Chapter 6

Assistant Zhang was also enthusiastic: “I’ll give it a try, too.”

With everyone being so supportive, Ji Qingyu was amused. She wanted to talk, but Feng Chengze’s expression was too serious, so she could only look at Assistant Zhang and ask, “Did you buy any gifts for your family this time?”

“I did.” Assistant Zhang spread some cheese on his bread. “I bought a bag for my girlfriend. Luckily, the store had it in stock.”

“What kind of bag?”

It was clear that Assistant Zhang had a good relationship with her five years later. He took out his phone from his pocket and showed her a photo he had taken. “She really likes this elephant-grey one.”

After being with Feng Yu, Ji Qingyu gained a deeper understanding of these brands. Five years later, it seemed that these styles were still more valuable and popular. If her memory was correct, the bag Assistant Zhang bought for his girlfriend was priced at sixty to seventy thousand yuan, and it might even require purchasing other items of the same value to get it.

“It’s beautiful!” She was very supportive. “You’re so good to your girlfriend.”

Assistant Zhang was also pleased: “Her birthday is coming up soon, so I had to buy something she likes.”

Feng Chengze watched coldly, then unscrewed the cap of a bottle of mineral water to rinse his mouth. The mixed taste of milk and sweetness was unbearable for him. After all, the conditions on the plane were limited. Even though the breakfast was as rich and delicious as possible, it was still somewhat hard to swallow.

Ji Qingyu, however, was eating happily. When Assistant Zhang got up to go to the bathroom, she quietly asked Feng Chengze, “Can I take a photo?”

She had no mood yesterday. Today, she was really itching to do it. She didn’t know what kind of luxurious life she had lived in the past five years, but for her now, this was the first time in her life. The first time, of course, had to be cherished and photographed for memories.

Feng Chengze wouldn’t restrict her freedom in this regard, “Sure.”

Ji Qingyu was only a twenty-two-year-old young woman. Her family wasn’t very wealthy, but they weren’t poor either. Her parents had a loving relationship, and she grew up in a warm family atmosphere, carefree and happy. She felt like she had wandered into a garden, and after the initial panic, she was now bouncing around joyfully. She took her phone and started snapping photos.

Feng Chengze’s profile accidentally got into the frame. If she weren’t worried that he would find her too noisy, she would have even wanted to shoot a vlog.

After returning from the bathroom, Assistant Zhang, who had obviously dealt with her a lot over the years and understood her personality well, proactively offered, “Madam, do you need me to take photos for you?”
Assistant Zhang was very versatile.

Thanks to his strong abilities, he was about to be promoted to Chief Assistant in just five or six years. When Madam had few work and travel commitments, Mr. Feng would take her along on business trips. The first time, as an inexperienced assistant, Madam asked him to help take a photo of her and Mr. Feng. He didn’t quite understand and took a few photos at his level. Although Madam didn’t say anything at the time, he could sense her disappointment. He had always been highly efficient, so amidst his busy schedule, he enrolled in a photography class. Now, he was no longer the same as before. He could compose and take photos, and he could even edit them. If he ever lost his job, he could switch careers.

“Sure!”

Now, the only people she could interact with were the staff, Mr. Feng, and Assistant Zhang. She didn’t feel comfortable bothering the staff. Before waking up on this plane yesterday, she was also a disgruntled worker. If someone asked her to do something outside her job duties, she would smile on the outside but curse them in her heart. She could ignore Mr. Feng. Even if she had the courage of a bear, she wouldn’t dare ask Mr. Feng for help.

Unexpectedly, Assistant Zhang was so considerate!

Ji Qingyu stretched her body and started posing. At this moment, Assistant Zhang was an excellent photographer, “Great, Madam, just like that, lift your chin and look at the camera, perfect~”

Feng Chengze removed his glasses, his face expressionless, and rubbed his forehead.

Ji Qingyu quickly leaned over to look at the phone and was stunned. She didn’t expect Assistant Zhang’s skills to be so impressive. It was nothing like the “death angles” people complained about. The photos he took didn’t need any editing or fancy filters to be posted on social media.

“You’re amazing, much better than my own photos!” Ji Qingyu never hesitated to praise others. The more she looked at Assistant Zhang, the more she felt he was a treasure. Assistant Zhang had well-defined features, wasn’t short, and the threshold for Yi Sheng Group was quite high. To be Mr. Feng’s assistant, his professional skills must be top-notch. He was very generous to his girlfriend and not stingy at all.

