When Wen Yuexian left—
The door shook slightly as it closed, clearly showing she was quite upset.
The office was silent.
Li Man sat in her desk chair, her mind blank for a moment. After a few seconds, she seemed to come back to herself, picked up her phone, tapped on Qin Mu’s contact, and dialed.
Beep, beep, beep—
Qin Mu, who always kept her phone on her, didn’t answer. Li Man hung up and dialed again. Still no answer. She tapped on Qin Mu’s WeChat profile and sent a voice message instead—still no reply.
Frustrated, Li Man threw her phone back on the desk.
Clang.
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—
Gp qsa Ckd Yw—
Fbl oyp bszekdt vbl est pbl bye fwpv cswtbv yde yesale. Eyvnbkdt bla rbsdl akdt ytykd yde ytykd, pbl nwazle bla zkr. Ebs oydvle vs ydpola? Fbl pvyale yv vbl dlop sd bla vyczlv, bla blye cwggkdt. Fbl’e pbsod wr rzldvu sq vkxlp kd qasdv sq Eld Zydt, vbyv zkvvzl “elzknyvl okql”—yzoyup yzsdtpkel Nk Yyd. Mbyv okql rascyczu blze y tawetl. Mbkdjkdt ycswv kv xyel bla naygu.
Tso eke vbkdtp lde wr zkjl vbkp? Mbyv elzknyvl okql pwal bye pjkzzp—Nk Yyd vssj Ubldt Zyduw, yde pbl ldele wr xyaakle vs Ww Dkdtgbsw. Tla blye vbasccle yp pbl bwttle vbl est yde tsv sqq vbl psqy.
“Yap. Nk! Yap. Nk! Psd’v ol pvkzz byhl yd yryavxldv vbyv’p pkvvkdt lxrvu yde bypd’v clld aldshyvle?”
Yap. Nk, bydep qwzz sq psyru cwcczlp yp pbl oypble y ealpp, okrle bla bydep yde pyke, “Yy’yx, R’x dsv pwal, cwv R vbkdj vblal’p sdl. Zsw pbshle vbl elle wdela y elpj.”
“Ebknb elpj? Mbl sdl kd vbl xypvla cleassx?”
“R vbkdj ps. Tydt sd, zlv xl qkdkpb oypbkdt vbkp ealpp yde R’zz zssj qsa kv. Ebu yal usw pweeldzu ypjkdt ycswv vbl elle?”
“To renovate it.”
“Why renovate out of the blue? Tired of living here?”
“Not really. But it’s just sitting empty, and I’ve got nothing better to do. Might as well renovate it.”
Mrs. Li didn’t quite understand. They had just moved in not long ago after this house was renovated. She carefully finished washing the dress, dried it, and hung it before going to look for the deed—but Qin Mu had already found it.
She opened the deed and glanced at it. “Only a bit over 100 square meters? So small—no wonder I shoved it away.”
“Still worth renovating?” Mrs. Li asked softly.
“Of course. What kind of style should we go with? I’ve already picked a design studio—Yunchi Design Studio. I really like their style.”
Mrs. Li: “Didn’t you used to like Yunran Studio? You said they were pretty good.”
Though she had said Yunran was good, she’d never really liked them. That’s why, for the house they currently lived in, she had hired an old-school designer.
This Yunchi Design Studio… probably just another one she was talking about for fun.
Qin Mu walked out with the deed. “I’ve changed my taste.”
Mrs. Li nodded—
And went back to her chores.
—
When Wen Yang woke up—
Her phone was flooded with messages. The news had already been trending for an hour or two. Yu Qing had messaged her like this:
Yu Qing: Wake up wake up wake up!
Yu Qing: Yangbao~
Yu Qing: Wake up quick—you and your husband are trending!
Wen Yang was still a little sleepy, but those messages jolted her awake. She clicked into the trending page, and sure enough, the headline #Qingzhou Group CEO Fu Xingzhou Is Getting Remarried. The Bride Is Yunchi Design Studio’s Designer Wen Yang# was still up.
Since she had once shown her face on an account, she now had a lot of DMs in the background. But Fu Xingzhou wasn’t a celebrity, had always been low-key, mainly lived in Hong Kong, and she was just an ordinary person—not a celeb or influencer. So the buzz wasn’t huge. Some people questioned why it wasn’t a business marriage, others commented on how handsome Fu Xingzhou was.
Some said, “Finally a CEO who isn’t greasy—he’s actually handsome.”
“Beautiful woman + handsome man = perfect couple.”
There were also comments praising Yunchi Design Studio’s work. One said: “This designer did my house—I was very satisfied. She’s gentle, beautiful, and totally deserves a man like that. If I were a man, I’d marry her too.”
A few people brought up Li Man—
But news about Li Man and Fu Xingzhou had always been sparse, so the topic didn’t gain traction. There just wasn’t enough information.
After scrolling through the trending topic, Wen Yang replied to Yu Qing:
Wen Yang: I’m up now, saw it.
