◎Yue Jincheng lifted her from the bed.◎

Yue Jincheng closed the car window.

The warmth that had accumulated throughout the day was wiped away cleanly by those few words.

Back at the group headquarters, entering his office, Yue Jincheng took off his coat and tossed it onto the desk along with his car keys. Neatly arranged on the desk were over ten documents awaiting his signature the next day—a testament to Secretary Jiao’s diligence and meticulousness.

But Yue Jincheng carelessly gathered them into a messy pile that looked irritating to the eye.

What was wrong with Jiao Rui? Even after work hours, didn’t he let the boss rest?

Baifeng Tower stood overlooking the Min River, offering the best view of the city’s nightscapes. The shimmering lights and picturesque scenery flattered the heart of Jin City.

The Guan family had long-standing ties with the Yue family, both originating from Hong Kong. Their paths to prosperity overlapped significantly, and through generations of accumulation, the two families maintained close relationships in both business and personal matters.

After Hong Kong’s return to China, the Yue family shifted their focus entirely to Jin City, diversifying into various industries and thriving in every field. However, the Guan family remained entrenched in their old territory. Changes in politics and economics left them far behind the flourishing state of Baifeng Group.

Fortunately, the Guan family was smart. Unable to compete in business, they relied on emotional connections to maintain their bond. Business transactions might have dwindled, but their friendship with the Yue family remained strong.

Guan Yeqin had gone to the U.S. for further studies two years ago. It was only through his cousin Yue Mingxin’s mention that Yue Jincheng learned she was returning to the country.

This time, Guan Yeqin would likely take over the family business officially.

To be fair, with her tactful and versatile personality, she was undoubtedly a hundred times better than the mediocre son of the Guan family.

Just as he thought this, Guan Yeqin called.

Her opening line was an apology. “Sorry, Brother Jincheng. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about Jiaxi earlier. My words were inappropriate—please don’t take offense.”

Changing her tone and lowering her stance, if Yue Jincheng remained cold, it would seem ungentlemanly.

But addressing the matter directly, Yue Jincheng said, “You don’t need to probe me. If you want to know something, you can ask outright.”

Guan Yeqin humbly accepted the correction. “It was my oversight that upset you.”

Yue Jincheng corrected her again. “It’s not me you offended—it’s her.”

Guan Yeqin probably hadn’t expected that Yue Jincheng still protected Fu Jiaxi so fiercely.

Switching tactics, she sympathized along with his words. “I just returned to the country and got too excited seeing old friends—I didn’t pay attention to propriety. It’s true; Jiaxi has it tough living alone. I heard she’s back at work now? That’s impressive—balancing raising a child and working hard. Unlike me, who’s solely focused on my career without considering her struggles.”

Yue Jincheng swiveled his leather chair to face the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city’s night view. Calmly, he replied, “You don’t need to put yourself in her shoes. No one can replace her position. Whether she works or not is her choice. Her not working in the past doesn’t mean she lacked the ability. Now that she’s working again, she’ll undoubtedly be no less capable than anyone else.”

Guan Yeqin echoed lightly, “Right. I forgot Jiaxi also graduated from a prestigious university and is highly capable of earning money.”

If she truly forgot, why bring it up now?

Yue Jincheng ignored her clumsy rhetoric and ended the call.

A ferry crossed the river, and the reflections of the lights on both banks suddenly shifted, changing from fiery red to icy blue.

Yue Jincheng’s thoughts sank like the ferry.

Guan Yeqin’s words carried ulterior motives, but they were nonetheless factual.

That year, when Yue Jincheng started “Ducheng,” he emptied all his savings, struggling to cover expenses everywhere. Though nominally the boss, he did everything himself—even handing out flyers on the streets.

However, his appearance and height made him stand out awkwardly. People avoided taking his flyers, fearing some new scam.

Under the blazing sun, Yue Jincheng stood firm like a pine tree, feeling deeply frustrated. He bought a bottle of chilled mineral water and squatted by the roadside to reflect.

Laughter rang out behind him, clear and tinkling like silver bells.

Yue Jincheng still remembered turning his head and seeing Fu Jiaxi for the first time. She wore a bright yellow sweater—a color that didn’t suit her complexion but somehow made her look like a radiant little sun.

After laughing, Fu Jiaxi tilted her chin toward him. “If I finish distributing these flyers for you, how much will you pay me?”

Yue Jincheng asked, “Have you been observing me?”

