In the scorching heat of August in Hu Hai City, the oppressive temperature outside the air-conditioned room raged mercilessly, pushing one to the edge of their sanity.

Everything outside felt so stifling that it almost made her wish for instant oblivion.

Lin Feiruo sat on the gilded edge of the toilet seat, her hand cradling her cheek, her thoughts a tangled mess.

She had yet to recover from the shock and confusion she had experienced just half an hour earlier.

A knocking sound—precisely timed, with impeccable control in both tone and frequency—echoed through the room. After a brief pause, a voice followed.

"Miss Feiruo, would you like some help?"

Concern, hesitation, and a subtle hint of urgency—this was the tone Lin Feiruo could detect in the middle-aged woman's voice from outside the door.

With a deep breath, Lin Feiruo steadied herself and played the part of someone completely composed. "I'm just drying my hair. I'll be out shortly."

The voice from the other side softened, becoming respectful and calm. "Understood."

Then, the sound of retreating footsteps followed, gradually fading away.

Once the footsteps disappeared, Lin Feiruo's composure shattered. It wasn't just her anymore; there was another witness, one who could confirm that she had indeed transmigrated into the pages of some ridiculous web novel.

Half an hour ago, she had awoken in a luxurious massage bathtub, large enough to fit two of her, her head resting against a golden faucet.

Then, the forgotten memories began to return in fragments.

Slowly, she pieced together some details but soon realized they did not belong to her at all.

The more she recalled, the more familiar the memories seemed. "I feel like I've seen all of this before," she thought.

And then, it clicked! She had read this book before!

It was a ridiculous web novel her friend had recommended not long ago, one where the protagonist shared her name. Her friend had jokingly suggested that she memorize the plot.

In a rare moment of downtime, Lin Feiruo had skimmed through it, unable to resist commenting, "Such a different fate for someone with the same name! The heroine's ex-husband is a rich tycoon, her current partner a famous celebrity. As for me...?"

In the world of web novels, the more dramatic the plot, the more it caught readers' attention. While Lin Feiruo had found the absurdity amusing, she had long since forgotten about it once her busy life resumed.

She remembered it now, though, as she thought back to the brief moments of self-indulgence during her trip, when she had idly wished for a break from the grind, a beautiful woman at her side, and easy wealth.

She liked beautiful women, having realized back in high school that her affections were for the same sex. She was lucky to live in an era that was relatively accepting, and her friends didn't treat her as an outcast.

However, she had never found someone to share a connection with, someone who could truly spark mutual affection.

She often said her standards weren't high, yet she never felt that spark with anyone. Either their appearance didn't appeal to her, or there was no shared interest or emotional connection.

As for the idea of making a fortune... who didn't want that? The real question was how feasible that was.

Lin Feiruo had thought to herself, "Since I’m here anyway, might as well add one more wish—what if it gets heard?"

After returning from her trip, she didn’t dwell on this wish. Who could have imagined that she would wake up in this absurd web novel instead?

Transmigrating was one thing, but could it not be so chaotic?

She didn’t want an ex-wife on her first day here, and she certainly had no intention of getting tangled up with a celebrity!

After years of consuming gossip, she had grown weary of the countless tricks celebrities played behind the scenes.

Lin Feiruo rubbed her temples, wishing she could unread all of this nonsense.

She stood in front of the mirror, inspecting the face that looked almost identical to hers, but not quite.

This original character, the same age as her, had been spared the torment of graduate studies, the never-ending demands of an overbearing supervisor, and the brutal 996 hours in the lab.

Instead, she had lived in luxury for two years at the side of the richest family in the world, and yet her eyes seemed hollow, as though drained of any emotion.

But when Lin Feiruo searched her memories, she found no answers to explain this feeling of emptiness.

Frustrated, she grabbed her damp, short hair and reached for the blow dryer hanging on the wall.

As she gently pressed the button, her attention was caught by the switch.

"Wait, is the switch covered in diamonds?"

Excessive, too excessive!

Lin Feiruo muttered her complaints under her breath, but couldn't help but touch the diamond-studded switch again. Could this really be the lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy?

After drying her hair, she changed into the clothes that the original character had left out and completed the skincare routine meticulously.

Lin Feiruo practiced her smile in the mirror. She had never interacted with a tycoon before, so flashing a smile with eight teeth showing seemed the safest bet.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, she realized this was the original character’s room.

