Even as a "normie," I'm completely oblivious to it.

But Yu Zhe had a vivid memory of this place, not for any other reason than the powerful fountain that was still splashing and gushing just a few meters away.

The fountain is surrounded by white porcelain, with a huge white mermaid statue in the center.

Although not large in scale, the view from this angle, where the sun can be seen directly through the water curtain, is particularly magnificent.

Yu Zhe walked closer and reached out to touch the white porcelain over there: "I remember this fountain... There used to be a rockery over there, um... right, because you lived here when you were little, so there was a small flower bed in front of the door."

Because of his amazing memory, Yu-Che remembers the details of the past more accurately than anyone else.

Although this place has now become an empty space, in Yu Zhe's mind, he can still see two children playing and chasing each other among the water curtain and among the flowers.

Childhood sweethearts, innocent and carefree, how wonderful.

Seeing that Yu Zhe seemed to be reminiscing, Qi Xinye walked to his side and gently sat on the spotless white porcelain: "Yes, I used to live here. This is the place we came to most often. But before, my great-grandfather said that the manor was going to be renovated. After arranging for me to live in the middle of the manor, this place was leveled."

It was a place that held many memories. Qi Xinye, who was very young at the time, unusually cried and begged Qi Jiang and Qi Yi to preserve the buildings here, but in the end, they couldn't be saved. It became an empty space, and the only thing left was this fountain.

Yu Zhe revealed the truth: "Qi Jiang did this just so he could better monitor your father's every move from the middle of the manor. You were forced to move away because of your father. Of course, that old fox must have also wanted to sideline you as much as possible and use you as a decorative vase."

Not long after that, Qi Xinye was sent abroad by Qi Jiang, and was not even allowed to stay in the Qi family.

Fortunately, Qijiang has now collapsed.

Looking back at the still-flowing fountain, Yu Zhe laughed and said, "Isn't it still running?"

"Well, the construction team came here before, but it was too difficult to remove this fountain, so they didn't demolish it for the time being. After that, they couldn't find a use for this land, so it has been left idle. I just came here yesterday to refill the fountain with water and turn it on. It's great that it can still work properly, so I thought I'd let Xiao Zhe take a look."

Feeling the cool water droplets occasionally patting his face, Yu Zhe reminisced: "Really, I'm so glad it's been preserved, at least this little bit. Back then, you walked around this white porcelain and even fell into the fountain. I was terrified! Luckily, the water wasn't deep..."

As he finished speaking, Yu Zhe's voice became choked with emotion.

It is said to touch

Whether it's a feeling arising from the scenery or a sudden emotional fluctuation.

But emotions that cannot be shown in front of outsiders will be revealed to those they cherish in certain circumstances.

The person who cherishes the past the most is actually Yu Zhe, who is usually carefree.

Hearing the sound of flowing water that seemed to echo his childhood memories, Yu Zhe's eyes reddened slightly. He sat down next to Qi Xinye, slowly opened his arms, wrapped them around her, and held her tightly in his embrace.

"Just for a little while... just like that... it'll be over in a bit..."

Although time has passed and circumstances have changed, I am fortunate that old friends are still here and our original intentions remain unchanged.

At first, Qi Xinye was quite surprised and flattered, but she quickly sensed Yu Zhe's emotions through his slightly forceful hands.

So, without saying a word, Qi Xinye gently stretched out her hands and hugged him back.

She gently patted his back to comfort him, just like a gentle older sister comforting her younger brother. But Qi Xinye knew this was different, because she loved Xiao Zhe so deeply.

After a long while, Yu Zhe finally got out of her embrace, shook his head, and immediately returned to his usual self.

Honestly, I shouldn't cause trouble for everyone.

Looking into Qi Xinye's gentle, watery eyes, Yu Zhe asked a question: "Sister Ye, haven't you ever been disappointed in the past few years?"

Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed?

