Did My Ex-Wife Agree to Remarry Me Today? - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Grand Attire

Chi Yun did not block Yu Ting; instead, she set her to “Do Not Disturb.”

She didn’t lack money, but the company belonged to Aunt Mu. She was using it as a platform for growth, and the current project was the culmination of her research team’s hard work. She couldn’t irresponsibly sabotage it. Now that she knew Yu Ting’s intentions, she would be extra cautious—avoiding contact whenever possible was the golden rule.

The priority now was explaining today’s misunderstanding to Li Zhou.

Upon arriving home, Chi Yun sat on the front steps in the darkness. The phone call with her mothers had given her a lot to process. She needed to organize her thoughts quickly. The pear tree, which hadn’t blossomed or grown leaves in years, stood like a silent sentinel in the night.

Was it my words, my actions, or both that caused the misunderstanding? What was my expression like at the time?

She noted down several possibilities in her phone’s memo app, prioritizing the points she needed to clarify. If Li Zhou were willing, Chi Yun would tell her everything—down to her internal monologue. But what if Li Zhou wouldn’t listen?

Should I write it down? On paper? But would she even read it?

Sifting through her options, she found a safer bet. She began scrolling through her phone for photos. She realized she didn’t have many of herself as a child; most were saved from the family group chat. For a large collection, she had to go to the source.

She messaged her mothers again: Mom, Mommy, do you have any more photos of me as a kid? The ones that didn’t make it into the official albums.

Sheng Minghui was busy handling the exhibition logistics, so Long Xi replied: Oh, we have plenty.

The ones in the albums were “classics”—the less embarrassing of the “dark history” photos. Her mothers knew she had a strong sense of pride, so they had kept the most chaotic shots for their own private memories.

Chi Yun sent a smiley face: Can you send me some cute and wacky ones?

Long Xi sent two photos of her back as she walked to school.

Chi Yun replied: Something more lively? Jumping around?

Long Xi picked a few and sent them. One showed Chi Yun jumping from a third-story window onto the kindergarten fence to get to school. It was a windy day; her silhouette, backpack and all, was a mess of chaotic lines. Her hair was standing straight up.

The second photo was her turning back to wave to Long Xi from the wind, her hair plastered completely across her face.

Chi Yun: “…” (Thought: What an ugly kid.) Text: This is exactly what I need. Any more?

Long Xi typed back: Plentiful. But what do you need these for?

Writing a love letter, Chi Yun replied. Or rather, my defense statement. She might throw away a letter, so I have to rely on my childhood charm. A-Li likes the younger me.

If Chi Yun were to describe her younger self, she’d use words like “noisy” and “annoying.” She didn’t think she was cute then; she believed she was currently at her visual peak. But everyone else seemed to prefer the “Biscuit” era. Li Zhou’s choice to only take the childhood album during the divorce proved that “Little Chi Yun” was the only version of her that might get a pass.

By attaching her explanations to these new, never-before-seen photos, she might dodge the trash can.

Long Xi sent thirty photos in one burst. Chi Yun suspected her mothers had a dedicated “Dark History Archive.”

Enough, cub? Long Xi asked, clearly enjoying the chance to share her photography skills.

Chi Yun saved them one by one. Good for now. I’ll ask if I need more.

Thirty photos were enough for her “defense report.” She looked through them all. Had these been shown at her wedding, she would have dug a hole and climbed in. She printed them out and turned them over to begin writing on the back.

She had to be precise. She drew diagrams of where she and Yu Ting sat, the exact distance between them, and the start and end times of their talk. Then, she was exhaustive. She wrote down every word spoken and her internal monologue from calmness to total lack of interest—to prove she had no emotional attachment to the business partner. It became a twenty-page analytical report. On the remaining photos, she wrote something different.

By the time she finished, it was dawn. She had to prepare for her “inspection.” Her mother had told her: If you’re going, go with the dignity and presence of a Phoenix.

Chi Yun ironed her most formal attire. But when Manager Hu arrived in a stretched luxury sedan, she realized “formal” was an understatement.

Manager Hu, in a sharp suit, held a silk bag with gold trim. “Young Matriarch, the Matriarch ordered me to prepare this. She said clothes make the woman. If you want to chase Miss Li Zhou, you must make her eyes light up.”