However, the arrangement of pillows on the extravagant bed struck her as odd.

Something felt off, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. It wasn’t quite like what she had imagined the master bedroom to look like.

Just as she stepped out of the bedroom, the sound of footsteps from the stairs reached her, mirroring the ones from earlier.

"Miss Feiruo, how are you feeling now?"

A middle-aged woman appeared before her, her face exuding seven parts elegance and three parts concern. Her voice, now clearer and warmer than it had been through the door, carried a sense of familiarity.

"Su Yi?" Lin Feiruo called out softly.

When she saw Su Wansha, the foggy memories she had been struggling to recall suddenly sharpened. The plotlines related to Su Wansha also gradually came back to her.

Could it be that only in face-to-face encounters could the relevant memories be triggered?

Lin Feiruo had only interacted with Su Yi so far, so it was still too early to make a final judgment. But having recalled the related plotlines made things much easier. At least now, she could understand whether this person was a friend or a foe.

Su Yi was the housekeeper here, as well as the confidante of Jian Xiyan, the wealthiest woman in the country. Jian Xiyan was often away on business, leaving Lin Feiruo to spend more time with Su Yi.

Their relationship had evolved from mutual wariness to a quiet concern for one another. Even after Lin Feiruo and Jian Xiyan divorced, Su Yi occasionally checked in on her, asking about her well-being.

In the cold, indifferent world of the rich, this was a rare display of warmth.

Lin Feiruo couldn’t help but smile a little wider, her expression brightening with energy.

"When you said you weren’t feeling well and went into the bathroom, I was wondering if I should call Dr. Xu to come over," Su Yi said, moving closer. When she saw the smile on Lin Feiruo’s face, she finally relaxed.

"I’m fine now, just needed a good shower to feel refreshed," Lin Feiruo replied.

Su Yi didn’t question her, since Lin Feiruo did seem much more energetic now. Especially her bright, sparkling eyes, which conveyed a sense of vitality.

"Miss is back and waiting for you in the study."

Lin Feiruo paused for a moment, her mind temporarily blanking before she finally remembered who "Miss" referred to.

It must be the original character’s wife—Jian Xiyan, the beautiful billionaire.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t met Jian Xiyan yet. She only vaguely recalled the plot, and the finer details still eluded her.

Su Yi, unaware of Lin Feiruo’s brief confusion, assumed it was due to lingering concerns about the earlier incident.

"You know how Miss is. She’s not the petty type."

Lin Feiruo reined in her smile slightly. Since she didn’t fully understand the plot involving Jian Xiyan, she wasn’t sure whether or not to maintain her smile.

Seeing Lin Feiruo still uneasy, Su Yi softened her tone, aware of her habit of speaking sternly due to years of professional training.

"You also know Miss’s character. She can be a bit harsh when she’s busy, but she doesn’t mean any harm. She came back straight from the airport to see you and has been waiting in the study for a while now."

It was only three in the afternoon, and Jian Xiyan had chosen to return home rather than go to the company. This seemed to indicate that Lin Feiruo was of some importance to her.

According to Su Yi, Jian Xiyan had been waiting for over twenty minutes, a rarity in itself.

Lin Feiruo couldn’t recall what Su Yi had hesitated to mention earlier, but thanks to her experience with vague feedback from professors, she had an inkling of what might have been implied.

It was nothing more than encouraging her to not take things to heart.

"I understand," Lin Feiruo said.

Su Yi led her to the study and gave her an encouraging glance before turning to leave. Though her steps were slow, Lin Feiruo knew she had to face whatever awaited her in the study on her own.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Feiruo prepared herself for the encounter with Jian Xiyan.

Wealthy people, it was said, often had peculiar temperaments, and the novel hadn’t painted Jian Xiyan as particularly gentle.

The novel had also described Jian Xiyan as stunningly beautiful, though these days, such claims were nearly a dime a dozen in web novels.

Right now, Lin Feiruo’s memories of Jian Xiyan were hazy, but she could tell that Jian Xiyan’s features and figure were indeed remarkable—though not quite to the level of a "peerless beauty."

A quick knock on the door was followed by a cool voice: "The door isn’t locked."

The voice was chilling, refreshing like a blast of cold air.

