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In the early hours of the morning, it began to snow.
Yu Qing didn’t have any thick clothes at Yu Jingze’s place, so she wrapped herself in one of his new down jackets. She sat on the terrace drinking a beverage and watching the snowflakes drift lazily through the air.
The lights in the windows of the opposite building went out one by one.
“Still not sleeping?” Yu Jingze came over to urge her.
“It’s Saturday tomorrow; no need to wake up early. Why go to bed so early?” Yu Qing went inside and brought out a tall glass, pouring the remaining half of the drink into it for Yu Jingze.
Yu Jingze took a small sip. A few-yuan bottle of drink, poured into this glass, felt like drinking something worth thousands of yuan.
Yu Qing raised her own glass and clinked it with his. “Let’s celebrate our reunion as siblings on this cold snowy night. Here’s to the great bond of family.”
Yu Jingze turned around, leaning back against the railing. “Why talk so prettily? Just say thank you for taking you in.”
“…” Yu Qing choked on her drink and turned her face to cough a few times.
Yu Jingze leaned forward and pulled a few tissues from the wooden table in front of them, handing them to her.
Yu Qing was still laughing. “Yu Jingze, do you know how much of a buzzkill you are? You have absolutely no sense of humor in life.”
“You think everyone is Fu Jichen, racking their brains to find jokes to entertain you.”
Yu Jingze didn’t particularly dislike Fu Jichen, nor did he have any strong feelings towards him.
However, in indulging Yu Qing, Fu Jichen had earned some points.
Speaking of Fu Jichen, Yu Qing sighed.
She rubbed her red nose, which was chilled by the cold. “I don’t understand why he got so angry. It was him who broke the game rules, and it was him who lacked contractual spirit, yet he blames me so righteously. I even thought about sending him a lawyer’s letter just now, but I was afraid he’d get so upset that he’d shut himself away.”
“Never mind, I won’t hold it against him.”
“If someone else kicked me out, they’d be on my blacklist for life.”
Yu Jingze looked at his truly heartless sister but refrained from lecturing her.
He told her when Fu Jichen contacted him and asked for help to set up the act.
“Three days ago, it was still night.”
Yu Qing thought for a moment. That night, he had gone to his grandfather’s house.
The old master must have pressured him.
“He sent me three versions of the script, repeatedly urging me to make it humorous. Otherwise, you’d be unhappy after your identity was revealed.”
“…”
“I guess Fu Jichen got so mad because he exhausted himself trying to get you to acknowledge your identity, to interact with him as the youngest daughter of Yu Shaohong. But you, on the other hand, still wanted to keep battling in the game.”
Yu Qing savored the sour drink. “Isn’t it better to be a pure partner in life? Why invest in emotions? This is a high-risk, low-return product that could bankrupt you overnight. Anyway, I wouldn’t invest in it, whether it’s spot or futures.”
The snow grew heavier.
Against the wind.
Chaotic dancing all over the sky.
Extremely unrestrained.
“When Dad and Mom got married, they also thought they had found true love. They couldn’t live without each other. High-profile proposal, luxurious wedding—but what then? Before I, the fruit of their love, was born, Dad already stopped loving Mom. When love disappears, what does a promise mean? What does the fruit mean? It’s just a joke.”
Yu Qing sucked down the last bit of the drink at the bottom of her cup.
She turned back into the room and took another drink from the fridge.
This was Lemeng’s beverage, with a taste comparable to Duo Xin’s lemon tea.
Yu Qing wrapped the bottle with a towel and poured half a glass for herself and Yu Jingze, just like pouring wine.
“Sir, this is the midnight ‘Little Fish Talks About Feelings’ time. You just listened to the free trial. If you wish to continue listening, please recharge. If you want to end the session, please take this drink back to your room and do whatever you need to do.”
Yu Jingze: “….”
He wasn’t sleepy yet.
“Then let’s listen to ten more dollars’ worth.”
