Chapter 51: Ambiguous Object

Chapter 51. Rose 51: Ambiguous Object.

“What do you mean, ‘make it official’?” Fu Chaoying feigned confusion as she turned to look at her, her eyes bright with mischief.

A trace of amusement flickered through Ye Jiayuan’s brows and eyes. In a low voice, she said, “You know what I mean.”

Something flashed through Fu Chaoying’s mind. She turned her head and muttered softly, “We were never split up anyway...”

Her voice was as light as a feather brushing past an ear, and her tone even carried a hint of spoiled sweetness.

Before Fu Chaoying had even finished speaking, a low laugh sounded beside her. Her cheeks warmed without her permission, and she forced herself not to turn back and look at Ye Jiayuan.

Instead, she suddenly thought of certain things from the past. Whenever Ye Yian got into trouble, she would always instinctively hide behind her older sister, Ye Jiayuan, seeking shelter.

Ye Jiayuan silently took on the responsibility of guiding and educating her, trying to pull her back onto the right path.

But as the saying went, it was easier to move mountains and rivers than to change a person’s nature. Even someone as nearly perfect as Ye Jiayuan had never managed to correct her completely.

Fu Chaoying gently bit her lip, then suddenly felt her phone vibrate. It was a message from Fu Chaohua, asking whether she and Ye Jiayuan were together and roughly when they would arrive.

Fu Chaoying had assumed her cousin and Dong Muyu were already home, only to discover they had reached the entrance of the neighborhood but didn’t dare go in.

Fu Chaoying looked up at the navigation screen; it was rush hour, and even the elevated road was a little congested. It would still take about forty minutes to arrive.

Dusk was settling in, and the sunset on the horizon blazed like a painting. Fu Chaoying lifted her hand to take a photo, but some thought suddenly flashed through her mind for no apparent reason.

On impulse, she tapped the screen and put her phone on silent. Then she turned the camera toward Ye Jiayuan and quickly snapped a picture before guiltily putting the phone away.

“They’re here?” Ye Jiayuan asked suddenly, startling Fu Chaoying.

Fu Chaoying steadied herself and quickly adjusted her breathing. “Mm. They’re waiting at the entrance so we can go back together.”

“They’re afraid of your aunt too.” A faint smile touched Ye Jiayuan’s lips; there was a glint of interest in her eyes.

Fu Chaoying let out a soft sigh, her tone helpless. “Only you aren’t.”

The younger generation, more or less, all felt some measure of reverence toward Fu Anyun.

Only Ye Jiayuan seemed to have been born with that kind of unhurried composure.

Perhaps it was because she had always seemed mature and steady from a young age, needing no one to guide her too much. Or perhaps it was because she was far too independent, so much so that even Chu Yiyun found it difficult to influence her decisions.

Later, Ye Jiayuan grew Xingye into a powerhouse and became a leading figure in the business world; Fu Anyun grew increasingly respectful of her, even though she was only a junior.

“You don’t need to be afraid either.” Ye Jiayuan’s gaze settled on her, her tone calm and firm. “You can decide your own life.”

Fu Chaoying’s heart trembled. She gave a soft mm, her voice so gentle it sounded like a murmur.

After the car descended from the elevated road, it slowly drove toward the mountain area. At the neighborhood entrance, the two of them met up with the long-waiting Fu Chaohua and Dong Muyu, then drove back to the Fu family home.

“Please, please.”

As soon as they got out of the car, Fu Chaohua hurriedly grabbed Fu Chaoying’s hand, her voice pleading.

Fu Chaoying smiled and patted the back of her hand. “Don’t worry.”

In truth, Fu Anyun listened to Ye Jiayuan the most. The only tricky part was that Ye Jiayuan had once been the daughter-in-law candidate Fu Anyun had favored.

Fu Chaoying glanced at Ye Jiayuan without making a sound, but then heard a familiar female voice from inside the house.

“You’re back? Why are you still out in the courtyard and not coming in?”

It was Chu Yiyun.

The group walked inside and greeted her and Fu Anyun one by one.

Dong Muyu looked apologetic as she explained that after getting off work, she had rushed out to buy ingredients, but still ended up delayed.

“It’s fine.” Fu Anyun’s expression remained composed. “The kitchen’s this way; Xiao Dong, come with me.”

Fu Chaoying and Fu Chaohua exchanged a look, only to find no worry at all in the other’s eyes.

Chu Yiyun pulled Fu Chaoying aside to talk. “Oh, I already told Yian off before; I didn’t expect that girl to still not let you go.”

