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◎Then start over, and I’ll wait.◎
This action crossed the line—what was flirtatious in the office now became vulgar.
Fu Jiaxi pulled her hand back and wiped it clean on his suit collar. “Here, I’m returning it to you.”
Yue Jincheng chuckled at her insistence on exacting revenge for even the smallest offense.
“You don’t need to worry about these rumors. I’ll handle them.”
“How exactly do you plan to handle it? To be honest, this isn’t entirely false.” Fu Jiaxi said, “I was your wife, after all.”
Yue Jincheng disliked that “ex” prefix. He gently embraced her, inhaling deeply against her neck, his voice as if trying to embed itself into her body.
“Come back, Jiaxi.”
Fu Jiaxi remained unmoved, like a soft vine.
Yue Jincheng held her tighter, waiting for her verdict.
After a few seconds, Fu Jiaxi pushed him away. “It’s fine. You don’t need to feel any pressure. Rumors may enter the ear, but they don’t have to enter the heart. No matter how nasty they are, I won’t let them bother me. You shouldn’t either—try to let it go.”
Yue Jincheng’s expression changed.
Fu Jiaxi added, “If I’ve caused you any trouble, and there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do my best.”
“What do you mean by ‘anything’?” Yue Jincheng asked.
“If the rumors spread too widely and negatively affect your personal reputation, or if you need to attend some business-related social events, I can explain.” Fu Jiaxi phrased it delicately. By “business-related social events,” she meant matchmaking, marriage alliances, or starting new relationships.
Yue Jincheng understood perfectly what she meant and scoffed coldly. “Even the fact that I’ve slept with you?”
Fu Jiaxi was left speechless, not expecting him to be so blunt.
After a moment of silence, she softly replied, “If you don’t mind mentioning private matters, then... fine.”
That one word—”fine”—was heavy with meaning.
Yue Jincheng released his embrace and pushed her away, walking back to his desk.
His silent, retreating figure seemed wounded inside.
Within two days, the rumors died down.
Everything returned to normal, and no one mentioned the matter again.
Only Liu Yun, during work, would occasionally sigh and say, “You, you… I don’t dare to make you work overtime anymore.”
Fu Jiaxi smiled. “Group Leader Liu, I volunteer to work overtime.”
“Don’t spout such insincere words,” Liu Yun sighed. “Forget it, let things be as they are.”
After this incident, Yue Jincheng ignored her for a long time.
To be precise, they mutually avoided each other.
Liu Yun no longer sought her out for work outside of office hours. In the evenings, Fu Jiaxi had more free time—she could check the market trends, spend time with her son, and live a life as flat and uneventful as the recent market.
“Mommy, Daddy hasn’t come to see you in a long time,” Yue Jia Yi said while assembling Lego pieces.
“He doesn’t need to see Mommy—he just needs to come see you, my baby,” Fu Jiaxi helped her son turn to a new page of the instruction manual. “It’s always been like this.”
“The past is the past, and now is now. Mommy and Daddy are different now compared to before,” Yue Jia Yi said as he finished assembling the wings, muttering to himself.
“How are we different?” Fu Jiaxi didn’t see it.
“In the past, whenever Daddy came, he wanted to see you more than me. But now, every time Daddy comes, not only is he happy, but you’re happy too, Mommy,” Yue Jia Yi said.
His childish voice, clear and resonant in the quiet night, sounded like beads falling onto a tray—crisp and thought-provoking.
Fu Jiaxi was stunned, unable to recover her thoughts for a long while.
________________________________________
Yue Jincheng returned from Hong Kong three days later.
Jiao Rui accompanied him. After leaving the airport, Jiao Rui said, “Boss Yue, Uncle Yan called twice, specifically asking you to join him for dinner tonight.”
Uncle Yan had been Secretary to Yue Puhui during his tenure. Although he no longer handled specific group affairs, he still acted under Yue Puhui’s instructions, managing all matters related to him.
