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Jiang Sixun didn’t understand why she suddenly clinked glasses. He lifted his wine, keeping it low, and gently tapped against hers before taking a sip.
“My dad blocked you on WeChat because he doesn’t want you to keep bottling things up. Why are you still trying to digest this alone? If you’re unhappy, just pass it on to me; don’t hold back.”
Xu Zhiyi paused, a piece of carrot speared on her fork. “I guess I’ve just gotten used to dealing with things on my own since I was a kid.”
She took a bite of the carrot, continuing, “When I was about ten, I had a big fight with Xiaomei Huan. It was about her favoritism toward my younger sister. I felt so hurt that I snapped back at her and ended up not eating dinner that night. Xiaomei Huan ignored me for two weeks, and when I called her ‘Mom,’ she wouldn’t even respond. Being treated like air was really tough, and in the end, I had to formally apologize and promise never to argue back again.”
“When she finally acknowledged me, I felt both relieved and wronged. It took me days to process all those emotions.”
“Since that incident, no matter how much Xiaomei Huan favors my sister, I’ve kept it to myself, aside from occasional talks with my second brother. Over time, it just became a habit.”
“When my parents didn’t choose me right away, I gave myself three months to cope.”
And then there was Jiang Sixun. During the years when she couldn’t see him, she often scrolled through old messages from before September six years ago, nearly memorizing them all.
She sliced another piece of carrot. “Honestly, if Uncle Lu hadn’t blocked you, I probably would never have. Unless you made a fundamental mistake, of course.”
A heavy silence fell between them.
She looked up at him. “Uncle Lu has been teaching me to be a bit more carefree; I think I want to try changing that.”
Finishing the few remaining pieces of carrot on her plate, she put down her fork and took out her phone.
Jiang Sixun watched as she scrolled through her WeChat contacts. She had many friends and work groups, and even on vacation, dozens of people reached out to her daily.
After scrolling for a while, she found Qi Zhengchen’s chat box.
Jiang Sixun noticed she had pinned Qi Zhengchen’s conversation because he had been her only contact after Lu Jianbo blocked him.
Xu Zhiyi didn’t glance at him, unaware of his expression.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to unpin my second brother’s chat. I was just worried it would upset you. He’s been so good to me that I can never repay him. Of course, you’ve been great too, always remembering to get me concert tickets, taking me to bars when I’m down, and even sharing your least favorite lobster pasta with me. But in my eyes, no one can compare to my second brother, not even my parents.”
She locked her phone and put it back in her bag.
Jiang Sixun took a clean napkin and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. “You don’t have to pin me again, but can you at least add me back?”
Xu Zhiyi shook her head firmly. “No way.” Then she looked at him, saying, “Didn’t you just tell me to let my unhappiness pass to you? Now I’m doing it, and you won’t accept it.”
Jiang Sixun dropped the subject of adding her back, saying, “I accept.”
“I’ll ride back with Uncle Lu,” Xu Zhiyi said, grabbing her bag and preparing to leave.
He watched her until she sat down next to Lu Jianbo.
On the other side of the dining area, Ning Yun had the waiter place her meal directly opposite Yu Rui, then sauntered over.
The two young ladies had never gotten along, but today they found themselves sharing a table, drawing curious glances from those around them.
Having just touched up her makeup, Ning Yun flashed a flirtatious smile. “Did you see how he treated Xu Zhiyi? She’s so mad she won’t even look at him, and yet he keeps pushing forward.”
“You used to think you were special to him,” she added, nodding toward Xu Zhiyi. “Jiang Sixun was the one who pursued her first.”
Yu Rui, feeling disinterested, continued eating without engaging with Ning Yun.
Ning Yun pulled out her phone, unlocked it, and pushed the screen toward Yu Rui. “It was my uncle’s doing.” She showed no sign of defensiveness. “I’ll write an apology letter to you—just tell me what newspaper to publish it in and how big you want it.”
