Act 5

As a leader, the most important principle is self-management. This is one aspect where Du Yuheng is most unimpeachable. He has a fixed wake-up time, a consistent chewing speed, and arrives at the office an hour early every day... His life is full of routines. If one were to pick at faults, it would be his inconsistent sleep schedule, which doesn't quite fit his so-called "fixed philosophy."

But today, he hoped to get an extra hour of sleep to arrive at work "on time," rather than "early." The woman, holding the title of the kids' godmother, was robbing him of that hour.

"Why are you interfering with Xiaoqing's life? Do you think she isn't struggling enough? Or do you want to take back your children? Mr. Du, please give me a clear and honest answer." Ren Qiumi had come to the office an hour early just to confront this workaholic boss who was always early. "I'm not as easily fooled as Xiaoqing; you'd better tell me what you really intend to do."

Intentions? This woman was overthinking it. Her name is... Ren Qiumi, right? One of Xiaoqing's housemates and Zi Ping's girlfriend.

"I have no intention of doing anything. I told Xiaoqing just yesterday that until we find the best solution, everything will remain as it is."

"Your words are hard to believe." Ren Qiumi said bluntly, "Although you've been in the U.S. for years, your achievements and policy directives come through from the Taiwan branch. Based on your working style, you don't seem like the kind of person who would do something that has no benefit to you."

"What makes you think I won't benefit?" This was interesting—an individual analysis expert right in front of him.

"Don't you want the children? You should know Xiaoqing would never hand them over to you. Do you think simply accepting her will be enough? Let me tell you, don't even think about it!" As she spoke, Ren Qiumi's voice escalated, "Xiaoqing is pure and naive; she won't doubt people. But that doesn't mean her good friends are the same!"

"Are you her good friend?" Du Yuheng asked, deliberately adopting a tone of skepticism.

"You—" Ren Qiumi was momentarily speechless in anger.

"Rest assured." He decided to let it go; she was Zi Ping's significant other, and he didn't want to provoke her too much, lest she vent her frustration on him. Moreover, from what Ouyang Xiaoqing had said, she took good care of them, so he should express some gratitude. "I, Du Yuheng, keep my word. Besides, I never mix methods used in business with personal matters, so you needn't worry."

"Needn't worry?" Did he just say she needn't worry? Ren Qiumi struggled to contain her rising anger.

"Alright! Then let me ask you, do you really want the kids?"

"Of course." He had never hidden his attitude since learning the news, had he?

"If you're not planning to resolve this legally, do you intend to marry Xiaoqing?"

Du Yuheng hesitated for a moment. "No, I won't."

"What do you mean by 'won't'? Not go the legal route? Or you won't marry Xiaoqing?"

"I won't—marry her." He cleared his throat. "I won't marry her." He had thought this from the start, hadn't he? He and she weren't suitable for each other.

"Good." Unexpectedly, Ren Qiumi nodded in agreement with his answer. "You're not suitable for her; if she really married you, it would be a misfortune."

"You speak quite candidly."

He didn't mean it as a compliment, but Ren Qiumi clearly caught the nuance. "I'm just speaking the truth."

"Can we end this interrogation now? Miss Ren, I've given you the answers you wanted, haven't I?"

"You can end the questioning, but I have a few words for you."

"Oh?" Du Yuheng leaned back in his chair. "Go ahead."

"You can think of whatever way to please both sides, but you must not harm a hair on Xiaoqing! Also, if you don't plan to marry her, don't be too considerate. She has never been in a relationship; just because she's a mother of two doesn't mean she's immune to love. Do you understand what I mean? I don't want her to get hurt." She had never asked Xiaoqing directly, but she suspected that Xiaoqing, besides wanting a family, had some other reason for deciding to have children. That reason—was probably what she worried about the most.

"I hope you remember that." With that, Ren Qiumi intended to leave.

"Miss Ren." As her hand touched the doorknob, Du Yuheng suddenly called out to her.

"What is it?" Ren Qiumi turned impatiently.

"Thank you for taking care of them."

Ren Qiumi froze. Was he really the cold, calculating businessman he was known to be, or could he truly separate public and private matters without confusion?

Hmm... Ren Qiumi bit her lip. How could he make it so difficult for her to dislike him?

For a long moment, before she slammed the door behind her, she replied softly, "You're welcome."

Do you want to marry Xiaoqing? 

Ren Qiumi's question echoed in his mind. Why did he hesitate when he answered her? 

He had never intended to marry her, had he? But why the moment of doubt? 

He suddenly realized that the steadfast thoughts he had maintained now felt as shaky as a precarious building.

Resting one hand on the table and propping his forehead with the other, Du Yuheng couldn't help but laugh softly to himself.

