Tan Mo looked at the message, her eyes quivered slightly like water in a glass, suddenly stunned.
Song Ranxia, was she returning to the country…?
The sound of fireworks outside vanished momentarily from her ears.
Her gaze fixed rigidly on the phone, all other thoughts abruptly severed in her mind.
Two seconds later, she quickly locked the screen as if escaping, blinked her eyes, and tried to suppress all the memories rising within her.
Sitting up from the bed, she attempted to calm her heart.
Yet the intimate tone and content of the message from the woman seemed imprinted in her vision, lingering stubbornly, her heart thumping chaotically like it had been struck by drumsticks.
Just like in the past, a wave of sourness instinctively surged up, making her feel both resistance and confusion.
Had the vinegar from six years ago really not fully evaporated yet…?
Why should she care? What connection did she have with Song Ranxia and Xie Qichen…?
After a while, the man emerged from the bathroom after taking a shower, only to find the girl sitting at the edge of the bed, motionless and lost in thought, like a bewildered little rabbit.
“What are you daydreaming about?”
Xie Qichen approached.
Hearing his voice, Tan Mo lifted her gaze and replied blankly, “Nothing.”
“You said tonight you wanted to go to a beach barbecue. We can invite a few friends over the next few days, and also invite your uncle. I’ll make the arrangements, and we can go together.”
As he spoke, Xie Qichen was tidying up his clothes. Receiving no reply after a while, he turned around and found Tan Mo half-closing her eyes, lost in thought, her mood seemingly indifferent.
“Tan Mo.”
Tan Mo immediately raised her eyes. “Huh?”
She hesitated slightly, organizing the drifting thoughts from the message just now. “Okay, then let’s invite friends to go together.”
Xie Qichen sensed something was off and walked over to stand in front of her. He gently touched her forehead. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“No.”
He leaned down to meet her eye level, his expression gentle, smiling softly.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling down? Too tired? Or are you upset because I wouldn’t let you stay up all night?”
The image of the man before her overlapped with the teenage boy she had once secretly admired, causing her to feel momentarily dazed.
Then, as if only just realizing their current relationship—that he was now her husband and standing very close—Tan Mo quickly suppressed all uneasy emotions, offering a faint smile with her dimples showing.
“No, I was just thinking about something and got distracted.”
Xie Qichen picked up the phone from the bed beside her. Trying to sound casual, Tan Mo said:
“Um… just now, someone might have sent you a message. I wonder if there’s anything important.”
Xie Qichen glanced at it briefly and replied while looking down, his tone indifferent. “Nothing serious. A friend mentioned she’s returning to the country.”
Tan Mo slightly clenched her palm, the words she wanted to ask hovering at the tip of her tongue before she stopped herself. “Hmm…”
In his mind, was Song Ranxia merely a friend?
After replying, Xie Qichen casually set the phone aside, his attention focused solely on the girl. He leaned closer, looking at her and coaxing gently:
“Do you want to set off fireworks?”
“Now?”
Xie Qichen glanced at the wall clock. “Otherwise, it’s twenty-three forty-five. We still have time.”
He grabbed her wrist. “Let’s go.”
Tan Mo was led out of the bedroom by him, a sweet feeling rising in her heart. The message from earlier gradually faded from her mind, no longer a concern.
They grabbed the fireworks and eventually reached the rooftop terrace of the villa.
At this moment, many people in the city were already setting off fireworks, and the distant sky was illuminated with various dazzling displays, creating a lively atmosphere.
Tan Mo placed the bag on the ground, curiously untying it. “What did you buy?”
Standing beside her with one hand in his pocket, Xie Qichen replied, “Just grabbed a few random ones. I asked the shop owner to pick out some fun stuff. You should like them.”
Tan Mo opened the bag eagerly.
Inside was a large bucket of fireworks.
Hehehe, she liked that.
However, besides that, there were firecrackers, skyrocket rockets, spider bombs, whip crackers, and various other explosive items.
Tan Mo: ????
She whined, “Where are the fireworks? Why are there only firecrackers QAQ?”
Xie Qichen’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, his entire face darkening. “…The shop owner must have scammed me.”
He recalled how, earlier that afternoon, he had asked the shop owner to pick out some fun stuff, and the owner had happily packed a full bag, saying with a smile: “Don’t worry, it’s definitely fun.”
