That afternoon, Su Wan was swamped at the company. The Su Group was vying for an extremely important project, and she had to devote all her focus to it. Several major corporations in the city were also interested, and among them, the strongest competitor was naturally the Qin Group. All the more reason for her to take this project no matter what.
Rumor had it the Qin Group was likely to lose this year's Cruise Night bidding. Right now, Qin Feng was throwing everything he had into securing the project—how could she possibly let him have his way?
Knowing she would be working late, Su Wan called Axin ahead of time, telling her to order takeout first and not to wait.
Late at night, Su Wan drove back to the villa. Leaving all work matters behind, she recalled running into Axin at noon, and something inside her felt vaguely uncomfortable. She had originally wanted to bring something home for her, but it was already too late—everything was closed. She could only decide to ask Axin during the day what she needed.
She parked the car and walked to the door. Just as she reached for her keys, the door opened.
She had checked the time earlier—it was already one-thirty in the morning. Qin Xin wasn't asleep yet? She instinctively pulled out her phone to double-check. Yes—1:30 a.m.
Walking inside while changing her shoes, she asked, "It's so late—why aren't you resting yet?"
"I was waiting for you." Axin smiled. "Su Wan, I saved dinner for you. You definitely didn't eat, right? And with all that instant ramen in the kitchen, you were probably planning to make some. You know it's impossible to order takeout this far out at night."
"I ate earlier. When I work late, I just get hungry and eat some instant noodles," Su Wan said casually. She was picky about food, but if starving, she'd manage.
Thinking of the dinner Axin supposedly saved, she asked curiously, "What did you make?"
"I cooked purple sweet potato porridge. It warms the stomach, digests easily, and is nutritious. I also made a few small dishes." Axin spoke slowly. "It tasted good to me—I think you'll like it."
Such confident words made Su Wan laugh. "Then I'll give it a try."
"Next time, don't wait for me. Sleep if you're tired. Staying up late will ruin your skin and your health." Su Wan scolded gently as she walked to the kitchen, with Axin following behind.
Watching Su Wan fumble around for bowls and chopsticks, Axin gently pushed her aside. "Let me get that."
Su Wan shrugged helplessly. She rarely used her own kitchen supplies—of course she was unfamiliar. She stepped aside and watched as Axin ladled out a bowl of steaming purple porridge. The aroma alone stirred her appetite.
"I'll bring out the dishes. Go wait outside."
Axin handed her the porridge and chopsticks. Su Wan didn't refuse and took them to the dining table. She tasted a small spoonful—her eyes lit up. It was delicious. Naturally, she began anticipating the dishes Axin was bringing out.
Three dishes: a simple stir-fried vegetable platter, pickled vegetables, and a mixed salad. All light and not greasy.
Su Wan relaxed—vegetables didn't make her gain weight. But once she took a bite, she realized Axin had been humble. It wasn't just "good." It was incredibly good. So good she forgot to ask how Axin knew how to cook like this—and forgot to ask whether Axin had eaten.
She barely restrained herself from getting a second bowl of porridge. In her mind: Eat another and you'll gain ten pounds, Su Wan. Ten.
Reluctantly, she washed her bowl and chopsticks.
Back in the living room, seeing Axin sitting with her phone, Su Wan finally said:
"Qin Xin, your cooking is amazing."
Axin looked up. "As long as you like it."
"I really mean it. It was incredible."
Thinking of Axin's background, Su Wan felt a pang of distress. If she cooked like this, she must not have grown up well. "You can stay here as long as you want. But… I still think you need a job. Not because I mind you eating my food, but because… I want you to have a future."
Su Wan was sincere. She didn't want this brilliant girl to become someone who couldn't support herself. At eighteen, she deserved a bright life.
Axin smiled softly. "I already found a job. I start tomorrow. You don't need to worry."
"So soon?" Su Wan blinked. "Is it reliable?"
"Very. The boss is kind, the pay's good, nine-to-five, and if I perform well, he'll even give me shares."
Axin said lightly. Boss Zhou was indeed generous—he had hired her as a technical consultant for Zhou Entertainment's casino division, offering her an annual salary, and they were preparing a major cooperative project. She was very satisfied.
Su Wan sighed with relief. "Good. I trust you."
"If there's anything you don't understand, call or message me."
"Alright." Axin agreed, though she rarely needed help—there was little she didn't know.
"I heard you didn't go to college after high school. Why? Poor grades or something else?"
Su Wan asked seriously. "I still think education is important for your future."
Axin recalled the original host's grades. "My grades were good. First in the class. But last year, my mother refused to let me take the college entrance exam."
Axin still wore her gentle smile, making it impossible to tell whether she was sad or mocking.
"Why? With grades like that?"
Su Wan nearly gasped. A mother refusing a top-ranking daughter the chance to take the exam? Unbelievable.
"She said since I didn't get top three in the entire grade, I wasn't as good as my brother, who was always number one."
Axin spoke lightly. "She also said universities were chaotic—girls got kept by rich men. She didn't want me bringing shame to the Qin family. She also never brought me to events because she said I was dull, not smooth-tongued, not likable, and shouldn't eat too much there or I'd look like a starving ghost reborn."
Su Wan felt her chest tighten in outrage.
Axin continued, smiling faintly. "When I was young, she used to yank my arm and ask why I wasn't born a boy. If I were, she said the Qin family would be hers. The marks are still there—too many times pulling left scars."
