The atmosphere in the air seemed to thicken with something intangible. Jiang Xinru couldn't help but swallow hard, standing there frozen.
The man didn't rush to take the plush toy down; he merely lowered his gaze to look at her, his expression relaxed, a clear trace of amusement in his eyes.
A minute passed before Jiang Xinru realized how awkward the situation was, and she felt like digging a hole to hide in. She hurriedly stepped away from the man, creating some distance between them. The belated flush of embarrassment stained her cheeks, and her breathing quickened. She had to admit that for that brief moment, her heart had indeed skipped a beat, but it was just that—a fleeting moment.
Composing herself, Jiang Xinru took the toy from his hand and spoke softly, "What do you think of this one? The little fox seems quite fitting for Xiaoyi."
The man nodded in approval. "Anything you give her, she’s sure to cherish."
Jiang Xinru curled the corners of her lips and efficiently paid for the item. The two had originally planned to buy some groceries at the supermarket downstairs, but while passing a women’s boutique, a purple dress caught her eye. The skirt draped from the mannequin like a blossoming lilac.
She glanced at it several times. Lin Jiayin, noticing her gaze, spoke up, "We’re not in a rush today. Shall we go in and take a look?"
As soon as they entered, a sales clerk greeted them enthusiastically. "Miss, I see you have a keen eye for our new arrivals. Would you like to try it on?"
Since they were already there, she had no reason to refuse.
A moment later, Jiang Xinru emerged from the fitting room wearing the purple dress. Her skin was naturally as fair as snow, and the dress only served to highlight her elegant temperament. She had loosely tied her light brown hair into a low ponytail, appearing both gentle and sophisticated.
Lin Jiayin watched Jiang Xinru under the warm lights, his eyes filled with a complex blend of emotions that were impossible to decipher.
"Miss, you look absolutely stunning in this dress. It’s as if it were tailor-made for you," the clerk gushed. "I truly envy your husband for having such a beautiful wife. He is a very lucky man."
The clerk’s flattery made her blush. She quickly waved her hand in denial. "We aren't a married couple."
The clerk paused for two seconds, then cleverly changed the subject, continuing to praise her figure. Jiang Xinru glanced at the price tag and finally lowered her eyes, saying, "I’ll think about it. Please hang it up for me."
This was one of Beijing’s premier luxury brands; she had heard that this was the only piece of its kind in the world, and the price was naturally astronomical. She hadn't started working yet, and her savings were nearly depleted; she simply couldn't afford such an expensive dress.
Jiang Xinru excused herself to the restroom. Watching her figure disappear, Lin Jiayin said in a gentle voice, "Pack it up for me and have it delivered to Yulongwan."
The clerk beamed and carried the dress to the counter.
After the two finished buying groceries at the supermarket, they returned home. Xiaoyi was still at her tutoring session, and she planned to surprise her by cooking in the kitchen. Before she could take a step, the doorbell rang.
Lin Jiayin entered, carrying a gift box, and handed it to her. "A gift for you."
She looked at the brand name on the box, and her heart gave a sharp tug. She hadn't recovered from the shock, and her voice sounded a bit dazed. "Why did you buy this back?"
She was surprised and delighted, her words laced with emotions she couldn't quite articulate.
"Consider it my farewell gift to you. Aren't you going abroad soon?"
Though he said this, they had only just become friends; this gift was far too precious. Jiang Xinru felt a bit conflicted, not knowing what to say to ease the atmosphere.
The man opposite her seemed to perceive her mood and comforted her warmly, "Don't feel burdened. You can gift it back to me on my birthday."
Hearing his playful tone, Jiang Xinru finally felt at ease accepting it. She placed the box on the sofa, her eyes deepening with a faint smile on her lips. In all the years she had been married, Shen Mengqi had never put this much thought into her. This was the first time she had experienced the feeling of being cherished, and the sensation in her heart was beyond words.
...
In the kitchen, Jiang Xinru personally kneaded the dough to make a bowl of birthday noodles for Xiaoyi. When she was a child, the thing she looked forward to most on her birthday was the noodles her mother made. It wasn't anything expensive, but it was brimming with love.
As soon as she finished, Xiaoyi arrived home. The little girl caught the scent the moment she walked in and ran straight to the kitchen. "Big sister, what was the surprise you mentioned?"
Jiang Xinru smiled indulgently and placed the noodles on the table. "This is the surprise. I hope you won't mind my humble cooking, Xiaoyi."
