The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 179. Mr. Fu Coaxes the Baby (First Update)

Chapter 179: 179. Mr. Fu Coaxes the Baby (First Update)

"Qinglan, what do you plan to do after graduation?" Uncle Pei Zhen asked.

"I want to open a tea house," Shen Qinglan replied, while feeding Little Douding some fruit, a sight that made Mr. Fu even more uncomfortable, as his own wife had never fed him anything.

"Qinglan, don’t you plan on opening an art gallery? With your current fame, if you opened a gallery, it would definitely be successful," Pei Yinong questioned with confusion.

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "Daniel is a great partner to have; his gallery is enough."

"Not long ago, Lanlan took over a tea house," Old Sir Shen revealed, aware of the situation.

Grandfather Chu Zhan was surprised, "Oh, Qinglan has taken over a tea house?"

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Yes, it’s in the south of the city. Grandfather, if you have time, you should come and have some tea there. The environment is quite nice."

Chu Zhan nodded with a smile, "Good, I will visit someday." He then turned to look at Shen Xitong, who had been silent this whole time.

"Xitong, how’s work been lately?" Chu Zhan asked, likely in a good mood since he was smiling constantly.

Suddenly put on the spot, Shen Xitong was a bit bewildered, her expression slightly stiff, "It’s going well. I’ll be going abroad for a performance after the New Year."

She might be overthinking it, but she always felt Chu Zhan’s question was just a casual one, aimed to highlight Shen Qinglan’s excellence.

"That’s wonderful. You young people are all very impressive. It comforts us old folks," said Chu Zhan happily. Even though Shen Xitong wasn’t Chu Yunrong’s biological child, having called him "Grandfather" for so many years, he still hoped she would succeed.

Old Sir Shen nodded his head in agreement; in their old age, their greatest hope was for their descendants to flourish.

**

This year had been quite good for Shen Qinglan, but for Fang Tong, it had been extremely painful.

In Fang Family’s home, Fang Tong still could not contact Ding Minghui. Aside from a phone call on Chinese New Year’s Eve, she had been unable to reach him these past few days.

He wouldn’t pick up the phone, respond to WeChat messages, or reply to texts; it was as if he had disappeared from the face of the earth.

"Tongtong, time for dinner." Fu Fanghua knocked from outside. Fang Tong replied and put her phone down to go out.

"Your Uncle Li’s family is coming over tomorrow, don’t go out," Fu Fanghua reminded Fang Tong at the dinner table.

Lost in thought about Ding Minghui, Fang Tong didn’t catch her mother’s words. Fu Fanghua repeated herself, and Fang Tong snapped back to reality, "Mom, what did you say?"

Fu Fanghua shot her a look, "This child, what are you thinking about while eating? I said that Uncle Li’s family is visiting tomorrow, and you should stay home."

"They’re coming over for a visit; what’s that got to do with me staying at home?" Fang Tong frowned, slightly upset, knowing what her mother was hinting at.

"How can you speak like that, child? As the host, don’t you understand basic hospitality?" Fu Fanghua was also getting angry. She had been speaking kindly to Fang Tong but was met with this kind of response.

"Alright, alright, it’s the New Year, stop arguing," interjected peacekeeper Fang Chengzhi, "Let’s eat first, eat."

Fang Tong remained silent, pushing the grains of rice around in her bowl.

Fu Fanghua struggled to eat, "Tongtong, I know what you are thinking. I’ve said I will meet that boy, but has he come? You invited him over before New Year, and he refused, right? He doesn’t even have the basic sincerity. How do you expect me to believe in him?"

"Mom, I’ve told you, he’s just really busy with work. After the New Year, when he comes to Beijing, I’ll arrange for you to meet," Fang Tong defended Ding Minghui.

"Busy, busy, busy. How busy can an intern be? Even your father isn’t as busy as him. Such matters should be initiated by him, but instead, you had to invite him, and he still didn’t come. What does that tell you?"

"Mom, you said yourself he’s just an intern," Qinglan couldn’t refuse if his boss asked him to work overtime, could he?"

Fu Fanghua glared at her daughter with frustration, "You are so naive. Can you believe everything a man says? He claims to be busy and doesn’t have time to come over, and you just take his word for it? Do you even know what he’s doing out there?"

