Chapter 02 Night Moment

He looked at her, remaining silent, with a hint of expectation subtly reflected in his deep, dark eyes

Who is on the upper level? The eldest or the second? Zi Jin pretends to be foolish

Many things in the world are like this: once the first small opening is made, a wave of tumultuous tides will follow. Now, the first outsider has learned her secret, and she does not know how much longer her secret can be kept.

Xiao Zhiyuan's wife

Lele happily ran back to his side, looking up with a serious expression, and said: "Dad, you need to be considerate of Mom."

"Given your current position, you shouldn't have to worry about the company's decisions, right?" Xiao Zhiyuan said half-jokingly

The reason Fang Jialing took notice of her was due to the recommendations of several subordinates, as well as her low-key yet meticulous work style

Jingshan? Zi Jin was momentarily taken aback, "No. She is doing very well."

Is Lele also in the car

He was taken aback

Alright, I will come up at 11:30

Fang Jialing's voice was clear and decisive: "Let's have a meal together, I would like to talk to you."

"Mrs. Xiao, do you know that you cannot hide your feelings?" He scrutinized her carefully and couldn't help but reach out to tug at the end of her tied-up ponytail. "Go on, what happened?"

Hello

Xiao Zhiyuan looked at her expression and immediately knew what she was thinking. He suddenly felt impatient: "Lele is growing up day by day, and such activities will only increase. Sang Zijing, how long do you plan to avoid this? Should I simply declare that kindergartens should not hold parent-child meetings anymore?"

Then are you still accepting it? Zi Jin said instinctively

I will not bring up that matter again in the future, go to bed early, good night

"Let's eat, let's eat." The old gentleman stood up

Hello. Zi Jin shook hands with her while casting a puzzled glance at Xiao Zhi Yuan

Zi Jin held her phone, staring blankly at the ceiling, not expecting to hear another tick.

Does the old gentleman know about Guangke Heavy Industry

He suppressed a laugh as he walked over to her, crouched down to meet her gaze, and said: "Just tell him directly that you are my wife, or do you want me to make a phone call?"

The weather is excellent, clear, with a gentle breeze. Outside the window is the most bustling CBD of the city, where well-dressed men and women hurry by. However, time seems to slow down abruptly in this private room, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere

The phone rang twice, and Xiao Zhiyuan answered it

I have not reached that level yet," Zi Jin said somewhat angrily, "but General Manager Fang has appointed me to join the acquisition team, responsible for the corresponding administrative affairs.

Zijin lowered her head to look at a stack of documents in front of her, where every word, both in English and Chinese, seemed to dance like little sprites, making it difficult to read. After enduring until the meeting was almost over, she instinctively reached for her coffee, only to find that the white porcelain cup was empty once again. This seemed to be the third cup she had asked someone to refill, and she really could not drink any more.

He frowned and did not explain anything, only saying: "Whatever she says to you, you need not pay any attention to it"

Zijin does not understand and does not want to understand: "I am going to sleep, I can't be bothered to argue with you"

Well

Now, she fully understands why Xiao Zhiyuan warned her to "hold on tight" to this position. No one in the company knows her identity, and she stands in opposition to Shang Wei. As Xiao Zhiyuan's wife, she should have avoided any suspicion, but what should she do now? Perhaps she should confess to her boss? ... Yet, a voice deep inside her tells her that she is indeed reluctant to give up this rare opportunity at work

What are they talking about? Zi Jin is not too concerned; she looks around and notices that Xiao Zhengping is not present, and cannot help but ask: "Where is elder brother?"

Zi Jin looked at the open elevator door, nodded dejectedly, and did not continue the conversation: "No... I will go first, goodbye"

"Mrs. Xiao, is your imagination a bit too vivid?" His tone finally revealed some displeasure, "What exactly is the matter?"

He was somewhat taken aback, yet did not deny it

Xiao Zhiyuan pressed his lips together and asked, "Do you have any questions?"

As she bent down, Lele took the opportunity to whisper in her ear: "Dad is so stupid, not useful at all"

Sang Zijing has already left

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Zi Jin found Fang Jialing already waiting. Seeing her rush in, he poured a cup of tea and handed it over, his demeanor calm and unhurried

Ning Fei inadvertently glanced at Xiao Zhiyuan, her tone subtly tinged with pride: "He has been quite busy with work lately"

"Aunt, keep an eye on her and don't let her run around," Xiao Zhiyuan instructed with a smile, as he grasped Zijing's wrist and pushed her into the guest room, closing the door behind them.

Zi Jin stood up: "Alright, where are you now?"

Zijin forced herself to focus on the complex tables, only to despondently realize that the same phrase kept recurring in her mind

The last time was a parent-teacher meeting, and the school's requirement was for all parents to attend. Xiao Zhiyuan was on a business trip, so Zi Jin was quite pleased not to call him back. Lele knew that only Zi Jin would accompany her, which made her somewhat unhappy, and she insisted on not going to school, causing quite a commotion. Upon learning this, Xiao Zhiyuan did not say much and directly called the kindergarten.

They walked out of the conference room side by side, and as the elevator doors opened, he gentlemanly invited her to enter first

No," Zi Jin hurriedly shook her head

JS... This perfume brand left Zi Jin in a daze, as if she had heard of it somewhere before. After Xiao Zheng left, she tried to search for it on the web.

