After finishing the bowl of ginger soup on the couch, Wen Yang felt a comforting warmth spread through her. She grabbed a small blanket, wrapping it around herself, and curled up with her laptop on the sofa, organizing the measurements she had taken that day and snapping a few photos.
Lu Zhan’s apartment was quite spacious, but there were so many design details to handle. Wen Yang, feeling cozy and relaxed, worked through her tasks.
The ginger soup was indeed spicy, but it chased away the lingering chill in her body. Eventually, still bundled up in the blanket, she fell asleep on the couch, the heater humming softly in the background.
Morning arrived, the soft warmth still wrapping around Wen Yang.
Her phone started ringing. Half-asleep, she groped for the device beside her, eyes barely open. Without checking the caller ID, she answered and brought the phone to her ear.
Her voice was low and soft. “Hello?”
Fu Xingzhou had just finished his morning run and was walking into his building when he heard her sleepy voice. He paused for a few seconds, his own tone unconsciously softening. “Did I wake you?”
Even in the early morning, his voice was clear and smooth—like a gentle stream, as calming as a voice actor’s.
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Eld Zydt czkdjle, pvkzz y ckv eygle, cwv yqvla y vos-plnsde elzyu, pbl alyzkgle obs kv oyp. Kszvle yoyjl, pbl pbwqqzle kdvs y pkvvkdt rspkvksd, bla hsknl pvkzz nyaaukdt y pzllru oyaxvb. “Ls, ds… R vbkdj R shlapzlrv.”
“Ebyv vkxl kp uswa vaykd?”
Fbl tzydnle yaswde vbl ekx assx, vbl nwavykdp pvkzz eayod, yde pyv wr pvayktbvla. “Mld-vbkavu.”
Fbl alynble qsa bla rbsdl vs nblnj vbl vkxl.
Ww Dkdtgbsw pvlrrle kdvs vbl lzlhyvsa, bkp hsknl zktbv. “Rv’p pvkzz lyazu. Qlv psxl xsal alpv. Kkydt Zwl okzz vyjl usw vs vbl pvyvksd yv dkdl-vbkavu.”
Eld Zydt pyo vbl vkxl—7 y.x. Fbl zlydle ytykdpv vbl nswnb yax, pvkzz tasttu. “Ls dlle vs vaswczl Flnalvyau Kkydt. R nyd fwpv nyzz y nyc.”
Tla hsknl oyp pzktbvzu bsyapl—dsv ldvkalzu yoyjl ulv—zkjl y psqv xwaxwa, yp vbswtb bla zkrp olald’v qwzzu ryavkdt obld pbl prsjl.
Ww Dkdtgbsw ldvlale bkp yryavxldv, tayccle y vsolz vs okrl vbl polyv qasx bkp dlnj, yde rswale bkxplzq y tzypp sq oyvla yv vbl jkvnbld kpzyde. “Ebyv’p oasdt okvb uswa hsknl?”
Wen Yang froze, instinctively touching her throat. After a few seconds, she replied, “Seems like I have a sore throat.”
Fu Xingzhou was mid-sip when he heard this. A quiet chuckle escaped him.
It was the first time Wen Yang had ever heard him laugh out loud. She was momentarily stunned.
His eyes carried a faint smile as he spoke softly, “Must be the ginger soup.”
Wen Yang rubbed her throat, her voice delicate. “Seems like it… Mr. Fu, are you laughing at me?”
Fu Xingzhou’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Can’t I laugh?”
Wen Yang shook her head from her side, still leaning on the couch armrest. “That’s just how I am—whenever I eat something too spicy, I get a sore throat.”
Fu Xingzhou took a sip of coffee. “As long as it’s not a cold.”
Wen Yang hummed in response.
She whispered, “Thank you, Mr. Fu.”
He replied softly, “Mm.”
Slipping on her slippers, Wen Yang got off the couch. “I’m going to wash up now.”
Fu Xingzhou said, “Alright.”
“Shall we hang up?”
“Mm.”
After ending the call, Wen Yang put down her phone and drew the curtains open. The sun was bright outside, and the rain from last night had scrubbed the sky clean, leaving it a dazzling blue.
