Chapter 10

Shi Tang’s second sister-in-law was sitting in a side hall, holding a newborn baby, surrounded by people admiring the child. 

Lin Yuxi went over to greet Ling Yaqiong and the other elders. Just as she was about to step outside for some fresh air, the second sister-in-law called out to her. 

“Xiaoxi Lin Yuxi), do you want to hold the baby for a bit?” 

The baby was dressed in a soft cotton onesie with little rabbit prints, wrapped snugly in a blanket. His big, dark eyes stared at her. 

Lin Yuxi was about to decline, but the second sister-in-law had already placed the baby in her arms. “Go ahead, hold him. Look how much he likes you; he’s been staring at you this whole time.” 

Unable to refuse the kind offer, Lin Yuxi sat down, locking eyes with the baby. 

The little one indeed seemed to take a liking to her, babbling and bubbling, smiling so widely that his eyes formed little crescent shapes. 

Lin Yuxi smiled as well. It was a strange yet delightful feeling—being liked by a baby brought her a surprising sense of happiness. 

“Hello,” she softly spoke to the baby, “My name is Lin Yuxi, what’s your name?” 

The second sister-in-law chuckled. “How would he know his name yet? Even if he did, he can’t say it.” 

The baby’s golden longevity lock slipped out from under his collar. The second sister-in-law gently adjusted it, then noticed something around Lin Yuxi’s neck. 

“Huh? Xiaoxi, are you wearing a peace lock too?” 

Everyone’s attention shifted to the jade pendant hanging around Lin Yuxi’s neck. It was a rare, high-quality Longshi jade, a translucent, vivid green, crafted into the shape of a peace lock. It was smooth, charming, and exquisite. 

Lin Yuxi instinctively touched her pendant. She had worn it for years, and over time, the jade had melded with the warmth of her skin. 

The second sister-in-law admired it. “Where did you buy that peace lock? I’d love to get one myself.” 

Lin Yuxi shook her head. “I don’t know. It was a gift.” 

The second sister-in-law smiled knowingly. “It must be from Yanjing. Well, then I probably won’t be able to get one like it.” 

Lin Yuxi smiled back, her gaze distant as the sparkling chandelier light reflected off the jade. She suddenly remembered that snowy winter. 

New Year’s Eve. Midnight. 

The man waiting downstairs. 

The burning embrace and kisses in the snow. 

And the grand fireworks, arranged just for her. 

After all, Yanjing had once loved her. 

An elder lady who loved jade brought the conversation back. “These days, young people don’t wear jade as much.” 

“This jade has such a strong luster. It suits Xiaoxi’s temperament perfectly,” Madam Shi, who had a kind and gentle face, complimented Lin Yuxi before turning to Ling Yaqiong. “You’re so fortunate, Yanjing found you such a wonderful daughter-in-law.” 

Ling Yaqiong smiled politely. “Not as lucky as you you’re already holding a grandchild.” 

It was just a passing comment, but it shifted the conversation in that direction. 

Madam Shi turned to Lin Yuxi and asked, “Xiaoxi, when are you and Yan Jing going to have a child?” 

Lin Yuxi froze. 

Thankfully, Ling Yaqiong wasn’t keen on the topic either, so she quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. Lin Yuxi handed the baby back to the second sister-in-law and quietly slipped out through a side door. 

Outside, there was a pool, still filled with water despite the season. Lin Yuxi had forgotten her coat, and the wind made her shiver as it blew against her. 

She thought of going back to retrieve it, but hearing the lively laughter and seeing the bright lights from the house, she lost the desire to return.  

That warm, joyful atmosphere didn’t belong to her. 

As she sat by the pool, a servant from the Shi family hurried over, bringing her a cashmere shawl. 

“Mrs. Zhou, it’s chilly out here. Be careful not to catch a cold.” 

Lin Yuxi gratefully accepted the shawl. “Thank you. I’ll head back inside soon.” 

The servant quickly left, and Lin Yuxi enjoyed the rare peace, sitting alone in the courtyard. But her solitude didn’t last long. 

Suddenly, she felt a cold splash on her back. Turning around, she saw a boy, around seven or eight years old, holding a water gun and looking right at her. 

Lin Yuxi didn’t recognize him and wondered if he was the child of a guest. 

She thought it was an accident and didn’t say anything, but as soon as she turned back, another stream of water hit her. 

When she turned around again, the boy had a mischievous grin on his face. 

Lin Yuxi frowned. “Do you know me?” 

“No.” 

“Then why are you spraying me?” 

“Because I feel like it!” The boy shot another spray of water at her. “You shouldn’t be sitting here!” 

Half her back was now wet. The chill of autumn air seeped through the damp cashmere into her skin, but Lin Yuxi didn’t remove the shawl. She knew the boy would just keep spraying her. 

She stood up, ready to leave, but the boy wasn’t done. He followed her, shooting more water and yelling, “Where do you think you’re going?” 

Lin Yuxi had been passive for most of her life, never one to fight back. Orphaned at a young age, she had been bullied and neglected, then taken in by the Zhou family, where life hadn’t been easy either. 

She had always been cautious, quiet, never daring to cause trouble or fight back. She knew no one would stand up for her. 

But even the softest person could be pushed too far. 

Lin Yuxi stopped and turned to face him. “Maybe you should run.” 

The boy didn’t understand the warning. He was busy pumping his water gun. “Why should I run?” 

Lin Yuxi, still wrapped in her wet shawl, spoke calmly. “Because the pool water is cold. If you run now, you’ll warm up and won’t cramp when you fall in.” 

“I’m not going to fall in!” 

The boy continued spraying her, making shooting noises with his mouth. 

Lin Yuxi glanced around. 

Unfortunately, she noticed there were people nearby. 

Zhou Yanjing stood under a hallway, talking with someone. Hands in his pockets, he looked relaxed, though his eyes occasionally wandered over to the pool. 

Lin Yuxi hesitated, her hand half-raised before she let it drop. 

The man with Zhou Yanjing was lighting a cigarette for him, eagerly promoting his project. “I’ve had the numbers checked. The return on this investment is at least 200%, guaranteed profit.” 

Zhou Yanjing listened with mild disinterest, holding the cigarette casually between his lips. 

“Hengtai Bank’s loan approvals aren’t up to me, Mr. Wang. You’re asking the wrong person.” 

“Come on, Second Master, don’t be modest. You and Big Zhou are so close, it’s the same who I ask, right? Besides, Hengtai Bank is half yours. A loan is just a word from you.” 

Zhou Yanjing didn’t respond. His brow furrowed slightly as his gaze shifted to the poolside. 

Mr. Wang followed his line of sight and chuckled. “Kids love playing with pretty ladies, don’t they?” 

Zhou Yanjing’s eyes flicked over, carrying a hint of coldness. “Your son?” 

“He takes after his mom in looks, but he’s got my brains. His teachers say he’s really smart,” Mr. Wang boasted. 

Zhou Yanjing’s voice turned icy. “You had a kid but didn’t teach him manners? Do you expect me to do that for you?” 

The man froze, stunned by the sudden chill in Zhou Yanjing’s tone. Before he could respond, Zhou Yanjing had already crushed out his cigarette and strode toward the pool. 

The boy was growing bolder, aiming the water gun at Lin Yuxi’s face. “Let me wash off your makeup!” 

Before he could fire, a hand clamped down on his wrist. 

“Why would you want to ruin such beautiful makeup?” 

Zhou Yanjing stood in front of Lin Yuxi, effortlessly pinning the boy’s arm down. His brown eyes were devoid of warmth. 

“If you’re going to bully my wife, shouldn’t you ask for my permission first?”