Chapter Four

Yi Xiaoyu’s home was in a city adjacent to V City. Back when he established his company in V City, it was precisely to keep some distance from his family. Over nearly ten years, Yi Xiaoyu returned home no more than three times a year, often only during the New Year, just to check in. Whenever his father, Yi Dongjun, encountered difficulties in business, Yi Xiaoyu would spend money to smooth things over or offer advice. Three years ago, when Yi Dongjun’s clothing company was on the verge of bankruptcy, it was Yi Xiaoyu who poured in a considerable sum to save him from disaster.

Even so, Yi Xiaoyu had never once addressed Yi Dongjun as “father.” Since his mother’s death, and Yi Dongjun’s remarriage a year later, their relationship had remained cold and distant. Yi Xiaoyu helped Yi Dongjun out of filial duty, not because of any bond of affection.

This time, he returned because Yi Dongjun had called repeatedly, “begging” him to come home. The reason was unclear, only vaguely stated as something he needed to discuss.

When Yi Xiaoyu arrived, it was already past noon. Yi Dongjun, knowing his son would return, had ordered the servants to prepare a lavish lunch.

Because Yi Xiaoyu’s relationship with his stepmother, Pei Xiang, was fraught, he usually met his father at a hotel for meals, never at home. Setting the table at home this time made Yi Xiaoyu suspicious.

Having eaten late in the morning, Yi Xiaoyu wasn’t hungry, but he didn’t wish to disrupt the seemingly harmonious atmosphere. When he saw Pei Xiang standing beside his father, he furrowed his brows, his expression betraying a certain disdain.

Pei Xiang had once been a minor celebrity, a third-tier actress whose poor acting drew little fame in the entertainment world. But she was strikingly beautiful, and in her youth, married Yi Dongjun, who was then worth over a hundred million.

She knew Yi Xiaoyu disliked her, so whenever he returned, she wisely kept out of sight, never playing the part of a mother or offering warm greetings. Thus, Yi Xiaoyu hadn’t completely severed ties with her.

This “family gathering” at lunch left Yi Xiaoyu somewhat uneasy. Pei Xiang kept her head down, quietly eating, occasionally serving her husband soup. She listened gently to the conversation between father and son, never daring to interject.

Yi Xiaoyu was the most capable member of the Yi family. Yi Dongjun took pride in him, and most relatives sought his favor. Pei Xiang, a stepmother with neither power nor connection, and often despised, could only diminish her presence to avoid Yi Xiaoyu’s biting sarcasm.

Yi Dongjun asked about business, exchanged a few words about family, then finally broached Yi Xiaoyu’s romantic situation.

Yi Xiaoyu’s answer was straightforward: single.

“Your father has a college classmate whose daughter is a master’s graduate from abroad. She’s your age, beautiful, and…”

“You already know my orientation,” Yi Xiaoyu interrupted. “If I married a woman, I’d be irresponsible to both her and myself.”

Yi Dongjun paused and sighed, “If you find the right person, let me know, or bring them home directly.”

“Alright.” Yi Xiaoyu didn’t even look up. “Let’s talk about it next year.”

The meal went well enough; Yi Dongjun noticed his son’s attitude softened considerably since his arrival, and hoped what was to come might succeed.

Once the servants cleared the table, father and son sat in the living room drinking tea.

Yi Dongjun smoked, speaking slowly, “Your brother is coming home soon.”

Yi Xiaoyu was taken aback.

Yi Dongjun continued, “He was supposed to arrive at noon. I thought the whole family could have lunch together, but his flight was delayed by weather, so he’ll be back tomorrow.”

“You called me home just to have a meal with him?” Yi Xiaoyu sneered. “He comes back, so what? What does that have to do with me?”

“He’s your brother.”

“He’s your son with that woman, not my mother’s child.”

“Xiaoyu,” Yi Dongjun said sternly, then relented, clearly frustrated. He knew Yi Xiaoyu’s dislike for this brother was no less than for his stepmother. “Xiaoyu, I’m begging you. When your brother returns, arrange a respectable position for him in your company.”

“And your clothing company? You don’t need him to inherit it?”

“He called and said he’s interested in real estate. If he can develop in your company, even starting from the bottom, he’s willing.”

“Hah, as if he’s qualified to go straight to upper management.”

“Xiaoyu, how about this: let him work at your company for two or three years, learn from your experience, then send him to help me. I’ll pay his salary for his position in your company.”

Yi Xiaoyu looked at his father, whose temples were graying and whose face was earnest and anxious. In the end, he relented, saying coolly, “I’ll pay his salary. Have him bring his resume to my company at two o’clock the day after tomorrow. I’ll assign him a job based on his ability.”

