L&H - 68

The villa wasn’t far from the club—a twenty-minute drive.

When Ji Qingyuan arrived, everyone was already there.

Leng Wenning had grabbed a drink and was watching them play cards.

Her best friend sat beside her, glancing nervously at the door every now and then. She was worried about ruining Leng Wenning’s original plan.

“Did you fly here?” One of the friends exclaimed in disbelief when Ji Qingyuan walked in. Earlier, they had asked him where he was, and he said he had just dropped his son off at home and was on his way.

It would take at least forty minutes to get from Ji Qingyuan’s father-in-law’s villa to the club, even without traffic.

“I’m staying at my father-in-law’s house.”

Everyone: “...” They were so shocked they forgot to play their cards.

Because Leng Wenning was present, they refrained from discussing Yu Jingxin too much, and the topic ended there.

Out of the corner of her eye, Leng Wenning glanced at Ji Qingyuan. After three or four months of not seeing him, she wondered if her recent longing for him made him seem more charming than before.

She hesitated whether to approach him and greet him like she used to—casually and confidently.

In the end, she decided against it.

Ji Qingyuan unbuttoned his suit jacket but didn’t take it off, sitting down directly.

Some of them threw down their cards and moved over.

Leng Wenning chose a seat as far away from Ji Qingyuan as possible. Before anyone else could speak, she began, “I’m very sorry for causing trouble for everyone. Please hear me out first.”

Her gaze quickly swept past Ji Qingyuan’s face, but she didn’t catch the emotions in his eyes.

“There’s been a misunderstanding. She didn’t know the details and jumped to conclusions.”

This “she” referred to her best friend.

“The conflict between me, Yu Qing, and Fu Jichen is purely business-related. There’s no deep-seated grudge—earning money keeps us busy enough.”

Leng Wenning explained the cause of the issue. “Yu Qing thought our company’s prices were too high and didn’t want to cooperate with us. Naturally, I tried everything to keep this client. Fu Jichen also stopped cooperation between Fu Group and me, and in anger, I threatened Yu Qing.”

“That’s how this public opinion battle started these past two days.”

“I drank too much yesterday—it was all because Yu Qing infuriated me. Honestly, she has the ability to drive someone to death with anger.”

This point, Ji Qingyuan understood well. He knew how formidable Yu Qing could be.

Leng Wenning continued, “The purpose of stirring up trouble between Duo Xin and Lemong was to ensure that Yu Qing continues working with Wenning Planning. This matter really has nothing to do with Yu Jingxin.”

Her friends were stunned.

Ji Qingyuan’s gaze grew deep and thoughtful, occasionally glancing at Leng Wenning.

Leng Wenning had prepared her speech carefully and had now calmed down.

She scanned the group of friends. “Maintaining distance from President Ji was the right thing to do. After all, couples who’ve broken up always act this way.”

She looked toward Ji Qingyuan. “Company matters involve trade secrets. I didn’t tell my best friend anything, so she let her imagination run wild. I only realized what happened after waking up at noon. I wanted to explain in the group chat but decided it was better to clarify things in person to avoid further misunderstandings.”

After a pause, her next words were directed at her friends.

“My feud with Yu Qing isn’t over yet, but it’s purely business-driven—no personal grudges.”

“As for Yu Qing, you might not know her well. She separates work and personal life clearly and never shows mercy when making decisions—not even to Fu Jichen.”

“As for me, you know how I am. When it comes to earning money, I don’t dwell on emotions either.”

“In the future, no matter how we clash, don’t misinterpret our actions.”

After Leng Wenning spoke, there was silence for a few seconds.

They had misunderstood Yu Jingxin. Each person picked up their glass and took a sip as self-punishment, telling Ji Qingyuan not to mind their excitement last night, which might have been due to drinking too much.

Leng Wenning looked at Ji Qingyuan again. “President Ji, I’ve always appreciated that you haven’t cut ties with them because of me over these years. I think we’re all adults now—we should prioritize interests.”

She addressed the group admin. “Dissolve the group. Everyone has each other’s contact information anyway. There’s no need for a group. Look at me—I’m not in the group, and I still hang out with you all. President Ji is a married man now; he needs to avoid conflicts of interest.”

The group admin nodded. “That makes sense.”

