◎Who’s more handsome, Dad or Uncle?◎

Fu Jiaxi still hadn’t submitted her sick leave form.

On Monday morning, she punched in to work as usual.

For some reason, with the passage of time, taking a legitimate sick leave now made her feel guilty.

When she arrived at the office, her colleagues were already chatting animatedly. “Good morning, Jiaxi.”

“Morning.”

“Have you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“We’ve got a new leader.” Her colleague’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Young, male, and reportedly poached from Mingxin Securities by the big boss to replace Director Lin.”

“Is he our direct supervisor?”

“Yes.”

Fu Jiaxi remained calm. Whoever it was, the work wouldn’t change, and her ongoing projects would continue as usual.

Soon, an administrative notice announced a meeting at nine o’clock.

Though Changdi Securities was a relatively new company with a small scale, its functional departments were well-structured, and its regulations comprehensive. Among the employees, Fu Jiaxi wasn’t the youngest, but in terms of seniority, she sat in the last row.

Looking at the younger yet outstanding individuals seated in front of her, Fu Jiaxi occasionally drifted into contemplation.

If only back then…

But no, there were no “what ifs” in this world—only futile regrets that brought unnecessary sorrow.

The leaders entered the conference room right on time. Fu Jiaxi was busy replying to messages when a colleague nudged her arm. “Indeed, young and quite handsome.”

Fu Jiaxi finally looked up, and for a few seconds, she thought she had mistaken the person.

After the customary introductions, the new leader began speaking.

“Hello everyone, I’m Qin He. I’m delighted to join Changdi Securities and honored to work alongside all of you, advancing together.”

After speaking, Qin He scanned the room, his gaze resting on each attendee.

His smile was warm, exuding vitality.

When his eyes landed on Fu Jiaxi, they carried an extra flicker of familiarity, like reuniting with an old friend.

Only then did Fu Jiaxi confirm she hadn’t been mistaken.

During her sophomore year, while working on a project, Qin He had been assigned by their professor as her assistant, offering her significant help and forming a strong bond. Later, Qin He pursued graduate studies in Beijing, spent two years abroad, and worked at an investment bank on Wall Street. He was highly regarded and considered one of the top seniors in their batch.

“After going abroad, I was busy with my studies, so we lost touch. When I changed phones and logged back into the group chat later, I found out about your early marriage,” Qin He reminisced during a lunch break.

Fu Jiaxi said, “Senior, don’t feel guilty.”

“Guilty? About what?”

“You didn’t give a wedding red envelope—it’s fine.” Fu Jiaxi joked.

Qin He laughed. “Yes, yes, I was so devastated I couldn’t eat for three days.”

It was clear he was carefully avoiding certain topics.

Fu Jiaxi took the initiative to lighten the mood, laughing as she teased, “No worries. Next time I get married, you can make up for it.”

Qin He responded kindly, “Alright, you deserve an even bigger red envelope.”

Fu Jiaxi maintained a calm demeanor. “Living well every day is more important.”

Qin He sighed. “I truly never expected you to marry so young. Your professional skills were exceptional. The papers and projects you worked on were incredibly forward-thinking. Your performance at that year’s competition in Shenzhen was truly dazzling.”

Fu Jiaxi’s mind wandered momentarily. Those events felt like they belonged to another lifetime.

“Should I raise a toast to thank my leader for recognizing me?” She masked her emotions with a smile, gradually loosening up.

“What leader? I’ll always be your senior.” Their water glasses clinked lightly as Qin He said, “To our friendship and reunion, and to your continued success—sincerely, Junior Fu.”

________________________________________

These two weeks marked a period of excellent morale for Fu Jiaxi.

She was full of energy and optimism about the future.

Aside from their past connection, Qin He was indeed a highly professional collaborator. His international experience broadened Fu Jiaxi’s horizons and filled gaps in her knowledge over the years.

The most pressing task at hand was the bidding for Jinyun Silver Industries, the first major project under Qin He’s leadership since joining the company.

Fu Jiaxi presented her third draft of the tender proposal for discussion, constantly revising and refining her approach.

During the day, she was fully immersed in work. At night, she juggled parenting duties with Yue Jiayi—reading together, helping with homework, responding to accumulated class group messages, and managing household matters like meals, clothing, and daily routines.

Fu Jiaxi was like an engine on the verge of overheating. Yet, when night fell and the house grew quiet, her exhausted body struggled to find peace. Alone in the living room, gazing at the star-like city lights and the bright moon hanging high, she felt aimless and hollow.

________________________________________

Thursday afternoon, the meeting concluded just before the end of the workday.

“Jiaxi,” Qin He called after her.

“Working overtime tonight?” Fu Jiaxi understood immediately. “No problem—I’ll arrange things at home first.”

Qin He lightly tapped his forehead. “I need to reflect.”

“What?” Fu Jiaxi looked up from her documents.