Lin Feiruo gently pressed the door handle and pushed the heavy wooden door open, inch by inch.

The study’s interior was not what she had expected. There was no fragrant atmosphere of books, no sense of history or depth. Instead, the decor was extravagant, even chaotic—more like a collection warehouse piled high with riches than a quiet study.

Was this really the taste of a billionaire?

Then, she remembered the diamond-encrusted switch on the blow dryer.

Now, she understood. She walked inside slowly, her steps purposeful as she stood before the large desk.

The person who had been facing away from her turned the chair around, revealing an absolutely stunning face.

Oh no, she really was breathtaking.

Truly a beauty, beyond compare! Anyone who dared to compete with her would have no chance.

Lin Feiruo’s mind raced through a hundred thoughts, yet all she could do was admire.

The natural human instinct when seeing a beauty—especially an unexpected one—was to be utterly captivated.

Lin Feiruo stared at Jian Xiyan, awestruck, forgetting everything else.

Jian Xiyan wore a white shirt, her sleeves elegantly rolled up, her elbow resting on the armrest. Her slender fingers were intertwined, and she tilted her head slightly, exuding an air of elegance and authority.

Her hair was neatly styled, her appearance poised and mature without a hint of age. Her long earrings sparkled with beauty and charm.

Her makeup was simple, but her lips bore a striking color—a rare flash of warmth amid her otherwise cool demeanor.

Jian Xiyan had long been accustomed to the gaze of others, whether in business negotiations or social settings. But now, in front of Lin Feiruo, she found herself unexpectedly moved.

After a ten-second pause, seeing that Lin Feiruo was still stunned, Jian Xiyan turned her eyes away, as if breaking the spell.

She looked down, pulled a document from her drawer, and placed it gently on the desk, her hand pressing heavily on top of it.

This action snapped Lin Feiruo back to reality.

Quickly averting her gaze, she felt a wave of regret.

Her earlier reaction had been so rude. She wasn’t pleased with herself, and her expression reflected that dissatisfaction.

Even though she now carried the identity of the original character, Lin Feiruo didn’t want to deceive herself. She couldn’t shift the blame for her failures onto anyone else.

Jian Xiyan slowly spoke, her tone still as cold as before.

"I hear from Su Yi that you’re feeling unwell. Are you better now?"

Her words held no real concern, more like a perfunctory inquiry. Compared to Su Yi, the warmth was absent.

Lin Feiruo thought to herself, She’s truly a talking ice mountain—cold in both her words and her heart.

By now, she had recalled much about the relationship between the original character and Jian Xiyan. They had entered into a contract marriage, so their cold relationship made sense.

What surprised her, however, was just how direct and tangible that coldness was.

With this realization, she saw no reason to force her smile any further.

She weakly raised the corner of her mouth, offering a fleeting response.

"I just had a hot bath. I feel much better now."

Jian Xiyan gave a slight nod. The topic was closed.

Lin Feiruo glanced at the document under Jian Xiyan's hand and guessed what it might be.

Today marked the end of their contract marriage, and that document was undoubtedly the divorce agreement.

She couldn’t believe that, despite being in the home of the richest woman in the country, there was no extravagant gesture—a blank check, perhaps. Lin Feiruo felt a pang of regret.

Before she could fully process her disappointment, Jian Xiyan furrowed her brow slightly.

Perhaps sensing Lin Feiruo’s reluctance, Jian Xiyan decided to take control of the situation.

"If you have any other requests, you may voice them," Jian Xiyan said, her tone as cold as always. "If reasonable, I will consider them."

With that, she pushed the divorce agreement across the desk, her gaze firm and piercing.

"This document must be signed today."

Lin Feiruo distinctly felt a cold breeze brushing against her face, sweeping over every pore, even her neck was not spared. Fortunately, it was brief; otherwise, she might have instinctively pulled her neck in.

Though the air conditioning vent was positioned above her, Lin Feiruo was sure that the chill came from below.

She raised an eyebrow habitually, her eyes flickering with a sharpness, as if checking whether her bangs had been ruffled by the air.

Lin Feiruo had not yet fully adapted to her new role, and the old habits, often unguarded, slipped out. In the past, after long hours in the lab, she would often relax this way, easing the tension.

Jian Xiyan had never seen Lin Feiruo act this way, at least not in such formal settings.

