p.s. Regular readers should all know this. Single quotes ''[the character's inner thoughts]. Double quotes " " are spoken words. There's quite a bit of switching between the two in this chapter, so I'll mention it in advance.

...

It was seeing He Mengxue's aggrieved, lost expression.

Even though Yang Rou and He Mengxue's relationship had previously been just average, Yang Rou still felt a pang of compassion.

She patted He Mengxue on the shoulder and asked, "Do you... like Chen Yan?"

Perhaps because her voice had always been rather cold, although Yang Rou meant to show care, it sounded particularly harsh to He Mengxue.

She forced a smile on her face and then said, "There are many ways to humiliate me. Please don't bring this up."

Yang Rou's hand movements paused.

That was not her intention.

But, after all, she was not good at expressing herself, and seeing He Mengxue's misunderstanding, she fell silent for a while, not knowing how to explain.

She wanted to walk away, not to meddle in these trivial matters anymore. But she felt a bit of heartache for He Mengxue.

So, she hesitated for a moment, still deciding to talk about her own feelings.

After all, in her eyes, she was a few years older than He Mengxue, and her understanding of love and life was indeed a bit more profound. Plus... she also happened to like Chen Yan, so she had "a bit of experience" with this matter.

She put her hand down, looked at He Mengxue, and then pointed in the direction of Chen Yan's office and said softly, "People are different from one another."

"Some people are luckier. When they think about someone, they can tell him directly, see him, date him."

"Some people... are less fortunate. When they think about someone, they can only listen to music, drink alcohol, walk the nighttime streets..."

Her eyes had a bit of depth in them.

He Mengxue was stunned for a moment. She understood who those two people were...

Yang Rou paused, then added, "There are also those who are in love but don't realize it."

"They think all of this is what they deserve."

"But..."

"No one's kindness is without reason."

Yang Rou sighed softly, "He's still too young. He doesn't understand these things."

"And, he's a bit spoiled."

"So, by the time he really understands all this one day, perhaps... he has already lived half his life."

"Can you really wait for him that long?"

Originally, He Mengxue was very uncomfortable talking to Yang Rou about Chen Yan.

Because... she was a proud person herself. She didn't like people seeing her at her most embarrassed.

Especially Yang Rou, this "rival."

But, when Yang Rou's pointed words mentioned three people, He Mengxue also fell silent for a moment.

She knew that the three people Yang Rou mentioned were Yu Qiao Qiao, herself, and Chen Yan.

Yu Qiao Qiao was lucky; she liked Chen Yan, could tell him, see him, and date him.

Chen Yan was the spoiled one, enjoying the love of several women without awareness.

Only she was unfortunate. She had nothing, and perhaps, might never have it in her lifetime...

Before, He Mengxue was very confident. She thought she could conquer Chen Yan with her family background, her looks, her capabilities, her figure.

But, after getting to know him more recently, she realized she didn't truly understand Chen Yan.

He was both philanthropic and passionate.

He also had an unparalleled confidence, entirely unaffected by her family background or external conditions.

This made He Mengxue's heart waver all along.

It's just that, she had fallen deeper and deeper, so she dared not think more about these things. She could only hypnotize herself, deceive herself.

But today, Yang Rou laid everything out in front of her, raw and bloody.

For a moment, she didn't know how to choose...

Yang Rou didn't rush He Mengxue; she knew every woman would experience a similar scene. So she sat down, patiently giving He Mengxue time to ponder, to choose...

After an unknown period, He Mengxue's gaze gradually shifted from confusion to determination.

She looked at Yang Rou and then, for the first time, asked, "Sister Rou. Do you know what my standard for my other half is?"

Yang Rou didn't know why He Mengxue was asking this question.

She couldn't help but answer, "What is it?"

He Mengxue spoke seriously, "Actually, I never had a standard before. I thought it should be left to fate. If fate comes, we could try being together."

"But just now, I suddenly have a standard."

"Just one."

"That is... it must be Chen Yan."

After speaking, she slightly bowed to Yang Rou, performed a courtesy bow, "Thank you, Sister Rou."

"I've figured it out."

"I've set my heart on him for this lifetime."

After speaking, she turned and left the conference room resolutely.

Listening to He Mengxue's words, Yang Rou was a bit dazed for a moment.