“I’ve already turned into a detestable exploiter.”

Fu Jiaxi chuckled and joked, “Not at all—it’s just my sense of duty as a worker.”

“Prospering through labor is honorable,” Qin He said. “No overtime today. Tomorrow, take a day off. Invite Bai Duo along—we’ll go out and have some fun.”

Fu Jiaxi was surprised, holding her files. “But… we haven’t finished the work yet.”

“In the office, work takes priority, but I’m also your senior,” Qin He smiled warmly. “As your senior, I hope you balance work and rest. Don’t neglect friends and family in life.”

________________________________________

Friday. The amusement park’s foot traffic was steady, and the overall experience was excellent.

Bai Duo brought her boyfriend along, and Fu Jiaxi brought Yue Jiayi, kicking off a relaxing and joyful day.

Bai Duo’s boyfriend, Xiao Zhao, adored children and took meticulous care of Jiayi.

Qin He remarked, “This guy seems nice. Are you two close to tying the knot? Make sure to invite me to the wedding.”

Bai Duo replied, “Don’t worry—I’ll definitely save you a chance to give a red envelope.”

Qin He chuckled. “Still as mischievous as in college.”

Curious, Xiao Zhao asked, “What was she like in college?”

“I want juice,” Bai Duo quickly interjected, sending him off. “Go buy me some.”

Xiao Zhao immediately obeyed, jogging toward the convenience cart adorned with pink heart-shaped balloons.

Once he was out of earshot, Bai Duo shushed Qin He. “Senior, don’t bring up embarrassing stories. I’ll treat you to bubble tea.”

Qin He held up two fingers, feigning seriousness. “Two cups.”

“Deal.”

Qin He glanced at Fu Jiaxi not far away, taking photos of Yue Jiayi. The mother-son duo made a beautiful picture—every snapshot exuded warmth.

“It’s not easy for Jiaxi to raise a child alone,” Qin He said. “What about the father?”

“He’s working in Myanmar.”

“When they separated, didn’t the father fight for custody?”

“He wouldn’t stand a chance,” Bai Duo replied. “Her ex-husband has… deficiencies.”

“Deficiencies? Missing limbs?”

“No, missing common sense.”

Even from miles away, Bai Duo could crush this person into dust beneath her feet. Qin He sighed deeply. “Jiaxi is so outstanding—it’s such a pity she met the wrong person. But at least she cut her losses early, and the road ahead is long. That was just a joke earlier, right? I heard the child’s father is quite accomplished—he runs a business?”

Bai Duo knew where to draw the line when it came to Fu Jiaxi’s private life. Though Qin He’s curiosity was evident, she tactfully steered the conversation elsewhere. “You’re the real standout—companies are fighting over you.”

________________________________________

On Saturday, Fu Jiaxi had to go on a short business trip. Yue Jincheng volunteered to pick up Jiayi.

The car was parked downstairs. When Fu Jiaxi brought her son down, she thanked him. “Thank you.”

Yue Jincheng bristled at the formal politeness. “This isn’t a work handover. He’s our son.”

As he spoke, he bent down to fasten Jiayi’s seatbelt. His voice dropped low, and to Fu Jiaxi, it carried a hint of grievance.

She dismissed it as an illusion and responded flippantly, “Alright, see you.”

Yue Jincheng: “….”

“Bye, Mommy! Have a great day at work—I love you!” Yue Jiayi leaned out of the car window, waving cutely.

Fu Jiaxi, dressed in a crisp white professional outfit, her high heels accentuating her slender legs, turned back in the morning glow. She smiled gracefully yet confidently, blowing a playful kiss. “Thanks, my little lord!”

Yue Jincheng stood rooted to the spot, as if struck by that kiss.

Yue Jiayi cupped his face with both hands. “Isn’t my mommy stunning?”

Yue Jincheng sat back in the driver’s seat, slipping on his sunglasses. “Mm, and who do you think gave you such a beautiful mommy?”

“Daddy—you did!” Yue Jiayi chirped brightly.

Yue Jincheng curved his lips slightly, discussing their plans for the day. “We’ll visit Grandma first, have lunch at Man Yuan, and then go to the amusement park in the afternoon. How does that sound?”

“I don’t want to go to the amusement park—I already went yesterday.”

Yue Jincheng lightly tapped the brakes. “Yesterday? Did Mommy take you?”

“And Dodo Sister, Brother Xiao Zhao, and Uncle Qin.” Yue Jiayi recounted enthusiastically. “Dodo Sister bought me lots of snacks.”

“It’s Auntie Dodo,” Yue Jincheng corrected sternly. He disliked how Bai Duo tricked kids into calling her “Sister.”

“But she’s just a young sister!” Yue Jiayi sweetly countered, his high emotional intelligence securing his status as a charming little heir.

Yue Jincheng drove silently for a while before casually bringing it up. “Who’s this Uncle Qin?”

