I’ll Let You Rise… Just to Watch You Fall

Qi Xin and Qi Ruichang ultimately did not come to the Ye residence for New Year’s greetings.

And that unexpected episode during New Year’s Eve dinner had made Tao Ruoqing anxious.

She had specifically told Qi Xin to send his New Year’s greeting via text and simultaneously make the request to visit the Ye family. Who knew he would choose that moment, of all times, during New Year’s Eve dinner, to do so?

Whether he was genuinely stupid or just that impatient, neither possibility was a good sign for Tao Ruoqing.

Then there was Ye Zhiqiu. She had thought he would avoid Ye Hongxian and discuss it secretly with her.

But who knew, knowing full well that Ye Hongxian disliked Qi Xin, he had brought it up right at the dinner table.

Neither of them was acting according to plan, leaving her in a very passive position.

Tao Ruoqing slowly savored the tea in her hand, unable to suppress a slight frown.

Qi Xin she could handle—he was in the same boat. But Ye Zhiqiu…

She really couldn’t tell whether he had done it on purpose or by accident.

She set the teacup down. The purple clay cup made a sharp ‘ding’ against the marble tabletop.

Tao Ruoqing lowered her eyes and let out a soft sigh.

If he had done it on purpose, his behavior that night had been flawless, even as carefree as before.

If it was an accident…

Thinking of Ye Hongxian losing his temper at Ye Zhixia during the New Year, she felt a knot in her stomach.

If Ye Hongxian had directed his anger at her, she wouldn’t have minded.

After all, ever since she set her sights on climbing up, her goal had been to escape her humble origins and the hardships of real life.

Simply put, it was for money.

As long as she had money, as long as her position as Mrs. Ye was secure, it didn’t matter whether Ye Hongxian came home or was happy.

But taking it out on her children—especially the one who protected her—was unbearable.

The tea had gone cold. Tao Ruoqing poured it into the waste bowl, her thoughts returning to Ye Zhiqiu.

It had to be said, based on outward appearances, Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t changed much from before.

But the path he was on was completely different.

Before, he had listened to all her advice.

He was inherently lazy, too playful and spoiled. Working while studying had seemed almost impossible.

But now…

Tao Ruoqing carefully traced back her thoughts, secretly blaming herself for her earlier carelessness.

This time, it wasn’t that Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t listened to her, but rather that she hadn’t given any advice.

She knew nothing about fashion, but Qi Xin did.

So initially, knowing that Ye Zhiqiu working at VIA would only hurt his prospects while making him easier for her and Qi Xin to control, she hadn’t stopped him.

That was what had allowed things to develop to this point, giving him the chance to enter Q.L.

Just from Ye Hongxian’s reaction, she knew that after Ye Zhiqiu started at Q.L., it would be much harder for her to interfere in his career.

Before, Ye Zhiqiu had lagged behind in every subject. Even getting into fashion school had been thanks to his talent.

She had thought, given his hit-or-miss nature, this line of work would just be a passing fancy, at best barely scraping a diploma.

And the fashion designers she knew mostly just copied bits and pieces from here and there, treated like lackeys in the factories. How many of them ever really made it?

Take Qi Xin, for example. He had studied fashion design abroad for years, yet couldn’t even build his own brand.

There were so many pitfalls in this path. Why was Ye Zhiqiu the one who succeeded?

Tao Ruoqing couldn’t help but sigh again.

Her biggest headache right now wasn’t even Ye Zhiqiu’s career path.

After all, as long as she could control his future emotions and marriage, she could destroy everything he had.

What she worried about most was that eldest son of the Qin family Ye Hongxian had mentioned.

Though she had never met him—even the few photos paparazzi had snatched were blurry—his bearing, his presence, his elegance all spoke of extraordinary charisma.

Not to mention his wealth and status.

Tao Ruoqing could control many things, but she couldn’t deny how stunning Ye Zhiqiu’s looks were.

Like the shock she felt when she first saw Lan Yue.

With looks like that, anything was possible.

If Ye Zhiqiu really got together with Qin Jianhe, then her nearly two decades of scheming and patient endurance would become a complete joke.

Then, no matter how hard she and her children tried, they would never surpass Ye Zhiqiu.

