Chapter 43

Morning.

When Cheng Li woke up, she turned over in bed and habitually reached for her phone on the bedside table. She always placed it within arm’s reach before sleeping so she could grab it first thing in the morning to check the time.

But after fumbling around for a while, nearly covering every inch of the bedside table, she still couldn’t find her phone.

Cheng Li finally opened her eyes and realized her phone wasn’t on the bedside table at all.

Her first thought was panic—Oh no, I’ve lost my phone!

Then, bits and pieces of the previous night started coming back to her. She recalled sitting with Rong Qi in the living room, drinking while watching the heavy rain outside. Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind—Wait…

Wait a minute. How did I end up falling asleep last night?

She cringed, replaying the memory of their long, lingering kiss in her head. The sensation of their lips entwined, the faint bitterness of beer lingering in his breath, and the cool cedar scent that surrounded him were all still vividly etched in her senses.

Then, she remembered.

It seemed she had been struggling to catch her breath midway through the kiss, so Rong Qi had let her lean against his shoulder to rest. And then… she had fallen asleep.

So, does this count as… falling asleep in the middle of a kiss?

Cheng Li couldn’t help but groan, burying her hands into her hair.

How could I even do something like that?

She couldn’t even begin to imagine Rong Qi’s reaction at the time.

For a man, her behavior must have been a bit of a blow to his ego, right?

But it wasn’t like she had done it on purpose!

It had been so late last night, and Cheng Li wasn’t great at handling alcohol. She was one of those people who got sleepy after a few drinks. Honestly, the only reason she’d lasted so long kissing him was because her heart was completely swept up in him.

With a resigned sigh, Cheng Li flopped back onto the bed.

Forget it.

No matter how many excuses she came up with, it didn’t change the fact that she had fallen asleep mid-kiss.

After a few moments of internal struggle, she got up, intending to head to the living room to look for her phone. She remembered leaving it on the couch last night—it was probably still there.

But just as she was about to open her bedroom door, she looked down at herself.

She hadn’t brushed her teeth, her hair was a mess—there was no way she could go out like this.

What if Rong Qi hadn’t left for work yet? If he saw her looking this disheveled, it’d be so embarrassing.

In a hurry, Cheng Li ducked into the bathroom, brushing her teeth, washing her face, and even taking a quick shower. After drying her hair just enough, she finally stepped out of the room.

Outside, the morning light was bright and refreshing. The rain from the night before had left barely a trace. Outside the window, the river was lively with orderly, bustling boats.

Cheng Li walked to the couch and spotted her phone sitting on the coffee table.

“You’re finally awake?”

Auntie Li emerged from the storage room, holding a handheld vacuum. She looked at Cheng Li with mild surprise. Auntie Li had worked here for a long time and was used to how busy the household was.

When it had just been Rong Qi, he’d sometimes go a week or two without coming home. His assistant or driver would occasionally return to fetch clothes for him.

Now that Rong Qi was married, he spent more time at home, but even then, the couple usually left early and returned late, barely crossing paths with Auntie Li.

In fact, this was only the third time Auntie Li had seen Cheng Li in person.

Cheng Li tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled. “Yeah, I just woke up.”

She glanced around. “Has Rong Qi already left for work?”

“When I arrived this morning, he hadn’t left yet. I was wondering why he was leaving later than usual today,” Auntie Li replied with a smile. “Turns out, he was waiting for me to arrive so you wouldn’t be home alone. Only after that did he leave for work.”

“Really?” Cheng Li’s heart warmed instantly upon hearing that.

That kind of thoughtful care always touched her the most.

Especially when it came from someone she liked.

Cheng Li felt that even if someone offered her a winning lottery ticket worth five million yuan right now, she wouldn’t trade Rong Qi for it.

Knowing he wasn’t home, Cheng Li noticed it was already 10 a.m. After eating a quick bite, she headed to the office.

During her lunch break, she received a call from her dad. As soon as she answered, his sigh came through, making her heart tighten. “Dad, is something wrong?”

