Wang Ziyue only went downstairs to say hello before returning upstairs. However, upon seeing Jiang Xiaoyue, she instinctively avoided the mother’s gaze.
Guilty? Or something else…
The Wang Ziyue who dared to confront the chairman and snap at the board was truly cowed now.
Especially that faint, all-seeing look in Jiang Xiaoyue’s eyes—it made Wang Ziyue feel there was nowhere to hide.
She hadn’t really done anything, had she? The only thing slightly out of line was that hug.
But they were both girls, so it was fine.
Wang Ziyue convinced herself. When she looked at Jiang Xiaoyue again, her mindset was much calmer.
“Keep it up. Good results mean year-end bonuses for everyone.”
Wang Ziyue raised her small half-glass of red wine and proactively toasted everyone present.
Even Chen Ting was a bit flattered.
After clinking glasses, Wang Ziyue didn’t say much more. She picked up her bag and left.
“President Wang is really approachable…”
“Yeah, yeah. And I didn’t expect her to be so young.”
“I heard she came back after finishing her undergrad abroad and took over. This Southern New City project was pushed through by her.”
“Really impressive…”
A few newcomers whispered among themselves. Jiang Xiaoyue didn’t join the conversation.
If she hadn’t seen wrong earlier, the hair tie on Wang Ziyue’s wrist was the same style as her daughter’s?
Jiang Xiaoyue’s brows furrowed. Chen Ting happened to notice and walked over.
“Why the sour face?” Her tone was gentle but not overly familiar.
“Director Chen… it’s nothing. Just worried about my daughter.”
“How old is your daughter now?”
“She’ll be a senior in the second half of the year.”
“That makes her half an adult already. Oh, but what a coincidence—my niece is also starting senior year in the second half. This kid’s got her college entrance exam next year, and the whole family’s on edge. From grandparents to us aunts and uncles, everyone’s like this—but we’re also afraid of pressuring her. We end up making work for ourselves. When it comes to daily life, we want to arrange everything perfectly.”
“Yeah, I just hope she can focus on studying and get into a good school. I don’t have much time to spend with her usually, but she’s sensible…”
“Hey, if you need anything, the company can help coordinate schedules. But honestly, as parents, we can only handle the logistics. Try not to add pressure otherwise.”
“You’re right. If I really need it, I’ll mention it to the supervisor.”
“Whether it’s the kids or us parents, just keep a level head.” Chen Ting patted Jiang Xiaoyue’s shoulder.
Jiang Xiaoyue nodded. Someone else came over to toast, and the two promptly ended the topic.
After finishing the final round of drinks, Jiang Xiaoyue politely declined Chen Ting’s offer to drive her home and took a taxi back alone.
The car passed through the city center toward the Old Town.
By the time she reached the building, it was nearly nine. Jiang Xiaoyue had drunk a bit too much tonight, and now the alcohol was kicking in. Her chest felt stuffy.
She fished out her keys from her bag and opened the door. As expected.
The entryway and living room lights were off. Jiang Cheng wasn’t home yet.
Though she had been informed in advance, a mother’s heart wasn’t quite the same as usual. She always worried about her daughter’s safety outside.
*What could be unsafe with Wang Ziyue?* Jiang Xiaoyue shook her head.
But the image of that hair tie flashed in her mind again.
Jiang Xiaoyue first changed into loungewear and removed her makeup. She gave the room a quick tidy, then remembered the clothes on the balcony still needed bringing in.
Two sets of Jiang Cheng’s nightgowns hung on the drying rack. She took them down, folded them neatly, and put them in her daughter’s wardrobe. Just as she stepped out of the room, she heard the door handle turn.
Jiang Cheng walked in with her hair down. In the end, she had let Wang Ziyue take out the updo—the tightness on her scalp had been uncomfortable.
But before she could even change her shoes, she saw her mom staring at her suspiciously.
Jiang Cheng looked down at her school uniform. She didn’t think anything was odd and looked back at her mom, equally puzzled.
Jiang Xiaoyue’s expression worsened. She didn’t speak—just kept looking at Jiang Cheng.
“Um… Mom, is there something you want to ask me?”
“Nothing. How did your talk with President Wang go?”
She had already mentioned it over the phone, yet Jiang Xiaoyue asked again.
Judging by Wang Ziyue’s reaction when she showed up, it must have gone smoothly.
But…
She just couldn’t help worrying for no reason.
“It was okay. She wasn’t too surprised when she heard… I didn’t expect her to accept it so easily.”
Anyone else might think she was crazy or joking.
“That’s good. Uh… Little Cheng, didn’t you bring your hair tie back?”
Jiang Xiaoyue pointed at Jiang Cheng’s loose, flowing hair, her expression conflicted.
“Oh… I took my hair down.” Jiang Cheng grabbed a strand. The smooth locks slipped through her fingers.
“Then you should have put the hair tie in your bag, right?” Jiang Xiaoyue sighed. “Is it with President Wang?”
“Huh? How could… hey, where’s my hair tie?” She rummaged through her school bag and really couldn’t find it.
Jiang Cheng didn’t ask how her mom knew. After taking it off, she hadn’t paid attention—probably Wang Ziyue had taken it.
“How could you let President Wang take it?” Jiang Xiaoyue sighed helplessly.
