**Chapter 644: Did You Miss Me?**
"Why won't you slow down when you've already accumulated this much wealth?"
"Isn't the ultimate purpose of pursuing riches just to live comfortably? You've long achieved that goal—why keep pushing your body to its limits?"
Ke Jingyu burst into laughter.
"Honestly, I often ask myself the same thing. At my age, with my son finally maturing, everything seems good enough—shouldn't I retire and rest?"
"But I've been busy my whole life. Without grandchildren to care for, just sitting at home waiting to die while eating and drinking... I'd go insane."
"Sure, it's exhausting now, but I feel my worth this way. I understand what it means to be alive. Get it?"
Jian Fei never knew even successful men like him yearned for family bonds—to raise children and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
"So, if Ke Teng got married and had kids now, you'd retire?"
"You'd actually prefer staying home, taking care of grandchildren, and savoring life, wouldn't you?"
"Absolutely. Do you know how long it's been since I last held a child?"
Ke Jingyu fell into reminiscence.
"Truth is, I never raised Ke Teng as a boy. Never experienced fatherhood properly. Back then, young and reckless, I didn’t care."
"After his mother passed, I finally noticed my child—only to find him already a rebellious teen."
"My life... seems cursed with no bond to children. Seeing others with grandchildren hopping around them—I envy that."
"But Ke Teng matured late. We used to clash constantly. I didn’t dare pressure him."
"A laborer's fate, I guess. Retirement’s still years away for me."
His words filled Jian Fei with both guilt and sorrow.
She longed to tell him: *Who says you lack bonds with kids? You already have a grandchild.*
But someone of her background—how could she ever deserve the Ke family?
Her abortion plans stalled. Caring for Ke Jingyu meant she couldn’t afford risks.
*It’s just a cluster of cells in the first trimester anyway. No rush.*
Calming herself, she drafted strict routines and diets for him using her expertise.
She monitored him as firmly as she once did Ke Teng.
---
The next day at meals, Ke Jingyu invited her to sit.
"Drop the feudal formalities. You watching me eat like some servant—how silly is that?"
"Come, sit. Let’s chat over food."
"Look at me—surrounded by stuffy old men all day, talking empty corporate jargon. A young soul like you? Let’s discuss *life*."
Jian Fei loved talking with him.
He had no airs.
As he put it: *"An old turtle clawing out of hardship—no energy for pretenses. This is good."*
They spoke of everything—his youth, his love story with Ke Teng’s mother, Ke Teng’s embarrassing teen phases.
Her hometown, school days, her family.
For a week, Ke Jingyu’s mood stayed bright.
Until he noticed: Jian Fei forgot to eat whenever she talked.
He’d regained weight; she grew thinner.
"What’s wrong? Still uncomfortable around me? You look gaunt."
"If you’re uneasy, don’t force yourself. I never impose—especially on girls."
She couldn’t explain the truth, so she lied:
"Gained weight visiting home recently. Just dieting."
"*You?* Dieting?"
He nearly scolded her: "Silly girl. You’re skin and bones."
"Must you mimic those skeletal actresses? You’re not on camera. Trust me—you’re perfect. *Eat.*"
"Skip meals again, and I’ll be angry."
So she forced food down—only to vomit it later in the bathroom.
---
A week later, Ke Teng arrived in Nan City.
Ke Jingyu, aiming to expand their empire here, moved into Ke Teng’s old property.
Seeing his father and girlfriend together at home filled Ke Teng with warmth.
Had Jian Fei not warned him with her eyes, he’d have hugged her right then.
Father and son discussed business while Jian Fei listened.
Ke Teng had grown steadier, more dedicated—his potential finally surfacing.
Impressed, Ke Jingyu praised him and ordered the chef to prepare a feast.
"Tonight, we drink properly."
Jian Fei shattered the mood.
"No, Mr. Ke. No alcohol."
Ke Jingyu chuckled. "Almost forgot our little supervisor."
"Assigned to monitor me, this girl’s ruthlessly principled. Not a sip, not a puff."
Ke Teng laughed. "You don’t know how she treated *me*. This is nothing."
"Used to confiscate my phone at curfew, forced me to exercise. But it worked—better routines, more energy."
Ke Jingyu nodded. "See? Jian Fei’s a gem."
"Fine, no drinks. Ke Teng, you two have some. I’ll watch for fun."
Perfect. Ke Teng craved excuses to get closer to her.
But Jian Fei refused.
Even planning to abort, she instinctively shielded the life inside.
"I need full sobriety—in case you two scheme behind my back."
The men obeyed.
Over dinner, Ke Jingyu shared his recent bond with Jian Fei. The atmosphere glowed.
Post-meal, under her supervision, he exercised and retired to bed.
Finally alone, Ke Teng slipped into her room.
He pulled her into his arms, lips claiming hers without words.
His desperation seeped into her bones through his touch—but she had to ruin it.
"Your dad might see. Stay briefly, then leave."
Ke Teng refused. He’d missed her too much.
"Let him. He likes you. If I weren’t worried you’d protest, I’d have told him today."
"Told him what?"
"That we’re together. That we’ve slept together. That you’re *mine* now."
He smirked, tickling her.
"Why so tense? Aren’t you happy to see me? Didn’t you miss me at all?"
---