“No, I wasn’t watching you. I was just looking at the street scene and thought you could use some help.”

“Helping others and talking about payment?” Yue Jincheng chuckled.

“You pay, I work.”

“If I’m paying, I have many options.”

Fu Jiaxi tapped her hand methodically and explained, “It’s 1:30 p.m. now. University students are on lunch break and classes resume at 2:30. If you go find someone else, it’ll waste at least three hours—not just in time but also opportunity costs. Hire me, and I can start working right now.”

Yue Jincheng watched her smile and nodded while laughing. “Alright, 200 yuan. Help me distribute these flyers.”

As it turned out, approachability and charisma were incredibly important in everyday life.

Fu Jiaxi was sweet-tongued, diligent, and greeted everyone with fresh, lively smiles. Each flyer seemed to find its owner effortlessly.

Finally, Fu Jiaxi took the 200-yuan reward and thanked him cheerfully. “Thank you, boss. Wishing you prosperity!”

Yue Jincheng smiled back. “Thanks for your kind words. Are you a student at Ming University?”

“Not for long,” Fu Jiaxi replied. “I graduate next month.”

“Then let’s add each other on WeChat. We can collaborate on future part-time jobs.”

Fu Jiaxi responded seriously, “My schedule is quite full.”

“Alright, I’ll book you in advance.”

She didn’t respond verbally but playfully winked instead.

Yue Jincheng understood implicitly. “I’ll pay more.”

“Deal!”

Tian Lin often said that Fu Jiaxi’s words were like a blessing—miraculously effective.

That phrase, “Boss, wishing you prosperity,” seemed to act as a protective charm. After being with her, Yue Jincheng indeed soared like a rocket, reaching great heights.

Back then, Fu Jiaxi was full of spirit. “Do you have any wishes you want to fulfill? You can pray to me—just make sure to kowtow loudly.”

Tian Lin was furious, pointing at Yue Jincheng. “You, you, it’s all because of you spoiling her!”

Yue Jincheng laughed heartily, but when he looked at Fu Jiaxi, his eyes were as deep and vast as the ocean.

During their peak times, everyone praised them.

But only he knew that this girl had walked through the mud and rain with him.

Now they saw the rainbow.

Yue Jincheng couldn’t forget those days and nights when Fu Jiaxi had endured so much rain with him.

Later… later.

Yue Jincheng didn’t want to recall those memories. Frustrated, he grabbed the Parker pen on the desk and slammed it down in anger.

When things were good, they were truly wonderful.

But when they hurt, they cut deeply.

Especially when Fu Jiaxi pointed at him, half-threatening and half-cursing: “Divorce! If you dare not divorce, you’ll go bankrupt tomorrow!”

Even then, Yue Jincheng hadn’t budged.

The harshest retaliation he could muster was a red-eyed retort: “Fu Jiaxi, if I ever meddle in your affairs again, my name will be written backward!”

The vibration of his phone pulled Yue Jincheng out of his memories.

Recognizing the caller, he quickly answered. “Jiayi?”

Yue Jiayi’s voice trembled with tears. “Dad, waaah, Mom is in the hospital.”

________________________________________

City First Hospital, Emergency Room

The nurse changed the medication and administered a new dose. Fu Jiaxi closed her eyes as the dizziness slightly eased, allowing her to open them again.

Yue Jincheng asked every detail. “What is this medicine?”

“Betahistine, it dilates blood vessels and alleviates her discomfort,” the nurse explained. “Take the capsules and oral solution again after three hours.”

Fu Jiaxi, weak and exhausted, murmured, “It’s late. You should go home.”

Yue Jincheng shot her a glance. “In this state, and you’re still trying to be tough?”

With the last of her strength, Fu Jiaxi weakly rebutted, “Arguing now would be taking advantage of someone in distress—not very gentlemanly.”

Yue Jincheng slowed the IV drip rate and conceded. “Alright, tonight I’ll be a gentleman.”

Fu Jiaxi curved her lips slightly, then suddenly looked at him.

Understanding her concern, Yue Jincheng reassured her. “Jiao Rui is with Jiayi, telling him two bedtime stories. Our son is already asleep. Tomorrow, Jiao Rui will personally take him to school.”

Relieved, Fu Jiaxi said, “Thank you, Secretary Jiao.”

Yue Jincheng frowned. “Don’t thank others for helping. Work isn’t everything—your health matters. Don’t you know how long it’s been since your vertigo last flared up?”