"Ding Minghui isn’t that kind of person. Besides, Daddy’s in Lin City all year round, and you aren’t worried about him, are you?" Fang Tong grew angry at Fu Fanghua’s words.

"How can you compare him to your father? What kind of man is your father, and what kind of man is he?" Fu Fanghua grew angry in turn.

"Ding Minghui is a good man; don’t talk nonsense," Fang Tong retorted sharply to Fu Fanghua, probably truly upset. She slammed her chopsticks down on the table, "I’ve finished eating; you all carry on." With that, she stood up and left the dining table.

"Fang Tong, you stop right there." Fu Fanghua shouted, but was held back by Fang Chengzhi, "Alright, say less."

"Say less? How can I not speak up? Look at her attitude; I’m doing this for whom, if not for her? If she weren’t my daughter, would I bother?"

Fang Chengzhi tried to console his wife, "She is 22 years old, already a grown woman. There’s no need to argue with her like this; why must you get angry over what she does?"

"She’s my daughter no matter how old she is. Look who she’s chosen, someone who’s always making excuses not to meet us. Who does he think he is? Just a poor boy, thinking our Fang Tong can’t get along without him."

Fang Chengzhi frowned slightly, "Fanghua, that’s enough. Grandchildren have their own blessings; the children don’t like us meddling in their affairs when they grow up, let’s just leave her be."

"Fang Chengzhi, I’m telling you, it’s precisely your attitude that’s making her more and more willful," Fu Fanghua reproached.

Fang Chengzhi felt wronged; he was merely trying to offer some calm advice, how had the conflict burned over to him?

He genuinely thought Fang Tong was a sensible person, a smart child with her own thoughts and fairly good judgment. He hadn’t met the boy, but if Fang Tong was so certain, it couldn’t be that bad. There was no need to worry so much, let alone get angry with his own daughter.

From before the Lunar New Year to now, the mother and daughter had quarreled over this matter countless times, and he found himself in a difficult situation between his wife and daughter.

"Fang Tong is a girl, the disadvantaged party. When she suffers, there won’t even be a place for her to cry out of regret," Fu Fanghua kept grumbling. "Li Bo Ming is a good child; he’s handsome, well-educated, well-mannered, and comes from a good family. Pei Fangtong is lucky to be matched with him; it’s actually she who is reaching up."

Fang Tong in her room, listening to Fu Fanghua belittling Ding Minghui and praising Li Bo Ming, felt agitated. She couldn’t stay inside any longer, grabbed her purse and phone, and was about to leave.

"Fang Tong, where are you going?" Fu Fanghua saw her come out and called out to her.

Fang Tong paused for a moment, "It gets too boring at home; I’m going out with a friend."

"Which friend?"

"Shen Qinglan," Fang Tong reported a name.

Shen Qinglan—who was that but the Shen family’s precious daughter? Fang Tong being friends with her was something Fu Fanghua was too happy to object to. She didn’t ask anything further, knowing it wasn’t her place to stop her, "Since you are going to visit her, you can’t go empty-handed. We have two bottles of fine wine at home; take them with you."

"Mom, Qinglan and I don’t stand on ceremony with each other, plus she doesn’t even drink."

Fu Fanghua didn’t have time to be angry, stood up to get something for Fang Tong, muttering, "Even if she doesn’t drink, someone in her house will. These two bottles are fine wines, bought from overseas through a friend; giving them as gifts won’t be embarrassing."

Fang Tong didn’t wait for Fu Fanghua and just left. By the time Fu Fanghua came out, the house was already empty of people, "This child, she doesn’t even listen when asked to take something."

"Let it be, they got along fine without these things before. Having more genuine relationships between friends is also good," Fang Chengzhi spoke out.

"I’m doing this for whom? You’re being posted back to Beijing this year. We hardly know anyone in our family, and given the Shen family’s status, if they’re willing to give you a hand, it would smoothen your work too. When we visited the Fu Family before New Year’s, Old Sir Fu said he’s retired and can’t get involved in external affairs—that’s obviously him not willing to help you," Fu Fanghua was upset that her husband didn’t understand her.