Yu Rui didn’t even glance at it. “If I can give you the evidence, it means I’m not wronging you.” In truth, her parents had known who was behind it all, but they chose silence, wanting to keep her distanced from Jiang Sixun. The Lu family’s affairs were notoriously messy, and Lu Jianbo’s reputation was well-known.
Her mother had never interacted with Jiang Sixun and held a prejudice against him, hoping her daughter’s future husband would be simpler, which led to the disconnect between Xu Zhiyi and Jiang Sixun.
Ning Yun, serious in her acknowledgment, asked, “How many days do you want it trending? From when to when?”
Yu Rui replied, “No need for a newspaper or trending topic; I don’t need your apology.” With Jiang Sixun having someone special now and being acknowledged by Lu Jianbo, making a big scene with an apology would only be humiliating—an opportunity for others to laugh at him all over again.
Ning Yun felt little fondness for the woman before her, but guilt nagged at her since her uncle’s actions had led to Xu Zhiyi being ridiculed in public.
“So how do you expect me to make it up to you?” she asked.
Yu Rui’s response was sharp: “He told me I was being unreasonable and demanded an apology. I want to hear him say if he regrets what happened back then.”
“…You might as well kill me. I’ll apologize with my life,” Ning Yun retorted, pointing at herself with a self-deprecating smile. “You really overestimate me. Do you think I have the power to make him apologize?”
Yu Rui remained unfazed. “That’s your problem. Have you ever considered that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today with him?”
Ning Yun’s guilt deepened. Convincing him to apologize would be harder than persuading Lu Jianbo and the others.
Xu Zhiyi was savoring a strawberry dessert next to Lu Jianbo, pleasantly sweet but not overly rich.
Lu Jianbo turned to her and asked, “Can you hold off on adding him back until tomorrow? Don’t let your heart soften and forgive him when you get home tonight.”
Xu Zhiyi chuckled, “I’ll try to hold out for two months.”
Lu Jianbo laughed along, “I doubt it.”
“If you can stick to it for two months, until just before your birthday, I’ll give you a birthday gift you’ve always dreamed of but never thought possible.” He pulled out a surprise.
Xu Zhiyi pondered for a moment. What could she possibly be missing?
A sports car? No, Xu Heng had given her several.
The 3D printing company she was most interested in? She was already its largest shareholder.
“Is it an estate in England?” she guessed.
Lu Jianbo fell silent, then chuckled softly. “I’ll give you the estate later, but I can’t now. It contains my wedding photos.”
“Sorry for bringing up a sore subject.”
“It’s fine; Jiang Sixun brings it up from time to time.” He switched back to the topic, revealing the gift: shares in a racing team.
“Your dad said Lingjia Capital is for you, and the shares will be transferred there when the time comes.”
Xu Zhiyi took a sip of water, slightly panicking. “This gift is too extravagant; I can’t accept it. Please choose something else.”
“Money can’t buy everything. If it means you can be a little freer and not feel like you have to be so considerate all the time, then it’s not extravagant at all.” If it weren’t for him, she might have grown up pampered by her parents.
Lu Jianbo felt a pang of guilt but smiled, “But this reward won’t be easy for you to earn. You’ll have to hold out for over two months without adding Jiang Sixun back. It’s his own fault for walking into this.”
Xu Zhiyi considered it for a few seconds and gave an “OK” sign.
Across the table, Lu Jianbo’s second uncle looked astonished. His younger brother was generous only to his own son, but with the old man, he was always stingy.
“Lu Jianbo, second uncle, you two continue chatting,” she said, then turned to Lu Jianbo. “I’m heading to the car.”
Lu Jianbo nodded, “Go digest this gift for a bit.”
“I have to hold on tight to this pie in the sky,” Xu Zhiyi said with a laugh as she walked away.
Once she was out of earshot, the second uncle lowered his voice. “Are you crazy? You’re throwing money around like it’s water.”
Lu Jianbo smiled wryly, “I’m buying you some peace of mind. Otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll be haunted by ghosts knocking on your door at night.”