She watched He Mengxue's retreating figure, feeling a mix of emotions.

After He Mengxue's figure disappeared from the doorway, she couldn't help but sigh softly, then turned her head in the direction of Chen Yan's office.

Her gaze was cold and deep, as if she could see through the walls into Chen Yan's office.

"Watching" Chen Yan and Yu Qiao Qiao's intimate interactions in front of her, Yang Rou couldn't help but feel a bit contemplative.

'Humans are really a fascinating creature.'

'Sometimes, some things, you can delay for a very, very long time before feeling [pain].'

'Can you imagine?'

'Maybe when you're in your thirties or forties, on some rainy night, you're driving, waiting at the traffic light. The rain pitter-patters down, tapping against your car window.'

'Through the blurred rain, you suddenly remember a girl from many years ago.'

'Suddenly, you realize, back then, you already missed the woman who loved you the most in your lifetime.'

'And by that time, you've already lived more than half your life...'

Yang Rou retracted her gaze, looking downwards, and sighed softly. It's unclear whether the sigh was for Chen Yan, for He Mengxue, or for herself...

"Let's hope everything turns out okay..."

...

At the same time, in Chen Yan's office.

After the meeting, Chen Yan returned to his office.

Yu Qiao Qiao was the most well-behaved among Chen Yan's women.

If it was Lu Man, she would have probably already been sitting in Chen Yan's chair by now, with her feet up on the desk, playing games on Chen Yan's computer while drinking his tea.

But Yu Qiao Qiao was obediently sitting on the sofa, just holding her small phone, looking at stuff, without even pouring herself a glass of water.

If Chen Yan hadn't remembered the position she was in when he left, he would have to make Yu Qiao Qiao stand up and compare, to see if she hadn't moved at all since he left...

Putting down the documents, Chen Yan poured water for Yu Qiao Qiao and playfully complained, "You really don't treat this place like your own."

"Not even pouring yourself a glass of water. Are you worried my water might be poisoned?"

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Yu Qiao Qiao quickly waved her hands and explained, "No, no. I'm not thirsty, not thirsty."

Chen Yan completely ignored what she was saying, instead filled the glass with water, and handed it to her.

Yu Qiao Qiao obediently took the water, glanced weakly at Chen Yan, and then took a small sip.

Seeing her so adorable, Chen Yan laughed and patted her head, saying, "How come it feels like after half a month of not seeing you, you've become quite unfamiliar with me."

Yu Qiao Qiao shook her head like a rattle-drum, "No, not at all."

She lowered her head, explaining softly, "I'm just too scared to disturb you..."

"I heard from Sister Man Man and Sister Rou that you've been very busy lately, and your career has been growing so much."

"I'm afraid of disturbing your work."

Chen Yan gently tapped on her head and said, "What nonsense are you thinking about? I've already said it before, your matters are the most important. Whatever the time, it's never a disturbance."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Yu Qiao Qiao carefully looked up at Chen Yan.

Seeing that Chen Yan was indeed serious, a charming smile appeared on her face.

Her smile was pitiful, her eyes curved into crescents, like a rainbow, looking exceptionally sweet.

After smiling, she gently touched her pocket, as if searching for courage.

Then, she asked softly, "Chen... Chen Yan... how much money do you make in a day now?"

Yu Qiao Qiao asked because she had seen a clip on Douyin where a son tried to buy his father's time, the time his father spent with the family.

It had been a long time since she'd seen Chen Yan and had a date with him.

So, after watching that clip, she carefully counted her savings. Over the years, Chen Yan had always found ways to give her money, through salary, bonuses, dividends, and some money left with her.

She didn't realize until she counted, and she was startled.

Excluding the 30 million that she helped Chen Yan save, she had managed to save over 7 million in three years (including what Yang Nuan Nuan had made for her).

She knew Chen Yan's career was growing rapidly, but 7 million should be enough to buy a day of his time to be with her...

At this moment, Chen Yan, hearing Yu Qiao Qiao's question, also fell into thought.

How much money did he make in a day now?

He had never really calculated it before.

But roughly estimating, it was now mid-July. With his profession's cashback and the operations of the various companies, it seemed he had made over 15 billion.

Six and a half months equal 200 days?

15 billion means daily earnings of 0.75 billion?