It wasn’t that she couldn’t let go of Fu Chaoying; it was that she refused to let Fu Chaoying go.

Fu Chaoying silently complained to herself, but she still wore a proper smile. In a light tone, she said, “It’s just that even my coworkers found out now, so it’s a little awkward.”

Even if many coworkers had not known about her past with Ye Yian before, after what happened yesterday, all kinds of gossip had probably already spread through the entire company.

Ye Jiayuan looked toward her mother and said in a low voice, “She’s already in her twenties and still doesn’t know any better.”

Chu Yiyun also looked at Ye Jiayuan and said earnestly, “You’re her older sister; you should discipline her more too.”

Fu Chaoying spoke up almost reflexively. “Sister Jiayuan is busy with work too. Please talk to her for me, Aunt Chu; there shouldn’t be a next time.”

Ye Jiayuan heard her defending her and gave her a subtle glance, a barely visible trace of amusement passing through her deep eyes.

“If there is a next time, I’ll throw her out directly.” Fu Chaoying’s expression was not great, her tone slightly heavy.

Chu Yiyun smiled and coaxed her for a few more words, promising that she would speak to Ye Yian properly, then tactfully asked whether Fu Chaoying had been seeing anyone lately.

Fu Chaoying nodded lightly, then said, “I already have someone I like.”

Fu Chaohua glanced at Ye Jiayuan with curved brows and eyes, then got up. “I’ll go check if the kitchen needs any help.”

Fu Anyun happened to come out of the kitchen and, spotting Fu Chaohua sneaking around, said sternly, “Where are you going? No helping.”

Fu Chaohua smiled awkwardly and hurriedly explained, “No, I’m just going to see how she’s doing.”

Fu Anyun sat back down and asked about Ye Jiayuan’s recent work, mainly trying to find out why she had stayed in Nanyan these past few days.

Ye Jiayuan answered calmly, “There’s a new project, and the company’s business is gradually shifting to the mainland too.”

As she spoke, Ye Jiayuan glanced at Fu Chaoying without a trace.

Fu Chaoying caught her gaze by surprise, and some soft place in her heart instantly caved in.

“Xiao Ying, Sister Jiayuan, want to play Dou Dizhu with us?” Fu Chaohua called out.

Fu Chaoying immediately looked at Ye Jiayuan and asked politely, “Sister Jiayuan, do you want to play with us for a while?”

Ye Jiayuan nodded slightly, then stood and looked at Fu Anyun and Chu Yiyun. “Excuse me.”

Fu Anyun studied the two of them without a word, then withdrew her gaze.

Chu Yiyun smiled. “It’s good for Xiao Yuan to spend more time with the younger generation; otherwise, she really does seem more and more like some old cadre.”

Fu Anyun only smiled, but a hint of complex emotion flickered through her eyes.

*

Ye Jiayuan and Fu Chaoying followed Fu Chaohua, only to see her go into the dining room. “Should we play through a WeChat mini program?”

Fu Chaoying looked at Dong Muyu, who was flustered and busy in the kitchen, and couldn’t help laughing softly. “Sis, don’t worry about us. Go help Sister Dong.”

Dong Muyu turned around at just the right moment and looked at Fu Chaohua pitifully.

Her thoughts having been seen through, Fu Chaohua no longer bothered to hide anything and said with a smile, “Then you two sit for a while. I’ll go check on her.”

Fu Chaoying, however, did not sit down. Instead, she followed Fu Chaohua to the kitchen doorway and leaned against the frame to watch the excitement.

Suddenly, someone gently tapped her shoulder.

Fu Chaoying turned and saw Ye Jiayuan standing at the small side door, with the vast glow of sunset behind her.

Fu Chaoying’s heartbeat abruptly sped up. As if drawn by some mysterious force, her legs moved of their own accord toward Ye Jiayuan.

After following her into the courtyard, she heard Ye Jiayuan ask in her cool voice, “Want to sit on the swing?”

Before Fu Chaoying could answer, Ye Jiayuan suddenly took her hand and led her toward the swing.

The web between her thumb and forefinger was lightly rubbed; a current seemed to pass through it, leaving behind a faint, tingling itch.

Fu Chaoying struggled symbolically, only for Ye Jiayuan to tighten her grip. She couldn’t help turning her head slightly and asking softly, “Aren’t you afraid your girlfriend will find out if you hold my hand, Sister Jiayuan?”