He was indeed a treasure!

Assistant Zhang smiled.

Relationships between people are mutual. He had a labor contract with Mr. Feng, and since Mr. Feng treated him well, he naturally put extra effort into his work. Madam was also very kind to him. When he complained on social media about how hard it was to get concert tickets, Madam gave him two tickets a few days later. For her, it was just a small favor. Mrs. Feng could easily get tickets with a phone call, but the fact that she remembered him was very touching. Not only that, Madam was kind to everyone around Mr. Feng. Everyone in the secretarial office liked her.

“Do you need me to edit the photos for you?” Assistant Zhang asked.

Ji Qingyu swallowed the words, “You can edit photos too?” and nodded quickly.

Feng Chengze looked thoughtful. He knew himself well; five years wouldn’t change him into a different person. He even resented his father’s overreach, so he replaced the previous assistant. So how could he tolerate his wife having a good relationship with his subordinate?

Assistant Zhang wasn’t someone who didn’t know his place unless he had Feng’s tacit approval. He glanced at Ji Qingyu, who praised Assistant Zhang’s excellent photo-editing skills with a deep, inscrutable look. He hadn’t realized this woman had some skills.
…

At the Feng residence.

Zheng Mingyue was cutting a mineral water bottle with scissors, and in a moment of inattention, the originally neat circle became crooked. She took a deep breath. As a dignified lady, she couldn’t curse out loud, so she could only ask patiently, “Where is Old Feng?”

“Old Master went to find bottles.”

Butler Yang, standing beside her, was also helpless. The kindergarten frequently assigned various tasks. The day before yesterday, Miss came home with a notice that by next Tuesday, the children in the Rose class had to bring their projects for display. This initiative was to turn waste into treasure, encouraging parents and children to support environmental protection by collecting discarded bottles and making house models or castles. Normally, this task could be handed over to someone else, but unfortunately, the eldest daughter of the Feng family was particularly serious. No one’s words at home carried more weight than Teacher Zhou’s in her class. This child was not easily fooled. When she returned, she would inspect the progress, and only photos would convince her. It was hard for Director Feng, who was almost sixty, to wander around the old house looking for bottles.

Zheng Mingyue lowered her voice and complained, “This isn’t homework for children; it’s clearly for parents.”

Butler Yang smiled, “Miss is a very serious child.”

Mentioning her precious granddaughter, Zheng Mingyue’s face finally showed a hint of a smile. Although they had known each other for many years, she felt proud but still had to be modest, “She’s serious.”

Butler Yang looked at the mess on the coffee table and sofa and appropriately comforted her, “You can take a break. Master and Madam will be back today.”

To the outside world, Zheng Mingyue was the dignified Mrs. Zheng and Mrs. Feng, but few knew that she had used up her limited patience in this life on her granddaughter. Even with her two sons, she hadn’t been so attentive.

“The company celebration is coming up soon.” Zheng Mingyue sighed softly.

Butler Yang knew her worries. No parent could see their children develop deep rifts without feeling pain. However, blaming Ji Qingyu for the brothers’ conflict was unreasonable; it was just fate playing tricks.

“Second Master hasn’t returned for three or four years,” Butler Yang began cautiously. “Perhaps he has let it go.”

Zheng Mingyue waved her hand dismissively. “I know my own child. He can’t get over it, and he can’t let it go. But who can he blame? If he wants to blame someone, he can’t blame his elder brother and sister-in-law.”

Butler Yang agreed deeply. If there was a “culprit” in this whole matter, it certainly wasn’t Master or the Madam.

“How about I sound him out this time?” Zheng Mingyue whispered.

Butler Yang had been with the Feng family for over twenty years and knew the family affairs inside out. Whenever Zheng Mingyue and Feng Jinglin encountered uncertain matters, they would discuss them with him. “That’s the idea. If he has let it go, that would be the best.”

“Let’s not talk about this anymore.” Zheng Mingyue glanced at the old-fashioned clock that had been there for many years. “What time are they arriving?”

“Three o’clock,” Butler Yang replied. “But Master and Madam are going to pick up Miss.”

