Chapter 114

 

Jealousy gnaws at the heart, a stifling feeling like a fishbone stuck in the throat.

Just now, Liang Jiancheng and Ming Xi had been accompanying Director Sheng in conversation the entire time, while He Yuan and Ming Yue sat off to one side, as if they had become overlooked supporting characters.

Once the center of attention, now relegated to spectators, this disparity truly gnawed at He Yuan’s heart, making him restless.

As a businessman who had transitioned out of the state system, Boss He understood all too well the harsh reality of “win, and you bask in glory; lose, and no one cares.” When the unwillingness surged within him, it all turned into a hypocritical smile on his face—he insisted on offering his “congratulations” to Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng at this mourning banquet.

It truly hadn’t been easy for Liang Jiancheng either—a once elegant young master, who had waited all these years for Ming Xi, a mere working girl. Such long-standing devotion was really quite moving.

With an arm around Ming Yue, He Yuan walked over to Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng’s table, smiling with obvious insincerity. “Brother-in-law, you’ve finally won the beauty’s hand—congratulations!”

When He Yuan offered his congratulations, Ming Xi remained unmoved, while Liang Jiancheng, out of politeness, was forced to stand up.

He did not raise his glass in return. Instead, he simply reached out and shook He Yuan’s hand. The gesture was gentle, yet carried an unquestionable firmness. Without a word, he pushed the wine glass back into He Yuan’s hand.

“Mr. He, we’re all just trying to make a living in the business world. Since you don’t even hold Director Sheng in regard, we wouldn’t dare hope for your favor. Best for each of us to stay in our own place,” Liang Jiancheng said calmly, mercilessly exposing He Yuan’s insincere attempt to curry favor.

As expected of Gu Shuangyang’s son—he certainly knew how to play the game.

He Yuan glanced at Ming Yue beside him, his brows knitting slightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Ming Yue, looks like we’ve overstepped! Xinghai Technology is riding high this year—Mr. Liang is busy currying favor with the powerful, climbing from private enterprise into the state sector. Opportunities like that don’t come to ordinary people. As for us fallen relatives, in their eyes we’re probably worse than strangers. Truly chilling!”

He deliberately emphasized the word “fallen,” belittling Liang Jiancheng and Ming Xi as opportunists.

The surrounding guests immediately turned their attention over, and the air filled with the tension of verbal sparring.

Faced with such shameless words, Liang Jiancheng’s expression turned cold, a faint frost gathering between his brows. He had always despised—and was least skilled at—engaging in petty verbal battles like this.

Seeing Liang Jiancheng remain silent, Ming Yue was quite smug, a mocking smile playing on her lips. She turned to Ming Xi and said, “Ming Xi, congratulations to you too! You’ve finally married into a wealthy family! Seeing you and Mr. Liang arrive side by side today, I’m genuinely happy for you.”

Some people, starved of attention and twisted inside, could only seek the spotlight in such ways. Boss Liang need not indulge them.

Ming Xi turned her head slightly, her expression calm, and gently tugged at Liang Jiancheng’s sleeve, signaling him to sit.

She really… couldn’t be bothered with these two clowns—

Congratulating her and Liang Jiancheng’s marriage at Mr. Hé’s funeral—on the surface it was well-wishing, but in truth it was mockery. Ming Xi didn’t care about taboos or bad luck; she only felt it was a grave disrespect to the deceased and his family.

‘Husbands and wives are mirrors of each other.’ Watching He Yuan and Ming Yue’s synchronized performance, Ming Xi couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. At this moment, the two shared identical expressions—truly showing a “married couple’s resemblance.” She was reminded of what she once said about Yang Yumei and Ming Decheng: people are always blind to their own moral failings.

At the thought, Ming Xi lowered her head slightly, a trace of helplessness in her expression.

Ming Yue leaned closer, her perfume carrying a trace of malice. “Ming Xi, we kindly came to congratulate you—why won’t you even respond? No matter what, we’re still blood-related. When I heard about your car accident last year, I was terribly worried. Who knew you’d be so tough—what a surprise…”

Ming Yue’s “concern” was utterly hypocritical.

Ming Xi knew very well—when Ming Yue heard about the accident, she had probably wished she would disappear altogether.