For a moment, she could not decipher Lin Feiruo’s unusual reaction, unsure of its meaning. However, having grown accustomed to maintaining control in their cooperation, she wisely refrained from asking questions impulsively.

Lin Feiruo was perfectly at ease with the divorce. She harbored no intentions of prolonging the process or trying to squeeze out more advantages. Although she often joked about getting rich overnight, living with a stranger at the pinnacle of wealth was hardly a pleasant affair.

If Jian Xiyan discovered she was an imposter, the consequences could be disastrous.

There was also the possibility of going from rags to riches overnight—or worse, the other way around…

Thinking of this, Lin Feiruo couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief that she was getting the divorce today.

Her eyes sparkled, a subtle curve gracing her lips, her eagerness growing more apparent. However, she knew better than to rush into signing anything, especially an agreement she hadn’t thoroughly read.

Lin Feiruo turned to Jian Xiyan, her expression earnest, though slightly anxious, almost without realizing it.

It was her first time coming this close to someone so stunning and wealthy, and she needed a little time to adjust.

Jian Xiyan remained calm, though she carefully observed the subtle changes in Lin Feiruo’s expressions, sensing a hint of indecision.

Was she reconsidering?

During the two-year term of their agreement, Lin Feiruo had never acted inappropriately, except when they were performing for others, creating the illusion of closeness. In private, they maintained a respectful distance.

That distance, understood only by a few of their closest people, was rooted in two essential truths only the two of them fully comprehended.

Lin Feiruo’s heart belonged to someone else, and Jian Xiyan had known this from the beginning. In fact, it had been a deciding factor in Lin Feiruo’s selection from many candidates.

Jian Xiyan had never been enamored with the idea of “falling in love over time.” In fact, she was wary of it. The fake marriage was simply a means to meet the conditions for inheriting massive wealth—not a search for someone to divide her family’s fortune.

She had witnessed countless scandals surrounding inheritance disputes among wealthy families. No matter how deep the affection, money could always cause a rift. And what of those who shared her bed? Human nature couldn’t withstand too many tests.

For the past two years, Lin Feiruo had spent nearly all her money on a small celebrity named Yan Shan, and Jian Xiyan was fully aware of it. Far from intervening, she had even given her tacit approval—far preferable to having Lin Feiruo focus her attention on herself.

But now, as Lin Feiruo hesitated over the divorce agreement, Jian Xiyan no longer seemed as composed.

She wasn’t worried about Lin Feiruo developing any emotional attachment to her, but the financial aspect…

Last month, Jian Xiyan officially took control of her family’s core enterprises. Although the transition period was ongoing, the true scale of her wealth had transformed.

If Lin Feiruo suddenly demanded more money, it was certainly possible.

Jian Xiyan was growing agitated, unsure whether it was her disappointment in this person or her frustration with how her plans were being disrupted. Yet she restrained herself, deciding to wait for Lin Feiruo to speak first.

Lin Feiruo licked her lips, her tone polite and sincere, characteristic of a student: “May I first review the contents of the agreement?”

Jian Xiyan paused, slowly raising her hand.

Lin Feiruo picked up the agreement lying alone on the desk and began reading it carefully, line by line. The terms were detailed, and the language was professional, requiring her to calm her mind to ensure she understood everything thoroughly.

Standing for too long made her tired, so without thinking, she pulled out a chair and sat down.

Jian Xiyan hadn’t expected her to read so intently. It was like…

Like a university student in the library, fully absorbed in exam preparations, or like a classmate, after their work had been returned by the professor, carefully revising it again and again.

Once Lin Feiruo sat down, they were at eye level with one another.

Jian Xiyan found herself momentarily lost in thought. It seemed to her that they rarely had such a quiet moment to sit together. Previously, they were either rushing to discuss matters or navigating through noisy, crowded social events.

Moreover, she realized that Lin Feiruo today was slightly different—more lively and relaxed, yet also more focused and serious as she read the agreement.

Jian Xiyan looked at the person across the table, sensing a familiar yet foreign feeling.

“This clause says…” Lin Feiruo suddenly raised her head, a hint of confusion on her brow.

Jian Xiyan briefly spaced out, quickly averting her gaze, her expression still cold and composed.

“What is it?”

