#60: Choices

◎It’s Jiaxi’s resignation application.◎

Mrs. Yue.

Mr. Fu.

Fu Jiaxi was amused by him, pinching his cheek lightly. “You really came up with that.”

Yue Jincheng had excellent bone structure—his face wasn’t overly fleshy, the skin fitting snugly against his bones, with smooth lines. His high nose bridge was the most striking feature of his face, making his eyes appear mesmerizing and deep. Whenever he gazed intently, it felt like being pulled into the depths of the ocean or standing on the edge of a cliff—impossible to escape.

Unable to resist, Fu Jiaxi wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Isn’t this good?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” Yue Jincheng’s fingers moved gently, as if playing a piano, perfectly balanced in pressure and rhythm.

From her collarbone, to her side, and finally resting on her thigh.

“Doesn’t this kind of massage feel good?”

A double entendre, and also a counter-question.

Fu Jiaxi tilted her head back slightly, surrendering to the moment. “Take off your belt—it’s poking me.”

The last string of Yue Jincheng’s self-control snapped. He wanted to laugh—he hadn’t even gotten an answer yet, but he’d already lost control.

Fu Jiaxi turned her back to him.

It was a scene Yue Jincheng adored endlessly.

Behind her, he conquered new territories, and at the same time, returned home like a weary bird to its nest.

“How well do you know the cat Yu Yanqing keeps?”

“Hmm?” Fu Jiaxi’s breathing grew uneven under his rhythm. “You mean Orange Juice?”

“Have you ever heard how it meows?”

Fu Jiaxi was baffled.

Suddenly, the movements behind her became intense, like a sudden downpour, fierce and electrifying.

Fu Jiaxi parted her lips, fragmented sounds spilling out.

Yue Jincheng innocently remarked, “Oh, so that’s how it meows. It’s quite pleasant.”

Fu Jiaxi was overwhelmed with embarrassment, unable to dwell on it too much.

Bringing up cats, especially Yu Yanqing’s cat, was probably another bout of jealousy.

Body and soul resonated.

In the end, Fu Jiaxi clutched his arm tightly, her mind bursting with chaotic fireworks.

Her heart raced, and she repeated softly, “…Isn’t this good?”

Seize the moment, don’t ask about tomorrow.

Yue Jincheng didn’t understand the deeper meaning of her words but found himself helpless against her, half-teasing, half-complying. “If you say it’s good, then it’s good.”

The two of them lived this way for a long time.

Yue Jiayi was sent to Man Yuan, supposedly to keep his grandmother company. Their world for two was rich and colorful—watching movies, dating, playing pool. Fu Jiaxi even took him to a cat café, where amidst a sea of soft, adorable creatures, Yue Jincheng, dressed in a suit, played with a cat in his arms—a striking contrast.

Fu Jiaxi snapped a photo.

Yue Jincheng held a British Shorthair, smiling as he looked down.

He was pleased with it and had her send it over.

Not long after, while scrolling through her social media feed, Fu Jiaxi saw that he had posted the photo as a status update.

Yue Jincheng’s WeChat permissions were usually open, but there was rarely anything to see because he never posted anything.

Today was an exception. Friends on his list thought they were seeing things.

The post received a flood of comments and likes, and Fu Jiaxi could see messages from their mutual friends.

Secretary Jiao: I knew my decision to join Bofeng right after graduation was the right one!

Yue Mingxin: Just thinking that such a handsome and elegant man is my big brother makes me want to buy four bags immediately.

Bai Duo: That poor kitty, being held by you.

Yu Yanqing gave it a like.

Fu Jiaxi chuckled at this. This side of Yue Jincheng was wonderful, and she loved it because it radiated lively, vibrant energy.

She was just about to like the post herself.

“Wait a bit before liking it,” Yue Jincheng said calmly.

Fu Jiaxi didn’t understand why.

He certainly wouldn’t tell her that if she liked it now, her profile picture and name would be right next to Yu Yanqing’s.

Annoying. He didn’t want that.

That night, the two of them were affectionate at home, like they were back in the early days of their romance. She was sweet, he was wild—the passion he felt for her hadn’t cooled in all these years.

Yue Jincheng loved kissing her abdomen the most.

Below her navel, her waistline was slender, like a delicate porcelain vase. When Fu Jiaxi gave birth to Jiayi, it was via a cesarean section. Even with cosmetic suturing and skilled doctors, there was still a scar.

Fu Jiaxi instinctively tried to hide it, as if the imperfection of her body was something she didn’t want anyone to see.

