Volume One, Chapter 63: Contrast

In all this, the happiest was none other than Sheng Yurou.

“Understood, cousin. We won’t disturb you any further.”

She took Chu Xingzhi with her as they left, and Chu Xingzhi glanced at Song Qingyu. Her back was turned to him; she hadn’t looked his way even once.

It wasn’t until He Shubai closed the door of the CEO’s office that he felt the barrier, as if that door had severed all connection between him and Song Qingyu, leaving them worlds apart.

Song Qingyu couldn’t claim to feel nothing at all; that would be a lie. It wasn’t that she still loved Chu Xingzhi—rather, it was a sense of melancholy.

Sheng Yurou had chased after Chu Xingzhi for so long, only to be refused time and again. Yet, after all the twists and turns, they ended up together.

She returned to herself and noticed that Gu Yuandong was still watching her. Song Qingyu gathered her thoughts and spoke promptly, “President Gu, you wanted to see me?”

“I heard you and Chu Xingzhi almost got married.”

Song Qingyu was taken aback; she hadn’t expected President Gu to ask about that. Was he doing it for his cousin Sheng Yurou?

“Rest assured, President Gu, I’ve cut ties with Chu Xingzhi completely. Besides, I’m already married.”

Pei Jingmo feigned surprise. “Miss Song is already married?”

“Yes.”

“Your husband must be quite extraordinary, then?”

Song Qingyu nodded. “He is. He’s a truly wonderful man.”

“Congratulations on finding such a good partner.”

“Thank you, President Gu.”

Song Qingyu was rather surprised. Was this all President Gu wanted to say?

The next moment, Pei Jingmo continued, “I heard Miss Song has a foundation?”

Song Qingyu nodded. “Yes. My mother left behind a poverty alleviation foundation called Bridge of Hearts.”

“Well, my sister has some funds she’d like to invest in a charity project. She doesn’t want to go through the Tianqi Group’s foundation. Coincidentally, she’s a fan of your mother and wishes to support Bridge of Hearts.”

Song Qingyu’s eyes widened in astonishment.

When she’d asked Pei Jingmo to pretend to be Gu Yuandong before, he’d boasted that Tianqi Group also ran charity projects and that there might be opportunities for collaboration in the future. She hadn’t expected President Gu’s sister to want to invest in Bridge of Hearts so soon.

“What’s wrong, Miss Song? Are you unwilling?”

“No, of course I’m willing! President Gu’s sister wants to engage in charity—she’s truly benevolent, and I’m very grateful.”

Seeing Song Qingyu’s delight, Pei Jingmo’s mood improved as well. “However, my sister can’t personally participate. For the follow-up on the charity project, you’ll be dealing with me.”

Song Qingyu wasn’t particularly curious. “All right, thank you, President Gu, and thank your sister as well. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait—”

“Is there anything else, President Gu?”

“The cake on the desk was brought by my cousin. I don’t care for sweets. Could you help me get rid of it, Miss Song?”

“Certainly.”

As Song Qingyu took the cake and prepared to leave, she happened to notice a tin of mint candies for quitting smoking beside the computer.

Was President Gu also quitting smoking?

Song Qingyu carried the cake downstairs and bumped into Xie Changhe.

“Manager Xie, here’s a cake for you.”

Xie Changhe: “...”

Why was he getting cake again? Was this a harbinger of more trouble?

“This cake—”

“President Gu asked me to give it to you.”

Xie Changhe’s eyes lit up with excitement. Was President Gu rewarding him for helping resolve their marital crisis?

With that thought, Xie Changhe vowed to work even harder to help President Gu in the future.

Truth be told, Song Qingyu simply didn’t want to eat the cake Sheng Yurou had bought, but felt it a waste to throw it out, so she gifted it to Xie Changhe as a gesture.

Seeing Xie Changhe’s heartfelt gratitude and excitement as he ate the cake, she thought that since Manager Xie loved cake so much, she ought to buy more for him in the future.

—

Pei Jingmo’s efforts to quit smoking were beginning to bear fruit.

To make up for the regret of not accompanying Song Qingyu to the aquarium before, Pei Jingmo suggested they go together on Saturday.

Actually, Song Qingyu wasn’t particularly keen on outings; if she could, she’d rather stay home and sleep. That day had been a casual remark—she hadn’t expected Pei Jingmo to take it seriously.

“Are you still angry with me? I’m sorry, it’s all my fault—”

Seeing Pei Jingmo blaming himself, Song Qingyu had no choice but to change clothes and go with him to the aquarium.

Truth be told, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been there. When her mother was alive, she’d brought her once. After that, she never returned.

They bought tickets and entered. Noticing that many couples had purchased little shark headbands, Pei Jingmo took Song Qingyu to buy some as well.

He picked a very cute headband for Song Qingyu and personally placed it on her head. “It looks great.”

Song Qingyu felt he was treating her like a child.

But since they were out to have fun, she decided to enjoy herself. She chose a little seal headband for Pei Jingmo—she’d intended for him to put it on himself, but Pei Jingmo dutifully bowed his head.

After Song Qingyu helped him put it on, she couldn’t help laughing.

Pei Jingmo asked, “What is it? Does it look bad?”

He reached to take it off, but Song Qingyu grabbed his arm. “No, it looks wonderful.”

The contrast was adorable—a tough-looking guy with a buzz cut wearing such a cute headband.

Wherever they went, tourists glanced at Pei Jingmo. But he seemed unfazed by their attention; as long as Song Qingyu was happy, that was enough.

To prepare for this date, Pei Jingmo had sought advice from Fu Linhan and Bai Yinian in advance.

Fu Linhan: “A date is all about making her happy! Take good photos to capture every moment, and give her plenty of emotional support.”

Bai Yinian: “Observe her expressions carefully. If she seems even a little unhappy, reflect on what you might’ve done wrong.”

Fu Linhan sent a smirking emoji: “Who would’ve thought our young master is such a hopeless romantic?”

Bai Yinian shrugged. “Being lovestruck is the best male beauty treatment. These days, seeing him, I feel like he radiates paternal warmth.”

Pei Jingmo ignored their teasing and meticulously planned the outing, all to ensure Song Qingyu enjoyed herself.

But—

The imagination was sweet; reality, harsh.

For Pei Jingmo’s photography skills were abysmal.

Despite Song Qingyu’s flawless face, he managed to take the most bizarre photos of her.

Song Qingyu looked at the pictures, her expression difficult to describe.

But the best photographers are made by praise.

Song Qingyu forced herself to compliment him. “These are really nice. If you try a different angle, they’ll be even better.”

With each word of praise, Pei Jingmo’s technique improved rapidly. Within half an hour, he was taking magazine-worthy shots of Song Qingyu.

“Hey, isn’t that Song Qingyu and her worker husband? Sorry, what’s his name again? I forgot.”

As they wandered over to the dolphin show, they ran into Sheng Yurou and Chu Xingzhi.

Sheng Yurou clung to Chu Xingzhi like a victor, proud and arrogant.

Chu Xingzhi’s expression was complicated; he’d tried to shake her off several times, but she wouldn’t let go.

Seeing them, Song Qingyu’s mood soured. “Jingmo, let’s go over there.”

“Hey—”

Sheng Yurou blocked their path. “What a coincidence! Since we’ve met here today, why not have fun together?”

Before Song Qingyu could reply, Sheng Yurou continued, “Or—are you afraid of something?”