Chapter 2

She had to admit that Tian Dawei's words were unpalatable yet truthful, thus she never returned home to complain of fatigue after social engagements from that point on

Upon hearing him say: "From the very beginning, Xixi was gripping my hand and saying, 'Wu Yusen is definitely going to bail, he definitely will.' As a result, when the show started, a longing bird flew out, and her face turned into a grimace, repeatedly exclaiming, 'This is terrible, this is terrible, Wu Yusen has replaced it with a bird.'

Tian Dawei's words made Feng Xi clench her fists tightly under the table. He does not allow her to show her face? Tian Dawei has never shown her any tenderness. He said: "What is the difference between women and men? Who do you think you are? Why can't you step forward to compete and strive? I am a civil servant, and my salary is only three thousand yuan after taxes each month. If you want to live well, how can you do it without striving?" I am a civil servant, and my salary is only three thousand yuan after taxes each month. If you want to live well, how can you do it without striving?

Feng Xi tried to remain calm, but only she knew that her eyes were trembling

Feng Xi recalled Tian Dawei's words, that he had never had the desire to protect her! Feng Xi felt a chill in her heart, yet her smile remained unchanged as she looked up and smiled at Tian Dawei.

Feng Xi glanced at Tian Dawei, who had politely stood up, looking at her with a half-smile that was filled with disdain. Feng Xi preferred to think that she had misread the situation. She had never disclosed her romantic history to Tian Dawei, so he would not know about it. Perhaps Tian Dawei had sensed that she was unwilling to share with her colleagues at this moment that she was divorced

How could she have become like this? Fu Mingyi gasped in shock, unable to swallow in front of the table full of delicacies.

Fu Mingyi is certainly not the same Fu Mingyi he was eight years ago. His every gesture and movement exude a greater sense of maturity and sophistication. With a gentle smile on his face, he drinks with every manager in the company, speaking little but ensuring that the atmosphere remains lively. His gaze occasionally glances over at Feng Xi and Tian Dawei, a fleeting moment of inquiry and curiosity passing through his eyes, leaving no one aware of his acquaintance with her

In the past, Feng Xi was quite particular about her attire. She would never be ambiguous about what to wear for any occasion. Now, however, she has not only gained weight but is also wearing a pair of jeans that constrict her round calves and ample backside, paired with a surprisingly tight-fitting T-shirt. When she sits down, Fu Mingyi's breath almost halts, as the excess flesh around her waist forms two pronounced bulges.

However, her husband is surprisingly outstanding! Fu Mingyi saw Tian Dawei joking and toasting, his personality extremely cheerful, and he did not forget to occasionally serve dishes to Feng Xi, looking at her with gentle and indulgent eyes. He vaguely thought, Feng Xi, she should be very happy

Fu Mingyi understood that Feng Xi did not want others to know that they were acquainted. He smiled, shook Feng Xi's hand briefly, and then extended his hand to Tian Dawei, saying: "Hello"

Feng Xi was fully alert and prepared. She suppressed the urge to imagine the impact her gaining weight would have on Fu Mingyi, ignoring his surprised gaze that swept over her, and engaged in lively conversation with her colleagues. After eight years in the business world, Feng Xi felt that her mental fortitude had been tempered to be harder than a piece of granite.

Tian Dawei smiled warmly and returned the handshake, demonstrating proper etiquette

Who isn't tired? Have you seen "A Ground Full of Chicken Feathers"? In government agencies, a higher rank can crush you. Moreover, my salary is only enough to cover basic needs; achieving a moderately prosperous life still depends on your own efforts

She still cares about Fu Mingyi, and this realization fills Feng Xi with hatred. Hatred for her own vanity, yet in the blink of an eye, she comes to understand that as long as one is a woman, it is likely that everyone harbors such a mindset

Fu Mingyi also smiled, unable to help but glance at Feng Xi's face again. After eight years apart, describing her as round and smooth would be an understatement. Her once oval face had transformed into a round one, and when she turned to chat with someone, her plump double chin was revealed. Her distinct features were submerged in fat, losing their original elegance, and there was hardly a trace of grace left. Her waistline made one suspect she might be four or five months pregnant. Except for her hands, which remained soft and cool to the touch, almost as if they were boneless. Her distinct features were submerged in fat, losing their original elegance, and there was hardly a trace of grace left. Her waistline made one suspect she might be four or five months pregnant. Except for her hands, which remained soft and cool to the touch, almost as if they were boneless.