Yu Qing: “Starting price, ten thousand. Sir, what payment method would you like to use?”
Yu Jingze picked up the glass and left.
Yu Qing smiled and continued her ‘wind, flower, snow, and moon’ reflections.
Her phone vibrated on the table, buzzing incessantly.
A string of messages came in.
[Yu Qing, from the perspective of genetics, my genes have mutated.]
[This is what makes me very sad.]
[How can you be so infuriating! Are you determined to drive me crazy?]
[Tonight, it wasn’t me who wanted to talk to you. Your brother and sister forced me to talk to you and bring you home.]
[I was very passive. Please understand this point.]
[I’ll say it again: if you miss me, give me a call.]
[Also, regarding you being on Earth, I thought about it all night—I’m on Earth too.]
Yu Qing: “….”
She was certain that the wine had a strong aftereffect.
Her dad was really drunk now, starting to ramble.
________________________________________
After 1 a.m., the wind gradually subsided, but the snow kept falling, swirling freely.
Fu Jichen was disturbed awake by the phone. He merely opened his eyes; he wasn’t sound asleep.
Lu Chen, who was abroad, forgot about the time difference. “You and Qin Moling—are you two trying to drive me crazy? You insist on compensation, and he refuses. How about this—I’ll pay you. Let’s stop this nonsense.”
“No.”
“Then you two figure it out. I’m done.” Lu Chen loosened his tie and suddenly remembered: “Has Yu Qing moved out yet?”
His voice carried a hint of amusement.
Upon closer inspection, there was a touch of schadenfreude.
Fu Jichen, feeling irritable, didn’t respond.
Lu Chen closed the car door. “I told you back then—your move was risky. Yu Qing had to move out. You didn’t believe me; you thought she couldn’t live without you.”
Tonight’s performance was orchestrated by him, connecting Fu Jichen with Yu Jingze.
Over the past two years, he hadn’t seen much of Fu Jichen. The company’s overseas division was established, and he personally oversaw it.
If it weren’t for the infringement case between Duo Xin and Lemeng, he wouldn’t have contacted Fu Jichen for half a year.
Duo Xin’s planning and promotion were all handled by his company, including the creative concept for that advertisement.
He was familiar with both Fu Jichen and Qin Moling. Back when he married his ex-wife from an ordinary family, he had a fallout with his own family.
To survive, he went into business after marriage.
His company’s initial business connections were facilitated by the Qin and Fu families. Perhaps his family’s old master, fearing he might starve, secretly helped him.
By the time he finally made a name for himself and completely broke free from his family’s control, he had already divorced.
Lu Chen gathered his thoughts and continued talking about Yu Qing: “Half of what she is now is due to your indulgence. Look at all the effort you’ve put into getting her to admit her identity. If it were me, I’d just investigate and present her relationship with Yu Shaohong directly. Then strip her of her job, make her leave Fu Group, and handle the engagement. Only you would care about her happiness, making her feel like revealing her identity is such fun.”
Fu Jichen massaged his temples. “Why are you talking so much now?”
“Wait until you marry a lawyer, and you’ll understand why.”
After exchanging a few words, they ended the call.
Fu Jichen checked the time—1:45 a.m.
________________________________________
The next day.
The snow had stopped, and the sky cleared.
Yu Qing didn’t sleep in. After getting up and applying her makeup, she reluctantly wore yesterday’s work uniform for another day. Holding the down jacket borrowed from Yu Jingze, she went downstairs.
Yu Jingze still had to go to work today and was changing his shoes at the entrance. He glanced at her outfit, “So dedicated? Even after being kicked out, you’re still going to work overtime?”
“I’m looking for a job.” Yu Qing grabbed a box of milk and bit into a slice of bread, “Give me a ride partway; save me the subway fare.”
“Looking for a job?”
Yu Jingze frowned, “Dressed like this, you’re going job hunting?”
“What do you mean by ‘like this’?” Yu Qing picked up her bag and sipped her milk as she walked.