When had he ever been at a loss for how to handle things? How could he entertain such a thought as sacrificing both their freedoms?

He would never marry out of obligation; neither would she. How could he let a moment of confusion lead to such thoughts? Where had his usual calm rationality gone?

"Mr. Du, your coffee." 

The secretary brought him the daily cup of coffee, pulling Du Yuheng temporarily from his thoughts. Was it time to start work?

Collecting his thoughts, he resolved to focus on work. Other matters could wait until after hours.

Tie—neatly tied. Hair—neatly combed. Shoes—shined to a gloss.

--- 

If you need anything else or adjustments, just let me know!

Zhao Liming straightened his back after confirming everything was ready in the rearview mirror before stepping into the Star Flower Shop.

"Xiaoqing." Jiang Yizhou spotted him first and nudged Ouyang Xiaoqing, who was busy checking the flower materials. "That Mr. Fool is here again." She had picked up that nickname from Ren Qiumi.

"Don't call her that." Ouyang Xiaoqing set down the supplies and stepped out from behind the transparent glass work area. "Mr. Zhao, long time no see." Has it been over two months? She couldn't quite remember; too much had happened during that time.

"Uncle Fool!" The twins, coming downstairs to find their mommy, saw a familiar face and excitedly rushed over. They jumped, hugging Zhao Liming's legs—one on each side.

"You haven't come to play with us in a long time." Xiao Kaiyin pouted. "Wind and I are so bored!"

"Yeah, Wind and I are really bored!" Xiao Kaifeng echoed.

Uncle Fool—he wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at being called that by kids. Zhao Liming felt somewhat helpless.

"Kaixin, Kaifeng, you shouldn't be so unruly." Really, they were being spoiled by Qiumi. "Let go of Uncle Zhao's legs."

"Yes, Mommy." The little ones reluctantly released their hold.

"Sorry, they can be quite mischievous; please don't take it to heart," Ouyang Xiaoqing said apologetically.

Her smile completely captivated Zhao Liming. Her innocent, carefree smile had enchanted him from the very first time they met; it surpassed all beauty in the world.

"Are you here to buy flowers?" Jiang Yizhou stepped forward to ask. "Today is Sunday; you must have a date, right?" Otherwise, why would he come to the shop?

"No, no!" Definitely not!

"Then what are you here for?"

"I, I'm—" The moment he thought about why he was there, Zhao Liming felt his face flush, stumbling over his words, "I'm, I'm—"

"What are you here for, exactly?" Jiang Yizhou pressed. It was odd; he wasn't a stutterer, so why was he mumbling?

"Uh…" He glanced at his ideal leading lady.

Ouyang Xiaoqing merely smiled at him, then turned back to the work table to continue sorting the flowers, leaving everything to Jiang Yizhou, while Kaixin and Kaifeng followed their mother inside to play with their toys.

"What are you mumbling about?" It was strange; he had always been like this since he first stepped into the shop years ago. "Just say what you want; no one will hit you." Unlike her, where she had no freedom of speech when Ren Qiumi or Jiang Yunxiao were around. How pitiful.

"Actually, I—" Zhao Liming coughed, mustering his courage to say, "I'm here to invite Xiaoqing out for a walk."

"You mean—you're asking Xiaoqing out on a date?" Wow!

"Yeah." Zhao Liming nodded vigorously.

"But…" Jiang Yizhou crossed her arms. "You're younger than us; dating a woman four years older than you—"

She gave him a look, "Isn't that inappropriate?"

"Age is not a problem!" He declared firmly.

"Xiaoqing has Kaixin and Kaifeng."

"I'll treat them like my own children!"

"Hmm…" Jiang Yizhou tilted her head, looking like Ouyang Xiaoqing's mom.

"Please, let Xiaoqing be with me! I will take good care of her!" He was determined to keep his word.

After a moment, Jiang Yizhou nodded. "Okay—" Ouch! Someone suddenly hit her on the back of the head.

"Enough with that." Ren Qiumi appeared out of nowhere. "Who do you think you are? Making such nonsense! You think you're Xiaoqing's mom? I'd rather send you off with him!"

"Not a chance!" If Jiang Yunxiao found out, she would definitely get hit again.

Ren Qiumi hooked her arm around Jiang Yizhou's neck and turned to yell at the work table, "Xiaoqing, you're quite bold! Letting this clueless fool talk to you like that; aren't you afraid she'll clear you out too?"

Ouyang Xiaoqing playfully stuck out her tongue. "I won't!" It was just for fun!

What a cute expression! Zhao Liming was once again mesmerized.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Ren Qiumi blocked his view cruelly, waving her hand to bring him back to reality. "Zhao Liming, if you're not buying flowers, don't just stand in my shop as an obstacle, okay? You can go now!" With that, she pushed him outside.

