Jiang Qiuyi’s eyelashes fluttered lightly, but she said nothing.

Lu Mingcheng looked at her, paused, and asked. “Surprised?”

“A little.”

She couldn’t deny it. The truth was, Lu Mingcheng had never given her such a gift before.

When she first visited the place, her only thought was to lease it for a year. She never expected the store to be entirely hers.

After all, they had an agreement.

Before their marriage, they signed a prenuptial agreement.

All of Lu Mingcheng’s assets were strictly separated from hers.

No matter what happened between them in the future, even in the event of a divorce, she wouldn’t be entitled to any of Lu Mingcheng’s wealth.

A wealthy family like his wouldn’t take such risks.

That’s also why, in the fictional world of novels, a year after their marriage, when they divorced, Lu Mingcheng could leave her with nothing.

Apart from the formidable legal team at the Lu Corporation, ensuring she walked away empty-handed wasn’t exactly exploiting loopholes in the law—it was simply airtight planning.

Generally speaking, some people might consider the bond of marriage and offer a house or a few million as compensation.

…

As Jiang Qiuyi was lost in thought, Lu Mingcheng’s voice broke the silence.

His voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a hint of sensuality.

“My mistake.”

Lu Mingcheng reflected briefly on his actions.

Jiang Qiuyi paused, holding the property deed in her hand. Her tone was calm as she said. “That’s not what I meant.”

Lu Mingcheng glanced at her and asked in an even voice. “How have the past few days been?”

“Pretty good.” Jiang Qiuyi replied. “I never realized Paris was so beautiful.”

She had been to Paris twice before—once with Lu Mingcheng and once with Mrs. Zhen and a group of wealthy ladies.

During her previous trips, Jiang Qiuyi didn’t find Paris beautiful at all. Each day, she had been busy navigating social circles, attending to the ladies, offering shopping advice, running errands—it was utterly exhausting.

Lu Mingcheng paused for a moment before saying in a low voice. “You can go anytime you want in the future.”

He hesitated briefly, then added. “The private jet at home is yours to use whenever you like.”

Jiang Qiuyi blinked and curved her lips into a slight smile. “Thank you.”

Lu Mingcheng looked at her for a moment before shifting his gaze away.

That night, for the first time in a long while, Lu Mingcheng shared marital intimacy with her.

Though their relationship lacked warmth, they were surprisingly in sync in such matters and found satisfaction in each other.

…

The next morning, Lu Mingcheng woke up in unusually good spirits.

When he came downstairs, Uncle Xu glanced at him and smiled. “Good morning, sir.”

Lu Mingcheng responded with a nod.

Lu Mingcheng glanced upstairs and instructed. “Madam is still sleeping. Don’t wake her just yet.”

Uncle Xu nodded. “Understood.”

After breakfast, Lu Mingcheng left for the office.

Xu Chen and the driver were already waiting at the door.

Once in the car, Xu Chen handed him a folder and said in a low voice. “Mr. Lu, here’s the compiled information.”

Lu Mingcheng took it, opened the folder, and skimmed through it. “How long will it take to complete?”

Xu Chen estimated a timeframe and replied softly. “It should take about half a month.”

Lu Mingcheng gave a brief “Hmm” and said. “Make it quicker.”

Xu Chen responded immediately. “Understood.”

After Lu Mingcheng finished reviewing the document, Xu Chen asked. “By the way, Mr. Lu, have you seen the updated design drafts from Guangdiao? Miss Xu asked me to check if there are any further adjustments needed.”

Lu Mingcheng: “I’ll send them to you later.”

Xu Chen nodded in understanding. “Alright.”

…

When Lu Mingcheng got up, Jiang Qiuyi vaguely sensed it.

But she was too tired and just turned over and drifted back to sleep.

She realized that a life without early mornings was absolutely perfect.

When Jiang Qiuyi finally woke up, it was past ten o’clock.

Reaching for her phone, she saw a slew of unread messages.

The most important one was the update on Lin Shanshan’s divorce case. The review results were out, and the case was now moving into the mediation stage.

Jiang Qiuyi read Lin Shanshan’s message, thought for a moment, and replied: [Do you agree to mediation?]