I would like to discuss the acquisition project with you, and it will not take much time

Because the study was given to her and her daughter, Xiao Zhiyuan had been staying in the living room. When he saw her come out, he casually said: "By the way, today I will pick up Lele. The kindergarten teacher said there will be a parent-child sports meeting next Saturday"

Yes, Fang Jialing smiled and said, "The person in charge on the Wei side is Xiao Zhengping"

Xiao Zhiyuan was originally sitting cross-legged on the ground. He glanced at her and stood up, saying: "How did the discussion go today?"

Upon arriving home, Zijing realized that Tong Jingshan was quite familiar with everyone in the Xiao family. The usually stern old man was engaging her in conversation, while Ning Fei adopted the demeanor of a close confidante, sitting closely beside her, as intimate as two sisters

"Zijin, there is a meeting in the afternoon at 2:30 PM." This is a call from Elle

He finished the last sip of tea in his cup, did not ask her the reason, and simply said: "It is acceptable"

It turns out that so much time has already passed

When Tong Jingshan smiles, her eyes curve like a crescent moon: "By the way, Zijing, do you know about this bottle of perfume..."

Aren't you looking for me to discuss something?" He looked at her with a half-smile, his tone relaxed

At that time, she certainly would not have imagined that one day she could live under the same roof as Xiao Zhiyuan, speaking quietly and peacefully.

Lele was once again restless during mealtime, complaining of a toothache one moment and refusing to eat vegetables the next. These bad habits were all indulged by the old gentleman, and Zijing felt it was not appropriate to say anything. Unexpectedly, Tong Jingshan, sitting next to the little girl, leaned over and said a few words to her. To everyone's surprise, the little one obediently buried her head and ate a large piece of broccoli, causing the whole table to burst into laughter. The old gentleman was even more delighted: "Jingshan, why don't you stay here for a few days and take good care of her"

As she approached, the elegant and striking silver-foiled words "Night · Moment" adorned the plain white packaging box. Even before opening it, she could faintly sense the fresh fragrance reminiscent of water lilies, stirring her heart slightly as she smiled and said, "Today, my colleague was just praising how good this perfume is."

Xiao Zhiyuan seemed to be carefully observing her expression. Noticing her silence, he repeated, "Shall we have dinner together tomorrow?"

Did you come back last night? Zi Jin walked out of the room and saw him fiddling with breakfast at the dining table, feeling somewhat astonished

I... I have some matters at work that I would like to discuss with you. " She finally spoke up.

She took two steps back and saw Xiao Zhiyuan get out of the car first, then walk around to the other side to open the car door

The reason for choosing to join the Optical Science Department was quite simple; at least she could be certain that this job was one she had sought out herself, and that Xiao Zhiyuan could not have secretly manipulated the situation. Unexpectedly, after nearly two years, she had developed a good rapport with her colleagues, and her boss valued her contributions. Unfortunately, she was about to leave soon. With this in mind, Zijing inevitably felt a bit downcast.

He then withdrew his hand, yet his thin lips curled up into a nonchalant smile

Xiao Zhiyuan held the car key in his palm, feeling the coldness of the metal

She stands coldly at a distance, ultimately unwilling to return

"That is just right." Zi Jin waved her hand, as if shedding a burden, "I have no use for it either."

Xiao Zhiyuan found her expression amusing and smiled slightly, his smile reminiscent of the vibrant night view outside the floor-to-ceiling window, hazy and gentle. He reached out to pat her on the head and said, "It is late, and we do not wait for those who are overdue"

He did not wear glasses today, and his gaze was exceptionally sharp and clear. After surveying the venue for a while, he nodded and said, "Let’s begin"

Oh, is that so? Zi Jin was very cooperative, "Zhi Yuan never mentioned it to me."

It was as if a grain of salt had fallen into a boiling pot of oil, causing a sharp sound and provoking an even greater reaction

Then let us return. Zi Jin took her daughter over.

Zijin nonchalantly completed the sentence: "... therefore, you must be extremely careful, or you will lose everything."

From being at a loss while looking at that tiny life by the bedside, to now... Lele can already run and jump, and sweetly calls "Mommy". Time has truly smoothed out too many edges of love and hate.

"It has been four years, and you are still not ready?" He furrowed his brows once again, losing patience. "How difficult is it for you to speak about the nature of our relationship?"

He cannot go, so it is better that none of us go—after all, the happiness of my daughter is the most important thing

"Alright, I understand." Zijing noted it down, then, puzzled, went to check her schedule, "What meeting? Why didn't I receive any notification?"

Zi Jin heard the name "Tong Jingshan" from his sister-in-law.

Recalling this name, Zi Jin suddenly felt a sense of emotion

He glanced at her with a neutral expression and said, "Are you being modest?"

After work that day, Zi Jin felt particularly good because she had set aside a significant worry. As she pushed open the door to her home, she was greeted by a strong aroma of meat. The aunt was just bringing up the freshly heated bone soup and smiled at Zi Jin, saying: "Hurry up and eat, it's just been heated up."

Zi Jin thought for a moment and sent a text message: "Where are you?"

Zijin stood up, as her colleagues were almost done leaving. She tidied up the materials in her hands, preparing to depart, when suddenly someone beside her said: "Are you feeling unwell?"

