#43: Overnight

◎You used me and then went to have dinner with another man?◎

As the elevator reached each floor, the number of people inside gradually decreased.

“By the way, Jiaxi,” Jiao Rui said, “stop by my office on your way. There are a few data points I need to report back, so help me confirm them.”

A sharp and competent secretary could always find the right excuses to assist their superior in achieving their goals.

On the executive floor, the president’s office.

Yue Jincheng walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling window. The electric curtains slowly opened, flooding the room with light. Standing against the backlight, his narrow waist and long legs were clearly outlined.

He casually removed his suit jacket and draped it over the back of the chair.

Fu Jiaxi hesitated several times, wanting to say something but stopping herself.

Yue Jincheng deliberately glanced at her again and again.

“Don’t worry—it’s not the one from last night.”

Fu Jiaxi cleared her throat and feigned calmness. “What you wear is your business. It’s not like I’ll be the one laughed at.”

“Then if someone asks why there’s a wet spot on your clothes…”

“Yue Jincheng!” Fu Jiaxi gave up, cutting off his outrageous remarks.

He chuckled, his gaze as soft as the morning light, glowing just right.

“Did you bring me up here just for this?” Fu Jiaxi complained.

Yue Jincheng stepped closer, took her hand, and guided her around the desk, gently pressing her shoulders to sit in his leather chair.

Fu Jiaxi leaned back lazily. “The chair is so soft—it’s comfortable.”

Yue Jincheng obligingly massaged her shoulders. “Is the pressure satisfactory?”

“It’s too light—make it stronger.”

“Alright, I’ll remember to make it stronger next time.”

Fu Jiaxi belatedly realized she had fallen into his trap—it wasn’t a good sign.

Annoyed, she pinched his side. Yue Jincheng dodged.

She reached out again, but he kept his distance, making it impossible for her to pinch him.

“Don’t move,” Fu Jiaxi softly scolded.

Yue Jincheng raised his hands in surrender, smiling. “Go ahead, pinch wherever you want.”

Jiao Rui entered with coffee, stunned by the scene before him.

After all these years, seeing the president act so unprincipled still felt so natural.

With others present, the subtle exchange of affection through their eyes gradually faded.

Yue Jincheng whispered, “I brought you up here out of selfishness. It’s been a long time since we’ve had coffee together. Just ten minutes—keep me company.”

Fu Jiaxi softened. After taking a sip, she discovered that he still remembered her preferences—the sweetness, the strength, everything.

“I proposed setting up a trading department to Yue Yunzong last week, and he didn’t immediately reject it.”

“Mm, today’s meeting included his proposal.”

“He agreed so quickly?” Fu Jiaxi was surprised.

“He’s been tricked once before. Last time, you also used an indirect strategy to force him into agreeing to establish the research team.” Yue Jincheng knew his younger brother well. “He won’t make the same mistake again.”

Fu Jiaxi placed her coffee cup down, a faint, crisp sound ringing out.

“Am I causing you trouble again?”

Yue Jincheng replied, “It’s not trouble. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but never had the chance. You’re the one leading the charge—I’m not doing much.”

Being affirmed, praised, and even slightly admired—this was an experience Fu Jiaxi had never had before.

Yue Jincheng sat beside her, openly discussing work.

What Fu Jiaxi felt was absolute trust and genuine admiration.

She felt a bit dazed.

This man, who had always been good, had qualities she had once resented, doubted, or denied—but none of those flaws ever existed. Back then, life under special circumstances had been full of helplessness.

On the flip side, Yue Jincheng had also been forced to endure unsolvable dilemmas.

“What are you thinking about?” Yue Jincheng noticed her distraction.

Fu Jiaxi smiled faintly. “Nothing, thank you… for the coffee.”

Everything unfolded as Yue Jincheng predicted. At the meeting, Yue Yunzong not only didn’t oppose the suggestion of establishing an independent trading department but actually supported it strongly. He gradually expressed his views: the group’s raw material purchases were massive, and it was indeed necessary to treat hedging operations as a routine task.

If that was the case, wouldn’t it be more efficient to partner with professional companies both domestically and internationally that had mature operations, reputation, and expertise?

Yue Yunzong smiled and reminded everyone: when the research team was formed, didn’t they also sign a cooperation agreement with Yu Yanqing?

He presented facts, convincing everyone. By the end of the meeting, the wind had shifted noticeably.

Liu Yun probed a few times, but Jin Ming, being a seasoned veteran, evaded questions with ambiguous answers.

________________________________________

Friday evening, Jia Yi had fencing class.

