In the end, Xia Xiyao still didn’t manage to ask how he did it—every time she tried, he just played dumb.

But that didn’t stop her eyes from lighting up whenever she looked at him. Ever since he changed, it felt like there was nothing he couldn’t do.

Gu Xingyi basked in Xia Xiyao’s admiring gaze without shame.

He was a rich guy now! Anything that could be solved with money wasn’t a problem. The profits from his collaboration with Hua Yin had his wallet bursting at the seams.

Take Yun-jie’s situation, for instance. As soon as Xia Xiyao mentioned it, Gu Xingyi had pretty much guessed the reason.

She could barely afford to eat—how was she supposed to chase dreams?

It made Gu Xingyi reflect—men and women really did look at and handle things differently. Women were often emotional, men more rational.

The next morning, Xia Xiyao was up early.

Unusually, Gu Xingyi didn’t go out for a jog either. The two stayed in the kitchen, working together in perfect sync to make breakfast.

Xia Xiyao had already packed her luggage and left it in the living room. Xiao Nainai was still sleeping—Xia Xiyao didn’t plan to wait until she woke up. She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to leave if she saw her.

Breakfast was soon ready, and Xia Xiyao quietly ate.

Gu Xingyi sat beside her, casually chatting away. They looked just like an ordinary couple—the wife heading off to work, the husband nagging her with reminders.

“Once you're there, remember to call often, or Nainai will miss you. I’ve already told them you’ll be arriving today. Modu isn’t far—come back whenever you can.”

“If anything happens out there, make sure you tell me. Don’t just bottle it up like a fool.”

As she listened to him while eating her porridge, Xia Xiyao felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. A part of her didn’t want to leave home anymore.

She ate so slowly that the porridge was almost gone before her phone rang, and even then, she seemed dazed.

It wasn’t until Gu Xingyi nudged her that she finally answered the call.

“Hello? Xiyao-jie! I’m ready! Yun-jie is with me! When are you coming?”

“I’ll be there soon! Just wait a little longer!”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you downstairs—don’t be late!”

After hanging up, Xia Xiyao looked up at Gu Xingyi. The expression in her almond eyes made his heart skip a beat.

Xia Xiyao really was beautiful. Among everyone Gu Xingyi had seen in two lifetimes, few could compare to her. But her personality—Gu Xingyi thought it was too gentle.

That probably had to do with her past. Gu Xingyi, who also grew up in an orphanage, understood. People with those kinds of backgrounds often ended up with either obsessive personalities or people-pleasing ones.

In his past life, he was the latter—always gauging people’s moods and adjusting accordingly. He knew how hard that was. He didn’t want Xia Xiyao to be stuck like that forever.

At the very least… she should be more confident.

Gu Xingyi turned his gaze toward her luggage, not daring to meet her eyes.

“It’s time. Don’t keep them waiting.”

“Mm. I’ll just go check on Nainai before I go.”

Xia Xiyao lowered her gaze and spoke softly. Just looking at him like that was already the boldest thing she’d ever done.

Gu Xingyi replied with a low “Mm” and followed her to the bedroom.

Xiao Nainai was still fast asleep, sprawled out without a care, completely unaware her mama was about to leave.

Xia Xiyao gently kissed her little face and buried her face in the child’s neck for a moment before reluctantly standing up and leaving the room, glancing back every few steps.

Gu Xingyi followed her, helping load her luggage into the car. Once she got into the driver’s seat, he closed the door and stood to the side.

“I’m heading out!”

Xia Xiyao turned to look at him.

“Mm. Don’t forget to come home often. Otherwise, the little one’s gonna throw a tantrum for sure.”

“Mm!”

Just as the car started, Xia Xiyao suddenly turned her head again, her expression serious.

“Gu Xingyi, thank you.”

Before he could reply, the car had already pulled away.

Gu Xingyi chuckled. Hey, we’re family—what’s there to thank me for?

The car made its way downtown. Tao Lele had been eagerly waiting and was already downstairs, eyes scanning the street. Beside her, Yun-jie shook her head—after all this time, the girl was still just as impatient.

“Xiyao-jie is here!”

As Xia Xiyao’s car slowly approached, Tao Lele waved frantically. The moment she stepped out of the car, Tao Lele ran over cheerfully.

“Xiyao-jie!”

“Lele! Yun-jie, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Xia Xiyao took Tao Lele’s hand and turned to Yun-jie with an apologetic smile.

“Not long. It’s just that Lele’s a little too jumpy.”

Yun-jie had a smile on her face. She hadn’t expected the three of them would have the chance to work together again.

And thinking of it, she recalled that man who looked like a delicate little pretty boy. Yet today was all thanks to him.

“Yun-jie, thank you for coming.”

Xia Xiyao stepped up to Yun-jie and held her hands, swaying them like a spoiled child.

“Without you, Lele and I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“Alright, alright! You’re a mama now, still acting like a kid!”

“You should be thanking your man instead. Anyway, let’s get the luggage.”

Back in work mode, Yun-jie was still as sharp as ever. But her words made Xia Xiyao blush deeply—she still didn’t know how Gu Xingyi had convinced Yun-jie.

They didn’t bring much—just daily necessities.

The car fit everything easily, and all three of them got in. Tao Lele gave a wave.

“Let’s go! To the bright road ahead!”

“What a wild child.”

Yun-jie teased, while Xia Xiyao beamed.

The car drove toward Modu.

At Yin Hai Entertainment’s headquarters in Modu, Yang Chenglin had arrived early to the office, but her thoughts were scattered the whole morning.

When noon finally came, she checked the time and went downstairs to the building’s entrance.

Today, that guy’s wife was coming.

She wanted to see what kind of woman someone so pampered by him could be.

She didn’t have to wait long before a car with Jiangcheng plates pulled into the parking lot in front of the building.

Yang Chenglin narrowed her eyes, watching closely.

Three people stepped out of the car. One was a lively, chattering young woman, another slightly older with some white in her hair, looking at the other two with a constant fond smile.

From those two alone, Yang Chenglin could already tell what kind of person Xia Xiyao must be.

Her gaze shifted to the young woman in the center—an oval-shaped face with a rosy glow, almond eyes that shimmered like water, long hair flowing down her shoulders, and a soft, gentle smile.

A woman like water—just looking at her made your heart ache. No wonder Gu Xingyi treated her the way he did.

Yang Chenglin composed herself and walked forward quickly.

“Hello, you must be Xia Xiyao? I’m Yang Chenglin, deputy director of HR at Yin Hai Entertainment. On behalf of the company, welcome!”

Yang Chenglin extended her hand with a smile, locking eyes with Xia Xiyao.

“Hello, I’m Xia Xiyao.”

Xia Xiyao replied softly. Her gentle voice matched her face. She was also quietly observing this onee-san—the grace and confidence she carried made Xia Xiyao feel a twinge of admiration.