Worse, if that happened, Ye Hongxian would certainly entrust the Ye family business to Ye Zhiqiu without hesitation.

No matter how much he had disliked him before, if Ye Zhiqiu latched onto a big enough tree, everything before would become irrelevant.

Her phone rang. Tao Ruoqing looked down and saw Qi Ruichang’s name.

After New Year’s Eve dinner, she had sent Qi Xin a harsh reprimand. Qi Ruichang was calling to smooth things over.

“Old Qi.” Tao Ruoqing’s tone was casual. “What’s up?”

“Just got back from our hometown.” Qi Ruichang said. “Brought some local specialties. Thought I’d drop them off someday?”

He was no longer mentioning New Year’s greetings.

“Don’t come to the house.” Tao Ruoqing was quiet for a moment, then named a hotel. “Let’s have lunch tomorrow.”

“Alright, alright.” Qi Ruichang agreed. “See you tomorrow.”

He paused, then chuckled. “That boy…”

Tao Ruoqing felt a flicker of impatience, but the unfinished sentence made her alert.

After all, some foolish things she’d done in her youth might not be a secret to Qi Ruichang.

And after investing so much time in Qi Xin, she had no intention of letting him go.

“Alright,” she said. “I’ll check his availability.”

* * * *

Footsteps sounded from the stairs. Tao Ruoqing hung up without another word.

She turned and saw Ye Zhiqiu shuffling downstairs in slippers.

“I’m starving.” He rubbed his eyes. “Anything to eat?”

“I’ll have Aunt Zhao heat something up.” Tao Ruoqing smiled and rose, returning shortly.

Her little “tea room” was set up near the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room, perfect for soaking up the sun.

Ye Zhiqiu sat at the table near her, propping his chin on his hand, staring blankly.

Sunlight fell on his profile, his eyelashes moving slowly.

“Still sleepy?” Tao Ruoqing asked. “Haven’t you been going to bed early lately?”

“Working on some things.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled, then pressed his lips together as if a little embarrassed.

“Tell Mama, what have you been up to?” Tao Ruoqing poured a cup of fresh, green tea and asked with a smile.

“Did you know Qi Xin’s family has a clothing factory?” Ye Zhiqiu suddenly looked at her.

Sunlight shone in his eyes, so clear and limpid, like crystal without flaw. Looking at them made people feel vaguely guilty.

“Yes, I know.” Tao Ruoqing looked down at her tea.

“Qi Xin asked me to design some new clothes for him.” Ye Zhiqiu wasn’t hiding it, which made Tao Ruoqing think she had been overthinking. “That’s why I’ve been up late the last few nights.”

“You’re designing for him?” Tao Ruoqing looked up.

“Of course.” Ye Zhiqiu wrinkled his nose. “You heard Dad, he doesn’t like him.”

“True.” Tao Ruoqing said, her face revealing nothing.

“Isn’t it just because Qi Xin’s family isn’t as well-off as ours?” Ye Zhiqiu laughed, a trace of mockery on his lips. “I’m going to make Qi Xin succeed. Then what will he have to say?”

“Just to spite your father?” Tao Ruoqing smiled.

“Something like that.” Ye Zhiqiu’s expression hardened. “When I needed him, when was he ever there for me? Now he wants to tell me what to do?”

“I can’t stand him.”

Tao Ruoqing said nothing more.

One of Qi Xin’s original goals was to use Ye Zhiqiu’s talent to develop his own brand.

Given VIA’s trajectory, regardless of Ye Zhiqiu’s motives, it was undeniably great news for Qiyun.

At least her investment wouldn’t be wasted.

Moreover, given Ye Zhiqiu’s rebellious streak, Ye Hongxian’s opposition might not be such a bad thing.

If the father was stubborn and the son even more so, that was all the better.

“After I take Xiaxia back to the set tomorrow,” Tao Ruoqing said, “I’ve arranged to have lunch with your Uncle Qi and Qi Xin. You should come too.”

“Can’t.” Ye Zhiqiu paused his soup. “I made plans days ago to pay New Year’s respects to my professor tomorrow. My professor’s wife even asked what I like to eat. She’s probably already preparing it.”