"Wait a moment." He set down what he was holding, leaned back in his chair, and fixed his gaze on her. "Have you thought about how to respond to Fang Jialing?"

Xiao Zhiyuan's expression remained unchanged as he lowered his head and took a sip of tea

"Oh, yes," Zi Jin said hesitantly

As far as I know, Xiao Zhiyuan is still publicly single. " Fang Jialing glanced at her, " I admire him for this; his public relations efforts are very successful.

"Is there a problem?" Fang Jialing asked gently, not minding that her words were interrupted.

Zi Jin could not help but let out a cold laugh. Is this what he considers a compromise? She pressed the power button firmly, forcing herself to close her eyes

When Xiao Zhiyuan is usually silent, it indicates that his mood is unpredictable. Zi Jin cannot ascertain what he is thinking and can only say: "Well, last time..."

How is it? Does he, Xiao Zhiyuan, not want a generous and understanding wife? If it weren't for this, would he have married her in the first place? Could it be that enduring to this extent still isn't enough?

Xiao Zhiyuan does not love cars as much as his brother, but there are still plenty of options in the garage. However, as long as Lele is by his side, he still prefers to drive this spacious German SUV

Isn't she your ex-girlfriend? I heard you were family friends as well?" Zi Jin asked with a frown

She couldn't help but laugh out loud. Xiao Zhiyuan came over from somewhere and bent down to Lele, saying: "Lele, hurry and water the little peach tree. When it grows, give Mommy a surprise."

Zi Jin was eager to have another cup of coffee, but upon picking up her travel mug, she discovered it was empty. Feeling somewhat irritated, she tossed the mug aside and drove off the overpass. There were significantly fewer cars in the suburbs, and even the traffic lights were running smoothly. She caught sight of a familiar car in the rearview mirror.

Zijin smiled helplessly: "Yes."

He turned his gaze away as if nothing had happened and simply said: "Jingshan has just returned from the United States and will stay in the country for a while."

Fang Jialing slightly raised her eyebrows, set down her pen, and said, "Sit down, Zijing."

Zi Jin played with her fingers in silence

"Then let me see what message you sent?" Tong Jingshan reached out to grab his phone, and Xiao Zhiyuan, not paying attention, really had it snatched away by her

One large and one small person are gathered around a pile of colored paper, murmuring about something unknown. It seems that the kindergarten teacher has assigned another parent-child project.

He seemed weary of looking at her again, coldly averting his gaze: "It doesn't matter if you don't go, I will have Jing Shan go with me."

Her rare soft tone and expression made him momentarily forget how to respond, leaving him with no choice but to remain silent

Lele the puppy immediately nodded his head

Her voice faltered—Xiao Zhiyuan stood up, his gaze cold and sharp, like a thin blade; if she were to utter even half a word more, he might truly stride over and grip her neck tightly.

Aren't you going to accompany the guests?" Zi Jin pulled her wrist free and frowned at him

You may return for now, allowing me some time to consider.

Where did the seven years come from? We have only been married for four years

For a moment, Fang Jialing stood completely still, as if he had been turned into a sculpture under the warm sunlight of May

After a long day of busyness, she had just had another quarrel, and Zi Jin felt a dull ache in her temples from exhaustion. She intended to call for a truce and even took the initiative to apologize. Now, she only hoped he would turn and leave, but to her surprise, Xiao Zhi Yuan stepped forward instead, his expression slightly darkening: "What do you mean by 'since it's her, then forget it'?"

Zi Jin pretended to listen attentively, but in fact, she had been lost in thought. On the way home that time, she was holding her peacefully sleeping daughter and simply asked Xiao Zhiyuan: "Tong Jingshan is your ex-girlfriend?"

He brought up the matter again. Zi Jin stared at him blankly, as if suddenly at a loss for words.

"We will talk when I get home." Xiao Zhiyuan interrupted her without further ado, probably thinking that there was nothing important in her work, and simply hung up.

Zi Jin, however, did not notice his unusual behavior; she simply turned around and squatted down beside Lele, saying, "Mommy will come over as soon as she finishes eating"

Finding a suitable job is truly not easy said Zijing with a gentle sigh especially under the premise of breaking free from my husband's influence

Tong Jingshan looked at him, the smile at the corner of her lips uncertain whether it was one of surprise or sarcasm: "You better not be lying to me—do you have someone outside?"

Aunt Wang came in holding the little one, her big eyes blinking, already showing signs of drowsiness

How? His eyes held a faint smile, "Do you have any thoughts?"

The slogan for Night · Moment... is it derived from Tong Jingshan and his past?

Zijin stepped back half a step, saying, "You don't need to interfere." She walked out the door and, turning back in anger, added, "And you don't need to teach me either."

Internal emails within the company are subject to strict monitoring. Each individual's level and permissions vary, and it is strictly prohibited to contact someone outside of one's designated level. Zi Jin originally did not have the authority to contact Fang Jialing directly, but at this moment, the name of the general manager unexpectedly appeared on her contact list

"Mr. Fang, this project is very important." Zi Jin hesitated for a moment, but ultimately said, "I have never participated in this before, nor do I have any experience."

"I am free that day, what about you?" He asked again when he saw that she did not respond

The sixteenth floor arrives first

"... ... You really are texting your wife." Tong Jingshan clicked her tongue and said, "But the conversation is too dull; let me reply for you."