As the table was merged, Feng Xi felt her smile freeze on her face. Even though she did not want to smile, the grin was etched on her face and would not fade away. Not only was her heart racing, but the blood vessels on her forehead were also throbbing. Without a marriage, she still had her job and her social circle; she only hoped that Tian Dawei would not mention the divorce today in such an occasion

In the blink of an eye, Vice President Wang has accompanied Fu Mingyi to her side

This made her even more upset than his lack of understanding and consideration

Feng Xi felt a mix of sadness and anger, wondering whether it was Tian Dawei's exceptional acting skills or her own unfortunate fate. It was particularly ironic that she encountered Fu Mingyi here today. She resolutely dared not reveal the slightest hint of her feelings, instead employing the skills she had honed through social engagements to smile and navigate the situation.

Vice President Wang brought along people who were clearly his trusted confidants, all of whom he had personally promoted. When he encountered Feng Xi, Vice President Wang appeared somewhat surprised. This time, Feng Xi was called back from the branch office by his phone call, and among the table of men, she was the only woman and the most eye-catching. Vice President Wang smiled and introduced her to Fu Mingyi: "Don't underestimate Feng Xi; she is a remarkable woman and gets along with everyone like a buddy. Hey, Xiao Tian, don't take it the wrong way."

She admonished herself not to reveal her emotions, as there was also Tian Dawei, who had severed his marital relationship with her, and her colleagues nearby

However, she does feel a sense of regret deep down. She is willing to strive, yet she hopes that Tian Dawei could say a word, that if he is truly tired, it would be fine for them to live with a little less money.

In my memory, Feng Xi is as light as a little bird, with a small face, a petite body, and tiny hands, all of which make me fear that even a slight squeeze in my embrace might hurt her. It makes one unable to resist the urge to cherish and protect her

Feng Xi felt a sharp pain in her heart, yet she straightened her back, forced a smile, and extended her hand: "Hello, General Manager Fu, I am Feng Xi from the Mechanical Department"

Fu Mingyi stood at the entrance of the restaurant waiting for the driver to arrive, while the scene of Feng Xi and Tian Dawei, fingers intertwined and smiling as they left, kept flashing before his eyes. He thought quietly that even if she were no longer beautiful due to her weight, she was very happy

Tonight, Tian Dawei gave her ample face, serving dishes and drinks, engaging in cheerful banter with her colleagues. Feng Xi suddenly understood why she and Tian Dawei could not be together. It was because the tenderness and warmth she desired were not beyond Tian Dawei's capability; he simply chose not to give them to her, denying her the fulfillment of her wishes.

"Shall we go together?" Vice President Wang suggested with a smile

She cannot wait for such words

Before Feng Xi could refuse, Tian Dawei smiled and said, "Alright, Xi Xi mentioned that you all take good care of her, so today I will also offer a toast to everyone in her honor."

Upon hearing the term "bird replacement," everyone burst into laughter

Tian Dawei also had a remarkable capacity for alcohol, going around to each person at the table to propose a toast, and he took the opportunity to make fun of the earlier viewing of the Battle of Red Cliffs again

A meal was finished in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Tian Dawei held Feng Xi's hand and bid farewell to the people in the company, smiling as he said: "We will take a walk. Goodbye, everyone"

Tian Dawei gently patted Feng Xi's shoulder, affectionately brushing her hair. His hand swept past her ear, causing a cold sweat to break out on Feng Xi's back. She had long since become unaccustomed to such intimacy

Look at what General Manager Wang said, my Xixi is just a bit too strong-willed, wanting to excel in everything. Come, I will toast to General Manager Fu, please take good care of Feng Xi in the future. It is difficult for a woman to engage in business. I said it is not good for a woman to be in the spotlight, but she said that the most important thing for the company is business, and there is no other way.

At first, she retorted, "I have to go out for drinks and meals; some clients are quite bothersome, always taking advantage of women. Dawei, it's very exhausting for women to do business."

Feng Xiye chuckled awkwardly. She could not understand why Tian Dawei called her so affectionately, even his lies carried a sense of intimacy. Two or three years ago, they had already addressed each other by name, but had never been this close.