiaxi muttered, “Stingy. It’s not like I can steal your capital.”

Yu Yanqing remained serious, almost stern. “Don’t overthink it. You think making money is easy because you only see the success side. Besides, the person executing these trades is me. Remember, 99% of people are mere collateral damage in an unpredictable game driven by greed.”

Fu Jiaxi felt disheartened. “All I did was glance at your computer...”

“If I said anything wrong, I apologize.” Yu Yanqing said, expressionless.

“Do you always apologize like this?” Fu Jiaxi wanted to laugh, as if everyone owed him a million.

“Oh, then I’ll correct my mistake.” Yu Yanqing humbly accepted advice, pointing to Orange Juice sprawled on the countertop. “Please help me feed the cat while I reply to an urgent email.”

Orange Juice showed no interest in dry food. There were cat treats in the cabinet. Fu Jiaxi mixed one into the food, and the cat deigned to take a few bites.

Fu Jiaxi gently tapped the cat’s head. “Like owner, like pet—both equally hard to please.”

Ten minutes later, Yu Yanqing finished replying to the email.

“Done?” Fu Jiaxi picked up her bag and headed toward the entrance. “Let’s go.”

“What for?”

“The other cat hasn’t been fed yet.”

“Huh? Where?”

“You, Yu the genius.” Fu Jiaxi lazily pulled open the door. “You stay indoors all day. You desperately need to see some real-world烟火 (human life and activity). Come on, let me take you out for some spicy hot pot.”

—

After the National Day holiday, autumn deepened in Jincheng. The leaves of the sycamore trees lining the roads of Yue’s residence turned a brilliant yellow, rivaling scenic tourist spots.

On the way back to the villa, Jiao Rui reported smoothly: “Apart from a few relatives abroad who couldn’t make it, the rest will be here. The banquet arrangements were handled entirely by Mingxin with great care. And Old Master... he caught a cold a few days ago, but his lung infection has just been brought under control. He should still be in the hospital recuperating, but he insisted on staying at home because he was thinking of your birthday.”

Magnificent, grand, and star-studded—like the moon surrounded by stars.

This was what being a “son of heaven” truly felt like.

Yue Jincheng’s expression remained as calm as an utterly serene lake; no amount of flattery could stir even a ripple.

Finally, Jiao Rui hesitantly spoke up: “I informed Jiaxi a week in advance, but she said she didn’t have time and couldn’t attend your birthday banquet.”

He struggled to get the last few words out, trembling as if he might faint.

However, Yue Jincheng showed no significant emotional reaction, remaining as composed as ever.

When the car came to a stop in his designated parking spot, the moment the door opened, he instantly transformed his demeanor. His eyes softened, his handsome face radiated a gentle smile, and he patiently and warmly interacted with every guest.

Yue Mingxin, worried that Yue Jincheng might feel disappointed that Fu Jiaxi hadn’t come, comfortingly reassured him: “It’s fine. I’ve brought something of Jiaxi’s.”

Without realizing it, Yue Jincheng glanced toward the entrance.

“Here it is,” Yue Mingxin quietly slipped a stack of items into his palm. “The last time I had dinner and went shopping with Jiaxi, I took some candid photos of her. If you can’t see her in person, at least you can look at these and think of her.”

Yue Jincheng was momentarily speechless and exasperated. “Do you have time recently? Let me arrange for Jiao Rui to send you to Switzerland for a vacation.” Stop making such an obvious fuss.

However, Yue Mingxin misunderstood his meaning and was overjoyed, repeatedly promising, “Understood! I’ll take more candid photos of Jiaxi!”

“...”

After several rounds of relatives offering toasts, Yue Jincheng grew weary of socializing and retreated to the third floor.

After dining together, Yue Puhuai began his scheduled oxygen therapy.

Seeing Yue Jincheng enter, he removed the oxygen tube and straightened his back, seemingly unwilling to show any signs of frailty.

“Are you satisfied with your birthday today?” Yue Puhuai avoided work-related topics on this special day, attempting to show some humanistic care and highlight their father-son bond.

