05 Life needs a down-to-earth, mundane foundation.
"You haven't logged out of WeChat. Are you close to that 'Little Sweetie Bamboo Heart'?" she said, her voice calmer than she had expected.
Although the mouse was frozen, Wen Xueyan's finger was still on the mouse wheel. She scrolled it quickly a few more times and saw a few lines of text.
The date was three months ago.
Song Tiancheng: "Don't send irrelevant messages during work hours." Zhu Xin Xiaotiantian: "Okay~ Can I send them outside of work hours? [Cute]" Song Tiancheng: "Stop it!"
Bamboo Heart Sweetie: "Do you remember what happened during my last business trip? I was thinking..." Song Tiancheng: "That was an accident."
Bamboo Heart Sweetie: "Can't an accident happen again? Don't be so rigid! [Pleading]"
Song Tiancheng pressed the power button, and the screen went black.
"What accident? Why can't we watch?" Wen Xueyan asked directly.
Song Tiancheng put the computer aside and said, "We're just colleagues. She talks like that with other people too, so don't overthink it. President Cheng has an urgent matter to attend to. You should get some sleep so you can have enough energy to go house hunting with me tomorrow."
Wen Xueyan sensed that he had clearly hidden this person when he showed her his phone earlier.
Wen Xueyan's phone rang; it was her best friend Ning Zhiyi calling.
"Okay, then don't stay out too late." She turned and walked towards the bedroom.
"Zhiyi, you're still up so late?" Wen Xueyan answered the phone.
"Xueyan, I'm sorry to bother you so late... Haohao has a high fever, and the doctor said he needs to be hospitalized for observation, but I..."
"How much do you need?" Wen Xueyan asked immediately, already used to Ning Zhiyi's straightforward way of asking for help.
“Three thousand… I know that’s a lot, but I really can’t afford it.” Ning Zhiyi’s voice choked with sobs. “I just paid the rent, and I don’t have that much money on hand. I called him, but he won’t answer…”
"Don't worry, I'll transfer it to you right now." Wen Xueyan opened her mobile banking app and quickly completed the transfer. "Is there anything else I can help you with? Do you want me to go to the hospital with you?"
"No need, you've already helped me a lot," Ning Zhiyi thanked her repeatedly. "I'll pay you back when I get my salary."
"No rush, take good care of Hao Hao first," Wen Xueyan said softly.
After hanging up the phone, Wen Xueyan sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. Years ago, she and Ning Zhiyi were carefree college girls, lying on their dormitory beds dreaming about the future.
Now, Ning Zhiyi is forced by life's circumstances to ask for help late at night for her son's medical expenses; while she, guarding what seems to be a happy marriage, is alone in the dead of night chewing on unease and suspicion.
A dozen minutes later, Ning Zhiyi called again: "Xueyan, the hospital admission procedures are complete, and Haohao is already asleep. Thank you so much."
"Why are you being so polite with me?" Wen Xueyan paused. "Zhiyi, I might be running into some problems."
Wen Xueyan recounted how she discovered the WeChat message that evening.
“Xueyan, listen to me,” Ning Zhiyi’s tone became serious, “You must go to buy a house tomorrow, and you must make sure that your name is added to the deed no matter what.”
"But if he really cheats on me, I'll get a divorce. Wouldn't it be too much to add my name to the property deed now...?"
"Too what? Too realistic?" Ning Zhiyi interrupted her, "Being high-minded is useless in the face of reality. The money he's earning now is already marital property. You're always too kind. You're still sponsoring your cousin Wen Haijing's studies every month, right? Actually, that was originally her parents' responsibility. That's a considerable expense."
Ning Zhiyi's voice carried a sharp edge honed by life's trials: "Xueyan, what are you still hesitating about? Do you know how much I regret not taking advantage of the initial excitement of our marriage? Back then, my ex-husband was quite enthusiastic; he offered to give me a gold necklace, and I didn't even choose a thicker one, thinking I'd save money. Now he's buying you a house and adding your name to it; he's building you a real safe haven. It's not like he's buying you some huge insurance policy; it doesn't require you... well, it doesn't require you to have an 'accident' to cash out."
Her tone softened: "Feelings in this world can change in an instant. But a house is a tangible thing. This isn't calculation; it's being realistic. Love can be romantic and poetic, but life often needs this kind of down-to-earth, practical support. Why don't you want it? It's something you deserve."
"Okay, then I'll go tomorrow."
“Yes.” Ning Zhiyi’s voice was firm and resolute. “Put aside the illusions and uncertainties in your heart for now. The property certificate in your hand is much more useful than any vows you make in your heart. Fighting for your interests and wanting to work independently and earn money are not contradictory.”
After hanging up the phone, she got up and walked to the small bookcase in her bedroom, taking out her graduate thesis and references.
Those documents record her past academic passion and ideals.
Perhaps it's time to rethink her career. Regardless of how her marriage goes, her career is her greatest source of confidence.
At one in the morning, the bedroom door was gently pushed open. Song Tiancheng tiptoed in, assuming Wen Xueyan was already fast asleep. He lay down beside her.
Wen Xueyan closed her eyes and pretended to sleep, keeping her breathing steady.
Wen Xueyan didn't understand why Song Tiancheng, who seemed to be cheating, didn't want to secretly transfer assets and then divorce her. Instead, he wanted to buy a house and add her name to it. However, Ning Zhiyi's words made sense.
Besides, she also wants to live in a nicer neighborhood. Whether she can adapt to the new job is still unknown.
The next morning, Song Tiancheng got up early to make breakfast. The fried eggs were cooked to perfection, just the way Wen Xueyan liked them.
The sales center was bustling with people, and the sales consultant recognized them at a glance: "Mr. Song, Mrs. Song, this way please!"