Lin Feiruo leaned forward, pointing at a specific clause in the agreement, confirming, “This says that within three months after the divorce, neither party can enter into a new romantic relationship…”

Jian Xiyan furrowed her brows. It seemed Lin Feiruo really was reconsidering.

She had waited two years—was three more months too much to ask? Was Yan Shan really that irresistible?

Suppressing her irritation, Jian Xiyan forced a professional smile. “We had already agreed upon this. To ensure a smooth transition and to wait until I have completed my first major project before publicly announcing the divorce—this will have the least impact on the stock price.”

The Jian Group was vast, with many publicly listed subsidiaries. Whether Jian Xiyan was married or divorced, any misstep could greatly influence stock prices.

Lin Feiruo hadn’t recalled this detail, but once Jian Xiyan explained, it seemed reasonable. Moreover, the original agreement had been made, and there was no need for her to back out now.

Jian Xiyan thought Lin Feiruo was mulling over another excuse, but after a brief wait, she realized Lin Feiruo had simply moved on to the next section.

Jian Xiyan silently exhaled, adjusting her posture to cross her arms.

Up until now, Lin Feiruo hadn’t proposed any unreasonable conditions, and Jian Xiyan had already made preparations.

Watching Lin Feiruo’s focused expression, Jian Xiyan remembered the fleeting emotion she had felt earlier.

Any long-term project into which one invests energy and time naturally becomes a habit, and its conclusion often brings about a sense of loss.

Loss?

Jian Xiyan paused, quickly dismissing the thought.

How could she possibly feel a sense of loss over a contractual marriage?

She glanced casually at Lin Feiruo, still absorbed in the agreement, and reassured herself that it was simply a bit of pressure.

After all, once the agreement was signed, she would need to prepare for how others would react to her divorce.

Lin Feiruo finished reading the agreement thoroughly and didn’t find any hidden traps. The terms seemed fair.

She placed the agreement back on the table and lightly pressed her hand on it.

Her eyes still glimmered, a renewed sense of anticipation in her gaze.

Jian Xiyan smiled faintly. “Have you finished?”

“Finished.”

“Any issues…”

“No issues.”

Jian Xiyan stared at her for a moment, and Lin Feiruo nodded, repeating, “No issues.”

The pen was placed on the table. Lin Feiruo reached for it.

As she twisted the cap off, Jian Xiyan suddenly said, “Before you sign, I want to remind you of one more thing.”

“Hmm?”

“The agreement takes effect today, but you’ll need to accompany me back to the mansion for three more days.”

Lin Feiruo frowned. That detail wasn’t in the agreement.

Jian Xiyan, ever so considerate, explained, “I arranged this before my business trip. It’s part of the deal—one role to fulfill.”

A role?

Lin Feiruo’s memory was a little hazy. She vaguely recalled something but couldn’t quite place it.

She would never press Jian Xiyan about it directly.

Doing so would either make her appear foolish or make it seem like she was reneging on the deal. Neither outcome was desirable.

Three days? Fine, three days. The mansion sounded a little mysterious, but it couldn’t be that bad. After all, they were already getting divorced. Would Jian Xiyan really lock her in the mansion?

No, she wasn’t afraid.

Lin Feiruo nodded calmly. “Got it.”

With that, she signed her name on the agreement.

Jian Xiyan watched her carefully sign, and the wariness in her heart began to ease.

They left the study, walking one after the other. Aunt Shu greeted them.

“Miss, what would you like for dinner tonight? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it.”

Jian Xiyan, draped in her suit jacket, let the sleeves fall.

“Nothing. I need to go back to the office for a meeting. Don’t wait for me tonight.”

She said this to Aunt Shu, then turned slightly to acknowledge Lin Feiruo before heading to the car.

Aunt Shu watched Jian Xiyan walk off with brisk steps, then glanced at Lin Feiruo, who stood still with her hands in her pockets. She shook her head with a sigh.

This couple seemed to be growing more distant.

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but when Miss returned so urgently after her business trip, Aunt Shu had thought there might be a change.

Who knew…

Sigh.

Lin Feiruo noticed Aunt Shu’s somber expression and recalled the concerns about her health from the book.

She said with genuine care, “Aunt Shu, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It can be really draining. And although it’s summer, you don’t have to wear the uniform at home. Keeping your knees warm is more important.”

Aunt Shu did indeed suffer from some rheumatism, and prolonged exposure to air conditioning was uncomfortable.