Yue Jincheng paced closer, symbolically narrowing the distance. “With Father by my side, how could I not be satisfied?”

Yue Puhuai’s lung condition had not fully recovered, so his breathing was low and slightly labored as he spoke. “When you were young, I spent too little time with you, sending you abroad early on. In truth, it was intentional, to help you become independent and strong. Only by becoming a strong individual could you achieve the position and status you hold today.”

A father’s heart, concealing love through sacrifice, was portrayed as noble and selfless.

Yue Puhuai reminisced about hardships to evoke gratitude, but also subtly reminded Yue Jincheng of his sacrifices.

However, Yue Jincheng remained unmoved, calmly responding, “Father’s intentions were indeed profound. Even from my youth, you had already planned my path. You are truly unexpected, a master strategist. Your concern and affection for Yunzong and Shaoheng were tests for me. Your suppression and neglect of me were meant to prepare me for the loneliness of standing at the top.”

Yue Puhuai’s pale and sickly appearance resembled an old tree struggling to stay upright despite its frailty.

His tone remained steady, his composure unwavering. “When you were studying abroad in your youth, I remembered every one of your birthdays.”

“That must have been my mistake—my phone malfunctioning, signal errors, blurred vision. I somehow missed all those years of your birthday wishes, let alone the missed prayers for your birthdays.”

Yue Jincheng’s gaze was like the snow lotus on a cold mountain—though slowly blooming, it was proud and frost-defiant, devoid of any living emotion.

Yue Puhuai knew he was in the wrong. There had been no real thoughts or blessings. He had assumed that a young Yue Jincheng would overlook these details, never expecting him to meticulously record every slight.

“Cough, cough, cough!” Yue Puhuai erupted into violent coughing, loud and wheezy, as if trying to draw attention from outside the room.

Recognizing his father’s pretense and evasion, Yue Jincheng sneered inwardly. Disgust for someone could not be hidden, even now, as circumstances had changed and he had risen to become the head of the Yue family. Yue Puhuai’s disdain for his son was merely a poisoned apple wrapped in forced affection.

“Father,” Yue Jincheng stood up, hands clasped behind his back, looking down coldly. “Do you remember which mountain holds the grave of your ex-wife, my mother? Do you remember my true… birthday?”

Yue Puhuai’s face revealed genuine confusion, overwhelmed and unable to mask his bewilderment.

Yue Jincheng took in his reaction with complete coldness—a final disappointment settling in.

A father who couldn’t even remember his own child’s birthday.

If it were off by just a day or two, it might have been forgivable.

But mistaking November for October revealed Yue Puhuai’s indifference toward this son and his callousness toward Yue Jincheng’s mother. It was absurd, foolish, and unforgivable.

For thirty-two years, in a sense, he had never truly celebrated a birthday with heartfelt blessings from his loved ones.

The family doctor and concerned friends arrived.

Just as they were about to knock, the bedroom door opened, and Yue Jincheng appeared frantic, his words earnest. “Dr. Zhang, my father suddenly started coughing violently. Please come quickly.”

The performance was flawless, earning Yue Jincheng another seamless mask. Friends and family sighed in admiration, praising the depth of their father-son bond. Yue Jincheng’s ability to overlook past grievances proved he was destined for greatness.

—

Since autumn began, the most dramatic temperature change finally ended after half a month. Long-awaited sunlight spilled golden fragments onto the ground.

For the Nth time, Yue Jiayi sent a voice message to Yue Jincheng, his clear childlike voice brimming with anticipation:

“Dad, have you landed yet?”

“Daddy, did you get into Uncle Liu’s car?”

“Dad, hurry back! I prepared a birthday gift for you.” (P.S. Mommy helped too.)

Yue Jincheng’s smile never left his face.

Today was his real birthday.

At the agreed-upon location, a secluded private chef’s courtyard that required reservations awaited.

Yue Jiayi came running from afar. “Happy Birthday, Dad!!”

Yue Jincheng caught him mid-air, lifting him high with ease. “Thank you, my little ancestor.”

“Dad, I love you so much, and I miss you so much. I’m going to wish you a happy birthday in twenty languages.”

