Font Size:
The internship schedule was finalized, and she was extremely lucky to have joined the boss’s team. This was the only thing that had made her happy in recent days.
With something to look forward to, she slept much more soundly.
In the middle of the night, Shang Zhiyi felt someone tuck her arm back under the blanket and pull the covers up snugly.
She opened her eyes groggily to dim surroundings.
As her eyes adjusted, she saw Xu Xiangyi sitting by the hospital bed, illuminated by the faint light from the outer room. At first, she thought it was one of the housekeepers from the Xu family who had tucked her in.
Xu Xiangyi, feeling guilty, said, “Sorry, I made too much noise and woke you up.”
“No, I was just waking up,” Shang Zhiyi replied, pulling her hand out from under the blanket. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”
“I’m not tired,” he said.
In truth, he was too afraid to sleep, haunted by the past few days of regret—regret that he hadn’t stayed by his wife and daughter’s side when Zhiyi was born.
Xu Xiangyi gently patted his daughter’s head. “Go back to sleep.”
But Shang Zhiyi couldn’t sleep anymore and simply closed her eyes, pretending.
“By the way, Zhiyi,” Xu Xiangyi spoke softly, “where are you interning? I might know the boss there, and I could get you a few days off.”
Shang Zhiyi answered directly, “The internship has already been postponed. I can’t delay it any longer.”
Xu Xiangyi, still concerned, asked, “Your body hasn’t fully recovered. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“When are you planning to leave? Our private plane will be back in two days. Will you be able to catch it?”
The return had been delayed due to weather conditions.
“No need, I’ve already bought a ticket,” she said, adding, “I won’t make it in time.”
Xu Xiangyi sighed, “If only I had known earlier that you needed to return for your internship.”
Shang Zhiyi was tempted to ask: if he had known earlier, would he have reserved the private plane for her and let Xu Ningwei take a commercial flight instead?
But she only thought it to herself, knowing better than to ask aloud.
She didn’t yet know her biological father well enough to predict how he would react. What she didn’t know was that, if she had asked, Xu Xiangyi’s answer would have been an unequivocal yes. He would have also assured her that, from now on, the family plane would always be available to her first—even before Xu Ningwei.
For the past twenty years, Xu Xiangyi had doted on Xu Ningwei as if she were his own, never once letting her want for anything. But now that his biological daughter had been found, his priorities had shifted completely toward Zhiyi.
If Ningwei had been adopted, even after finding his biological daughter, Xu Xiangyi would have made sure to treat both children equally. But since the mix-up wasn’t a simple adoption, the situation was different. Ningwei had her own biological parents.
Xu Xiangyi pulled the blanket up further, making sure his daughter’s shoulders were well covered.
The next morning, after the doctor’s rounds, Shang Zhiyi was given clearance to be discharged.
She had booked a flight to Manhattan for the following day, ready to finally leave behind everything that had happened in the past few weeks.
Two of the Xu family’s housekeepers helped her pack. One of them slipped a black card into her bag, but Shang Zhiyi noticed and quickly walked over to retrieve it from the bag.
She had heard of this type of card—it was globally limited, with only those at the very top of society holding one.
Xu Xiangyi was at a temporary desk handling work, his secretary standing by, awaiting instructions. Shang Zhiyi didn’t say a word as she placed the card on the notebook next to him.
Secretary Guo took a glance at the newly found daughter of the boss. She seemed cold and perhaps a bit stubborn.
Xu Xiangyi stared at the card for a few seconds before picking it up and handing it back to his daughter. “This is for pocket money. Buy whatever you like. Don’t feel any pressure.”
Ningwei had a card too, and every time she traveled during winter or summer vacations, she would easily spend millions on food, fun, and shopping.
Shang Zhiyi didn’t take the card.
Xu Xiangyi didn’t retract his hand either. “I’m your father. It’s only natural for you to spend my money.”
“I have enough money on me. I’ve never been interested in luxury goods, so I don’t have any high-spending desires.”
Feeling guilty, Xu Xiangyi said, “You’ll get used to it.”
Shang Zhiyi replied, “It’s hard to change. Even if I bought those luxury items, I wouldn’t feel comfortable. I didn’t grow up with you, so I can’t spend your money without feeling a sense of unease.”
After she spoke, the room fell silent. Even the housekeepers, who had been packing, couldn’t help but glance over.
Without saying anything more, she turned and went to the wardrobe to get her clothes.
Xu Xiangyi held the card for a moment before setting it back down on the desk, silently signaling Secretary Guo to put it away.
After leaving the hospital, the car slowly made its way to the home she had lived in for over a decade.
Her parents were in Manhattan visiting Xu Ningwei, and her younger sister was temporarily staying with their uncle. The housekeeper had called earlier, asking when she would arrive so she could be there to greet her.
