I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 52

After fastening his seatbelt, Yi Bochao opened his pad and laid out the upcoming itinerary for Fu Xunzhou. The first stop on this business trip was France, the very first European market Fu Xunzhou had ventured into when he took over the Fu Group three years ago.

This European trip was primarily to consolidate the achievements Fu Xunzhou had made over the past three years. The entire journey would take at least a month.

For the past three years, business trips had become routine for Fu Xunzhou, leaving him little time for his family. He had always thought there was plenty of time left, that he and Zhou Youling had a lifetime to spend together. It wasn’t until she left that he realized the truth.

Three years ago, Fu Hexu fled from his wedding, leaving Fu Xunzhou to step in reluctantly. In a fit of anger, Old Master Fu transferred his shares to Fu Xunzhou, officially handing over the Fu Group to him.

At that time, Fu Xunzhou felt helpless but had no choice but to respect Old Master’s decision. With Fu Hexu, the eldest grandson whom Old Master Fu had high hopes for, gone, Fu Xunzhou, as one of Old Master’s most cherished younger members, couldn’t let his heart suffer any more shocks.

In the blink of an eye, Fu Xunzhou had been at the helm of the Fu Group for three years.

After Yi Bochao shared the European itinerary with Fu Xunzhou, he closed the pad and glanced at the silent Fu Xunzhou, unable to hold back his words. “Honestly, I don’t think Fu Hexu is a reliable person. Are you really going to hand over the fruits of your hard work from the past three years to him?”

Fu Xunzhou rested his head on his hand, his thoughts drifting. With the year-end approaching, he had been working tirelessly for nearly a month, clocking over fifteen hours each day. It seemed only now did he have a moment to breathe.

Over these three years, to stabilize the workforce and establish his footing in the Fu Group, Fu Xunzhou had to spend more time than anyone else understanding the entire operation of the enterprise. No one knew how much effort he had poured into this; he practically started from scratch, mastering everything from the smallest component to the most intricate process.

No one can achieve success overnight, so Fu Xunzhou had to proceed step by step. He didn’t want to ruin the lifetime of work Old Master Fu had built. He had to sacrifice many things to fulfill this family legacy.

Now, in the midst of a market downturn, the Fu Group could still deliver results that satisfied everyone, thanks in no small part to Fu Xunzhou’s efforts.

Upon hearing Yi Bochao’s words, Fu Xunzhou turned slightly and said, “All of this was originally meant for Fu Hexu. I’m merely returning it to him.”

“When Fu Hexu walked away three years ago, he did so with ease. He never cared about others; to put it bluntly, he’s selfish. From his tone on the phone earlier, that carefree attitude, he wasn’t worried about whether you’d really stay in the European market. He was concerned about losing his freedom,” Yi Bochao said, shaking his head.

Fu Xunzhou’s expression remained indifferent. “He’s not inherently bad. If he truly focused on his work, he’d find it easier than most. I’ve often thought that if he had accepted the Fu Group three years ago, he would have handled many things more elegantly than I did.”

Yi Bochao let out a soft hum and said, “If you ask me, this business trip should have been Fu Hexu’s responsibility. He needs to experience what it’s like to bow and scrape in front of others.”

Fu Xunzhou closed his eyes briefly. “I need to ensure all the business in Europe is settled before I leave.”

It’s just a matter of seeing things through to the end.

The Fu Group primarily deals in electrical products, and now its business spans over 140 countries and regions. In Europe, ninety percent of the market was opened up by Fu Xunzhou during his three-year tenure.

Currently, sixty percent of the Fu Group’s orders come from overseas, making it a standout in the industry.

“You’re quite generous,” Yi Bochao remarked. “You could wrap up all the business in Europe within a month, but you might miss celebrating New Year’s back home.”

Fu Xunzhou replied, “Thanks for your hard work.”

“That’s not the point, boss. I’m just doing my job for my paycheck,” Yi Bochao sighed. “Honestly, after the New Year, if you’re not around, what am I supposed to do?”

Fu Xunzhou rarely smiled, but he did then, saying to Yi Bochao, “You’re not satisfied with your current salary?”

Yi Bochao responded, “That’s not it. I’m quite satisfied with the salary the group offers me.”

Fu Xunzhou asked, “Then you’re reluctant to part with me?”

Yi Bochao rolled his eyes dramatically. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Yi Bochao remembered three years ago, just a few months before Fu Xunzhou’s sudden marriage, when he was still enthusiastically talking about starting his own business. But a few months later, Yi Bochao found himself working alongside Fu Xunzhou at the Fu Group.

“What do you plan to do after leaving the Fu Group?” Yi Bochao inquired.

Fu Xunzhou thought of Zhou Youling, of how she was now running her restaurant with such flair.

In the years since their marriage, she had restrained her personality to become a full-time housewife. Yet, the family had not provided her the warmth she sought.

Fu Xunzhou had seen the viral videos of Zhou Youling and was captivated by her graceful presence while cooking. She was truly living her best life now.

