Ye Jiaxu didn't sleep well all night, drifting in and out of sleep, plagued by nightmares. Before the sky had fully brightened, he got up to wash.
The servants downstairs had also just woken up, and the pots were being placed on the stove in the kitchen. Everyone was busy preparing breakfast.
Ye Jiaxu came downstairs, his attention drawn to a figure in the courtyard. He approached the floor-to-ceiling window and saw the person outside.
Di Mingjue had returned from his morning run and was on the phone with Shen Lin.
Shen Lin had completed the tasks assigned to him overnight.
Upon learning that the video from the private room had been sent to his phone, Di Mingjue stood in the courtyard, resting while he reviewed it.
Seeing Di Mingjue turn and walk towards him, Ye Jiaxu retreated to the sofa. Concealing his panic, he picked up the newspaper from the table.
Pushing open the living room door, Di Mingjue’s gaze automatically fell on the sofa.
Deliberately avoiding eye contact, Ye Jiaxu didn't want any interaction with Di Mingjue.
His phone was still playing the surveillance video. Di Mingjue walked past the sofa without a word and went upstairs.
To avoid another encounter at breakfast, Ye Jiaxu left for the company early.
He didn't possess the strong heart of Ye Yubin, who could act as if nothing had happened even after making mistakes.
At the dining table, Ye Yubin was heartily eating breakfast, completely unfazed by the gazes from Ye Shaoting and Di Mingjue.
"Ziyu, how have you been feeling lately? Are you getting used to the company?" Ye Qianzhi suddenly asked, expressing his concern.
The food in Ye Chenhan's mouth hadn't been swallowed yet, and he was so startled by the question that he almost choked. He quickly grabbed his water cup and took several large gulps, fearing he might be asked next.
Putting down his chopsticks, Ye Ziyu subconsciously glanced in Ye Yubin's direction.
At this glance, Ye Yubin looked up and stared at her.
His eyes conveyed a clear warning that if she spoke out of turn, she would face his displeasure.
"I'm doing well," she replied.
"If there's anything you don't understand, ask your brothers. And don't overwork yourself at the company."
"Mhm, I know."
After asking Ye Ziyu, Ye Qianzhi turned his attention to Ye Chenhan.
Feeling the gaze, Ye Chenhan lowered his head, wishing he could burrow under the table.
"And you?" Ye Qianzhi's attitude immediately became serious, a stark contrast to how he had addressed Ye Ziyu moments before.
Having only worked at the company for a handful of days, he had no real feelings to share.
Ye Chenhan forced a smile and replied ingratiatingly, "It's going great. Working with Ziyu makes it much more lively than when I was alone."
"Hmph, you'd better stay at the company and learn properly. If I find out you're still messing around with bands or not focusing on your responsibilities, you can get out of the Ye family," Ye Qianzhi said, slapping the table.
Ye Chenhan paid no mind to his threat. Shen Meixiu, however, took it to heart.
Of her four sons, none could be overlooked in terms of inheritance. Especially with Ye Ziyu's arrival, she couldn't let her snatch away what rightfully belonged to them.
Shen Meixiu peeled an egg and placed it on Ye Qianzhi's plate. "Just put your mind at ease. Chenhan has matured and knows how to help his brothers."
"Maturity is like a joke when it comes to him," Ye Qianzhi mocked unceremoniously.
Did he not know his own son, whether he was a horse or a donkey?
Did Ye Qianzhi not know if Ye Chenhan was truly working diligently at the company? Setting aside the surveillance in the office, any employee who had previously worked under him would know.
It was a peaceful family breakfast, and he didn't want to bother with Ye Chenhan, which would ruin everyone's meal.
Shen Meixiu dared not praise Ye Chenhan too much. Playing along with Ye Qianzhi, she turned and criticized Ye Chenhan.
What should have been a pleasant breakfast turned into another scolding session for Ye Chenhan.