"Wait, wait a minute!" Zhao Liming stood firm, refusing to budge. "I'm here to invite Xiaoqing out!"

"Is the name Xiaoqing something you can call?" Ren Qiumi raised an eyebrow, pushing him harder. "If you don't want trouble, get out."

"Wait, wait a minute!" The twenty-four-year-old young man, feeling cornered, yelled in panic, "Xiaoqing! Help!"

His shout drew laughter from everyone, including Ren Qiumi, who was pushing him out.

Goodness! This young man was really funny; it was hard not to tease him.

"Don't mess with him anymore." Ouyang Xiaoqing came out. "Thank you for the invitation, but I can't get away right now." She had so much to do today, and with the year-end approaching, there were tasks at both the shop and home.

"Is, is that so…" Zhao Liming scratched his head in frustration. "Then let's do it another day!" Two years and three months; he had tried two hundred seventy-three times and faced disappointment every time. This was the two hundred seventy-fourth time.

"Well, I guess I'll go then!"

"Goodbye."

"I, I'm really going now!"

"Hmm." So funny, young people were so adorable.

"I'm really leaving!" Ugh… Xiaoqing didn't even try to keep him!

"Bye-bye."

"I, I—"

"Just go if you're going; why so much chatter?" Ren Qiumi couldn't help but push him out again. Watching him get in the car with a defeated expression and drive away, she finally laughed.

"I can't stand him, but how could he and Zhao Zhiming be brothers?" Ren Qiumi had always been skeptical. "They're completely different! One is despicable and shameless, while the other is so honest that it's hard not to bully him."

"Caucasian?" Jiang Yizhou came out holding a sunflower. "Do Caucasians eat different rice than us?" How strange.

"Jiang, Yizhou!" Ren Qiumi snatched the sunflower from her hands and set it on the ground.

"What are you doing?" Her voice trembled a bit because Ren Qiumi was walking towards her step by step.

"Oh, thanks." So Qiumi was helping her with that.

But it seemed she had thanked her too soon. Ren Qiumi also had plans to facilitate the next action—pinching Jiang Yizhou's cheeks.

"When will you stop eavesdropping?" It was hilarious that she heard "white" people instead of "百种" (hundreds of types).

"Ugh... it hurts!" "Ouch..."

Ouyang Xiaoqing couldn't help but laugh as she watched the two of them.

The kids, hearing their mommy's rare laughter, ran downstairs. It turned out that Qiumi Mommy was performing her infamous cheek-squeezing routine on Yizhou Mommy. How fun!

After closing the door to the kids' room, Ouyang Xiaoqing went to the kitchen to brew herself a cup of coffee, then settled onto the living room sofa to relax her tired muscles from the day.

"Are the kids asleep?" Ren Qiumi emerged from her room and headed to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of milk.

"Yeah." Finally, some peace.

"Another day gone by." Ren Qiumi sat on the small stool opposite her after returning from the kitchen.

"Yeah, another day." Ouyang Xiaoqing replied. "Qiumi, do you have something to say to me?" She could sense it.

"Do you… ever regret having kids?" Ren Qiumi asked.

"Why do you ask that?" Ouyang Xiaoqing shot back. "You know how much I love them." After five years of living together, sharing joys and sorrows, didn't she see it all?

"I know you love them." How could she not? But—"Have you never had even a hint of regret?"

In the past five years, they had faced situations that almost made three adults despair while trying to keep the two little ones warm. Ouyang Xiaoqing, having experienced such a life before, felt it was nothing; but what about Xiaoqing? Did she ever feel a shred of regret in her heart during those times?

"If I did—" Ouyang Xiaoqing set down her mug and smiled at Ren Qiumi. "If I truly did, it would be regretting that I've dragged you into this. It was originally my problem, but I've relied on you all the way to now." She knew they hadn't married yet to avoid making her lose her support.

"But Ren Qiumi and I love being relied upon by you." Jiang Yizhou had appeared in the living room without her noticing.

"Yizhou's right." Ren Qiumi said earnestly.

"So I've never regretted anything." Ouyang Xiaoqing crossed the coffee table and wrapped her arms around Ren Qiumi's neck. "Because you're here."

"I want a hug too." Jiang Yizhou said, extending her arms toward Ren Qiumi. It wouldn't be fair to leave her out!

"Hey, hey!" How could two people with four arms squeeze her neck? "I'm going to choke!" She really couldn't handle these two sentimental women.

Ren Qiumi clenched her fists, suppressing the goosebumps this warmth caused. But since these two were so moved, she decided to endure it a little; after all, their actions were minor compared to Lei Ziping's antics. If she could put up with him, how much more so with them!

