On The Night I Confirmed My Girlfriend's Infidelity, I Kissed Her Sister (GL) - Chapter 42: Affection

Ye Jiayuan stopped beside Fu Chaoying, drawing everyone’s attention with her arrival.

Fu Chaoying’s heart raced uncontrollably as she turned to look at her, eyes sparkling like a sky full of stars.

Ye Jiayuan’s presence was overwhelming. The outspoken Director Zhang froze instantly. “…President Ye?”

Director Qu, ever perceptive, immediately recognized Ye Jiayuan was here to support Fu Chaoying and stepped in with a practiced smile. “Nonsense, Director Zhang just loves joking around. Xiaoying, don’t take it to heart.”

“Director Zhang, shouldn’t you apologize to Xiaoying? That joke was in poor taste.”

Someone of Ye Jiayuan’s stature—who had risen from Nan Yan to international prominence—wasn’t someone minor semi-governmental officials could afford to offend.

After all, the sponsorship fees she donated annually to the museum were no small sum. If they truly angered her, they’d all be in serious trouble.

Fu Chaoying listened quietly as Director Qu and Director Zhang tried to downplay the matter, one echoing the other, yet she remained silent throughout.

She noticed the probing gaze of her aunt, Fu Anjun, and the warmth and pride shining in Aunt Chu’s eyes.

Fu Chaoying’s eyes flickered, her long lashes fluttering slightly as she attempted to summon a few tears, only to find the effort futile.

Helpless, she could only turn an innocent, pitiful look toward her aunt Fu Anjun, her voice so soft it seemed fragile enough to shatter at a touch. “Auntie… it’s really fine, truly.”

The faintest tremor in her tone only accentuated her vulnerability.

Ye Jiayuan’s gaze darkened further. “Director Zhang’s words just now didn’t sound like a joke. And some jokes shouldn’t be made lightly.”

“Old Master Fu’s contributions to Southern ink painting are undeniable, and the Fu family has supported the Southern Artists’ Association and the art gallery for years without fail.”

“Now, with Chaoying being the only descendant carrying on Old Master Fu’s legacy, the Association and the gallery should never let the Fu family—or Xiao Ying—down.”

As she spoke, Ye Jiayuan’s eyes swept slowly over everyone present before lingering pointedly on Fu Anjun and Director Zhang.

Her words were a reminder to Fu Anjun that the Fu family had contributed immensely to the development of Southern ink painting and need not be overly accommodating to the Association or the gallery. At the same time, they served as a warning to the Association and the gallery, which had long benefited from the Fu family’s generosity, not to treat its descendants with such disregard.

Once she finished speaking, Ye Jiayuan’s gaze settled on Fu Chaoying.

Caught off guard by the sudden eye contact, Fu Chaoying glimpsed a trace of tenderness in those calm depths, and her heart began to race uncontrollably.

The surrounding gazes and voices faded into near nothingness as she nearly drowned in the warmth of Ye Jiayuan’s eyes.

Then, the earnest apologies of Director Zhang and Director Qu reached her ears, and Fu Chaoying listened in silence.

Ye Jiayuan also said nothing, keeping her attention fixed on Fu Chaoying. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

Fu Chaoying’s heart fluttered before a faint smile curved her lips. “I’m a little hungry now.”

Seeing this, Fu Anjun ultimately refrained from stepping in to mediate further.

Fu Chaoying merely cast a calm glance in Director Zhang’s direction, her tone gentle yet carrying an unmistakable chill. “You flatter me, Directors. Excuse me.”

Naturally, she had no intention of accepting their so-called apology, but neither did she see the need to press the matter further. An attitude bordering on indifference was perhaps the best way to make her stance clear.

With that, she turned and followed Ye Jiayuan inside, the weight of countless stares burning into her back.

Fu Chaohua quietly trailed after them, admiration lacing her voice. “Jiayuan-jie, what you said just now was perfect! Those people from the gallery and the Association—they’ve gone too far…”

“Back then, Grandma practically gave everything to help them… How could they be so ungrateful?”

