After the divorce, the aloof female CEO was filled with regret.

Tonight, I went back to Xu Yikang's house. On the way back, my mother-in-law called me many times. I found her quite annoying, and my mind was in a mess. I didn't even have the energy to argue with her, so I simply didn't answer.

Eventually, the phone went silent.

I rubbed my eyes, thinking about going home to have a meal with Xu Yikang, chat, and pour out my heart.

After all, the divorce isn't settled yet, and there's a whole mess waiting for me. I'm really annoyed.

However, Xu Yikang has been busy rushing to finish a project recently, and has been working through several nights in a row.

Seeing how tired he was, I didn't say anything. I just quickly made a few dishes and said to him, "Yikang, eat first, then you can get back to work."

With two huge panda eyes, Xu Yikang glanced at the three dishes and a bowl of soup on the table and was deeply moved.

"You're such a great buddy, a lifesaver for us office workers! With this delicious meal, I won't have to order those gutter oil takeouts tonight."

I snorted and replied with a smile, "Hurry up and eat. I'll wash the dishes after you're done, so you can focus on your work."

Xu Yikang was even happier to hear this, and sat down to eat with great relish, feeling extremely satisfied.

"Your skills are simply god-level. If you ever decide you don't want to be an illustrator anymore, you should open a restaurant. It'll be a huge success. I guarantee it'll be packed every day and your business will be booming."

I chimed in, "Sure, once I've built a big business, you'll be my second-largest shareholder, and Gu Mengmeng will be the third-largest shareholder."

Xu Yikang and I exchanged a glance, grinning from ear to ear. Then I suddenly remembered Gu Mengmeng and said, "Gu Mengmeng is going abroad for a follow-up appointment tomorrow."

While chewing on his beef, Xu Yikang asked curiously, "Wasn't she already better? Why does she need a follow-up appointment?"

I nodded. Xu Yikang frowned, his eyes flickered a few times, and then he said in a low voice, "Um, Ye Qiu, Gu Mengmeng has been taking care of your uncle these days, and your relationship has improved a lot. Besides, you and Jiang Yuwei are about to get divorced. What do you think... um... how about having Gu Mengmeng as your girlfriend?"

I almost choked on my food. I stared at Xu Yikang with wide eyes and asked incredulously, "What do you mean by this? Just say it directly, don't beat around the bush."

"I'm just asking, do you think Gu Mengmeng is suitable to be a girlfriend?"

I was so shocked I almost dropped my jaw, staring at Xu Yikang in disbelief.

"Xu Yikang! My uncle doesn't know Gu Mengmeng's true identity, so it's one thing for him to misunderstand, but why are you joining in the commotion? We've known each other for so many years, don't you have any idea whether I have feelings for her or not?"

"Besides, Jiang Yuwei and I haven't officially divorced yet. How could you ask such an outrageous question?"

These words made me feel like I was treating Gu Mengmeng as a backup option, and I felt really bad.

Xu Yikang was silent for a while before replying, "People always change. Weren't you obsessed with Jiang Yuwei before? Haven't you let go of her now?"

That's something I only came to understand after experiencing life and death.

I looked up and stared intently at Xu Yikang, saying, "Yikang, Gu Mengmeng has had a boy she likes for a long time. Although so many years have passed, I don't know if she has let go, but I know very well that I am not her type, and she is not my type. There is no possibility between us."

"Is that what you think?" Xu Yikang's handsome face turned serious and deep. He looked at me as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated. Finally, he asked, "Given your relationship, you should have met the boy she likes, right?"

I thought about it carefully, and Gu Mengmeng told me that she had someone she liked back in high school, but high school was too far removed from me now, and from Ye Qiu after her rebirth.

That was at least ten years ago; I have absolutely no recollection of it. If you're asking about Jiang Yuwei, I might remember something.

"I don't remember, maybe I've seen him before, anyway he must have been a handsome guy."

Xu Yikang sighed for some reason, "He is quite handsome, but he's a bit simple-minded."

Upon hearing this, I immediately became gossipy. "Have you met the person Gu Mengmeng likes? Tell me about it!"

He stared straight at me and remained silent for a while.

"I'm just guessing. You haven't even seen her, how could I have? If you're curious, why don't you just ask her directly next time? Maybe you can even help her out. You wouldn't want her to be so lonely all the time, would you?"

My heart suddenly tightened, and the image of Gu Mengmeng covered in blood, lying in front of me, seemed to flash before my eyes.

In my past life, Gu Mengmeng was single, lonely, and pitiful, and ultimately died for me. In this life, I really should repay her. If she could have a confidant by her side, perhaps that would truly be a good thing.

I nodded vigorously. "You're right. I'll ask her about it later."

Xu Yikang glanced at me, his eyes filled with a deep look that I couldn't understand, and then he didn't say anything more. He quickly finished his meal and went to do his work.

I was busy with my own things, and in the end I was so tired that I collapsed on the bed, tossing and turning and unable to sleep, my mind filled with thoughts of Jiang Yuwei's infidelity.

I have ways to be sure she's cheating, but the problem is, how can I get solid evidence?

I can't just stand by and watch her cheat on me, can I? How can she cheat on me then?

Or should I secretly follow her? But I don't even know her daily schedule, how can I track her down...?

Because I was thinking about this, I didn't sleep well all night. When Meng Ziyin saw me the next day, her eyes widened. "Brother Ye Qiu, why do you look so haggard? Did you stay up all night?"

I can't sleep at night and can't get up during the day. I even have trouble opening my eyes now. I just lie on the table and doze off. "Hmm, I didn't sleep all night. I'll just doze for ten minutes and then wake up quickly."

I have a private office, so no one knows if I slack off. But I had only dozed off for less than a minute when the office outside started chattering. Although I couldn't hear what they were saying, I could vaguely make out the name "General Manager Jiang".

I was incredibly sleepy, but their noise forced me to sit up straight and get back to my design.

Suddenly, a cup of coffee was placed on my desk. I turned my head and saw Meng Ziyin with a gentle smile on her fair face.

"Brother Ye Qiu, have some coffee, it'll wake you up."

I gave her a thumbs up. She's such a perceptive and considerate subordinate. If she were my girlfriend, that would be wonderful! I was so envious and couldn't help but miss the days with Chen Yiran.

At least, both of his girlfriends treated him very well!

"Thank you."

I picked up my coffee cup and took a few sips, but I was still sleepy. I patted my face, forcing myself to wake up.

Meng Ziyin sat next to me and whispered, "Brother Ye Qiu, let me tell you a few jokes. They'll help you sober up. Want to give it a try?"

I looked at her, and my eyelids started to droop again.

I hate staying up late, I'm not doing it tonight no matter what. "Go ahead and say it."

Seeing that I was so sleepy I was pecking at rice like a chick, Meng Ziyin immediately laughed, revealing two adorable dimples on her pure face. She cleared her throat before saying:

"At the kitchen's year-end summary meeting, the cup spoke first: 'This year, I've been a tragedy.'"

The chopsticks thought for a moment: 'It seems I'm the only one here who can pick it up and put it down.'

The rag jumped out and yelled, "Damn it!"

I paused for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, "That joke is so lame!"

Meng Ziyin looked at me with a smile, "Isn't it funny?"

I nodded frantically, laughed my fill, and was just about to say that it was okay, that I was fully sober, when suddenly a familiar, deep voice, seemingly full of sarcasm, came from the office doorway.

"Ye, Qiu—"