“Good,” Yi Dongjun said excitedly. “That’s great. If he can work alongside you, I’ll feel much more at ease. He’s just out of school, lacks experience—let your staff…”

“We’ll see how capable he is,” Yi Xiaoyu interrupted. “I have a meeting with old classmates this afternoon. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave now.”

After Yi Xiaoyu left the house, Pei Xiang came downstairs. Upon hearing from her husband that Yi Xiaoyu had agreed to arrange a position for her son in his company, she was overjoyed.

With her son back, she’d have her pillar of support, no longer needing to tiptoe around Yi Xiaoyu. More importantly, her son’s entry into his company meant the rest of her plans would go smoothly.

Yi Xiaoyu’s friends knew he was home today and arranged a billiards game.

Most of his friends were young and successful, some even former college classmates. Whenever possible, they gathered to maintain their bond.

“Xiaoyu’s always busy. We barely meet up a few times a year.”

“Maybe he’s found love and spends all his time with his girlfriend.”

“I bet that’s it. Tell us, how many girls has President Yi kept these years?”

Yi Xiaoyu sunk a ball and laughed, “Don’t joke about my orientation. If you want to see me date a woman, wait for the next life.”

Midway, Yi Xiaoyu went to the restroom. Li Youchen, draping an arm around him, whispered conspiratorially, “I’ve got something to tell you.”

Li Youchen was a college friend—wealthy, handsome, and talented. Rather than inherit his family business after graduation, he opened several bars and lived carefree. His bond with Yi Xiaoyu was stronger than anyone’s; aside from Yi Xiaoyu’s marriage, he knew nearly everything about him.

After finishing up, Yi Xiaoyu stood at the sink washing his hands. “What’s so mysterious?”

Li Youchen nudged him with an elbow, chuckling, “Your first love is back.”

Yi Xiaoyu’s body trembled; Li Youchen’s words sent his mind spinning.

Wen Ming…

Li Youchen continued, “He asked me for your number as soon as he returned. I wasn’t sure what happened between you two, worried you’d be upset with me, so I didn’t give it to him.”

Yi Xiaoyu had regained his composure. “If he wants it, give it to him. We both live in V City, sooner or later we’ll meet.”

“What exactly happened between you two? In college, you were inseparable, then just a few years later, things fell apart.”

Yi Xiaoyu didn’t want to elaborate. He dried his hands. “It happened naturally.”

“I could tell from Wen Ming’s tone that he wants to reconcile. You two dated for years, practically childhood sweethearts. If Wen Ming truly made mistakes before but has changed, maybe you should…”

“Are you planning to be his mediator?”

“Uh…well, we’re all old friends. With you two on bad terms, I’m stuck in the middle, not knowing whom to help. It’s awkward. I was hoping to invite him to join us today.”

“Youchen, listen,” Yi Xiaoyu looked at his close friend. “Wen Ming and I broke up two years ago. And now, I already have someone.”

It was close to eleven at night when Yi Xiaoyu returned to his hotel. After showering, the first thing he did was call home.

He dialed his address in V City.

“Fatty, what are you doing?”

Boss You sounded a bit annoyed. “I’ve been waiting since ten-thirty. You’re only calling now.”

Yi Xiaoyu laughed softly, “Are you mad?”

“Of cour…” You Yige quickly stopped himself, remembering the consequences of answering that question affirmatively in the past. “I’m not mad, how could I be mad?”

“Did you feed Onion?”

“Already fed.” You Yige beckoned to Onion. “Come on, Onion! Call out for your mom!”

The cat, lounging in its soft bed, ran to You Yige and, prompted by his gestures, let out a vigorous meow into the phone. “Hear that, Xiaoyu? Onion’s full of energy. I took him to the hot springs today; he was so lively.”

“You Yige.”

“Hmm?” Every time Yi Xiaoyu called him by his full name, You Yige tensed instinctively. Before their marriage, his naturally flirtatious tendencies had led to many questionable escapades. Whenever Yi Xiaoyu uncovered one, You Yige would endure days of being ignored.

“It’s nothing.” Yi Xiaoyu chuckled. “I just missed you.”

There was a brief silence on the other end, then You Yige’s voice trembled with excitement, “Xiaoyu, this is the first time in two years of marriage you’ve said something romantic to me.”

Yi Xiaoyu was amused, “That’s a bit dramatic.”

Boss You cautiously replied, “Mmm, Xiaoyu, I want to hear it again.”

Yi Xiaoyu paused, then said softly, “Fatty, I like you.”

He had long forgotten the original reason for marrying—to take revenge on that man. Now, he truly loved this person.

Wen Ming.

Even if his mind still reacted to that name, it was all in the past. Now, his heart was filled only by one person.

You Yige.