Fu Jiaxi finally had two hours of free time and decided to browse around at Guojin Plaza. As she exited a store, she unexpectedly ran into Yue Yunzong.

Yue Yunzong had just finished a phone call and turned to see her.

Fu Jiaxi greeted him confidently. “Chairman Yue.”

Seeing she was alone, Yue Yunzong said, “Perfect timing—there’s a client. Come meet them.”

Without giving her a chance to refuse, he turned and walked toward the restaurant.

The restaurant was newly opened, lavishly decorated with too many mirrors, making Fu Jiaxi feel dizzy as soon as she entered. When she saw the actual dining companions, she felt even more disoriented.

There were no business clients—Yue Yunzong had deceived her.

Present were Wan Yu, Guan Yeqin, and Yue Shaoheng.

This was his private gathering, yet he intentionally called her in.

“Jiaxi Sister,” Wan Yu called sweetly. “What a coincidence! Join us—sit down quickly.”

This girl was truly patient and skilled in performing, mastering the art of survival in high society.

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but admire her a little.

“Jiaxi, it’s been a while,” Guan Yeqin smiled faintly. “Since returning to the country, I haven’t had a chance to catch up properly.”

Alright, so it was an ambush banquet.

Fu Jiaxi wasn’t flustered at all. After half a year of training at Bofeng, she had seen and learned plenty. She could control any emotion with practiced ease, like an experienced driver handling the steering wheel—staying calm in any situation, keeping her emotions hidden.

“Well, isn’t this the perfect opportunity?” Fu Jiaxi unexpectedly pulled out a chair and sat down gracefully. “Chairman Yue is treating—you’ve given me such a feast today.”

First, she addressed Wan Yu: “Did you find the bracelet Auntie lost at Manyuan? She hasn’t accused you anymore, has she?”

Yue Yunzong’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What accusation?”

Wan Yu was caught off guard. How was she supposed to answer? Should she recount how Auntie had humiliated her and how Fu Jiaxi had helped her?

Fu Jiaxi brushed it off with a smile and turned to Guan Yeqin. “Didn’t you have something to say to me? Are you going to talk about your life abroad first, or about how much you’ve missed me?”

She was dazzlingly direct, her gaze piercing without hesitation or fear.

Inwardly, she thought: weren’t you trying to build the image of “we’re best friends”? Well, let me help you solidify that image—make it specific.

Fu Jiaxi asked the server to bring the menu, pointed, and ordered the two most expensive dishes.

Beside her, Yue Shaoheng couldn’t hold back. “The desserts are good too—why don’t you try some?”

Ignoring him, Fu Jiaxi turned to Yue Yunzong, who looked uncomfortable. “Why don’t you sit down too? There’s so much food—we should all share.”

At this table, only Yue Shaoheng couldn’t act or pretend.

Awkward conversation or not, Fu Jiaxi made sure the atmosphere didn’t cool down and gave them no opening to counterattack. Guan Yeqin and Wan Yu were visibly overwhelmed, exhausted, and growing impatient from her chatter.

After enjoying a hearty meal, Fu Jiaxi smiled brightly. “Sorry, Jia Yi’s class is ending soon—I need to pick him up. Let’s gather again next time.”

Wan Yu and Guan Yeqin visibly sighed in relief.

Yue Yunzong pretended to care, tilting his chin toward Wan Yu. “Escort Jiaxi.”

Wan Yu stood up and walked around the table from the left. Fu Jiaxi enthusiastically hooked her arm through Wan Yu’s, catching her off guard—it was as if their roles had reversed.

They chatted and laughed as they left the restaurant. Wan Yu said, “Jiaxi Sister, I really should learn from you.”

Fu Jiaxi ignored Wan Yu’s sarcastic tone. “Of course, there’s still so much for you to learn. Don’t rush—take your time.”

Wan Yu’s face fell slightly. “There’s no one here anymore.”

“How can that be? This mall is bustling with business.” Fu Jiaxi deliberately misinterpreted.

Wan Yu forced a smile. “That’s true. This place belongs to the Guan family, and Sister Ye Zhen has been managing its operations. She’s incredibly capable—successful in her career and also kind-hearted. Lately, she’s been visiting our home often, and everyone in the family really likes her.”

“Everyone in the family.”

“All of them.”

Wasn’t she really just referring to Yue Jincheng?

Fu Jiaxi understood what she meant but couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy.

“I heard from Father that Bofeng and the Guan family have many ongoing collaborative projects, which will be fully rolled out next year. Several of these were personally initiated by my eldest brother. I assume we’ll interact with Sister Ye Zhen even more in the future.”