Fu Chaoying listened, her own heart heavy, and pressed her lips together before shaking her head. “And we even lent them Grandma’s paintings for free…”

At this, Ye Jiayuan’s gaze darkened further, though her tone remained composed. “If necessary, they can be taken back.”

Fu Chaoying glanced at the steamed buns her aunt was arranging, picked one up, and took a bite. Only then did she feel a little better.

Fu Chaohua couldn’t resist giving Fu Chaoying a curious glance before turning to Ye Jiayuan with gossipy interest. “By the way, Jiayuan-jie, what brings you back so suddenly?”

Ye Jiayuan gave a slight nod. “A meeting happened to be canceled last minute.”

“What a coincidence!” Fu Chaohua chuckled before leaving the dining room.

Fu Chaoying slowly lifted her gaze, only to unexpectedly meet Ye Jiayuan’s eyes.

She blinked lightly. “How many hours of sleep did you get last night, Jiayuan-jie?”

A faint smile seemed to touch Ye Jiayuan’s brows, though her voice remained cool. “Six or seven. Enough.”

That was a relief. Fu Chaoying quietly exhaled.

Shen Guannan, finding no familiar faces ahead, soon made her way inside with a grin. “Thanks to President Ye for that.”

Ye Jiayuan acknowledged her with a slight nod.

Shen Guannan casually picked up a steamed bun. “President Ye, why aren’t you eating?”

When she turned back, she noticed Ye Jiayuan’s gaze fixed on Fu Chaoying and immediately understood, falling silent.

Fu Chaoying, feeling slightly self-conscious under her stare, took smaller bites of her bun—only to hear her chuckle.

“No need to be so restrained,” Ye Jiayuan said mildly.

Fu Chaoying tilted her head with a helpless smile. “I wasn’t.”

Listening to their exchange, Shen Guannan grew increasingly convinced there was something more between them.

Unable to suppress her grin, Shen Guannan excused herself with a laugh. “I’ll go find Xiaohua.”

The kitchen still had staff around, so they weren’t exactly alone.

Fu Chaoying sighed. “Jiayuan-jie, let’s head out too. We’ll probably be leaving soon.”

When Fu Anjun saw them emerge, her eyes settled on Ye Jiayuan. “Thank you again for earlier, Xiaoyuan.”

Ye Jiayuan inclined her head slightly. “No need for thanks, Aunt Jun.”

Fu Anjun smiled warmly and gestured. “Hurry and get in the car.”

But Ye Jiayuan didn’t move, simply stating, “I get carsick on buses.”

The excuse was perfectly reasonable. Fu Chaoying’s eyes curved faintly in amusement.

Fu Anjun’s smile stiffened slightly. “Oh? Then let Xiaoying and Xiaohua accompany you in the smaller car.”

Ye Jiayuan was undoubtedly the most important guest today. Despite the close friendship between the Ye and Fu families, Fu Anjun didn’t dare slight her in the slightest.

Fu Chaohua hesitated, claiming she wanted to help Fu Anjun tend to the guests.

Her excuse sounded noble, but Fu Anjun knew the truth—the only “guest” Xiaohua wanted to look after was Dong Muyu.

Fu Anjun shot her a disapproving glance before pulling Shen Guannan over with a smile. “How about Xiaonan and Xiaoying ride in the smaller car together?”

Shen Guannan nodded politely and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Watching the arrangements unfold, Fu Chaoying suddenly had a thought—was her aunt worried that she and Ye Jiayuan would develop feelings if left alone?

With a wry smile, Fu Chaoying took Shen Guannan’s hand and followed Ye Jiayuan to her car.

As one of the hosts, Fu Chaoying naturally moved toward the passenger seat—only for Shen Guannan to claim it first. “I get carsick.”

Understanding immediately, Fu Chaoying smoothly took the backseat beside Ye Jiayuan.

As the car started smoothly, Ye Jiayuan’s gaze remained fixed outside the window, perhaps taking in the mountain forests, trees, or passing birds.

Fu Chaoying stole a glance at her, tracing the lines of her profile.