Zheng Mingyue smiled, “Yuan Bao has almost worn us old bones out these past few days.”

Children are like that; they are truly adorable, especially when they are asleep. Zheng Mingyue and Feng Jinglin would squat by the bed, looking at their granddaughter’s angelic sleeping face, filled with love. But once she woke up, she was a little devil.

Chattering away, as long as her eyes were open and she was at home, her mouth wouldn’t stop. She was also very stubborn and had a strong will. Whatever she wanted to do, she had to do it immediately, not waiting for a second. When she cried, she could almost turn the old house upside down.
…

At two o’clock.

Ji Qingyu was exhausted and took a nap, waking up slowly. The long journey was exhausting, and even traveling on a private jet wasn’t enjoyable. She lightly drew her eyebrows in front of the mirror, careful not to press too hard, and applied a simple light makeup.

Feng Chengze had spent over ten hours catching up on the group’s latest developments. Five years was a significant span for a businessman. Policy changes and shifts in times couldn’t be caught up within just a day or two. In his position, every decision was crucial. He wasn’t overly confident; for instance, his abilities at twenty-eight were undoubtedly stronger than when he was a novice at twenty-three. Similarly, his soul at twenty-eight couldn’t match his sharpness at thirty-three. He exuded an aura that warned others to keep their distance.

Ji Qingyu naturally wouldn’t go out of her way to provoke him. She tried to minimize her presence, occasionally glancing at him, seemingly lost in deep, troubled thoughts. Her mood lightened; indeed, happiness is built on others’ misery. She could probably guess why he was frowning—work, of course. He might also be troubled by his relationship with Feng Yu. She felt much more at ease. The love and hate between men and women were not her concern. If the sky fell, the tall ones would hold it up. She noticed that Feng Chengze was very tall, even taller than Feng Yu.

Feng Yu was about 1.82 meters, so she estimated Feng Chengze to be at least 1.86 meters, about 20 centimeters taller than her. Naturally, he should be the one to charge ahead. Marriage wasn’t something she could handle alone. A child wasn’t something she could have on her own, either.
The more Ji Qingyu thought about it, the less she felt that being transported five years into the future was worth losing another night’s sleep.

When Feng Chengze was troubled, he wanted to drink. Just as he was about to ask for a drink, he remembered he had to pick up the child from kindergarten, so he gave up.

The plane landed on the tarmac on time. Ji Qingyu couldn’t wait to breathe fresh air. Led by Assistant Zhang, she walked ahead of Feng Chengze, carrying her bag, stepping lightly on the carpet, and holding the handrail as she descended the stairs.

By May, Jing City had already entered summer. At three o’clock, the UV rays were strong. Ji Qingyu quickly put on her sunglasses and walked briskly to the shade with an umbrella, completely leaving her current husband behind. Assistant Zhang lowered his head, hiding the surprise in his eyes. He was a smart and perceptive person and naturally noticed that the atmosphere between Mr. Feng and Madam was not right. The usual sweetness was gone, and they were deliberately avoiding each other. Had they quarreled?

He had been by Mr. Feng’s side for almost six years. In those six years, he had seen Mr. Feng lose his composure a few times, and it always seemed to be because of Madam. Fortunately, now that they were off the plane, he no longer had to be caught between this bickering couple.

This was a private tarmac, and staff were already waiting nearby. Feng Chengze followed Ji Qingyu unhurriedly. Under the blue sky, the plane was slowly moving into the hangar.

When they reached the parking area, Ji Qingyu widened her eyes, took off her sunglasses, and looked incredulously at the nanny car painted with cartoon characters.

White and purple, featuring the character Kuromi.
Very childlike, very cool.
In one word, extravagant; in four words, extravagantly inhumane.

Feng Chengze, who had followed: “…”

Assistant Zhang stepped forward as the bodyguards opened the door for them. “Mr. Feng, Madam, I’ll take another car.”

Ji Qingyu suddenly had a bold guess: could this car with Kuromi drawings belong to Yuan Bao? She clutched her bag tightly, once again feeling the reality of being married to Feng Chengze.

“Get in the car,” Feng Chengze reminded her in a low voice.

She lifted her skirt and got into the car. Inside, it was even more spacious, with decorations and pillows all related to Kuromi. She felt like she had entered a children’s amusement park. Unlike her curious inspection, Feng Chengze, dressed in a shirt and trousers, seemed completely out of place in this car.