He understood that Leng Wenning was thinking of Ji Qingyuan’s benefit. Dissolving the group would prevent any lingering resentment if Ji Qingyuan were to leave it himself.

With everything said, Leng Wenning stood up. “We’re going shopping. You can continue your card game.”

Her best friend, who had been anxious, finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t expected Leng Wenning to say everything so thoroughly, leaving no room for Ji Qingyuan to find fault with her.

After Leng Wenning left, the private room fell silent for a moment.

Ji Qingyuan didn’t plan to stay long. Before leaving, he added a few more words. “My marriage to Jingxin was an arranged one. We didn’t know each other beforehand, and our feelings weren’t deep. In fact, she never truly had feelings for me. She’s always wanted a divorce, and to prevent it, I even pursued her to her father’s house.”

Previously, whenever they gathered, they never discussed personal matters, only business. Now, with this misunderstanding resolved, he took the opportunity to clarify things.

________________________________________

“Did Ji Qingyuan really go?” Yu Qing stared at Fu Jichen after looking at the chat screenshots he had shown her.

Fu Jichen nodded. “He said he was going to resolve the issue.”

Yu Qing picked up a raw sunflower seed, popped it into her mouth, and cracked it. “Even if he went, it was pointless.”

“Hmm?”

“Leng Wenning wouldn’t allow herself to make such a basic mistake. The drama yesterday was clearly her best friend’s doing. Leng Wenning going to the club today was to save herself. She probably even left Ji Qingyuan speechless, making him feel like he’d wronged her.”

Fu Jichen found it exhausting to guess women’s thoughts. “And then?”

“Then it’s time for me to deal with Leng Wenning.”

“...”

Yu Qing grabbed a small handful of sunflower seeds, eating them as she went upstairs to find Yu Jingxin.

Yu Jingxin was playing with her son. She glanced up at Yu Qing. “Have you eaten the walnuts?”

“Yes.” Yu Qing sat down beside her. “Sis, do you know why I’ve been so exhausted these past few days, feeling like I’ve aged several years?”

Yu Jingxin naturally knew. This public opinion battle likely stemmed from her.

Yu Qing: “I’m telling you this to make you feel guilty.”

“...”

Yu Jingxin was speechless.

Yu Qing peeled a sunflower seed and handed it to her. “That woman, Leng Wenning—if you don’t deal with her yourself, she’ll bother you for the rest of your life. My brother-in-law works hard at the company all day, then comes home to comfort you. For one or two days, maybe even a month or two, he might still have patience—but how long can he keep comforting you? Forever? Impossible.”

Yu Jingxin didn’t respond but kissed her son.

Yu Qing had gained deep insights over the past few days. Managing a company was exhausting—she and Qin Moling only managed a beverage company, while Ji Qingyuan had to oversee an entire conglomerate.

“You and my brother-in-law are like hedgehogs. Right now, he’s willing to expose his vulnerable belly to you and is trying to ease tensions and salvage this marriage. Don’t turn your back on him anymore, or once he’s wounded all over, he’ll leave you. If you still care for him, try turning around too, and leave your softest sides open to each other.”

Yu Jingxin looked up. “You’ve become quite the love expert.”

Yu Qing smiled. “Flattery.” She got to the point. “Learn to be coquettish and make men your weapon. That’s the only way to deal a heavy blow to Leng Wenning.”

Yu Jingxin admitted honestly, “I don’t know how to be coquettish.”

“Then figure something out. Be tough on yourself. Romantic words aren’t that hard to say.”

Yu Qing had already devised a plan. “A media company controlled by Leng Wenning is currently seeking funding. Tell my brother-in-law to invest privately.”

Yu Jingxin didn’t understand Yu Qing’s intention at first. “She’s short on cash, and I’m telling Ji Qingyuan to give her money?”

Yu Qing nodded. “Then have my brother-in-law gift you the company’s shares as a Children’s Day present. It’s February now—I’ll arrange a team to complete the investment procedures by the end of May. You’re the baby, so naturally, you celebrate Children’s Day. Imagine how Leng Wenning will feel then? If she works hard to manage the company, she’ll essentially be earning money for you. But if she gives up and lets it fail, she’ll lose her own money too. Strike at her weakest point—let her suffer both in love and business.”