Lin Shanshan responded: [No.]

She wasn’t foolish. After calming down, she knew where to draw her boundaries.

Jiang Qiuyi: [Alright.]

After a brief pause, she asked: [Does mediation require both of you to be present?]

Lin Shanshan: [Normally, yes.]

Jiang Qiuyi: [I see.]

Lin Shanshan: [Yes, that’s why I wanted to ask if you’re free today. I need to buy a couple of outfits.]

Since marrying Zhuo Peng, Lin Shanshan had rarely bought new clothes for herself.

On the rare occasions she did, Zhuo Peng would complain, saying there were plenty of unworn clothes at home and no need to buy more.

Over time, Lin Shanshan simply restrained herself.

Now, Lin Shanshan wanted to give herself a fresh start and a new look.

Jiang Qiuyi read her message and smiled with satisfaction: [Of course, I’m free. Let’s grab some hot pot first, and then we can go shopping. Did you ask Jian Xia?]

Lin Shanshan replied: [I did. She said she’s busy writing and doesn’t have time to join us for shopping.]

Jiang Qiuyi: [Then let’s at least get her to come out for hot pot.]

Lin Shanshan: [Great idea.]

After finalizing the plan with Lin Shanshan, Jiang Qiuyi lazily got out of bed.

While washing up in the bathroom, she happened to glance at herself in the mirror.

Her cheeks were glowing, her skin looked radiant, and she seemed full of energy.

Jiang Qiuyi stared at her reflection for a few seconds and couldn’t help but muse that, in some ways, a good s*x life really could make a woman glow.

The three of them met up at the hot pot restaurant.

Lin Shanshan seemed a little reserved, while Jian Xia was her usual casual self.

Jian Xia glanced at Jiang Qiuyi’s outfit and asked suspiciously. “Are you sure you’re not heading to some important event later?”

Jiang Qiuyi raised an eyebrow. “Does it look too formal?”

“Not exactly formal,” Jian Xia said after a pause. “Just… expensive.”

Jiang Qiuyi chuckled, amused. “It’s not that exaggerated.”

Her outfit was simple enough: a knit dress paired with a wool coat. The only expensive items were her jewelry, handbag, and high heels.

Jian Xia disagreed. “It is.”

She laughed and added. “Didn’t you notice how the waiter’s voice got quieter when he was leading you in?”

Jiang Qiuyi blinked. “I didn’t notice that.”

Jian Xia teased. “The waiter probably thought you weren’t here to eat hot pot.”

Jiang Qiuyi arched an eyebrow.

Jian Xia laughed as she added. “More like you’re here to buy out the hot pot restaurant.”

“…”

The three of them burst into laughter.

Jiang Qiuyi shot her a glance but didn’t bother explaining herself.

Lin Shanshan gave her an appraising look and smiled. “I have to agree—you look amazing.”

Jiang Qiuyi playfully winked at her and said. “We’ll give you a makeover later.”

“Yes, absolutely!” Jian Xia chimed in enthusiastically. “You two were both campus beauties at Ningcheng University. You can’t let her outshine you.”

Lin Shanshan hesitated, then gave a bittersweet smile. “I can’t compare to Qiuyi.”

“What’s there to compare?” Jiang Qiuyi said, meeting her gaze. “The most important thing right now is for you to pick yourself up and start fresh. It’s just one failed marriage—nothing worth dwelling on.”

She clinked glasses with Lin Shanshan and said warmly. “Here’s to a carefree and vibrant future for you.”

Lin Shanshan was deeply moved by those words.

She bit her lip to suppress the surge of emotions and managed a smile. “Alright, thank you both.”

The three of them chatted as they ate.

After the meal, they headed to the mall downstairs to shop.

While Lin Shanshan tried on clothes, Jiang Qiuyi and Jian Xia helped her pick out outfits and offered suggestions.

Even when Lin Shanshan chose affordable stores, Jiang Qiuyi didn’t show the slightest discomfort. She acted perfectly naturally.

When Lin Shanshan went into the fitting room, Jian Xia turned to Jiang Qiuyi and asked in a low voice. “Are you really planning to give Shanshan that bag?”