The show flat was exquisitely decorated, with lush mountain views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Wen Xueyan stood on the balcony, imagining watching the sunrise and sunset from there. This should have been a moment of happiness, yet she felt a pang of melancholy.
"Do you like it?" Song Tiancheng walked to her side and asked softly.
“It’s beautiful,” she replied.
Back in the sales area, the sales staff presented a purchase intention form: "Mr. Song previously said that the property certificate should have both of your names on it, is that correct?"
Song Tiancheng nodded: "Yes."
After completing the formalities, Song Tiancheng's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said, "I'll take this work call."
Wen Xueyan nodded, watching him walk quickly towards the corner.
When he returned after the call ended, he looked a little uneasy: "Something urgent came up at the company. I'll take you to my parents' house for dinner first, and then I have to go to the company."
"Working on Saturdays too?"
"There's been a problem with one of the projects." He avoided her gaze.
The sales office informed us that we could obtain the property ownership certificate in three months.
Song Tiancheng drove to his parents' house.
As soon as Wen Xueyan entered the door, her mother-in-law took her hand and carefully examined her face.
"Has Xueyan lost weight? Tiancheng, have you made your wife worry too much again?" The mother-in-law looked at her son reproachfully.
Song Tiancheng forced a smile: "Mom, how could I dare?"
The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of braised prawns. Qi Dongling was stir-frying the prawns in the pan, their bright red shells sizzling in the hot oil.
Wen Xueyan tied on her apron, took out chicken breast from the vegetable basket, and began preparing her signature dish, Kung Pao Chicken.
"Mom, your braised prawns always smell so good," Wen Xueyan said with a smile, quickly cutting the chicken into even cubes with her knife.
Qi Dongling turned to look at her, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out: "I'm so happy Xueyan is here. Your Kung Pao Chicken is absolutely amazing."
A warm feeling welled up in Wen Xueyan's heart. Her mother-in-law was a retired teacher, well-educated and reasonable, and always considerate of the younger generation. Last year, Wen Xueyan had to work and take care of her hospitalized mother, and her husband was also getting old. When Qi Dongling was sick, she actually paid for a caregiver out of her own pocket, and only told them casually after she was discharged from the hospital.
Having a mother-in-law like this is truly a blessing.
"Mom, please be sure to tell us if you need any help in the future," Wen Xueyan said softly, putting the diced chicken into a bowl to marinate.
Qi Dongling smiled and said, "You young people are busy with work, so I'll handle things myself if I can."
Wen Xueyan poured peanuts into the oil and fried them until golden brown, then stir-fried dried tofu and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, the aroma instantly filling the entire kitchen.
"Xueyan, how have things been between you and Tiancheng lately?" Qi Dongling suddenly asked, her eyes showing concern but not intimidation.
Wen Xueyan paused in her hand holding the spatula: "It's alright, he's busy with work."
Qi Dongling sighed softly: "Marriage is like cooking; you have to control the heat. Too high and it burns; too low and it won't cook through. The important thing is to find the right balance. Tiancheng is a kind-hearted child at heart; he's just sometimes quiet and a bit rigid."
The Kung Pao Chicken in the pot looked incredibly appetizing, and Wen Xueyan plated it. Looking at her mother-in-law's kind profile, she suddenly realized: marriage may change, but there are always some warm and constant things in life that are worth cherishing and protecting.
Just like the warmth and life in this kitchen, just like my mother-in-law's love—simple yet enduring, ordinary yet precious.
Wen Xueyan even felt that if she got divorced, she would be reluctant to part with her mother-in-law.
After finishing the meal, I left my parents' house.
"Your parents still seem to like you a lot," he said with a smile, a strange emotion in his voice.
"Shouldn't they like me?" Wen Xueyan retorted.
Song Tiancheng smiled slightly and remained silent.
After dropping Wen Xueyan off at home, Song Tiancheng drove away.
Wen Xueyan stood on the balcony, watching Song Tiancheng's car disappear around the corner of the residential area.
It was a lazy afternoon, with sunlight filtering through layers of clouds and falling on the earth, neither scorching nor weak.
The ginkgo trees in the neighborhood have donned their lush green summer attire, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze as if whispering secrets. From the distant children's playground, the intermittent laughter of children playing adds to the tranquil atmosphere, like background music on this peaceful afternoon.
Wen Xueyan, however, couldn't blend into the atmosphere. Her heart felt like it was being tugged by something—not a sharp pain, nor a dull oppression, but a feeling of uncertainty. She remembered President Cheng's stern face, and his earlier, pointed remark, "I'll stop here."
Since Song Tiancheng refused to say more, Wen Xueyan decided to call President Cheng to ask.
The phone rang in her ear until it automatically disconnected; no one answered. Wen Xueyan held the phone and gave a self-deprecating laugh. She remembered Song Tiancheng saying that even their internal employees had to make an appointment through his secretary to contact President Cheng. President Cheng was so busy; why would he answer a private call from an unimportant woman?
She put down her phone and began organizing the documents she had brought back from buying the house. Ten minutes later, her phone suddenly rang, and to her surprise, it was President Cheng's number flashing on the screen.
After answering the phone, Cheng Boyan's voice came through the receiver, deep and calm, without any pleasantries, "You were looking for me?"
Readers and teachers who enjoy reading are welcome to leave comments~
It's very good, please write more.
Miss Ning is sober-minded.
Not enough... write more!
The timing of each day's checkpoints always makes me super curious, hahaha.
Another CEO Cheng? It seems the female lead has someone better waiting for her.
Thank you for your comment, reader!
She's been through this before~ Thank you for your comment, reader!
Thank you for your comments, readers. Thank you for reading.
Haha, thank you for your comment, reader! I'm so happy to see it.
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