Fang Chengzhi naturally understood that his wife meant well. Relationships in Beijing are complex and intricate; without someone to look out for you, it’s hard to make significant progress at work. His transfer back to Beijing was also a stroke of luck.

"I understand you’re doing this for my sake, but if Fang Tong can have a good friend like that, they’ll help if they’re willing. If they aren’t willing, us behaving this way only makes it difficult for Fang Tong," he explained.

Fu Fanghua thought it over and realized it made sense, but her pride wouldn’t allow her to admit defeat, "It’s just you and your daughter who are so understanding. I’m the only unreasonable one, aren’t I?"

Fang Chengzhi merely chuckled, not talking back to his wife.

Fang Tong left home and didn’t actually go looking for Shen Qinglan. She had nowhere to go, so she just wandered the streets.

As she walked, she found herself in the city center. Even though it was still the Chinese New Year period, there were already quite a few people in the shopping malls. Watching the passers-by, who were mostly couples or families out for some fun, she felt a certain bitterness in her heart.

Suddenly, her gaze fixed on a man and a woman ahead, their backs to her, and she froze on the spot.

The man’s back was so familiar to her—it was Ding Minghui, whom she had searched for days without any response. The woman was a stranger to her, arm in arm with the man, their posture very intimate.

Fang Tong felt a chill run through her body; trembling, she pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Ding Minghui’s number. As she listened to the prolonged ringtone, Fang Tong felt as if the blood in her veins was growing colder.

Just as Fang Tong was on the brink of despair, the person on the other end finally answered, "Tongtong."

"Ding Minghui, where are you?" Fang Tong’s voice trembled slightly.

Ding Minghui hesitated, "At home. I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy these past few days and haven’t had time to look at my phone. I didn’t see your calls and messages."

"You’re at your parents’ home?" Fang Tong asked.

Ding Minghui seemed confused, "Yes, schools haven’t started yet, and the company doesn’t resume work until the tenth. I’ve bought a ticket for the eighth; I should be in Beijing by the evening of the ninth."

"You mean you’re still at your parents’ home now?" Fang Tong asked again, as if to reassure herself.

"Yeah, Tongtong, what’s going on? You think I would lie to you?"

Fang Tong took a moment to gather herself, then spoke, "Just now, I saw someone on the street whose back looked just like you. I thought you might have already come to Beijing, so I called to check."

Ding Minghui seemed to chuckle, "People can look alike, especially from the back. If you’re not reassured, I can show you my train ticket or snap a photo of the house for you?"

His jesting tone finally put Fang Tong at ease; she gave a small laugh, "I must have been mistaken. What time is your train the day after tomorrow? I’ll come pick you up."

"No need. I won’t get in until late, and it’s not safe for you to be out late at night alone. Just wait for me at home. I’m bringing some local specialties from my hometown. You mentioned before that you wanted me to meet your parents; it’s the perfect opportunity to have them try these."

Ding Minghui paused before adding, "I told my parents about us over the New Year and showed them your picture. They liked you a lot. If it weren’t for my stopping them, they would have called you by now."

Fang Tong felt relieved and happier after getting in touch with Ding Minghui. Hearing that he had introduced her to his parents, she felt a sweet satisfaction, "I should be the one calling your uncle and auntie. Or when you can, invite them to Beijing, and I’ll show them around the city. I promise they’ll have a wonderful time."

Ding Minghui laughed, "There will be opportunities for that in the future. But..." his tone shifted, "Tongtong, you know the situation at my home. I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford a house in Beijing anytime soon."

"That doesn’t matter. I’ve said as long as I’m with you, even if we have to rent for a lifetime, I am willing."

"Tongtong, you’re so good to me. Rest assured, I will work hard and buy us a big house. You must wait for me."

Fang Tong nodded vigorously, "Minghui, I’ll wait for you."

After hanging up the phone, the smile on Fang Tong’s face vanished. She clutched her phone tightly, feeling a sense of unease inside. She looked up, but the figure she had seen earlier had long disappeared.

"What are you doing here all alone?" A car pulled up beside Fang Tong, the window rolled down to reveal Shen Junyu’s handsome face.

He had been driving by when he saw Fang Tong standing alone by the roadside, looking lost.