Yue Jincheng grunted in acknowledgment, showing little emotion.
Jiao Rui continued, “The old master knows that Jiaxi works at the company.”
“He’s always known,” Yue Jincheng pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes to rest.
“This time, someone deliberately exaggerated the situation and reported it to him.”
Yue Jincheng’s expression turned solemn, but he said nothing.
Yue Puhui had been furious, smashing cups and pounding the table in rage.
“She violated the agreement signed at the time of their divorce, causing such a negative impact within the group. Shouldn’t she offer an explanation?”
Yue Jincheng sat casually on the sofa, crossing his legs, slightly raising his chin. “What explanation does she need to give? Father, please enlighten me.”
“Leave Bofeng.”
“Anyone else can leave, but she cannot—not unless it’s her own wish.” Yue Jincheng showed no compromise. “And anyone who dares to act against her, overtly or covertly, I will not let them off.”
His words were harsh, and he made no attempt to hide them.
Yue Puhui felt displeased but refrained from targeting Fu Jiaxi further, instead changing the subject. “Your Uncle Guan asked me a few days ago. This matter has already spread among the elders. Won’t Ye Zhen have even more thoughts now?”
Yue Jincheng countered, “Whether she has thoughts or not, what does it have to do with me?”
“You…” Yue Puhui’s tone grew stern. “She has feelings for you—you know that.”
Yue Jincheng chuckled. “I truly don’t know.”
“The Guan and Yue families are the most suitable marriage partners. Only by uniting our strengths can we go further.” Yue Puhui emphasized his words, delivering a solemn reminder.
Yue Jincheng stood up from the sofa, unbuttoned his single-breasted suit, his presence as imposing as a rising wind. “How far and how long Bofeng can go depends on me—and on the efforts of all Bofeng employees. Your words negate the hard work of thousands of allies throughout the company. Father, between us, we can talk freely—I understand and sympathize with you. But in front of outsiders, please think carefully before acting.”
Yue Puhui clutched his chest in anger, breathing heavily. “You… you…”
“Yes, everything I’ve said boils down to one thing: as long as Fu Jiaxi isn’t dragged into this, this family can still be a family.” Yue Jincheng’s voice was as sharp as a blade. “I no longer have a home—I can’t take any more shocks. And I’d appreciate it if you spread the word, especially to my younger brother. Accumulating merit for the family and serving the company is his duty—not obsessing over my people and doing things that can’t stand the light of day.”
Yue Jincheng turned his face, throwing open the study door.
As the light flooded in, his expression darkened like a sudden storm, sending chills down the spines of those outside.
Facing right, his demeanor completely shifted from moments before, and he spoke gently. “Doctor Wang, please come in and check on my father. His heart doesn’t seem well.”
Yue Jincheng had long known that many people were waiting outside the study.
The family medical team, Uncle Yan, the housekeeper—all of them. This was Yue Puhui’s deliberate arrangement, intending to assert his authority, leaving Yue Jincheng speechless and allowing the message to spread that in the Yue family, he, Yue Puhui, was still the head of the household.
Unexpectedly, Yue Jincheng turned the tables, and Yue Puhui ended up sewing him a wedding gown.
Strangely enough, within a few days, the matter became known throughout the circle, especially Yue Jincheng’s warning to Yue Yunzong.
With Yue Jincheng’s status as the executive president of Bofeng Group, his position was clear—one household, one ruler. Who held the real power was obvious.
And Yue Yunzong became the biggest target in this father-son negotiation.
The more people respected and feared Yue Jincheng, the more they mocked Yue Yunzong.
At a banquet, Yue Yunzong heard himself become the topic of conversation. When he returned home, he flew into a rage. A cloisonné vase he had purchased at auction last month was knocked over, shattering into pieces. Every antique within reach fell to the ground, the sound like rolling thunder in an apocalyptic world.
Wan Yu was terrified by her husband’s loss of control. “Husband, what’s wrong with you?”