She had always demanded a lot of herself and worried about everything, maintaining a tense state of mind, which had led to increasing headaches lately.

While they had always silently taken care of each other, Lin Feiruo had never been so direct in her concern.

Touched, Aunt Shu couldn’t help but teach her, “You should say these caring words more to Miss.”

“Hmm?”

“Miss has always been calm. She’s been managing company affairs since a young age and is used to being serious, but that doesn’t mean she’s made of steel. She also needs care and warmth.”

“Ah?”

Lin Feiruo was caught off guard, wondering if Aunt Shu thought she wasn’t being considerate enough.

“Married couples need to spend more time together and work things out. You two…”

Aunt Shu hesitated and lowered her voice. “You’re not even living together anymore. This is bound to cause problems.”

Lin Feiruo laughed quietly. She wasn’t sure if she remembered all the details of the story. For now, it was better to listen more and speak less.

“Actually, Miss does care about you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to decorate the place like this, the way you like it.”

What?

Lin Feiruo looked up, her gaze meeting the huge crystal chandelier hanging directly above in the living room, its brightness blinding.

She couldn't help but twitch her lips. “I like this?”

“Miss has always liked simplicity. Her room and study in the mansion have never exceeded three colors,” Aunt Shu said earnestly, with the clarity of an observer, “If Miss didn’t care deeply for you, she would never have agreed to this kind of decoration.”

Lin Feiruo felt awkward, almost wanting to scratch her head. She didn’t have such taste, did she?

She, too, liked simplicity and elegance. Right now, she just wanted to go to Jian Xiyan’s mansion, where nothing ever exceeded three colors!

Aunt Shu noticed Lin Feiruo’s sudden stiffness, the subtle shift in her expression. Realizing she had ventured into treacherous territory, she promptly halted her words.

She feared that continuing would only deepen the contrast between past and present—a comparison that, in matters of the heart, often delivered the cruelest blows.

No one, no matter how resilient, could remain unscathed by such a stark juxtaposition.

Lin Feiruo had always been cheerful, but even the most open-hearted people had wounds that needn’t be salted. With a silent sigh, Aunt Shu abandoned her efforts to console.

“I'll prepare dinner. It’s all your favorites.”

With that, she turned and strode toward the kitchen, her brisk pace almost matching the way Jian Xiyan had left moments earlier.

Lin Feiruo came back to her senses just in time to watch Aunt Shu disappear into the hallway. She mused aloud, “Do all the Jians walk as if the wind carries them?”

The grand and luminous living room suddenly felt too spacious, too hollow. The household staff were busy elsewhere, wisely steering clear of her presence.

Staying put became unbearable; the opulence surrounding her was suffocating, disorienting—like standing in an over-embellished tourist attraction.

Knowing the origins of this excessive aesthetic only unsettled her further. To think she had once ridiculed Jian Xiyan’s peculiar tastes.

Retreating to her bedroom, Lin Feiruo locked the door before finally exhaling a breath of relief. She sank onto the plush bed, stacking two pillows behind her back as she prepared to untangle her thoughts.

The novel’s plot remained vague in her memory—broad strokes without the fine details. From the current situation, it seemed she would need to encounter key individuals firsthand before unlocking the crucial narratives connected to them.

Fortunately, the divorce agreement had already been signed, signaling that, for now, the storyline remained unchanged.

Divorce. The word itself still felt foreign to her, the identity it bestowed even more so.

She was only twenty-four. Though her master’s program in nutrition science had tormented her into early hair loss, she still harbored the heart of a young woman. She had never even experienced a first love, yet here she was, already divorced.

Regardless of how progressive and accepting modern society had become, Lin Feiruo remained inherently traditional, perhaps even old-fashioned in such matters.

She had always regarded marriage as sacred, an oath not to be taken lightly. Once, she had vowed that unless she met the love of her life, she would never consider tying the knot.

If it had been her in reality, she doubted she would have agreed to a contractual marriage.

But if the partner in question was Jian Xiyan…

Lin Feiruo recalled their brief interaction in the study. A peculiar, almost imperceptible hesitation rippled through her thoughts.

At the time, her attention had been solely fixed on the divorce papers. She hadn’t dared to openly scrutinize the woman before her. Now, in retrospect, she realized—Jian Xiyan’s features were flawless, utterly beyond reproach.