Yu Jingze reminded her, “That’s Fu Group’s work uniform.”
“I know. I bought it with my own money. Anytime, I have the right to wear it.”
“…”
Once in the car, Yu Jingze learned where Yu Qing was headed.
The driver took the car all the way to the building below Shuo Yu Law Firm.
Yu Jingze prepared her mentally beforehand, “Uncle He is a man who sticks to his word. Once he promised Dad, there’s no way he’ll let you back in.”
Yu Qing tidied up her clothes and put away her mirror after everything was in place. “If we don’t try, how will we know there’s no hope?”
“Bye.”
Before closing the car door, she added, “Come home early tonight and cook me dinner. You really should hire a housekeeper; otherwise, I’ll end up malnourished.”
“How did you manage meals at Fu Jichen’s? Do the same. I’m similar to Fu Jichen—we eat at home maybe twice a month, no need for a housekeeper.”
“Fu Jichen has two chefs, one for Chinese cuisine and one for Western.”
Yu Jingze stared at her for a few seconds, “Maybe you should just go back to Fu Jichen’s.”
With a ‘bang,’ Yu Qing closed the car door.
Wearing Yu Jingze’s thick down jacket, she wasn’t cold at all. She leisurely walked towards the building and sent Uncle He Junshuo a message.
Like Yu Shaohong, He Junshuo had the habit of waking up early and was already busy with half a morning’s worth of others’ work in the office.
He poured Yu Qing a glass of hot water, “Have you eaten breakfast?”
Yu Qing nodded, “Yes.”
She held the water cup, warming her hands.
Steam rose from the cup, forming a fine layer of tiny water droplets along the rim.
He Junshuo knew why Yu Qing came, so he didn’t beat around the bush, “If I let you work here, my friendship with your father would be pretty much over.”
Yu Qing joked, “Uncle He, you’ve known Dad for over fifty years. If such a small matter can break that bond, isn’t our friendship too fragile? Haven’t you heard that old plastics were quite sturdy?”
He Junshuo chuckled, pointing at her playfully, “You really don’t make things easy for your dad.”
Yu Qing gently blew on the water, “Uncle He, it’s been past the storm. That’s why I’m troubling you now. When Dad was most upset, I certainly wouldn’t put you in a difficult position.”
“As the most respected elder in the legal field, how can you bear to see my skills go to waste? As the saying goes, practice makes perfect—one day of practice earns one day of skill, but one day without practice wastes ten days.”
Seizing the moment, she emotionally appealed, “I already lack parental love. Are you really going to help Dad ruin my career? Besides, Uncle He, you lack contractual spirit. I was hired based on my abilities, and you unilaterally broke the agreement.”
“At first, I joined Shuo Yu because of your reputation and professionalism. That hasn’t changed.”
“You know my temper—I wouldn’t step foot in your office a second time. Yet here I am today.”
“I’m not short on money. The shares left by my grandparents are enough to last a lifetime, but I love my profession. I hope that someday, like you, my name alone will be a trusted business card.”
After a pause, He Junshuo commented, “Your emotional appeal is good; I’m almost moved. Tell me more reasons to risk breaking our friendship to hire you.”
Yu Qing drank a few sips of water, using those brief moments to think.
“One, I can bring case sources to the Shanghai branch that you never imagined possible. These cases were previously unreachable due to connections through my uncle and mother.”
He Junshuo remained silent. Because of his relationship with Yu Shaohong, all cases from the Li family went to competitors.
Yu Qing continued, “Two, I’ll strive to secure case sources from Fu Group.”
“Three, Dad is still my dad. When our relationship eases, won’t you feel awkward? Even if you help him now, it won’t end well for you. Put yourself in my shoes—if your son fell out with you and worked at my dad’s bank, and Dad turned him away, would you be comfortable? As a father, no matter how angry you are, you still want him to be stable.”
“Alright, report anytime. Your switch between emotion and reason is commendable.” He Junshuo set down his cup and picked up his coat, “I’m going to eat. If you’re still hungry, join me? We can talk about your upcoming work.”