His words, like a monk chanting sutras, made Fu Jiaxi feel a tinge of guilt.

Fortunately, her sickly appearance masked it, and she pretended to lack the energy to talk.

Vertigo was a sudden condition. That night, after returning home and working overtime to revise a proposal, she stood up only to feel the world spinning and a buzzing in her ears.

Enduring the discomfort, she called Yue Jiayi over and softly told him, “Mommy isn’t feeling well. I’ve called 120. Soon you’ll see the ambulance you like. Don’t be scared; go with the doctors. Mommy will get an IV and be fine soon.”

--- When Yue Jiayi recounted these words, Yue Jincheng felt both anger and heartache.

Vertigo caused vomiting, blurred vision, and an inability to sit up—only lying down helped, leaving one feeling helpless.

Fu Jiaxi had experienced it once years ago. Back then, she clung to his neck like a cat, crying and whimpering adorably. “Yue Jincheng, hold me tighter.”

The warmth of that embrace still lingered in his memory.

But now, when facing him, Fu Jiaxi only offered a light, dismissive “It’s late; you should go home.”

Yue Jincheng felt stifled and turned to leave the ward.

He went to the smoking area, lit a cigarette in frustration, and waited for the smoke smell to dissipate before returning to the ward.

Fu Jiaxi was startled. “Why are you back? Did you forget your car keys?”

“…”

Yue Jincheng decided to sit down. “Yeah, the car key broke. The car won’t start.”

“Call the driver.”

“Baifeng Group also values humanistic care.” He glanced at his watch—it was 1:30 a.m.

Fu Jiaxi saw through his excuse but didn’t call him out. His secretary, driver, and bodyguards were always on standby 24/7. Even during late-night overtime sessions until 3 or 4 a.m., the driver remained dutifully waiting downstairs.

Fine, let him stay if he wanted.

With the medication, the symptoms came fast and went just as quickly. Fu Jiaxi was feeling better now.

“Perfect timing. I have a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

Yue Jincheng couldn’t believe it. “Are you seriously still thinking about work right now?”

“Shouldn’t cost and asset return calculations compare against historical data? Would including that in the proposal be too cumbersome?” Propping herself up on her elbows to face him, Fu Jiaxi appeared weak, but her gaze was focused.

Yue Jincheng frowned. “You’re sick.”

“I’m just dizzy; it doesn’t affect my ability to speak.”

“I’m not the bidding party—I can’t answer that.”

Fu Jiaxi persisted. “How are you not? You’re the largest bidder in Yunjin City. Have some confidence.”

Yue Jincheng wanted to laugh. It wasn’t flattery, but it sounded pleasant.

Fu Jiaxi thought he was about to argue and sighed. “I don’t have the energy right now. Can we argue another day?”

Just as he wished, Yue Jincheng approached the bedside and tucked the blanket around her more securely. “Alright, save your strength. We’ll argue tomorrow.”

Fu Jiaxi closed her eyes, letting the IV drip serve as a timer.

Yue Jincheng sat back on the sofa, preparing to rough it out for the night.

Suddenly, Fu Jiaxi opened her eyes again. “If I rest well now, can you give me some guidance tomorrow?”

Yue Jincheng was speechless. “Were you pretending to sleep?”

Fu Jiaxi didn’t respond.

Yue Jincheng sighed, exasperated by her many layers of thought.

“You need to sleep properly. Really sleep.”

Fu Jiaxi immediately closed her eyes, extending her right hand out of the blanket to flash an OK sign.

Silence reigned for half an hour, and even Yue Jincheng was about to drift off when he suddenly heard a sound.

He opened his eyes and immediately stopped her. “What are you doing?”

Fu Jiaxi was struggling to sit up.

She looked embarrassed. “I wasn’t pretending to sleep… I wanted to… use the restroom.”

Yue Jincheng fell silent.

Fu Jiaxi felt lightheaded and unsteady, needing support. “Can you help me call a doctor?”

Yue Jincheng replied, “The on-duty doctor tonight is male.”

“Then call a caregiver.”

“Where am I supposed to find a caregiver at this hour?”

After much deliberation, Fu Jiaxi decided, “Call the nurse. Asking them for help will be the fastest.”

Before she finished speaking, Yue Jincheng was already at her bedside. Before she could react, her body suddenly lifted off the bed—he had swept her into his arms.

“Am I invisible?” He looked down, calm and collected. “This is the fastest way.”