He observed every subtle expression of hers with increasing seriousness, trying to find some turbulence in her gaze—yet Sang Zijing did not reveal any emotion; she simply stood there, inadvertently furrowing her brow just like him

"Night · Moment, a classic from JS." Xiao Zheng said, "There are no dedicated counters in the country yet; I had someone bring it back for me."

In order to fully commit to this project, Guangke will establish a dedicated team. Everyone present today is a key member of the group and will also be part of the acquisition team. " Fang Jialing said calmly, "From this day forward, I ask everyone to work together with a united purpose and to devote all efforts to the acquisition of Guangchang.

She understands that this was initiated by the acquisition team, and soon she will receive the relevant encrypted files—this means she must handle this matter as soon as possible

The bitter buckwheat tea in the celadon cup has a sweet aroma reminiscent of ice cream and cream, accompanied by a refreshing plant fragrance. Zijing reached out for it and said with a smile: "Thank you"

"The most appropriate reason... don't you know?" Xiao Zhiyuan looked at her deeply.

Zi Jin could not help but observe Tong Jing Shan's expression; she did not appear displeased and quickly extended her hand, saying: "Zi Jin, I have long heard of your esteemed name."

"Ordinary friends," Xiao Zhiyuan said casually, "She was my senior's junior in school."

She stood there speechless

Tong Jingshan watched them approach with an impassive expression.

Tong Jingshan gradually regained her focus, looking at him and unable to help but shake her head: "If I had known you were this good, I should have taken the initiative from the very beginning."

Zijin got out of the car, and the vehicles behind also came to a stop

Even in the darkness, when the man and woman cannot recognize each other's faces, there is still a moment when their hearts race...

Today, I can indeed leave work on time

Suddenly hearing the name Xiao Zhiyuan, Zi Jin came to her senses and unexpectedly met Fang Jialing's gaze, which made her feel even more alert. However, Fang Jialing's expression was somewhat inscrutable; it seemed as if he could see through her moment of distraction, yet he merely smiled faintly and averted his gaze.

Zi Jin let out a soft "oh," picked up some rice from the dining table, casually took a few bites of vegetables, and then pushed open the door to the study

He looked at her coldly, as if he were trying to restrain himself. After a long pause, he finally said: "What do you think of yourself?"

Lele turned around and saw Zijing standing there, stumbling and running over while saying, "Mommy is back"

Xiao Zhiyuan did not turn back, and there seemed to be a hint of frustration in his voice: "Lele, is this right?"

In this moment of distraction, the phone rang

That night, Zijing returned home, lulled Lele to sleep, but found herself tossing and turning in bed. She glanced at the time; it was actually not late.

When Xiao Zhiyuan returned to the living room, Zi Jin was sitting beside Tong Jingshan, whispering something, with deep dimples on her cheeks.

The phone beeped once

A steaming cup of beverage was immediately placed in front of her. Zijing expressed her gratitude with a thank you, and when she looked up, Fang Jialing had already entered.

Is that true? Tong Jingshan's bright eyes seemed to glisten with moisture, instantly shining a little brighter. As long as someone likes it, that's good. I came back this time with the intention of opening a specialty store in the country.

Someone replied, "Mr. Fang, I heard that a acquisition team has also been established over at Shangwei."

"Do you still want to stay at Guangke?" He squinted his eyes

Zijin had nothing to say

Lele also rushed in from the garden, playing so hard that he was covered in sweat, and shouted loudly at his grandfather: "Grandpa, I am hungry"

The lighting in the conference room is a warm orange, and in the center of the oval table, as usual, there is a large vase of fragrant lilies, filling the air with a fresh botanical aroma. Zijing arrived five minutes early to the venue and took a seat.

"It is him," Zi Jin said apologetically, "So to avoid suspicion, General Fang, I will withdraw."

Only Xiao Zhiyuan remained alone in the guest room, standing still as the surroundings were so quiet that only his own breathing could be heard. He could no longer distinguish whether it was anger or disappointment.

I would like to withdraw from the acquisition team and simultaneously recommend Ye Ping from our department

Before she could finish her words, the other party, with a hint of anger, said: "How many times have I told you? Do not use your phone while driving!"

"Dad, I will take her to wash her hands first." Zijing picked up her daughter and heard Ning Fei asking Tong Jingshan beside her: "I haven't asked you yet, didn't you say that the inspiration for this bottle of perfume comes from your own story?"

At this moment in the Four Seasons Hotel, taking advantage of the other party going to the restroom, Tong Jingshan pinched Xiao Zhiyuan's arm and said: "Focus, what are you texting for!"

He could not help but scrutinize her again

When Lele's parent-child homework model was completed, it was already close to 11 o'clock. The little one had gone to bed long ago, leaving only Zijing standing up with a sore back and aching waist, feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Ning Fei naturally felt even more pleased and immediately began to chatter away. These two were truly childhood sweethearts, well-matched in social status. Later, Tong Jingshan proposed a breakup, which greatly affected Xiao Zhiyuan. Perhaps it was for this reason that he became disheartened and decided to get married

At eleven thirty-five, Sang Zijing gently knocked on the door of the general manager's office

When she turned around, it was Fang Jialing

Isn't it Xiao Zhiyuan? Someone said meaningfully, "Then there will be a good show to watch"

"Which brand is it?" Zi Jin nodded and said, "It smells quite good."

