After Faking My Death, My Iceberg Ex-Wife Went Crazy for Me - Chapter 23

Meng Lianqiu’s flight was scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday.

Jiang Yuheng was so anxious about the trip that Geng Xiaoxiao had to eat an early lunch shortly after finishing breakfast.

On the way to the airport, Jiang Yuheng remained visibly displeased.

“What’s wrong with your company? Making you travel on a Saturday! I’m going to have a word with Xiao Ye about this next time I see her.”

Geng Xiaoxiao sat in the back seat—Jiang Yuheng always insisted it was the safest spot.

She smiled and tried to reassure her. “It’s compensated, so it’s not a loss. Besides, what good would talking to Ye Ling do? She’s the big boss. Why would she care about a little nobody like me? It might even look like I’m trying to pull strings.”

“We have nothing to hide,” Jiang Yuheng retorted.

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’m leaving the company soon anyway. Let’s not give them any more fuel for gossip.”

Jiang Yuheng huffed a few times, still unconvinced. Geng Xiaoxiao had to coax her further.

Upon arriving at the airport, Jiang Yuheng parked the car and insisted on escorting Geng Xiaoxiao inside.

After helping her check in, Jiang Yuheng glanced toward the departure lounge and sighed. “The last time I flew was to Hai City to pick you up. It feels like ages ago.”

Geng Xiaoxiao’s eyes darkened. Just as she was about to say something to lighten the mood, Jiang Yuheng pinched her cheek.

Jiang Yuheng withdrew her hand and said, “You were so thin back then, practically skin and bones. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Do you think I was ugly?” Geng Xiaoxiao looped her arm through Jiang Yuheng’s, letting her hair fall loose, her expression perfectly wistful.

“Of course not. I was just worried,” Jiang Yuheng’s eyes filled with memories. “I remember thinking, ‘It’s only been a little over a year since I last saw her. How could my Xiaoxiao have become like this?'”

And then she knew, no matter what, she couldn’t fall apart. Absolutely, absolutely not.

Perhaps it was some premonition, but Jiang Yuheng spoke far more than usual that day.

“Your mother left by plane all those years ago. Ever since then, I’ve been terrified of flying. You should have told me sooner that the Bodhisattva at Lingyuan Temple is so effective. I would have gotten you a safety amulet.”

“It’s okay,” Geng Xiaoxiao reassured her. “I don’t really believe in those things.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

Jiang Yuheng slipped a string of Bodhi beads from her wrist. “Your grandfather gave me these six years ago, before he passed. He said they would protect me. You should wear them.”

“No, no, this is too precious,” Geng Xiaoxiao protested, having seen her share of fine things while accompanying Ye Ling. The craftsmanship of the bracelet was clearly exceptional. “This was a gift from Grandfather, and you’ve worn it for so many years…”

“Just take it,” Jiang Yuheng insisted, slipping the bracelet onto Xiaoxiao’s wrist and adjusting the fit. “I dreamed of your mother last night. She didn’t say a word, just looked at me with such a pitiful expression, holding the hand of a little girl whose face I couldn’t see—about your age.”

“If your mother misses you,” Jiang Yuheng continued, “having something of mine on you will keep her from coming to me instead.”

Geng Xiaoxiao’s eyes instantly reddened. “Don’t say such things!”

“Now you’re telling me what to do?” Jiang Yuheng’s tough act lasted only a moment before crumbling under Xiaoxiao’s teary-eyed assault.

“I was just talking nonsense. Dreams aren’t always accurate,” Jiang Yuheng said, patting Xiaoxiao’s hand. “Wear it well. I’ve been polishing these beads for six years; they have a spiritual energy. Grandma will feel much better knowing you have it.”

Geng Xiaoxiao lowered her head and murmured, “Mm.”

Jiang Yuheng continued, “We need to go through security soon. Did you remember your ID, charger, and everything else?”

“I didn’t forget anything,” Geng Xiaoxiao replied, opening her small square bag for Jiang Yuheng to check. “It’s all here: ID, tissues, earphones, charger, and my phone.”

“Good. Just making sure,” Jiang Yuheng glanced over and carefully counted the items. “Where’s that little doll you always had on your phone? Did you leave it at home?”

“No,” Geng Xiaoxiao shook her head and closed her bag. “I gave it to Huazai. He seemed to like it so much.”

“What does a cat know?” Jiang Yuheng grumbled. “He’d play with a torn piece of paper. That doll was so well-made—it’s such a waste to let a cat play with it. It’s just ruining good things.”