Xu Xiangyi sat beside her, but there wasn’t much left to talk about. They had already discussed her studies and preferences during her hospital stay, so now there was only an awkward silence between father and daughter.
Shang Zhiyi simply looked out the window as the tall buildings whizzed by.
“Zhiyi.”
“Hmm?”
She turned toward him.
Xu Xiangyi sent her a photo. “Look at your phone—it’s a picture of the four of us.”
Shang Zhiyi opened the image. It was a photo taken twenty years ago in Hong Kong with a camera. He Yi’an looked radiant even without makeup, her brother was six years old, and Shang Zhiyi was still in her mother’s belly. The whole family was embraced by their tall father.
Looking at the family photo, a wave of sadness washed over her.
After what felt like an eternity, the car came to a smooth stop.
Outside vehicles weren’t allowed into the residential complex, so the driver had to stop at a drop-off point near the gate.
Shang Zhiyi didn’t have much with her from the hospital—everything fit into one backpack.
The bag wasn’t heavy. Just as she was about to put it on her shoulder, the housekeeper came out of the complex, quickly approaching with an umbrella to shield her from the sun.
Xu Xiangyi reminded his daughter, “Get some good rest when you get home.”
“You too,” Shang Zhiyi waved as she stepped under the housekeeper’s umbrella.
The black umbrella gradually disappeared from view, but Xu Xiangyi didn’t take his eyes off it for a long time.
Secretary Guo remained silent, and the driver held his breath.
After coming back to his senses, Xu Xiangyi instructed the driver to head to the airport. The situation with the switched babies was quite complicated, and he wanted to personally visit the hospital in Hong Kong.
On the way, he received a call from He Yi’an.
He Yi’an had just landed in New York and asked how Zhiyi was doing.
“She’s been discharged. I just sent her back to Shang Tongxu’s house.”
Even through the phone, He Yi’an could sense her husband’s emotional turmoil when he mentioned “Shang Tongxu’s house.” She apologized, “I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”
Xu Xiangyi was taken aback, trying to recall what he might have said to make his wife so sensitive. After several sleepless nights, he realized he hadn’t always been careful with his words.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not blaming you. I just feel guilty that as her biological father, I’m the one personally sending her back to her adoptive parents’ house. It makes me feel unworthy of being her father.”
Xu Xiangyi pressed hard against his temple. “Yi’an, I’m just feeling sad. I’m not blaming you. I’ve already told Zhiyi that we’ll bring her home soon.”
He avoided mentioning that his wife was reluctant to part with Ningwei, worried it might create tension between Zhiyi and her mother in the future.
“Take care of yourself and rest,” he added softly.
He Yi’an responded gently, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
After ending the call, she leaned back wearily in her seat and stared out at the endless darkness outside. The pitch-black night, just before dawn, felt as if it could swallow the entire world.
What had she done in a previous life to deserve this? To be punished in this life by discovering that the child she had loved for twenty years wasn’t her own—love meant for her biological daughter.
He Yi’an shook off the thought and opened the message window to Xu Xiangyi: “Take care of Zhiyi. I’ll adjust soon.”
—
Back at home, Shang Zhiyi took a hot shower, changed into comfortable pajamas, and lay down on a familiar-smelling pillow, taking a deep breath. The past week had been more tumultuous than a soap opera.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She reached for it, seeing the name “Mom” displayed. It was already the middle of the night in New York, so she answered, “Mom, why are you still up so late?”
Xiao Meihua didn’t answer but asked instead, “Your dad… Shang Tongxu said that if Xu Ningwei stays with Xu Xiangyi, you won’t go back there, is that true?”
Shang Zhiyi confirmed, “Yes.”
Xiao Meihua continued, “Then let me tell you now, with how much He Yi’an cares for Xu Ningwei, she’s definitely going to keep her by her side.” And, of course, Xu Ningwei herself wouldn’t want to come back either—she looked down on this family. Fine, if she looked down on them, they didn’t need to care if she came back or not. No one was begging her to.
Thinking about Xu Ningwei, Xiao Meihua’s mood soured. She really thought she was some kind of princess. When her biological daughter got sick, Shang Tongxu insisted on visiting her, even buying a plane ticket for Xiao Meihua too.
And how did that turn out? They were met with cold indifference. Ningwei clearly didn’t need these kinds of parents around.
Xiao Meihua suppressed her anger and calmed herself, “It’s different with Ningwei. It’s no surprise she doesn’t want to come back to our poor family. But your biological parents will take you back eventually, so why wouldn’t you go?”
Shang Zhiyi firmly replied, “If they don’t each go back to their own families, I won’t go.”
“What are you thinking, Shang Zhiyi?” Xiao Meihua called her by her full name.
Shang Zhiyi stayed silent.