But Yue Jincheng cherished kissing that scar the most.

Devoutly, slowly, sincerely.

Fu Jiaxi protested every time. “Don’t… it doesn’t look good.”

“It looks good,” Yue Jincheng said. “It’s a medal of honor.”

They lived like gods for about a month, indulging in decadence, almost neglecting their duties. Liu Yun, newly appointed as the head of the trading department, was running around tirelessly. Meanwhile, Fu Jiaxi was slacking off, leaving work on time without hesitation. He couldn’t complain, though, because Yue Jincheng was even more eager, waiting outside the group headquarters every time.

Fu Jiaxi advised him to relax. Liu Yun, exasperated, said, “If you don’t help, how can I possibly relax?”

Fu Jiaxi suggested, “Leader Liu, why don’t you post a recruitment notice? Later, I’ll accompany you to job fairs at various universities. In a few years, you’ll have students and apprentices everywhere.”

Liu Yun snorted. Such nonsense.

However, recruiting new talent was indeed necessary. A brand-new department couldn’t rely solely on the two of them.

Fu Jiaxi was particularly attentive to this matter. She communicated with HR, set salary levels for benchmark positions, and restructured the incentive system with more detailed tiers.

She personally printed and organized resumes, overseeing everything from written tests to interviews.

Sometimes, Liu Yun had a fleeting illusion.

Fu Jiaxi seemed like she was spreading her wings, ready to fly away at any moment.

But he quickly shook his head and dismissed the thought. She and Yue Jincheng were inseparable, their relationship stronger than ever. How could she possibly leave?

Under her careful supervision, the new employees joining the trading department were of high caliber. Like a powerful ship, they set sail confidently.

This summer, Fu Jiaxi’s life and work pace became more flexible. She faced every market fluctuation with composure, whether it was rising, falling, profit, or loss—she remained steady.

Bofeng Group’s recent hedging strategies had been highly successful. Moreover, they weren’t limited to themselves—they also began collaborating with banks and institutions, accepting entrusted trades, and exploring new profit channels.

On a summer evening, fiery clouds painted the sky, bright and vivid, stirring emotions in those who watched.

As she got out of the car, Fu Jiaxi leaned against the door, took off her sunglasses, and quietly admired the view for a long time before picking up her things and stepping forward.

Yu Yanqing opened the door and took the cat food she handed over. “So much?”

“It was on sale—quite a bargain.”

Orange Juice was curled up on Fu Jiaxi’s slipper, its plump body squeezed tight like a big meat pie.

Fu Jiaxi bent down to pick it up, scratching its chubby face. “Is this how you treat guests? No wonder you can’t find a girlfriend.”

Yu Yanqing suddenly looked up, utterly speechless.

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it as a double entendre.”

Yu Yanqing wore a plain white T-shirt with no extra patterns. His hair had just been washed, soft and casual, slightly damp and messy, unstyled—a lazy, cat-like appearance.

“What shampoo do you use? It smells really nice.”

“I’m not telling you.”

“Cheapskate.”

Fu Jiaxi first discussed work matters, handing over the relevant reports, analysis materials, and every single trade record from the previous quarter.

“Leader Liu thinks that summer market activity tends to be more volatile, so we should start considering the fourth-quarter hedging plan.”

Yu Yanqing said, “Entering now to lock in your spot market profits is indeed a good timing.” His finger pointed to a line in the trade records. “Who made this trade?”

“Hmm?” Fu Jiaxi glanced at the date. “Xiao Fu, a newly hired trader. He used to be a researcher at Yuanzheng Futures.”

“Decisive moves, excellent timing control.” Yu Yanqing rarely gave praise.

“Liu Zu also likes this young man. Great minds think alike.”

“Train him well.”

Yu Yanqing set the materials aside to review later.

Orange Juice nestled next to Fu Jiaxi, sleeping soundly on her shoe.

“You sure know how to pick your spots,” Fu Jiaxi scooped it onto her lap and stroked its fur. “There’s one more thing—your contract is about to expire. Liu Zu asked me to inquire about your thoughts.”

Yu Yanqing: “What do you hope I’ll decide?”

Fu Jiaxi: “Haven’t thought about it.”

He smiled. “Not even a word of persuasion?”

“If I say something, will you stay?”

Yu Yanqing looked into her eyes for a moment, his smile deepening. “Maybe.”

After sitting for a while, Fu Jiaxi prepared to leave.

