Chapter 46: Jealousy [Bonus Chapter]

Who exactly was the woman Ye Jiayuan had mentioned?

Fu Chaoying had no intention of eavesdropping, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she stopped in her tracks.

Yet downstairs, Ye Jiayuan didn’t mention that woman at all. Fu Chaoying took a deep breath, then went downstairs and met Ye Jiayuan’s gaze from around the corner.

Ye Jiayuan looked composed and unconcerned, as if nothing had happened. In a warm voice, she said, “It’ll be here soon. Come have some warm water first.”

Fu Chaoying gave a small nod. She passed by her and sat down on the sofa, picking up her cup.

Ye Jiayuan was still on the phone with Liu Xin about work. Fu Chaoying casually turned on the television and picked a variety show at random to watch.

At last, Ye Jiayuan hung up and came to sit beside her, naturally drawing her into her arms. But unexpectedly, as soon as Fu Chaoying leaned into her embrace, she leisurely got up and said, “Your sister’s arms are too hot.”

Her tone was as usual, even carrying a hint of coaxing.

Ye Jiayuan didn’t press the issue; she only followed her gaze to the television screen.

The two of them chatted idly. Fu Chaoying’s tone was normal, but she didn’t seem interested in the topics and only answered now and then.

Just then the doorbell rang, and Ye Jiayuan got up to answer it.

Fu Chaoying followed behind her, then sat down with her at the dining table.

They faced each other over dinner. Fu Chaoying praised the food from time to time, then asked as if casually, “Can you take me to the conference tomorrow, Sister?”

Ye Jiayuan paused slightly, then looked up at her; a trace of amusement flickered in her eyes. “You’re interested in this summit’s theme?”

Fu Chaoying shook her head. “Not really. I just want to go with you.”

Then she added softly, “I’m going back to Nanyan tomorrow night.”

Her voice was so light it seemed it would shatter if the wind touched it, and her tone carried just the right amount of reluctance.

Ye Jiayuan agreed at once. “You’re a shareholder of Xingye; that’s only proper.”

She had originally planned not to attend the meeting the next day, but this was the first time Fu Chaoying had taken the initiative to ask her for something. She couldn’t bear to dampen her spirits.

Fu Chaoying smiled at her. “Okay.”

As long as Ye Jiayuan went tomorrow, people would naturally notice her standing beside Ye Jiayuan.

Fu Chaoying thought of a certain nightmare-like scene and had to take two deep breaths before she could continue eating.

Ye Jiayuan glanced at her a couple of times. Seeing that her expression was calm, she still vaguely felt that something was off.

Dinner was over quickly. Ye Jiayuan asked if she wanted to go out for a walk.

Fu Chaoying nodded lightly. “I’m full anyway. A walk would be nice.”

It would also clear her head.

Ye Jiayuan called an auntie to clear the table. Fu Chaoying stood by the entrance waiting for her.

In less than two seconds, Ye Jiayuan came over and, as if out of habit, took her hand.

Fu Chaoying stiffened for a moment, but in the end she didn’t pull away.

Everything was still unsettled. She still refused to believe Ye Jiayuan would cheat, but what if there was some other explanation?

The two of them went downstairs and walked to the seaside.

The temperature was just right, and the sea breeze carried a hint of coolness. There were quite a few people strolling along the way.

Fu Chaoying let Ye Jiayuan hold her hand as they walked slowly, carefully scanning the small shops around them. When she saw an ice cream chain store, she lightly squeezed Ye Jiayuan’s hand. “Sister, I want some.”

Ye Jiayuan followed her gaze and asked, “When are you usually on your period?”

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together. “In the next two days. If I don’t eat it now, it’ll be too late.”

Ye Jiayuan’s grip tightened slightly. “But eating ice cream a day or two before your period can trigger cramps.”

Fu Chaoying had primary dysmenorrhea; both families knew about it. Since Ye Jiayuan had pointed it out, she couldn’t argue and only said softly, “I’ll still have cramps even if I don’t eat it.”

“It’ll be worse,” Ye Jiayuan said in a low voice.

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together and said nothing, only tugged her along toward the other side. But then Ye Jiayuan suddenly pinched her hand lightly. “Then let’s buy a box.”

Fu Chaoying looked at her in confusion, only to meet her gentle eyes. “If we don’t buy it, you’ll be unhappy again, won’t you?”