Fu Xunzhou pondered and said, “I want to live differently, or rather, I want to change.”

He wanted to become better, to be worthy of her.

…

This New Year, the Zhou Family seemed more lively than in previous years.

On New Year’s Eve morning, the Zhou Family was already bustling with activity-writing couplets, hanging lanterns.

Zhou Youling’s love for rituals was cultivated from a young age. Although Zhou Zhishan seemed carefree, he was always the most enthusiastic about decorating for the holidays.

Zhou Zhishan had beautiful handwriting, and in Zhou Youling’s memory, the New Year’s couplets at home were almost always written by her father. Meanwhile, her mother, Rong Huiying, took charge of the cooking.

Rong Huiying, who usually didn’t lift a finger in the kitchen, made an exception on New Year’s Eve, preparing a table full of home-cooked dishes and asking Zhou Youling for her thoughts.

To Zhou Youling, no delicacy in the world could compare to her mom’s cooking, even if it was a tad salty.

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, Zhou Zhishan had the family driver bring out several boxes of fireworks from the storeroom.

Every year, the Zhou Family had an unchanging tradition of setting off fireworks. This custom had been passed down since the days when the Old Master of the Zhou Family was still alive.

In Zhou Youling’s childhood memories, every year at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Zhou Zhishan would always go out to set off fireworks. Almost every year, Zhou Youling would sleep through the New Year, as she was a heavy sleeper from a young age. Even the loud crackling of fireworks outside wouldn’t wake her.

Zhou Youling remembered that in the first year of her marriage to Fu Xunzhou, they celebrated the New Year together. Fu Xunzhou was aware of the Zhou Family’s New Year tradition, so that year he had someone buy a lot of fireworks, almost all of the highest quality available. Knowing Zhou Youling’s habit of going to bed early, Fu Xunzhou took her to their plaza-like courtyard at nine o’clock on New Year’s Eve. The fireworks were lined up neatly, stretching nearly a hundred meters, and the servants lit them all at once.

It was the most beautiful display of fireworks Zhou Youling had ever seen, one that she would remember for a lifetime.

However, last Spring Festival, Fu Xunzhou was on a business trip in Europe and only rushed back on the second day of the Chinese New Year.

In Nanzhou City, it’s customary to visit one’s parents on the second day of the New Year. This year, Zhou Youling went to her parents’ home alone, thinking Fu Xunzhou wouldn’t make it back. Unexpectedly, he arrived in the afternoon, looking travel-worn, with bags of gifts in hand, his hair a bit disheveled, making for a rather comical sight.

Zhou Youling later learned that while the Chinese New Year is a major holiday in China, it’s the official start of the business year in Europe. The Fu Group is busiest during this time, as annual order plans need to be finalized. Fu Xunzhou’s trip was originally scheduled for him to return on the 29th of the lunar month, but an unusual snowstorm in Germany delayed him. With the airport closed, he was forced to travel by road, taking several days to finally return on the second day of the New Year.

That day, Fu Xunzhou promised Zhou Youling that he would definitely be back for this year’s Spring Festival to celebrate with her.

However, this year, they got divorced.

Watching the fireworks bloom in the sky, Zhou Youling gently placed her hand on her belly.

Her belly was finally starting to show, but being slender, she could easily hide her pregnancy with slightly loose clothing. Especially in winter, with everyone dressed in layers, her coat concealed the fact that she was nearly five months pregnant.

Rong Huiying hurried out to drape a coat over Zhou Youling, reminding her, “It’s cold outside, you’re not wearing enough.”

Zhou Youling replied, “I’m really not cold at all.”

Rong Huiying gave her a look, “Don’t you dare take it off!”

Perhaps there’s a kind of cold that only a mother thinks you feel, even though Zhou Youling, as a daughter, was soon to become a mother herself.

After the fireworks, it was time for the traditional Spring Festival Gala.

The three of them sat in front of the TV, listening to the familiar New Year’s opening words that seemed unchanged for a decade.

Zhou Youling’s phone buzzed incessantly with activity from the Food and Color restaurant staff group chat.

The restaurant was closed for the Spring Festival, but being in the food service industry, it would reopen on the third day of the Chinese New Year.

As the boss, Zhou Youling appeared in the group chat at nine o’clock in the evening sharp, sending out a generous red envelope.

In less than five seconds, the envelope was snatched up.

The employees came from all corners of the country, but without exception, they held Zhou Youling in high regard as their boss. The reason was simple: Zhou Youling was generous, never hesitating to reward her staff with excellent pay and benefits. Some employees had homes over two thousand kilometers away from Nanzhou City, and Zhou Youling would cover their round-trip travel expenses for the New Year with just a word. Those living closer also enjoyed good perks, with each receiving a sizable red envelope.

The employees in the group chat buzzed with excitement after receiving their red envelopes:

“Happy New Year, boss!”

“Thanks for the red envelope, boss!”

“Wishing you become even more beautiful in the new year, boss!”