Before she left, she brought up another matter. “By the way, the lease on this house is almost up. Xiao Zhao was too afraid to ask—are you planning to renew it?”

Yu Yanqing chuckled, indirectly asking the same question.

On the way back, Yue Jincheng sent her a message saying he had bought some spot prawns for dinner.

Fu Jiaxi stopped by the supermarket on the way and picked up some green onions and ginger.

Yue Jincheng arrived faster than her and was already in the kitchen preparing the shrimp.

“Not being the president anymore, now cooking?” Fu Jiaxi leaned against the doorway, teasing. “Hurry up—I’m hungry.”

Yue Jincheng wasn’t clueless about life. A child who hadn’t been loved by his father or family had learned self-reliance early, excelling in both Chinese and Western cuisine.

Now, without his suit, his dark shirt fit snugly, tucked neatly into his trousers, accentuating his waist-to-hip ratio pleasingly.②

“If you’re hungry, eat something else,” Yue Jincheng turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto her, irresistibly flirtatious.

Fu Jiaxi recalled their recent nights when he had been making double entendres.

Even cooking, he couldn’t be serious.

Yue Jincheng skillfully sliced the shrimp.

“Your hands are so skilled,” Fu Jiaxi praised sincerely.

“They sure are,” Yue Jincheng said softly with a laugh. “You said the same thing the other night.”

“...”

Here we go again.

Fu Jiaxi walked over, tugged at his apron strings forcefully, and protested angrily, “That’s going too far.” She leaned in close to admire his knife skills.

“The shrimp looks great, fresh and plump.”

“Mm, Sister Yao got them—I even haggled a bit.”

“You haggled?”

“Yeah, original price was 330 per jin; I bargained it down to 328.5. She only had four jin, and I bought them all.”

“Oh.”

Wait.

A sudden realization struck Fu Jiaxi. “Total 1314?”

Yue Jincheng: “Mm.”

Fu Jiaxi pursed her lips and laughed heartily. “Alright, then let’s split it half-and-half.”

One lifetime, one world, one pair.

That evening, they watched a movie, cuddling closely, naturally leading to what followed. Fu Jiaxi deeply suspected that Yue Jincheng didn’t really want to watch the movie but rather used the volume to muffle their moans.

Fu Jiaxi felt her blood rush backward—she’d never seen such a vocal man.

Taking a brief pause, Fu Jiaxi panted and asked, “When are you bringing our son back? The little guy has quite a temper—he even video-called me today, saying he wants to lock Daddy in a dark room.”

Yue Jincheng played with a strand of her hair, nonchalantly replying, “He’s doing fine at Man Yuan. Bringing him back would only disturb Mommy and Daddy from eating shrimp.”

Fu Jiaxi couldn’t stand his frivolity and pinched his arm.

Yue Jincheng winced in pain, relenting. “I’ll talk to him later, I’m sure he won’t cause trouble anymore.”

“So confident?”

“Mm.” Yue Jincheng lightly raised an eyelid. “I’ll tell him Mommy and Daddy are having a baby sister.”

Fu Jiaxi kicked him. “Go away.”

Yue Jincheng caught her ankle, squeezing it gently, wincing. “Murdering your husband?”

“Ex-husband.”

Yue Jincheng sighed helplessly, embracing her from behind. “The trial period has been long enough. When do you plan to remarry me?”

Fu Jiaxi didn’t move or answer.

“I spend all day accompanying you, can’t you pity me?” Yue Jincheng was like a wagging-tail dog, shedding his image burdens, begging relentlessly for an answer.

Fu Jiaxi hooked her arms around his neck, initiating a kiss.

With fervor returning to the forefront, how could she spare any thought for demands and answers, surrendering to the ultimate bliss?

Fu Jiaxi opened a treasure box and saw helplessness and pleading in his eyes.

She suddenly felt fulfilled, along with a sense of indescribable achievement.

Love isn’t limited to the soul; physical resonance transcends gender.

“Why the silent treatment now?” Her voice was hoarse as she analyzed aloud, “Seems like it’s not enough yet.”

With that, she repeated herself.

Yue Jincheng’s arm muscles bulged as he clutched the blanket tightly.

In the lingering wind of the night, there was a delusional feeling of eternity.

During this time, Yue Jincheng had been spoiled and tamed by Fu Jiaxi.

Every time the topic of “remarriage” surfaced, Fu Jiaxi always found ways to silence him.

—

This summer was intense, vivid, like a hot pot, full of life and flavor.