Xiao Meihua continued her scolding, “That family is so rich, with such wealthy parents. Anyone else would be crying and begging to go back! But not you, acting so ungrateful! What you’re doing makes Xu Xiangyi think we’re the ones meddling, not teaching you properly, and trying to use you as leverage. I don’t want to get on Xu Xiangyi’s bad side for no reason! If he tells you to go back, you go back.”
Shang Zhiyi replied, “When they come to take me back, I’ll explain to them that it’s my own decision.”
Seeing how stubborn she was, Xiao Meihua’s anger flared again, and she started yelling:
“You’re being so dramatic about going back to your own home?”
“You’re not a child anymore, but you’re still so willful. When are you going to start thinking about us?”
“Mom, I—” Shang Zhiyi started, but before she could finish, Xiao Meihua cut her off.
“Don’t call me Mom. I’m not your mother!”
Both of them froze at her words.
Shang Zhiyi opened her mouth but didn’t continue.
Realizing what she had just said, Xiao Meihua knew it had been too harsh. In the past, when Zhiyi made her angry, she often said worse things without a second thought—because Zhiyi was her biological daughter.
But things were different now.
Xiao Meihua knew how hurtful that statement was but couldn’t bring herself to soften or apologize, not even to explain.
Shang Zhiyi spoke into the phone, “It’s late. You should get some sleep.”
She hung up and shoved her phone under her pillow, lying down with her cheek pressed against it. She stared out the window, lost in thought.
Less than ten minutes later, her phone rang again.
Shang Tongxu had heard his wife’s shouting from the bathroom earlier. He had changed clothes and now called Zhiyi from outside the room. The phone rang almost to the end before it was picked up.
“Hello, Dad, why aren’t you asleep yet?”
“I’m calling to apologize for your mother. She hasn’t adjusted to the time difference, and with Ningwei… she’s been on edge. Don’t pay her any mind.”
“It’s okay.”
Shang Tongxu really wanted a cigarette, but he was on a non-smoking floor. “Zhiyi, that will always be your home. You can stay there comfortably, okay?”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Shang Zhiyi urged him to go to bed, and they hung up.
She then edited a message to Qi Zhengchen: “Second Brother, I owe you a meal. I’m leaving tomorrow to return to my internship.”
The next day, she got up early and went to her grandparents’ house. Her grandmother had a hypertension episode the night she found out Zhiyi wasn’t her biological granddaughter. Only in the past couple of days had she recovered.
After having lunch with them, she had to rush to the airport at 1:00 PM.
Her grandfather took her to the nearby subway station, helping her with a large suitcase. “Why are you bringing so much stuff this time?”
Two oversized suitcases, the kind she only brought the first time she studied abroad. Shang Zhiyi smiled, “I’m bringing back a lot of things for high school classmates who couldn’t return.”
Her grandfather understood but didn’t say anything.
At the subway station, her grandfather gave his usual advice: eat well, don’t overwork yourself, don’t be stingy with money, and call home often when you have time.
Before parting, her grandfather spoke earnestly, “Your grandmother and I are getting old; we can’t be with you much longer. When we’re gone, where will you go for the holidays? You need a home to return to. Get along with your biological mother, okay?”
Shang Zhiyi nodded firmly and hugged her grandfather.
On the way to the airport, she zoned out multiple times.
When she snapped out of it, her face was covered in tears.
As soon as she arrived at the airport, she got a call from Qi Zhengchen, asking when she would arrive. “When you get here, don’t go through security yet. Find a place to wait for me.” He had been on a business trip out of town the day before, but now he was back, just off the plane.
She waited in place, taking out her compact mirror from her bag. Her eyes were still a bit swollen.
“Zhiyi,” came a voice from behind.
Shang Zhiyi put the mirror away, turning toward the voice. Qi Zhengchen looked weary, with deep fatigue etched between his brows.
“You came all the way back just to see me off?”
“Yeah. I was worried about you.”
“I’m fine, see? I’m doing well.”
Qi Zhengchen glanced at her but didn’t call her bluff. He took her two suitcases and pushed them forward, one in each hand. Shang Zhiyi caught up and asked how working at his family’s company was going.
“Not great. My mom’s too controlling.”
He glanced at the suitcases in his hands, then looked at her sideways. “Are you not coming back?”
She had lied to her grandfather; the things in her suitcases weren’t for her classmates—they were her old belongings.
Looking at the empty terminal, Shang Zhiyi was silent for a long time before answering, “I’ll come back. To visit my grandparents and you.”
After checking in her luggage, they still had time, so they found a place to sit. Shang Zhiyi handed him her backpack.
Qi Zhengchen thought she was going to the restroom and didn’t ask much.
A few minutes later, Shang Zhiyi returned with two cups of coffee. She handed him one, which was unusual since he was always the one buying the coffee while she rested. The role reversal felt strange.