Though lightly made up, her natural beauty was undeniable. No cakey foundation, no clogged pores, no excessive concealer—just a complexion so immaculate it could serve as a reference model for 3D rendering.

Her eyes were luminous, striking, but their undertone was cool, distant. She looked at people as though detached, void of emotion.

Lin Feiruo lamented internally: She has closed the windows to her soul—no chance for connection.

She had always believed that vivid lip colors were unnecessary unless for special occasions—too bold, too ostentatious. But today, Jian Xiyan had effortlessly overturned that notion.

That single touch of crimson against her porcelain skin was nothing short of mesmerizing, searing an unforgettable impression into the depths of Lin Feiruo’s mind.

Shocked, she murmured, “Did I really manage to observe her in such detail under pressure?”

Growing weary, she adjusted her pillows, shifting into a more reclined position.

Before she could finish piecing together the plot, sleep overtook her. She didn’t wake until dinner had long passed.

Aunt Shu had waited in the dining room, glancing at the clock again and again. She had sent someone to knock on Lin Feiruo’s door, but there was no response. Growing uneasy, she went up herself.

From behind the door, a drowsy voice mumbled, “I’m so tired. Let me sleep a little longer.”

This was unusual. Lin Feiruo rarely napped at this hour. No matter how exhausted she was, she would typically eat first—she hated going to bed hungry.

Aunt Shu frowned. Had the study room conversation been more upsetting than she realized? Or worse, had her own words earlier unwittingly struck a nerve?

The girl was already heartbroken, and she had foolishly reminded her of past sweetness. She should have known better.

Regret seeped into Aunt Shu’s heart as she looked at the untouched feast spread before her.

Lin Feiruo awoke feeling thoroughly rested. When she checked the time, it was nearly eight in the morning.

Satisfied, she stretched lazily. A shower first, then a proper freshening up—after that, she would head to the Jian estate.

The three-day agreement was inescapable, so she might as well get it over with. She had no desire to linger in this overly extravagant, borderline surrealist mansion any longer. Any second now, Aunt Shu might spring another shocking revelation on her.

As her fingers brushed the embedded crystals on the hairdryer switch, she could no longer summon the energy to complain.

Expressionless, she dried her hair as quickly as possible, as if fearing prolonged exposure to this aesthetic would somehow infect her own.

Downstairs, the dining hall carried an air of quiet tension.

Aunt Shu’s face remained troubled, not much better than the previous night’s. The reason? Jian Xiyan had been waiting for a while.

“Miss, should I… go up and inform her?”

Jian Xiyan had rushed back to the company yesterday to handle paperwork and had only found time today to discuss the details of Lin Feiruo’s stay at the estate.

Compared to the somber mood in the study yesterday, she now appeared visibly at ease.

Aunt Shu had already recounted Lin Feiruo’s apparent “distress” from the day before—how she had been too downhearted to even eat dinner.

Jian Xiyan, however, didn’t believe for a moment that her refusal to dine stemmed from disappointment over her not staying the night. But if not, then what had unsettled her?

“How is she feeling?”

Aunt Shu hesitated. Lin Feiruo had insisted she was fine, but some concern wouldn’t hurt, would it? Otherwise, Miss Lin was always alone in that room, enduring her quiet sorrows, unnoticed.

“She complained of a headache yesterday afternoon but forced herself to act normal when she heard you had come home,” Aunt Shu said cautiously. “Miss, I don’t think she was deliberately trying to upset you. Maybe she just wanted your attention.”

Jian Xiyan knew Aunt Shu meant well, but—

She simply offered a faint smile. “We’ll manage.”

Though light, the smile was genuine, captivating in its sincerity.

Lin Feiruo arrived just in time to witness it—the slight tilt of Jian Xiyan’s head, the subtle curve of her lips, even the warmth in her voice.

Even from the side, she was stunning.

If she truly smiled, would the flowers in the garden bloom in response?

Lost in thought, Lin Feiruo froze in place until a gentle nudge from behind brought her back to reality.

“Miss Lin, why are you just standing there? Come in for breakfast.”

As she stepped forward, Jian Xiyan’s gaze shifted, her expression cooling back into its usual aloofness.

Lin Feiruo huffed inwardly. So, she really does distinguish between close and distant. Was a mere smile too much to spare?