Liu Yun was now Minister Liu, but Fu Jiaxi still called him Liu Zu.

The group’s hedging trading business gradually matured and improved, maintaining good communication with the Futures Association and the CSRC. They were even invited to speak as an outstanding enterprise representative at various exchange meetings.

Liu Yun declined.

In his words, this business was just starting. Success for a year or two didn’t mean real success. He objectively evaluated that Yu Yanqing deserved significant credit.

If Yu Yanqing were to leave for a new job, could they maintain their excellence?

Therefore, staying focused, doing practical work, improving oneself, and leading the team well were the most important tasks now.

Throughout the year, Liu Yun and Fu Jiaxi spent enormous energy on talent cultivation. Whenever there were lectures or training sessions, they spared no effort or cost to send their people.

Several days of continuous sunshine heralded the approaching cold wave, with strong winds sweeping away the last batch of dry leaves.

This year, Jin City was experiencing a cold winter, and the first cold wave brought snow.

Year-end wrap-up was underway, and Yue Jincheng was extremely busy.

Each subsidiary’s annual meeting extended invitations, and unlike previous years, this year each came with two gifts—one for Yue Jiayi and another for Fu Jiaxi.

Madam Yue was already a poorly kept secret, known to all.

Yue Jincheng had grievances he couldn’t express.

He wanted to formalize their relationship, but the beauty showed no intention.

After attending an awards ceremony in Shenzhen and returning to the company for a meeting, Fu Jiaxi also attended, seated further back according to rank. Yue Jincheng’s gaze fell on her, and Fu Jiaxi mischievously winked.

Yue Jincheng couldn’t help but smile.

Well, now he could only see her at meetings.

Projects and work were mostly wrapped up—it was the most relaxed time of the year. With less on their hands, the festive atmosphere of the upcoming New Year began to beckon.

However, Fu Jiaxi was still quite busy.

Organizing reports, summarizing, and categorizing her research commentaries and trading plans, Fu Jiaxi compressed them into separate files. The items on her desk were also simplified. When Yu Xiaomi came over to deliver snacks, she noticed curiously, “Oh, Jiaxi, where are the two succulent plants on your desk?”

“Oh, I moved them over there.”

A colleague raised her hand. “Jiaxi gave them to me.”

When Fu Jiaxi went to report her work, she spoke more than usual, occasionally emphasizing tasks that weren’t yet completed and needed close monitoring in the future.

Liu Yun responded, “Just go ahead and handle it.”

“Let Fu Yan monitor with me. I’ve already taken him through some parts—he’s a quick learner, meticulous and steady. He’ll be fine.” Fu Jiaxi said, “For future meetings and training sessions, consider bringing him along. He will become your capable assistant.”

Liu Yun felt quite reassured.

“Oh, by the way,” he asked, “Is there any chance of persuading Yu Yanqing to stay? Compensation, profit-sharing methods, service terms—all of these can be renegotiated. Bofeng sincerely hopes for a long-term collaboration with him.”

Fu Jiaxi shook her head. “It’s unlikely. Once he makes a decision, he won’t change his mind.”

Liu Yun understood this person well and sighed with emotion. “He has helped us so much along the way. In the future, we’ll have to rely on ourselves.”

Fu Jiaxi smiled and said, “Leader Liu, having you here is truly Bofeng’s blessing.”

As they chatted, Liu Yun logged into his email and suddenly exclaimed, “You sent me so many things?”

“Mm. All my work materials from the past two years at Bofeng have been categorized and compressed. Please download and save them. Of course, if anything is missing, feel free to contact me anytime.”

Liu Yun looked puzzled.

A few seconds later, his eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at her. “You... you...”

________________________________________

Another snowfall occurred in the morning. The first snow hadn’t completely melted when it was covered by fresh snow.

After finishing a meeting at the Commerce Bureau, Yue Jincheng returned to the group. Snow had soaked the shoulders of his overcoat, and he carried the chill with him. As he entered the office, Jiao Rui looked panicked, wanting to say something but hesitating.

“Something wrong?” Yue Jincheng asked calmly, taking off his overcoat.

“President Yue, here are two resignation letters. One is Yu Yanqing’s notice of contract termination.” Jiao Rui’s voice trembled slightly, lacking its usual calmness.

Yue Jincheng wasn’t surprised—Yu Yanqing would surely leave.

“And the other one?” he asked.

Jiao Rui’s voice grew softer. “It’s... it’s Jiaxi’s... resignation application.”