At some point, the window had been rolled down, letting the chorus of cicadas rush in.

Fu Chaoying listened quietly until Ye Jiayuan suddenly asked, “Was it this road where you watched the night view that evening?”

Fu Chaoying nodded obediently. “The sunset was beautiful that day too. The evening breeze was crisp and cool.”

Ye Jiayuan gave a slight nod and said no more, as it wasn’t appropriate to speak further.

Fu Chaoying stealthily reached over with her left hand, hooking Ye Jiayuan’s pinky finger. The moment their fingers touched, Ye Jiayuan stiffened slightly before turning her head to look at her.

Fu Chaoying blinked at her, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes, refusing to let go of her pinky.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved Ye Jiayuan’s lips as she interlaced their fingers fully.

Shen Guannan, busy with work, closed his eyes to rest shortly after, completely unaware of their silent exchange.

The car slowly crossed the bridge, heading toward the small hometown of Fu Chaoying’s grandmother.

Before college, when her grandmother was still in good health, Fu Chaoying would accompany her back to her hometown almost every summer for a break.

In a way, it was also a kind of training retreat—the town, with its quaint bridges and flowing streams, boasted breathtaking scenery.

Her grandmother always found inspiration there, often taking Fu Chaoying to sketch in different spots.

Walking alongside her, Fu Chaoying frequently found herself struck by inspiration as well.

Sometimes, inspiration didn’t come in a sudden burst but was honed through long observation and sharpened awareness.

Fu Chaoying stared intently at the scenery outside the window until the car turned onto a narrow path.

They had arrived at the Fu family ancestral hall.

The memorial ceremony began at the hall before proceeding to the gravesite.

Fu Li was the most outstanding descendant of the Fu family in many generations, hence the dedicated ancestral hall in her honor.

Fu Chaoying led Ye Jiayuan and Shen Guannan in offering incense, bowing, and paying respects before listening to the monk’s sutra recitation.

Fu Chaohua leaned in and whispered, “Does chanting the sutras actually do anything?”

“I hope so,” Fu Chaoying murmured in reply.

Though sutra recitations were likely just psychological comfort for the living, Fu Chaoying wished it would benefit her grandmother.

But the universe had its own cycles.

Her grandmother had lived a life of kindness—perhaps she didn’t even need the blessings of Buddhist scriptures to receive good karma.

Fu Chaoying exhaled slowly, only to notice Ye Jiayuan beside her, her expression solemn and focused.

Instantly, Fu Chaoying composed herself, her heart and mind filled with nothing but the hope that the heavens would treat her grandmother well.

Once the ancestral hall ceremony concluded, the group returned to the car and headed for the gravesite.

Fu Chaoying followed Ye Jiayuan into the car, only to feel something being pressed into her hand as they boarded.

Once seated, she opened her palm to find a piece of White Rabbit milk candy.

She turned to Ye Jiayuan with wide eyes, only to hear her say, “I remember you loved these as a kid.”

But her mother, fearing cavities, never let her have more than half a piece at a time.

Warmth bloomed in Fu Chaoying’s chest. “Thank you, Jiayuan… jiejie.”

Shen Guannan, sitting in front, burst into laughter. “I think my motion sickness is gone.”

Seeing her reach for the car door as if to leave, Fu Chaoying chuckled. “Then, Guannan-jie, you’ll have to go be the third wheel between my sister and Senior Dong.”

At that, Shen Guannan silently withdrew her hand.

All things considered, staying here was the better option. Even if she could only secretly savor some sweetness, it was far better than being force-fed someone else’s affection.

Fu Chaoying’s mood, too, lightened considerably, the earlier heaviness lifting.

The car stopped halfway up the mountain, and the group continued the rest of the way on foot.

Fu Chaoying knew this path well—she had often come here to sketch in the past.

The mountains here were more beautiful than the scenery around the Fu family estate, offering vast fields instead of city nightscapes.

Throughout all four seasons, there were colorful plants to admire.