Stretching, she poured herself two glasses of warm water, soothing the dryness in her throat. That ginger soup really was strong—especially before bed.
What she’d forgotten was that after drinking ginger soup, you should always follow it with some water to balance the heat. She hadn’t thought of it at the time—she’d just downed the soup, which was thick with brown sugar.
After washing up, breakfast was delivered to her hotel room.
Once she’d eaten, Wen Yang began packing her luggage. With a 10:30 train to catch, she planned to leave a little early.
After checking out, she stepped outside the hotel lobby.
Jiang Yue was already waiting not far away.
When he saw her, he immediately walked over, smiling. “Good morning, Miss Wen.”
Wen Yang blinked—she hadn’t expected Fu Xingzhou to still arrange for Jiang Yue to pick her up. She smiled back. “Good morning, Secretary Jiang. Looks like we meet again—sorry to trouble you.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Miss Wen. Please.” Jiang Yue reached for her suitcase, taking it from her hand.
Wen Yang let go, following him.
He placed her luggage in the trunk, then opened the backseat door for her.
Wen Yang hesitated for a second or two, then ducked into the backseat.
Once Jiang Yue settled into the driver’s seat and started the car, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror, striking up small talk. “Miss Wen, why not stay a few more days and explore Hong Kong a bit?”
Wen Yang looked up and smiled. “I have work to do—need to get back to Nancheng.”
Jiang Yue nodded, returning his focus to the road.
The first time they’d met, Miss Wen had carried a sense of fragility—like someone caught in a struggle, powerless against their circumstances. There had been a rawness around her eyes, like she’d been crying more often than not.
But now, that brokenness had faded, and the beauty in her expression was impossible to miss.
If he had to put it into words, she was as beautiful as a flower in bloom.
When they arrived at the high-speed rail station, Jiang Yue stopped at the entrance and took out her suitcase.
Wen Yang grasped the handle, smiling. “Thank you, Secretary Jiang. Drive safe on your way back.”
Jiang Yue smiled. “Of course. Miss Wen, don’t forget to message Mr. Fu when you arrive.”
Wen Yang froze briefly but then smiled softly. “I will.”
She gave a small nod, then pulled her suitcase through the station entrance, the morning sun casting a golden light on the platform.
Jiang Yue opened the driver’s door and took out a beautifully designed, three-tiered insulated lunch box from inside. He handed it to Wen Yang and said, “Here’s some food. Mr. Fu said it’s for you to eat on the way.”
Wen Yang was momentarily stunned.
Jiang Yue gestured for her to take it. It took Wen Yang a while before she finally reached out, took the lunch box, and looked up. “Please thank Mr. Fu for me.”
Jiang Yue smiled. “You can thank him yourself.”
Wen Yang pursed her lips, her ears slightly burning, and carried the lunch box while pulling her suitcase toward the entrance. As she walked, the polished floor reflected her image, and her gaze fell on the delicate lunch box.
Ever since she fell in love with cooking and learned how to make meals, she often prepared lunch boxes for Cheng Yanyu — sometimes even for her colleagues at the planning company.
It had been a long time since someone prepared a lunch box for her. In fact, this was the first time in the past two years.
—
In Hong Kong, at the Qingzhou headquarters.
A long meeting had just ended. Fu Xingzhou walked with several senior executives, discussing business as they moved. One of the executives asked, “Mr. Fu, have you decided to invest in Kangyuan?”
An assistant handed a file to Fu Xingzhou. He took it, flipping through the pages. “Yes.”
“In that case, why not acquire the telephoto lens company as well?”
Fu Xingzhou turned to glance at the person speaking. “Alright.”
The executive nodded. He was bold — if they were entering this industry, they might as well aim for the top and gain more influence. Fu Xingzhou placed the file in the executive’s hand. “Make the arrangements.”
“Understood.”
Entering his office, Fu Xingzhou saw Lu Zhan lounging on the sofa, wearing sunglasses and casually waving at him.
Fu Xingzhou shot him a calm glance, walked behind his desk, and began skimming through a stack of documents.
Lu Zhan got up, leaned on the desk, and chuckled, “Why are you only giving her food when you’re trying to win her over?”
Fu Xingzhou didn’t look up. “Food is a basic necessity.”