The noodles were perfectly cooked, and she had even carved the words "Happy Birthday" out of carrots. It was clear how much heart Jiang Xinru had put into it. Xiaoyi immediately picked up her chopsticks and took a bite, her eyes lighting up. "Big sister, this is so delicious!"
As she finished speaking, her round eyes grew slightly red. Since her grandmother passed away, no one had made her hand-pulled noodles. This taste was so similar to the ones from her childhood that it brought her a sense of profound peace.
Seeing Xiaoyi crying, Jiang Xinru panicked. "What's wrong? Is it not tasty?"
Xiaoyi let out a soft, choked sob, put down her chopsticks, and wrapped her arms around Jiang Xinru's neck. This gesture startled Jiang Xinru, who then recovered and gently stroked the girl’s hair to comfort her. "Don't be sad, Xiaoyi. You can tell me anything that's bothering you."
Xiaoyi replied through her tears, "I'm not sad, I'm just so happy. Big sister, thank you for preparing these birthday noodles for me. I love them so much. I haven't had such delicious noodles in a long time. Even though your hand was injured, you still cooked for me... I'm just so moved."
Jiang Xinru hadn't expected her to say this, and her own nose began to sting. She was leaving for abroad soon, and the weight of their impending separation filled her heart. She felt a warmth spread through her and spoke affectionately, "As long as you like them, Xiaoyi, I'll cook for you again when I have the chance."
As she spoke, complex emotions rose in her heart. In the past, she had often cooked for Yangyang, but he was always picking and choosing—either the taste was wrong, or he didn't like the side dishes... He had never once praised her cooking, picking at it every single time. She had lived that way for so long that she had become used to it, always trying to find ways to improve.
Xiaoyi, however, didn't have a shred of contempt; she was even moved to tears. It made Jiang Xinru feel a deep sense of poignancy. The small things she was ignored for in the past were all valued here by Xiaoyi, and it brought her an unprecedented sense of happiness. The more she thought about it, the more she felt she had misjudged people in the past, wasting so many years in that house.
With that thought, Jiang Xinru pulled at the corners of her lips with a bitter smile. Xiaoyi noticed the change in her expression and frowned. "Big sister, are you unhappy?"
Jiang Xinru shook off her thoughts and smiled faintly. "I’m just touched by how well-behaved you are. I’m so happy you complimented my cooking."
Xiaoyi giggled, burying her head in her bowl and finishing every last bite. "Big sister's cooking is the best in the world!"
Jiang Xinru was charmed by her enthusiasm, and her lingering sadness dissipated.
By evening, the villa was brightly lit. The orange-yellow glow made the living room feel cozy and filled with warmth. Jiang Xinru and Lin Jiayin brought out the cake, singing the birthday song together. The cake was shaped like Xiaoyi’s favorite cat, with a cartoon version of her on top.
After making her wish, she couldn't wait to cut a piece of cake, giving the first bite to Jiang Xinru before trying it herself. The little girl ate messily, getting some cream on her cheeks. Seeing this, Jiang Xinru couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, raising a hand to wipe it off. "Eat slowly, no one is going to take it from you."
Xiaoyi smiled bashfully. A moment later, as if struck by a thought, she scooped up some cream with her finger and dabbed it on the tip of Jiang Xinru's nose. "Big sister, I'm sharing some of my good luck with you."
Jiang Xinru froze for a second, meeting the smiling eyes of both of them. Her heart fluttered. Noticing Lin Jiayin’s face was clean, she reached out and dabbed a bit of cream on his cheek as well.
The atmosphere was harmonious; the three of them felt as close as family. After Xiaoyi had played with them for a while, she couldn't keep her eyes open and went upstairs to sleep.
Jiang Xinru and the man sat on the sofa together. Catching a glimpse of the cream still on his cheek, she couldn't help but smile. Hearing her laugh, Lin Jiayin looked at her with a confused expression. "What is it?"
Jiang Xinru laughingly grabbed a tissue and leaned over to wipe the cream for him. However, the next second, she realized something was wrong, and her breathing tightened. In the vast space, there were only the two of them, quiet enough to hear each other's heartbeats. The air seemed to ignite in an instant. Her fingertips touched his face, and they felt hot.
The two locked eyes for a second, and Jiang Xinru quickly finished wiping his face and threw the tissue into the trash can. "There was still cream left on your face."
The man watched her, his gaze as gentle as water. He spoke in a voice as warm as the morning sun, "Xinru, are you nervous when you're with me?"