Yue Jincheng burst into hearty laughter.

Fu Jiaxi, emerging from inside, happened to overhear and remarked wryly, “What twenty languages? They’re all made up by him.”

The three walked shoulder to shoulder into the courtyard.

The dishes were ordered by Fu Jiaxi, tailored to Yue Jincheng’s preferences for taste and seasoning.

The family of three gathered around the table, enjoying wine and dinner. Amidst the child’s innocent chatter, the scene resembled a vivid watercolor painting.

“Mommy, you haven’t wished Daddy a happy birthday yet!” Yue Jiayi solemnly reminded her.

Yue Jincheng glanced at her, coming to her rescue. “Her presence here, willing to sit with me, already makes me very happy.”

Fu Jiaxi paused while ladling the soup.

The steam from the hot soup rose, and Yue Jincheng took the bowl and spoon from her hands. “Let me do it.”

Fu Jiaxi handed them over and then passed him a paper bag.

“For me?”

“Mm, happy 32nd birthday.”

Inside was a pair of handmade embroidered shirt cuffs. The dark blue base was intricately stitched with golden threads forming gradient green orchids—understated yet exuding elegance.

The packaging box bore the shop’s name: Jian Yan.

Yue Jincheng knew this store; Yue Mingxin had mentioned it many times. The craftsmanship was exquisite, requiring reservations far in advance.

So, this pair of cuffs—she had planned this long ago.

Yue Jincheng’s gaze toward her gradually deepened, like warmed yellow wine on a stove, warming both body and soul.

“Dad, this small cake is something Mommy and I made for you at the workshop!” Yue Jiayi proudly presented it. “There are three strawberries—they represent us, Daddy, Mommy, and me. We’re all sweet, big strawberries.”

Yue Jincheng raised his head and looked at her. “Mm, Mommy is the sweetest one.”

His gaze moved past the colorful desserts on the table, carrying a hint of sweetness, and landed entirely on Fu Jiaxi.

From the time they met, she had accompanied him every year on his birthday.

In the past, as an inseparable couple deeply in love.

Later, Jiayi became the bridge, completing the roles of father and mother.

“By the way, next month, Group Leader Liu arranged a few business trips for me—training sessions and meetings.”

“Still talking about work on your birthday?” Yue Jincheng was self-aware. “Don’t talk about work. I’ll take good care of our son.”

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but smile. She poured him half a cup of warmed fruit juice. Later, he would be driving, so no alcohol for him.

The charcoal fire in the stove flickered with vivid reds. The warm yellow wine slid down his throat, sharp yet sweet.

Yue Jincheng asked about her recent life, her feelings about work, and whether she faced any difficulties.

Fu Jiaxi replied that everything was fine. She talked to him about Jiayi, amusing stories from kindergarten, and点滴 details of their son’s thoughtful and mischievous nature.

She could drink, but whenever she did, her cheeks would flush slightly. Her drunken eyes seemed to watch the stars, unable to hide the coquettishness in her gaze, looking directly at him.

It was just like before—when they were each other’s only focus, free of distractions, their love burning fervently.

Yue Jincheng almost couldn’t handle it.

On the way back, little Jiayi fell asleep in the back seat.

Yue Jincheng drove, his fingers resting evenly on the steering wheel—long and elegant. The light flowed over his eyes, brows, high nose bridge, and finally settled on the back of his hand, where a clear mark encircled his ring finger.

The aftereffects of the yellow wine hit her, and Fu Jiaxi leaned softly against the seat like a flexible vine, quietly gazing at the night scenery.

In the rearview mirror, Yue Jincheng glanced at her.

At the next intersection, he gradually pulled over, stopping the car steadily.

Fu Jiaxi turned her head, looking at him with confusion.

“Click...”

He unbuckled his seatbelt.

“What’s wrong?” Fu Jiaxi’s voice was slightly hoarse.

“I forgot to eat my strawberry from today’s cake.” Yue Jincheng’s gaze was resolute and deep.

The next moment, his body crossed over the center console. His hand pressed against the back of her head, and he fiercely kissed her.