"The Feng family, huh? Understood."
Gu Qixiao replied indifferently, his tone flat and unenthusiastic, as if he hadn't just asked about someone himself.
Although they've been friends for years, Wu Bei still couldn't always figure out what was on Mr. Xiao's mind.
After all, his aloof and solitary demeanor was infamous within their social circle; his focus was solely on work, leaving no room for anything else.
For someone like him to voluntarily ask about someone this time, Wu Bei thought it might mean he was finally opening up—perhaps curious about his wife's close friend.
Upstairs, the atmosphere was tense and enigmatic, while downstairs it was bright and lively—a stark contrast.
Time seemed to pass quickly. Ji Yu and Feng Qinqin chatted for hours in the café. True to the saying, time flies when you're with someone you like.
As it grew late, Ji Yu and Feng Qinqin parted ways and headed home.
Ji Yu returned to her apartment and received a call from Ji Yuanzhou just as she was unlocking the door.
"Hello, brother, what's up?"
Ji Yu answered the call while entering her apartment.
On the other end, Ji Yuanzhou's low and magnetic voice came through the receiver, "What, I can't call you unless I need something?"
"No, of course not. I was just asking! If you want to call me, then call me anytime you want—you're my brother after all."
Ji Yu's playful tone successfully made Ji Yuanzhou laugh.
"You cheeky little thing. Come home for dinner this weekend. Mom and Dad haven't seen you in ages. Even after your marriage, you should make the effort to visit more often, okay?"
"Alright, I got it. I promise I'll come home obediently this weekend."
With Ji Yu's soft and agreeable response, Ji Yuanzhou reluctantly ended the call.
Years ago, the Ji family matched orphan Ji Yu's marrow as a donor for Ji Yuanzhou, who required a transplant. The family then adopted her. Without the Ji family and Ji Yuanzhou, Ji Yu—a former orphan—wouldn't have had access to such quality education or become the renowned makeup artist she is today. Her gratitude toward the Ji family ran deep.
Of course, without Ji Yuanzhou's persistent plea to his parents back then, the Ji family might not have adopted Ji Yu. She felt a special sense of gratitude toward Ji Yuanzhou as her elder brother.
To repay the Ji family's kindness, Ji Yu had agreed to the arranged marriage with the Gu family—not a terrible decision considering the long-standing relationship between the two families.
Little did she expect that in three years of marriage, she'd never once actually see her husband. Living like a widow for those years—though, to be fair, she found the independence quite liberating.
The divorce wasn't just because Gu Qixiao hadn't shown up in three years. It was because she didn't want to spend her life tethered to a man who only knew how to throw money at issues without ever showing up to resolve them in person.
Still, the matter of explaining the divorce to the Ji family lingered. The two families were so closely connected, and both the Ji family and Mr. Gu had always treated Ji Yu well.
But what's done is done—there's no going back. Whatever happens next, she figured, she'd deal with it when it comes.
Having resolved her thoughts, Ji Yu freshened up, played on her phone, then prepared for sleep.
While Ji Yu's life followed a simple, peaceful routine, Gu Qixiao's world was filled with chaos and excitement.
The reason for Ji Yu's decision to divorce him seemed to stir a rare ripple of emotion deep within Gu Qixiao, breaking through his typically unaffected demeanor.
Tonight, he had gone to a welcome-back party thrown by his social circle. Feeling out of sorts, he'd decided to have a few drinks.
"Mr. Xiao, this party is all about you. Yet why are you drinking alone? Go keep him company properly!"
Gu Qixiao sat alone on the central sofa, nursing his drink. One of the guests saw this and quickly arranged for an alluring woman to approach him.
The chosen woman didn't immediately walk over. Instead, she observed Gu Qixiao carefully, only making her move once she didn't sense rejection from him. She took a seat next to him cautiously.
People who knew Gu Qixiao at all were well aware of his temper. If anyone dared sit beside him without his consent, they'd inevitably face consequences.
No matter how harshly Gu Qixiao treated others, they would ultimately flatter and accommodate him carefully. After all, with his pedigree—from an elite family—he was born into privilege with a silver spoon.
Anyone with sense wouldn't dare be petty about an insult from Gu Qixiao. Even a minor favor from him could mean a massive reward in their eyes.
"Mr. Xiao, drinking alone isn't great. Let me join you," the woman said gingerly, holding her glass as she toasted him.
But Gu Qixiao didn't even spare her a glance. He put down his glass, stood up, and left the room, leaving behind a crowd with mixed expressions.
The guests, used to his unpredictable behavior, quickly resumed their lively interaction as if nothing had happened.
Back in his car, Gu Qixiao instructed his driver, "Take me to Lake Villa," before closing his eyes to rest.
Lake Villa was selected as their marital home when the marriage was arranged. Ji Yu had lived there for three years.
Ironically, it was only after their divorce that Gu Qixiao set foot into the villa.
Walking into the villa, he noticed its cozy decor. Everything—from the warm-toned furniture to the framed artworks, window curtains, and flowers in the vases—spoke of a delicate and meticulously cared-for space. Ji Yu preferred peace and solitude, leaving no maid to reside there. A maid would only come by during the day to tidy up; Ji Yu handled everything else herself.
So, when Gu Qixiao entered the villa, it was enveloped in silence. The warmth exuded from the furnishings—the paintings, the curtains, the flowers—all revealed the traces of someone who had nurtured every detail.
Such a style of decoration was unfamiliar to Gu Qixiao. The Gu family's homes always had cold tones, not just in decor but in atmosphere and relationships as well.
Gu Qixiao's parents divorced when he was young. Afterward, Mrs. Gu moved abroad, while Mr. Gu, a businessman, kept himself busy with no time for his son.
Gu Qixiao grew up alone, cared for by the housekeepers. No one ever went out of their way to design and decorate the surroundings lovingly.
Yet, as warm as this villa might feel now, all it reminded Gu Qixiao of was how his wife had left him. These cozy touches would soon belong to another family, another home.
The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. Lost in the whirlwind of his thoughts, he picked up his phone and made a call.
As soon as the call connected, he commanded, "Terminate the partnership with the Feng family tomorrow. Find another company to work with."
His assistant immediately agreed without question, and Gu Qixiao ended the call abruptly.
He walked into the master bedroom, tossed his phone onto the bed, and entered the bathroom, where the sound of running water soon filled the space.
On the other end, his assistant glanced at the time on his phone—3 a.m.—and groaned about the sudden order to sever ties with the Feng family. What was the reason?
The life of a corporate worker wasn't easy; his assistant grabbed his head in frustration but resigned himself to his fate. He decided to keep sleeping for now. If he had to suffer, it could wait until tomorrow. Rest was the priority at the moment.