Yu Qing: Finally! Haha, I took advantage of the hype and had our studio’s official Weibo repost the news—to make it official.
Wen Yang’s ears flushed: “Alright then.”
After chatting with Yu Qing and checking the time, she saw Fu Xingzhou had already landed in Hong Kong. He called her. She was still sitting on the bed and picked up.
Fu Xingzhou asked softly, “Awake?”
Wen Yang nodded, speaking gently, “Yeah, just woke up. You’ve arrived in Hong Kong?”
Her voice was soft and sleepy. Fu Xingzhou stepped out of the car and into the building, smiling, “Yes, I’m heading upstairs. You said you wanted shumai—Aunt Zhong made them this morning. They’re warming in the pot. Remember to eat.”
“Mhm, I’ll remember.”
“Still sleepy?” he asked.
Wen Yang ran her fingers through her hair draped over her shoulder, “Not anymore, I’m getting up.”
She moved to get out of bed.
Fu Xingzhou listened as he stepped out of the elevator.
Wen Yang went to the sink, squeezing toothpaste. With her toothbrush in her mouth, she mumbled, “I just saw our trending topic.”
Fu Xingzhou gave a soft “Mm.”
Jiang Yue knocked and came in to speak with him. Wen Yang overheard and said, “I’m going to brush my teeth now. You get back to work.”
“Old Liu is waiting downstairs. Once you’re ready, head down,” Fu Xingzhou reminded her.
“Got it.”
After brushing up, Wen Yang went to eat breakfast. Aunt Zhong had some family matters, so after making breakfast, she left early. Once done, Wen Yang headed downstairs and took Driver Liu’s car to the studio.
As soon as she entered, she saw that there were a lot of clients today—actual walk-ins. She put down her laptop and glanced at Yu Qing, who was still working on a flower house design. Yu Qing motioned with her lips, “They’re all here for you. And look at how they’re dressed—do they seem like the type to hire us for design work?”
“It’s all thanks to that trending post about your husband. These people are probably here to suck up to you.”
Wen Yang paused. Sure enough, as soon as those people saw her, they were very polite and were currently speaking with Tao Li, asking if Wen Yang could take their project.
Wen Yang poured herself a cup of coffee and looked at Tao Li.
Tao Li understood instantly and told them, “Designer Wen is currently participating in a competition and not taking any new clients. If you trust me, I can take on your project.”
The three exchanged looks, and a few seconds later smiled, “Sure, you’re also a Yunchi designer. We’ll leave it to you then.”
Tao Li hadn’t expected that her casual offer would be accepted so readily. She was stunned for a second and grabbed her tablet. “Don’t you want to see my design style first?”
“No worries. We trust Yunchi.”
Tao Li blinked.
Was getting clients this easy?
She swallowed hard and said, “Alright, I’ll get the contract ready. Please send me your floor plan.”
“We brought it with us.”
The three handed over well-prepared materials. It was as easy as drinking water. Tao Li, holding the signed contracts and seeing the smiling clients off, still felt dazed. She looked at Yu Qing and Wen Yang.
Yu Qing laughed, “Well, Yangbao’s husband is Fu Xingzhou. This was bound to happen sooner or later. If not today, then tomorrow. Once Wen Yang gets married and the wedding happens, we’ll see more of this.”
“Tao Li, design well. Don’t mess up Yunchi’s reputation.”
“If you ruin our rep, you’re also dragging Qingzhou’s name down. We can’t have that.”
Tao Li had recently struggled with two picky clients. This was her first easy one—and a major opportunity.
“I’ll do my best! I won’t mess around—this is a chance for me to grow.”
She turned to Wen Yang, “Thank you, Sister Wen!” and ran over to hug her.
Wen Yang was sipping coffee and smiled, hugging her back, “Good luck.”
Tao Li nodded, “Mm-hmm!”
The other two design assistants watched with a bit of envy but knew they’d get their chance too. Yunchi really was a great platform.
Wen Yang and Yu Qing sat down to continue their work—designing the flower room.
During a break, Wen Yang checked Yunchi’s inbox. It had blown up with requests, especially one message that stood out—a profile photo of a beautiful woman holding a dog, turned sideways, face hidden under a hat, with the ocean in the background.
The user’s name was Mumu.
Mumu: Is Designer Wen available soon?
Mumu: I want her to design for me. I saw her single-apartment design—it’s great. But mine is a three-bedroom, over 100m². Can it be done in that style?
Wen Yang: Designer Wen is currently unavailable. I can recommend another designer.
Mumu: Why is she unavailable? When will she be free?
Yunchi Design: Not sure at the moment.
Mumu: Then I’ll wait.
Yunchi Design: Are you in a hurry?
Mumu: Yes! Ideally, tomorrow!
Yunchi Design: Then it’s better to work with another designer.
Yunchi Design: Designer Tao.
Yunchi Design: (Video link of her work)
Mumu: …
Mumu: I’ll wait for Designer Wen. When will she be free?
Yunchi Design: Maybe in a month. Do you want to reserve a slot?