If Liang Jiancheng could still dismiss the earlier “congratulations” as attention-seeking, this mention of Ming Xi’s accident touched a raw nerve. The air around him dropped in temperature, and his sharp, blade-like gaze shot toward Ming Yue.

That cold, piercing look resembled Gu Shuangyang’s—carrying the natural authority and oppressive presence of someone in power. A single glance was enough to intimidate.

Ming Yue’s heart jolted. She suddenly realized the man before her was no longer the refined young gentleman from years ago.

Over the past three years, Liang Jiancheng had grown more reserved—polite to outsiders, deeply affectionate to his lover—but that didn’t mean he had lost his edge.

He was about to stand, but Ming Xi’s hand pressed lightly on his shoulder. She shot him a calm, cool glance. Their eyes met, and a familiar understanding passed between them—she would handle this.

Ming Xi turned to look at Ming Yue, her eyes filled with amusement. This woman, now a mother, still behaved so ridiculously immature. Spoiled people never learn to grow. Reasoning with such selfish “giant babies” was like playing the lute to a cow. The most effective way was to treat them in kind.

In a setting like today, out of respect for the deceased, Ming Xi would not retaliate as ruthlessly as she once had at the Scully Hotel.

It wasn’t about saving face for herself—it was about giving face to others. Causing a scene in front of the grieving family was her bottom line.

Ming Xi stood up, her expression warm and polite, a faint smile on her lips. Taking advantage of Ming Yue leaning in, she placed a hand lightly on her shoulder and leaned close to her ear, whispering a single sentence.

Just one sentence, spoken very softly, only the two of them could hear it. Even Liang Jiancheng couldn’t hear it.

Instantly, Ming Yue’s face turned deathly pale. Even through Ming Xi’s hand on her shoulder, she could feel her trembling uncontrollably.

“Mrs. He, let’s not disturb everyone. Shall we talk in the restroom?” Ming Xi said gently, almost innocently.

She turned her head, meeting Liang Jiancheng’s glance out of the corner of her eye, and smiled reassuringly.

To deal with petty people, one needed both thunderous methods and the ability to strike at their weak points. That was something Gu Shuangyang had taught her three years ago.

Before leaving, Ming Xi squeezed Liang Jiancheng’s hand lightly, then turned and walked away, her steps steady—as if she were merely heading off for a casual chat between sisters. Meanwhile, Ming Yue stood frozen in place, her legs heavy as lead.

What Ming Xi had whispered in her ear was: “I should also congratulate Mr. He—he still doesn’t even know that he’s become a grandfather, right?”

How could Ming Xi possibly know?! Ming Yue nearly screamed.

Halfway ahead, Ming Xi turned back and raised a brow at Ming Yue, still standing there. Come on, Mrs. He.

With difficulty, Ming Yue forced her legs to move and followed her to the restroom.

Then—

Inside the restroom, the door was slammed shut. Ming Yue was shoved against it by Ming Xi with a loud bang that made her ears ring.

“Ming Xi, what are you doing?” Ming Yue’s voice trembled as she tried to remain calm.

“I warned you long ago not to provoke me.” Ming Xi’s voice was icy, her sharp gaze filled with nothing but warning. “You think I’d care about appearances and let you smear me? You underestimate me. Let me tell you—I not only know about your scandals in the U.S., I have a full background report on you.

“What you do has nothing to do with me. I already warned you not to come and disgust me. Why can’t you remember?”

Her words came sharp and merciless as Ming Xi stepped closer, the pressure she exuded nearly suffocating Ming Yue.

“What? Looking at me like that—do I seem unfamiliar? Ming Yue, I don’t know whether you’re ridiculous, or whether I let you bully me for so long that you think I’m easy to handle. Think about it—do you think I got to where I am today by burning incense and praying to Buddha?”

With a cold laugh, she continued, “Honestly, if you didn’t come provoke me, I wouldn’t spare you a second thought. But why are you so obsessed with me—whether I’m doing well or not? Does it affect your affair?”

The word “affair” hit Ming Yue like a hammer. Anger and fear surged, and she instinctively tried to strike back—but under Ming Xi’s cold gaze, her hand fell weakly.