“I’m not unhappy.” Fu Chaoying blinked, looking completely innocent.

Ye Jiayuan laughed helplessly and led her into the store.

The two stood in front of the ice cream freezer, looking at the colors behind the glass.

“What flavor do you want?”

Ye Jiayuan’s cool voice sounded by her ear. Fu Chaoying couldn’t help acting spoiled, pointing with her fingertip. “This one, this one, and this one.”

She had pointed out three flavors in a row. Fu Chaoying had thought Ye Jiayuan would make her choose one, but instead she heard her speak directly to the clerk: “One of each.”

Fu Chaoying blinked, then lightly squeezed the palm of Ye Jiayuan’s hand and smiled. “Thank you, CEO Ye.”

Ye Jiayuan turned to look at her; a barely noticeable smile appeared in her eyes, and she reached out to gently stroke Fu Chaoying’s hair.

The two shop clerks watched their interaction and exchanged smiles. Both could see the words shipping them and when will this sweet love ever happen to me in each other’s eyes.

Fu Chaoying got her wish and received three boxes of ice cream, but Ye Jiayuan ordered, “Taste a little of each one.”

Fu Chaoying held the pistachio flavor in her hand and began pretending not to understand. “But if I don’t finish it, it’ll be wasteful.”

Ye Jiayuan gave her a faint sidelong glance. “I have a way to keep it from going to waste.”

“Fine.” Fu Chaoying blinked, took a few bites of each flavor, and only then realized what Ye Jiayuan had meant by “a way.”

Ye Jiayuan took the ice cream she had already eaten from her hands and naturally put it in her mouth, finishing off a small box in just a few bites.

Fu Chaoying watched in slight daze, then grew a little embarrassed. “Or... we can just throw it away?”

She remembered Ye Jiayuan was very health-conscious and didn’t like cold drinks; naturally, she probably wouldn’t like ice cream either.

Ye Jiayuan shook her head and said flatly, “I’m your girlfriend. You don’t need to feel embarrassed.”

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together; her thoughts only grew more tangled.

The two walked by the seaside, then walked back home.

Fu Chaoying suddenly wished she could make a prayer; could time stay fixed at this moment, in this state?

Then Fu Chaoying smiled wryly and shook her head. Her instinct to avoid the truth had surfaced again.

When she had found out that Ye Jiayuan might be cheating, she had gone through the same period of avoidance; in the end, the truth had come looking for her on its own.

What about this time?

Fu Chaoying went home with Ye Jiayuan, but she no longer felt like using the toy in the bedside drawer.

Although Ye Jiayuan’s care for her and her love for her were far more obvious than whatever truth might be hidden beneath this, an unresolved matter sitting in her heart was still enough to make her uneasy.

Fu Chaoying curled up on the sofa reading the book she hadn’t finished earlier in the afternoon, while Ye Jiayuan sat beside her reviewing documents.

At ten at night, Ye Jiayuan carried her upstairs.

Fu Chaoying instinctively wrapped her arms around Ye Jiayuan’s neck, but looked at her with a thoughtful expression.

Ye Jiayuan lowered her head and lightly rubbed the tip of her nose against Fu Chaoying’s. “Mm?”

There was tenderness and indulgence in her eyes; Fu Chaoying didn’t know whether she was seeing it clearly.

Fu Chaoying lifted her head and gently kissed her lips, only to pull away at once.

They had done it in the evening, and Ye Jiayuan held herself back from kissing her back.

Fu Chaoying looked up at her from her arms, the corners of her mouth turning up. “Sister...”

Ye Jiayuan looked down at her again, expression calm. “Mm?”

Fu Chaoying shook her head, then blinked, feigning innocence. “I just realized Sister didn’t kiss me back.”

Ye Jiayuan opened the bedroom door and pressed her against it, then leaned in close to her lips. “And now? Do you want one?”

Fu Chaoying’s eyes curved. She took two deep breaths, then lightly poked her shoulder. “Time to wash up and sleep.”

Ye Jiayuan let her go at once, and the two of them went into the bathroom together to wash up.

They climbed into bed together, and Fu Chaoying was suddenly drawn into her arms.

“Where’s my goodnight kiss for tonight?” Ye Jiayuan lightly stroked her waist.

Hearing the faint resentment in her tone, Fu Chaoying couldn’t help laughing softly. “I already kissed Sister when I was going upstairs just now.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Fu Chaoying’s chin was caught, and then Ye Jiayuan’s kiss fell.