But someone wouldn't let her off the hook. "Qiumi, where are your hands?" Jiang Yizhou asked, looking up. "Why aren't you hugging us back?"

"I!" Hug back?

"Don't you like me and Xiaoqing? Boo… how could you…"

Oh my goodness! "I'll hug you! I'll hug you right now." She couldn't stand it when women cried!

With one arm around each, Ren Qiumi sighed helplessly in her heart.

See, I'm still capable.

Ouyang Xiaoqing chuckled softly, looking around the room. She knew that one day, Qiumi and Yizhou would leave here. Recently, Lei Ziping and Jiang Yunxiao had been pressuring for marriage more frequently. They were both twenty-eight and could no longer delay; she should truly be independent and raise the two kids by herself.

This home was filled with many memories, laughter, and tears… these would be her greatest treasures, and she and the kids would cherish them and live happily ever after.

"Hey, listen to me." Ouyang Xiaoqing released her arms and returned to her seat.

"What is it?" The two resumed their original positions.

"You both should get married. Yunxiao and Ziping have been urging you, right?"

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

"What's wrong?" Ouyang Xiaoqing pressed. "You should agree! It would be great if you both got married on the same day!" Wasn't this a good idea? But… it seemed no one agreed.

"Qiumi?" Ouyang Xiaoqing looked at Ren Qiumi.

"I'm going to sleep." Ren Qiumi pretended to yawn.

"Yizhou?"

"I—I'll go water the flowers!" Jiang Yizhou quickly got up.

"Stop right there!" Ouyang Xiaoqing rushed to grab the two of them, trying to pull them back from avoiding reality. "You're both twenty-eight; why aren't you getting married? Waiting for the expiration date?"

"If it ferments, can't it be made into yogurt?" Jiang Yizhou chimed in. She remembered that yogurt was fermented milk, right?

"Yizhou—" Ouyang Xiaoqing sighed. "I mean if you don't get married soon, you might not find husbands in the future."

"But we have boyfriends!"

"Boyfriends and husbands are different."

"Different? How?"

"A boyfriend doesn't have a marriage certificate; a husband does."

"Is a certificate really that important?" It's just paper!

"Very, important!"

"Fine!" Jiang Yizhou nodded. "Tomorrow, I'll make a marriage certificate for you if you need it so badly—"

"Ha ha ha!" Ren Qiumi couldn't help but laugh.

"Qiumi!" Still laughing! Ouyang Xiaoqing let go of her grip, looking at the two in annoyance. "You're still laughing!" She playfully hit Ren Qiumi.

"Xiaoqing, you should know we can't bear to part with you!"

"I know." How could she not know? "It's precisely because I know that I want you to get married quickly. Otherwise, it's unfair to you and Yunxiao and Ziping; they truly love you."

"I know." Ren Qiumi replied. Although Lei Ziping was a bit of a slacker, he truly treated her well!

"So you should seize the opportunity."

"What about you?" Ren Qiumi asked. "Are you planning to never get married?"

"I'm already twenty-eight, and I have two kids…" She had never thought about marriage.

"Why not have Du Yuheng marry you?" Jiang Yizhou, who often spoke her mind, said what she thought. "He is the kids' dad!"

"Hmm…" Ouyang Xiaoqing pondered for a moment before replying, "I think that's impossible."

"Why?"

Before Ren Qiumi could stop Jiang Yizhou, she asked another question that made Ouyang Xiaoqing feel awkward.

"Um…" This time, she pondered even longer.

"Go back to sleep!" Ren Qiumi pushed Jiang Yizhou back toward her room. Seriously, how could she be so clueless? "Go back to sleep!"

"But—but—don't push me! I—" Her voice faded behind the door.

"Sleep! Otherwise, I'll hit you." Ren Qiumi threatened. Truly thick-skinned.

"She just cares about you, don't take it too seriously." Ren Qiumi walked back to the living room.

Ouyang Xiaoqing nodded. "I know. We've known each other for years; how could I not know?"

"Xiaoqing—" She felt some things were better said.

"Hmm?"

"If a woman is willing to have a child for a man, it's said that it's because she wants a child, but what motivates her to want a child? I think it's not just about having family companionship, right? It must be for that man… I won't say more, good night." Ren Qiumi stopped speaking because Ouyang Xiaoqing's expression had revealed everything—just as she had thought.

"G-Good night." Ouyang Xiaoqing responded absentmindedly.

Ren Qiumi noticed! Ouyang Xiaoqing picked up her cup and took a large sip of coffee.

She still couldn't hide it… her feelings couldn't be concealed anymore.