Jiang Cheng really didn’t understand why her mom was making such a big deal. It was just an ordinary hair tie.
“If it weren’t a hair tie—if it were the clothes you’re wearing—would you think it’s okay to let her take them?”
Seeing her daughter still didn’t get it, Jiang Xiaoyue spoke more bluntly.
“…Uh, I didn’t give it to a stranger. And Mom, it really is just a regular hair tie. It’s not as serious as you’re making it. I definitely wouldn’t casually give away the clothes I’m wearing.”
“Anyway, from now on, keep track of your clothes and little things yourself.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll listen to you. Can I go in now? I want to shower quick. I’m dying of heat.”
Jiang Cheng felt like she was about to pass out from the heat. Her cheeks were flushed.
*Shouldn’t have drunk that hot cocoa.* She thought.
This spaced-out look earned another sigh from Jiang Xiaoyue.
She consoled herself for the umpteenth time—it was just her overthinking.
“I already folded your pajamas and put them in the wardrobe. Also… Little Cheng, your old clothes…” Jiang Xiaoyue remembered the half-wardrobe of men’s clothes.
“Oh, those. I’ll pack them into a storage bag later.”
The wardrobe was now stuffed full—one side men’s clothes, the other women’s. When the seasons changed again, there definitely wouldn’t be room.
Jiang Cheng’s expression was calm, like she was talking about something perfectly ordinary.
Jiang Xiaoyue felt relieved. She twisted her waist—standing all day had been tiring. She yawned as she walked toward her room.
“Remember to sleep early after your shower. Tomorrow’s not a day off.”
“I know~”
Jiang Cheng went into her bedroom and pulled out a storage bag from under the wardrobe. She first folded and packed the thick clothes, then a few spring pieces.
Huh? This one hasn’t even been worn… Jiang Cheng thought it was a waste.
Her eyes darted around. She took out the oversized hoodie and changed out of her school uniform.
In the full-length mirror, the girl wore only beige underwear. Her snow-like skin glowed pink, shimmering even under the orange light.
Jiang Cheng admired herself for a moment before thinking she might be too narcissistic.
She shook out the hoodie and pulled it over her head. The already oversized piece hung on her like a dress. The shoulders were too loose, exposing most of her shoulder blades. *Maybe pair it with a camisole?*
Jiang Cheng recalled tips she’d learned chatting with Zhou Qingying and Chen Ting. The three had a small group where Zhou Qingying would send selfies for the others to rate. Sometimes she’d privately send them to Jiang Cheng, who would just say “looks good.”
*Wasn’t this called boyfriend style?*
She unlocked her phone and scrolled through old messages.
Hmm… so plaid shirts could be worn like that. She was about to ask for more pairing ideas when a new message popped up.
Wang Ziyue sent a photo—a flower bed carved out in a courtyard, clearly carefully tended by the owner. Under the bright moon, the vibrant roses were in their most perfect state.
【Pretty? These are grown at big sister’s house】
【Only roses? No other flowers?】 Jiang Cheng remembered the dinner table had been full of roses too and typed a few more words.
【Big sister, do you really like roses?】
【I do. Not sure when it started, but now I want to see them every day】
Wang Ziyue thought back. It seemed to start after seeing a single rose in a vase in her room—she’d been hooked ever since.
What exactly attracted her? She couldn’t recall. Like adding half a spoon of sugar to her daily coffee—it gradually became a habit.
Even if she didn’t think it was special, one day it seemed like roses were everywhere in her eyes.
【Really】
【Yeah, would I lie to you?】
Jiang Cheng felt a subtle jab. She pouted and flopped backward.
She sank fully into the bedding.
Stray hairs tickled her lips. She blew them away with a puff.
Her eyes flicked to the hoodie she was wearing. An idea struck. On impulse, she raised her phone, switched to selfie mode, and flashed a peace sign at the camera.
Wang Ziyue sat on the garden terrace, not caring if her clothes got dirty. She stared blankly at her phone.
When the WeChat reply still hadn’t come and she thought the other might have fallen asleep, a photo arrived.
It was a bit blurry—the photographer clearly wasn’t skilled. The orange light cast a soft filter over the image. The girl’s smile was youthful and shy. Her raised fingers partially covered her lips. Her vibrant pink hair spread out like brilliant fireworks.
Wang Ziyue’s breathing stopped.
【Pretty? This is the outfit I bought but never got to wear—back when you took me out】
After sending it, Jiang Cheng buried her face in her pillow. Heat flooded her cheeks. She felt her current state was a bit strange.
Like she was anticipating something.
【The clothes aren’t great, but the person…】
Wang Ziyue also recalled that night—she had been sulking back then. Now, with a mischievous urge to “get revenge,” she typed.
【How’s the person】 Jiang Cheng followed with a cat shaking its head emoji. Wang Ziyue saved it smoothly.
【Just okay】
【………..】
Jiang Cheng sent a long string of ellipses.
“‘Just okay’ is perfect. ‘Looks good’ is perfect.” Wang Ziyue pressed the voice button. Her rising tone carried unmistakable teasing.
【Oh】 Jiang Cheng’s reply was icy.
She chuckled—first just a curl of her lips, then laughing louder at some thought, until she buried her face in her knees and laughed with her hands over her face.
Joy.