Not the Same Yeming

When Jiang Yeming received the message from his father, it wasn't just a casual update—it was a challenge. His father stated that he wanted a fair business competition between Yeming and his cousin, Jiang Ruifeng. He would give both of them the same amount of capital, and whoever was able to multiply it the most within six months would take over management of the Jiang family business.

Yeming immediately understood the implications. For years, he had stayed away from the family's legacy, but now, his father was pulling him back in. He quickly called his father to confirm the details.

The meeting, his father said, would take place in Celestine Haven, and all major members of the Jiang family had already been informed. It would be held in 14 days, marking the beginning of the six-month trial period.

After the call, Yeming lay down, deep in thought. Everything in his life had just shifted. He would have to leave Rainmere City soon, but Lan Yueran didn't know anything about his family, nor did she know about the burden he was about to carry. And before he could leave, he had to make sure things at home were calm—no loose ends, no crises.

Later that day, Lan Yueran invited him to escort her for some shopping. Yeming agreed. While driving to a modest shopping mall, Lan Yueran glanced at him and asked, "I've been wondering—what happened yesterday? You've been acting... different. Like a completely new person. Can you tell me the truth about yourself?"

Yeming smiled faintly and replied, "Later. Let's just shop for now."

They finished shopping quietly and returned home. Yeming cooked dinner, trying to act normal, even as his mind calculated plans and timelines.

The next morning, Yeming called Ren Shixuan and asked him to finalize a contract with Lan Yueran's company. He then drove her to work. As they parked, a luxurious Rolls-Royce pulled in beside them. Ren stepped out.

Lan Yueran was surprised—Ren was her client, but she hadn't expected him to arrive in person. Ren approached her with a smile, but as soon as he saw Yeming, he paused and greeted him, "Good morning, Master Yeming."

There was a short silence.

Yeming gave him a warning look, then nodded. "Good morning, Ren."

Lan Yueran stood frozen for a second. Master Yeming? She glanced between them but didn't speak. Instead, she smiled politely and invited Ren inside for their business discussion.

Inside, they signed a second deal—this time worth $50 million. Lan Yueran was still in disbelief at how easily the contract was finalized. Once Ren left, she called Yeming to pick her up. On the way home, she couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Yeming... how do you know Ren?" she asked, her voice cautious.

"He's just an old friend," Yeming replied.

Lan Yueran narrowed her eyes. "He called you Master Yeming. That's not something people call an ordinary friend."

"You'll understand everything soon," Yeming said calmly. "I'll explain it all when the time is right."

Silence filled the car. Lan Yueran could sense the weight Yeming was carrying, but she didn't press further.

As they returned home, Chen Ailin was already in the living room, arms crossed and frowning.

"Yeming!" she barked. "There are dirty plates in the kitchen. Clean them up. My friends and I already used them, so don't delay."

Yeming's jaw tightened. He was exhausted and mentally drained, but he said nothing. Despite how unreasonable Chen Ailin was becoming, she was still Lan Yueran's mother. Without a word, he turned and began cleaning.

Behind him, Chen Ailin sneered. "Just three more years... and once I collect my family inheritance, you won't be in this house anymore!"

But before Yeming could react, Lan Yueran stood up sharply. "Mom! Enough! He's still my husband. Please respect that."

Chen Ailin scoffed and walked away, muttering under her breath.

Yeming quietly left the living room and went to take a shower. When he returned, he found Lan Yueran sitting on the edge of his bed, legs crossed, staring at him.

He leaned against the wall. "Is something wrong?"

"Can't I come to your room anymore?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.

"I'm about to sleep... unless you'd like to stay," he replied with a soft grin.

Lan Yueran's cheeks turned red. She looked away. "I didn't come here for that. I came to apologize... for my mom. She was way out of line. Please don't take her words to heart."

"I don't," Yeming said, his voice softer now. "I've stayed in this house for almost four years. And it's because of you."

Lan Yueran froze. The words hit her deeper than she expected. Was he enduring everything just for her?

After a pause, Yeming gently said, "You should get some rest."

She nodded, then quietly walked out.

Alone, Jiang Yeming lay down, but sleep wouldn't come easily.

His thoughts spun restlessly—Celestine Haven, the competition, the truth he owed Lan Yueran, the risks of leaving while danger still lurked.

He closed his eyes, but his chest felt tight.

Sleep finally came.

But it was shallow.