Fu Chaoying pointed to a field at the foot of the mountain and said with a smile, “When I was little, I even planted rice seedlings with Aunt Xiao Yi.”

Ye Jiayuan didn’t know who she was referring to, but as she watched the curve of Fu Chaoying’s lips and listened to her lighthearted tone, she couldn’t help but smile as well. “You were quite capable.”

Fu Chaoying chuckled. “Actually…”

The younger ones all turned their attention to her, and Fu Chaoying began recounting—back then, she was too young and only knew how to run around and play. She didn’t even recognize rice seedlings and mistook them for weeds. The moment Aunt Xiao Yi planted them, Fu Chaoying would pull them right back out.

When Xiao Yi turned around and saw, she was both amused and exasperated, dragging Fu Chaoying straight to Aunt Fu Li. When Grandma heard about it, she too was torn between laughter and helplessness, quickly apologizing on her behalf.

Fu Chaohua smirked. “And don’t forget the time you ‘helped’ dig up sugarcane, only to fall right into the pit yourself!”

Fu Chaoying sighed. “I was just a kid.”

Fu Chaohua burst into laughter before concluding, “True, young—but full of enthusiasm.”

Even Ye Jiayuan couldn’t suppress a small laugh.

Fu Chaohua noticed and widened her eyes. “Am I hearing things? So, Jiayuan-jie, you can laugh!”

Ye Jiayuan shot her a sharp glare, and Fu Chaohua quickly clung to Fu Chaoying. “Jiayuan-jie, I’m your younger sister too!”

Ye Jiayuan sighed and waved a hand. “I didn’t say anything.”

Fu Chaoying watched the two of them, eyes crinkling with amusement, feeling more and more that Ye Jiayuan was adorable.

When they reached the gravesite, Fu Chaoying, Fu Chaohua, and Fu Anjun cleaned the tomb together.

Relatives usually came to tend to it, so Fu Li’s headstone only had a light layer of dust.

Fu Chaoying carefully wiped it down, her fingertips gently tracing the engraved words and the familiar face.

At this moment, her longing for her grandmother reached its peak. The earlier lightheartedness vanished, replaced by an enduring melancholy.

With so many people around, Fu Chaoying could only speak to her silently in her heart.

She wanted to ask if Grandma was doing well on the other side.

She wanted to tell her that she was living happily now and hoped Grandma was at peace too.

Taking the chrysanthemums from Ye Jiayuan’s hands, Fu Chaoying placed them solemnly beside the headstone.

The others stepped forward one by one to bow and pay their respects, completing the memorial ceremony by noon.

Fu Anjun called everyone to head down the mountain for lunch.

Fu Chaoying remained lost in her emotions, and Fu Chaohua clearly was too. The atmosphere among the group as they descended was far from light.

Even Dong Muyu, who was usually the most playful, chose to stay silent this time.

Fu Chaoying gazed at the farmland below and then lifted her eyes to the distant, rolling peaks.

It was a sight that had stunned her time and again—the hometown of her grandmother, Fu Li.

Even after getting into the car, Fu Chaoying still hadn’t fully snapped out of her thoughts.

Ye Jiayuan gave a soft cough, and Fu Chaoying finally came back to herself. “Jiayuan-jie, when are you heading back to Hong Kong?”

Ye Jiayuan exhaled almost imperceptibly. “My flight’s at five this afternoon.”

Which meant that after returning to Nanyan and handling this one matter, she would have to leave.

Fu Chaoying pressed her lips together but then reached out to gently stroke the back of Ye Jiayuan’s hand. “That’s a tight schedule. Let’s hurry a bit later, then.”

Ye Jiayuan gave a quiet hum, turning her hand over to intertwine their fingers, lightly rubbing the base of Fu Chaoying’s thumb.

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved slightly as she remembered the first time they had held hands—on a rainy night in Old Singapore. She had been the one to initiate it.

At some point, Ye Jiayuan had also begun to take the initiative to hold her hand.

When they arrived at the luncheon restaurant—the highest-end establishment in town—Fu Anjun had booked out the entire building.

