To Sink Into You - Chapter 45

“I have something to discuss with you,” Ming Qian said, stroking Wen Yuxi’s long hair. “Mom’s current place is quite far, making it difficult for us to see her. What do you think about asking her to move into the manor?”

Wen Yuxi hesitated. “Shouldn’t we ask Grandma first?”

“She’s already agreed,” Ming Qian replied with a gentle smile. “I asked Grandma after speaking with Mom, and she gave her consent right away.”

“Then that’s settled.” Wen Yuxi nodded. “I’ll ask my mom, but knowing her, she’ll probably refuse, not wanting to trouble Grandma.”

Ming Qian’s eyes softened with warmth. “Then I’ll entrust Yuxi with the task of persuading her.”

Wen Yuxi grinned. “Mission guaranteed.”

In truth, she was deeply worried about Su Xi, fearing Wen Jiayang might show up one day and do something drastic. Living at the manor would at least ensure her safety.

After Wen Yuxi’s persistent persuasion, Su Xi finally changed her mind and moved into the Ming Family Manor.

To ease her discomfort, Wen Yuxi and Ming Qian stayed at the manor for several days. As the family spent more time together, the initial awkwardness quickly melted away, and their relationships grew increasingly close and harmonious.

Su Xi felt at ease in her new home but couldn’t shake the feeling that she owed the Ming Family. Unable to bear the thought of being a burden, she began competing with Aunt Wu for chores, insisting on doing laundry, cooking, and mopping, no matter how much Aunt Wu protested.

Aunt Wu chuckled, both amused and exasperated. “Madam Su, please don’t take my job! I’ve worked here for over twenty years and rely on this for my retirement. If you do all the work, what use am I?”

Su Xi blushed with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Sister Wu. This old body of mine doesn’t know what else to do. I can’t just sit around like a guest and do nothing—that would be terribly ungrateful.”

Aunt Wu smiled. “Your daughter married the Eldest Miss, making us family. It’s only right that you relax and let us take care of you.”

Su Xi forced a smile but remained silent.

That evening, after Wen Yuxi finished work, Su Xi confided in her daughter about her worries.

“Even though I know Grandma and Madam Ming treat me like family, I still feel uneasy. Xixi, do you think I’m just useless?”

Humans need social value to gain self-worth, which in turn fosters spiritual fulfillment and the courage to live on with hope.

In the past, Su Xi had found and fulfilled her value through her daughter and husband. But now that her daughter had grown up and her marriage had ended, the most important parts of her life had been abruptly stripped away, leaving her lost and adrift.

“How could you be useless?” Wen Yuxi comforted her mother, then paused to think. “How about I find you a job?”

Su Xi looked worried. “I don’t know how to do anything anymore. Can I even work?”

“Of course you can!” Wen Yuxi replied matter-of-factly. “As long as you have all your limbs, even picking up trash can be a job. Don’t worry, leave it to me.”

Su Xi smiled, a hint of emotion in her voice. “Our Xixi has really grown up. Now Mommy can rely on you too.”

Wen Yuxi’s smile was steady. “That’s right.”

After their conversation, Wen Yuxi returned to her bedroom to wash up, blow-dry her hair, and prepare for bed. Just as she was about to rest, a knock sounded at her door.

“Come in,” she called out.

Ming Qian turned the handle and entered, her voice filled with concern. “I noticed Mom’s complexion was off earlier. Did something happen?”

Wen Yuxi unconsciously replied, “It’s nothing,” then paused, realizing she was hiding something from Ming Qian again. She decided to tell the truth:

“My mom’s been doubting herself, feeling useless. I thought finding her a job would keep her busy and stop her from overthinking things.”

“I see,” Ming Qian blinked. “Do you need my help?”

“No need, I can handle this,” Wen Yuxi grinned, showing her pearly white front teeth. “Seriously, I’m not lying—I’m actually pretty capable, you know.”

Ming Qian smiled. “Alright, just let me know if you need anything.”

“Okay,” Wen Yuxi said casually. “My mom graduated from a proper university. Even though she’s been a housewife for years and might have forgotten some practical skills, she’s still a quick learner.”

“I’m planning to ask a friend to find her a receptionist or assistant job. At the very least, she could work as a cleaner. It won’t pay much, but it’ll give her some comfort.”

Ming Qian: “A friend? Which friend?”

“A friend from work,” Wen Yuxi replied, puzzled. “Why?”

Ming Qian thought for a moment, then said, “Yuxi, asking a friend is less efficient than asking me.”

Wen Yuxi: “Huh?”

Ming Qian said earnestly, “Think about it. Aren’t we closer than just friends? If you ask a friend for help, you’ll owe them a favor. But with me, you don’t need to feel any obligation at all.”

Wen Yuxi said, her voice conflicted, “But I asked a friend for help precisely because I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“Why would you think it’s a bother?” Ming Qian asked, genuinely puzzled. “It’s no trouble at all. It’s just a phone call. The Ming Corporation has so many subsidiaries. The assistant might not be able to guarantee it, but the front desk staff and cleaners could start tomorrow.”

Wen Yuxi tilted her head thoughtfully, scratching her hair. “I just feel awkward asking you for help, though I’m not entirely sure why.”

“You can accept it without hesitation,” Ming Qian said gently. “Family members should help each other. You’ve helped me countless times.”

A sudden realization dawned on Wen Yuxi—the awkwardness stemmed from the unequal exchange of favors.

“What have I done to help you?” she asked. “Can you give me an example?”

“Of course,” Ming Qian replied without hesitation. “For instance, when you’re home, you help with cooking, tend to the plants on the balcony, and your cat is adorable. During my Heat Period, you comfort me. You share funny stories from work… There are so many things.”

Her gaze softened further. “This feeling of being cared for is something I’ve never experienced before.”

The higher one climbs, the lonelier it becomes. While exceptional individuals attract many admirers, those who reach unattainable heights create an insurmountable distance, deterring even the most devoted followers.

Wen Yuxi shook her head, a hint of disappointment in her voice. “But these are just trivial emotional values.”

“For me, emotional value is the most important thing,” Ming Qian stated matter-of-factly. “I don’t need any other kind of value.”

Yes, that’s right.

Ming Qian’s starting point was a destination most people could never reach in their entire lives. She had no need for Wen Yuxi to provide any economic or social value; only emotional fulfillment remained elusive.

Wen Yuxi thought that if Ming Qian’s personality were even slightly more approachable, countless people would be vying to dote on her, eager to tear out their hearts and offer them up just to earn the beauty’s favor.

Fortunately, Wen Qingcheng possessed an intensely possessive and fiery temper. Even without romantic feelings between them, she wouldn’t tolerate anyone coveting her fiancée, effectively shielding Ming Qian from unwanted advances.

Now, Wen Yuxi had seized the opportunity, going to great lengths to win Ming Qian’s heart and completely eliminating any chance for rivals to emerge.

Having already gained the upper hand, she should simply fulfill her duties properly. What was the point of overthinking things?

“I understand now,” Wen Yuxi said, her smile radiant. “I’ll leave this matter to you, Sister.”