The second uncle’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. “What do you mean ‘peace of mind’? Are you implying I swapped kids or something?”
“Of course, you didn’t swap kids. But you manipulated the records; it’s impossible to trace anything back to you.” Lu Jianbo’s gaze bore into his brother’s. “You’re in charge of the hospital. Only you would know how to cover your tracks. How much did Lu Jianli pay you to turn a blind eye?”
“Lu Jianbo, stop being paranoid!” the second uncle shot back.
“I wish I were just being paranoid,” Lu Jianbo scoffed.
Shen Qingfeng likely had evidence of Lu Jianli’s shady dealings, and these two wouldn’t dare betray each other since they each held compromising secrets.
“Do you think Xu Xiangyi and Xu Heng are fools? They’re pointing fingers at Shen Qingfeng without a shred of evidence. Second uncle, I advise you to stay clear of trouble when Jiang Sixun and Lu Jianli are fighting for control.”
The second uncle’s tone turned cold. “Don’t think just because you’re my younger brother, you can say whatever you want! Where’s your evidence? Where’s the proof of my record destruction? Just your word?”
Lu Jianbo put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I’ve never needed evidence to do what I want. If Jiang Sixun and Xu Zhiyi face any troubles, I’ll hold you accountable.”
With that, he tossed the napkin aside and got up to find Lu Jianbo’s third uncle.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhiyi had just stepped out of the banquet hall when she bumped into Shen Qingfeng, unable to avoid him.
Aside from his outburst in the bathroom during the family dinner, he always wore a charming smile. As they drew closer, he initiated the conversation, “In such a rush to leave? Did you have a fight? Did meeting Yu Rui today make you feel the sincerity behind the welcome gift I sent?”
Xu Zhiyi decided to turn his own words back on him. “I really should thank you for that welcome gift; it cured my love-sick brain. Just a few days ago, Shang Yun said I was being foolish, and I brushed him off. Now I realize he was right. I’m leaving for the port tomorrow, and I’ve arranged to discuss a collaboration with Shang Yun.”
Upon hearing that Xu Zhiyi was collaborating with Shang Yun, Shen Qingfeng’s smile faltered.
Xu Zhiyi said casually, “When I transferred the KEVE shares without telling you, I hoped you’d help me manage things. After all, I’m only good at investing; managing operations and expanding markets are not my strengths. You’ve helped me multiply my assets fivefold in six years—thank you.”
She laid it all out, “I’m interested in the Jinyun project as well. Let’s meet in Beijing.”
With that, she strolled past Shen Qingfeng, who stood frozen for a few moments before returning to the observation deck to collect himself.
No need to think hard—it had to be Lu Jianbo behind it all. Otherwise, Xu Zhiyi wouldn’t have dared to freeze out Jiang Sixun so openly; all her plans were falling apart because of him.
Back in the car, Secretary Cai was also present. After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Zhiyi leaned against the window, watching cars glide by, feeling rather bored.
Then her mood brightened at the thought of the racing team shares. No more ticket worries for future grand prix events!
【I’ll take you to the grand prix next time (grinning).】 Xu Zhiyi texted her brother.
Xu Heng replied: 【Not counting on it. Let’s focus on this year first.】
Xu Zhiyi: 【I’ll definitely take you, and from now on, Jiang Sixun will be behind you.】
Xu Heng: 【Did you two have a spat?】
Xu Zhiyi: 【Nope.】
Xu Heng: 【When you get back, I’ll settle the score with him.】
Feeling warm inside, Xu Zhiyi sent a hundred yuan red envelope.
Meanwhile, in the passenger seat, Secretary Cai’s phone rang. Seeing it was Jiang Sixun’s number, he quickly hung up.
【Mr. Jiang, is there something you need?】
Jiang Sixun: 【I know you’re in the car and don’t dare pick up. Get out and call me.】
Cai paused, torn. He didn’t dare answer Jiang Sixun in front of Xu Zhiyi, but if it were Xu Zhiyi calling, he would answer without hesitation.