It was a gift from someone else. Zi Jin was reluctant to elaborate further

Suddenly, her thoughts became somewhat chaotic, and Zijing did not notice the low murmurs of her colleagues in the venue

The scent is wonderful. Elle eagerly sprayed some on her wrist, asking, "Did you buy this?"

When she and Xiao Zhiyuan decided to have a secret marriage, Ning Fei's expression was quite remarkable, showing a mix of sympathy and, more prominently, schadenfreude. At that time, Zi Jin was busy taking care of Lele, who had just been born a few months earlier, and did not care about the opinions of others. Meanwhile, Ning Fei took several opportunities when no one was around to subtly inquire about their life after marriage. Zi Jin smiled gently and gracefully, saying nothing.

"Elle, is Mr. Fang available today?" With a hesitant resolve, Zi Jin gritted her teeth and dialed the phone.

He glanced at her nonchalantly and said, "If you are, then that is indeed quite unambitious. After more than two years in the Light Science Department, you only just got promoted recently. Has Xiao Zhiyuan not gone crazy?"

Where is Lele?" she asked while taking off her shoes

"Do you not doubt that I am a business spy sent by him?" Zi Jin could not help but say

Oh, by the way, I brought gifts. " Tong Jingshan rummaged through her bag and took out two beautifully wrapped small bags, " My perfume.

Zi Jin was originally bending down to put on her shoes, and upon hearing his words, she turned her head to look at him, her expression adorably conflicted.

He slowly withdrew his hand and said, "Don't use your hands or feet; only my wife is allowed to pinch me"

This clay pot restaurant is renowned for its small size, and at lunchtime, many white-collar workers nearby come to wait for a table

"Why not?" she said as a matter of course, "He promised to keep it a secret for me."

I understand. He said lightly, "The job was found by her own efforts; what can I do if she refuses to give up on me? I have already helped persuade the old man on that side."

Lele's eyes lit up, and she turned to stop Zijing: "Mommy, please don't go yet. I'll water the plants first, and you can come see them once the seedlings have grown!"

There were not many people attending the meeting, and Zi Jin responded upon hearing the voice: "Coffee, no sugar"

She casually ordered a seafood baked rice, and the waiter closed the door when leaving

"Did you meet her at the masquerade ball?" Zi Jin asked with a smile, "Did you not see each other the first time you met?"

Her complexion is not good. Fang Jialing frowned slightly as she looked at her, and added, "Also, don't drink so much coffee"

She leaned in a little closer: "You two seem a bit off, is it the seven-year itch?"

In that instant, she understood his meaning clearly—the most appropriate reason, and also the most honest reason

She shot him a glare, silently mouthing: "What are you doing?"

Fang Jialing continued to observe Zijing with an impassive demeanor. The glass window, polished to perfection, allowed sunlight to pour in unobstructed. The silhouette of this young woman appeared as if softened by a high-definition camera, her skin fair and her features delicate. She remained silent, merely lowering her head slightly and taking another sip of water, a strand of hair cascading smoothly down to touch her cheek, adorned with a charming curve.

After finishing a meal, Lele insisted on taking her mother to see the peach pit she had planted in the garden: "Mommy, do you think a little peach tree will grow from it?"

Zijin raised the corner of her mouth: "Thank you"

Xiao Zhiyuan suddenly interrupted her: "Haven't you been complaining about being hungry all the way?"

The door is slightly ajar, and a deep, melodious male voice from inside says: "Come in"

I will help you take a look. "Elle quickly said, "There is a half-hour gap before lunch, do you need me to make an appointment for you?"

"Where else can I go if I don't go home?" He raised the corners of his lips, as if he found her words to be a joke.

Oh... the little one lowered his head in dejection

Perhaps having stayed abroad for too long, her enunciation is somewhat unclear, yet her voice remains very sweet

He casually leaned over and kissed Ziqin's cheek, clearly sensing her slightly stiff expression, and softly said: "I know, drive carefully by yourself"

With one hand on the steering wheel, she used the other hand to put on her Bluetooth headset

Fang Jialing smiled and said, "I suddenly understand the reason why you were unwilling to accept the promotion last time."

I guess it's the story of Night · Moment

Just as Elle was about to go out for lunch, she called out to Zijing: "Shall we go eat together?"

Fang Jialing slowly withdrew his gaze and nodded, saying, "I understand."

Of course it's the second one! Who cares about the first one, already married, and has a bad reputation. Elle scoffed and said, "I heard the client mention it at yesterday's dinner. I went back and searched for that designer's photo, and she really is a stunning beauty.

Zijin drove herself home. The car was stuck on the overpass, and she felt somewhat flustered, not only because of the difficult dinner but also due to work.

In the time that followed, the colleagues from the Strategic Department reported on the preparations the company is currently undertaking for the acquisition, while also presenting specific requirements for each department

Everyone believed that in this marriage, she, Sang Zijing, was submissive and even did not seek recognition, but only he knew how absurd it all was. It was he who had been exhausting himself and struggling to maintain it all. ... The rift between them ... . ... He had thought that time could heal, and that Lele could also make up for it, but it turned out not to be the case

"... ... Good." Zi Jin nodded.