Jiang Xinru lowered her eyes, afraid to look at him, and didn't know how to answer the question. She had to admit that he was exceptionally handsome. And with his gentle, jade-like personality, anyone would be moved. But the present-day Jiang Xinru understood that they could only be friends; there was no other role for them.
She calmed herself for a few seconds and pushed aside the superfluous emotions. "No, it's just a bit awkward. Today was very fun. Thank you."
As she finished speaking, a breeze stirred the woman's loose hair, carrying a faint, pleasant fragrance. Lin Jiayin draped a blanket from the sofa over her shoulders. "It is I who should thank you. I haven't seen Xiaoyi this happy in a long time."
"You must be leaving for abroad soon, right?"
A flicker of reluctance crossed his eyes as he said this, but it quickly vanished.
"In a few days. I'm thinking about how to properly say goodbye to Xiaoyi so she won't be too heartbroken." She truly loved the little girl; she had experienced so many feelings with her that she had never known before.
The man looked at her profile, a smile curling his lips. "Actually, the technology sector in our country is developing quite well. Why don't you come work at my company?"
He had spoken after much deliberation, wanting to keep Jiang Xinru.
Jiang Xinru was startled for a moment and quickly waved her hands to refuse. She only wanted to achieve what she desired through her own efforts, and besides, Lin Jiayin had already helped her too much. She had to walk the rest of the road herself; she couldn't rely on others forever.
"No, thank you. This opportunity abroad is very rare, and I really want to try it. Since I got married, I haven't entered the AI industry, but it has always been my dream, and I'm very optimistic about that project overseas. Now that I finally have a chance, I want to make up for that regret. Besides, after everything with Shen Mengqi, I want to live in a different city."
After speaking, Jiang Xinru let out a relieved breath and looked at the bright moon outside the window. Lin Jiayin was slightly stunned, then nodded in agreement.
"I see. That was my mistake for being so presumptuous. You were outstanding in university; you will surely be even more formidable abroad."
Jiang Xinru had expected him to think she was delusional, given how fast the AI industry had changed and how long she had been away from it. Who would have expected Lin Jiayin to not only support her going abroad but also encourage her to fulfill her dreams? She couldn't help but smile, her brows arching; she felt even more motivated.
"I'll take your word for it."
The two chatted for a while longer, and seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Xinru headed home.
...
At the villa, Jiang Xinyi was applying a facial mask while Yangyang hugged his homework and sat beside her. "Aunt Xinyi, I don't know how to do this problem."
Jiang Xinyi glanced at it impatiently, rolling her eyes. Things had finally quieted down for a while, but Shen Mengqi had gone and hired a tutor for him, so Yangyang had started pestering her again.
"I don't know either. Figure it out yourself."
With that, she pushed Yangyang away and went into her room, leaving him behind. Watching her retreating back, Yangyang couldn't help but let his tears fall. If his mother were here, she would never have treated him like this...
In the bedroom, Shen Mengqi was reading. Jiang Xinyi sauntered over, sat on his lap, and took the initiative to wrap her arms around his neck. "Mengqi, you've been so busy lately. You haven't had any time for me."
The man had been like a different person these past few days, burying himself entirely in work and never touching her. If things went on like this, her status would definitely not be secure. Jiang Xinyi thought about this for a moment and reached out to undo Shen Mengqi's buttons.
Before she could succeed, Shen Mengqi spoke coldly, "I'm not in the mood. Maybe next time."
For some reason, he had no interest in this woman lately; Jiang Xinru's face kept appearing in his mind. He pushed her away, stood up, and went straight to the study, leaving only his back behind...
...
Heading to the airport...
Watching the increasingly blurry figure, Jiang Xinyi gritted her back teeth, a flash of cruelty in her eyes. Immediately after, she supported herself and stood up, her expression ugly.
...
Yulongwan.
Thinking she would be heading abroad soon, Jiang Xinru decided to treat a few people to a meal as a way of saying goodbye. After some consideration, she made her choices and sent out the messages. Having done that, she went to the restaurant to order ahead of time.
A moment later, Dong Sijia walked in, her silver high heels clicking. She radiated an aura of "keep your distance," but the moment she saw Jiang Xinru, her face broke into a smile. She stepped forward and gave Jiang Xinru a hug. "I haven't seen you in forever! What have you been up to lately?"
Jiang Xinru thought back, realizing that she had mostly been with Lin Jiayin and hadn't done much work-related. Her face turned slightly red, and she changed the subject. "Just preparing some documents. How about you?"