“Next time you do something, think it through.” Ming Xi lifted her hand—the one wearing the wedding ring—and cupped Ming Yue’s face. “Even if I turned vegetarian, do you think Liang Jiancheng would? Or Gu Shuangyang? Between you and me, who’s really living miserably is obvious. I’ll say it again—don’t come disgust me.

“I’m not alone anymore. Neither are you. Think about your child—how innocent she is.”

Ming Xi stepped back, putting some distance between them. Ming Yue, leaning against the wall, nearly collapsed.

After a meaningful pause, Ming Xi added, “Don’t forget—He Yuan’s ex-wife isn’t easy to deal with either. Your daughter is still young. If things blow up, who do you think will suffer more?

“If I were you, I’d plan carefully for myself. Good days don’t last forever. Haiou can only support you for a few more years.”

Ming Yue lifted her head with difficulty. “Why do you know so much?”

Ming Xi pressed her lips into a faint smile, echoing the words Gu Shuangyang once said to her.

“Of course I spent some time and money. Would you like me to send you a copy—as a keepsake?”

Ming Yue slumped to the ground. When she met Ming Xi’s cool, indifferent gaze, a bone-deep fear finally set in.

…

In less than ten minutes, the restroom door clicked softly open, and Ming Xi stepped out, her expression unchanged as she seamlessly blended back into the bustle and concern of the banquet hall.

Ming Yue, however, remained inside and did not come out.

Ming Xi walked gracefully over to He Yuan and, playing the good person to the end, said, “Mr. He, Mrs. He isn’t feeling well. Perhaps you should take her home first?”

He Yuan found Ming Yue in the restroom. Seeing her pale and shaken, even if he had suspicions, he could only leave in a hurry.

Director Sheng, watching this, waved his hand in disappointment. He no longer had the interest to exchange pleasantries—this farce had shown him exactly what kind of man He Yuan was.

In this world, some people take a seat at the table, while others are pushed away from it.

Ming Xi hoped that one day, even if she had to leave the table, it would be by her own choice—not because she was forced out.

On the drive back, Ming Xi leaned against the window, pretending to nap. Sunlight filtered through the glass, casting dappled shadows across her face. She found herself recalling many things Gu Shuangyang had said over the years—like, “In business, don’t try to be a good person just to be liked, nor a bad person just to be feared,” and “In dealing with people, leave some leeway; in handling matters, keep something in reserve.”

For once, Liang Jiancheng couldn’t suppress his curiosity and asked, “What exactly did you say to Mrs. He today?” To make her change expression in an instant like that…

Ming Xi opened her eyes and turned her head away. “Mr. Liang, some things are better left unknown.”

Liang Jiancheng raised an eyebrow. Of course, he knew his Ming Xi was formidable, but did Ming Xi think he was a pushover? Or a kindergarten child still drinking milk?

Liang Jiancheng reached out and ruffled her hair, asking no more questions.

Ming Xi curved her lips into a faint smile. As she looked at the high-rises rising in Haigang under the midday spring sunlight, the world suddenly felt unreal and weightless. A wave of fatigue washed over her, and she lazily leaned her head against Liang Jiancheng’s shoulder.

“Liang Jiancheng… no matter what happens in the future, let’s never end up like Mr. Hé…”

The pressure of doing business was something both of them deeply understood. Skyscrapers rise from the ground, but with one misstep, they can collapse overnight.

At the memorial today, Director Sheng had emphasized in his eulogy that Hé Fengrong was a kind-hearted entrepreneur.

Kind-hearted—yet he met such an end. How could Ming Xi not feel sorrow?

Liang Jiancheng put his arm around Ming Xi’s shoulder and shared his thoughts: “Ming Xi, being kind-hearted doesn’t mean always putting others first. It means being able to distinguish between good and evil, to weigh and reflect, and to make choices that don’t betray your conscience—whether between personal and national interests.

“Miss Ming, please continue to keep me in check in the future,” Liang Jiancheng said solemnly, his eyes clear.

Ming Xi chuckled softly, “How could a nobody like me dare to supervise Mr. Liang?”

Liang Jiancheng replied, “You are indeed bold, but you’re not a nobody.”

