After completing the final phase of Cheng Yi's therapy, Angelina resumed her travels across Asia. Yang Li took over her care and stayed by her side day and night, worried that she might slip back into despair.
As soon as Ye Mingzhe and Ye Minglang moved in, Ye George packed up and left, continuing his family visit tour.
The once quiet house became lively again, though no one deliberately mentioned or avoided talking about what had happened that day. Although Ye Minglang felt a twinge of pity for Cheng Yi, he couldn't help feeling secretly pleased at the memory of landing a solid punch on that scoundrel. But getting too carried away made him slip up at work, so the Big Boss packed him off to Hong Kong as "punishment."
Meanwhile, the big boss casually "reminded" Cheng Yi that maintaining good health starts with regular exercise. Though she nodded and agreed, it was obvious she had no intention of following through, prompting him to push further.
"Morning runs in the park would be just what you need."
Could she just pretend not to get the hint?
The result: a customized exercise regime was set up for her. Every morning, she was required to jog around the park for half an hour. In the Big Boss's opinion, idle hands are the devil's workshop, and keeping her busy was the best way to prevent overthinking. Yang Li strongly opposed the idea, arguing that it had only been three days since the incident—how could Cheng Yi possibly have the energy to run, let alone go back to work so soon? Besides, she'd heard that the Big Boss was a relentless workaholic. Just because he paid her salary didn't mean he could work her to death, did it?
"Don't you have work to do?"
A single dismissive remark was enough to silence Yang Li's complaints.
The big boss then took Cheng Yi on an unexpected business trip.
There was no need to book flights, pack luggage, or even dress formally. In casual clothes, they just hailed a taxi and set off. Cheng Yi's mind swirled with questions. Where were they going? An hour later, her confusion changed to: Why are we here? Her still-recovering body began to break out in a cold sweat—why on earth had they come to Ye Family Village? She didn't dare ask, sensing that silence was the safest option.
After they got out of the car at the village entrance, Cheng Yi's role shifted from being the one with all the questions to the one expected to provide answers.
"Which way now?"
"Pardon?"
Ye Mingzhe narrowed his eyes. It was clear that playing dumb wasn't going to work on him.
"What was the old Ye doing the last time he came here?"
"Um… paying respects… to the ancestors."
"How do we do that?"
How do you pay respects to your ancestors? Naturally, you go to the ancestral hall. Cheng Yi quickly realised and immediately led the way. After exchanging pleasantries with the caretaker, they entered the hall to offer incense and bow before the ancestors.
The caretaker, delighted to see descendants visiting from overseas, eagerly shared stories of their ancestors' achievements and even brought out the Ye family genealogy to explain each lineage in detail. Ye Mingzhe listened intently, particularly appreciating in the unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles in the hall. The caretaker even brought out photographs from past Qingming Festival gatherings, which were a rare sight overseas. Ye Mingzhe scrutinised each photo carefully. They discovered that Ye George returned every year for the family's Qingming Festival rituals and was always standing in the front row of the photos—only the most respected members of the family were allowed to stand there to offer incense. Fortunately, Ye Mingzhe didn't reveal his connection to Ye George, giving Cheng Yi a chance to breathe a little easier.
When they left the ancestral hall, Cheng Yi was just about to call for a car when Ye Mingzhe handed her a slip of paper. The address on it sent a chill down her spine—it was the address of the old house. She thought she might get lucky and that they'd just take a look from outside, since she didn't have the key to get in.
But to her dismay, the door was wide open. Luck was definitely not on her side.
Reluctantly, Cheng Yi followed Ye Mingzhe inside. She called out a few times, but no one responded. All she could see were the ancestral tablets arranged in the main hall. Ye Mingzhe instinctively moved to light incense and pay his respects. Fortunately, he wasn't too familiar with Chinese characters, especially simplified ones. Most of his Chinese lessons had been short-term courses in Hong Kong, where traditional characters were used. After bowing, he began to meticulously examine the room's furnishings, his gaze finally settling on some old photographs hanging on the wall. Cheng Yi felt powerless to stop him and could only resign herself to whatever was coming next.
He silently studied the picture, then turned to leave. Cheng Yi was overjoyed and quickly followed him. But just as she did, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and returned to stand under the photograph.
"Is this Mum?"
Cheng Yi struggled to keep her composure.
"I suppose… it could be."
He stepped closer, scrutinising the image as if trying to hold on to his mother's youthful appearance. Cheng Yi quietly prayed.
"Who's the guy beside her?"
Cheng Yi racked her brain, stammering as she replied.
"Maybe… a relative or something."
He stared at the photograph for a long time. The longer he stood there, the more anxious Cheng Yi became.
"Is that a 'Double Happiness' character?"
Was it a statement? A question? Or a rhetorical remark? How was she supposed to answer that?
"Oh, you're here!"
Ye George walked over to the door, hands clasped behind his back, giving Cheng Yi—who was still struggling to catch her breath—another scare.
"Didn't you ask me to come here?"
"What?"
Cheng Yi looked at the dead-serious Ye George in disbelief. He had shed his usual flippant demeanour and now looked solemn and dignified. He walked over to stand beside Ye Mingzhe, his eyes lingering on the photograph.
It was a moment for father and son.
"Yi, Grandma was really happy to hear you've come. She's waiting up front, so go say greet her, okay?"
"But…"
But what? She knew she didn't belong here. Cheng Yi still couldn't rest easy, and as she left, she kept looking back repeatedly.
Father and son always began their time together in silence. This time, it was Ye George who broke it.
"Have you figured it out yet?"
"It might not be as simple as I thought."