Once out of the car and some distance away, he called back.
Jiang Sixun got straight to the point. “What did you tell Xu Zhiyi about Yu Rui? This isn’t about holding you accountable; I need to hear your exact words so I can apologize.”
Cai racked his brain to remember and did his best to reconstruct their conversation.
Finally, he added, “And you mentioned the purple yam orchid and the purple yam coffee cups.” He kindly reminded him, “Mr. Jiang, we have those coffee cups in London.”
“Got it,” Jiang Sixun replied, his memory as sharp as ever. He noted everything in his phone’s memo.
The cocktail party was still ongoing, but he left early.
Outside the hotel, his father’s car was parked by the curb.
The windows were tightly shut, and even as he approached the back door, the glass didn’t lower.
Unable to see inside, Jiang Sixun addressed the car, “I’m heading back.”
He stood there for a moment before turning away toward his own car.
Xu Zhiyi watched him drive off, contemplating whether to ask him how long he had known Yu Rui.
Back at the seaside apartment, it was only eleven o’clock, and the living room was lit by a single floor lamp.
Looking out from the balcony, the distant city lights twinkled like stars.
Under the warm light, Jiang Sixun was busy writing something and looked up, asking if she wanted a late-night snack.
Having had dessert at the event, Xu Zhiyi felt no hunger. “No, thanks.” She wasn’t in a hurry to change out of her formal attire and sat down on the nearby sofa.
The dim lighting made it hard to see what he was writing.
“Did you see the company-wide email?” she asked.
Jiang Sixun replied, “Not yet.” He could guess its content; at the start of Xu Zhiyi’s long vacation, he had discussed her appointment with his cousin, Jiang Sheng.
Between them, they were just a couple now, not employer and employee.
“Congratulations. I’ll celebrate with you tomorrow,” he said.
Xu Zhiyi replied, “Let’s talk about it later; I’m going back to Beijing tomorrow.”
On her way back, she had pondered how to report her work to Jiang Sixun in the future. Unexpectedly, she received a call from Jiang Sheng, her previous mentor, who was also a shareholder at Yuanwei. He informed her that the company had agreed to her resignation request and reappointed her, effective today. She would now be the sole head of Yuanwei, no longer needing to report to Jiang Sixun.
Not needing to report meant she wouldn’t even have to send work emails anymore.
Jiang Sixun finished writing and glanced at her under the lamp’s glow. The light cast two long shadows of her eyelashes on her face as she quietly observed him.
He handed her the paper he had written. “Would you rather read what I wrote or hear my explanation?”
No matter how much emotional memories linger, once they’re written down, they become hard to forget.
Xu Zhiyi didn’t want to see his burdensome words. “You talk; just don’t go into too much detail.”
Jiang Sixun replied, “I have clothes of every color; you know that. The purple has nothing to do with her. That purple yam coffee cup—when I bought it, I had just liked one of your posts, and that color popped into my mind.”
“You might find that reason flimsy and ridiculous.”
“‘Bleached Night Purple’—the accompanying image was two purple yam-flavored ice creams. Not sure if you remember it.”
How could she forget?
The ice cream was an image she casually put together.
Bleached Night Purple was the color of his shirt that day, while she wore a snow purple dress, looking as if his shirt had been bleached.
“Two months ago, we had afternoon tea to discuss work, at a place the secretary booked.”
“I don’t have her contact info. After she deleted me, we didn’t add each other back,” Jiang Sixun replied.
Xu Zhiyi asked, “How long have you known each other?”
Jiang Sixun met her gaze, “Many years, but I can’t remember exactly.”
She nodded, realizing there was no need to pry further; the pain was hers to bear.
“I’m going to sleep now. You can keep busy,” she said, rising from her seat.
But as she stood, he set the paper down and got up too. “Zhiyi.” He pulled her into his embrace.