Zi Jin ultimately could not help but turn back for a glance. She saw Tong Jing Shan's cheeks slightly flushed, yet she pointed at Xiao Zhi Yuan and chuckled, saying: "You can ask him, he won't let me say."

It seems that a PPT is not needed today, as Elle has gracefully walked over to the wall and turned on all the lights with a series of claps. The bright light cascades down, making everyone's expressions clearly visible

Xiao Zhiyuan finally turned around, feigning anger on his handsome face: "Dad heard that."

He stood behind her and burst into laughter

"Hello, are you going to speak?" Elle said, dissatisfied, as she patted her shoulder

Ning Fei looked at Zi Jin with a hint of pity in her expression and sighed softly: "Don't you know? Tong Jing Shan is Zhi Yuan's... former girlfriend. They have known each other since they were very young and had even discussed marriage before, but later, due to personality differences, they broke up." She paused for a moment and added promptly, "Of course, they have no relationship now."

Upon arriving at the office, the first thing Zi Jin did was to log into the intranet to check emails

It is unclear how much time has passed, she raised her head as if to engrave this response onto a stone tablet, word by word: "Is four years enough? Xiao Zhiyuan, you clearly know that even if it were a lifetime, there remains that barrier between us, one that you cannot cross, nor can I."

Most of the attendees were senior executives from Guangke Heavy Industry, well aware of the group's developments, and everyone wore an extremely calm expression. Only Zijing appeared somewhat anxious, wondering why Elle had chosen to notify her

"You do not need to send me your resignation letter. However, I agree to your withdrawal from the acquisition team," he said, pressing his lips together. "Are you satisfied with this outcome?"

Zijin忍着笑，一只手捏捏女儿的脸蛋："Dad is just so silly, isn't he not as useful as Mommy?"

Since it is her, then let it be. She paused and said understandingly, "I apologize for disturbing you in the evening"

With a helpless bitter smile, this secret that she had carefully maintained for a long time was finally going to be revealed, "You probably do not know, Xiao Zhiyuan is my husband"

At this moment, regardless of the outcome, Zijing has at least said what needed to be said, and feels a sense of relief in her heart: "Alright."

Should I say you are naive or simply innocent? Xiao Zhiyuan's lips curled into an enigmatic smile, "Sang Zijing, you will never be able to distinguish who truly cares for you in this world and who harbors ulterior motives."

What? Xiao Zhiyuan suddenly felt a strong urge to knock on her head to see what exactly was going on in her mind

The aunt happened to come over with a fruit platter and lowered her voice to say in Ziqin's ear: "The old gentleman plans to plant a small sapling in a couple of days to amuse Lele and make him happy"

But how can she bring herself to speak? ... Once she does, it means she will resign, and she will lose the job that has just begun to show some improvement and has given her a sense of accomplishment.

Then I ... ...

Under such a "robber logic," the youngest daughter finally did not drop out of school, and Zijing had no choice but to promise Lele that they would all attend the next parent-teacher meeting.

He stared at her for a second, the muscles in his cheeks trembling slightly, but in the end, he said nothing and turned to leave

The corners of his eyebrows lifted slightly

Since the last time the three of us were photographed while out, Zi Jin has always felt a bit apprehensive. After some thought, she looked at him with a hint of expectation and said, "Can you think of a way?"

His expression was extremely calm; he merely glanced at the time and said to Zijing: "It's getting late, Lele has to go to kindergarten tomorrow"

Zijin stood expressionless in place, gazing at a charming and graceful young woman. She was tall, with thick, smooth black hair that reached her shoulders. Her facial features were more defined and three-dimensional compared to the average girl. She wore a light beige dress, with a black belt at her waist and a Peter Pan collar, simple yet exquisite

Zi Jin smiled and, following her colleague's question, pretended to be coy, saying, "Oh, I am so jealous."

Before Fang Jialing could speak, Zi Jin had already scanned through the materials at hand with remarkable speed, and her brows couldn't help but furrow slightly.

"Public bidding will soon take place in Guangchang." He cleared his throat gently, "We do not have much time left. What our opponents have done and how they have done it are not the main focus. I only ask everyone to do their own work well."

Zi Jin furrowed her brow

She walked past Xiao Zhiyuan, her steps slowing down: "What have you been up to lately?"

Indeed. Tong Jingshan gazed deeply at Zijing and said, "A little."

Currently, I have not been involved in any substantial acquisition matters at work. " Zi Jin looked up at him and said, " But I don't know what to do now.

He did not speak, only grunted: "What’s wrong?"

Is it because Jing Shan is unhappy? He seems to have forgotten what the two of them argued about last night, finding it quite interesting

Mommy and Lele are also doing well. Zi Jin said, "Don't make a fuss, Dad is very busy."

The JS brand of perfume was established in 2010, and its founder, Ms. Tong Jingshan, is an emerging designer. The first perfume, Night · Moment, was launched in 2010 and received great acclaim, winning the International Fragrance Association's Best Women's Fragrance Award in 2011. It is reported that the inspiration for this perfume was drawn from a romantic experience of Ms. Tong...

She works in the field of optics, Xiao Zhiyuan replied淡淡.

The next morning when Zi Jin got up, Xiao Zhiyuan had already returned from his morning run, and he also brought back steaming hot soy milk and fried dough sticks.