“Even your mom couldn’t hold back this time,” her father said wearily. “She told me to ask our satellite—when are you coming home?”

“Satellite?” Cheng Li was confused. “What satellite?”

Her father chuckled. “You know, they say raising kids is like launching a satellite. You invest years of effort and care, and when it finally takes off, it disappears into the vastness of space, only sending back faint signals once in a while.”

Cheng Li: “…”

But she did feel guilty. The past week had been so hectic for her.

After the incident with Ren Kuang, she had been running around non-stop.

She hadn’t even had time to make a phone call, let alone go home.

Thinking for a moment, Cheng Li made a quick decision. “I’ll come home for dinner tonight! I want braised pork, spring rolls, and sweet-and-sour pork.”

“This isn’t a restaurant! You can’t just order food,” her father grumbled, though there was a trace of indulgence in his voice.

Cheng Li sweetly replied, “Thank you, Dad! You’re the best!”

Her father chuckled. “Well, that’s true.”

That afternoon, Liu Mingyi brought over documents from a few investment companies they had contacted in the past few days.

Two of them showed strong interest, and Liu Mingyi, worried about missing an opportunity, suggested Cheng Li talk to Ren Kuang about them as soon as possible.

Ren Kuang was due to be discharged soon. Though he had recovered well after being resuscitated, his doctor had recommended a full-body checkup due to his sudden respiratory arrest.

Ge Ru was nearly scared to death. She wouldn’t allow him to be discharged and insisted he stay in the hospital.

So, Cheng Li agreed and decided to call Ren Kuang first.

To her surprise, when she called, Ren Kuang asked her to come to the hospital directly.

Since the hospital he’d been sent to was only about a ten-minute taxi ride from the company, Cheng Li didn’t delay and headed over.

At the hospital room, Cheng Li knocked and entered.

“Where’s sister-in-law?”

Not seeing Ge Ru in the room, Cheng Li couldn’t help but ask.

Ren Kuang, getting up from the bed and putting on a coat that was hanging nearby, replied, “She went back to the school to handle some matters. Finally, I get a bit of freedom. Since you’re here, keep me company for a walk downstairs.”

Cheng Li looked at him skeptically. “You’re not planning to sneak a cigarette, are you?”

Ren Kuang froze for a moment, then firmly denied, “How could that be? Do I look like that kind of person?”

“Pretty much,” Cheng Li replied honestly.

Ren Kuang sighed. “No way, no way. I’m going out of my mind. It’s been days without a single smoke. Your sister-in-law watches me like a hawk, as if I’m a thief. All my old tricks for hiding cigarettes are completely useless now.”

Cheng Li said matter-of-factly, “She used to turn a blind eye for your sake. Now, with your health like this, of course, she won’t tolerate it anymore.”

“Fine, fine. No smoking. But at least I can go for a stroll, right?”

Cheng Li had no objections to that, so she accompanied Ren Kuang downstairs.

There was a small garden there, designed for patients in the inpatient department. Many elderly patients sat in wheelchairs, pushed by caretakers or family, basking in the warm sunlight.

“A couple of days ago, Lele came to visit me at the hospital,” Ren Kuang began, referring to his five-year-old daughter. “The first thing she said was, ‘Dad, don’t die, okay?’”

Cheng Li couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Kids just say whatever comes to mind.”

Ren Kuang chuckled too and continued, “I told her, ‘Dad’s not going to die, don’t worry.’ But guess what she said next?”

“What?” Cheng Li asked, genuinely curious. Kids these days could be full of surprises.

Mimicking a child’s voice, Ren Kuang said, “She said, ‘You haven’t even gone to see Oreo yet.’”

“Oreo?” Cheng Li was puzzled. “Isn’t that a cookie? Why would anyone need to go see it?”

Seeing her confused expression, Ren Kuang laughed. “See? I told you I’m not the only one. Turns out, Oreo is a panda. Last summer, when she stayed with her grandmother in Sichuan, she insisted on visiting the Chengdu Giant Panda Base almost every week.”

Cheng Li laughed along with him.

