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He Yi’an watched the two of them, so close that one was holding the other’s neck and the other refused to be set down. No matter how much she and her husband tried to deceive themselves, they couldn’t pretend that their relationship was just that of loving siblings.
When did it all go wrong?
He Yi’an racked her brain, replaying countless details in slow motion.
There was that time at the alley café when they unexpectedly ran into Jiang Yue Ru; their phones were stacked together, and Sixun even helped Zhiyi with her shirt that had slipped off.
Zhiyi had taken a day off to attend a concert, and Sixun stayed the night, saying it would be easier to take Zhiyi to the airport in the morning.
He had a girlfriend, yet only Zhiyi had met her.
The boy who once couldn’t be dragged out shopping was now using “girlfriend” as an excuse to accompany them.
He bought clothes for his girlfriend but only after consulting Zhiyi’s opinion, while his own thoughts were set aside.
He even took Zhiyi to the Lu family banquet.
She and her husband had been careless.
After regaining his senses, Xu Xiangyi said to his daughter, “Zhiyi, come here to Dad.”
Jiang Sixun set her down and explained to her future in-laws, “I’m still pursuing Zhiyi.”
“Wait, Sixun, you two…” Xu Xiangyi stuttered, lost for words for the first time in his life.
Xu Heng, sitting quietly, turned to his father and asked, “What’s it feel like to have your home invaded?”
Xu Xiangyi retorted, “You talk too much.”
Xu Heng replied, “Maybe because there’s an extra person in the house, I’m feeling more cheerful. The happier I am, the more I talk.”
Xu Xiangyi: “…”
He already felt disheartened, and now his heart felt heavier.
Zhiyi had just kicked off her sandals and was now barefoot as she walked over to sit between her parents.
She glanced at Jiang Sixun, who was making his way to the door.
He Yi’an’s mind raced, and she asked her daughter, “All these years, has it been Sixun in your heart?”
Zhiyi nodded. “Yeah.”
He Yi’an had always treated her daughter like a child, wanting to hold her close. She wrapped her arms around ZhiYi’and tousled her hair, finally getting her wish.
Xu Xiangyi sipped half a glass of water, reluctantly accepting that his daughter had a boyfriend. Seeing Sixun carry Zhiyi in just now, his first thought was how he’d never had the chance to carry her.
When she was little, he could carry her through amusement parks for miles without getting tired.
Now, if he tried, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to carry her at all.
Jiang Sixun approached, holding a pair of women’s slippers.
Zhiyi straightened up as she got up from her mother’s embrace.
The man leaned down and placed the slippers in front of her.
Xu Xiangyi pointed to the nearby sofa. “Sixun, sit down.”
Xu Heng turned to Jiang Sixun, saying, “Your good days at my house are over today.”
Jiang Sixun, calm in front of his future in-laws, didn’t retort to his future brother-in-law but simply met his gaze.
Xu Xiangyi resumed his usual polite demeanor and offered Jiang Sixun some tea, then got straight to the point: “As parents, we want our kids to find mutual affection. But as a father, I worry about my daughter being mistreated. I chased your mother for over three months back in the day.”
It seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Xu Heng handed a cup of tea to his future brother-in-law. “You understand what your father-in-law means, right? Pursue my sister well. Thirty years ago, my dad chased my mom for over three months. With inflation the way it is, you can’t apply the same old standards.”
He casually asked his father, “Six months at the least?”
Before Xu Xiangyi could respond, Jiang Sixun declared, “However long it takes.”
Xu Heng nodded. “Not a bad attitude.”
Xu Xiangyi didn’t set a specific timeline: “As a father, I won’t easily let my daughter go. Even if I’ve watched you grow up, that doesn’t make you an exception.”
He then looked at his daughter. “Why aren’t you speaking?”
Zhiyi clung to her father’s arm, affectionate and obedient. “Dad, I’ll listen to you.”
Xu Xiangyi felt a sense of relief, his previously empty heart now filled a little.