Xiao Zhiyuan merely looked at her with the same gaze he would use for his daughter, a gentle smile in his eyes: "May I take this as a sign that you are concerned about me?"

He was taken aback and looked down at her. A hint of mischief flickered in her dark eyes, leaving him uncertain. Was she joking?

Zi Jin blinked her eyes, and the seafood baked rice was already served. A thick layer of cheese was spread on top, and just the color alone suggested a rich flavor. However, she was completely unperturbed by the delicacy, simply looking at him earnestly: "Could you please keep this matter confidential for me?"

He slightly raised his eyebrows

She slightly lowered her gaze, looking at her youngest daughter, with a hint of meaning: "Today, my sister-in-law and I talked for a long time."

Zijin, feeling a bit distracted, slightly reduced the speed of the vehicle, and the cars behind correspondingly slowed down as well

Mr. Fang, I am very grateful for your appreciation of me. However, it seems that when you selected me to join the group, there may not have been a thorough investigation into the backgrounds of the group members

It is truly a young couple returning home with their daughter

Later, after marrying into the Xiao family, Zi Jin gradually came to realize that Tong Jing Shan and Xiao Zhi Yuan were far more than just "ordinary friends".

"Oh, that's fine," she whispered in his ear, "Don't forget why I married you back then"

She rarely discusses work matters with him, and moreover, the topic at hand is an extremely sensitive merger case, which makes her hesitate

The elder sister spoke so loudly

I have spoken with General Fang, and he has agreed to my withdrawal from the group

Her smile is truly radiant. Zi Jin smiled as she turned her gaze away, opening the box. Inside was a deep blue glass bottle, slender and just fitting in the palm of her hand, evoking the scent of the wind

Everyone has a neatly arranged set of materials at hand, and Elle's assistant from the General Office walks up to each participant, quietly asking: "Would you like coffee or green tea?"

It is rare for them to gather together, so the two decided to forgo the company cafeteria and went to a small alley downstairs to eat clay pot rice

Zi Jin's smile at the corner of her mouth was somewhat stiff. She lowered her head to sip some soup as if to disguise it. Suddenly, she felt someone reaching out from under the table, pinching her arm. She was taken aback and looked in that direction, where Xiao Zhiyuan was also drinking soup, but one of his hands was placed under the table. It was easy to imagine who was playing tricks.

"Have you noticed, boss?" Xiao Zheng said proudly, "My new favorite."

Only one lamp was turned on in the bedroom, and the light fell upon her, making her expression appear increasingly dazed

"Working from home, what is there to be afraid of?" Tong Jingshan said with a smile as she looked at him, "Aren't you tired of being together all the time?"

Zi Jin stood before Fang Jialing's desk: "Mr. Fang."

On the second day at work, Zi Jin pressed the phone and instructed Xiao Zheng to bring in a cup of plain coffee

Yet he ultimately did not argue with her, as if there were no words left to say. He directly took the car keys and slammed the door behind him

But for some reason, she suddenly felt a sense of unease deep within her heart

Ning Fei's words are profound: "You are quite the grand one."

"Today we will hold a brief meeting. I believe everyone is aware of the news regarding Guangchang Group's pursuit of an acquisition." Fang Jialing, sitting at the front, clasped her fingers together in front of her, her tone crisp and decisive, "This presents a good opportunity for our group, a chance to outpace our competitors. This will also be a key project for Guangke in the upcoming period."

Miss Sang, this is the second time you have mentioned this matter to me. Fang Jialing furrowed his brow, which made his expression appear even more vivid and handsome. I hope you have very sufficient reasons for this; otherwise, it would be a waste of our time.

Despite being separated by more than half the living room, Zi Jin's heart unexpectedly tightened, causing her to take a half step back

His voice shifted from teasing to steady and calm. After pondering for a few seconds, he said softly: "If I were the leader, I would not allow my team members to have any relations with the opponents. Do you understand?"

He surprisingly replied quickly, very cooperative, and spoke patiently: "Four Seasons Hotel, discussing agency, will return home later."

She was uncertain whether he would return, so she leaned against the bed and waited idly for a while

In this world, if one wishes to keep something a secret, one must refrain from doing it. Xiao Zhiyuan has long been married and has a daughter; how could such a significant matter be concealed completely? Over the course of three to four years, they have been photographed several times, yet she never worries, for each time Xiao Zhiyuan manages to extinguish the news without leaving a trace.

Zi Jin shook his head wearily and said: "Xiao Zhi Yuan, I do not wish for Le Le to come into contact with disreputable women. I called you back for this reason as well"

Xiao Zhiyuan? The Xiao Zhiyuan from Shangwei?" He asked again.

Although the outfit is appropriate, it is not high-end ready-to-wear, costing around one to two thousand yuan; the makeup on her face is suitably applied, yet it will not leave anyone in awe

Xiao Zhiyuan extended his arm effortlessly to retrieve it, a smile playing at the corners of his thin lips: "Stop fooling around, she has already gone to sleep, and she has to work tomorrow"

A young woman got off the car holding Lele, and naturally handed the sleeping little girl over to Xiao Zhiyuan, while also holding Lele's usual blanket.

The public bidding is about to commence... Zijing hesitated for a moment, as she did not believe that he was completely inactive.