That's 750 million?

Thinking this, Chen Yan looked at Yu Qiao Qiao and said truthfully, "A day? About 70 million."

Saying this, Chen Yan also touched his nose, covering up a little.

After all, in his mind, Yu Qiao Qiao wanted to understand his financial situation so she could manage him after they got married.

So... he deliberately said 5 million less per day, creating a little nest egg for himself.

Hiding 5 million a day, that's 1.825 billion a year. Enough to spend. Smug.

Chen Yan thought he was really clever.

Then...

Yu Qiao Qiao's mouth slightly opened, her face full of shock as she looked at Chen Yan,

"How, how much?"

Chen Yan coughed, "Over 70 million."

After speaking, he added with a "guilty conscience," "I haven't hidden anything."

Yu Qiao Qiao: ...

Yu Qiao Qiao touched the bank card with a 7 million balance in her pocket, and pouted her lips in a slight pout.

Seeing that Yu Qiao Qiao's expression seemed off, Chen Yan was also puzzled.

Why wasn't Yu Qiao Qiao happy hearing he made a lot of money?

Chen Yan thought women were indeed difficult to understand.

Might as well cheat then!

Thinking this, he turned on [Headphones], listening for Yu Qiao Qiao's inner thoughts.

The surroundings gradually faded, and what was left in Chen Yan's ears was only the "thump, thump, thump" of Yu Qiao Qiao's heartbeat.

After a moment, Yu Qiao Qiao's voice rang in Chen Yan's ears,

"Chen Yan actually makes that much..."

"Then my 7 million can't buy a day of his time..."

"What if I said I wanted to buy him for two hours, would he agree?"

Chen Yan was startled for a moment, then turned to look at Yu Qiao Qiao.

Yu Qiao Qiao was bowing her head, her hand clenching tighter in her pocket,

"But... I really want to spend a little more time with him..."

As the voice of the "inner headphones" gradually faded away, Chen Yan looked at the silly girl before him with a complex gaze.

He looked for one second, two seconds, three seconds...

After a moment, he suddenly smiled and said to Yu Qiao Qiao, "Qiao Qiao, the clothes you're wearing today are really beautiful."

"Ah?" Upon hearing the sudden praise from Chen Yan, Yu Qiao Qiao snapped back to reality and looked up at him.

Then she looked down at the clothes she was wearing.

Although she now had money, Yu Qiao Qiao had always been thrifty.

The clothes she was wearing were also bought while strolling through the night market with the three kids.

So, the material was actually quite ordinary, and the style wasn't very fashionable either.

So hearing Chen Yan's compliment out of the blue, Yu Qiao Qiao didn't know how to respond.

Fortunately, Chen Yan didn't wait for her to respond.

He smiled and gave a knightly bow to Yu Qiao Qiao, then said, "I wonder if I might have the honor of taking the dress you're wearing out on a date."

After speaking, he added, "If you have time, you can join us too~"

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Yu Qiao Qiao was stunned for a moment, her thoughts racing, and she immediately understood what Chen Yan meant.

She couldn't help but shyly smile sweetly, "It... it has time..."

Chen Yan hugged her with a laugh, then leaned his ear toward her and whispered softly, "After our date, if you still have time, I hope I can take it off you and study it carefully."

Chen Yan's voice was magnetic and husky, whispering into her ear and making Yu Qiao Qiao itch all over.

The combination of his whisper and that proposition not meant for minors sent a warm rush from her earlobe down to her delicate neck.

She shrank her neck shyly while whispering softly, "Okay, okay... Don't, don't do this."

Seeing Yu Qiao Qiao's shy and cute appearance, Chen Yan felt a surge of desire. He chuckled and said, "Actually... it might also be okay to study it first, then go on the date."

"No, don't..."

...

An hour and a half later.

Since there was a date scheduled for the evening, Chen Yan left work early.

Holding Yu Qiao Qiao's hand, he walked into the elevator.

Since it wasn't yet time to get off work, there were no other people in the elevator.

Therefore, the two who had just enjoyed the warmth of intimacy were chatting softly.

The elevator descended, reaching the 17th floor, and slowly opened.

Chen Yan was still quietly chatting with Yu Qiao Qiao, but when the elevator door opened, he was suddenly stunned.