Xu Heng half-stood, peeling a green tangerine from the fruit platter, whispering, “Your dad understands mine. He knows this will be a tough hurdle to cross. Uncle Lu favors ZhiYi’and has blocked you. When my dad finds out, he might let you off the hook for a few days because of Uncle Lu.”
Having peeled the tangerine, he tried a slice, grimacing as the sourness nearly made him lose a tooth. He handed the remaining piece to Jiang Sixun. “Help a guy out.”
Jiang Sixun: “…”
Xu Heng turned to his mother. “If Jiang Sixun wants to stay over in the future, should I still let him?”
He Yi’an smiled gently. “Before the engagement, that’s definitely a no.”
“You all continue chatting.” She stood up and headed to the kitchen.
Jiang Sixun sent a message to Xu Heng: [Why are you so talkative tonight?]
Xu Heng quickly typed back: [With you around, I’ve become lively and cheerful.]
Jiang Sixun messaged: “Since you’re so lively, add me to your family group chat.”
Xu Heng didn’t reply and exited the chat.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhiyi was giving her father a gentle arm massage, going from top to bottom with just the right amount of pressure.
Xu Xiangyi smiled warmly. “Are you afraid I’ll hold a grudge later? It’s quite absurd for you and Sixun to act in front of your mom and me.”
Zhiyi stifled a laugh. “I’m just being filial! Can’t you feel my heartfelt intentions?”
“I can’t feel them; your cotton-padded jacket is leaking air.”
Zhiyi burst into laughter, playfully hitting her father’s arm a few times. “This is what you call leaking air!”
For the first time, Xu Xiangyi enjoyed his daughter’s playful antics, which were a welcome change from her usual restraint.
“Dad, are you satisfied with our future son-in-law?” Zhiyi whispered.
Xu Xiangyi teased her back, “I’m not satisfied with anyone; I feel no one is worthy of you. Your mother should be very satisfied, though.”
He Yi’an entered with a cup of honey water, taking over the conversation. “Satisfied with what?”
She handed the cup to her daughter. “Drink some.”
Zhiyi, having only had a little to drink that evening, accepted it and whispered so only they could hear, “Dad says you’re very satisfied with our future son-in-law.”
He Yi’an’s perspective on her son-in-law differed from her husband’s: “Of course I’m satisfied. Sixun has grown up under my watch; I know his character well. There won’t even be any mother-in-law conflict—your Aunt Jiang is very open-minded. She never meddles in her children’s affairs, whether they choose to have kids or not.”
Most importantly, she added, “Sixun is used to living at my house, so you both can come back often after you get married.”
She and her husband had so little time with their daughter; they hoped she’d be home more often.
He Yi’an spoke at a normal volume, allowing Jiang Sixun to hear her from across the room. He finished the last sour orange segment that was nearly inedible, then said to her, “Auntie, I’ll be living with Zhiyi in the future, so we won’t be moving out.”
He had thought this through long before; it wasn’t just an impulsive attempt to win over his future in-laws.
Xu Heng interjected again, “Which home are you referring to? Beijing or…?”
After all, they wouldn’t be living in one place after marriage; they’d be traveling for work.
“Beijing, Shanghai, Manhattan. ZhiYi’and I will be living at home,” Jiang Sixun replied.
Xu Heng nodded. “Don’t forget to cover the grocery bills. Property taxes and maintenance fees for the Manhattan apartment will be on you.”
Zhiyi asked her dad with a grin, “So do I have to pay for groceries?”
“You don’t have to; it’s on Sixun and your brother.”
Xu Heng: “…”
Hearing that Jiang Sixun would be living at home after marriage, his attitude shifted noticeably.
Jiang Sixun wiped his hands with a towel, planning to leave; given his current status, staying longer felt intrusive.
He stood up. “Uncle, Auntie, I’ll be heading back now.”
Zhiyi rose from the sofa. “Dad, I’ll walk Jiang Sixun out.”
Xu Xiangyi felt relieved and allowed her to go. “Go on.”
It wasn’t until they stepped outside into the courtyard that Jiang Sixun let out a quiet sigh of relief. Today’s different status had made him a bit more nervous than usual.