Fang Tong was startled by Shen Junyu’s sudden appearance, recognizing him and somewhat annoyed, "Watching the scenery."

Shen Junyu scoffed, "Watching the scenery on a street in sub-zero temperatures, I didn’t realize you had such a hobby."

Fang Tong stiffened, "I like it."

"Even if you love the scenery, you can’t joke with your own body. Get in the car," Shen Junyu said, frowning at her pale face, chilled from the cold.

"No need, I can take a taxi myself."

"Do you think you can get a taxi here on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year?"

Fang Tong stiffened and glanced at the deserted street. In fact, she was so cold that she had lost all feeling. After a moment of thought, she got into the car.

The heater was on in the car, which felt like a completely different world compared to the outside. Fang Tong felt as if she had come back to life in an instant.

A cup of coffee was handed to her, still steaming.

"I just bought it and haven’t taken a sip yet," Shen Junyu said.

"No thanks, I don’t drink coffee," Fang Tong waved her hand in refusal.

Shen Junyu didn’t discuss it with her, he just pushed the coffee into her hands, "Hold it to warm your hands then."

His fingers touched Fang Tong’s, feeling a temperature lower than ice. He frowned and turned the heater up a bit more.

"Where to?" Shen Junyu asked.

Fang Tong looked bewildered, "I don’t know, just drive anywhere."

Shen Junyu chuckled. Was he being taken for a taxi driver? He glanced at her face and saw her looking concerned, so he didn’t want to quibble and stepped on the accelerator.

"I happen to need to go to the company to get a document. If you don’t mind, come with me to the company first."

Fang Tong nodded her head, as she didn’t have anywhere else to go at the moment.

"Wandering the streets alone, did you have a fight at home?" Shen Junyu took the initiative to start a conversation upon seeing her downcast look.

Fang Tong didn’t want to talk about this topic with him, "No, I was just bored at home and wanted to go out for a walk."

Shen Junyu didn’t press further, "Why didn’t you go see Lanlan, and that..." He paused, trying to remember the name, "Yu Xiaoxuan to hang out?"

"Xiao Xuan went to the set the day after Chinese New Year’s Day. Qinglan... Her husband came back, and they have time to spend together. I’m not going to be the third wheel."

Shen Junyu smiled. He hadn’t expected the girl to be so thoughtful.

"Once school starts back up, you’ll be doing your graduation defense, right?" Trying to keep the atmosphere from becoming awkward, Shen Junyu proactively looked for topics to discuss.

Fang Tong was in a bad mood and didn’t want to stay silent, lest her mind wander to unwanted thoughts. She appreciated Shen Junyu willing to talk about something else.

"Mm, there’s foreign language translation and the writing of the graduation thesis."

"Have you thought about what you want to do after graduation?"

"Not yet, I might go to the job fair in March to look around and submit some resumes."

"Still planning on going into administration?"

"Probably. It’s hard to find a job that matches our major, so being an administrative assistant or secretary might be the best choice."

"I’ve said before that if you want to come to Junlan Group, you can send your resume to my email. That offer still stands," Shen Junyu stated, handing her a business card, "My email is on this card."

Fang Tong initially wanted to refuse, but then she thought about it and accepted it. Junlan Group was indeed her best option. Not to mention the good salary and better prospects for advancement, Ding Minghui was also with Junlan Group.

"Thank you."

"No need to be polite, you’re Lanlan’s friend. To look after you within my capacity is not a big deal," Shen Junyu paused, then continued, "Besides, I often hear Lanlan mention you. She said you are a very smart person, serious and responsible in your work. What I’m giving you now is just an opportunity. If you make mistakes in your future work, I won’t show mercy, but of course, if you do well, I won’t mistreat you."

Although Shen Junyu said this, Fang Tong knew in her heart that if it weren’t for Shen Qinglan, she would never have gotten such an opportunity, especially since it was she who had actively resigned from Junlan Group.

When they arrived at their destination, Shen Junyu went to get the documents, while Fang Tong sat in the car waiting for him.

There was a photo in Shen Junyu’s car, which Fang Tong picked up and looked at. It was of him and Shen Qinglan.