Tan Mo couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, maybe he thought you were buying them for little boys. Anyway, these are fine too. I used to play with these exciting whip crackers when I was a kid. Let me show you.”
The firecracker was shaped like a long whip, designed to be held while being lit.
Tan Mo took one out, stepped a little distance away, and carefully lit it with a lighter.
Seeing her timid expression, he said, “Let me light it.”
“No, I’m very brave.”
A few seconds later, the fuse ignited, sparking with a loud crackling sound, the noise almost rivaling that of firecrackers. Tan Mo was instantly frightened, yelling and holding it as far away as possible with her eyes tightly shut, wishing her arms could grow two meters longer. “So scary, I can’t do it, I can’t do it, waaah!”
Unable to bear it any longer, she quickly threw the whip cracker far away onto the ground.
The harmless little thing sputtered on the ground for a few seconds before fizzling out.
Tan Mo awkwardly fell silent. Xie Qichen, leaning against the railing beside her, raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Yeah, you really are brave.”
“…”
Tan Mo felt self-conscious. “I just haven’t played in a long time, okay?”
She picked up another box of spider bombs. “How about this? It’s a memory from my childhood. You probably never played with these when you were little.”
Xie Qichen took it, picked out one of the bombs, and took the lighter from her hand. Tan Mo hid behind him, peeking out with her little head fully focused on his movements. Suddenly, the man turned his head and shouted at her. Startled, she covered her ears. “Ah!”
Xie Qichen chuckled softly, holding up the spider bomb for her to see. “I haven’t even lit it yet.”
“…?!”
Tan Mo realized she had been tricked, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. She puffed her cheeks angrily and turned to leave, only to be pulled back.
Looking down at her, now cuter than ever, Xie Qichen laughed heartily, his chest vibrating.
“How come you’re so scared, you little dummy?”
Tan Mo angrily hit him. “Xie Qichen, you’re so boring.”
He was a thirty-year-old man and still this childish!
He laughed and patted her head, putting the spider bombs away. “They’re a bit dangerous. Don’t play with them alone.”
“I’ve already graduated from university, I’m not a child anymore.”
“Then prove it by holding that whip cracker.”
“…”
Tan Mo obediently shut her mouth.
As midnight approached, Xie Qichen set up the fireworks. Tan Mo stood aside while Xie Qichen lit them and then walked over to her.
The fuse burned to its end, and then a firework shot into the sky, bursting into a dazzling display.
Colorful fireworks bloomed one after another overhead.
The girl lifted her eyes to gaze at the beautiful fireworks, her pupils reflecting tiny sparkling lights. Suddenly, she recalled that time at sea when Xie Qichen had also set off a magnificent fireworks display for her and placed a ring on her finger. That memory was surprisingly romantic.
Xie Qichen lowered his gaze, focusing on her. “Do you like it?”
Tan Mo smiled sweetly. “It’s okay, I guess.”
“Okay… guess.”
She couldn’t hold back her smile and turned to meet his gaze. “No, I really, really like it.”
Thank you for spending such a particularly joyful New Year’s Eve with her.
Even if one day they would part ways, and such moments would eventually come to an end, these beautiful memories would never be erased from her heart.
After setting off the fireworks, the two went downstairs. Tan Mo returned to the room to take a shower and then went to the second-floor living room to watch the Spring Festival Gala.
Eventually, she fell asleep directly on the sofa out of tiredness.
Xie Qichen approached her, seeing the girl with her eyes closed, one hand covering half her face, smacking her lips and murmuring in her sleep:
“More tripe… no beef…”
Even in her dreams, she was thinking about hotpot.
Xie Qichen couldn’t help but smile. He slid his arms under her knees and gently picked her up.
Walking back to the bedroom, he placed Tan Mo on the bed.
The bedside lamp was on, melting the surrounding air into a warm orange glow.
Xie Qichen leaned down, gazing directly at her peaceful face. His eyes softened like flowing water, brimming with love he could barely contain. Finally, he restrained himself and gently kissed her forehead:
“Happy New Year, Mrs. Xie.”
The next day, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen returned to the family home for lunch.
The first day of the New Year was a time for visiting relatives and friends. In the afternoon, the couple accompanied Tan Mo’s parents to visit several relatives. In the evening, they made a reservation at a restaurant and invited Xie Wenzong for a reunion dinner. Xie Wenzong was very satisfied with his gentle and lovely daughter-in-law and even gave Tan Mo a large red envelope.