Yue Yunzong vented his anger. “Who does Yue Jincheng think he is?! A lowlife crawling out of the gutter, stepping on my face to climb to the top—how moral can he be?!”
“And what did he do during those years when Father threw him abroad? Associating with the mafia, engaging in all sorts of shady dealings—how do you think he built his fortune? Does he think no one knows? Those dirty secrets would disgrace the Yue family if they got out!”
Yue Yunzong burned with fury. “All of this should have been mine! It was supposed to be mine! That despicable scum! Her working at the company—does he think he’s being clever? Hoping to reconcile with his ex-wife? Hah, dreaming.”
Wan Yu cautiously probed, “If Brother Jincheng really wants to reconcile, wouldn’t Jiaxi agree?”
Yue Yunzong sneered. “She’s been worn down by the Yue family. A woman without a powerful family to back her up—coming into our family, losing a layer of skin would be the least of it.”
Wan Yu felt a chill in her heart and timidly tested the waters. “Then… what about me?”
She, too, was someone without any backing.
“You?” Yue Yunzong glanced at his wife. “Can you compare yourself to Fu Jiaxi?”
Wan Yu’s heart sank, and she defiantly retorted, “Why can’t I compare?”
“She may seem gentle and quiet, easy to handle, but in reality, she’s incredibly proud—just like Yue Jincheng. The only difference is that Yue Jincheng knows how to bend and endure humiliation.” Yue Yunzong sneered. “Take those aunts and cousins of ours—for her to endure until the third year before divorcing, I truly admire her.”
“But isn’t it said that she had an inappropriate relationship with our third brother, and when Brother Jincheng found out, that’s why...”
“That idiotic younger brother of mine—he’s such a lovesick fool. To be so self-deluded is truly rare. But then again, it’s thanks to him stirring up trouble and causing discord that I have his unwitting help. Otherwise, I’d have to ask heaven: what virtues does Yue Jincheng possess that allow him to monopolize all the good fortune under the sun?”
A murderous glint flashed in Yue Yunzong’s eyes, but he quickly reined it in, realizing he was being too obvious.
He glanced at Wan Yu and returned to the topic. “You shouldn’t try to emulate Fu Jiaxi—even if you did, you wouldn’t succeed.”
The meaning behind this statement was clear: you’re just a beautiful ornament, nothing more.
Wan Yu clenched her fists tightly behind her back, her nails digging into her palms until they turned purple. Yet she forced herself to suppress her emotions and endure her husband’s displeasure.
________________________________________
At the company, early in the morning, Liu Yun called Fu Jiaxi over. His expression was grave as he said, “Yunzong has already arranged for a trading company to handle our transactions—it’s Yuanxin Futures. Their credentials are solid, their scale adequate, and there’s no glaring weakness to criticize.”
Fu Jiaxi understood what Liu Yun meant.
Yue Yunzong was clever. He had meticulously tied up all loose ends, making the decision legitimate and irrefutable. In time, the hard-earned progress they had made—the trading rights, pricing power, and procurement authority—would inevitably fall back into his hands.
Liu Yun hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.
Fu Jiaxi prompted, “Group Leader Liu, do you have any suggestions?”
“President Yue has been on a business trip for many days and hasn’t come to the office.” Liu Yun phrased it delicately. “If we could report directly to him in person, that would be ideal.”
Testing Yue Jincheng’s stance on the matter—no one was more suited to approach him than Fu Jiaxi.
Liu Yun was straightforward and matter-of-fact.
After a brief moment of thought, Fu Jiaxi agreed readily.
She first messaged Jiao Rui: “Secretary Jiao, are you still working outside?”
Jiao Rui immediately called her back.
“Sister Jiaxi, President Yue returned yesterday. After visiting the old master, he developed a fever last night—40 degrees Celsius and won’t come down. The doctor says it’s an acute viral infection. He won’t be coming to the office for a few days.”