She hadn’t realized that pandas could be nicknamed Oreo.

“Last year, I promised to take her to Chengdu to see her favorite panda,” Ren Kuang said, his tone softening. “But then something came up at work. I was so busy chasing investments and partnerships that I couldn’t even go home, let alone travel with her.”

Cheng Li understood he was referring to the crisis last year when key staff members left, nearly bringing the company to its knees.

Thankfully, they had managed to pull through.

But as Ren Kuang brought it up now, Cheng Li had a sudden premonition that he was leading to something more significant.

Sure enough, he stopped walking.

Cheng Li stopped as well.

Looking at her, Ren Kuang said in a low voice, “I’m planning to sell my shares in the company.”

Cheng Li was stunned. Her eyes widened as she stared at him.

She knew better than anyone how difficult their journey had been. And if anyone understood that even more deeply, it was Ren Kuang himself.

No matter how challenging things had gotten in the past, he’d never mentioned selling his shares. But now, out of the blue, he was saying it.

“Did something happen?” Cheng Li asked with difficulty. “Or… is this related to your health?”

Ren Kuang smiled, trying to reassure her. “The results from my full-body checkup are out. My heart has a problem. That’s why your sister-in-law won’t let me leave the hospital—she wants me to undergo surgery.”

Cheng Li opened her mouth slightly but didn’t know what to say.

“But the bigger reason,” Ren Kuang continued, “is that I want to stop. Do you remember when I first started the business? Back then, Lele had just learned to walk. Now she’s already in kindergarten. Yesterday, we were chatting, and I asked her, ‘What are your teachers teaching in your class these days?’”

With a bitter smile, he added, “She got so upset and refused to talk to me. At first, I couldn’t figure out why. Then your sister-in-law told me—Lele is no longer in the beginner class; she’s already in the intermediate class.”

Cheng Li quietly listened to him, understanding his thoughts.

People like them often struggled to balance family and career.

With a sigh, Ren Kuang looked at her and said with a touch of self-deprecation, “To be honest, I’m not afraid to admit it—I was terrified. Waking up and realizing I’d brushed past death scared me. I don’t want Lele to grow up without a dad, and I don’t want to leave your sister-in-law alone either.”

“Senior brother,” Cheng Li said gently, “there’s nothing cowardly about what you’re feeling. It’s human nature. Sometimes, it’s only when we face the possibility of losing everything that we realize what truly matters to us.”

Encouraged by her words, Ren Kuang continued, “Your sister-in-law was once offered a professor position at a university in Sichuan, but because my career was based in Shanghai, she hesitated and didn’t want to separate our family. For so many years, she’s been sacrificing for me. This time, I think it’s my turn to do something for her.”

This wasn’t a decision made on impulse.

Many people, after a brush with death, gain clarity and learn to let go.

For Ren Kuang, it was the same. At forty, he had achieved a reasonably successful career and a happy family.

Had it not been for this incident, he might have continued pushing forward endlessly.

Seeing Cheng Li’s somber expression, Ren Kuang chuckled, “I’m planning to retire, bask in the sun in Sichuan, and visit pandas. Why the serious face?”

Cheng Li quickly smiled and replied, “Then let me congratulate you in advance, senior.”

“Exactly,” Ren Kuang teased, “Soon, when you check my social media, my posts will make you so envious.”

Cheng Li laughed lightly, “Then I’ll just block you when the time comes.”

The previously heavy atmosphere lightened significantly.

“Do you have anyone in mind to sell the company to?” Cheng Li asked.

Ren Kuang shook his head. “Not yet. There’s no rush. For now, you’ll continue managing the company. It’s good experience for you and beneficial to your career. And I promise, even after I leave, I’ll ensure your position remains secure.”

Cheng Li shook her head. “Senior, I’m not worried about that. I’m more concerned about the future of Fanhai.”

Fanhai was something they had painstakingly built from the ground up. But after a baseless scandal about infidelity, the company veered off its original trajectory, heading toward an uncertain future that Cheng Li couldn’t foresee.

For the first time, she felt lost.