Seeing that she didn't seem to understand, Yu Zhe explained: "After that incident five years ago, the Su family and the Qi family cut off all contact. I know that you, Sister Ye, have always wanted to see me, but in those five years, not only did I not see you or reply to any of your messages, but I also completely ignored you after you went abroad."

"Sister Ye, haven't you ever felt disappointed in me? Don't you think I'm heartless?"

To everyone's surprise, Qi Xinye's answer was so firm: "I have never been disappointed in Xiao Zhe, and you are not allowed to talk about yourself like that, Xiao Zhe."

"Can I hear it?" Yu Zhe smiled wryly, "I want to hear what you were thinking back then, Sister Ye."

After organizing her thoughts, Qi Xinye answered according to her true feelings.

“At first, I felt helpless and scared. My family told me that Xiao Zhe thought I had arranged the car accident, and that I hated him and that I shouldn’t bother going to see him.”

“I wanted to explain, but I searched and searched through various channels, but I couldn’t contact you. Then one day, I was sent abroad.”

"After that, while I was abroad, I realized something."

Yu Zhe was both curious and expectant: "What have you figured out?"

"I've figured it out. I shouldn't look at it from my own perspective, but from Xiao Zhe's perspective."

Qi Xinye looked at Yu Zhe, seemingly very proud of this matter: "At the time, I thought that Xiao Zhe might be protecting me by not talking to me. Because if the person who plotted against you was really in the Qi family and found out that I had been contacting you, then even if I am the eldest daughter of the Qi family, I might not be safe."

"So before those dark sides disappear, Xiao Zhe, you don't want me to take on this danger, even if it takes a long time and I might be misunderstood."

There seemed to be a light in her eyes: "This gentle Xiao Zhe, you are clearly the one who is suffering the most, how could I think you are heartless? So, I have been waiting, and thankfully, I have finally found you."

It's been so many years.

Yu Zhe once thought that if he could ensure Ye Jie's safety, he wouldn't care even if he was disliked.

But being understood is such a happy thing.

He tilted his head and smiled, his silver hair swaying: "Yes, we've arrived."

22. I'll hit you first and then we'll talk!

Lost in memories of the past, I almost forgot the purpose of my visit today.

Now that he remembered, Yu Zhe asked, "I almost forgot the important matter while we were talking. How is the Qi family's matter being handled? How long will it take before they can reopen?"

This is certainly a serious matter.

However, in Qi Xinye's opinion, the important thing is to chat with Xiao Zhe and catch up.

She took a report out of her pocket and handed it to Yu Zhe: "It went quite smoothly. After investigation, the funds that were in Qin Yang's account have been transferred to the Qi family as start-up capital for reopening the business."

"As for the employees, everyone seems to have no objections. I mainly explained to them that when my great-grandfather was in charge, the profits were high, but they were ill-gotten gains. Everyone understood and said that even if they earn less in the future, they should still live with a clear conscience."

Yu Zhe quickly glanced through the report: "They're all good employees... Wait, what are you showing me? This report is your trade secret, isn't it?!"

He flipped the report upside down onto the white ceramic tiles. This was no ordinary report. It was clearly a document detailing Qijia's financial situation, investment direction, and various projects upon reopening, even including internal audit data.

Even if the relationship is very good, I am still a member of the Su family. How can I be so reckless in business competition?!

Seeing Yu Zhe's reaction, Qi Xinye felt very unhappy. She picked up the report and put it back in Yu Zhe's hands: "Yes, it is a trade secret, but what's wrong with showing it to Xiao Zhe?"

"No... After all, our two families will be competitors from now on. Wouldn't that take away the fun?"

乐趣…

As expected of Xiao Zhe, business competition that would make others feel overwhelmed is just fun for him.

But well...

Qi Xinye didn't care: "I wouldn't dare show this data to Yu Che, otherwise we'd have to close down the next day, but it wouldn't matter at all if Xiao Zhe saw it."

These words were simply too much for Yu Zhe to bear.