“Boss, you’re the best~”

Zhou Youling replied cheerfully, “Got your heartfelt wishes! Happy New Year, everyone. Thank you for your hard work this year! See you on the third day of the Chinese New Year, and everyone will get an opening red envelope!”

After responding to the group messages, Zhou Youling began replying to some personal messages.

The first one that caught her eye was a short message from Ji Yangwen.

Ji Yangwen’s New Year greeting was straightforward: “Happy New Year.”

He also sent Zhou Youling a video message, featuring a dazzling fireworks display.

Perhaps because she had seen more spectacular ones, the fireworks video from Ji Yangwen didn’t stir much emotion in Zhou Youling. Instead, she recalled the grand fireworks show Fu Xunzhou had once given her.

Nevertheless, Zhou Youling replied politely, “Happy New Year, wishing you a year as brilliant as these fireworks.”

Ji Yangwen responded almost instantly, “Don’t you think your reply is a bit too formal?”

Zhou Youling: “Is it?”

Zhou Youling: “Alright, let’s keep it simple: Happy New Year!”

Ji Yangwen: “Have you had your New Year’s Eve dinner?”

Zhou Youling: “Already did. My mom cooked it herself, full of love.”

Ji Yangwen: “Lucky you. By the way, why isn’t Food and Color open tonight?”

Zhou Youling: “It’s not about the money. I want the staff to go home for the New Year.”

Ji Yangwen: “Good boss. Too bad I can’t enjoy the delicious food.”

Zhou Youling: “What do you mean?”

Ji Yangwen: “The food cooked by the aunt at home is terrible, not even a fraction as good as yours.”

Zhou Youling: “You’re flattering me.”

Ji Yangwen: “Just being honest. Suddenly craving your spicy boiled fish. When can I have the pleasure of tasting it?”

Zhou Youling: “No problem, see you at Food and Color on the third day of the Chinese New Year.”

Ji Yangwen: “Deal.”

Before the New Year, Ji Yangwen confessed his feelings to Zhou Youling, but she decisively turned him down. Zhou Youling still remembered the disappointed look on Ji Yangwen’s face when he said, “If we can’t be lovers, can we at least be friends?”

Zhou Youling replied awkwardly, “We’ve already been friends for a while.”

Ji Yangwen, as a friend, was an unexpected presence in Zhou Youling’s life. Some say there’s no pure friendship between men and women. Zhou Youling never agreed with that sentiment, at least when it came to her feelings for Ji Yangwen, which were genuinely just friendship.

At eleven o’clock in the evening, Zhou Youling finally couldn’t stay awake any longer and went upstairs to sleep.

Almost as soon as she stepped into her room, her phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID and saw a long number she hadn’t saved.

Who could be calling at this hour?

Without much thought, Zhou Youling answered the phone.

“Hello?” Zhou Youling said as she closed the door to her room.

There was no response from the other end.

She repeated her greeting, glancing at the phone to confirm the call was still connected.

“Can you hear me?” Zhou Youling asked.

Still, there was silence.

With a puzzled frown, she added, “If you don’t answer, I’m hanging up.”

Finally, a voice replied, “I can hear you.”

Those few words made Zhou Youling freeze in place.

She knew who it was.

Hearing his voice again felt like a lifetime had passed.

Since the night Fu Xunzhou had stayed over at her apartment after drinking too much, they hadn’t seen each other for nearly a month, let alone spoken.

“Happy New Year,” Fu Xunzhou’s voice remained cool.

Zhou Youling responded with a simple “Mm,” and added, “You too, Happy New Year.”

Then there was a brief silence between them.

“You…”

“You…”

They both started speaking at the same time.

Fu Xunzhou said, “You go first.”

Zhou Youling asked, “Are you spending the New Year on a business trip abroad again?”

Fu Xunzhou replied, “Yes.”

“Oh… What were you going to say?” Zhou Youling inquired.

Fu Xunzhou instructed, “Look outside the window.”

Following his words, Zhou Youling moved to the window.

As soon as she stepped onto the balcony, a brilliant white light illuminated the sky, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks. They unfolded in a mesmerizing array of pale yellow, silver white, washed green, soft purple, clear blue, and pink, lighting up the entire sky.

These fireworks were more spectacular, larger, and more breathtaking than any Zhou Youling had seen before.

She stood quietly on the balcony, watching the hundred bursts. During this time, she held her phone to her ear, forgetting to put it down.

When the fireworks finally ended, Zhou Youling let out a gentle sigh.

“Did you like it?” Fu Xunzhou’s voice came through.

Only then did Zhou Youling remember the phone at her ear, and she instinctively asked, “Where are you?”

As soon as she spoke, a car’s headlights illuminated her view.

Fu Xunzhou didn’t answer, but he knew she could see.

Zhou Youling paused, then said, “Didn’t you say you were on a business trip?”

Fu Xunzhou replied, “I just got back.”

Zhou Youling remained silent.

The distant car lights soon went out, as if they had never been there.

They fell into another brief silence, yet both understood without words.

He had promised to come back to spend New Year with her.

He had kept his promise.

But it was already too late.