Su Wan's eyes burned. Everything… because Axin wasn't a boy.
"Don't go back to the Qin family." Su Wan touched her head gently. "Stay here as long as you want. When you're strong enough to stand on your own, then think about the rest."
"You still want to go to college?"
"No." Axin shook her head. University wasted too much time. She wanted to stay by Su Wan's side, protect her, make her happy.
Su Wan felt a twinge of regret.
But Axin said, "I'll keep reading books. If I work well, I'll earn more shares. I won't have to worry about money."
"Alright." Su Wan accepted. There were many paths in life. Qin Xin was a good girl—resilient and fighting. She would not live a mediocre life.
"College isn't a must, but you should read more."
"I know."
Axin smiled. "Su Wan, go rest. You'll be busy tomorrow. Don't exhaust yourself."
"Mm. Let's both rest." Su Wan paused. "And—if you cook extra, feel free to leave some for me."
Her mouth curled up at the thought.
The next morning, when Su Wan came out after washing up, delicious smells drifted from the kitchen.
Axin poked her head out. "Eat before you leave. If you don't have time, I packed it for you."
"…Sorry to trouble you."
For someone two years younger, Axin somehow made Su Wan feel like she was being taken care of.
Carrying the warm lunchbox to work, Su Wan couldn't help sneaking glances at it along the drive—wondering what breakfast tasted like today.
After eating in her office, watching the city skyline outside the window, she felt… different. Happier. Like something had shifted in her life.
Later, Axin received a call.
"Miss Qin, have you finished breakfast?"
"Almost." She wiped her mouth elegantly. "You're here?"
"Yes. Waiting at the usual spot."
"I'll get my bag."
After cleaning up, Axin stepped out with a small exquisite purse, and headed toward a luxury car parked a hundred meters away. The suited driver greeted her respectfully.
"Good morning, Miss Qin."
"Mm." Axin responded softly.
He opened the door for her. Once inside, he started the engine and said, "I heard you've left the Qin family?"
"I have."
Axin smiled. "Boss Zhou asked you?"
"No, no—just my own curiosity."
Axin only smiled faintly.
The driver secretly marveled. What a fool Yu Meiyun was—abandoning a daughter like this, only to cozy up to Qin Feng.
Boss Zhou hadn't cared for Qin Feng at all. With Qin Feng's father gone, they were quietly probing the Qin family's defenses, waiting to strike. And now, unexpectedly, a hidden genius of a girl had fallen right into their hands—Qin Xin.
Every day, after Su Wan left for work, someone picked Axin up for her "job." At 5 p.m., they dropped her near the villa, and she walked the rest of the way—hands full of groceries she had the driver help her buy.
The driver nearly cried having to drive a six-million-yuan luxury car to the vegetable market daily.
But Boss Zhou only laughed and told him, "Take care of Miss Qin. Do whatever she asks. The car? Don't worry—I'll buy you a better one later."
In the evenings, Su Wan always found a sticky note on the shoe cabinet:
"Left some food. Remember to eat."
She smiled every time, carefully saving each note into a small box. There were already over a dozen.
Since Qin Xin moved in, her health improved. Her stomach rarely hurt anymore. There was always warm breakfast in the morning and hot soup at night. Her days felt… blissful. So blissful she forgot many things.
Like thinking about Ye Xiaoge.
Not until her phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID "Xiaoge," Su Wan froze.
She had gone more than ten days without thinking of her. Without even noticing.
She answered. "Xiaoge? Why are you calling so late?"
"Wanwan… you've been so busy? You haven't contacted me in so long… Are you still mad? I'm sorry about last time. You know I can't help worrying about Qin Feng…"
Su Wan realized she wasn't angry anymore. She wasn't sad either. Hearing Xiaoge's apology felt like a feather brushing past.
"I've been busy with a project," she said calmly. "And I didn't want to disturb you—you love Qin Feng so much. If I keep appearing, it'll complicate things. For both of you."
When she finished, she felt no pain—just relief. Letting go wasn't that hard after all.
Xiaoge started crying.
"Wanwan… don't be mad. I'll never do that again. I'll always put you first, even if Qin Feng calls…"
"Xiaoge, what happened?" Su Wan rubbed her forehead.
Xiaoge hesitated, then admitted:
"I went to Qin Feng's company and saw a lot of beautiful girls visiting him. I got jealous… we argued… now he's ignoring me… I'm scared, Wanwan… should I go apologize?"
"Yes. You were impulsive. You should apologize."
It was the first time Su Wan felt impatient.
"Wanwan… can you come over? I'm scared… please keep me company…"
For the first time, Su Wan said no.
"Sorry. It's late, and I have work tomorrow."
"Good night, Xiaoge."
She hung up. Not sad at all—only relieved.
Looking at the cooled soup, she sighed.
Reheating wasn't the same as fresh. A pity.
"Your soup got cold."
Axin's voice came from behind.
Su Wan turned and smiled. "Phone call. What a pity."
"I'll warm it up for you."
Axin took the bowl to the kitchen.
Su Wan followed.
"If you like it," Axin said softly, "I'll make it again tomorrow."
Su Wan flushed. "Isn't that too much trouble?"
"No trouble," Axin smiled, "I'll eat it too."
Su Wan's heart fluttered.
"Qin Xin, your cooking is incredible. Taking you home… might be the best decision I ever made."