He looked at Zhiyi. “You should go back inside; it’s hot out here.”
Zhiyi had grabbed two pieces of chocolate on her way out. He had eaten a whole orange, which had been particularly sour—just right for her, but too much for anyone else.
She offered him the chocolate. “It’s not dark chocolate; it’s not bitter.”
Jiang Sixun took it from her palm. “Thank you.”
Zhiyi looked up at him, relieved she no longer had to worry about being caught by her parents.
“Next time you come to my house, your activities will be limited to the first floor only.”
“That’s fine. I’ll strive to get engaged to you soon.” Jiang Sixun unwrapped a piece of chocolate but didn’t eat it. Instead, he held it to her lips.
Zhiyi slightly parted her lips and accepted the chocolate.
The day had begun with roses and ended with chocolate.
On the weekend, Jiang Sixun flew to Hong Kong Island.
Among his uncles, he had interacted most with his second uncle due to hospital matters, while his third uncle was someone he had the least contact with.
The third uncle was quiet and gentle, a rarity among the Lu family.
Perhaps it was this amiable nature that caused Grandpa not to recognize his potential.
Upon arriving at the airport, Jiang Sixun went directly to his company to find his third uncle.
Knowing he was coming, the third uncle had prepared tea in advance.
Among the brothers, only the third uncle wore glasses, the silver-rimmed frames adding a touch of sophistication.
He personally poured tea for his nephew and spoke plainly: “The fourth brother said you gave up on the Yu family deal.”
Jiang Sixun replied, “Whether I give up or not, Grandpa will find a way to make things difficult for me.”
The third uncle chuckled. “You’ve misjudged Grandpa; it’s your eldest uncle who’s looking to trouble you.”
“If Grandpa didn’t indulge him, the eldest wouldn’t dare. He’s still hoping for a share of Grandpa’s estate.”
“Are you blaming Grandpa for protecting your eldest uncle because of your parents’ divorce?”
Jiang Sixun didn’t want to dwell on it and took a sip of tea.
Back when his mother divorced, it was for peace, yet Lu Jianliang continued to meddle even after the divorce, fearing they might reconcile. For those two years, Shen Qingfeng’s entanglements with his father were all exacerbated by the eldest uncle, who sought to stir trouble and let his mother know.
His mother was still seeing a therapist; it was likely not only due to the divorce, but those two years afterward were crucial as well.
Third Uncle: “I’m not speaking on behalf of the fourth brother; back then, he didn’t genuinely want to marry Shen Qingfeng. It was all a ploy to provoke your grandfather.”
“That’s not important. My mom only heard that he was determined to marry Shen Qingfeng and was willing to cause a ruckus with Grandpa over it. Third Uncle, you have no idea how much that hurt her. Let’s not talk about this.”
Third Uncle nodded, shifting topics to the hospital’s ownership changes. “The hospital shares we hold were initially transferred to us by the Yu family. After so many years in their hands, they must have had trusted doctors. When the baby swap was discovered, the Yu family might have known the truth. But on one side is your eldest uncle, the decision-maker of the Lu family, and on the other, the wealthiest man, Xu Xiangyi. Neither can afford to offend the other. Even if they know something, it’ll remain a secret. If it were you or me, we might do the same. Self-preservation is human nature.”
“Now, with your current tension with Yu Rui, they’ll be even less inclined to speak. If necessary, I can arrange a meeting for you two; Yu Rui will still give me that face.”
Jiang Sixun replied, “Thank you, Third Uncle, but no need. The evidence is in Xu Heng’s hands; he might not even need proof when he decides to deal with Shen Qingfeng. My only concern is gaining control.” When the time came to settle scores with Lu Jianliang and Shen Qingfeng, he’d ensure the Lu family’s long-standing projects with Uncle Xu remained unaffected.
The partnership between Xu XiangYi’and the Lu family stretched back thirty years, from the old man Lu to the present, covering extensive ground from the mainland to Hong Kong and overseas. One wrong move could send ripples throughout.
