Early the next morning, Su Wan finished getting ready and went downstairs. Almost unconsciously, she glanced toward the kitchen—and sure enough, Axin came out. She was carrying a thermos lunchbox. When she lifted her eyes and gave Su Wan a light smile, Su Wan's lips curved up without her even realizing it.
"I knew you wouldn't have time to eat, so I packed it in the thermos for you."
Su Wan hurried down the steps, took the lunchbox from her hands, and smiled. "Thank you, Qin Xin. With you at home, I think I'll have to spend at least two hours at the gym every weekend, or in two or three months I'll turn into a ball." She joked, then sighed dramatically. "It's your fault for cooking too well—I can't bear to waste even a bite."
"Then next time I'll pick ingredients that aren't as fattening," Axin said, adjusting without hesitation.
Su Wan felt embarrassed. "Don't bother. Having food is already great, and I'm not picky. Besides, with your cooking, there's nothing to pick at."
"Alright, I'm heading to work. You eat up and get going too."
On her drive to the company, Su Wan's phone rang. She answered, and Ye Xiaoge's hoarse voice came through, sounding unwell. "Wanwan… are you really still mad at me?"
"No." Su Wan kept her eyes on the road, her tone light and detached. "Calling this early—what happened?"
"Wanwan, I think I caught a cold."
Su Wan paused for a beat, then said calmly, "Then take some medicine."
"I can't even get up, my head hurts so much. When you come over, can you buy me some?" Ye Xiaoge sounded unbearably aggrieved. If it were ten days ago, Su Wan would've panicked, worried so much that she might've driven distracted. Back then, Ye Xiaoge still occupied a huge part of her heart.
No—more accurately, she'd still been hoping that with her gentleness and kindness, she could pull Ye Xiaoge back to her side. She'd simply been stuck in it. Once she finally understood, she realized that most of her past pain and reluctance had come from her own unwillingness to accept the loss—like spending seven years raising a perfect little cabbage only to have it stolen by a wild boar. Now, she was basically over it.
With all her years of running the Su Group, she almost instantly dissected Ye Xiaoge's feelings toward her. A small laugh slipped out. Xiaoge didn't want to lose her love, but she also didn't want to lose Su Wan's tenderness. She wanted everything—perfectly.
"I'm on my way to the company, and something important is happening there, so I won't be coming over," Su Wan said in the same decisive tone she used in meetings—serious, businesslike, leaving no room for argument. "I remember you like online shopping. If you don't have cold medicine at home, order it from an online pharmacy. They'll deliver in less than half an hour. If I drive to you, it'll take at least an hour. For your condition, the pharmacy delivery is better."
"If you're running a fever and feel like you can't hold up, my advice is to call emergency services right away." Her lips curved faintly. "Wasn't Xiaoge still struggling last night over how to make up with Qin Feng? This is your chance. If you can endure a little, call him. If he cares about you, he'll drop everything—whether it's a multi-billion project or not—and come to you immediately."
On the other end, Ye Xiaoge, who'd been waiting for comfort and for Su Wan to say she'd come at once, sat frozen on her bed with the phone in her hand. Her mind went blank. She couldn't believe the cold, stern voice speaking to her was the Su Wan who had always cherished her.
The thought of Su Wan never being good to her again made panic flood her chest. She choked out, "Wanwan… do you really not care about me anymore?"
Hearing those familiar words, Su Wan felt unexpectedly clear-headed. She even found she could multitask now—driving carefully while listening, without it affecting her at all. No worry, no tension, no sadness. Only a sense of release.
"I cared before," Su Wan said. "But now you're Qin Feng's girlfriend, Xiaoge. When you're sick, the one who should be with you is Qin Feng, not me—your ex. If I come and Qin Feng finds out you got sick and didn't tell him, but told me instead… are you trying to break up with him?"
"Or…" Her eyes held a faint smile as she continued, "do you actually want me with you right now? The way you're leaning on me like this—I might misunderstand. I might think you like me, not Qin Feng, because you need me more than you need him. Xiaoge, think carefully. Who do you need right now—me, or Qin Feng? If I come, does that mean you'll be with me?"
"If that's what you want, I can come."
"No—Wanwan, you're misunderstanding!" Ye Xiaoge panicked, words tumbling out. "I've always treated you as my best friend. Didn't we promise that? We said we'd always be good friends in the future, and the past is in the past. You know I only like Qin Feng. Wanwan, don't make it hard for me, okay?"