She was stunned: "...But Yu Che and I were already together...Aren't you worried...?"

"Don't worry." Qi Xinye knew what was going on. "When you brought down Grandfather before, you could have found a reason to transfer all the Qi family's assets to the Su family, or permanently freeze them to eliminate this rival. But you still gave these funds to the new Qi family. Hehe, why is that?"

Seeing Sister Ye suddenly grin mischievously, Yu Zhe shrugged, indicating that he had nothing to say. Sister Ye seems to be quite clever sometimes.

Having big breasts doesn't necessarily mean being brainless; it could also be like Qi Xinye.

"What else could it be for?" Yu Zhe gently patted Qi Xinye's shoulder, causing her chest to sway. "It's purely for you. If Sister Ye weren't in the Qi family, this place would probably be gone by now."

Shot down!

Qi Xinye, who had just felt that she had some control, immediately blushed and lowered her head because of a single sentence.

Because you are in this family, it can continue to exist.

She couldn't withstand such a fierce onslaught and felt she couldn't bear to look up at Xiao Zhe's face anymore.

Of course, Yu Zhe would not cause trouble for Yu Che because of his own ideas. If keeping the Qi family would put pressure on Yu Che's business, he would not hesitate. At worst, he would just bring Qi Xinye to his place and take care of her.

However, keeping the Qi family around would indeed be beneficial to the Su family. Fenghai City didn't have any powerful families that could rival the Su family. The Qi family was barely passable. If the Qi family were gone, the old and stubborn elders of the Su family would definitely become complacent and put pressure on Yu Che and the current leadership, making it difficult for the Su family to continue to develop.

That's why sometimes competition is the driving force for progress.

"And Sister Ye, you're right. It doesn't matter if I see this data, because in the future, the Qi family and the Su family will definitely cooperate more than compete, right?"

Qi Xinye answered the question almost instantly: "That's for sure! No matter how Yu Che bullies our Qi family in the future, we must cooperate more."

"..."

So you've gotten used to being bullied by Yu Che and think that dealing with her is always an unequal affair?

Well... never mind, I'll give Yu Che a few more words of advice when I get home. Given how much she ostracizes Sister Ye, she might actually do it.

I glanced at the time; it was almost 11 a.m. If I went home now, I could still make it to lunch.

Yu Zhe got up and returned the report to Qi Xinye.

"Then, Sister Ye, I'll head back now. I'm relieved to know the Qi family is alright. If you need any help, just let me know."

"Hey? Are you going back?" Qi Xinye stood up and tugged at Yu Zhe's sleeve. "It's almost noon, aren't you going to stay for lunch?"

This wasn't just polite talk; Qi Xinye genuinely wanted Yu Zhe to have lunch with her here.

Yu Zhe said helplessly, "No way... Zi Xiao said she'd wait for me later. Hey, Sister Ye, you'll understand if you look at this."

He opened his phone to his chat with Zixiao and handed it to Qi Xinye.

After reading the few short but powerful messages sent by Zixiao, Qi Xinye's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

"Will my brother be home for lunch?"

"Sister Xinye is busy, so let's not bother her."

"I bought a fish, a big one... Brother, can you come home for dinner?"

Finally, there was Yu Zhe's reply not long ago: "Okay, I'm heading back now."

Qi Xinye didn't even need to think; she knew that Zixiao on the other end of the phone was definitely saying "Yay!" while laughing triumphantly.

Wow... This ultimate brother complex has Xiao Zhe completely under her thumb. Although she doesn't cling to Xiao Zhe like Yu Che does all the time, she's just as good at these everyday things.

Sigh... There's a long way to go and a heavy responsibility.

Since Xiao Zhe had already agreed to go back, Qi Xinye couldn't say anything more: "Alright... then I'll see you to the door and arrange a driver to take you back. And also, Xiao Zhe..."

"?"

"And I will definitely try my best to learn how to cook!"

"Why don't you study your business management properly?!"