The car moved steadily forward, the buildings outside retreating rapidly behind them. Life’s destination was never a grander stage, but a home shared by two people.

That was what Liang Jiancheng felt at this moment.

Thinking this way, perhaps Ming Xi would feel less burdened.

Their hands, both wearing wedding rings, intertwined—distinct knuckles fitting together perfectly. Liang Jiancheng gently rested his chin against the top of her bowed head. Life wasn’t always about moving forward—it was about finding peace.

Yes, peace of mind.

And to make herself feel a little more at ease—

For the first time, Ming Xi took the initiative to contact Yang Yumei and arranged to meet her at a local Yicheng-style rustic restaurant in Haigang.

The restaurant owner spoke in a thick Yicheng accent and warmly served the dishes.

Ming Xi personally poured tea for Yang Yumei.

Yang Yumei looked at her warily, as if suspecting ulterior motives.

Ming Xi smiled slightly—of course she had ulterior motives.

Amid the rising steam of tea, Ming Xi pulled out a thick stack of documents from her briefcase.

The background investigation report she had originally intended to send to Ming Yue—she had changed her mind. Compared to Ming Yue, there was someone better suited to keep her in check: Yang Yumei sitting right in front of her.

What Yang Yumei cared about most was, of course, Ming Yue’s current marriage.

“Aunt Yang, over the years you’ve taken care of me in your way. To repay that, I’d like to help you protect Ming Yue’s reputation.” Ming Xi pushed the documents over. “Take a look.”

Yang Yumei flipped through a few pages, and her hands began to tremble—photos, records, transaction receipts—everything was clearly documented.

Ming Xi spoke first, “I don’t want to make Ming Yue’s situation ugly. I know you care about her. Keeping these with you might be more appropriate.”

In that household, Ming Yue was arrogant, Ming Decheng was useless, and Yang Yumei was anxious. Compared to the other two, she was at least someone who could be reasoned with.

“I understand what you mean,” Yang Yumei said. “I’ll keep a close eye on Ming Yue. She won’t cause trouble for you.”

“Thank you,” Ming Xi replied.

The restaurant owner served the dishes. Ming Xi had a good memory and ordered all the local Yicheng delicacies that Yang Yumei used to love. In the past few years, Yang Yumei had been helping Ming Yue take care of her child, and even her own daughter didn’t know what her favorite dishes were.

Yang Yumei mocked herself and resigned to fate, thinking that the daughter she gave birth to was not as good as the ones that was bought.

“Ming Xi, for the sake that your father and I raised you, don’t target Ming Yue. I’ll keep her in line. She won’t provoke you,” Yang Yumei said, almost pleading for the first time.

Then, as if remembering something, she offered something in return. Her fingers trembling, she took out a small slip of paper from her wallet, with an address written on it.

“Many years ago, the woman who gave birth to you contacted me and gave me this address.”

She handed it over.

“After she gave birth to you, she returned to her hometown, used the money to treat her family, and a few years later married someone else. She had another child. Now she’s living in Chengdu, running a convenience store.”

“She’s doing alright, seems to be living well. She wanted to find you.”

Ming Xi’s fingers paused above the slip of paper.

Back then, even Gu Shuangyang’s background check hadn’t uncovered her current address—only her hometown.

“Aunt Yang, since we’re talking like this today, I have one more piece of advice for you.”

Ming Xi had no intention of staying for the meal. She had already paid, her car and driver were waiting outside, and she still had to head to the airport.

“What else do you want to say?”

“If you don’t want Ming Yue to be dragged down, divorce Ming Decheng. You know what I mean… Goodbye.”

That piece of advice was her way of repaying Yang Yumei for that moment years ago—when she had warned her not to go home.

April passed, and May arrived.

Of the twelve months in a year, Ming Xi loved May the most—bright spring days, gentle breezes, everything full of life, making the world feel clean and pure.

Ming Xi walked out of the restaurant, put on her sunglasses, and the waiting driver opened the car door for her. She bent slightly and got in.

“Miss Ming, are we going to the airport now?”

“Yes. Let’s go. We’re not going back to the office.”