The photo was probably taken at the beach. Shen Qinglan, in casual clothing, stood beside Shen Junyu. Even when facing the camera, her expression remained cold, in contrast to Shen Junyu, who was smiling warmly and indulgently.

The photo seemed to have been taken a few years ago. Shen Qinglan looked younger than now, with a hint of youthful freshness on her face.

Fang Tong smiled as she looked at the photo. It was evident that Shen Junyu must be very fond of Shen Qinglan, even keeping her photographs in his car. She hadn’t been to Shen Junyu’s office, but when she was an intern at Junlan, she had heard people in the secretary’s office say that there’s a beautiful portrait on Shen Junyu’s desk, with looks that were breathtakingly beautiful yet somewhat cold. Thinking back, that must also have been a photo of Shen Qinglan.

She felt a bit envious of Shen Qinglan, for having such a loving brother.

When Shen Junyu came back, he saw Fang Tong holding the photograph and smiling.

Caught off guard by Shen Junyu’s quick return, Fang Tong put the photo back. Shen Junyu placed the documents in the back seat and got into the driver’s seat.

"Are you and Lanlan very close?" Fang Tong couldn’t help but ask.

"She’s my biological sister. What do you think?" Shen Junyu retorted with a question.

Fang Tong realized she had asked a foolish question and pursed her lips.

"Have you decided where you want to go?"

Seeing her not responding, Shen Junyu was not in a hurry, "I have to go to my grandmother’s house later, and Lanlan is there as well. If you don’t mind, you can join us."

"No, that’s not necessary." It was their family gathering; what place would she have there? "Just drop me off at home."

Shen Junyu looked at her, "Are you sure?"

Fang Tong nodded.

Shen Junyu asked for her home address and turned the car around.

It was quite far from her home. When Fang Tong came out, she had to take a bus for a while before walking towards her destination.

On the way back, Shen Junyu didn’t initiate conversation, making the car ride somewhat silent and Fang Tong slightly uncomfortable.

"Well, I’m home now. I’m going to get going. Thank you for today." Fang Tong got ready to leave the car. Shen Junyu didn’t stop her, but just as she was about to get out, he said something.

"You’ve grown up by your parents’ side, enjoying their love and affection. That’s such a lucky thing. Even if you’re upset with them, don’t hurt their hearts."

Fang Tong paused mid-step, bowed her head, and said softly, "Thank you."

When Fang Tong returned, Fu Fanghua was sitting in the living room watching TV.

"Tongtong, you’re back. How was it with Lanlan?" Fu Fanghua’s face was smiling, showing no sign of the anger she had with her daughter at noon.

Fang Tong smiled, "Lanlan is going to her grandmother’s tonight, so I came back early."

"Next time, invite Qinglan over to our place; I’ll make some delicious food for you," said Fang Tong’s mother.

Fang Tong nodded, "Okay, she’s been quite busy lately, so maybe after a while." It seemed that Shen Junyu’s words had an effect, as Fang Tong had been feeling much better recently when seeing her mother, letting go of some of her frustration due to her mother’s lack of understanding.

"You should spend more time with Qinglan when you can," Fu Fanghua said, seeing that her daughter seemed to be in a good mood. "Didn’t you mention before that you wanted to visit the Junlan Group? It’s her brother’s company; if she’s willing to help, it’s just a matter of asking."

Although Fang Tong was somewhat put off by her mother’s mercenary attitude, she knew her mother meant well and didn’t object, instead asking, "Where’s Dad?"

"He’s in the study, said he has some official business to deal with."

Fang Tong said nothing, sat down on the sofa, and picked up an apple, "Mom, I called Ding Minghui today. He said he’s bringing some local products for you and plans to visit after the New Year. What day works best? Preferably on the weekend since he has to work during the weekdays."

Fu Fanghua paused for a moment, "We’ll see about your father’s schedule. He’ll be busy once he starts working after the New Year. There’s no need for them to come over to our house. We can just go out to eat; I really don’t like cooking."

Though she knew this was just an excuse from her mother, Fang Tong agreed anyway, "Okay, I’ll confirm the time with him later."

"Tongtong, your Uncle Lee and his family are coming over tomorrow. Even if you don’t like Bo Ming, you can’t show a bad attitude, okay?" Fu Fanghua said preemptively, worried Fang Tong might let her personal feelings show.