*

On her way back to the office, Cheng Li called Rong Qi.

When Rong Qi answered, she asked directly, “My parents want us to come over for dinner tonight. Are you free?”

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by an apologetic tone, “I have a business dinner with a government department tonight. I can…”

Sensing he was about to make arrangements, Cheng Li felt guilty and interrupted, “Work comes first. I’ll go back for dinner myself.”

“I’m sorry,” Rong Qi said with regret.

“It’s my fault for not asking earlier,” Cheng Li replied, guilt deepening upon hearing his apology.

Rong Qi reassured her, “You go have dinner. I’ll pick you up afterward.”

Cheng Li didn’t want to trouble him, so she said, “I can just take a taxi home. It’s too much trouble for you to go back and forth.”

“It’s no trouble. My driver will take me,” Rong Qi insisted.

Hearing his firm response, Cheng Li relented without further argument.

That evening, when Cheng Li arrived home, she opened the door to find Mrs. Ling bringing out dishes. Glancing behind Cheng Li, she asked, “Rong Qi didn’t come with you? Did you not invite him?”

“I did, but he has work tonight and couldn’t make it,” Cheng Li explained.

Rong Qi had a business dinner with government officials and genuinely couldn’t attend.

“Fine, then,” Mrs. Ling replied begrudgingly.

Cheng Li laughed, pretending to pout, “What’s this? Are you disappointed it’s just me?”

“Yes, if I’d known it was just you, I wouldn’t have made so many dishes,” Mrs. Ling said bluntly.

From the kitchen, Mr. Cheng emerged, chuckling, “Don’t listen to your mom. She’s just being stubborn. She made all the dishes today. I only made one—sweet and sour pork.”

Cheng Li set down her bag and moved to sit.

“Wash your hands first,” Mrs. Ling scolded. “You’re an adult now, yet you still forget to wash your hands before eating.”

Cheng Li hurried to the kitchen to wash up.

When she returned, she picked up her chopsticks and grabbed a piece of sweet and sour pork. After savoring it, she sighed, “Familiar scolding, familiar taste—I missed this so much.”

Mr. Cheng laughed, “If you miss it, move back home tomorrow.”

“Sure,” Cheng Li agreed without hesitation.

She thought about bringing Rong Qi along too.

Mrs. Ling quickly protested, “That’s not happening. Hosting you for a day is fine, but every day? I don’t have the patience.”

Cheng Li smiled to herself, knowing her mother was just being contrary.

As they ate, her parents couldn’t resist asking about her married life.

When they heard she and Rong Qi were rarely home and the housekeeper did most of the cleaning, Mrs. Ling quipped, “You’re living like a proper young mistress now.”

“Do young mistresses work like corporate slaves? Our company’s been a mess lately. If I get off work before 10 p.m., it’s a miracle,” Cheng Li said with a bitter laugh.

Mr. Cheng frowned. “That’s too exhausting. Maybe you should consider changing jobs.”

Cheng Li had been enjoying her meal, but her father’s suggestion brought back thoughts of Ren Kuang’s decision to sell the company. Suddenly, the sweet and sour pork didn’t taste as good anymore.

“Don’t forget your grandmother’s birthday banquet,” Mrs. Ling reminded. “Will Rong Qi be able to attend this time?”

Cheng Li paused. She had genuinely forgotten about it.

She raised her head, considering. “I’m not sure. He’s so busy with work and constantly traveling. It’s hard to say.”

“How can it be uncertain? He’s the CEO—surely he decides whether or not to travel,” Mrs. Ling said, growing anxious. “And he’s your husband now. As her grandson-in-law, he should attend your grandmother’s birthday banquet.”

Cheng Li noticed her mother’s eagerness and teased, “Mrs. Ling, why do I feel like you’re eager to show off my husband?”

Her own words caught her off guard, and for a moment, she froze.

My husband.

Those words felt so natural coming from her.

“What’s there to show off?” Mrs. Ling shot back, pretending to scold her while glancing at her.