Fu Chaoying’s group, along with a few younger relatives, sat at one table, separate from Fu Anjun and Chu Yiyun’s table.

Since they were all younger relatives, everyone was happy to relax and enjoy themselves.

With Dong Muyu backing her, Fu Chaohua was determined to peel back another layer of Ye Jiayuan’s personality.

But Ye Jiayuan remained as cool and composed as ever, offering little reaction to her teasing.

Fu Chaoying simply smiled without a word, quietly meeting Ye Jiayuan’s gaze. Seeing the helplessness in her eyes, she deftly steered the conversation elsewhere.

She chatted with a few of her cousins about recent happenings.

One of them, unfamiliar with Fu Chaoying’s recent life, asked curiously, “Where’s Yi’an? Why haven’t we seen her?”

Ye Yi’an was the only celebrity they had any connection to, and she had attended every year on the anniversary of Fu Li’s passing. This year marked the fifth anniversary, yet she was nowhere to be seen, which naturally piqued curiosity.

Before Fu Chaoying could respond, a well-informed cousin quickly interjected, “Oh, this steamed sea bass is delicious—Chaoying, you have to try it!”

Fu Chaoying smiled but still addressed the earlier question. “We broke up a long time ago.”

As she spoke, she subtly reached over and gently grasped Ye Jiayuan’s left hand. Feeling the warmth of her returned grip, Fu Chaoying’s heart gradually settled.

Fu Chaohua, irritated by the topic, smirked and said bluntly, “Next time someone asks, make sure you all clarify things for our Chaoying, alright? Saves her the awkwardness of explaining again.”

The cousin who had asked the question flushed bright red at the directness.

Knowing she hadn’t meant any harm, Fu Chaoying didn’t want to embarrass her further. She smoothly shifted the conversation, chatting about trivial matters until the atmosphere eased again.

On the way back, Fu Anjun repeatedly reminded her, “Make sure you see Jiayuan safely to the airport, alright?”

The task of escorting the museum representative had mysteriously vanished. Suppressing a smile, Fu Chaoying obediently agreed.

Shen Guannan found an excuse to take the bus, leaving Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan to sit together in the back once more.

As the car began the return journey, the route grew increasingly familiar.

Fu Chaoying turned to her in confusion, only to hear Ye Jiayuan ask, “Did you have something you wanted to say to Grandma earlier?”

Her heart skipped a beat, then raced faster.

A faint smile tugged at Ye Jiayuan’s lips. “There’s still time. Go talk to her.”

For a moment, Fu Chaoying felt her nose sting, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Her eyes landed on the window, but in the tinted glass, she caught Ye Jiayuan’s reflection.

Ye Jiayuan was watching her, gaze steady and intent.

Something stirred in Fu Chaoying’s chest, and she turned to meet her eyes—only to be met with pure, undisguised tenderness and concern.

Fu Chaoying’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled at her. “I’m not upset. I just miss her a lot.”

Ye Jiayuan gave a slight nod, then gently rested a hand on her head.

Suddenly remembering something, Fu Chaoying grinned. “You used to comfort me like this when I was little.”

She had been a crybaby as a child. And though Ye Jiayuan had always carried herself like a little adult, she’d often been at a loss when faced with Fu Chaoying’s tears. All she could do was clumsily pat her head and murmur, “Don’t cry.”

Fu Chaoying was lost in thought when she suddenly collided with a warm embrace as gentle as spring.

The familiar faint scent of magnolia filled her nose, and a hand gently soothed her back. Fu Chaoying quietly curved her lips into a smile.

The car stopped halfway up the mountain, and Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan climbed the rest of the way on foot.

When they reached Fu Li’s gravesite, Ye Jiayuan stopped a short distance away.

Fu Chaoying walked toward her grandmother alone. She saw various chrysanthemums placed near the tombstone.

She saw her grandmother smiling as she gazed toward her hometown.

Her grandmother’s smile remained unchanged. Fighting back the lump in her throat, Fu Chaoying stepped forward and lightly traced her fingers over her grandmother’s face.

