On Saturday morning, Lizzy Xia and Sophie Ye headed together to a local art workshop for their painting class. Nathan Ye and Aria Cheng, the young couple, seemed to have found themselves in a delicate situation. They had to go to the hospital for a check-up today, and had entrusted Alex Ye to look after Sophie.Understanding his cousin's concern for his wife, Alex had immediately agreed without a second thought. Having Lizzy around as a friend and playmate for Sophie was a good thing, especially since they were close like sisters. After the painting class, the two little girls proudly showcased their freshly crafted artworks to Alex, tilting their heads up expectantly, waiting for his praise. Recalling the expression on Michelle Xia's face the last time she praised a child, Alex couldn't help but chuckle before he began complimenting the young artists."You both did an amazing job, Lizzy and Sophie," Alex said. "You've improved a lot since last time."Children need affirmation, he
When Alex Ye caught sight of Michelle Xia and Brandon Su, he experienced a fleeting moment of uncertainty.Although he knew they were discussing the "Star Path" project, he couldn't help but cast a probing glance their way. Especially towards Brandon, who he knew had intentions of pursuing his new colleague. To Alex, it looked like Brandon was standing a bit too close to Michelle, which irked him.He didn’t want Michelle to recognize him as the decision-maker behind NexRealm Studios, so he quickly averted his gaze.With a neutral tone, Alex asked, "Do you two know each other?"It seemed like he was directing the question at both Michelle and Brandon.Brandon, lost in his thoughts, hadn't even considered the possibility that Michelle might be unaware that Alex Ye was the major shareholder of NexRealm Studios. All he could think was, "Damn, the woman I’m interested in is actually my cousin-in-law," and "Should I really pursue someone already connected to my family?"Hearing Alex's query
Inside the car, only the playful sounds of the two children could be heard. Alex remained silent, and so did Michelle.Amidst the silence, the air seemed to be infused with an element called "gravity."After a lengthy pause, Alex finally uttered a soft "Mmm."He said, "Indeed, one's reputation mirrors their character."Michelle then inquired, "NexRealm Studios has burned quite a bit of money on the 'Star Path' project, hasn't it?"Hearing her question, Alex felt his heart skip half a beat, and a sharp pain throbbed at his temples. He wondered if Michelle was already in the know.After some contemplation, he felt that in the grand scheme of things, this really was a minor issue.So, Alex responded, "It probably isn't that much."Hearing his words, Michelle silently uninstalled an app she had just downloaded.If he wasn't talking, then she wouldn't know anything.Michelle remarked, "I also think it isn't much. Let them keep burning money then."Alex: "..."Alright, he was now certain s
Unaware, Derek Lin let out a sigh identical to Leonard Chen's. "This is the first time I've heard of someone refusing because the price was too high."Alex Ye thought to himself: *It seems like my employees might not be the sharpest tools in the shed.*Could anyone truly believe Michelle Xia's clearly disinterested excuse?Alex glanced at Derek, commenting, "Well, it's a first for me too."Derek let out a sigh, seeming to hold back words. He worried for the future of NexRealm Studios and for Leonard Chen's thinning hair.Noticing Derek hadn’t left by the end of the workday, Alex inquired, "Derek, are you looking to work overtime voluntarily?"Derek promptly made his exit.Alex had somewhat guessed Michelle's intention. He felt it was her way of "compensating" him, and she wasn’t keen on accepting it.Indeed, he did want to "compensate" her, trying to funnel money her way. Yet, she didn't fancy his financial offer.Considering that Michelle had negotiated with Leonard personally, they
From the day Michelle Xia brought Lizzy Xia to the Ye residence, Alex Ye and Eleanor Ye had done thorough research about her. They knew she had dropped out of college after studying for less than two years.So, when Michelle expressed her wish to go back to school, Alex wasn't surprised at all. What did surprise him, however, was the subject she wanted to switch to. "You want to be a screenwriter?" he asked.In reality, becoming a screenwriter wasn't an easy path. For newcomers, without the guidance of a mentor, it was quite challenging to make a mark in the industry. Brandon Su had once considered entering the field but had given it up. He had thought, why not continue being a successful online novelist rather than getting scolded by superiors all day?Michelle pursuing a career in screenwriting was plausible. Eleanor had connections in the film industry and knew many screenwriters. However, veteran screenwriters weren't always keen on mentoring newcomers. Even if they were, building
Aria Cheng was a model contracted under a company managed by Eleanor Ye. Initially, she was prominently active in major fashion shows both domestically and internationally. However, due to Nathan Ye and Sophie Ye, she began participating less in these events, transitioning more to behind-the-scenes roles and even evolving into a posture instructor.Today, representing her company, Aria had a meeting with the organizers of a particular fashion week to discuss potential collaborations. Yet, after waiting for what felt like ages, she spotted Michelle Xia and Brandon Su?Aria mused, *What a coincidence.*She discreetly took out her phone and snapped a quick picture, sending it to Nathan.Aria: Darling, am I seeing this right?Nathan: ???Nathan: Honey, be careful with those pictures. They could lead to complications.Aria had heard from Nathan that Alex Ye and Michelle Xia weren’t married yet. Initially, she assumed Alex might be an irresponsible playboy, feeling sympathetic for Michelle
When Alex Ye heard that Michelle was heading to the gym, he initially thought he had misheard.He asked, "Where did she go?"Nora replied, "The gym."Alex was at a loss for words. Why on earth would Michelle go to the gym? Was she going with Brandon?Of course, he wouldn't pose these questions to Nora, and certainly not to Michelle. He could only keep his thoughts to himself.Since Michelle was planning to hit the gym, she'd left a message for Alex to come home early.Michelle texted: "Mr. Ye, come home early to spend time with Lizzy."Alex was already aware of Michelle's new fitness regimen since Nora had informed him the previous night. But he decided to feign ignorance.Alex replied: "Are you not going to be home?"Michelle: "Yes, starting today, I'll be at the gym every night at 8."Alex: "?"Michelle: "So, I'd appreciate if Mr. Ye could spend the evening with Lizzy. Just watch some cartoons with her."Clearly, Alex's question mark was asking why she was heading to the gym. But M
Michelle Xia was uncertain about what an appropriate gift would be for a male friend. In the end, she settled on something that she believed was a safe choice and unlikely to be misconstrued—tea leaves.She wasn't sure if Alex Ye enjoyed tea, but she knew Eleanor Ye did. If Alex was exclusively a coffee drinker, then he could always pass the tea along to Eleanor.She had chosen black tea, which was known for being gentle on the stomach. She had done her homework before making the purchase, opting for a high-end variety, confident that it wouldn't be looked down upon.However...This was her first time gifting something to a man who wasn't a family member, and she was undeniably nervous.Especially given the nuanced relationship between them.Michelle tried to maintain her composure, her smile graceful and poised, genuine in her gratitude towards Alex.When she handed over the gift box with both hands, Alex glanced up at her.He offered a subtle smile, accepting her gift with a slightl