Fu Jiaxi frowned. “It’s that serious?”
“Not really,” Jiao Rui reassured her. “But don’t worry, Sister Jiaxi. There are doctors with President Yue, and if anything happens, they can provide immediate treatment.”
Fu Jiaxi’s frown deepened. “If you’re talking about resuscitation, how can you say it’s not serious?”
Jiao Rui quickly corrected himself. “President Yue is working from home these days. Coincidentally, there are two proposals today that need his review and signature. Sister Jiaxi, if you’re going over, could you take them with you?”
Yue Jincheng lived at Tan Mansion, where his medical team was stationed—trusted individuals who had been with him for years. Doctor Ling, who was also familiar with Fu Jiaxi, had been one of the attending physicians when she gave birth to Jia Yi and encountered complications.
When asked about Yue Jincheng’s condition, Doctor Ling first glanced at him.
Yue Jincheng gave him a subtle signal—obviously implying that he should exaggerate the severity of his condition.
Fu Jiaxi listened with growing disbelief, ultimately refusing to believe the exaggerated account.
After the medical staff left, Yue Jincheng lay half-reclined on the bed, wearing loose cotton loungewear. His hair fell naturally over his forehead, lacking his usual air of sophistication, instead appearing frail and sickly.
Fu Jiaxi called him out. “Anyone who doesn’t know better would think something terrible happened. Aren’t you afraid of causing the company’s stock price to plummet?”
Yue Jincheng replied, “I’ll hold my own funeral tomorrow.”
“You’re forcing me to find a stepfather for our son.”
“Make sure you choose carefully. If you don’t, I’ll haunt him even in death.”
Their banter grew increasingly absurd. Finally, Fu Jiaxi softened. “Are you still mad at me?”
“Shouldn’t I be? You used me and then discarded me, slept with me and ran off—I’m not some casual playboy who takes anyone. Even if I were, wouldn’t I at least deserve a few polite compliments afterward?” Yue Jincheng coughed hoarsely, covering his mouth with his fist.
Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but laugh. She poured him a glass of warm water and gently patted his back. “Alright, alright. I was wrong. I’ll make up for it now. Whatever you want to hear, I’ll say.”
Yue Jincheng gazed at her, his eyes like wandering night mist. “Tell me you still love me,” he said.
Fu Jiaxi’s smile froze.
She lowered her head slightly, pretending to look elsewhere. “What’s the point of saying it?”
Yue Jincheng’s voice was raspy, like stones grinding against sandpaper. “True. It wouldn’t make a difference even if we acted on it.”
Fu Jiaxi stood up. “Don’t worry. With how much you talk, you’ll live to be at least 150.”
Instinctively, Yue Jincheng grabbed her hand, gripping it tightly.
Fu Jiaxi said, “I’m not leaving.”
After a few moments of silence, Yue Jincheng slowly loosened his grip, finally hooking his index finger around her pinky.
“We’ll move out. If you don’t want to associate with the Yue family, we won’t. You can do whatever you want and live the life you desire. Everything at home will be up to you—including me.”
Yue Jincheng’s tone was almost humble.
Fu Jiaxi asked, “And who will take care of our son?”
“Me.”
“So you’re saying I should earn money to support the family?”
“I’ll support the family too.” Yue Jincheng finished speaking and broke into another bout of coughing.
Fu Jiaxi felt a pang of guilt. “Rest for a bit. I’m not going anywhere right now, so there’s no need to wear your heart out like this.”
“When I was chasing you back then, I almost resorted to throwing tantrums,” Yue Jincheng sighed dramatically at the perfect moment.
Even after all these years, the memory still made Fu Jiaxi blush. “You still have the nerve to bring that up.”
Yue Jincheng’s gaze lingered on her, his sickly demeanor only adding to his charm. “Why shouldn’t I? Chasing you, marrying you—it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
As he spoke, his tone was natural, calm, and unwavering. The way he looked at her was like a tree in full bloom—wholehearted, unreserved, stretching from the past into the present.