Tao Ruoqing: “…”

It seemed even the suggestion that he come after paying his respects was blocked.

“Honestly.” She smiled. “Your professor’s wife was just being polite. Don’t take her literally.”

Ye Zhiqiu blinked, then after a moment asked uncertainly, “What should I do? I already said I was coming.”

He complained, “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”

He had always been so self-centered. Tao Ruoqing was used to it and slowly relaxed again.

Ye Zhiqiu finished eating quickly and stood to go upstairs.

“Going to work on Qi Xin’s designs?” Tao Ruoqing asked.

“Of course.” Ye Zhiqiu said. “I already promised.”

He paused in his steps, then couldn’t help complaining, childishly.

After I officially start at Q.L., I can’t just give my work to other companies anymore. And that little brand of his, who knows how long it’ll take to build up. I’m even risking breach of contract to help him. Really.

He finished his rant and, without waiting for her response, stomped upstairs.

Tao Ruoqing sat for a moment, then, digesting his words, smiled slightly.

“Aunt Zhao,” she called. “The young master’s been working hard. Cut him a fruit plate.”

She paused, then rose. “Actually, I’ll take it myself.”

* * * *

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, early in the morning, Uncle Wang and Tao Ruoqing drove Ye Zhixia back to the set.

Ye Zhiqiu didn’t go downstairs. As before, he stood at the upstairs window and watched Uncle Wang help carry Ye Zhixia’s belongings.

He had entrusted Uncle Wang’s hair sample to Li Shaojun, who had sent it to a testing center.

Along with it, he had sent a sample of Ye Zhixia’s nail clippings.

Compared to Uncle Wang’s caution, Ye Zhixia’s sample was easier to obtain. He had gotten it without much effort.

But it was still the holiday season, and the testing center wasn’t taking rush orders. He could only wait a little longer.

But how long could a little longer be?

He watched Uncle Wang’s car drive away, then sat back down to finalize a few more design drafts.

He worked until after ten, and after one final check, he compressed the files and sent a copy to Meng Da’s email.

Since it was still the holidays, he didn’t want to interrupt Meng Da’s time off, so he didn’t call.

Meng Da would contact him when he had a chance to check his email.

There were also designs for Qi Xin.

These were ones he had prepared for VIA but never used.

Qi Xin wanted to soar. Ye Zhiqiu would let him soar.

After all, only by tasting success, experiencing the thrill of quick money, enjoying the spotlight…

When he fell, he would truly feel the pain, truly understand the immense contrast, and his hurt would be amplified a hundredfold.

He had never intended to let Qi Xin off easily, to let him fall before he could even take off.

That pain was nothing.

He wouldn’t give him small setbacks. He would give him an abyss from which he could never escape.

Just like the one Qi Xin had given him.

Ye Zhiqiu looked in the mirror, saw the cold, sharp eyes of the young man in the glass, and smiled slightly.

Then he gathered his carefully prepared gifts and drove to Zhang Wenyuan’s home.

* * * *

At noon, Tao Ruoqing returned to the city. Uncle Wang drove her directly to the hotel she had arranged with Qi Ruichang.

Qi Ruichang and his son were already waiting in the private room. Qi Xin kept glancing toward the door.

Seeing Tao Ruoqing alone, he was momentarily startled, disappointed.

“Where’s Xiaoqiu?”

He hadn’t seen him in days and found himself missing him terribly.

“You haven’t fallen for him, have you?” Tao Ruoqing’s smile was ambiguous.

“How could that be? He’s just a kid, after all.” Qi Ruichang quickly explained, then asked, “The boy didn’t come?”

“He’s paying New Year’s respects to his professor.” Tao Ruoqing said. “Another time.”

She had already ordered, so the food arrived quickly.

After a few private words, Tao Ruoqing smiled at Qi Xin.

“He’s been up late the past few nights, drawing for you.”

“Really?” Qi Xin’s eyes lit up.

He hadn’t expected Ye Zhiqiu to keep his word so well.

And even before he had started at Q.L., he was using the holiday to work for him.

So even if Ye Zhiqiu was moody, he really did care about him.

Somehow, a warm feeling stirred in Qi Xin’s heart.