Wan Yu smiled. “Sister Jiaxi, I truly envy you. Even after your divorce, you’re doing well. And as for my eldest brother—forget it—he’s simply my idol. He’s completely unaffected by past emotions and always looks forward.”

Fu Jiaxi replied, “So, you should whip your husband into shape more often.”

“Huh?”

“Learn from Yue Jincheng. Stop clinging to old feelings and pay more attention to yourself.”

This comment was somewhat sharp and catty. As women, perhaps Fu Jiaxi shouldn’t have said it.

But she couldn’t control herself—it was like a fire burning inside her, making her heart restless.

After Jia Yi’s fencing class, it seemed the day’s lesson had been intense. When they got home, the little guy was bubbling with energy, flipping around on the sofa, jumping, and narrating his own lines, creating an entire imaginary martial arts drama.

Fu Jiaxi said twice, “It’s time to sleep.”

Yue Jia Yi was still full of energy.

Five minutes later, she asked again, “Are you going to sleep or not?”

Yue Jia Yi replied, “If Mommy sleeps, I’ll sleep too.”

“I can’t fall asleep.”

Yue Jia Yi, clever as ever, pretended to comply. Once in the bedroom, he secretly called Yue Jincheng.

“Dad, come over quickly. Mommy’s getting mad.”

“She says she can’t sleep because she misses you.”

After preparing a glass of warm milk for Jia Yi, Fu Jiaxi saw Yue Jincheng arrive.

He knew the electronic lock code and entered smoothly, as if he’d done it countless times before.

Yue Jia Yi whispered quietly, unseen, “Mommy, Daddy’s here.”

Sure enough, Yue Jincheng stood at the bedroom door, smiling.

Fu Jiaxi gave him a glare. “Little traitor, big scoundrel.”

The password could only have come from Yue Jia Yi.

“Dad!” Yue Jia Yi crawled out of bed and excitedly rushed toward Yue Jincheng.

“Good boy,” Yue Jincheng caught him securely. “Whose son is this handsome?”

“Fu Jiaxi’s.”

“And whose son is this naughty?”

“Yue Jincheng’s.”

Fu Jiaxi suppressed a laugh, speechless.

What followed was a warm father-son bonding session. After finishing her bath, Fu Jiaxi came out to find that Jia Yi still hadn’t gone to sleep. She raised her voice slightly to Yue Jincheng, “Does he have school tomorrow?”

“Hurry up, Mommy’s angry.”

“Understood.”

Yue Jia Yi quickly dove under the covers, wrapping himself tightly.

“Dad, I want to see you when I wake up tomorrow morning.”

“Alright. Dad will get up at five and be here by six to make sure you see me.”

He knew better than to stay overnight, so he had to endure the extra effort.

Children are the easiest to satisfy. Once his wish was granted, he quickly drifted off to sleep.

Yue Jincheng gently closed the door and walked out of the children’s room.

Fu Jiaxi was lounging on the sofa, playing with her phone, too lazy to lift her eyelids.

Yue Jincheng sat down beside her. “What happened today? Did something bother you?”

Her bad mood was obvious.

“I attended a banquet akin to the Hongmen Feast with your younger siblings and heard quite a few tales about your romantic escapades.” Fu Jiaxi sighed. “It made my scalp tingle.”

Yue Jincheng chuckled. “How do I, the person involved, not know anything about it? Tell me, how flirtatious am I supposed to be?”

The popping sounds of the game Candy Crush echoed rhythmically, matching Fu Jiaxi’s current mood. “I can’t even bring myself to say it.”

Yue Jincheng moved closer. “Guan Yeqin was there too.”

Fu Jiaxi scoffed. “You seem to know her every move so well.”

“She told me herself,” Yue Jincheng paused for two seconds, a faint smile lingering in the corner of his eye. “Are you jealous?”

“If you’ve made any progress with her, just tell me straight—I don’t eat leftovers.”

“If I’m leftovers, it’s because you left me unfinished. No one else gets to eat.”

“Don’t talk so crudely.” Fu Jiaxi lazily glanced at him. “I’m not interested.”

Yue Jincheng smirked. “True. These last couple of times, it seems like I’m the one being eaten.”

His words grew increasingly suggestive, each subtle hint painting vivid imagery.

Fu Jiaxi turned off the game, put down her phone, and calmly said, “Don’t think you can manipulate me. Remember this: it’s because I willingly give it to you that you even get to eat.”

Yue Jincheng adored this defiant side of hers.

Rebellious, clear-headed, she was like a vine surviving on a frigid iceberg—a wild, upward-growing vitality.