By the way, Zhi Jin, did you know that the founder of Night · Moment is the girlfriend of Shang Wei Xiao Shao?" Elle's eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke about the gossip

It feels as if there are fine strings taut in the air; no matter who makes a slight movement, it may stir up a tremendous wave.

Ning Fei's hesitant demeanor made Zi Jin somewhat impatient: "Jing Shan?"

His sudden anger left Zijing completely bewildered

Zijin listened to his words without getting angry, slightly tilting her head to look at him, and did not intend to argue: "Alright"

Zi Jin, do not blame me for asking so many questions... Zhi Yuan saw Jing Shan just last month...

Xiao Zhiyuan truly had no way to deal with her, so he lowered his head and kissed her nose, saying: "Alright, mother is more clever"

In fact, Zi Jin was not concerned at all about what Ning Fei had said to her; she only knew that after this time, for reasons unknown to her, Ning Fei never mentioned Tong Jing Shan again.

Elle came over and said, "Night · Moment! I was just thinking of buying it recently, but the purchasing agent said it was out of stock and couldn't be obtained."

In his gaze, Sang Zijing was wearing a thin V-neck knitted top and a knee-length pencil skirt, her long black hair tied back in a ponytail, her forehead smooth and free of any stray hairs—an impeccable office attire

Xiao Zhiyuan walked up to her, introducing her with an air of composure: "Zijin, this is Tong Jingshan." He then turned to Tong Jingshan and smiled gently, speaking in an affectionate tone, "My wife, Sang Zijin"

Zijin stood still, and if at that moment she had water or something else in her hand, she would have undoubtedly thrown it without hesitation. She took a deep breath and ultimately held back, saying word by word with sarcasm: "Tsk tsk, hard to forget an old flame? I have no objection to your desire to be a romantic hero, but unfortunately, you couldn't control your lower body back then..."

"Zijin, your husband is borrowing me for two hours." Tong Jingshan walked over to Xiao Zhiyuan, smiling gracefully, and said to Zijin, "I have an appointment with an agency to discuss the perfume matter, and I feel more at ease with him around."

Zi Jin smiled silently

I know this. However, I must find an appropriate reason if I want to withdraw

Mom, the teacher said this assignment needs to be done by three people. Lele raised her hand to report

When Xiao Zheng entered, he carried with him a delightful fragrance, reminiscent of fresh water lilies, vibrant and refreshing. Zi Jin couldn't help but take a deep sniff and asked, "Have you used a new perfume?"

She was unwilling to look at Xiao Zhiyuan's expression any longer and strode away holding Lele tightly.

Then Lele will be left to you. Zi Jin grabbed a fried dough stick and said, I am going to work

It is a temporary arrangement. Elle spoke vaguely, "It is personally overseen by General Fang; you will understand once you arrive."

On the gray background of the mobile phone screen, each character appears clearly and concisely, just like his style

His gaze darkened slightly, yet he did not respond

Zi Jin curved the corners of her lips and nodded to Xiao Zhiyuan, saying, "Then don't talk too late, come back early"

He mentioned the name of a restaurant that is not far from here. Zijing hung up the phone and looked apologetically at Elle, "I’m sorry, I have something urgent to attend to. I will treat you to a meal later as an apology."

The pen at the fingertips twirled around and then caught it again, drawing a black cross on the white paper, as if this could cast away the chaotic thoughts.

"Is that true?" Lele clapped her hands, "I planted it together with my grandfather!"

It is like this. Zi Jin pondered his expression and decided to say it all at once, "Our company has also established a dedicated team for acquisitions"

Mr. He is in the study, and I do not know what the two of them are playing. They have not come out since finishing their meal

He suddenly felt a surge of impulse, wanting to tuck her hair behind her ear. His fingertips moved slightly, but she looked up and smiled, saying: "Manager Fang, I have already written my resignation letter and am just waiting to send it."

Indeed. Jing Shan tilted her head and glanced at Xiao Zhi Yuan, saying to Zi Jin, "Zi Jin, I really envy you for having such a lovely daughter"

Zijin walked over, looked at the messy table that the two of them had created, and sighed, saying: "I will come to help you after I finish my meal"

"I am giving you a bottle of perfume." Zijing took out a small box from the pocket of her trench coat and handed it over, "I am not sure if you will like this scent."

Her heart raced slightly faster by two beats as she quickly flipped to the last page of the document, her name prominently listed. She focused her gaze and noted that in this group, her primary responsibility was still the administrative and logistical support work.

It was the first time Xiao Zhiyuan brought Zi Jin home. Perhaps fearing that she would feel awkward and nervous, he thoughtfully stayed by her side the entire time. Only during a break after dinner did Zi Jin see her future husband being held back by her sister-in-law, who asked in a deliberately lowered voice, "What about Jing Shan? Does she know?" Zi Jin did not pay attention to what Xiao Zhiyuan said in response; she only remembered his expression was particularly impatient. On the way back, she casually asked, "Who is Jing Shan?" Xiao Zhiyuan turned his head, looking at her with some surprise, and asked, "Did you hear that?"

Zi Jin closed the page, leaned back in her chair, and finished the coffee that Xiao Zheng had brought her in one go. She now urgently needed to clear her mind; perhaps using work to numb herself was a good method.