He unlocked his phone and sent Ye Zhiqiu a message.

[Qi Xin: Free tonight? I miss you.]

It took a while for Ye Zhiqiu to reply.

[One Leaf Knows Autumn: Not free.]

Qi Xin: “…”

Though he was used to being rejected, it still stung. But even the cold “not free” felt a little cute right now.

If Tao Ruoqing weren’t across the table, he might have smiled.

After the meal, they walked down together. Qi Xin moved the local specialties from the trunk of his car to Uncle Wang’s.

As they parted, Tao Ruoqing scrolled through the Moments of the wives she usually kept in touch with.

This should have been the peak time for card games, but lately, no one had called her to play.

The wives were mostly posting New Year’s gifts, which made her envious. She couldn’t find anything off.

Then she saw a post from Mrs. Zhou, located at a teahouse not far away.

She had Uncle Wang turn around and head there.

The teahouse was a familiar haunt, and the staff knew her.

Assuming she was meeting her usual group, they showed her straight to a private room on the second floor.

Inside, a few wives were playing cards, a server nearby to pour tea.

“I knew she wouldn’t come without a reason,” one of them laughed, dealing cards.

“So a non-biological mother really can’t be trusted,” another commented, sipping tea. “No matter how well she treats you usually, just this one matter of marriage can change everything.”

“At least the child is doing well,” Mrs. Wu, who was hosting, said. “He’s starting at Q.L.”

“Ooh, he must be pretty talented!”

A knock came at the door. Mrs. Wu called out, “Come in.”

The door opened. Tao Ruoqing stood there.

The teahouse was private, well-insulated. The wives’ voices hadn’t been loud, so they exchanged glances and smiled meaningfully.

Tao Ruoqing sensed something was off, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Of all the people here, she was the one with the least education, the humblest background, and her family was the most inconspicuous.

What kept her afloat in these circles was her ability to read the room and her willingness to humble herself.

They only called her when they needed a fourth for cards or someone to fill a seat.

She had maintained that role for years.

As she entered, she quickly reviewed her recent behavior, found nothing amiss, and relaxed.

“Fancy having tea without me?” she approached with a smile, taking the teapot from the server. “I’ve been so bored at home lately.”

She waved the server away, as she usually did, and poured tea for the wives herself.

Mrs. Wu lowered her eyes, hiding her expression. Another wasn’t so kind. She looked at Tao Ruoqing with barely concealed contempt.

* * * *

With the days off, the Spring Festival holiday was a full eight days, but it still passed quickly.

Qin Jianhe had just arrived at the company when he dialed the internal line and summoned Meng Da.

By the time Meng Da knocked on his office door, Qin Jianhe had already opened his laptop and the email.

“Happy New Year, President Qin.” Meng Da offered his greetings as he entered.

“Happy New Year.” Qin Jianhe’s tone was even, his eyes still on the screen. “Why did you forward this email to me?”

“Because we’d already roughly finalized the range of pieces to exhibit, but Xiao Ye’s recent sets are just too good,” Meng Da said. “I wanted to include them. I had to run it by you.”

For any fashion company, exhibiting was no small matter.

The pieces chosen represented the company’s image and reputation, and some might even influence the season’s fashion trends, shaping the company’s industry standing.

“These few pieces could certainly be the face of our collection this season,” Qin Jianhe looked up calmly. “But you have full authority to make these decisions.”

“It’s just that I can’t communicate with Zhou Lang at all,” Meng Da said, exasperated. “He didn’t have much to say about others being pulled, but seeing Xiao Ye’s work, he was convinced. Now he’s just hounding me.”

“That’s your problem.” Qin Jianhe’s voice was low and cold. “Either put Zhou Lang in his place, or pack your things and let me find someone who can.”

Meng Da: “…”

“Alright, alright. Sorry, President Qin. I’ll figure it out.”

He turned to leave, but just as his hand touched the door handle, Qin Jianhe called his name.

“Meng Da.”

“I can. I can do it.” Meng Da said quickly.

Qin Jianhe looked at him in silence for a moment before speaking again.

“Has Ye Zhiqiu arrived yet?”