“It’s not that easy to break. Besides, you always taught me to do what I want with my own things. So I decided to give it to Huazai,” Geng Xiaoxiao said, pulling Jiang Yuheng toward the security checkpoint. “Don’t worry about it.”

“You always think you’re right,” Jiang Yuheng muttered.

Just a few steps from the security checkpoint, Jiang Yuheng stopped. “Go on in,” she said. “Be careful on the way, and don’t overwork yourself when you get there. Remember to rest…”

The rest of her sentence caught in her throat. Geng Xiaoxiao released the handle of her suitcase and suddenly hugged her.

Jiang Yuheng froze for a moment, then her aged, wrinkled hands reached up to grip Xiaoxiao’s shoulders. As she had countless times before, she asked softly, “What’s wrong, Xiaoxiao?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Xiaoxiao replied, her voice thick with emotion. “I just miss you already, even before I’ve left.”

Geng Xiaoxiao struggled to hold back her sobs, forcing her voice into a playful, childlike tone. “Grandma, take good care of yourself. Promise you’ll wait for me to come back, okay?”

“I promise. Now let go—people are staring. Hugging and clinging like this in public is embarrassing. We’re not at home.”

Jiang Yuheng’s cheeks flushed pink. “Go on now. I’ll be here waiting for you. I’ll even skip the trip with your grandmother if that’s what it takes.”

“You can still go!” Geng Xiaoxiao said, her tears turning into a watery smile. She released her grandmother and dragged her suitcase toward the security checkpoint.

She waved goodbye with a dramatic flourish, as if this were their final farewell.

“Goodbye, Grandma.”

The plane landed more than ten minutes ahead of schedule. After disembarking from the shuttle bus, Geng Xiaoxiao raised her hand to shield her eyes and gazed at the sun.

The Hai City sun was intense, showing no signs of weakening even as it approached five in the afternoon.

She hadn’t always been mindful of sun protection. During her freshman year military training, she suffered a severe sunburn that caused her skin to peel. When she returned home, Jiang Yuheng was alarmed and took her to the doctor for treatment.

Ever since then, Jiang Yuheng always made sure to prepare sunscreen before summer arrived.

Before Geng Xiaoxiao left for Hai City, the elderly woman had checked the weather forecast and, in addition to sunscreen, had packed a parasol for her.

Geng Xiaoxiao took out the parasol and hung it on her wrist. She sent Jiang Yuheng a message to let her know she had arrived safely, then looked for Chen Qiao.

The surgery appointment is scheduled. Remember to get Hua Hua neutered and Xiao Hua vaccinated in a few days. Don’t forget!

Chen Qiao: Received! Your loyal servant will handle everything perfectly~

Stop being so dramatic.

Geng Xiaoxiao’s lips curved into a smile, though a hint of melancholy flickered in her eyes.

This was the only way she could distract herself, whether it was her own thoughts or someone else’s.

As she walked out of the arrival hall with the crowd, Geng Xiaoxiao put her phone back in her bag, unfastened the parasol, and was about to head toward the main gate when she caught a glimpse of a figure approaching her.

It was Meng Lianqiu.

“Miss Geng,” Meng Lianqiu greeted her with a nod. “President Ye sent me to pick you up. The car is parked outside.”

Geng Xiaoxiao readily agreed. “Let’s go.”

Geng Xiaoxiao lowered the sun visor on the passenger side, fastened her seatbelt, and tucked away her unused parasol.

Meng Lianqiu drove with professional focus, her peripheral vision alert to any movement beside her.

The young woman in her early twenties moved with quiet grace. Her left side of hair was tucked behind her ear, revealing a smooth profile with a straight, slightly angular nose that gave her a hint of masculine charm.

Her eyes were downcast, fixed on the parasol in her lap as if it were the only thing in the world. The atmosphere was so still it bordered on melancholy.

Meng Lianqiu felt a sudden unease. She switched the car’s classical music to a more upbeat tune, hoping to dispel the inexplicable tension.

Joe Hisaishi’s piano music filled the car. As the lively notes danced through the air, Geng Xiaoxiao finally put away the parasol. Meng Lianqiu could now see that she had actually been looking at the bodhi seed bracelet on her wrist.

The bracelet was of excellent quality, but its style and texture didn’t seem like something a young person would wear.

