A pond full of blooming flowers, an ultimate addiction.

Chi Ruiche changed his usual suit, took off his down jacket to reveal a beige sweater, and the soft and comfortable color gave him a refined and easy-going temperament.

"let's start."

The annual summary meeting signifies the approaching new year, with each department reporting on its performance growth this year and its goals for the coming year.

"Sister-in-law, okay, then wait for me a moment."

Jiang Yi was idly fiddling with Lego bricks when she received a call from Wang Ruozhi. Chi Ruiche was still in the conference room, so she sent a message asking Lao Wang to take her out.

"Here, Xiao Yi."

Wang Ruozhi waited at the mall entrance, dressed in a camel-colored wool coat paired with a light-colored sweater skirt, looking sophisticated and elegant. Upon seeing Jiang Yi arrive, she handed her a cup of hot milk tea, saying, "Warm your hands."

"Thank you."

Jiang Yi felt that his down jacket was a bit bulky, so he took a bite without thinking about anything else. The taste was not bad, so he told Lao Wang to leave first.

"I saw an outfit and would like to ask you for your opinion," Wang Ruozhi explained somewhat shyly.

"My brother's?" Jiang's eyes gleamed with gossip as he stared at Wang Ruozhi.

"Yes, a New Year's gift." Wang Ruozhi and Jiang Yang have been married for a few months, but she still gets shy and can't look Jiang Yang in the eye when he's mentioned.

"it is good."

Jiang Yi sat on the sofa and looked around. He was wearing a long white down jacket with a design on the cuffs and hem that resembled ink splashes on rice paper, giving it a Chinese style.

"Hello, please pack this set for me." Jiang Yi took a liking to it at first glance, imagining what Chi Ruiche would look like wearing it.

"Xiao Yi, does your CEO Chi also wear this kind of down jacket?"

Wang Ruozhi's impression of Chi Ruiche was that he always wore a formal suit and was always serious and dignified.

"of course."

Jiang Yi would deliberately forbid him from wearing a suit when they were alone. He would jokingly call himself a "housekeeper" and then change into the clothes he had prepared.

"What are you thinking about? Your smile is getting sweeter and sweeter," Wang Ruozhi teased her.

"What clothes did you choose, sister-in-law?" Jiang Yi shook her head, changing the subject.

"This sweater is pink, I'm afraid your brother won't like it." The waiter brought out a pair of black casual pants to match the sweater, which didn't look out of place.

"He complains about the clothes his wife buys him; he deserves a beating."

Jiang Yi sensed that Wang Ruozhi seemed a little insecure, so she comforted her, "He'll like whatever you buy."

"Xiao Yi, can I tell you something that's on my mind?"

Wang Ruozhi dared not tell her parents, fearing they would worry, but she didn't have any truly close friends, and some things she kept to herself were painful.

"Okay." Jiang Yi waved to the waiter, "Take it to go."

"Yes, please wait a moment." The waiter sensibly withdrew, giving them some space.

“I always feel that your brother is very polite to me, so polite that he doesn’t seem like a husband.”

Wang Ruozhi spoke slowly. She didn't know how to explain it, even though in the eyes of outsiders they were the most suitable couple.

"Is it because of my brother's personality?"

"How should I put it? I feel that even if it weren't me, your brother could marry anyone. I can't see the feeling I want in his eyes."

"Sister-in-law, have you said these things to my brother?"

"No, I don't know how to bring it up, and I feel like I'm just making assumptions."

Wang Ruozhi looked sad and took a bite of the dessert, but the sweet taste didn't seem particularly outstanding.

"I hope you can have a good talk with my brother. It's better to talk things out than to overthink it." Jiang Yi couldn't give a direct answer, so she could only offer comfort and advice.

"Maybe I'm overthinking it. I feel that love should be as loving as my parents'."

Wang Ruozhi has followed her parents' arrangements since childhood, from schooling to marriage. She firmly believes that everything her parents have prepared for her is the best, and that she can overcome anything as long as she works hard.

"I used to envy Lü Haotian and Miss Liu for their enduring love; later I envied you and Chi Ruiche for being childhood sweethearts."

"Don't envy others; if you blossom, the breeze will come." Jiang Yi frankly offered these words of advice to others, but those involved are often blinded by their own circumstances.

The phone suddenly vibrated. Jiang Yang had made a taxi. "Xiao Yi, come to the hospital quickly, Mom has fainted."

"it is good."

Jiang Yi and Wang Ruozhi ran into the hospital. There were many doctors and nurses in the emergency room on the first floor. Grandpa Jiang sat in a chair with a solemn expression, and Youjun stood beside him.

"Brother, Grandpa, how is he?"

"Aunt Meng just called me and said that Mom suddenly fainted, and the doctor has already gone in." Jiang Yang's eyes were filled with unease, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

My aunt rushed over after receiving the call, and everyone lingered in the corridor. The red light made their hearts leap into their throats.

Jiang Yi kept biting her lip, trying to relieve her anxiety.

"Why did you suddenly faint?" Second Aunt glanced at Aunt Meng. "Second Brother is still away on a business trip. I came over to find out what happened."

Aunt Meng rubbed her hands together, her body trembling slightly. "Today, the First Madam brought tea and snacks. The Old Master told me to fetch the teacups, but when I returned, the Madam had already collapsed on the carpet in the living room."

As the red light turned off, a group of people rushed forward, asking, "How is my mom? Is she alright?"

"We did our best, but Ms. Cui suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was already in shock when she was brought in. She could not be saved."

The attending physician's words were devoid of any warmth: "Time of death: 10:34 AM."

"What did you say?" Wang Ruozhi ran over and grabbed the doctor's clothes, unable to believe it.

"Please grief."

"Death? Death? What nonsense are you talking about?" He murmured to himself the moment he heard it, as if the whole world had frozen and a cold fear rose in his heart.

Everyone crowded around. The sudden bad news was unbelievable to everyone. Cui Xiuling, covered with a white sheet, was placed in the emergency room, and they had no choice but to believe it.

Jiang Yi stepped back when she touched the white cloth. Then she suddenly lunged forward and pushed Jiang Yang away, saying, "Brother, this isn't Mom, they've made a mistake."

"Xiao Yi, calm down."

Wang Ruozhi understood Jiang Yi's feelings, so she came over and hugged her, trying to ease her pain.

"Not Mommy, not Mommy."

Ignoring the people around her, Jiang Yi kept backing away, subconsciously trying to escape this place. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Jiang Yi took a deep breath, but even her breathing was tightly constricted.

"Mom, we're home."

Jiang Yang bowed his head in silent mourning, trying hard to suppress his emotions and forcing himself to remain calm. Wang Ruozhi and his second aunt stood guard on either side of him. Time seemed to stand still, and everyone's hearts were filled with endless grief.

Grandpa Jiang gripped his cane tightly, patted Jiang Yang on the shoulder, and said, "Take Xiuling back to the old house."