Cheng Li grinned, “My husband is tall, handsome, and outstanding—a rare find. Don’t you want to show him off to the family?”

Mrs. Ling gave her a sidelong glance and said flatly, “Your father is just as remarkable. Have I ever bragged about him?”

Mr. Cheng, quietly enjoying his meal, was so touched by this unexpected praise that his eyes almost welled up with tears.

Cheng Li, on the other hand, dared not retort and simply nodded in agreement.

She couldn’t help but give Mrs. Ling a mental round of applause.

Indeed, ginger only gets spicier with age.

After dinner, once the dishes were cleaned up, Cheng Li grabbed her bag, ready to leave.

Cheng Dingbo asked, “Why are you leaving so early? Stay the night.”

Even Mrs. Ling refrained from making her usual sharp remarks, clearly reluctant to see her go.

Although Cheng Li didn’t want to leave, she explained, “It’s been a while since we’ve come back, and I haven’t visited Grandma yet. I thought I’d take the opportunity tonight to see her.”

“That makes sense. The two of them are usually just with the housekeeper. With Rong Qi so busy at work, you should go check on them,” Mrs. Ling agreed without pressing her to stay.

When Cheng Li arrived at the villa, Grandpa and Grandma Xiang were in the living room watching TV.

The moment Grandma Xiang saw her, she stood up in surprise. “Li Li, why didn’t you let us know you were coming? Have you eaten? I’ll ask the housekeeper to make you something.”

Grandma Xiang was worried she hadn’t had dinner.

Cheng Li quickly reassured her, “I’ve already eaten at my parents’ place.”

Noticing that Grandma Xiang kept glancing outside, Cheng Li added, “Rong Qi has work tonight and couldn’t come with me. I’ll bring him over this weekend so we can have dinner with you.”

“Alright, alright. You both have busy jobs, don’t worry about us,” Grandma Xiang said, entirely understanding.

Cheng Li held her hand and they sat down to chat.

They talked until almost 9 p.m., when Cheng Li noticed fatigue on Grandma Xiang’s face. “Grandma, you should head to bed,” she urged gently.

“What about you?” Grandma Xiang asked, slightly worried. Then she suggested, “Why don’t you stay here tonight? You can sleep in Rong Qi’s room.”

Cheng Li smiled. “Rong Qi will be here to pick me up later.”

Hearing that Rong Qi would come, Grandma Xiang initially wanted to wait for him.

But Cheng Li couldn’t be sure what time he would arrive, so she convinced them to head upstairs first.

The elderly couple, who tended to sleep early, didn’t insist and went upstairs to rest.

Cheng Li remained in the living room, waiting. By the time it was almost 11 p.m., Rong Qi still hadn’t arrived.

She didn’t call to rush him and instead passed the time on her phone.

Eventually, she heard the faint creak of the garden gate outside opening.

Cheng Li put down her phone, stood up, and walked toward the door.

When the front door opened, Rong Qi entered, his coat carrying the chill of the night. He hadn’t expected Cheng Li to be waiting for him right at the entrance. Under the warm yellow glow of the lights, she appeared soft and serene.

Rong Qi walked over and embraced her without hesitation.

“What’s wrong?” Cheng Li asked, assuming he was upset about work or something else.

“Wife,” Rong Qi murmured, his voice low as he held her close.

Knowing she had come specifically to spend time with his grandparents touched Rong Qi deeply. He felt a surge of gratitude—though he couldn’t always care for the elderly couple due to his work, Cheng Li instinctively stepped in to share his responsibilities without him needing to ask.

It was just like her—always so warm, always so considerate.

Leaning against his chest, Cheng Li’s ears burned red at the sound of that word.

Her heart began to race uncontrollably.

Rong Qi’s hand gently stroked the back of her head. After a long pause, he whispered with genuine emotion, “How can you be so wonderful?”

Author’s Note:
They say raising children is like launching satellites—you pour in years of effort and dedication, nurturing them with care. Finally, when they’re launched into orbit, they vanish into the vastness of space, sending back faint signals every now and then.

—A widely shared internet quip