During the Spring Festival holiday, Xie Qichen unusually had no business matters to attend to. Perhaps due to the social occasions required for visiting relatives, he mostly stayed with Tan Mo and even took her out for a day trip.
On the fourth day of the New Year, Yang Xialan returned. She stayed at the villa for another two days and then flew back overseas with her group of girlfriends on the sixth day. Tan Mo and Xie Qichen told her they would visit her overseas sometime soon.
In the blink of an eye, the seven-day holiday filled with busyness and joy passed.
Everyone’s work resumed its usual rhythm.
In the morning, the sky was bathed in morning light, and cold winds swept through the streets, bringing the bleakness of winter.
In the bedroom, the man stood in front of the full-length mirror, his knuckles deftly adjusting his black tie, then picking up his wristwatch from the desk. His long, narrow peach-blossom eyes were half-lidded and indifferent.
The cold mirror reflected the chill and aloofness around him.
After dressing, Xie Qichen went downstairs.
After reading the morning paper and finishing his coffee, he left the house.
Half an hour later, the Rolls-Royce drove into the CBD, lined with towering skyscrapers, finally stopping in front of the Aochuang Building.
The car door opened, and Xie Qichen stepped out, followed by his assistant into the building. Upon reaching the top floor, he entered his office, where the executive assistant brought in various documents for him to process.
A while later, Wen Cheng brought in a cup of black coffee. Xie Qichen, legs crossed, closed a file:
“Announce that there will be a senior management meeting at 9:30 this morning.”
“Understood.”
Wen Cheng placed a gift box on the desk. “By the way, Mr. Xie, this gift box was just handed to me by Director Xie Shao to give to you as a New Year’s gift.”
Xie Qichen recalled that a couple of days ago, Xie Wenzong and Xie Shao had invited him to bring Tan Mo to their house for dinner, but they had other plans and politely declined.
“He always remembers you,” Wen Cheng smiled.
Upon hearing this, Xie Qichen raised his gaze to the gift box. “I see. Just leave it there.”
…
The sunlight gradually became brighter.
In the morning, nearing 9:30, many executives were already present in the conference room.
Several of them were smiling and chatting:
“Our new boss has been in charge for a few months, but there hasn’t been much activity in the group. I thought a new official would bring about significant changes. Turns out he’s just cautious and hesitant.”
“I heard that Xie Qichen insisted on not relying on the Xie family and went overseas to make his way. Now he dares to come back and take over Aochuang. Can he really manage such a massive group?”
Xie Wenzong, who was nearby, said, “You can’t say that. Ah Chen’s business acumen and capabilities are quite impressive.”
“Wenzong, you’re defending him. Let me tell you, he’s at most half a Xie. What qualifications does he have to sit in that position? Originally, this company should have gone to Siyuan. If Siyuan hadn’t had that incident, would it have ever come to him?”
Xie Wenzong chuckled awkwardly, while another person said, “Alright, let’s not talk like this. Do you still want to keep your job…”
“What? Am I afraid of a mere kid?”
The one opposing was named Li Jin, who was of the same generation as Xie Wenzong. Relying on his seniority in the company, he carried himself with the air of a boss.
As they were talking, the conference room door opened, and a cold, outstanding figure walked in. Everyone quickly suppressed their chatter, and the atmosphere turned solemn.
Li Jin leaned back lazily in his seat, his belly protruding, casting a dismissive glance at Xie Qichen.
Xie Qichen sat at the center of the front end of the conference table. The electronic screen in front of him lit up, and he spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, exuding a strong aura:
“Everyone, I have an international meeting at ten. I hope we can focus and efficiently finish this meeting within the next hour.”
Then he turned to the marketing manager. “Guo Rui.”
Guo Rui nodded and stood up to speak: “Let me first report on the drone sales last month…”
Each department took turns reporting. When it came to the technology department, the department director was a young man recently promoted by Xie Qichen:
“I wonder if everyone noticed the recent TOC new product S6 generation drone launch. Many consumers are not satisfied with the product design. Some said they waited half a year, but the S6 generation is merely a simple upgrade of the S5 generation’s battery life, and it still has significant shortcomings in outdoor photography. Looking at their company’s financial report for the last quarter, we can see that their revenue has stagnated. This indicates that TOC’s development is gradually slowing down. I think this presents a great opportunity for us to compete.”