Yue Jincheng was captivated. In a low voice, he asked, “Then tonight? Does Mrs. Yue want it?”

“There’s no Mrs. Yue here.”

“Hmm, just an eager Mr. Yue offering himself.”

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t hold back any longer and finally burst into laughter.

Being shameless was a skill—one that could soften even the hardest stone.

“Feel better now?” Yue Jincheng asked.

Fu Jiaxi vaguely hummed an “Mm.”

Yue Jincheng leaned in close, his hands restless, and murmured, “Do you want to feel even better?”

Their eyes locked, restless heat swirling between their breaths. The air grew lighter, thinner, as if countless hot air balloons were rising, flames burning at their bases—”Boom, boom,” like heartbeats, exploding at the breaking point.

Fu Jiaxi grabbed Yue Jincheng’s tie, pulling him down forcefully, and kissed him passionately.

The night heated up.

From the sofa to the kitchen island, then to the living room, and eventually the bathroom.

The bathroom tiles were too cold. As Fu Jiaxi shivered, Yue Jincheng broke out in a sweat, retreating halfway to avoid reaching the finish line too soon.

Finally, they ended up in a rarely used storage room. The room’s soundproofing was excellent, preventing the performance from becoming a full-blown silent play. Even at the peak of ecstasy, a small crack remained, allowing sounds to add to the atmosphere.

The storage room had no bed or sofa, only dry floating dust, which danced fervently in response to the long-absent movement.

The two-year void had been filled through boxing and fitness training. Yue Jincheng was fierce, his self-control nearly nonexistent. Fu Jiaxi initially tried to tough it out, but ultimately couldn’t keep up, tears silently falling onto his arm.

Yue Jincheng regained his rationality and reluctantly apologized, “I’m sorry.”

Later, Fu Jiaxi grabbed his hair, forcefully lifting his head, her tear-streaked eyes silently accusing him.

Yue Jincheng’s voice was hoarse, like someone with a severe cold.

“… Are you there yet, baby?”

The carefully built-up emotions suddenly exploded, spreading from her ears, burning her heart and lungs.

All the blood rushed to one place. Instinctively tightening, their physical and mental sensations reached their ultimate climax in that instant. What expanded wasn’t just her heart, but also Yue Jincheng’s restraint, which he could no longer maintain despite gritting his teeth.

As if punishing him, Fu Jiaxi held him tightly, refusing to yield. She retaliated fiercely, kissing his brow, then his neck, and finally landing a kiss on his hard collarbone.

“… Are you there yet, President Yue?”

The same words, at the peak of their shared resonance, painted a brilliant explosion.

Yue Jincheng surrendered his weapons, succumbing to the tender embrace of the night.

________________________________________

In the dark winter morning, Fu Jiaxi’s eyelids drooped heavily, and the hand gripping her waist caused her slight discomfort. That hand, unwilling to stop, sought to continue its conquest.

Fu Jiaxi buried her head, mumbling, “Stop it. Get up.”

“I’ll take our son to school. I’ll have Jiao Rui request a leave for you at the company—you can rest at home today.” Yue Jincheng reluctantly withdrew his hand and kissed her cheek.

“No,” Fu Jiaxi murmured, half-asleep. “I have something to do at noon.”

“Put work aside—I’ll talk to Liu Yun.” Yue Jincheng said.

“It’s not work-related.” Fu Jiaxi was fully awake now, adjusting to the soreness in her body, then sat up and got out of bed.

The room was dim, with only a sliver of light seeping through the bottom of the curtains, casting a silken bluish hue over the bedroom. As Fu Jiaxi bent to pick up her clothes, her curves were displayed in full detail. Like a cinematic portrait shot, there was a silent, gentle tension.

Yue Jincheng’s gaze lingered, and the peaks beneath the blanket began to rise once more.

“Then I’ll accompany you,” he said.

“No need.” Fu Jiaxi replied. “Someone invited me to lunch.”

Yue Jincheng, lazily stretched out, casually asked, “Not another matchmaking setup arranged by Grandma, is it?”

Fu Jiaxi turned her head. “How did you know?”

“…”

“This time it’s someone in the public sector, working in technology. I’ve seen the photos—he looks steady, handsome, and pretty decent.”

Yue Jincheng’s mind exploded, his face darkening. Coldly, he asked, “You slept with me last night, and today you’re going on a blind date with another man? Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

Fu Jiaxi thought about it and agreed it made sense. Relenting, she said, “Fine, I’ll cancel today’s meeting. I’ll ask him to reschedule.”

Yue Jincheng: “…”