Driven by her growing unease, Meng Lianqiu cautiously initiated a conversation. “Miss Geng, have you been interested in bracelets lately? I know a few skilled artisans in this field and would be happy to introduce you.”

“No need,” Geng Xiaoxiao replied, shaking her head. “I don’t have the spiritual aptitude for such things.”

“Modesty aside,” Meng Lianqiu countered.

At a red light, Meng Lianqiu braked and took a closer look. “The carving on these bodhi seeds is remarkably clean, like the work of a master craftsman. Though the size seems a bit off, doesn’t it?”

Geng Xiaoxiao smiled. “Because my grandfather had it custom-made for my grandmother, specifically to fit her wrist.”

She had noticed it immediately. The craftsmanship alone made it clear this wasn’t some mass-produced item from a temple. It was likely custom-made by her grandfather and then consecrated at a temple.

Her grandmother, who had been pampered her whole life, was too carefree and oblivious to details to notice the difference.

“I see. They sound like they were very much in love,” Meng Lianqiu said.

“They were…” But fate always has its way.

Geng Xiaoxiao changed the subject. “I noticed Yuexin Club has been closed since yesterday?”

“That’s right,” Meng Lianqiu replied.

“Such a grand gesture,” Geng Xiaoxiao chuckled. “Can you tell me what Ye Ling is planning?”

“I’m sorry,” Meng Lianqiu said, her expression troubled. “President Ye has repeatedly instructed us to keep this confidential. We’re not allowed to disclose any details.”

“Alright.”

Geng Xiaoxiao didn’t press further. If she really wanted to know, there was a simpler, more effective method:

Ask the System.

Phones, computers, surveillance cameras… the System could capture, intercept, and even modify any data or activity transmitted over the network.

As long as it didn’t involve personal privacy or confidential information, the System was virtually omniscient and obedient to Geng Xiaoxiao’s commands.

But never mind. In life, a little mystery is always a good thing.

Besides, she’d find out soon enough.

At 5:30 PM, the car pulled up to the Yuexin Building.

Yuexin was built on a low cliff about five meters above the sea, right at the water’s edge. As Geng Xiaoxiao stepped out of the car, the sea breeze rushed toward her, carrying a faint, briny scent.

Outside the entrance, a man in a baseball cap was arguing with a staff member.

“I came all the way to Hai City for this! Why won’t you let me in? My girlfriend really wants to go to your rooftop restaurant.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but we’re closed for maintenance these two days. The rooftop restaurant will reopen tomorrow. Would you and your girlfriend like to come back then?”

“Tomorrow I’m leaving! I want to propose tonight! Do you even know what a proposal is? Just let me in!”

“I’m sorry, sir, but we really can’t…”

Five years ago, Hai City was an obscure little town. But thanks to its local cuisine, it quickly became a popular tourist destination.

Ye Ling seized the opportunity and built Yuexin, a complex combining fine dining, entertainment, and leisure. Even without considering its operational revenue, the land value alone had multiplied several times over.

Yuexin’s most popular attractions were the stargazing hotel rooms on the top floor and the rooftop restaurant on the fourth floor. With its unparalleled ocean views, the restaurant had become a renowned spot for marriage proposals.

Would someone proposing really dress so… sloppily?

It wasn’t that Geng Xiaoxiao judged by appearances, but the man’s wrinkled polo shirt simply lacked any hint of sincerity.

Just as she was thinking this, Meng Lianqiu pulled up in her car and approached with Geng Xiaoxiao’s suitcase. “Miss Geng, please follow me. President Ye still has some matters to attend to. I’ll take you to rest first.”

Geng Xiaoxiao nodded, took her suitcase, and followed Meng Lianqiu through a side entrance.

The man spotted them and immediately began shouting, “Why are those two women allowed in? They’re not wearing uniforms!”

“Well…”

Before the staff could explain, the man’s voice rose even louder. “I get it now! Everyone says your boss is gay. You’re discriminating against heterosexuals, aren’t you?!”

The absurdity of his words brought Geng Xiaoxiao and Meng Lianqiu to a halt. They couldn’t help but glance back.

A security guard intervened. In the brief struggle, the man’s baseball cap fell off, revealing bloodshot eyes that looked like he hadn’t slept all night.

Contrary to his aggressive words, his first reaction to being dragged away wasn’t resistance, but panic. He covered his face and scrambled to retrieve his cap.

Was he afraid of being recognized?

Geng Xiaoxiao looked up at the surveillance cameras scattered throughout the area.