It was because He Mengxue was standing at the door.

Chen Yan was taken aback for a moment.

His reflex was to let go of the hand.

But... he felt that doing so would hurt Yu Qiao Qiao.

Thus, after a moment's hesitation, his hand didn't loosen but instead held on even tighter.

At this moment, as the elevator door opened, He Mengxue, carrying a bundle of documents, also saw the two people inside.

She too was taken aback.

Then she looked at Chen Yan, then at Yu Qiao Qiao, and then at the hands they held together.

At this time, Yu Qiao Qiao also saw He Mengxue and immediately called out sweetly, "Sister Xue."

He Mengxue snapped back to reality, squeezing out a smile, and then stammered, "Yu, Yu Qiao."

After saying that, she shot a fleeting look at Chen Yan and called out, "CEO Chen."

Chen Yan felt the atmosphere become somewhat awkward for a moment.

He nodded slightly without speaking.

Yu Qiao Qiao was no fool.

Although she was a bit slow, she still sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off.

She looked at Chen Yan, then at He Mengxue, and took the initiative to invite, "Sister Xue, are you also going down? Come join us."

He Mengxue, whose mood had gradually stabilized, smiled and shook her head, then said, "No, thanks. I just remembered that I forgot a document at Sister Rou's place. You go on ahead."

Saying that, she turned and left the 17th floor's elevator lobby.

As He Mengxue walked away, the elevator doors slowly closed.

The atmosphere in the elevator suddenly became a bit heavy.

Yu Qiao Qiao looked ahead thoughtfully.

Chen Yan wanted to lighten the mood, but due to his change of emotions, he didn't know how to start...

...

After watching the elevator doors close, He Mengxue returned to the elevator lobby.

Facing the closed elevator doors, He Mengxue took a deep breath, feeling the atmosphere to be a bit oppressive.

Even though she knew very well that Yu Qiao Qiao was Chen Yan's official girlfriend and that their relationship was extremely close, she was still somewhat caught off guard when confronted so directly.

Images that Yang Rou had shared with her about "those three people" sprang into her mind.

That afternoon, even though she had resolved herself, she still didn't quite understand.

But upon seeing Yu Qiao Qiao proudly and happily having her hand held by Chen Yan, she felt like she understood everything in that instant...

The next elevator arrived and slowly opened.

He Mengxue stepped in with a bitter smile.

"Indeed... joy and sorrow are not shared by everyone."

Musing to herself, He Mengxue started humming a song with a melancholic tune...

Arriving on the 16th floor at Chen's Investment Company.

He Mengxue hummed the song as she went to her office.

She encountered her cousin Qin Ming head-on.

Hearing his sister's melancholic humming, Qin Ming gave her a curious look, then said, "Sis, why are you humming such a... um... pretentious song?"

Hearing her cousin's remark, He Mengxue glanced at him and said softly, "Then you must be the one loved in love..."

......

The sudden encounter with He Mengxue disrupted Chen Yan's mood.

But he soon composed himself.

And Yu Qiao Qiao, considerate as ever, didn't bring up what had just happened but rather discussed with Chen Yan where to have dinner as usual.

Time is the most magical thing. It can change everything.

And so, in less than half an hour, the two were back to laughing and talking as usual.

Chen Yan had no elaborate plans for the evening; he just wanted to have dinner with Yu Qiao Qiao and then head home to spend quality time with her.

So, they went to the seaside together and had a sumptuous meal.

During the meal, everything between the two was fine.

However, after dinner, Yu Qiao Qiao began to think about the incident in the elevator and felt a bit hesitant.

......

The sudden encounter with He Mengxue, although it disturbed Chen Yan's state of mind,

he quickly recomposed himself.

And Yu Qiao Qiao, being thoughtful, didn't mention what had just happened but normally discussed with Chen Yan where they should have dinner.

Time is the most magical thing. It can change everything.

Hence, in less than half an hour, the two of them were back to chatting and laughing as usual.

Chen Yan's plans for the evening were simple: just have dinner with Yu Qiao Qiao and then go home together to keep her company.

So, the two of them went to the seaside and enjoyed a lavish meal.

During the meal, everything was actually going well for both of them.

However, after the meal, Yu Qiao Qiao began recalling the incident in the elevator and hesitated.

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