Before heading out, Jiang Qiuyi had video-called Jian Xia to have her help pick out a bag suitable for Lin Shanshan.

“Yes,” Jiang Qiuyi replied, meeting her gaze. “Why? Do you think it’s a bad idea?”

Jian Xia shook her head. “Not bad, exactly. I’m just worried she might be too proud to accept it.”

Jiang Qiuyi chuckled softly and said, “You’re underestimating her.” Resting her chin in her hand, she glanced toward the fitting room and said seriously, “Shanshan’s smart. She’ll accept it.”

Lin Shanshan was indeed very proud, but from the moment she accepted Jiang Qiuyi’s help, Jiang Qiuyi knew she was someone who could bend when necessary.

At this stage in her life, when she was struggling, she would accept help without hesitation. One should never let pride push them into a desperate situation.

At least Lin Shanshan wouldn’t do that.

Jian Xia watched her thoughtfully and asked curiously, “You’re really good at reading people.”

Jiang Qiuyi hummed in acknowledgment. “When you spend enough time in high society, you get pretty good at it.”

It was something she had learned over the years.

While shopping, Jiang Qiuyi didn’t help with the checkout.

She knew Lin Shanshan would accept the bag, but she was certain Lin Shanshan wouldn’t want to feel like her friends were paying for her clothes too.

After finishing their shopping, the three of them went for afternoon tea.

Jiang Qiuyi also asked the driver to bring the bag she had prepared for Lin Shanshan.

Lin Shanshan stared at her in surprise. “What are you doing?”

Jiang Qiuyi smiled gently and whispered, “A gift for your divorce.”

Lin Shanshan hesitated. “It’s too expensive.”

Jiang Qiuyi chuckled. “For you right now, it’s expensive, but I believe it will be the cheapest thing for your future.”

She gave Lin Shanshan a hug. “You should understand my meaning. A good bag can solve a lot of problems, and it’s practical.”

Lin Shanshan didn’t know how to express her gratitude.

She couldn’t hold back her tears.

Jiang Qiuyi laughed softly. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

She winked playfully. “You still have to work for me, you know. This is a gift from your boss to her employee, so you have to accept it.”

Lin Shanshan wasn’t working at the moment, but after hearing that she was looking for a job, Jiang Qiuyi asked about her plans. The two quickly agreed that Lin Shanshan would join the new store of Nijin.

She was interested and wanted to see if she could give it another try.

Lin Shanshan accepted the gift.

She was silent for a moment before softly saying. “Thank you.”

Jiang Qiuyi waved her hand. “No need to be polite.”

Then she noticed Jian Xia, who had been quiet, and took a small gift box out of her bag, handing it to her.

Jian Xia blinked in surprise. “For me too?”

“Of course. How could I forget you?” Jiang Qiuyi was always fair when it came to her friends.

Jian Xia’s eyes sparkled, and she exclaimed. “I’m going to work like a slave for you from now on.”

Jiang Qiuyi chuckled. “…Alright.”

“Open it and see if you like it.”

Jian Xia didn’t hesitate and immediately unwrapped the box.

Inside was a watch Jiang Qiuyi knew Jian Xia had admired for a long time. She had always wanted to buy it but had refrained because of its price.

She could afford it, but she simply couldn’t bring herself to buy it.

Upon seeing the watch, Jian Xia let out a dramatic gasp. “I’ve made my decision—I’m never getting married. I’ll just be your leg accessory or work like a slave for you.”

Jiang Qiuyi thought for a moment, tilting her head. “Well, that’s not impossible.”

The three of them shared a laugh.

Meanwhile, after finishing a meeting, Lu Mingcheng was heading out when Xu Chen said. “Mr. Huo is waiting for you in the office.”

Lu Mingcheng glanced up. “What does he want?”

“He didn’t say.”

Lu Mingcheng hummed in acknowledgment and entered the office, where he saw Huo Xun sitting on the sofa.

“Do you need something?”

Huo Xun gave him a sidelong glance and lazily replied. “Can’t I come find you unless there’s something urgent?”

Lu Mingcheng raised an eyebrow, heading to his desk. “I never said that.”

