Volume One, Chapter 39: Ups and Downs

Early that morning, the entire Tianqi Group was shrouded in gloom, the oppressive atmosphere emanating from the president’s foul mood. He Shubai saw several managers emerging from the president’s office, looking as though they’d just survived a disaster—faces pale and haggard, cold sweat trickling down their temples.

The tension persisted throughout the day. No one knew what had happened to Mr. Gu, and many discreetly inquired with He Shubai, but he too was at a loss.

Pei Jingmo was irritable. He thought that after spending these days with Song Qingyu, even if she hadn’t fallen in love with him, she would at least wish him a happy birthday on his special day. He’d waited on purpose, hoping to have breakfast and leave together. But when they reached the entrance of the apartment complex, Song Qingyu waved goodbye just as she always did, without mentioning his birthday, as if she had no idea at all.

The hope he’d nursed all night was dashed, leaving Pei Jingmo frustrated to the extreme. He kept his phone on the table, checking every time it chimed. Family, friends, even those eager to curry favor sent him birthday messages—everyone except Song Qingyu.

In the afternoon, Fu Linhan called. “Tonight, let’s head to Xiao Tan Mountain and celebrate your birthday.”

Pei Jingmo’s expression darkened, his whole demeanor explosive. “But—”

“Oh, so much resentment? What’s wrong? Did Song Qingyu not give you a birthday gift?”

Fu Linhan had stepped right into a minefield.

“...I’m hanging up!”

“Hey, don’t hang up! If your wife won’t celebrate with you, your brother will. Think about it—how many birthdays did we miss while you were in the army? Now that you’re finally back in Shangjing, we have to celebrate properly.”

Pei Jingmo felt restless, and the thought that Song Qingyu didn’t care about him only made it worse. “Fine, you arrange it.”

Meanwhile, on the twelfth floor, Song Qingyu sought out Manager Xie. “Manager Xie, I have something tonight. Can I leave work a bit early?”

Xie Changhe was surprised. Song Qingyu often volunteered for overtime, but tonight she wanted to leave early—a rare occurrence.

Of course! Today was the president’s birthday; she must be planning to celebrate with him. Thinking this, Xie Changhe gave her a knowing smile. “Go ahead, have fun.”

Song Qingyu found Manager Xie’s demeanor odd, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.

After leaving the company, she picked up the cake she’d ordered and made her way to the construction site where Pei Jingmo was working. Today was his birthday, and she wanted to surprise him.

Last night, unable to sleep, she’d rummaged through her drawer and glanced at their marriage certificate. Only then did she realize it was Pei Jingmo’s birthday. She was glad she’d looked; missing his birthday would surely upset him, even if he never said so.

Birthdays should be lively affairs, and she knew he’d want to celebrate with his colleagues.

At half past six, Fu Linhan sent Pei Jingmo a message, urging him, “Are you coming? Everyone’s here—tonight, I guarantee you’ll have a blast.”

Pei Jingmo typed, “On my way—” but before he could send it, his phone rang. Liu Dazhuang was calling.

Usually, Liu Dazhuang didn’t phone him. Was something wrong at the site?

“Hello…”

“Black Earth, there’s a goddess-like beauty here looking for you. She says she’s your wife.”

Pei Jingmo froze mid-step. “What did you say?”

“She’s the woman from your marriage certificate. Good heavens, she’s even more stunning in person.”

Hit by overwhelming joy, Pei Jingmo’s mind went blank for a second or two. Why would Qingqing suddenly come to the site?

After several moments, he found his voice. “Keep her there, tell her I’m on a business trip with the boss, but I’ll be there soon.”

“Got it.”

Ending the call, Pei Jingmo hurried out and phoned Fu Linhan. “Linhan, not tonight.”

“What the hell? Everyone’s here for you and you say not tonight?”

“Qingqing’s at the site looking for me. I have to see her. We’ll make it up this weekend—whatever you want, I’ll go along.”

He hung up before Fu Linhan could protest.

In the break room at the factory, Song Qingyu sat nervously in a chair. Liu Dazhuang and another worker named Xiaoman kept busy, pouring her water and bringing her snacks.

Liu Dazhuang was sturdy, as his name suggested, and looked older than Pei Jingmo.

Xiaoman, though small and thin, was surprisingly strong. When Song Qingyu first arrived, she watched him carry two bags of cement and worried they’d crush him.

Xiaoman opened a packet of spicy snacks and shyly offered it to her. “Sister-in-law, try these—so delicious.”

Liu Dazhuang smacked him on the head. “Don’t give your junk food to our sister-in-law. She’s obviously not someone who eats that stuff.”

“I eat… I eat it…” Song Qingyu didn’t want to appear distant, so she took the spicy snacks from Xiaoman.

They were brightly colored, with a strong aroma that awakened the senses. She tasted one—soft and chewy, the original flavor of the ingredients blending perfectly with the spices.

Xiaoman’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “How is it? Is it good?”

Song Qingyu nodded. “It’s delicious!”

Born prematurely, Song Qingyu had always been frail. Her mother controlled her diet strictly, never allowing her to eat such things. Whenever she saw classmates eating spicy snacks, she’d envy them and swallow her longing.

This was her first time tasting them, and—truly—they deserved their reputation as a beloved treat for all ages.

Xiaoman smugly glanced at Liu Dazhuang, as if showing off.

When Pei Jingmo arrived, he saw Song Qingyu eating spicy snacks, tears streaming down her cheeks, lips and face flushed, looking utterly irresistible.

She noticed him too, waved, and flashed a radiant smile. “Jingmo—”

Her smile was bright and enchanting, and Pei Jingmo could hear his heart pounding wildly.

He couldn’t even recall how he’d made his way to her.

Later, Xiaoman said Pei Jingmo looked like a miner who’d found nothing for years and was about to give up—only to stumble upon an unprecedented gold mine, his eyes filled with ecstasy and delight. He stumbled over his feet, nearly falling several times.

“You… why are you here?”

Pei Jingmo had changed into his usual T-shirt, sweat streaming down his face. Song Qingyu picked up the cake beside her and held it out to him. “I came to celebrate your birthday.”

After waiting an entire day and night, Pei Jingmo finally heard those words from Song Qingyu.

“Jingmo, happy birthday.”

His emotions surged, and unable to contain himself, he pulled her—and the cake—into his arms.