Inside was the traditional Phoenix attire Chi Yun had worn for her eighteenth birthday. It wasn’t the Shen-yi (Divine Raiment) her mother wore which was solemn red with gold phoenixes for rituals. Hers was the Hong-yi (Grand Raiment), more vibrant and complex. Beyond the crimson base and gold thread, it was scattered with phoenix totems in jade green, indigo, and violet.

She hadn’t even worn this for her wedding! And her mother wanted her to wear it to a construction site?

“The Matriarch said this is your first formal public appearance. You must give them a little ‘shock,'” Manager Hu beamed.

She couldn’t argue. She went back inside to change. Once in the car, as she was building up her “aura,” Manager Hu added: “The Matriarch also said your primary goal today is chasing your wife. Just show your face for official business; I’ll handle the rest.”

That was why Sheng Minghui sent Hu Hongquan. She didn’t want the “chase” to turn into a boring board meeting.

The grand outfit wasn’t just for show or intimidation it was to earn points with Li Zhou. But would A-Li like her dressed like this?

“I heard a Phoenix leader is attending today’s inspection.”

At the entrance of the Jiangwu Convention Center, groups of officials in white shirts and black suits chatted while waiting.

“Director Liu is taking this very seriously. He arrived early.” “Did you get the 5 AM message? To dress formally?” “Yeah. I haven’t worn this suit in years. Feels weird.”

A black car pulled up. The crowd straightened up behind Director Liu. Chi Yun and Hu Hongquan stepped out. Though two people emerged, every eye was glued to Chi Yun. The breath-taking elegance was impossible to hide.

“Young Matriarch, Manager Hu.” Liu Jun, who had been a liaison with the Phoenixes for twenty years, greeted them warmly.

“Director Liu,” Chi Yun greeted. Hu Hongquan took over the handshakes and pleasantries.

After a round of introductions, they reached Cao Rong. Since they had met at Li Zhou’s house, both women were briefly surprised, but they masked it quickly.

“It’s windy out here. Let’s head in,” Director Liu led the way.

The other officials followed behind, whispering: “Is that the head of the Phoenix family? Her aura is so strong, and she’s stunning.” “That’s likely the successor. The Matriarch is even sharper.”

Chi Yun, in her vibrant, luxurious robes, walked through the steel and concrete venue. She didn’t look out of place; she looked like a masterpiece. Everyone thought the clothes and her face were a perfect match. Cao Rong, walking at the back, kept trying to remember why the face looked so familiar.

Suddenly, Director Liu stopped. “Xiao Cao.”

“Yes, Director?” Cao Rong hurried forward.

“The Young Matriarch wants to see the ‘Catch All’ section. Take her there.”

The planned route wouldn’t reach Li Zhou’s area until the end. Chi Yun couldn’t wait that long, and Liu Jun was happy to oblige her.

Chi Yun followed Cao Rong. Halfway there, she spotted A-Mei. The girl was filling cups at a water dispenser. Chi Yun went to wave, but A-Mei glanced at her and then bolted away with the cups.

She… didn’t recognize me?

“Does the Young Matriarch know Sister Zhou?” Cao Rong asked carefully.

“Yes. We’re acquainted.”

“Are we going to the exhibit or her command post? They’re a bit apart.” Cao Rong explained that the exhibit was full of skeletons and hanging equipment a falling hazard. Li Zhou stayed in a command tent, directing the assembly via radio.

“The command post. I have business with her.”

A distance away, A-Mei sprinted into the command tent like a madwoman. “Sister Zhou! I saw a super pretty sister! You have to look! She’s coming this way! Her clothes… her clothes have…” A-Mei couldn’t remember the word for the patterns.

Li Zhou didn’t look up from her construction blueprints. She didn’t care about “pretty sisters”; she only cared about finishing on time.

As Chi Yun drew closer, A-Mei stared at the “pretty sister” and frowned. Something was wrong.

When Chi Yun reached the entrance, A-Mei’s face turned into a mask of panic. She tugged at Li Zhou’s sleeve. “Sister Zhou… why does this pretty sister look exactly like Biscuit’s Mom?”

Biscuit’s Mom?

Li Zhou’s gaze paused on the blueprints. She looked up and saw the figure approaching.

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