The director pushed his glasses up, his gaze sharp:
“Currently, TOC’s products are expensive, affordable only to large movie companies and well-funded studios. Many small and medium-sized photography companies and enthusiasts find it difficult to purchase and use them, as the entry barrier is high. Second, TOC’s product innovation is limited. The rapid iteration of drone products means their features are increasingly unable to meet consumer needs. I believe we at Aochuang can optimize our products to challenge TOC’s monopoly.”
Li Jin snorted, immediately countering, “Have you never heard the saying ‘A dead camel is bigger than a horse’? Even if TOC is not doing well, they are still the industry benchmark. Young man, your goal is indeed ambitious.”
Someone chimed in, “Yeah, it’s easy to talk. The most important thing for drones is technology. Our current technology can’t break through, so how can we compete with TOC?”
“I think the current development momentum of Aochuang is already quite good. It’s better to make steady progress while maintaining stability,” Li Jin said, followed by a chorus of agreement from a few others. Suddenly, a folder slammed onto the table, breaking the atmosphere.
“Finished?” a cold voice came from the front of the meeting table. Li Jin stopped speaking immediately, and the group fell silent.
Xie Qichen, with his legs crossed, scanned the room and gave a slight laugh.
“Are all of you satisfied with the current situation? Has Aochuang already become an industry giant, or are you all planning to retire and enjoy your old age?”
“The company pays you high salaries every year, and you have nothing better to say than this?”
For a moment, the temperature in the meeting room seemed to drop to freezing.
“If your goal is simply to sell drones domestically, then it might be better not to do anything at all. The drone market doesn’t really need Aochuang, and none of you have reached the top of the industry yet, so why are you already trying to lie back and take it easy?”
A few people who had been voicing dissent lowered their heads uncomfortably.
“A while ago, I just took office and was still getting to know the company’s situation. From now on, some things will officially be put on the agenda.”
Xie Qichen looked at Wen Cheng, who nodded in understanding and handed out a document to everyone. As they saw the reform plan inside, they were all taken aback. Then they heard Xie speak:
“Just as you all mentioned earlier, if Aochuang wants to compete with TOC, it must improve its technology. Next, Aochuang will undergo significant reforms and focus on the technological field.”
“Firstly, we will reduce the import of parts from abroad and increase procurement from domestic suppliers. Now we are fully cooperating with Yuntong, which can not only reduce costs but also help cultivate a complete domestic supply chain. Only in this way can we gradually get rid of the problem of relying on foreign technology for drones.”
“Secondly, we will increase investment in research and development. By issuing shares to technical staff, we can motivate them to engage in R&D. Additionally, I recently conducted field research around the country and found there is currently no good drone research center domestically. I plan to establish research centers at several universities to cultivate our own technical personnel.”
Everyone had assumed Xie Qichen would be hesitant, but they didn’t expect him to be so bold.
“President Xie, implementing this plan won’t be easy…”
“You’re talking about carrying out major reforms at Aochuang. If the reforms fail, Aochuang will inevitably go bankrupt!”
Several executives immediately jumped up, with Li Jin at the forefront. “You haven’t been in office for long and you’re already giving orders here. Did you consult Chairman Xie before making these plans?!”
Xie Qichen looked at him coldly.
“The one sitting in this position now is me.”
“I have full authority over this company. If anyone here disagrees, you may proceed directly to the HR department to submit your resignation.”
…
Li Jin saw the serious look on Xie Qichen’s face and knew how terrifying he could be when he got tough. He merely gave a humph and turned his face away, swallowing his anger.
Xie Qichen scanned the room, his tone cold and resolute.
“Next week, the plan will be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting. Once approved, it will be implemented immediately. I believe everyone here has weathered some storms with Aochuang. I hope you won’t just consider your own interests but think about how to make Aochuang go higher and further. If we are unwilling to invest time and money in technological innovation, Aochuang will merely be an assembly company for drone parts and will eventually be eliminated by the times.”
After Xie Qichen spoke, many people were moved and fell silent.
Eventually, the meeting ended, and the man stood up and walked out.
Not far down the corridor, Xie Wenkang caught up. “Qichen, Qichen.”
Xie Qichen turned to look at him.