Yu Jingxin blinked.

“My brother-in-law should be home soon. Remember—be coquettish, improve your relationship. To repay the four years of pain you’ve endured, good luck.” With that, Yu Qing leisurely headed downstairs with her sunflower seeds.

Yu Jingxin was lost in thought all evening. The idea of being coquettish made her skin crawl.

But Yu Qing was right—Ji Qingyuan couldn’t comfort her forever.

And Leng Wenning would torment her for a lifetime.

It wasn’t even 10 PM yet when Ji Qingyuan returned home.

The baby was already asleep, and Yu Jingxin was in the study, seemingly working overtime but actually staring blankly at the computer screen.

Ji Qingyuan knocked on the door a few times. “What time did you get back?”

Yu Jingxin: “A while ago.”

“Hungry?” Ji Qingyuan asked casually.

After a brief internal struggle, Yu Jingxin nodded. “Can you make a late-night snack? Anything will do.”

Ji Qingyuan was pleasantly surprised. “I’ll toast some bread for you—it’s low in calories.” He reached out to hold her hand. Thankfully, this time she didn’t pull away.

They walked downstairs together.

Yu Jingxin’s hand felt tingly and sweaty from holding his for so long.

Ji Qingyuan held her hand, taking a longer route through the living room to the kitchen.

Yu Jingxin didn’t say anything and followed his steps.

Ji Qingyuan took a slice of bread from the fridge and planned to wash a few lettuce leaves. “Let’s eat something simple.”

Yu Jingxin’s ears echoed with Yu Qing’s advice: “Be coquettish, be coquettish.”

But she truly had no idea how to be coquettish.

Watching him carefully washing the lettuce at the sink, she walked behind him and tried raising her arms several times but lowered them each time.

Finally, she mustered her courage and pinched her thigh a few times.

The pain made her squint, releasing the tension. She hugged him from behind, pressing her cheek against his back.

Ji Qingyuan nearly lost his balance, steadying himself against the sink. He thought he might be dreaming, but the sensation of her tight embrace felt so real.

He regained his composure. “How many lettuce leaves do you want?”

“Whatever.”

Ji Qingyuan washed the entire head of lettuce, letting the water run continuously until the leaves were almost falling apart—but he kept rinsing.

________________________________________

On the second-floor balcony, Yu Qing was still munching on sunflower seeds. She had been eating a small handful for nearly an hour.

Fu Jichen kept glancing at her. “Don’t be stingy—finish them, and I’ll buy you more.”

Yu Qing rolled her eyes. “I’m savoring them slowly, letting my little fish absorb the nutrients.”

Fu Jichen checked his watch and peeked at the staircase again. The two were still by the sink, maintaining the same position as before.

Yu Qing: “Are they still hugging?”

“Mm-hmm.” Fu Jichen was starving, waiting for them to leave so he could grab a quick bite downstairs. After returning home earlier, he had gone to the supermarket to buy nuts for Yu Qing and missed dinner.

“We should educate Ji Qingyuan properly about saving water. Tomorrow, I’ll tell Dad—the water bill for this month should be paid by Ji Qingyuan.”

Yu Qing: “...”

She laughed. “Aren’t you being childish!”

Fu Jichen countered, “Or would you laugh instead?”

Hesitating slightly, he still went back to the room and brought out the gift Zou Lexiao had asked him to pass on.

Seeing the perfume, Yu Qing lit up, her fatigue from the day vanishing. “Thank you.” She gave Fu Jichen a hug.

Fu Jichen explained truthfully, “This isn’t from me—I didn’t have time to look for perfume these past few days.”

“Is it from Aunt Ye?”

“No.”

Yu Qing looked up, unable to guess who it was.

Fu Jichen: “It’s from President Zou’s daughter. I don’t know what she was thinking, trying to please you. She originally booked a restaurant for tomorrow night to treat us, but when I said you might not have time, she said she’d adjust to whenever you’re free.”

Even he hadn’t received such treatment before.

He felt uneasy, sensing a potential trap.

“Think about it—are you brave enough to accept this bottle of perfume? If not, I’ll return it for you.”

Yu Qing stuffed the perfume into her pocket. “I don’t care—even if it’s a trap, you’ll smooth it out for me.”

Fu Jichen: “...”