Huo Xun looked at him, walked over, and pulled out a chair to sit down. “I heard you bought a store for Qiuyi?”

Lu Mingcheng paused, raising an eyebrow. “That news spread quickly.”

Huo Xun shrugged. “I’m not sure who else knows, but I heard it from Li Miao.”

Huo Xun looked at Lu Mingcheng with a hint of grievance and asked. “How come you didn’t mention buying a store for your wife? Now Li Miao thinks I’m not treating her seriously.”

“…”

Lu Mingcheng pulled a document from the side and replied coldly. “That’s your problem.”

Huo Xun was momentarily speechless.

He paused, rubbed his temples, and sighed. “Women are really hard to handle.”

Lu Mingcheng could not agree more with this sentiment.

Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang— it was a call from Zhen Ping.

He glanced at Huo Xun before answering.

“Hello?”

“Mingcheng,” Zhen Ping’s voice was calm and steady. “Are you busy?”

Lu Mingcheng responded with a brief “Mm,” his tone distant. “Is there something you need, Mom?”

Zhen Ping thought for a moment before speaking. “It’s not an urgent matter, but I’ve been trying to reach Qiuyi, and she’s not answering. Xu the butler said she left this morning and still hasn’t come back.”

Lu Mingcheng glanced at the time on his computer and responded. “Mm.”

Zhen Ping fell silent.

She cleared her throat, realizing that Lu Mingcheng hadn’t picked up on the underlying concern in her words.

After a moment, she said softly. “Qiuyi’s always out and about, never home.”

Lu Mingcheng didn’t respond.

Zhen Ping complained for a moment before changing the subject. “I heard that Qiuyi plans to open a store?”

In their circle, any little thing happening in a family quickly spreads.

Lu Mingcheng answered with a simple. “Mm.”

Zhen Ping paused, then asked in a lower voice. “Are you really just letting her do whatever she wants?”

Lu Mingcheng chuckled. “Mom, what do you mean by ‘letting her do whatever she wants’?”

He said lightly. “Qiuyi wants to open a store to keep herself busy. That’s fine.”

Zhen Ping’s lips moved, helplessly saying. “But she has no experience in running a store. Isn’t she just giving money away?”

“Mm.” Lu Mingcheng’s tone remained calm. “She’s got Li Miao and a friend with experience helping her.”

“…”

In an instant, Zhen Ping had no words to say.

She sighed. “Since you’ve put it that way, I can’t really say anything more.”

After a moment’s thought, she advised. “But you can’t just let Qiuyi do whatever she wants.”

Lu Mingcheng remained silent.

Zhen Ping mumbled. “Why has Qiuyi changed so much recently?”

Once she finished, Lu Mingcheng ended the call.

Huo Xun, who had listened to the entire conversation, held back a comment and then said. “Mrs. Lu really doesn’t seem satisfied with Qiuyi.”

Lu Mingcheng glanced at him but didn’t respond.

He was well aware of the dynamics between his mother and Qiuyi.

Huo Xun was quiet for a moment before asking. “How do you plan to mediate their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship?”

“I don’t,” Lu Mingcheng replied, signing the documents. “In the past, Qiuyi wouldn’t have cared about it.”

Huo Xun raised an eyebrow. “And now?”

“Now—” Lu Mingcheng thought about the conversation the maid had relayed to him that day and sneered softly. “She’ll make me take the fall.”

Huo Xun couldn’t help but laugh, commenting. “Quite smart.”

Lu Mingcheng didn’t respond, but he felt that this version of Qiuyi was livelier.

Before, she had been too quiet and obedient, easily manipulated.

However, too much of that wasn’t good either.

Just as he was thinking, his phone which he had just set down, vibrated.

Lu Mingcheng turned the pen in his hand, feeling an uneasy premonition.

Before he had a chance to open the message, Huo Xun’s phone rang.

It was Li Miao calling.

“Hubby, I’m going to watch a live stream with Qiuyi tonight. You’ll have dinner alone.”

Lu Mingcheng listened to the voice coming from Huo Xun’s phone and opened WeChat, seeing the message from Qiuyi.

Qiuyi: [I’m going to watch a live stream with Miao Miao. I’ll be home later.]

=^_^=