Fu Chaoying was left breathing unevenly from the kissing and sucking; she pushed Ye Jiayuan’s shoulder lightly, then heard her low laugh. “This is the goodnight kiss I’m giving you.”

Fu Chaoying poked her chest. “Sister has so many excuses.”

Ye Jiayuan immediately caught her restless little hand. “Mm. I just want to kiss you.”

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved slightly. She turned over and faced away from her to sleep. “Goodnight, Sister.”

She was suddenly held from behind, and Fu Chaoying’s heartbeat instantly sped up; her mind flashed to the little toy in the bedside drawer.

She took two deep breaths and needed a long while to calm herself down.

The next morning, Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan went downstairs together.

Liu Xin was already waiting in the living room, waving the conference pass in her hand at Fu Chaoying. “Miss Chaoying’s pass has already been arranged.”

Fu Chaoying stepped forward and took it. “Thanks for your hard work. Thank you.”

The pass had Fu Chaoying’s name printed on it in traditional Chinese characters, giving it a very formal look.

Fu Chaoying put it in her pocket. After breakfast with Ye Jiayuan, they got into the car and headed to the summit.

Fu Chaoying hung the conference pass around her neck, only to see that Ye Jiayuan hadn’t worn hers. Curious, she asked, “Where’s your conference pass?”

Ye Jiayuan: “In my bag.”

Fu Chaoying gave a small nod, then was caught off guard when she was pulled into Ye Jiayuan’s arms.

Ye Jiayuan did nothing else; she simply toyed with Fu Chaoying’s conference pass, her thumb brushing over the three characters on it.

Fu Chaoying noticed the movement and felt her heart tremble. She instinctively looked up to study Ye Jiayuan’s expression, only to see that it remained as usual, still carrying a hint of coolness and mystery.

But her movements were so gentle and careful.

Fu Chaoying’s gaze darkened; a complicated emotion welled up in her heart.

Before getting out of the car, Ye Jiayuan reminded her in a low voice, “Stay with me.”

Meaning: don’t run off.

Fu Chaoying’s brows curved slightly, and she got out of the car with her.

By the entrance to the venue, a crowd had already gathered. Fu Chaoying stayed glued to Ye Jiayuan’s side, listening as she calmly introduced her to others: a shareholder of Xingye, Fu Chaoying.

Fu Chaoying’s heart stirred. For an instant, she wanted to hear her say, “This is my girlfriend, Fu Chaoying.”

But that clearly wasn’t possible at the moment.

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together, only to hear a familiar bright female voice say, “Long time no see, Miss Fu.”

It was Qu Jingyuan, Ye Jiayuan’s university classmate and an executive at Xingye.

Fu Chaoying curved her lips and gave a slight nod. “Director Qu, you’re getting prettier and prettier.”

Qu Jingyuan subtly swept her gaze over the two of them, then only smiled and returned the compliment.

Ye Jiayuan was talking with someone else, but Fu Chaoying suddenly felt a gaze land on her from not far away.

Her brow jumped. She abruptly looked over and spotted a woman wearing a black mask.

Even though that stranger only revealed the upper half of her face, Fu Chaoying still recognized her instantly: she was the woman sitting opposite Liu Xin in that photograph.

Fu Chaoying’s entire body stiffened, but then the person beside her lightly drew her shoulder in.

Ye Jiayuan’s voice pulled her thoughts back.

“That’s right; this is Old Fu’s youngest granddaughter.”

A gentle rubbing sensation came from her shoulder. Fu Chaoying smiled faintly and followed Ye Jiayuan into the social circle.

Ye Jiayuan only spoke a few words with the others before leaning closer to Fu Chaoying’s ear and asking softly, “What were you thinking about just now?”

Her warm breath brushed against Fu Chaoying’s ear. Fu Chaoying couldn’t help shivering lightly, but said, “I was thinking about you, Sister.”

Ye Jiayuan laughed helplessly. “Let’s go in.”

The group finally entered the venue. Fu Chaoying didn’t know whether that woman had followed them in. Thinking back on what had just happened, she realized the woman didn’t have a conference pass.

She couldn’t get in.

Fu Chaoying suddenly felt a little relieved, but also faintly disappointed. She wanted to find out the truth; without a doubt, that woman was the key.