“My girlfriend likes it when I hold your hand.” Ye Jiayuan replied with complete ease.

When they reached the swing, she finally let go of Fu Chaoying’s hand.

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved slightly. She turned and sat down on the swing, deliberately teasing her. “Your girlfriend is pretty generous, then.”

No sooner had the words fallen than Fu Chaoying suddenly felt herself wrapped in a warm fragrance.

Before she could turn around, Ye Jiayuan’s warm breath brushed the shell of her ear; the soft exhale skimmed over it, bringing with it an indescribable tremor.

Leaning slightly close to her ear, Ye Jiayuan breathed, “Mm. She’s generous and adorable.”

Fu Chaoying’s body gave a slight shiver. Then she heard a soft laugh behind her, and the swing was gently pushed into motion.

In front of her was the dazzling sunset; behind her was Ye Jiayuan. Fu Chaoying somehow felt especially at ease, and a little sweetness rose in her heart.

Then she suddenly heard a voice from the house. “Xiao Yuan?”

It was Chu Yiyun.

Ye Jiayuan steadied the swing. Fu Chaoying took the chance to step down and hurried into the house.

Not hearing footsteps behind her, Fu Chaoying couldn’t resist turning back to look; she saw Ye Jiayuan walking with complete composure, each step steady and unhurried.

“Xiao Ying, were you out in the courtyard just now?” Chu Yiyun asked when she met her in the dining room.

Fu Chaoying quickly turned back and smiled faintly at her. “Mm, I went to look at the sunset for a bit.”

“Where’s your Sister Jiayuan?”

Fu Chaoying turned and pointed. “I happened to run into Sister Jiayuan taking a call.”

Chu Yiyun did not suspect anything and only walked over to Ye Jiayuan.

Guessing that the mother and daughter had something to talk about, Fu Chaoying walked to the kitchen doorway. Seeing her cousin and Dong Muyu dividing up the work with clear roles, she couldn’t help laughing softly. “A good pairing between girls makes the work feel light, huh.”

Fu Chaohua waved her over. “Come taste this.”

It was tomato scrambled eggs. Looking at the eggs that had been overcooked into a charred mess, Fu Chaoying picked up her chopsticks, took a bite, and forced herself not to spit it out. With difficulty, she evaluated, “Very good with rice.”

Fu Chaohua’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

She then tasted it herself and finally understood that her sister’s “very good with rice” meant it was too salty.

Fu Chaohua gave a helpless laugh. “It’s fine; I’ll make it again.”

Fu Chaoying was a little hungry, so she turned to the living room, intending to eat some fruit, only to see Fu Anyun half-reclining on the sofa and drinking tea.

Fu Chaoying paused. Just as she was about to turn and leave, her aunt called her back. “Xiao Ying, come sit for a while.”

Fu Chaoying stiffened and sat on the sofa beside her aunt, naturally picking up a piece of watermelon and bringing it to her mouth, only to hear her ask seemingly casually, “Your Aunt Chu said you have an ambiguous object?”

So it really was this topic.

Fu Chaoying nodded lightly. “Yes.”

Fu Anyun studied her eyes, then smiled and teased her a little tentatively. “I thought that was just your excuse for politely refusing Ye Yian.”

Fu Chaoying gave her a wry smile, showing her helplessness.

“Whose girl is she? When are you bringing her back for me to meet?”

Fu Chaoying took a bite of watermelon and met Fu Anyun’s gaze, noticing a bit more probing in her eyes.

A smile lifted at the corner of Fu Chaoying’s lips. She behaved obediently and said, “I’ll definitely bring her back for you to inspect when the time comes.”

Fu Anyun was just about to say something else when Chu Yiyun came back with an unflattering expression.

Fu Chaoying’s gaze instinctively moved past her, but she did not see Ye Jiayuan.

“We only talked for a couple of sentences, and then she started working overtime again.” Chu Yiyun sighed, then looked at Fu Chaoying. “Xiao Ying, don’t imitate your Sister Jiayuan. You need to balance work and rest; don’t keep busy with work at home.”

Fu Chaoying smiled faintly but did not answer. She usually got inspiration only late at night, so she always painted at night; she couldn’t manage to avoid working at home.

Chu Yiyun also realized this and waved a hand. “You young people can be busy, but you must take care of your health.”

Fu Chaoying obediently agreed. “I will. Sister Jiayuan will also mind her limits.”

Before Fu Chaoying had finished speaking, the corner of her eye caught Ye Jiayuan walking this way.