Mumu: ……
Mumu: ……
When had she ever had to beg anyone?!
—
In addition to many wanting Wen Yang’s designs, some found her phone number and added her. Their first message? Introducing themselves—then asking her to go for afternoon tea.
Wen Yang: ??
Afternoon tea?
Strangers asking for tea?
That night, in a video call with Fu Xingzhou, Wen Yang blinked and asked, “Can you tell some people to stop inviting me to tea? I’m busy designing.”
Fu Xingzhou, flipping through files, looked up and said, “Sure. Is it bothering you?”
Wen Yang hugged a pillow, speaking softly, “Isn’t it strange to invite someone you don’t even know to tea? I’m kind of shocked.”
Fu Xingzhou chuckled, “Well—have tea once, and then you’ll know each other.”
Wen Yang thought about it and… that made sense.
She scooped some caramel pudding Aunt Zhong had made and said, “But I don’t like it. I prefer tea with Yu Qing and the girls. So please, discourage them.”
Fu Xingzhou watched her eat, eyes soft, “Alright.”
“Is the caramel pudding good?”
Wen Yang looked at him on the screen, “Delicious. Too bad you can’t have any.”
Fu Xingzhou smiled, “Mm. I can’t.”
But the thing he couldn’t have—wasn’t the pudding.
Wen Yang didn’t pick up on the double meaning in his serious tone.
—
Two days after trending, there was still buzz. Xu Xu brought flowers and bird’s nest to Cheng Yanyu’s home. He had moved back to the bay area. Zheng Guili stayed behind to care for him.
The furniture hadn’t changed—only new glass was installed. But no matter how she arranged things, Zheng Guili couldn’t bring back the atmosphere from when Wen Yang lived there.
When Xu Xu entered, a wave of familiarity hit, then quickly faded. After Cheng Yanyu married, he’d return from Licheng sometimes and join for dinner—Wen Yang was cooking, Cheng Yanyu was helping.
Xu Xu, in those days, wouldn’t smoke when Wen Yang was around. He’d sit on the sofa, watching her and Cheng Yanyu work together.
Today, Zheng Guili had already finished cooking before he arrived.
She greeted him, “Xu Xu, long time no see.”
He smiled, handed her the flowers and bird’s nest. “Auntie, yes—it’s been a while. How have you been?”
Zheng Guili smiled, “Still okay.”
Her temples had grown whiter, now creeping up her head. She put away the gifts while Cheng Yanyu set the table.
Xu Xu gave him a look, “Auntie stayed behind to help with your stomach issues—take care of yourself.”
Cheng Yanyu smiled faintly, “I know.”
They sat down to eat. Zheng Guili’s cooking was still as good as ever—Xu Xu recognized the familiar Nanan cuisine. But both she and Cheng Yanyu were visibly low in spirits.
After helping clean up, Xu Xu and Cheng Yanyu stood on the balcony, smoking as the sun set. The plants had been changed. Xu Xu remembered talking here with him before. Wen Yang had once stood beside him with a camera, photographing the sunset.
Now, those memories felt cruel.
Xu Xu asked, “You saw the trending news, right?”
Cheng Yanyu said, “Yeah.”
Xu Xu looked at him, “I didn’t expect Fu Xingzhou to fall for Wen Yang. He always struck me as cold, distant—hard to read.”
“Last time I recognized his car at my housewarming—I thought he was just her business partner.”
Cheng Yanyu, holding his cigarette, leaning on the railing, said, “I knew when he invested in YiYan.”
Xu Xu raised a brow, “And you didn’t say anything?”
Cheng Yanyu replied, “What would’ve been the point? Honestly, it’s kind of absurd. My ex-wife was taken by the ex-husband of the woman I cheated with.”
Xu Xu stared at him.
He said nothing.
Wanted to say “serves you right,” but out of brotherhood, held back.
Swish—
The balcony door slid open. Cheng Yanyu turned around to see his mother standing there. Zheng Guili gripped the doorknob, staring at him, and asked accusingly:
“So Wen Yang’s remarrying—to Li Man’s ex-husband?!”
Cheng Yanyu, holding his cigarette, lowered his voice, “Mom, I’m sorry.”
Zheng Guili clenched the knob and sneered, “How great, Cheng Yanyu. You just handed Wen Yang away.”
“Just great.”
Cheng lowered his head, “I’m sorry, Mom.”
Zheng Guili, furious, returned to the sofa.
She had heard that Zhu Yun was preparing invitations for family in Nanan to attend the wedding in Nancheng. Cheng Yanyu’s family name still drew attention in Nanan.
She didn’t even know who Fu Xingzhou was—but that day, she’d seen his car, seen his aura, and knew Wen Yang had found someone better.
She had regrets and helplessness.
But she never imagined—it was Li Man’s ex-husband.
How ironic.
Everyone else could see Wen Yang’s worth—only Cheng Yanyu, who had once had her, let her go.
Sansukini: Ironic indeed.
On another note, I like Crème Brûlée, but I like the Filipino dessert called Leche Flan better.
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