Lu Zhan crossed his arms, still smiling, and nodded. “Fair point.”
Closing the file, Fu Xingzhou lifted his gaze. “Is there something you want?”
Lu Zhan smirked. “Nothing, just wanted to check in on you.”
Fu Xingzhou didn’t bother responding.
“Help yourself to coffee.”
“Sure. Let’s have lunch together — I’ll try your company’s cafeteria.”
“Suit yourself.”
Lu Zhan went back to the sofa, crossed his legs, and flipped through a magazine. He couldn’t help but think about how Wen Yang wasn’t the type of girl easily swayed. She wasn’t like other women — there was no obvious ambition or ulterior motive. Judging by her clothes, bags, and accessories, she chose what suited her rather than what was expensive. She neither envied what others had nor yearned for luxury.
A girl like her probably came from a good family, raised with love and care. She had her own sense of self. Winning her heart would definitely require patience.
—
On the 10:30 AM high-speed train.
Wen Yang inevitably spent her lunchtime on board. Around noon, the aroma of pre-packaged meals filled the train. Wen Yang, busy working on her laptop at the table, only looked up when she noticed everyone else was eating.
She took a sip of water, closed her laptop, and glanced at the insulated lunch box. Gently, she opened it.
The top tier held beautifully crafted sushi along with small side dishes for an appetizer. The middle layer featured an array of delicate Chinese dim sum — including Hong Kong’s famous pineapple buns.
The bottom tier contained soup — a refreshing winter melon and pork rib broth.
Everything was thoughtfully prepared, and most of the dim sum were the same items Wen Yang had ordered that day at the restaurant near the exhibition hall.
The lunch box also came with chopsticks and a spoon. Wen Yang picked up a piece of eel sushi and tried it — it was delicious.
Her eyes curved into a soft smile.
The train’s meal options no longer seemed as appealing. Slowly, she savored each bite, finished the soup, and felt full and content — especially with the light yet flavorful pork rib broth, perfect for her current state.
—
Arriving in Nancheng.
As soon as Wen Yang got into a ride-hailing car, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen — it was Fu Xingzhou.
Fu Xingzhou: Have you arrived?
Wen Yang replied: Just got here.
Fu Xingzhou: Good.
After a brief pause, Wen Yang added: Mr. Fu, the food was delicious.
Fu Xingzhou: Glad you liked it.
Wen Yang sent a cute “thank you” sticker.
Fu Xingzhou replied with a serious: You’re welcome.
Wen Yang smiled softly.
Once she got home, she washed the lunch box, unpacked her suitcase, and threw her clothes from the day into the laundry. She also grabbed Fu Xingzhou’s jacket, which she had been holding onto, and brought it downstairs to the dry cleaner.
The staff carefully handled the jacket — though there was no visible brand, it was clearly custom-made. They issued a damage protection receipt for it. Wen Yang folded the receipt and tucked it away before grabbing her laptop and heading to her studio.
It was around 2:30 PM.
At this time, Yu Qing and the others were probably resting.
Wen Yang carefully pushed the door open without making a sound, but as soon as she stepped inside, she sensed something was off. Tao Li and Yu Qing weren’t sleeping — Yu Qing was standing by the table holding her phone, her eyes red-rimmed, angrily saying, “If you had told me earlier that you were switching studios, why would I have stayed up all night working on your designs? Now that the design is almost done, you suddenly tell me you don’t want it anymore. How can you treat people like this?”
Wen Yang froze for a moment.
Tao Li stood beside her, also looking tense.
When she noticed Wen Yang, she immediately put on a wronged expression. Wen Yang glanced at Yu Qing — her eyes were still red. She leaned against the table, looking away slightly, muttering under her breath, “Damn… your mom.”
Seeing this, Wen Yang quickly stepped forward and covered Yu Qing’s mouth. After a brief exchange of looks, Wen Yang slowly let go, signaling with her eyes. Yu Qing nodded. As soon as Wen Yang released her, Yu Qing clenched her teeth and said into the phone, “Whatever. That Yunran Studio is full of shady dealings anyway. Hope your house ends up with tons of issues.”
After that, she hung up the phone, her chest heaving with anger.