This was also the reason Shen Qingfeng married his uncle, betting on Xu Xiangyi’s reluctance to act against her for the company’s sake.
But it wasn’t Xu Xiangyi’s interests at stake—it was Xu Zhiyi’s.
Xu Zhiyi didn’t want her parents to lose twenty years of family affection only to seek revenge on Shen Qingfeng at the cost of their business; she felt Shen Qingfeng wasn’t worth it. Thus, she took matters into her own hands.
Having just reunited with his daughter, Xu Xiangyi was eager to accommodate Xu Zhiyi’s wishes and agreed to her plan.
Now, with KEVE under Xu Zhiyi’s name, Shen Qingfeng’s two decades of efforts were fruitless. This method of revenge not only incurred no losses but also allowed Xu Zhiyi to gain both career and wealth.
However, what Shen Qingfeng lost wasn’t enough in Xu Heng and Xu Xiangyi’s eyes.
Jiang Sixun clarified his purpose for today: “I’ll be relying on you for company matters; I’ll only be in Hong Kong for a maximum of ten to fifteen days a year.”
Third Uncle was taken aback, his surprise showing on his face. “You won’t manage after obtaining control of the group?”
Jiang Sixun replied, “I only need broad decision-making authority.”
Neither Yuanwei Capital nor Yuanwei Group had branches in Hong Kong, and since Xu Zhiyi wouldn’t have opportunities to travel there for business, he hadn’t considered living there full-time.
After chatting for over two hours, he left just as he received an email—the board meeting was set for two weeks later.
Returning to his seafront apartment, night had fallen, and Jiang Sixun only turned on the floor lamp.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the bay sparkled with lights.
He picked up the handwritten note he had left under the vase earlier, reading it again. After finishing, he added a final line, neatly folded the paper, and pressed it under the vase.
He picked up the landline, dialed each digit slowly, reminiscent of leaving messages for his father on the home phone when he was young.
During that summer when he was four and a half, after an unpleasant parting with his father, he had wanted to call him but had held onto his pride after saying, “I’ll never call you again!” and never did.
After a dozen rings, Xu ZhiYi’answered. Upon recognizing the local number, she immediately knew it was Jiang Sixun.
“I didn’t blacklist your number,” she said.
“I know. I’m right next to the phone,” he replied, then added, “I’ll be free for the next ten days to accompany you to London for the sunrise.”
Xu Zhiyi responded, “I can’t wrap things up until Wednesday.”
He asked, “How about flying over on Thursday?”
“That works. I’ll fly over in the morning.”
The first time she went to Brighton to watch the sunrise was as a teenager with her older brother. At twenty, she had visited with Ning Yinqi and then gone again alone, wandering aimlessly along the beach, during a time when she and Jiang Sixun had lost contact.
Only the sea and the beach held a special place in her heart, filled with so many memories.
On Wednesday, she worked late at the office until past eight before returning home. After a simple dinner, Xu Zhiyi started packing her bags. Xu Heng brought her some yogurt.
After placing the yogurt down, he lingered.
He casually glanced at a burgundy men’s shirt in her wardrobe. “Is that the team-building shirt you mentioned?”
“…”
She looked down, pretending not to hear.
She hadn’t brought that shirt on this trip.
Before leaving, Xu Heng cautioned, “If Jiang Sixun tries to express his feelings while watching the sunrise, stay calm, understood?”
“I know.”
They landed in London at 4 PM local time. After two nights in Brighton, they headed straight to their seaside hotel.
Jiang Sixun had booked a sea-view room right next to hers; the beach was just a street away.
As she was unpacking, Jiang Sixun knocked and called from outside her door.
“Let’s go eat first; I’ll organize your things when we get back,” he said.
Xu Zhiyi set her toiletries on the sink and grabbed her bag, ready to follow him out.
But Jiang Sixun didn’t move, standing at the door and motioning, “If you wear a skirt, I won’t be able to carry you. Change.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
Xu Zhiyi: “I’m changing.”
Jiang Sixun: “I’ll head to the terrace.”
