Their silence was heavy, as if they were standing on the brink of something neither of them dared to name, but it wasn't awkward. Ruiyan's storybooks were next to Zeyan, who was seated on the far end of the couch. Without asking if he wanted tea, Ruoxi filled two cups. He would stay, she knew. He was also aware that she hadn't ejected him.
Advancement.
Ruoxi watched the leaves swirl as she stirred her tea. "Don't wait downstairs every morning."
Zeyan gave her a silent glance. "I'm not waiting for an invitation from you. I'm looking forward to the day when you see me and smile.
She didn't answer that.
The lock clicked at that moment.
Her heart stopped.
With a suitcase in one hand, a tall man with silver-rimmed glasses entered through the open door. "Ruoxi?"
Instinctively, her fingers curled. "Dad."
Zeyan got to his feet.
Mr. Liang's gaze changed. Cool, evaluating. He nodded courteously and put his suitcase down. "You had a guest, but you didn't tell me."
"Business associate," she said too quickly before flinching. What was the reason behind her statement?
Calmly, Zeyan moved forward. "Mo Zeyan." Seraph Group's CEO
Mr. Liang raised an eyebrow. "Oh, the Zeyan."
His voice carried a hint of knowledge. Ruoxi took a swallow.
Zeyan bowed respectfully. "Mr. Liang, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Mr. Liang narrowed his eyes and studied him without returning the bow. "She never talks about you, but she thinks about you all the time."
Ruoxi blinked. "Dad!"
Ignoring her, Mr. Liang made his way to the kitchen. "Mr. Mo, would you like tea?"
After hesitating, Zeyan followed. "Yes, sir."
Unsure whether to leave them or stop the action, Ruoxi stood clumsily.
Her father poured tea with ease and practice. "I am aware of your identity. I remember, even though my daughter doesn't.
Zeyan gave a slow nod. "You also know that I never gave up on finding her."
Mr. Liang looked him in the eye. "And yet she found herself raising a child in a foreign country by herself."
Zeyan stiffened his shoulders. "I didn't decide to break up with her. She disappeared altogether. She didn't even recognize me when I found her.
Mr. Liang stated bluntly, "She suffered a brain injury." "You understand the impact that has on a young lady? Having no recollection of how it happened, waking up pregnant and alone?
Zeyan spoke steadily. "I am the father of the child. I never denied it.
Mr. Liang gripped his cup tightly. "Being a father is not the same as that."
Ruoxi had had enough. She took over. "Stop it, you two."
They gazed at her, astonished, even slightly remorseful.
She inhaled. "I am aware that I lost five years. I am aware that I have lost my memories. However, I still have the authority to choose who remains in my life.
Zeyan gazed at her, his eyes unreadable.
There was a slight softening of her father's expression. "Xiao Xi, I'm not your enemy."
She gave a sorrowful smile. "I understand. However, perhaps... Zeyan isn't either.
—
Mr. Liang claimed jet lag and went to bed early later that evening.
Zeyan was led to the door by Ruoxi. "He's not always that intense."
"I get him." Zeyan glanced down at his hands. "He was there when you needed someone—he did what I couldn't."
"If you knew," she said quietly, "you would have been."
Startled, he looked up.
She acknowledged, "I remember a little more every day." It doesn't all make sense. However, Ruiyan He seems to already know that you are his.
Zeyan had sparkling eyes.
She went on, "And I don't want to keep you out any longer."
He leaned a little forward. "Then allow me to remain with you."
She paused. "Not just yet. dont stop waiting'.
With hope and sadness, he smiled. "I won't ."
—
The office was alive with the usual gossip the following morning. Ruoxi was cornered by Mei close to the elevator. "So, last night the boss-in-law came over?"
Ruoxi glared at her. "How do you know everything?"
Mei grinned. "Because you tell me things even when you don't say them."
The elevator dinged before Ruoxi could respond.
A tall, well-groomed man emerged with a briefcase in hand, looking around the lobby as if he owned it. When he looked at Ruoxi, a kind grin appeared on his face.
He held out a hand and said, "Miss Liang." "A long time."
"Mr. Lu. From OceanLink," Mei muttered.
Ruoxi returned the courteous smile. "Mr. Lu. A surprise every time.
He gave her a folder. "A new proposal for a partnership. However, I insisted on delivering it in person.
Across the hall, Zeyan exited the second elevator. He saw the smile and the outstretched hand. Their fingers briefly touched each other.
He remained motionless. didn't say anything.
Ruoxi, however, noticed him. Mr. Lu did the same.
"Who is this?" Mr. Lu inquired.
Zeyan moved forward, his face unreadable. "Mo Zeyan." Her son's father.
Quiet.
Mei gave a little cough. "And I'm just going to move away."
Mr. Lu grinned despite raising an eyebrow. "All right. I am merely a business associate. Here, there is no competition.
Zeyan remained expressionless. "Well done."
Ruoxi let out a breath. She could feel the tension buzzing in her ears.
She glanced at Zeyan after Mr. Lu had gone. "That wasn't necessary for you to do."
"I did," he declared. "Because I will never lose you again." Not in memory. Not on time. And certainly not to guys who have charming smiles and folders.
She blinked.
Then — chuckled.
It was the first genuine chuckle in days.
And something changed between them once more in that instant.
Not recollection.
Not a duty.
Just something tangible.
A fresh start.
Together.