“Yes.” Meng Da relaxed, his words tumbling out. “You should see how diligent Xiao Ye is. He did those drafts over the holiday, and he arrived early this morning, cleaned his new office meticulously. You have to admire his work ethic. So easy to like.”

“So easy to like?” Qin Jianhe sounded almost amused.

“The women on his floor can’t help but stare when they see him. Isn’t that easy to like?”

Then, Meng Da realized. “You mentioned Xiao Ye. Do you need him to come to your office? Want me to get him?”

Qin Jianhe’s gaze dropped, thoughtful. After a long moment, he said, “No need.”

“Oh.” Meng Da was about to leave when Qin Jianhe spoke again.

“Which office is he in?”

“The one next to Zhou Lang’s,” Meng Da said. “It was the largest of the remaining spaces.”

“Move him.”

“Mm… what?” Meng Da was stunned. “What did you say?”

“Move him to the one farthest from Zhou Lang’s.”

Meng Da didn’t leave. He was ready to argue.

“The office farthest from Zhou Lang’s is nearly a third smaller than his current one. And Xiao Ye just finished cleaning it. Isn’t this a bit unreasonable?”

Seeing Qin Jianhe silent, Meng Da pressed on.

“Xiao Ye has genuine talent. You saw those designs. Hardly anyone in the company can match him. If you don’t like him, fine, but don’t be so obvious.”

This time, Qin Jianhe said nothing, only raised his eyes.

“I’m going, I’m going.” Meng Da got the message. “I’ll have Xiao Ye move right now.”

He hurried out.

* * * *

The design department was just a floor below the executive offices. Meng Da took the stairs.

Ye Zhiqiu’s office was at the end of the hall, by the window. It had good light and was spacious. He was very satisfied.

Newly hired, the company hadn’t assigned him an assistant yet. He had just finished wiping his desk and was about to go to the supply room for tools when he opened the door and nearly ran into Meng Da.

“Teacher Meng?” Ye Zhiqiu laughed. “What’s the rush?”

Meng Da: “…”

He was embarrassed.

“Oh, I was thinking of having a welcome dinner tonight, to introduce you to everyone,” he said.

“Great.” Ye Zhiqiu smiled. “Thank you, Teacher Meng.”

But Meng Da lingered.

“You can tell me, Teacher Meng.” Ye Zhiqiu joked. “The way you look, I’m starting to think the company changed its mind and wants me to pack up.”

“Nothing like that.” Meng Da looked almost relieved. Compared to firing him, moving offices was easy. “My mistake. I forgot this space was earmarked for something else. Could you move to another one?”

He added quickly, “I’ll help you clean.”

Ye Zhiqiu smiled. He knew this was Qin Jianhe’s directive.

Meng Da, as far as he knew, was straightforward and didn’t change his mind without reason.

But why would Qin Jianhe want him to move?

He couldn’t figure it out, and didn’t want to.

He was sure Qin Jianhe had a good reason.

“Of course.” He smiled. “Thank you for telling me now. It would be harder if I’d already moved my things in.”

“Xiao Ye…” Meng Da was touched. Ye Zhiqiu’s thoughtfulness was a stark contrast to the boss upstairs.

“Come on,” he said, his mood lifted. “I’ll show you.”

* * * *

The new office was near the stairwell. Ye Zhiqiu went in.

Not large, but adequate.

“This is nice,” he said. “It’ll work.”

His phone buzzed. He saw an email from Li Shaojun, who only sent emails about special matters.

He guessed the paternity test results were in.

His phone buzzed again. Li Shaojun’s name appeared on the screen. He didn’t answer.

He stood still, opened the email, and downloaded the attached report.

Skimming the top half, he looked for the key line.

In black and white, it read: The cumulative probability of paternity is 99.9999%. Based on DNA analysis, there is an alleged biological relationship between Sample 1 and Sample 2.

His slender fingers unconsciously tightened on the phone.

He had already guessed the result, but seeing it in black and white still made his heart skip.

Then he smiled.

“Hey, Xiao Ye…” Meng Da had gone to get cleaning supplies. Seeing Ye Zhiqiu’s smile deepen, he was confused.

Was the kid broken? Smiling so happily after being singled out by the boss like this?