"Ha…" Su Wan laughed. "Fine, Xiaoge, I won't make it hard for you. When have I ever made it hard for you?"
"Are you too embarrassed to tell Qin Feng?" Su Wan's eyes narrowed. "I'll call him for you. I'll say you're seriously ill and need him badly. With how much he loves you, even if he's overseas he'll fly back instantly to see you. Go lie down. Being a little weak right now makes people pity you more."
Wasn't that how it always was? Every time Ye Xiaoge faced her, she looked wronged, like she was about to cry. Su Wan couldn't bear that; she'd always softened, always compromised.
Ye Xiaoge's face went pale. Before she could say anything, Su Wan hung up.
Thinking of what Su Wan had just said—that she'd tell Qin Feng she was gravely ill—Ye Xiaoge lay back down, aggrieved.
The cold medicine she'd already taken out, she didn't eat. She didn't even want to drink water. She felt resentful—why had Su Wan stayed angry for so long? They'd known each other for years. Was she really going to be this petty? And now, at a time like this, Su Wan was even trying to pressure her into being together. The more she thought, the more wronged she felt.
Su Wan had changed.
She was no longer the Wanwan who indulged her, doted on her, and treated her as the only one who mattered.
After arriving at the company, Su Wan used the office phone to call Qin Feng.
"President Su has time to call me? If it's about this project, then I can only say—may the better one win."
Su Wan smiled. "Xiaoge just called me. She said she's sick. I can't get away right now—everyone's watching me here. I can't just throw my clients aside and run off."
"Then I remembered you're her boyfriend, President Qin, so I thought I'd let you know. If you can't go, I'll visit her after I'm done."
"President Su, are you here to show off?" Qin Feng's voice turned dangerous, tight with nerves. "How is Xiaoge?"
"I'm worried too, President Qin. Do you have time to go? I'm just asking. If you don't, I'll handle what I can on my end and go right over. With you there, I don't want to show up and make Xiaoge uncomfortable."
"My girlfriend is sick. Of course I have time. No need for President Su to trouble herself." Qin Feng said coldly. He understood perfectly—this was to provoke him. If he didn't go, Su Wan would, and Xiaoge would naturally think he cared less than Su Wan did.
"President Qin, if you're really too busy, then leave taking care of Xiaoge to me. I'm used to looking after her anyway—willingly. One more time or one less time doesn't matter. Don't worry, she likes you. Even though I truly want to steal her away, I don't want to force her."
"Enough, President Su. Don't bother. I'll go see Xiaoge right now, and I'll bring her back to my company. You don't need to worry." He'd just fought with her recently—he was genuinely afraid she'd choose Su Wan.
He hung up.
Su Wan couldn't stop herself from laughing. Her assistant, who was bringing in documents and coffee, hurried back to check the schedule. It made it very clear—no important guests were visiting today. Seeing how bright Su Wan looked just now, the assistant felt faintly certain her boss had done something impressive… and had thoroughly infuriated President Qin.
Su Wan enjoyed her delicious breakfast, gazing at the sun rising through the window. Her mood was wonderful. Truthfully, she wasn't even that busy today. After breakfast, she took out her phone and dialed a familiar number. It rang twice before a soft, gentle voice answered.
"Su Wan?"
"It's me."
"Something wrong?"
Su Wan blanked for a second. "Seems like… nothing." She tapped her head, annoyed at herself. Why had she suddenly called Qin Xin right now? "Did I interrupt your work?"
"No. I'm free right now." Axin was sitting in an office with a cup of rich coffee and some snacks. On her computer screen, a popular drama was paused. Nearby, a driver-uncle was cracking sunflower seeds while watching a livestream.
"Oh, good." Su Wan exhaled. "I don't know why I called you. Since you picked up, there's something I do want to say."
"What is it?"
"In a few days, once I secure this project and hand it over, I'll be free for a while." Su Wan paused. "I wanted to ask… have you ever traveled before?"
"No." Axin answered based on the original host's life. "Are you going away? Do you want me to watch the house? No problem."
"No, no!" Su Wan laughed helplessly. "I mean—are you free? Let's go together. Traveling alone is boring. It won't be long, two or three days."