The car also had a small fridge and a storage basket filled with children’s snacks and fruits.

After preparing her words, Ji Qingyu casually asked the driver, “How long will it take to get there?”

The driver, who clearly knew Yuan Bao’s school schedule better than they did, replied, “We’ll arrive before 4:20.”

The last time Ji Qingyu was this nervous was on her way to the Feng family. Although Yuanbao was just a child, she still felt uneasy. At the last minute, she decided to cram, rummaging through her bag to find her earphones, ready to listen to Yuan Bao’s voice messages again.

She was terrified of being exposed. If Yuan Bao, with her sharp eyes, insisted she wasn’t her mother, what would she do?

Just as she was about to play the voice messages, a large hand reached out and stopped before her. She turned her head in surprise. Feng Chengze, with a calm expression, indicated that he wanted one of the earpieces too. It seemed she wasn’t the only one afraid of Yuan Bao’s discerning eyes. She instinctively smiled, tilted her head, and gently placed the left earphone in his palm. Their fingers brushed, and both of them paused.

Feng Chengze calmly tightened his grip and put on the earpiece.

Ji Qingyu started playing the voice messages, all filled with Yuan Bao’s childish words. This relaxed her tense nerves. She told herself that she was Yuan Bao’s mother, just the version from five years ago.

Yuan Bao occasionally sings, but it’s clear that she makes up her own lyrics and tunes. Even though she’s only three or four years old and speaks clearly, you still have to listen carefully to understand her lyrics: “Mooncake, mooncake round, is the mooncake round or not? Round like the sun, hanging, hanging in the sky, floating, floating~~”

Ji Qingyu couldn’t help but laugh, almost bursting out.

Feng Chengze also had a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Maybe it’s because she’s his own child; even without spending much time together, he still finds her adorable more than any other child on the street.

An hour passed quickly.

Feng Chengze eventually closed his eyes, leaning casually against the seat, occasionally smiling. The cool car was parked near the kindergarten. The different classes had staggered dismissal times, with the youngest class finishing first, but the entrance was already full of cars. They might not have found a parking spot if they had arrived any later. Ji Qingyu looked out the window and noticed parents lining up. Worried that the driver might hear, she moved closer to Feng Chengze and whispered, “It looks like we have to queue…”

Feng Chengze didn’t understand either. This was his first time picking up a child from kindergarten.

“Should we get out of the car?” Ji Qingyu, not very brave herself, didn’t know any of the parents, so she naturally wanted Feng Chengze to face them together.

Feng Chengze knew he couldn’t avoid it and nodded, “Hmm.”

They both got out of the car. Standing outside, they could only vaguely see a corner of the kindergarten. Ji Qingyu was gaining some insight; this was a British-style school, covering education from kindergarten to high school. They were at the kindergarten section, which had a prime location. At dismissal time, the teachers would line up the children and personally hand them to their parents.

A curly-haired woman wearing sunglasses saw Ji Qingyu and hurried over with delight. “Ah, Jia Yuan’s mom. Long time no see!”

Thanks to the parents’ group.

Ji Qingyu saw her group nickname: Jia Yuan’s mom. But hearing someone suddenly call her “xx’s mom,” she was still slightly confused.

The next second, the woman looked at Feng Chengze and cheerfully said, “What day is it today? Jia Yuan’s dad is here too.”

Feng Chengze was also momentarily confused.
Jia Yuan’s dad?
Who? Him?
…

The two women chatted happily. Soon, the children from the Rose class stood in line, waiting to be picked up.

Feng Chengze stood next to Ji Qingyu, both of them staring at the kindergarten, scanning back and forth. They quickly spotted Yuan Bao among the group of little ones, their eyes fixed on her cute round face, hearts pounding.

Yuan Bao, who had been listlessly talking to the boy behind her, suddenly looked up when someone reminded her—

“Feng Jiayuan—” Teacher Zhou called out through the microphone.

The other children echoed loudly, helping the teacher call out, “Feng Jiayuan!”

Feng Jiayuan grinned, a bit shy, wanting to cover her eyes but also reluctant—

It’s Mom! It’s Dad!!

She spread her arms like a big bird and then transformed into a little bird, flapping and running over, so excited that her hat flew off, and she didn’t even notice.