This month, Xinghai Technology would be going public, but Ming Xi couldn’t accompany Liang Jiancheng to the celebration banquet, because she had to fly to the United States for a month-long business trip. Business had been especially tough over the past six months—several major orders were on the verge of being canceled or defaulted on.

Miss Ming had to personally go to the U.S. to negotiate.

When encountering difficulties in business, Ming Xi prefers to summarize successful experiences rather than failures.

Her experience over the past few years had taught her that when a company runs into trouble, the solution must be dug out from the business itself.

The global economy might be declining, but it’s impossible for every corner of the world to be bad.

Circumstances set the stage, but outcomes depend on people.

This time, since the trip to the U.S. would be long, Ming Xi only brought Xinyu with her. Xinyu had already arrived early at the airport. Both of them were early, with two hours left before the final check-in process.

There was still plenty of time.

Before checking in her luggage, Xinyu rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out two U-shaped travel neck pillows, saying proudly, “Miss Ming, look at this product from our company—it’s perfect for business travelers. I went to the factory for inspection last week and took two. I even brought one specially for you.”

“Thank you…” Ming Xi was a little absent-minded.

Sitting in the departure hall, her hand in the pocket of her trench coat, she rubbed the small slip of paper Yang Yumei had given her. After a pause, she looked up at Xinyu and said, “Xinyu, I need to go to Chengdu. I’ll change my flight later—fly to Chengdu first, then to New York. You go ahead, and we’ll meet up later.”

“Miss Ming, is there something urgent going on in Chengdu?”

“Not urgent. Just curious.”

Curious enough that, even if she wouldn’t acknowledge them, she still very much wanted to see them once.

“…Alright!”

Ming Xi changed her flight and took off earlier than Xinyu.

Liang Jiancheng couldn’t reach Ming Xi by phone, so he could only call Xinyu. They were originally on the same flight, yet Ming Xi’s phone was already switched off while Xinyu hadn’t even boarded.

Xinyu could only tell him the truth: “Miss Ming changed her flight at the last minute and flew to Chengdu.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know either. She seemed a bit down. Maybe she went to Chengdu to see someone.”

“I see.” Liang Jiancheng hung up.

At this moment, he was in Hong Kong, holding his phone in front of the glass curtain wall of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Tomorrow, Xinghai Technology would be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

From investing hundreds of millions in Seoul to introduce the most advanced production lines, to bringing in state-owned capital and building a top-tier team, and now stepping onto the international stage—over the years, Liang Jiancheng’s ambitions for Xinghai Technology had long surpassed personal success.

Since China joined the WTO, it had relied on cheap labor to become the world’s factory. But that era’s advantages would eventually come to an end. To replace low-end manufacturing and reduce dependence on low value-added industries, the only way forward was to move toward high value-added sectors. Liang Jiancheng had started down this path earlier than most foreign trade entrepreneurs—but of course, it wasn’t his achievement alone.

The aspiration to move from “Made in China” to “Created in China” had been Liang Jiancheng’s ultimate dream ever since he left Shuangyang and committed himself to business.

Of course, among Chinese entrepreneurs, such a dream was not his alone.

In this turbulent world, a profit-driven businessman without any noble aspirations—even with wealth as beautiful as a rose—would eventually decay and rot. Only by holding onto one’s beliefs can one truly live up to this remarkable era.

After knowing and love each other for years, Ming Xi—who had changed her flight and rushed to Chengdu—naturally understood her husband Liang Jiancheng’s greatest dream. Yet she couldn’t accompany him to Hong Kong, because she also had her own small universe to protect.

However, before turning off her phone after boarding the plane, Ming Xi sent Liang Jiancheng a heartfelt message—

[“Liang Jiancheng, in this life I have three blessings. First, to be born in such an era and not waste its opportunities. Second, to be in good health, with a clear and sound mind. Third, to have met you.

The stars bear witness, and every time I take off and look back on the road I’ve traveled, I no longer feel like a drifter. I love you—and congratulations. Xinghai Technology is about to go public. From here on, Xinghai stretches boundlessly, and the journey ahead is vast.

I also hope that one day, when our dreams have all come true, we can travel hand in hand across mountains and seas.”]

It was upon receiving this message that Liang Jiancheng immediately called Ming Xi—but her phone was already turned off.

Previous     TOC