"No problem. My boss is very nice. I work hard, so if I take a few days off, he won't mind."
On the side, the driver-brother's expression was complicated. He quickly messaged his boss:
"Miss Qin just told President Su: 'My boss is very nice, I work hard, so taking a few days off won't be an issue.'"
Boss Zhou replied at once: "I'm not nice? Miss Qin is very hardworking. How many cheaters has she caught for the casino lately? How many tricks has she taught our people? Of course I'll approve her leave."
Driver-brother: "Yes boss. Sorry to disturb."
"That's great." Su Wan was in a wonderful mood. "You confirm the time. We'll decide the place when I'm back."
"Okay." Axin said.
Before hanging up, Su Wan added warmly, "This morning's food was perfect. Qin Xin, whatever you cook must be magical—after eating it, I feel happy all day."
"And by the way…" She hesitated a beat. "I'm not very busy today. I should get off early. Where are you working? I'll pick you up. How about it?"
Axin glanced at the whole office, the computer in front of her, the piles of snacks, and the driver-uncle chewing seeds. Then she said calmly, "Alright."
"Send me the address. I'll also take a look at your workplace for you—see whether the company has a future." Su Wan thought for a moment. "If it doesn't, come to my Su Group. You can learn while you grow."
Axin pinched the candy still in her hand, her tone steady. "Mm. Then I'll trouble you, Su Wan."
"No trouble. I'm still counting on your dinner tonight."
After the call ended, Axin unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth. Then she told the driver-brother, "Su Wan is coming to pick me up this afternoon."
"Then I don't need to send you home today?" he asked, meaning: does he finally get a day without driving a six-million car to the market in a suit under everyone's stare?
Axin nodded, clicked her mouse to resume the drama, and said casually, "You don't need to send me. But she wants to come up and see my work environment—check the company's prospects."
Driver-brother: "..."
He suddenly felt a headache coming on.
"I'll go arrange it right away."
Axin smiled lightly. "Thanks for the trouble."
"N-no trouble at all. Serving Miss Qin is what I should do." He smiled through misery. This office had to be rearranged—made to look professional, formal, and extremely promising.
That afternoon, Su Wan got off early and drove to the address Axin sent. The office was already prepared—clean, formal, clearly a Zhou-owned company. Seeing how proper it looked, she finally felt reassured, and in the end, she took Axin's hand and brought her home.
After getting into the car, Su Wan was surprised. "You work at a Zhou Group company?"
"Yeah."
"Zhou's isn't bad." Su Wan said. "If you got into one of their companies, your ability must be pretty solid."
"Does this company have a future, Su Wan?" Axin asked.
Su Wan burst out laughing. "A huge future. No wonder you said if you perform well they'll give you shares—that's not strange at all with Zhou's. I'm relieved. Work hard there. People with skill won't be mistreated in Zhou's."
"Mm. Let's go to the market first."
At the vegetable market, Axin was already a regular. Many vendors recognized her and automatically looked toward the person with her today. Seeing it wasn't a suited man this time but a stunning, elegant woman who clearly didn't belong in a market, they clicked their tongues in amazement.
Su Wan had never been to a market before. She could only watch. Whenever she saw vegetables she didn't recognize, Axin casually explained them. Seeing what everyday ingredients actually looked like fresh from stalls made her curious; she started identifying them too.
"This is what you used for that soup I had yesterday?" Su Wan pointed at the two bone pieces. "At least I can recognize these."
Axin nodded. "Yes."
"I'll carry some." Su Wan offered.
Axin didn't refuse, handing her a bag. Su Wan held the vegetables in her hand, and the whole experience felt strangely novel.
Back at the villa, Su Wan watched Axin cook from start to finish. Seeing how delicious food was made, she admired her even more—if she tried, it would all turn inedible.
While they were eating, Su Wan's phone rang again.
"President Su."
"President Qin, what is it?" Su Wan bit into a bone as she spoke. She never used to do that—until now. It was just too delicious.
"President Su, come to the hospital. Xiaoge wants to see you."
Su Wan froze, frowning. "President Qin, you couldn't take care of your girlfriend properly?"
"Xiaoge insists on seeing you. If she can't, she fights with me. I don't want you to come either, but she wouldn't stop. I had to call you. If you don't come, I'm afraid she'll do something stupid—she almost opened the window to jump just now."
