Lan Rouxue sat in the lobby for over ten minutes.
Lan Yue grew impatient, pouting as she complained, "How could Dad make us wait like this? This is too much. I don’t like him anymore!"
No sooner had she spoken than Lan Rouxue noticed Rong Yu and Old Master Ji stepping out of the private executive elevator.
The two were deep in conversation, smiling so warmly that it seemed no one could intrude on their shared moment.
She watched as they walked through the lobby and reached the car, where Old Master Ji even personally opened the door for Rong Yu, his demeanor excessively eager.
For a moment, Lan Rouxue couldn’t help but think how terrifying love could be—even at such an advanced age, it could make someone lose themselves completely.
Shortly after, the CEO’s assistant escorted Lan Rouxue upstairs.
Taking the private elevator to the top floor, she pushed open the door to find Ji Zhiyuan seated on the sofa, a cup of tea in hand, his eyes shadowed with gloom.
Neither he nor Lan Yue acknowledged their entrance.
Gently nudging her daughter forward, Lan Rouxue prompted her.
Lan Yue was displeased.
Every time she saw her father, he would open his arms to hug her.
Now, he didn’t even glance her way.
She didn’t want to talk to him either, but at her mother’s urging, she muttered reluctantly, "Dad."
"Zhiyuan, Lan Yue missed you," Lan Rouxue stepped closer, biting her lip. "I’ve thought a lot these past few days… I was wrong to lie about her having asthma. You can be angry with me, but please don’t take it out on her."
Only then did Ji Zhiyuan slowly lift his gaze.
He studied Lan Rouxue silently for a long moment.
He had met her when he was twelve, dressed in a pristine white dress, and in his heart, she had always been pure and gentle—his eternal white moonlight.
He thought he knew this woman inside out.
But reality proved otherwise.
"Zhiyuan, why are you looking at me like that?" Lan Rouxue struggled to meet his gaze. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Ji Zhiyuan averted his eyes, turning to Lan Yue instead. "How was kindergarten today?"
Lan Yue chattered away, and Ji Zhiyuan responded occasionally.
Lan Rouxue exhaled in relief—it seemed his anger had subsided.
Her eyes flickered toward the laptop on Ji Zhiyuan’s desk. He carried it everywhere, and it contained Ji Corporation’s most confidential files.
Nervously, she fiddled with the charm on her phone.
Ji Zhiyuan glanced at it. "New? It’s pretty."
"If you like it, I’ll get you one later. Oh—" She abruptly changed the subject. "Lan Yue’s been begging for ice cream. Could you take her downstairs to get some?"
Ji Zhiyuan’s eyes darkened slightly. "Why not come with us?"
"No, my heels are hurting. I’ll wait here." She settled onto the sofa. "Go on."
Lan Yue tugged at Ji Zhiyuan’s hand. "Daddy, hurry! I really want ice cream!"
As he led her to the door, Ji Zhiyuan glanced back one last time.
Lan Rouxue smiled softly at him.
That smile had once bewitched him.
Now, he saw only deceit and pretense. For years, he had been fooled by this mother and daughter.
He stepped out and closed the door behind him.
The moment he left, Lan Rouxue sprang into action. She hurried to the laptop and pressed Enter—it wasn’t locked. Delighted, she plugged her phone charm into the device and began combing through folders one by one…
When Ji Zhiyuan returned with Lan Yue, Lan Rouxue was seated calmly on the sofa, reading a book.
"Sorry, Zhiyuan, a friend just messaged me about something urgent." She sighed. "I wanted to spend more time with you, but it’ll have to wait."
Ji Zhiyuan nodded. "Next time, then."
Lan Rouxue quickly left Ji Corporation with her daughter.
She drove straight to Kou Technology. The building’s lights were still on, most employees working overtime.
Gazing up at the skyscraper, she thought, It may not rival Ji Corporation, but at least this place belongs entirely to Kou Xing.
She wanted more than just a comfortable life—she wanted to stand at the top, admired by all, basking in the finest views.
She would never regret today’s choice.
After giving her name at reception, she was escorted to the top floor.
"Rouxue, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me." Kou Xing embraced her. "Sit tight—let me check the chip code first."
He reached for her phone charm, but she stopped him, biting her lip. "I risked everything to get this for you. Don’t I deserve a promise?"
Kou Xing chuckled. "Lan Yue’s here. Wouldn’t want to embarrass her with sweet nothings. You know I’ve loved you since our school days—my heart’s as true as the sky."
Satisfied, she handed over the charm.
Kou Xing scrutinized the code line by line, excitement bubbling over. After an hour of review, he forwarded it to the tech team.
Sweeping Lan Rouxue into a spin, he exclaimed, "This is flawless! Once installed in our phones, Kou Technology’s products will rival Ji Corporation’s foldable screens. The market won’t be theirs alone anymore—we’re taking a huge slice! Rouxue, you’re a hero!"
Flushed with pride, she smiled demurely. "Congratulations."
Lan Yue piped up, "Daddy, since Mom helped you, shouldn’t you buy her a gift? I saw a necklace that’d look perfect on her!"
In high spirits, Kou Xing waved a hand. "Gifts for both of you! Whatever you want!"
"Yay! I love you, Daddy!" Lan Yue began counting on her fingers. "I want princess dresses, crystal shoes, and tons of sparkly jewelry—"
Suddenly, Kou Xing’s phone rang.
The tech director’s panicked voice came through: "Boss, the code’s infected with malware! Every assembly line product is compromised—all smart machines are down. We’re losing over a hundred million—"
"What?!" Kou Xing shot to his feet. "I checked it myself! How—?!"
He stormed out, rushing to the tech department.
Lan Yue chased after him. "Daddy, where are you going? You promised me presents—"
He shoved her aside. "Can’t you see I’m busy? Get lost!"
She fell hard, her head smacking against the wall. A piercing wail tore through the room.