Limits. In front of Ye Jiayuan, what limits were there at all?

Fu Chaoying’s mind uncontrollably flashed to the scenes in the study with her, and her ears suddenly felt warm.

Ye Jiayuan’s gaze casually passed over the watermelon in Fu Chaoying’s hand as she said in a low voice, “Auntie, we’ll probably need to trouble the staff auntie to help.”

“Otherwise, we won’t be eating dinner until midnight.”

Fu Anyun smiled and shook her head. “We already ordered food; it’ll be delivered in a bit.”

“Mom, why didn’t you say so earlier!” Fu Chaohua’s head popped out from the side.

Fu Anyun gave her a sidelong glance. “Go call Xiao Dong out to rest; she’s probably exhausted, isn’t she?”

The latter half of the sentence was clearly teasing.

Fu Chaoying’s brows and eyes curved, but then she met Ye Jiayuan’s deep gaze. On impulse, she blinked at her lightly, then casually looked away.

Dong Muyu came out of the kitchen, looking somewhat embarrassed. “Sorry, Auntie. I might not have much talent at this.”

“But, but my family also has a staff auntie, and the food she cooks is delicious.”

Fu Chaoying thought she was about to say she would just have their staff auntie cook for them in the future, but instead she heard her say, “I’ll study hard from her and make it for Sister later...”

“Oh my, Xiao Yu is so cute.” Chu Yiyun said cheerfully.

Dong Muyu was truly sincere; Fu Anyun’s eyes visibly softened as she said, “Sit down and have some tea.”

Fu Chaohua sat beside Fu Chaoying, and the sisters exchanged smiles.

Seeing Fu Anyun’s mood improve, Dong Muyu immediately relaxed and quickly warmed up the atmosphere.

Fu Chaoying was already hungry enough that her stomach was growling. She glanced helplessly at Ye Jiayuan and saw her lower her gaze, indicating for her to eat the fruit.

Fu Chaohua lightly poked Fu Chaoying’s shoulder. “You two need to be careful; it’s way too obvious.”

Fu Chaoying sighed almost imperceptibly and turned her attention back, listening to the two elders talk with Dong Muyu.

Fortunately, not long after, someone delivered the meal. Fu Chaoying immediately got up, only to see that Fu Anyun and Chu Yiyun were still chatting.

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together and was just about to sit back down when Ye Jiayuan said, “Hungry? Eat first, then talk?”

Fu Chaoying’s heart trembled. She turned to look at her and heard her aunt call everyone over to the dining room to sit.

As soon as Fu Chaoying sat down, she caught a faint magnolia fragrance; Ye Jiayuan sat down beside her.

Fu Chaoying’s heart gave another abrupt jolt, and she forced herself not to turn and look at her.

The others were chatting; Fu Chaoying responded now and then, but Ye Jiayuan remained silent.

Fu Chaoying and Chu Yiyun spoke across Ye Jiayuan, occasionally letting her gaze rest on her.

Perhaps because everyone was hungry, the meal was finished very quickly.

After dinner, the group went into the courtyard to digest their food and chatted idly. During that time, Dong Muyu even made a video call with Grandma Bai.

Fu Anyun had great respect for the elderly lady and kept praising Dong Muyu for being good-natured and articulate.

After the video call ended, Fu Anyun’s smile did not fade. She pulled Dong Muyu along and asked her about the days when she and Fu Chaohua were in university.

They had originally been talking about the two of them, but Fu Anyun suddenly shifted the topic to Fu Chaoying.

“What about Xiao Ying’s ambiguous object? Have you all met her?”

As she spoke of Fu Chaoying, Fu Anyun swept her gaze across the group, pausing for a moment on Ye Jiayuan.

Fu Chaohua’s brow twitched. She smiled and said, “Mom, give Xiao Ying a little space. When the time is right, she’ll naturally bring her back for you to meet.”

Fu Chaoying also smiled lightly. “Auntie, don’t worry so much about me.”

Chu Yiyun felt that the conversation sounded familiar, and immediately teased, “Xiao Ying, have you picked up bad habits from your Sister Jiayuan? Why not bring her back for us to see?”

Ye Jiayuan’s gaze rested calmly on Fu Chaoying, and then she heard Fu Anyun ask, “Xiao Yuan, have you met her?”

Fu Chaoying turned her head at once and met Ye Jiayuan’s eyes without warning.

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If there’s an extra update, it’ll probably be posted at the end of the chapter before 0:00—