After chatting for a while, Lin Jiayin and another friend arrived as scheduled. Everyone took their seats, and Jiang Xinru was the first to raise her glass. "Thank you all for your care during this time. I'm going abroad in a few days, so I wanted to say a proper goodbye."
After a few drinks, everyone ate and chatted. After the meal, Dong Sijia and the others left for prior engagements, leaving Jiang Xinru and Lin Jiayin alone.
Just as she was preparing to say something to ease the atmosphere, a familiar voice drifted over from not far away.
In the adjacent private room, Shen Mengqi was looking at the woman before him with fury. "Yangyang tells me you've been increasingly perfunctory. How can you expect me to trust you with the child? You were the one who wanted to enter the Shen family and promised to take care of him. Now his grades are getting worse and worse, and you don't even care about his daily life. Is this what you call 'taking good care' of him?"
Jiang Xinyi clenched her fists upon hearing this, a flicker of rage appearing on her face. She hadn't expected Yangyang to dare complain, nor that the man would fail to take her side. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She couldn't help but snap back, "You're Yangyang’s father, why don't you care about him more? Besides, he has teachers for his schoolwork; how can I control whether he makes progress?"
This was the first time Jiang Xinyi had argued with him, losing her usual submissive demeanor. The man was naturally proud and arrogant—how could he allow anyone to challenge his authority? His dark brown eyes shone with sharp intensity, and a thick, oppressive rage radiated from him.
The atmosphere grew stagnant. Shen Mengqi spoke in a stern voice, "Don't forget, the life you have now is given to you by me. You must do your duty and discipline the child!"
The remark left Jiang Xinyi speechless, her heart full of anger she couldn't vent. She walked out of the private room quickly and bumped into Jiang Xinru, who was also leaving.
Looking up and recognizing her, her rage soared as if she had finally found a target. "Big sister, I haven't seen you in days. You've lost quite a bit of weight. Has President Lin not been treating you well?"
Jiang Xinru’s face darkened at the remark, and her voice was indifferent. "That has nothing to do with you. You'd better worry about your own affairs."
As she finished, she shot a look with hidden meaning at Shen Mengqi behind her.
The moment Shen Mengqi saw Jiang Xinru, his eyes widened, and he immediately wore a somewhat ingratiating smile. "Xinru, what a coincidence that you’re eating here too?" He hurried forward, squeezing in front of Jiang Xinyi.
The move filled Jiang Xinyi with jealousy; sparks of fire seemed to be erupting in her eyes. Jiang Xinru no longer looked the way she used to; instead, she was slender and well-proportioned, her mint-green suit making her look exceptionally graceful.
Shen Mengqi couldn't bear to look away, his smile beaming. "Xinru, Yangyang has been much better behaved lately. Why don't you come home and see him?"
Facing the man’s invitation, Jiang Xinru was just about to refuse when a cold, clear male voice suddenly cut in.
"President Shen, that excuse is rather cliché."
Lin Jiayin stepped out of the room with his hands in his pockets, a mysterious smile on his face. Seeing this, Jiang Xinyi acted as if she had caught them in the act, speaking with a snide tone. "So President Lin is here too. You two are moving quite fast. I’m afraid I really am going to have to find a new brother-in-law. Big sister, isn't this a bit unfair to Mengqi and Yangyang?"
Jiang Xinru frowned involuntarily, a coldness spreading through her heart. Did she not find her own words ridiculous? She was clearly a mistress who had destroyed another family, yet she acted as if none of it concerned her. Only someone as thick-skinned as her could say such things!
Jiang Xinru looked coldly at the woman posturing before her. "Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Now you can become Mrs. Shen without any further obstacles."
Jiang Xinyi was rendered speechless by her retort. She tugged on the man’s sleeve, acting aggrieved. "Mengqi, how could big sister say such things about us?"
Unexpectedly, not only did Shen Mengqi not speak up for her, but he also shoved her hand away. He said with a smile, "Xinru, what nonsense are you saying? You will always be Mrs. Shen; there won't be anyone else. Regardless of what happened in the past, can we just live a good life from now on?"
Jiang Xinru found it hilarious—these two were truly more shameless than the other! That such things could be swept aside as if they never happened—what did marriage even mean to him?
"I'm sorry, I refuse."
She turned and left, never looking at the two of them again.
Jiang Xinru was radiant and polished now, her temperament even more refined than it had been in university. Watching her back, Shen Mengqi couldn't help but recall the scene of their first meeting.