He turned his back to the room as he answered emails on the terrace.
Recalling the intimacy they once shared in Hong Kong—initially separated by their pajamas, then nothing at all—Xu Zhiyi decided not to worry about him being in the room. She quickly changed into long pants and a tank top.
“I’m ready,” she announced, pulling her long hair into a loose bun while facing the terrace. “Let’s go.”
The tank top hugged her slender waist, hinting at her curves.
Jiang Sixun glanced at her outfit and returned to his room to grab a blazer, anticipating she might feel cold after the sun set.
Once outside the hotel, a brisk wind greeted them.
“Zhiyi,” he called, catching up to her.
Xu Zhiyi turned back just as he stepped up, draping the blazer around her shoulders. “There, now you’re dressed.”
Instantly enveloped by his scent, she protested softly, “I’m not cold.” She had a tendency to feel warm, and he knew that well.
“I’ll wear it later if it gets chilly.”
Jiang Sixun leaned down and kissed her lips, then tucked the blazer away.
The kiss caught her off guard, leaving Xu Zhiyi momentarily breathless.
“Do you want Chinese or Western food?” he asked.
Walking side by side, their arms occasionally brushed against each other. She replied, “Seafood.”
“Zhiyi.”
Just as she finished speaking, a familiar voice called from behind. It was Qi Zhengchen—she thought she was imagining things.
Jiang Sixun turned first, and she quickly followed.
A convertible sports car rolled up slowly, with only him inside.
The last time they met, she had called him “President Qi” in front of Shang Ren, but today there were only the three of them, so that wouldn’t do.
“Second Brother,” she said sadly, two years of separation weighing on her.
Jiang Sixun asked, “Here on business?”
Qi Zhengchen replied, “I came with my mom.” Their relationship had been strained ever since he got married; his mother even pretended he didn’t exist.
To ease the tension, he had decided to accompany her, though she still wouldn’t speak to him. Today, however, she seemed slightly more receptive. After arranging to meet friends, he found himself here, driving alone without even realizing it.
He turned to Xu ZhiYi’and suggested, “Since we ran into each other, let’s grab a meal. Who knows when we’ll meet again?”
At the seafood restaurant, they sat at a round table, with the three of them spaced apart.
Knowing what the others liked, Qi Zhengchen took charge of ordering.
Jiang Sixun poured glasses of water, placing them at each person’s side.
The table was quiet; no one spoke.
Xu Zhiyi propped her chin on her hand, gazing out the window, her thoughts drifting back six years.
Back then, she and her second brother had so much to talk about…
On September 22nd, just over a month after reuniting with her biological parents, Qi Zhengchen had come to Manhattan to see her. They had dinner at a Spanish restaurant.
At a table for four, she and Qi Zhengchen sat side by side, while Jiang Sixun sat opposite them.
“Should I order tomato bread?” Qi Zhengchen asked.
Xu Zhiyi recalled the dipping bread they had enjoyed at a restaurant in Shanghai with Jiang Sixun. “Yes, let’s get two servings.”
With a resigned smile, Qi Zhengchen replied, “Alright, two it is. If we can’t finish, I’ll help you out.”
He then inquired, “How’s the preparation for your application going?”
Xu Zhiyi responded, “Mr. Jiang helped me with a recommendation letter, and Cohen’s grandfather wrote one too.”
Across the table, Jiang Sixun quietly observed them while sipping his water.
Just a week ago, Qi Zhengchen’s words—“Wait a bit before confessing to Zhiyi”—still echoed in his ears.
After placing the order, Qi Zhengchen looked across the table. “Why are you so quiet?”
Jiang Sixun smiled slightly. “What’s there to say?”
Xu Zhiyi glanced at him, unable to maintain eye contact for long. As he looked back, she quickly diverted her gaze and casually remarked to Qi Zhengchen, “Silence is golden. Unlike me, who talks too much, Mr. Jiang has more money.”
Jiang Sixun: “…”
His silence spoke volumes, a mix of amusement and exasperation flickering across his face as he processed her playful jab.