Still, she mirrored the same polite indifference, draping the napkin over her lap.

When her breakfast arrived—lotus seed porridge and egg yolk pastries—her stomach grumbled in protest.

She glanced at Jian Xiyan’s bowl of dandan noodles, licking her lips.

Sensing her gaze, Jian Xiyan paused. “What would you prefer?”

“…Dandan noodles.”

Aunt Shu quickly instructed the kitchen to prepare another serving.

Lin Feiruo clutched her stomach in embarrassment. Some things were simply beyond her control.

Jian Xiyan’s lips twitched slightly. She slid her own bowl across the table.

“Take this one. I haven’t touched it.”

Lin Feiruo licked her lips again, inwardly salivating. "This feels a bit inappropriate…"

"It's just a bowl of noodles," Jian Xiyan teased. "Your stomach won’t allow you to be polite any longer."

She wasn’t wrong—Lin Feiruo wasted no time on further courtesies.

She ate with quiet concentration, each bite more delicious than the last, completely absorbed in the meal.

The chef of a billionaire’s household was indeed in a league of their own—this was not something one could casually find at a roadside stall.

As she savored each mouthful, she couldn't help but praise the craftsmanship, all while calculating in her mind—would one bowl be enough?

Jian Xiyan, who usually had a modest appetite, had already drunk a glass of milk before leaving the mansion. Yet, watching Lin Feiruo eat with such relish sparked her own craving.

She absentmindedly pinched the corner of the neatly folded napkin on the table, deliberately averting her gaze from Lin Feiruo’s engrossed eating.

But sitting so close, even if she refused to look, every movement, every sound made by the other woman was impossible to ignore.

In fact, the more she tried not to focus on it, the more acutely aware she became.

Aunt Shu, standing nearby, felt a quiet sense of relief. Finally, Miss Feiruo was beginning to show some initiative.

She wasn’t one for sweet words or romantic gestures, but choosing to eat the dandan noodles was, in its own way, a silent offering of goodwill.

In the two years of their marriage, neither had ever compromised their tastes for the other. The dishes on the table were always arranged in neat rows—sweet, savory, and spicy—each eating according to their own preference, never crossing into the other's territory.

For Miss Feiruo to take this step was truly rare.

Aunt Shu discreetly observed Jian Xiyan, curious to see whether her mistress had noticed the subtle intent behind Lin Feiruo’s actions.

Jian Xiyan, having given up on her feigned indifference, let her gaze drift back. Since covering her ears was proving futile, she might as well continue watching Lin Feiruo eat.

She had never before realized that Lin Feiruo eating could be so entertaining—like a little hamster, utterly engrossed. It was unexpectedly endearing, and oddly contagious.

Those who worked in the household were far from oblivious. Though they had only been instructed to prepare another bowl, the chef, perceptive as ever, noticed their mistress’s apparent favoritism toward the dish and wisely made extra.

Sure enough, when Lin Feiruo finished her first bowl with remarkable speed, she looked unmistakably unsatisfied.

Yet she held back, resisting the urge to covet Jian Xiyan’s portion.

When Xiaoxuan swiftly arrived with a fresh bowl, the two of them, at last, dined in unison.

Jian Xiyan ate with quiet elegance, a stark contrast to the busy little hamster beside her. Yet, despite the difference, there was an inexplicable sense of harmony between them.

Aunt Shu and Xiaoxuan watched from the side, their hearts swelling with emotion.

In the past, the two had always conversed as they ate, yet it often felt as though there was a vast, unspoken distance between them.

Today, they barely spoke at all, yet somehow, they truly seemed like they were together.

After breakfast, Jian Xiyan mentioned returning to the mansion. Lin Feiruo promptly descended the stairs, suitcase in hand—clearly prepared in advance.

One look, and it was obvious how eager she was to leave this place.

A strange, inexplicable frustration welled up in Jian Xiyan’s chest.

Their partnership had ended, but watching her former partner so impatient to walk away, as if she couldn't wait to shake off every trace of their shared past, left a bitter taste.

It was as though everything here, everything they had once shared, was nothing but an unbearable burden to Lin Feiruo.

Jian Xiyan had never, in all her life, experienced such blatant rejection.

A slow-burning irritation took root in her heart.

Noticing her darkened expression, Lin Feiruo instinctively asked, “Did breakfast not sit well with you?”