The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 128. Fu Hengyi, Happy Birthday (Part 3)

Chapter 128: 128. Fu Hengyi, Happy Birthday (Part 3)

Shen Xitong truly enjoyed the spotlight, yet it was not enough; she wanted to capture all the attention that was upon Shen Qinglan, including that of Fu Hengyi. She intended to make him realize that she was the only woman who could stand by his side.

Their relationship had never been good. Before, Shen Xitong was willing to feign cordiality, but since the last time she was publicly embarrassed by Shen Qinglan in front of Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan, she had given up even pretending to be nice, especially since Shen Qinglan seldom returned to the Shen family home, making their encounters rare.

Unfortunately, she had learned about this incident too late, allowing Shen Qinglan to emerge unscathed from such a scandal. If only she had been there... Xitong thought regretfully. It was such a missed opportunity.

Shen Qinglan had not stayed long at the Shen family estate either, just long enough to chat with Sister-in-law Song and to request the recipe for a dish before leaving.

**

Before she realized it, the end of the month had arrived, and today was the day of Fu Hengyi’s return. Just last night, Shen Qinglan had spoken to him on the phone and learned he would be home by noon.

Early that morning, Shen Qinglan got up and cleaned the house thoroughly, ensuring it was spotless, then went to the supermarket to haul home a carload of groceries. Only then did she tie back her hair and roll up her sleeves to enter the kitchen.

In the past half-month, she had been almost daily at the courtyard, learning to cook with either Sister-in-law Song or Aunt Zhao. Her cooking skills had greatly improved, although they were still not quite on par with Fu Hengyi’s.

When Fu Hengyi arrived home, he didn’t see Shen Qinglan in the living room. Just as he was about to check the bedroom, he realized she was in the kitchen.

During these days, he had called Old Sir Fu and knew Shen Qinglan had been learning to cook. He couldn’t quite describe his feelings when he heard that news; he only felt a warm sensation in his heart, as if someone had kindled a fire there, filled with deep longing, eagerly wanting to see her and hold her close.

Fu Hengyi walked over, standing outside the kitchen door. His footsteps were light, and Shen Qinglan, focused on her cooking, did not notice his presence.

She was stir-frying, apparently still unfamiliar with the dish as she was on the phone with Aunt Zhao, discussing the exact amount of ingredients and the sequence for adding the vegetables. She wore a set of white home clothes, her hair casually tied back with a black hair tie, her sleeves rolled up, showing her fair arms.

Unlike many girls who preferred dyed and permed hair, hers was naturally black and straight, very smooth. Playing with her hair strands, letting them slip through his fingers, was one of Fu Hengyi’s favorite things to do.

This was the first time Fu Hengyi had seen her in the kitchen. Her back was still cool and distant, but at that moment, she seemed unexpectedly gentle to him, as if all the stars had burst into light at once.

He gazed at her, his eyes so tender it seemed as if they could overflow with warmth.

Seemingly aware of his gaze, Shen Qinglan turned her head and met his tender eyes. She smiled faintly, blooming like a flower.

Fu Hengyi rolled up his sleeves, "Leave this to me, you go out first." He was delighted that Shen Qinglan was willing to cook for him but was reluctant for her to do such laborious work.

With a nudge of her elbow, Shen Qinglan pushed him back, "I don’t need your help here, go change your clothes or take a shower, I’ll be done soon." She intended to cook this meal for him herself.

Meeting her determined eyes, Fu Hengyi did not insist further, but instead stepped forward and kissed her forehead, "Thank you, wife."

Feeling the warm touch on her forehead, Shen Qinglan’s cheeks flushed slightly.

Fu Hengyi smiled and walked out of the kitchen.

When Fu Hengyi came out dressed, Shen Qinglan had already placed the dishes on the table: Chinese yam pork rib soup, stir-fried pepper and shredded pork, spicy shredded potatoes, double-cooked pork, and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. All were homely dishes, yet they looked quite appealing.

"What day is it today that we’re having such a feast?" Fu Hengyi asked.

"Wait a moment." Shen Qinglan smiled, got up, and went into the kitchen. When she came back, she was holding a six-inch cake.

Two candles were inserted in the cake, numbered 3 and 1. "Fu Hengyi, happy birthday," Shen Qinglan said with a smile. At some point, she had drawn the curtains closed, and the living room was dim. The candlelight was reflected on her face, highlighting her gentle smile. She looked at him, focused and tender.

This scene was deeply engraved in Fu Hengyi’s mind, unforgettable for a lifetime.

A hint of surprise appeared on Fu Hengyi’s face; even he had forgotten that today was his birthday. Since the day he enlisted, he hadn’t celebrated his birthday in years. In past years, Old Sir Fu would just give him a phone call on this day, and sometimes he couldn’t even receive it because he was on a mission. Gradually, he had forgotten about it as well.

He hadn’t expected Shen Qinglan to remember his birthday, and even prepare so much; he suddenly understood why she had asked him a few days ago if he could come home today.

Fu Hengyi’s heart trembled slightly.

"I wanted to bring it out in the evening, but I told Grandpa I would be home for dinner, so we had to do it at noon," Shen Qinglan said as she looked at him. "Would you like to make a wish?" She knew that one should make a wish before eating birthday cake.

Fu Hengyi shook his head. "My wish has already come true." He had always longed for a warm home, returning to someone waiting for him, keeping a light on for him; it had now been realized, so he desired nothing more.

Shen Qinglan, not being one to stir emotions, saw that he didn’t want to make a wish and smoothly put the cake in front of him. "Then let’s blow out the candles."

Fu Hengyi blew out the candles, marking the first time he had done so since he was eighteen.

On closer inspection, Fu Hengyi noticed that although the cake was delicately made, it still had some slight imperfections, seemingly handmade by someone.

Shen Qinglan cut the cake and handed a piece to Fu Hengyi. "Try it."

Fu Hengyi scooped up a spoonful, but instead of eating it himself, he brought it to Shen Qinglan’s mouth. She looked at him and ate it.

Hmm, the sugar was a bit less, not very sweet. Neither of them liked sweet food, so the level of sweetness was just right for them.

Suddenly, Fu Hengyi’s handsome face loomed close, and his warm lips pressed against hers.

With just a gentle pull, Shen Qinglan found herself in Fu Hengyi’s arms, seated on his lap, her arms around his neck and his around her waist.

After a long moment, the two parted. Fu Hengyi looked at her with a smile and said, "It’s delicious." Then, with a suggestive lick of his lips, it was unclear whether he was referring to the cake or to someone else.

Fu Hengyi, with his already handsome looks, added a hint of roguish charm with that gesture, making Shen Qinglan’s heart skip a beat, her face heating up.

"If we don’t eat now, the food will get cold," Shen Qinglan said, trying to sound calm, though her ears were tinged pink.

She stood up and drew the curtains open, and sunlight immediately flooded the entire room.