“He’s Mommy’s college classmate.” Yue Jiayi eagerly shared, “Uncle Qin is really nice. He helped us queue up, bought souvenirs, and even opened bottles for Mommy. Just like you, Daddy—he’s very gentlemanly.”

Two deep grooves appeared on the steering wheel’s leather surface, pressed hard by Yue Jincheng’s fingers. “And what else?”

“I wanted to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but Mommy said it was dangerous. But Uncle Qin was so kind—he didn’t ride either. Instead, he picked me up and spun me around, saying ‘Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!’ It felt like a manual roller coaster!”

Yue Jiayi vividly recounted the scene.

The grooves on the steering wheel didn’t bounce back—they were now deeply embedded.

After lunch at Man Yuan, Zhou Xiaojun invited Yue Jincheng into the Buddha hall to listen to sutras.

Yue Jincheng was distracted, frequently checking his phone.

Zhou Xiaojun tapped him lightly on the forehead with her wooden mallet. “You—you’re becoming more and more unfocused. Even Buddha can’t purify your mind anymore.”

Yue Jincheng’s heart remained calm, like still water, without a ripple.

If there were gods, why would he lose certain people and things?

If the gods were unkind, why bother seeking their favor?

He naturally didn’t dare voice these thoughts aloud; otherwise, it wouldn’t just be a light tap on the forehead.

Zhou Xiaojun muttered prayers while fingering her prayer beads, waving her hand dismissively. “Go, go, go. Don’t upset the Bodhisattva.”

Yue Jincheng stepped into the orchard, where Yue Jiayi was picking yellow peaches with Butler Zhou.

“Daddy!” Yue Jiayi ran over, presenting a fresh peach. “The biggest one is for you!”

Yue Jincheng squatted down, rolling up his trouser cuffs to reveal a narrow ankle.

Without hesitation, he bit into the peach Jiayi offered. “It’s sweet.”

Yue Jiayi’s eyes crinkled like a bright crescent moon, mirroring Fu Jiaxi’s smile.

“Are you happy?” Yue Jincheng wiped the fine sweat from his son’s forehead.

“Happy!”

“Were you happier at the amusement park yesterday or today?”

“Both!”

“Do you want to go again next time?”

“Yes!”

Yue Jincheng probed further. “Would you rather go with Daddy, Brother Xiao Zhao, or Uncle Qin?”

“Daddy—you!” Yue Jiayi answered firmly, without hesitation.

“Good boy.” Yue Jincheng felt slightly reassured. “Is Uncle Qin young? Did he get along well with Mommy? What was he wearing?”

“Young. Yes. And…” Yue Jiayi thought for a moment. “He wore something like Daddy’s white jacket.”

Yue Jincheng pursed his lips, pausing to glance at his own clothes, suddenly feeling dissatisfied.

“So, who’s more handsome—Uncle Qin or Daddy?”

Yue Jiayi gave a very diplomatic answer: “Both are okay, I guess.”

“…”

Yue Jincheng wasn’t satisfied with those five words. “Come here. Let Daddy hold you.”

Yue Jiayi looked at him with clear eyes, confused.

Yue Jincheng explained, “Hold tight to Daddy. Daddy can also play roller coasters with you. See, like this?”

Whoosh.

Whoosh, whoosh…

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~~

Yue Jiayi was bewildered. “D-Daddy, slow down! I-I’m feeling dizzy…”

________________________________________

Fu Jiaxi returned home at five o’clock. Yue Jincheng promptly delivered Jiayi back on time.

At seven in the evening, there was a banquet. Secretary Jiao had already prepared the suit, tie, and shoes Yue Jincheng needed to change into, waiting for him at the venue.

Shedding his casual attire and donning formal wear, Yue Jincheng’s tall, lean figure and narrow waist were strikingly upright.

As they entered the club, Secretary Jiao meticulously briefed him on the attendees, showcasing his professionalism. Finally, he added a special reminder: “Ms. Guan will also be present. She’ll likely discuss overseas market trends for lead and zinc with you.”

Yue Jincheng wore an impeccably polished mask, adept at navigating social situations, laughing and chatting effortlessly.

Midway through the event, Secretary Jiao hurried over, interrupting urgently. “President Yue, it’s a call from Jiaxi.”

Yue Jincheng immediately stopped smiling, handing his wine glass to Jiao. He quickly made his way to the garden outside the banquet hall. “Jiaxi?”

Fu Jiaxi’s voice was weary and subdued. “Jiayi has a fever. I can’t handle it alone. Can you come to the hospital?”

“Don’t panic. I’ll be there right away. Which hospital?”

Yue Jincheng strode briskly toward the exit, already unbuttoning his suit jacket and loosening his vest straps to prepare for driving.

“Don’t drive.”

“What?”

Fu Jiaxi’s tone was calm yet icy. “Take the roller coaster.”