Why did Yu Wanzhi say that? It was because in her past life, after she realized her feelings for Director Xiao, she’d gone to ask Fu Zhoujing how she could win his heart. Fu Zhoujing told her that when Xiao Yunting was young, someone had once slipped him an aphrodisiac — and he’d nearly lost his innocence right then and there.
Back then, under the drug’s effect, Xiao Yunting’s stepsister had deliberately dressed scantily and paraded around right in front of him. In a rage, he’d grabbed a knife and nearly stabbed her, finally chasing the scheming woman away…
Putting that together with all of Qin Mengshuang’s behavior since she’d been reborn into this era, Yu Wanzhi was certain that this malicious woman was the one who’d drugged him that day.
Fu Zhoujing had also told her that the younger Xiao Yunting did have some money saved up — earned back when he’d worked in the black market.
After the reform and opening-up policy took effect, more and more people started their own businesses. But since Old Master Xiao had already passed away, Xiao Yunting had no powerful family backing. Doing business became far harder than it once was.
When the Yanjing Department Store was first being built, it required massive capital — and plenty of under-the-table payments to smooth things over. The little money he’d earned in the black market was nowhere near enough.
Fu Zhoujing had urged him to apply for a loan, only for Xiao Yunting to calmly say it wasn’t necessary. He’d stated plainly that he wasn’t short of money — that even three department stores would be well within his means.
It was later that Fu Zhoujing learned the truth: before his death, Old Master Xiao had left him an immense fortune. Xiao Yunting never disclosed the exact amount, but seeing how much was poured into the department store alone, Fu Zhoujing could guess it was an astronomical sum…
Yu Wanzhi couldn’t be bothered bickering with Qin Mengshuang. She shot the woman a withering, disdainful glance before turning and obediently following Xiao Yunting back to his family home.
Let that wicked woman gloat for a few more days. Soon enough, she’d find an opportunity — and send her exactly where she belonged.
She slept soundly through the night.
Determined not to be disrespectful in front of Old Master Xiao again, Yu Wanzhi rose early. As she reached the bend in the staircase, she peeked over — and saw Fu Zhoujing sitting in the parlor, staring mournfully at the man across from him.
“Boss, where were you yesterday? I came looking for you yesterday morning, and Aunt Zhang said you’d gone out first thing with that little lunatic. Tell me — have you found your ‘new friend’ and decided to cast aside your ‘old friend’?” There was unmistakable hurt and grievance in Fu Zhoujing’s tone.
Xiao Yunting glanced at him, his face impassive, his gaze cool and sharp. “She has a name. Dare call her ‘lunatic’ one more time. See if I don’t stop speaking to you.”
“There! There it is!” Fu Zhoujing leapt up from the sofa in agitation, looking every bit like a large, clumsy dog baring its teeth. “You never spoke to me like this before! Ever since Yu Wanzhi arrived, you’ve changed!”
He’d thought it all through these past days. That tale about being ‘reborn from twenty years in the future’? Just a pack of lies — a ploy to win his boss over.
As for those childhood stories she’d mentioned? Anyone could dig those up with a little effort. After all, Xiao Yunting had often eaten at the Fu household as a boy — hardly a secret in this compound.
His boss must simply be blinded by how pretty and sweet the girl looked!
Yu Wanzhi smiled to herself and trotted down the stairs. She wore the sage-green plaid skirt she’d bought the day before, paired with a white blouse tucked neatly at the waist — highlighting her slender, delicate figure to perfection.
Her sleek black hair was braided into a side plait, tied at the end with a pale green ribbon that brushed softly against her chest as she walked, swaying gently like a fluffy little tail.
She had fair skin, rosy lips, and bright white teeth — a vision of sweetness and grace. When she smiled, she radiated such warmth and charm she looked exactly like a lovely porcelain doll come to life.
“Good morning, you two!”
A flicker of quiet admiration and warmth flashed through Xiao Yunting’s eyes, softening his usual stern expression. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Wonderfully! That bed of yours is lovely — where did you get it? Could you buy me one just like it for my place later?” She had furniture in her private space from the Yanjing Department Store of twenty years in the future, but it wouldn’t do to bring large items out. Small things were easy enough to explain away.
As she spoke, her bright, clear eyes seemed to glow. Seeing her so sweet and unguarded, Xiao Yunting’s heart melted completely.
“Of course. If you like it that much, I can have the very bed you’re sleeping on moved to your room.”
Beside them, Fu Zhoujing stared in utter shock. Had he heard correctly?
Last year, he’d admired a decorative shell casing on his boss’s nightstand. He’d begged for two whole months — and Xiao Yunting had still refused to give it to him! When had this notoriously thrifty man become so generous?
“No need — just get me one exactly like it, but a little bigger. I toss and turn at night. I’d hate to roll right off the edge!”
Yu Wanzhi said it without the slightest embarrassment. In her past life, whenever she’d slept restlessly, this man had held her tight against him to keep her safe. Sometimes he’d even let her lie atop him like a little frog, so she wouldn’t fall.
Xiao Yunting agreed without hesitation. It was just a bed — a trivial matter.
The renovation crew had begun plastering and painting the walls and floors these past two days. He’d go source the finest timber at once — her bed would be crafted from the very best materials available.
He couldn’t explain it, only that he wanted to place every fine thing he could find at her feet.
“Where’s Grandfather Xiao? I’d like to say hello. I’ll skip breakfast today — I have errands to run!” Yu Wanzhi planned to buy seeds this morning; bringing him along would only get in the way.
Xiao Yunting caught her meaning immediately, stepping forward quickly. “Where are you going? Out without breakfast? Grandfather left early for a meeting. Wait while I change — I’ll go with you.”
Yu Wanzhi waved him off. “No, really — stay and keep your friend company! I bought everything I needed yesterday. No need to come along!” With that, she pulled free of his hand and skipped cheerfully out the door.
Xiao Yunting watched her go, his expression darkening instantly. His voice was low and tight with suppressed anger as he turned on his friend. “What on earth is wrong with you this morning? Must you say things that give people the wrong idea? Are you pleased with yourself?”
“She knows no one in this city! A sweet, pretty girl walking alone — if anything happens to her, how am I supposed to find her?”
Fu Zhoujing rubbed his nose sheepishly. He’d only been joking — he never expected her to overhear!
“Look… Boss, go change quickly! You might still catch up to her! I promise I won’t tag along and play gooseberry. Go — hurry!”
Xiao Yunting shot him a scathing glare. “Fat chance. Can’t you see she wants to go alone?” He sighed, frustration giving way to reluctant acceptance. “Forget it. I’ll head to our usual spot today.” Everyone has a right to privacy. Since the girl wants to go out on her own, it’s better to give her freedom. What if she gets angry and runs away if I keep too close an eye on her?
And then he truly would have nowhere to cry.