She softly recounted her recent life, spoke of her uncertainties, and then answered her own questions in a murmur.

When she mentioned Ye Jiayuan, Fu Chaoying instinctively glanced back at her—she was still standing where she had stopped, as composed and aloof as ever, though the afternoon sunlight seemed to soften her edges with warmth.

Fu Chaoying flashed her a radiant smile before turning back to her grandmother. “Jiayuan-jie is wonderful,” she said softly.

She paused, then added with a laugh, “I don’t know if my judgment has improved, but from what I can see… aside from being a little busy, there’s nothing to criticize about her.”

After a brief silence, Fu Chaoying whispered, “I think I’m starting to…”

She chuckled. “I’ll wait for her to say she likes me first.”

With that, she stood up and turned to walk toward Ye Jiayuan.

Ye Jiayuan met her halfway, lifting her hand slightly to take hold of Fu Chaoying’s.

Fu Chaoying smiled and swung their clasped hands lightly as they descended the mountain together.

Sensing her ease, Ye Jiayuan let a faint smile touch her lips. “Feeling better?”

“Mhm!” Fu Chaoying nodded vigorously before skipping ahead to block Ye Jiayuan’s path.

“This mountain is mine, these trees I’ve grown! If you wish to pass, pay the toll alone!”

Ye Jiayuan reached out and lightly tapped the tip of her nose. “How much?”

Fu Chaoying thought for a moment, then rose on her toes to press a fleeting kiss to Ye Jiayuan’s lips.

“A beauty’s kiss is payment enough!”

Ye Jiayuan couldn’t help but laugh, giving her palm a gentle squeeze.

The two made their way down the mountain and got back into the car.

Just as Fu Chaoying was about to speak, Ye Jiayuan lowered the partition.

Then, in the blink of an eye, she captured Fu Chaoying’s lips in a kiss—soft, lingering, as if melting her heart entirely.

Fu Chaoying instinctively responded, only to hear Ye Jiayuan chuckle against her mouth. “Was that enough?”

“Not anymore—” Fu Chaoying lightly nipped at her lips. “I’m going to Hong Kong tomorrow to sign a contract.”

Which meant they would see each other again after just one night apart.

Ye Jiayuan pulled her close, murmuring by her ear, “I’ll wait for my little wife to come home.”

Fu Chaoying laughed and pretended to glare. “Then who’s your big wife?”

Ye Jiayuan gave a helpless smile. “Fu Chaoying is my only wife.”

Only then did Fu Chaoying lift her head in satisfaction, kissing her chin. “That’s more like it.”

As soon as they arrived at the airport, Fu Chaoying received a call from her aunt: “Did you drop Xiaoyuan off at the airport?”

Fu Chaoying obediently replied, “We just got here.”

Fu Anjun then asked Fu Chaoying to pass the phone to Ye Jiayuan, exchanged a few pleasantries with her, and finally hung up.

Fu Chaoying escorted Ye Jiayuan through security, only to receive another message from her aunt:

[After seeing her off, come back to the family estate.]

A twitch flickered between Fu Chaoying’s brows. After bidding farewell to Ye Jiayuan, she didn’t take her car and instead hailed a taxi back to the estate.

Midway, she received a voice message from Shen Guannan: “Hey, listen—I swear, the girl who looks like you and I have some insane fate… How did we even run into each other in Nanyan?”

A sudden suspicion prickled at Fu Chaoying’s heart—this was too much of a coincidence…

Her phone vibrated again. Instinctively, she glanced down and saw a photo sent by Shen Guannan.

Fu Chaoying immediately recognized it as a café in the CBD.

Curiosity compelled her to enlarge the image. The moment she clearly saw the two people in the photo, her heart gave a sharp jolt.

Both faces were familiar.

One was likely the girl Shen Guannan had mentioned—the one who resembled her.

The other, if she wasn’t mistaken, was Ye Jiayuan’s assistant, Liu Xin.

The memory of Ye Jiayuan coaxing her earlier was still vivid. Fu Chaoying stared at the photo for a long, long time, unable to snap out of it.