“Is the cafeteria food good?”
He Junshuo: “….”
Her focus points were always so unique.
“It’s not as good as your chef’s cooking.”
Yu Qing put on her down jacket and left with He Junshuo.
He Junshuo assigned her to a team, “You’ll partner with my son. He’s strict and keeps work and personal life separate. Probably only you can meet his standards.”
Yu Qing scanned her mind, “Are there any young lawyers at Shuo Yu surnamed He?”
“Surnamed Qin, Qin Yu, my child from my first marriage.”
“You and Dad truly are childhood friends—both masters of marriage.”
“…”
He Junshuo had been teased three times this morning.
On the way to the cafeteria, they unexpectedly met Yu Fei.
Both were startled and then greeted each other.
“You’ve known each other before?” He Junshuo asked.
Yu Qing spoke first, “Yes, my current landlord.”
He Junshuo told Yu Fei, “You’ll be colleagues. Yu Qing is the daughter of my friend whom I’d sell for a penny.”
Yu Fei smiled, “So you’re Director Yu’s daughter.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Yu Fei still had work to do. He Junshuo and Yu Qing headed to the cafeteria. He told Yu Qing, “Feel free to chat with Yu Fei. She’s strong in her work and has principles.”
Over the meal, Yu Qing and He Junshuo talked a lot, and she gained much insight.
After leaving Shuo Yu, Yu Qing messaged Yu Jingze: [Job secured. I’ll submit my resignation report when I get back and quit my job at Fu Group.]
On Monday afternoon, Yu Qing’s resignation was approved, and all procedures completed—the fastest departure process in the group’s history.
The handover was simple. Having barely started work in this position, it took less than an hour to complete everything.
The legal department knew of Yu Qing’s departure—it was unexpected yet understandable.
Her presence created an indescribably subtle atmosphere.
Whether it was herself or others, everyone felt oddly restrained.
Zhang Xiaochi was the most reluctant to see Yu Qing leave. While packing her personal belongings, she couldn’t help but sigh, “It’ll be hard to see you after this.”
“Why hard? It’s not like I’m moving abroad.” Yu Qing took a few small potted plants, gifts from Zhang Xiaochi, “If I’m not busy on the weekend, I’ll treat you to coffee.”
She didn’t have much stuff—just a few cups, a few potted plants, and some small ornaments.
Half a box was enough.
“I’ll go tell the director.” Formalities still needed to be handled gracefully.
Yu Qing picked up her phone and headed to the director’s office.
Just as she was about to knock, voices came from inside, “Enough with your nagging! Wenwen, what can I say about you? Let me tell you, people don’t get rich without external wealth, and horses don’t get fat without night grass!”
Yu Qing lowered her raised hand and turned back.
After a brief farewell with her colleagues, she carried the cardboard box and left.
Standing in front of the elevator, hesitating for a few seconds, she pressed the executive elevator button.
Fu Jichen had just finished a meeting, and his private elevator was occupied.
Secretary Pan pressed the button; it was definitely Yu Qing inside. He excused himself, “President Fu, I’ll head back to organize the materials.”
Fu Jichen nodded.
Pan took the regular elevator upstairs.
Soon, the private elevator reached the meeting room floor.
The doors slowly opened, and the familiar figure gradually came into view.
After a few seconds of eye contact...
Yu Qing smiled at him, “I came to see you.”
Fu Jichen realized that the anger he had harbored for several days vanished instantly.
He stepped into the elevator and reached out, “Let me take the box for you.”
“No need, it’s not heavy.” With one hand holding the box, Yu Qing freed the other to retrieve something from the box, her knuckles facing upwards, clenched in her palm.
“A little gift for you. During my time at Fu Group, I gained a lot. Thank you, President Fu, for taking care of me.”
“What gift?” As Fu Jichen spoke, he extended his hand.
A pack of spicy dried fish.
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