Xie Wenkang smiled weakly. “Qichen, Aochuang is facing significant challenges now, with intense domestic and international competition. Hasty reforms might make the situation worse. I think your plan should be reconsidered. After all, you’re still young and prone to impulsiveness. Why don’t you think it over again?”
Xie Qichen raised his hand to adjust his gold-rimmed glasses, the lenses reflecting a calm gaze.
“Uncle, thank you for your reminder.”
“As for who might be affected or whose interests might be touched, I can only say that it’s not within my consideration.”
The reason he had agreed to take over Aochuang from Xie Wenzong in the first place was definitely not to come back and play childish games with this group of people. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered with this mess at all.
The elevator doors opened, and Xie Qichen, one hand in his pocket, strode inside with his long legs.
Xie Wenzong was momentarily speechless, looking at the closing elevator doors.
–
In the morning, Xie Qichen went to the group company. As a student, Tan Mo was still on winter vacation and enjoyed sleeping in until she naturally woke up.
Around ten o’clock, she woke up groggily, grabbed her phone by the bed, and opened the screen to see a message Xie Qichen had sent in the morning:
[Breakfast is downstairs, remember to eat. Don’t run around barefoot at home. Put on thick clothes when going out; otherwise, you’ll catch a chill again.]
Tan Mo looked at the message, her mind gradually clearing, and a tender feeling arose in her heart.
Why is this person so naggy, always wanting to control her…
Tan Mo turned over, lying on her stomach on the pillow, and typed a few words: [Hmm hmm, President Xie is so fierce.]
After a while, a reply came from the other end:
[Tonight when I get back, I’ll show you how fierce I can be.]
His words automatically brushed past her ear in a deep tone, and for a moment, Tan Mo’s mind went astray, her cheeks slightly reddening.
What does this person want to do…
Tan Mo: [Aren’t you busy? Do you have time to send me messages?]
Xie Qichen: [I’m in a multinational meeting right now.]
Tan Mo found it hard to imagine the mature and solemn man having a meeting while secretly sending her such messages on the side. She blushed and dared not disturb him anymore: [No more talking, I’m getting up.]
As soon as she put down her phone, she thought of something and sent him another message:
[This afternoon the housekeepers are coming back. I was thinking of asking them to change the curtains at home to something that matches the sofa better. What do you think?]
After a while, the man replied:
[You’re the mistress of the house. You can change them however you like.]
Tan Mo’s face turned red. She replied with a sound and hopped off the bed.
After washing up and having a simple breakfast, Tan Mo received a call from Ji Shu. She said she was free in the afternoon and wanted to come to the villa to visit. Tan Mo agreed and remembered something:
“Oh, I also have something I want to ask you…”
“What’s wrong?”
Tan Mo’s ears turned red. “Wait until you come over this afternoon.”
“Okay.”
In the morning, Tan Mo went to edit her cooking video, but her mind kept drifting back to the message Xie Qichen had sent her that morning.
Lately, she had become very eager to find him.
She really wanted to be with him.
Tan Mo leaned back in her chair, looking up at the sky with a long sigh:
“This must be the symptom, no mistake…”
Around three in the afternoon, Ji Shu finally arrived at the villa, bringing fruits and snacks: “A small token from me. Although I know Xie Qichen must be taking good care of you, I’m sure you lack for nothing at home.”
Tan Mo smiled and led her to the living room on the second floor. “Xie Qichen really hates puffed snacks. He always scolds me a bit when I eat them, but he still buys them for me.”
Ji Shu saw the dimples forming on Tan Mo’s face and clicked her tongue. “You’re complaining with your mouth, yet you’re smiling so happily. It seems like your post-marriage life is going quite sweetly.”
Tan Mo blushed and quickly looked away. “What sweetly…?”
“Jasmine, don’t you know that you tend to avoid eye contact when you lie?”
Tan Mo felt embarrassed. Ji Shu stopped teasing her and became serious. “Go ahead, you said you had something to tell me. Let’s hear it first.”
Tan Mo sat on the carpet beside Ji Shu, her hands supporting her cheeks, softly murmuring:
“It’s just that… I feel like I’m falling for Xie Qichen again.”
“What?!”
“I found out that I can’t control my feelings for him at all. It was like this before, and it’s still like this now. But I don’t want to be in a one-sided love anymore. It’s so painful, waaah waaah.”
With teary eyes, she blinked at Ji Shu:
“You tell me… tell me… is there any possibility that Xie Qichen might like me just a little bit?”
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