“I want some water,” Yue Jincheng changed the subject, giving her time to think.
Fu Jiaxi added more hot water, then reached out to feel his forehead. “It still feels a bit warm. Have you had your blood tested? Are you on an IV? Why aren’t you staying in the hospital? Besides the fever, do you feel unwell anywhere else?” Her instincts kicked in—she couldn’t help but feel tense at the mention of a fever.
Yue Jincheng covered her cool hand with his palm, soothing her anxiety. “Jiaxi.”
Fu Jiaxi exhaled softly. “Sorry, I…”
Yue Jincheng masked his tenderness. “I’m much better. Just stay with me a little longer.”
She handed him the documents Jiao Rui had brought. Yue Jincheng spent half an hour reviewing them, then attended a video conference. With many participants, lying in bed wouldn’t do. He threw on a knitted cardigan and moved to the study.
The meeting lasted longer than expected. His brows were deeply furrowed as he occasionally jotted notes, and the questions he raised cut straight to the heart of the matter.
Fu Jiaxi refilled his water twice and sat on the nearby sofa, waiting.
From time to time, Yue Jincheng would glance at her.
As if by默契 (unspoken agreement), Fu Jiaxi’s gaze would meet his.
Their connection was light, like small, gentle sparks flickering softly.
It was only during these moments that Yue Jincheng’s expression would relax slightly.
When the video conference finally ended, Yue Jincheng—who had shown remarkable restraint throughout the meeting—began coughing violently, as though his lungs might burst.
Fu Jiaxi quickly fetched a nebulizer for his cough and gently rubbed his shoulders and back to help him catch his breath.
A fine layer of sweat formed on Yue Jincheng’s forehead, and his eyes grew moist from the intensity of the coughing.
Fu Jiaxi sighed. “You should postpone the meeting or let someone else handle it.”
“This meeting involves technical benchmarks and the determination of acceptance standards—it can’t be taken lightly,” Yue Jincheng explained hoarsely after catching his breath. “With billions of yuan in funding and production lines overseas, I can’t afford to be careless.”
“You should stop talking for now—you’re coughing too much,” Fu Jiaxi said, knowing how hard he’d worked to get where he was. “The road forward is always difficult for everyone. We’re all navigating the unknown, feeling our way across the river by touching stones. You’ve already done exceptionally well—for the company and its employees. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Yue Jincheng gripped her hand tighter, pulling her closer to him.
“What about you? Has working at Bofeng met your initial goals? Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Fu Jiaxi thought carefully, her expression calm and composed. “It’s been fine—not boring, quite rewarding, and deeply insightful. I’ve found myself. For now, I suppose I’m… also feeling my way across the river by touching stones.”
Suddenly, Yue Jincheng wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her onto his lap.
Neither of them let go of the other’s hand.
“The stones are too hard—they’ll hurt your hands. Don’t touch the stones; touch my hand instead. I won’t let you split mountains or wade through rivers. I’ll build you the best ship, and wherever you want to go, I’ll take you there,” Yue Jincheng said.
Fu Jiaxi gazed at him closely. From this proximity, she could feel his labored breathing due to his illness and see the faint lines at the corners of his eyes—wrinkles gifted by time.
But his eyes remained deeply affectionate, brimming with emotion whenever they locked onto her.
The feeling of being cherished wholeheartedly washed over her like a torrential downpour, soaking her once-dry heart.
Fu Jiaxi raised her hand and gently brushed the corner of his eye with her fingertip.
“Yue Jincheng, do the words you said before still count?”
“They do.”
“I didn’t even say which ones, and you’re agreeing so readily?”
“I know which ones,” Yue Jincheng tightened his embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck. “I’ll chase you again.”
That specific line had never actually been spoken.
Fu Jiaxi patted his back and smiled. “Alright, then chase me properly… I’ll wait.”
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