After only one night, another Fu Chaoying had appeared by Ye Jiayuan’s seat.

Many people cast glances their way, but Fu Chaoying ignored them and calmly flipped through the conference booklet.

This was a technology summit, with many unfinished tech products on display for the purpose of attracting investment.

Ye Jiayuan was a favored guest at events like this and was often invited to give comments. Most of the time she would decline; only occasionally would she take the microphone. When she did comment, her remarks were insightful; she seemed to know these fields very well.

Fu Chaoying turned her head to look at her profile, and her heartbeat naturally quickened.

Then she suddenly met Ye Jiayuan’s eyes. Fu Chaoying blinked and saw what seemed to be a trace of amusement in her features.

“Pretty?” Ye Jiayuan asked coolly.

Fu Chaoying nodded lightly. “Pretty.”

Then she realized her right hand had been taken, followed by a gentle squeeze.

Fu Chaoying’s breathing caught. Keeping her expression unchanged, she asked in a low voice, “Aren’t you afraid people will notice, Sister?”

“Notice what?” Ye Jiayuan’s tone was as calm as water.

Fu Chaoying lightly scratched her palm; that was one of their usual tricks in public.

Out of nowhere, she heard a voice on her left say, “Miss Fu doesn’t find this boring?”

It was Qu Jingyuan.

Fu Chaoying withdrew her hand without a trace and smiled. “Not boring. What Sister Jiayuan just said was very interesting.”

Ye Jiayuan looked over, listening to her and Qu Jingyuan talk.

Qu Jingyuan heard her reply and didn’t say anything else, only looked past her toward Ye Jiayuan. “Lunch together? I’ve already arranged to meet Director Nan from Meile.”

Ye Jiayuan didn’t look at her; instead, she turned her gaze to Fu Chaoying. “What do you want for lunch?”

Qu Jingyuan realized she had been ignored and quietly withdrew her gaze, her expression turning a little darker.

Fu Chaoying used the corner of her eye to glance at her, then smiled as she asked Ye Jiayuan, “We’re having lunch with Director Nan from Meile; would it be inconvenient for me to come?”

Ye Jiayuan said lightly, “There’s nothing inconvenient about it.”

So it was settled. After that, Qu Jingyuan didn’t say another unnecessary word; she only occasionally discussed work with Ye Jiayuan.

Fu Chaoying’s heart felt as though something had caved in again; the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.

After the closing ceremony, the group left the venue.

Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan were among the first to come out. As they left, Fu Chaoying instinctively looked around, but didn’t find that figure anywhere.

She couldn’t quite put her feelings into words, so she withdrew her gaze.

Qu Jingyuan sent over the restaurant address, and Ye Jiayuan took Fu Chaoying there by car.

“You don’t like Qu Jingyuan?” Ye Jiayuan asked faintly.

Fu Chaoying tilted her head to look at her and answered honestly, “I don’t have any prejudice against her, but sometimes the things she says are strange. I just push back a little now and then.”

Ye Jiayuan took her hand, a hint of a smile curling at her lips. “I thought you were jealous.”

Fu Chaoying pouted and couldn’t help saying sarcastically, “You have so many people around you; if I were jealous of all of them one by one, I’d be exhausted.”

Ye Jiayuan immediately pulled her into her arms and held her chin. “You have plenty of people around you too.”

Fu Chaoying pried her hand away and gave a soft snort. “At least none of them seem to like me.”

But Qu Jingyuan was different; it was obvious she liked her.

Ye Jiayuan lightly pinched her nose. “I can already smell the sourness.”

Fu Chaoying said nothing, only muttered, “I’m a little tired.”

But then she heard Ye Jiayuan whisper by her ear, “There’s only you in my heart.”

Fu Chaoying took two deep breaths and said in a muffled voice, “Who knows if Sister is lying.”

“When have I ever lied to you?” Ye Jiayuan lifted a hand to gently stroke her hair.

Fu Chaoying’s heart seemed to sink all at once, and she said nothing.

Ye Jiayuan wrapped an arm lightly around her waist. “Mm?”

Fu Chaoying pouted, then pulled open her shirt and gave the skin at her collarbone a light bite.

Ye Jiayuan hissed in pain, then smiled helplessly. “My fault.”

“What did you do wrong?” Fu Chaoying looked up at her.