Jiang Sixun tightened his grip, “Just because we’ve known each other for a long time doesn’t mean I care for you the way Qi Zhengchen does.”
Xu Zhiyi looked into his deep-set eyes, “I know it’s not your fault. It’s just… I feel a bit upset; I can’t even process it. Six years… During those two years when we hardly contacted each other, I often wondered if you already had someone you liked. When you were in Manhattan, I would always wait at the elevator on the first floor, just to see you. Each time the elevator came, I’d pretend to be on a call and wouldn’t get on.”
“I wanted to see you but couldn’t. While you’re out having afternoon tea with her, I can’t even fantasize about that, which makes me jealous.”
His arms tightened around her waist, even more than when they had shared a moment in the airplane lavatory.
“Let go of me. It’s no use holding me; I won’t add you back for now,” she said, struggling.
He held her tighter. “You don’t need to add me back; wait until you feel better. I’m going back to Beijing with you tomorrow.”
“My brother’s in Beijing, waiting to deal with you. Maybe you should just stay away,” she replied.
“Even more reason to go back. How else will you cool off?” he said, his gaze dropping to hers. “I was at that game you attended with Xu Heng. I was on the other side of the field. I knew you were there; it was just too crowded to run into you.”
Xu Zhiyi froze for a moment, then pushed him away playfully. “Stop playing the victim.”
“Alright,” he relented, “I won’t bring it up again.”
Feeling as if her waist might snap, she insisted, “Let me go. I have an early flight tomorrow; I need to sleep.”
He finally released her but gave her waist a gentle squeeze.
Xu Zhiyi pushed his hand away.
But Jiang Sixun wrapped his arms around her again. “From now on, I’ll report to you about work. Goodnight.” He kissed her forehead softly.
He folded the detailed explanation he had written and placed it under a vase on the side table, knowing she wouldn’t want to read it.
Picking up her phone from the couch, she started typing while loosening the collar of her shirt.
【I’m going back to Beijing tomorrow.】
Xu Heng replied: 【Don’t expect me to help you.】
Jiang Sixun: 【No need for you to help me; just help Zhiyi.】
Xu Heng: 【What did you do to upset her?】
Jiang Sixun: 【Let’s discuss it when we meet.】
What he really wanted to say was: 【For Zhiyi’s birthday this year, I’ll celebrate it properly, not at home.】
Xu Heng: 【You should make it special for her. I always wondered why she preferred quiet birthdays, never inviting even her grandparents.】
Now it made sense: with too many people, she’d have to socialize, but with just their family of four plus Jiang Sixun, it would be quiet enough for her to talk to him more.
Over the past six years, Jiang Sixun had only visited on significant holidays and her birthday; he rarely had dinner with them otherwise, as he was always busy.
At that time, they thought he was too occupied to come over; it turned out he was intentionally avoiding them.
Jiang Sixun: 【If Zhiyi posts on her Moments, send me a screenshot.】
Xu Heng: 【?】
Then he realized: 【Did you get blocked?】
Jiang Sixun: 【I got deleted.】
Xu Heng: “…”
His sister was finally growing up.
In the past, she wouldn’t even pull such stunts unless someone forced her to; she considered it a very hurtful action.
【Did you two break up? That shouldn’t be the case; she wouldn’t want to end things with you.】
Jiang Sixun looked at that last message, feeling a pang: 【We didn’t break up. My dad had her delete me.】
Xu Heng: 【That makes sense.】
He had thought his sister was finally getting assertive.
【She’ll probably add you back tomorrow.】
With a sigh, Jiang Sixun knew she might spend the night feeling guilty, and by morning, she might add him back and even send a hundred-yuan red envelope as compensation.
Before knowing if she would accept the request, he took the initiative to add her, writing a note: 【Goodnight. I missed you during those six years.】
Seeing that last line, Xu Zhiyi felt the warmth of Jiang Sixun’s tenderness and encouragement, knowing Uncle Lu understood her well, knowing she couldn’t resist that warmth.