"Is that so…" Su Wan pressed her lips together, set down her bowl, then said, "Alright. I'm coming."
After hanging up, she looked at her soup regretfully. "I'll have to heat it up again."
"I'll keep it warm for you," Axin said, taking her bowl to the kitchen. "It hasn't fully cooled yet."
Su Wan watched her back, picked up her bag, and went to change shoes. "Axin, I'm heading out." Seeing the girl walk out of the kitchen, some impulse she couldn't name rose inside her. "I'll be back soon." She didn't even know why she added that.
Since Ye Xiaoge wanted to see her, she would go. The three of them being together could finally put an end to this relationship that had already become the past.
"Okay. Come back early."
Su Wan smiled, walked out, and closed the door. She felt her life was good now. When had she started being able to live without Ye Xiaoge? After Qin Xin appeared, her obsession with Xiaoge had faded little by little, until she finally understood everything.
Driving to the hospital, she thought: with Qin Feng's personality, he wouldn't call her to see Xiaoge on his own. With Ye Xiaoge's personality, she wouldn't fight Qin Feng demanding to see her either. So what exactly was going on? The final negotiation for that project was tomorrow. The day after. She hoped her guess was wrong.
Xiaoge—one last time. Don't disappoint her. Otherwise, she'd have to cut Ye Xiaoge out of her life forever.
At the hospital, she saw Ye Xiaoge.
"Qin Feng, go out. I want to talk to Wanwan alone." Ye Xiaoge looked genuinely haggard, still hooked to an IV. Just to wait for Qin Feng to come, she hadn't even taken her medicine, so her illness had worsened.
Su Wan stepped up to her with lingering concern. "How are you feeling? Better?"
"Much better." Ye Xiaoge lowered her eyes, biting her lip, looking hesitant. The concern on Su Wan's face slowly vanished. After a long pause, Xiaoge finally looked up and stared at her directly.
"Wanwan… do you really like me that much?"
"What kind of answer are you hoping for?" Su Wan asked instead of replying.
Ye Xiaoge clutched the white blanket, took a deep breath. "Wanwan… I can agree to be with you."
"Xiaoge, what are you joking about?" Su Wan smiled, with no hope left in her heart. "I told you before—I won't force you."
Ye Xiaoge shook her head. "Wanwan, I only found out today that Qin Feng's company is in trouble. He didn't tell me, but I overheard him on the phone. I thought it was some woman calling him, but then I learned it was the company. There's a project that will decide its final result tomorrow or the day after. And I heard the Qin Group's biggest competitor is the Su Group."
"So…" She clenched her teeth. "So Wanwan, if I'm with you, can you give up that project?"
Su Wan's expression turned flat. The smile disappeared. She met Xiaoge's pitiful eyes and stepped closer.
"Xiaoge… do you know what you're saying?"
"I do! Wanwan, I don't want Qin Feng to fail. If his company can't win this project, it'll face a crisis. Wanwan, help me once. I'm already willing to be with you—what more do you want? Do you really need to see Qin Feng's company collapse before you're satisfied?"
"Wanwan, as long as you agree, I'll accept any condition you want."
Su Wan narrowed her eyes. "So you called me here just to make me abandon this project? Xiaoge, are you forgetting something? This project matters to Qin Feng, and it matters even more to the Su Group. We invested heavily in it at the early stage—countless resources. You want me to throw all that away because of one sentence from you? Because of one Ye Xiaoge, the entire Su Group staff should bear immense risk?"
"I used to like you. I even did a lot of irrational things for you. But this time I can't agree. As the person in charge of Su Group, I must consider every employee."
"Wanwan, I'm begging you…" Ye Xiaoge tried to kneel.
At that moment, Qin Feng rushed in, grabbed her in his arms, and whispered, "Xiaoge, you're too foolish. I don't need you to pay this price for a project. That project means nothing compared to you."
Then he swept a cold glance at Su Wan. "President Su, please leave."
Su Wan's face went from blank to deeply hurt. She stared at Ye Xiaoge for a long second, then said quietly, "Alright. I'm leaving." She walked away looking painfully defeated—and once she turned a corner where no one could see, her lips curved upward.
Back at the villa, Axin, who was still eating, suddenly received a call from Qin Feng.
"You can pack your things and leave now. Remember: she has to see you leave. And mock her a little while you're at it."
Axin texted back: "Okay."