He stared at her. “What’s with you today? Acting like we won’t see each other again.”
“Nothing. From now on, I’m going to treat everyone who’s good to me even better.” Shang Zhiyi sat beside him, pulled the backpack onto her lap, and continued, “People like me, who are said to have weak family ties, are supposedly living their last lifetime. I’ve heard that I won’t reincarnate in the next life. Since I won’t have another life, I should be nicer to you in this one.”
Qi Zhengchen opened the lid of his coffee and took a sip of iced coffee. “Don’t think too much. With a family member as amazing as me, it’ll be hard not to reincarnate.”
Shang Zhiyi laughed at his joke.
After drinking coffee with her, Qi Zhengchen bought her some food, watched her finish it, and then saw her off through security before leaving.
On the plane, Qi Zhengchen sent her five messages in a row:
【There’s a card in the zippered pocket of your backpack’s inner layer. The password is my phone’s lock screen code.】
【It’s a loan. If you want to reincarnate, just take it obediently.】
【I know you’ve got some savings and are okay for now, but keep this just in case you need it someday. Eat well when you get back, and be nicer to yourself. Stop calculating prices by converting the exchange rate before buying things.】
【I’ll come visit as soon as I finish my current project. Safe travels.】
【Oh, and one more thing—fix that habit of yours. Walk on the side of the road, not down the middle. The road doesn’t belong to you!】
Shang Zhiyi laughed and cried while reading his messages. She had a bad habit of walking in the middle of the road. Whenever they went out as kids, Qi Zhengchen had to remind her countless times, “Zhiyi, walk on the side.”
She opened her backpack, took out the card, and put it in her wallet. She snapped a picture and sent it to him: 【I’ve accepted the card for my reincarnation.】
She put her phone on airplane mode and put on an eye mask.
After more than 20 hours of flying, the plane landed.
Her roommate Yu Zijia came to pick her up, rushing through the crowd towards her. The two large suitcases stood between them, and Yu Zijia’s first words were, “Whoa! Did you move?”
It wasn’t surprising Yu Zijia was shocked. Normally, Shang Zhiyi only brought a small 20-inch suitcase home. Since her mom and uncle frequently traveled to New York for business, they would bring her things, so she never needed to pack heavily when going home for the holidays.
“What’s in there? Gold?” Yu Zijia lifted one of the suitcases and found it heavy.
Shang Zhiyi replied, “My entire life’s possessions.”
Yu Zijia joked, “Kicked out by your mom?”
“I left on my own.”
“Not bad, at least you’re self-aware. My mom can’t stand me either when I stay home too long.”
Yu Zijia wasn’t aware of the baby-switch incident, so she laughed carefreely, throwing an arm around Shang Zhiyi. At 175 cm tall, Yu Zijia was taller than Zhiyi. “Hurry up and cook. If you didn’t come back soon, I was going to starve to death in the apartment.”
Yu Zijia couldn’t cook and had a Chinese palate, so she had survived abroad entirely on the meals Shang Zhiyi made for her.
Back at their shared apartment, Shang Zhiyi made stewed noodles and a tomato beef soup. Yu Zijia ate so much she could barely move.
After eating and taking a hot shower, Shang Zhiyi didn’t feel like unpacking. She climbed into bed to fight off jet lag.
The next day, she woke up before 6 AM.
Today was her first day at Yuanwei Capital. She tried on several outfits, put on light makeup, and prepared breakfast. Yu Zijia was still asleep, so she left a portion on the table and headed out into the morning light.
After getting off the subway, it was about an eight-minute walk to the building where Yuanwei Capital was located.
She had been here before and found her way with ease.
It wasn’t rush hour yet, so there weren’t many people waiting for the elevator. The most eye-catching person was a man in a burgundy shirt, tucked into black suit pants, with broad shoulders and long legs, chatting with a tall, blue-eyed man next to him.
His American accent was flawless, and his voice was pleasant.
Yu Zijia had called burgundy the most sophisticated yet bold color, and now, on this man, it exuded an air of elegance.
When the elevator doors opened, everyone entered in an orderly manner.
Once inside, Shang Zhiyi habitually glanced at the elevator buttons. Someone had already pressed the 20th floor, which meant there was an employee from Yuanwei Capital in the elevator.
As the doors slowly closed, she stepped back and stood still, noticing that the man in the burgundy shirt was standing in front of her to the left, just half an arm’s length away. She could clearly smell a faint, clean scent of cedarwood on him—subtle, steady, and refreshing.
The elevator stopped intermittently as people got off.
The tall, blue-eyed man got off on the 16th floor, leaving just her and the man in the burgundy shirt, both heading to the 20th floor—the only company on that floor was Yuanwei Capital.