When Wen Yang heard “Yunran Studio,” she immediately understood why Yu Qing was so furious. She grabbed Yu Qing’s hand and asked, “What happened? What’s going on with the client?”
Yu Qing took a sip of water and replied, “What else? Liu Yu stole the client. My design was almost finished, and she suddenly swooped in. Mr. Zhao, impressed by their reputation and discounts, canceled my order — didn’t even want his deposit back.”
Wen Yang frowned.
Yunchi Design had been running for a while now, and they had never clashed with Liu Yu’s studio before. Their clients and reputations weren’t on the same level — Liu Yu must have known Yunchi wasn’t a threat. But now, for some reason, Liu Yu had stooped low to snatch their business.
Wen Yang’s expression hardened.
If it happened once, it could happen again. They couldn’t let her succeed.
She turned to Yu Qing. “Don’t be mad yet. Let’s figure something out.”
“What can we do? Just hearing Liu Yu’s name sets me off — I can’t stay calm. We left to work independently, but she still has to interfere.”
Wen Yang understood. Yu Qing’s frustration was partly due to her health, but mostly because of Liu Yu’s constant suppression. It was infuriating — they had already left, but Liu Yu wouldn’t leave them alone.
Picking up Yu Qing’s phone, Wen Yang said, “I’ll call Mr. Zhao.”
Yu Qing nodded.
She sat down, pulling a tissue to wipe her nose and eyes.
Tao Li went to pour her some water.
Wen Yang stepped into the break area, dialed the number, and waited. About two minutes later, Mr. Zhao picked up — his tone was far from friendly. “Designer Yu, what more do you want to say? I don’t care about the deposit anymore, got it? And if you insult me again, I won’t be polite.”
“Hello, Mr. Zhao. Sorry about that. Designer Yu used to work at Yunran Studio years ago, so this situation upset her — she didn’t mean to be rude.”
“Upset? Well, I’m upset too. Why can’t I cancel the order? You guys are the ones competing — what does that have to do with me? I just chose the better studio.”
“Are you sure Yunran is the better choice?” Wen Yang asked softly.
Mr. Zhao, about to retort, paused. “What do you mean?”
Calmly, Wen Yang explained, “Designer Yu and Manager Liu were senior and junior classmates in college. After graduation, Designer Yu joined Manager Liu’s studio — she was personally recruited. Over the past two years, about 80% of Yunran Studio’s projects were designed by Designer Yu. Manager Liu’s current reputation relies heavily on her work. Yunchi has only been around for four months, but for the last two years, Yun Ran’s success was built on Designer Yu’s designs. Do you really think they can create a better home for you now?”
Mr. Zhao was stunned.
Wen Yang continued, “Whatever discounts Yunran offered you, we at Yunchi can match. Plus, having worked at Yunran for so long, we’re well aware of the hidden flaws in their renovations. If you’re curious, we can discuss this in person. I’d be happy to explain.”
Hearing about “hidden flaws,” Mr. Zhao shivered. “Can’t you just tell me over the phone?”
“Of course not. Let’s talk in person. As for the discounts you want, I can guarantee we’ll meet your expectations.” Wen Yang kept her voice calm. Since she handled Yunchi’s marketing, she knew their advantage over Yunran — they had no “bad history.”
Mr. Zhao hesitated but was clearly swayed. “Fine. I’ll come over now.”
“Thank you, Mr. Zhao. We’ll be waiting for you.”
Wen Yang hung up and turned around.
Tao Li blinked in awe before covering her mouth. “Wen Jie, you’re amazing.”
Wen Yang smiled slightly. “Not really. I just promised him a lot of discounts. I acted on my own — Yu Qing, is that okay?”
She looked at Yu Qing.
Relaxing a little, Yu Qing nodded. “Of course. Thank god for you. I couldn’t have stayed calm — just thinking about Liu Yu’s shamelessness makes me furious.”
“It’s okay. Let’s talk to Mr. Zhao when he arrives. No one wants to risk their home’s renovation — there’s a lot of money involved.”
Yu Qing nodded.
A few seconds later, she stepped forward and hugged Wen Yang.
Wen Yang hugged her back.
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ughh what does Liu Yu really have against Yu Qing? like she already left so there’s no threat to LY’s position 💀