No one expected Moonchild to orchestrate such a colossal blunder between the two.
Seeing Hua Yunxia emerge, tightly wrapped in a bath towel, Lei Zhengyang felt a pang of guilt. "Yunxia, sorry. Moonchild's alarm made me think you were in danger. You know I was just worried about you."
"No, I'm not mad," she said, her flushed face betraying a shy charm. "Just… don't tell my sister. She'd misunderstand." Clutching Moonchild's laptop, she fled to her room.
Lei Zhengyang marveled—her embarrassment spared him the need to explain the mix-up.
Inside, door locked, Hua Yunxia unleashed her fury on Moonchild. "You're in for it! I'll lock you down, hmph!" These days with Lei Zhengyang had cost her a lifetime's worth of dignity. Luring her would-be brother-in-law into her shower? She'd wanted to vanish into the floor.
After he left, shame consumed her. One thought looped: He saw everything. My whole body.
"Master, I was helping," Moonchild chirped. "He took advantage—make him yours!"
Hua Yunxia fumed. "He's my sister's man! What nonsense is this?"
"I sensed you like him," Moonchild insisted. "My readings are spot-on. You're lying."
"You—" Hua Yunxia's face burned. Her slender fingers flew across the keyboard, accessing Moonchild's program logs. She erased the day's events and scrubbed its emotional memory. This AI had humiliated her—she couldn't face anyone.
With its program reset, Moonchild quieted, but without its chatter, Lei Zhengyang found things dull.
Three days later, Moonchild's integration neared completion, and Hua Yunxia prepared to leave. "Brother-in-law, I'll consider your request. If I return, I might move Genius Haven's overseas HQ here. But I need to discuss it with my sister first, see if she agrees."
Lei Zhengyang couldn't let his grand lie unravel. "Yunxia, no need to ask your sister—she'd welcome you. You miss her, she misses you. Why not surprise her?"
Hua Yunxia pondered, then shifted topics. "Brother-in-law, Moonchild's terminal is now in Longteng's system. Call her if you need her. I hope, as you said, she'll become a true superbrain, a tech legend."
Despite their brief time together, Hua Yunxia felt a reluctant attachment—a strange, unfamiliar pang. Their moments were awkward, yet parting brought sorrow she couldn't explain.
"No doubt," Lei Zhengyang said. "Yunxia, sure you don't want me to escort you? You're not exactly safe."
"No need," she replied. "My team's in South City. I'll meet them soon. Don't worry, brother-in-law. Well… I'm off." She lingered, wanting to say more.
Lei Zhengyang waved. "See you."
Suddenly, Hua Yunxia darted forward, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, brother-in-law. These days were fun." Blushing, she fled, stunned by her own boldness. Touching her lips, she couldn't look back.
Hua Yunxia's departure left Lei Zhengyang hollow, as if something vital had vanished. He didn't call it love, but the little spitfire had carved a deep mark in his heart.
Back at Longteng after checking out, he reviewed operations with his aunt and uncle. Profits had soared, surpassing ten billion in half a year—smooth sailing.
"Zhengyang, that Hua Yunxia's gone," Lei Xinping said. "Sweet, lovable girl. You didn't bully her, did you?" Her tone turned personal, eyeing him skeptically.
Lei Zhengyang laughed. "Auntie, you've got no faith in me! Bully her? She's a treasure—I value her too much."
"Tch, sure," Lei Xinping teased. "A beauty so pure, like a spring—you wouldn't like her? Even I did. Shame she left. I'd have loved for you to chase her. A wife like that would make you happy forever."
Her words stung, deepening Lei Zhengyang's melancholy.
"Auntie, I'm heading back to the capital today," he said. "New Year's coming—bring the family for a big reunion. Also, as Longteng grows, start planning to shift HQ to the capital. It'll streamline management."
"We've discussed that," Wang Jiansheng said. "Next year, we'll prep for it and restructure into the new Longteng Group." He'd long anticipated these steps.
That day, Lei Zhengyang flew back to the capital. Though his Southern trip was brief, its gains were monumental. The superbrain hurdle for Golden Dragon had hope. Moonchild was immature, but he believed she'd soon mature.
Yet Hua Yunxia's absence stirred an unfamiliar longing—the first time he'd truly missed a woman.
"Zhengyang, you're back!" Xu Miaoli greeted him at home. "You sneak off without a word, scaring me half to death! Thank goodness your aunt called, or I'd have alerted the police."
Surprisingly, his second brother, Lei Zhengchen, confined for months, was there. His face was haggard, his former arrogance gone. Meeting Lei Zhengyang's gaze, his eyes flickered with awkwardness, unsure how to speak.
Though resentful, Lei Zhengyang valued brotherhood, softening his tone. "Second Brother," he said warmly.
"Zhengyang, your brother's now at the Agriculture Ministry, assigned as a southern inspector," Xu Miaoli said. "After New Year, he'll tour the nation's farms. Spend time together. Grandpa's called your eldest brother back, too. Finally, you three can reunite." She cherished all her sons, delighted by their bond.
After a heavy silence, Lei Zhengchen spoke, shaken by Lei Zhengyang's contributions to the Leis. His past disdain felt foolish. "Zhengyang, I'm sorry. I was shortsighted, looking down on you, calling you the family's shame. I scorned Big Brother, too, for being crude. I was wrong. I owe you both an apology. We're brothers—we should lift each other up, not be mocked."
Lei Zhengyang felt relieved. He didn't care about Lei Zhengchen's achievements, only that he held fast to family ties in crucial moments. His remorse was a victory—brothers held no grudges overnight. "Second Brother, don't worry. Big Brother's not petty. We're family—words aren't needed. Keep pushing, reclaim your place in politics, fulfill Grandpa's dream. Be a respected official. We've got your back."
"Thanks, Third Brother," Lei Zhengchen said. "I'll do it."
"That's the spirit!" Lei Qiuping chimed in, beaming. "Brothers unite, stronger than steel. Look at me and your dad—never a fight."
Lei Zhengyang grinned, sensing his joy. "Third Uncle, you're glowing. Wedding prep done? Ready to be a groom and hit the bridal chamber?"
"Tch, underestimating me?" Lei Qiuping scoffed. "I've been in that chamber plenty. This is just a rerun. Don't worry—next year, I'll give you a little brother. My word's gold."
Lei Qiuping, ever the rogue uncle, spoke recklessly around his nephews.
Xu Miaoli stormed in, glaring. "Third Brother, stop corrupting the kids! Zhengyang's old mischief? Your fault. Dare ruin him more, and I'll tell Xiaomin to deal with you!"
"No, no, Big Sis!" Lei Qiuping pleaded. "Don't ruin my big day with drama. I'm just joking—call it hot air. Zhengyang, let's talk outside. I've got business to discuss." He dragged Lei Zhengyang out, catching Xu Miaoli's wary stare. "Big Sis, it's legit business—I swear on my honor!"
"Honor? Who'd buy that?" Xu Miaoli scoffed, unconvinced, but didn't stop them. "Dinner's soon, Zhengyang. Don't stray far."