Seeing Ye Jiayuan at a loss for words, Fu Chaoying’s lips curved; she burrowed back into her arms. “I really want to sleep for a bit.”

She shifted slightly, and her tone carried a little coquettishness too.

Ye Jiayuan lifted a hand to stroke her back. “Mm. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

When they reached the restaurant entrance, Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan got out of the car and entered the private room together.

Two people were already seated inside; when they saw them, they immediately stood up.

Qu Jingyuan and another unfamiliar woman came over together. Ye Jiayuan gave a slight nod. “The last time I saw Director Nan was in old Singapore.”

Director Nan smiled casually at her and exchanged a few pleasantries. “This is Xingye’s new shareholder, Fu Chaoying?”

Fu Chaoying gave a slight nod, then shook hands with her. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Director Nan laughed. “Hello, hello. I know you.”

After a few more pleasantries, Qu Jingyuan called everyone to take their seats.

Fu Chaoying sat between Ye Jiayuan and Qu Jingyuan, listening as Qu Jingyuan chatted with Director Nan.

Ye Jiayuan handed her a tablet. “Order.”

Fu Chaoying blinked at her. “Me? Does Director Nan have any dietary restrictions?”

“Just order whatever you want.” Ye Jiayuan said calmly.

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved, and in the end she ordered a few dishes that would be safe choices.

Qu Jingyuan was very good at conversation. It didn’t take long before Director Nan was thoroughly charmed, and the attention eventually shifted back to Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan.

“I remember your two families are old friends?”

Ye Jiayuan nodded slightly. “Three generations back, yes.”

“Does Xiao Fu already have a partner? My daughter is still single.”

Fu Chaoying guessed Director Nan must have heard about her and Ye Jiayuan, which was why she asked that now.

Fu Chaoying was just about to answer when Ye Jiayuan spoke in a low voice, “She will soon.”

Fu Chaoying quietly shifted her gaze to Ye Jiayuan, then heard Director Nan say cheerfully, “So Ms. Ye has already introduced someone to her?”

Fu Chaoying smiled faintly at her. “Yes. Thank you for your kindness, Director Nan.”

Fu Chaoying thought to herself: Ye Jiayuan introduced herself to me.

The server brought the dishes. After everyone raised their glasses, the conversation continued casually.

Fu Chaoying was concentrating on eating when she heard Director Nan ask as if by accident, “May I ask, does Ms. Ye have a partner now?”

Fu Chaoying: ?

Ye Jiayuan gave Fu Chaoying a sideways glance without changing expression, then said lightly, “Yes.”

Director Nan looked slightly disappointed, but was also very nosy. “Really? When are you bringing them out to meet us?”

Ye Jiayuan’s smile was faint. “You may have already seen them.”

Director Nan was startled for a moment, looking at the people at the table, then said with a laugh, “Oh my, I didn’t even realize. So Director Qu and Ms. Ye are already together?”

Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan exchanged a silent glance, while out of the corner of her eye Fu Chaoying saw Qu Jingyuan looking thoroughly embarrassed.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Director Nan was utterly baffled; she had already seen Ye Jiayuan’s girlfriend? If it wasn’t Qu Jingyuan, then who could it be?

Ye Jiayuan’s expression remained light. “You’re joking, Director Nan.”

Director Nan waved her hand. “I’m old, so I’m bound to make silly guesses. I’ll punish myself with three cups.”

Qu Jingyuan also started smoothing things over.

Director Nan drank her wine, but accidentally noticed that Fu Chaoying had her head down, focused on eating, and vaguely felt that something was strange.

Could it be Fu Chaoying? But hadn’t she previously been involved with Ye Jiayuan’s younger sister, Ye Jiayuan?

Fu Chaoying noticed her gaze and lifted her lips in a faint smile. “You have quite the tolerance for alcohol, Director Nan.”

Director Nan smiled and raised her glass to her.

Fu Chaoying picked up her red wine glass and drained it in one go as well.

After that, Ye Jiayuan changed the topic.

Once Ye Jiayuan started speaking, Director Nan and Qu Jingyuan naturally couldn’t keep up the idle chatter and turned directly to discussing cooperation.

Fu Chaoying didn’t understand their project, so there was no need for her to speak anymore. She simply ate in silence, but then suddenly received a text from an unknown number:

[Miss Fu, do you have time to meet? Three o’clock this afternoon...]

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A little bonus update.