"Mom, do you think I’m that unreasonable? Uncle Lee is a guest after all. I understand."

Relieved by her daughter’s response, Fu Fanghua felt at ease.

Fang Chengzhi had also spent a long time persuading her that afternoon. She had come to understand that it was not worth having a falling out with her own daughter over someone whom she had never even met. They would decide what to do after the meeting.

**

Shen Qinglan had dinner at the Chu family’s house before heading back, and when it was time to leave, Little Douding latched on to her, refusing to let her go, and no amount of coaxing could stop his sobbing. It was only after Shen Qinglan promised to take him back with her that he stopped crying.

Thus, what had been a party of two returning home had now become three. Little Douding was happy, though Mr. Fu’s expression looked somewhat displeased.

"Auntie, I want to sleep with you tonight," Little Douding said, sitting in the backseat with Shen Qinglan, swinging his chubby legs.

Fu Hengyi glanced at Shen Qinglan through the rearview mirror with an obvious meaning behind his gaze; however, Shen Qinglan didn’t look at Mr. Fu and simply replied, "Okay."

Mr. Fu felt frustrated.

To prevent Little Douding from sleeping with them, Fu Hengyi had decided not to return to Jiangxin Garden and instead went back to the Military District.

"Welcome back, Hengyi," Fu Jingtong greeted, chatting with Old Sir Fu in the living room and smiling as she saw the young couple return.

Her gaze paused on the figure in Shen Qinglan’s arms, "Qinglan, whose child is this?"

"He’s my cousin’s child. Come on, say hello to Auntie Grandma, and this elderly gentleman is your Auntie’s grandfather, you should call him Great Grandfather."

Little Douding obediently nodded, got down from Shen Qinglan’s arms, and ran to Old Sir Fu and Fu Jingtong, "Hello Auntie Grandma, hello Great Grandfather, my name is Pei Hao, you can call me Haohao."

With his delicate and fair looks, Little Douding was very charming, catching the fancy of Old Sir Fu and Fu Jingtong. Old Sir Fu smiled so hard his face nearly split with delight, exclaiming how wonderful it was, giving the impression he was greeting his own great-grandson.

Fu Jingtong pinched Little Douding’s cheek, "Hello Haohao, welcome to our home." She glanced at the door and noticed no adults were accompanying him, "Haohao, did you come here by yourself?"

Little Douding shook his head, "No, I came with my Auntie and Uncle."

Round and delicate like a festive doll, Little Douding immediately endeared himself to Fu Jingtong. His speech was amusing, and she took to him at once.

Lifting Little Douding into her arms, she affectionately kissed his cheek, which carried a faint scent of milk that was very pleasant.

Not at all shy, Little Douding cuddled comfortably in Fu Jingtong’s embrace.

"Haohao, would you like to sleep with Grandma tonight?" She had always liked children. If it hadn’t been for that incident in the past... she wouldn’t have left Gu Yang at the Gu Family.

To her surprise, Little Douding shook his head. "I don’t want to, I want to sleep with Auntie."

"But Auntie is going to sleep with your Uncle. You can’t sleep with Auntie," Fu Jingting explained patiently.

Little Douding furrowed his brow in frustration and suddenly his eyes lit up. "Then Uncle can sleep with Grandma, and Haohao can sleep with Auntie."

Mr. Fu’s face darkened, and even Fu Jingting’s mouth twitched; she hadn’t expected such a shocking proposal to come from Little Douding.

"Your Uncle is already a grown-up; he can’t sleep with Grandma. Grandma won’t be able to sleep well alone. How about you keep me company?" Fu Jingting still tried to coax Little Douding, as she was very fond of the child.

But no matter what she said, Little Douding was not happy about it.

"Aunt Zhao, please help take Haohao to bathe." It was getting late, and seeing Little Douding starting to yawn, Fu Jingting did not tease him any longer.

"Auntie," Little Douding looked to Shen Qinglan, obviously wanting Shen Qinglan to bathe him.

Fu Hengyi spoke up. "Your Auntie needs to bathe as well. You go first with this grandma."

Reluctantly, Little Douding glanced at Shen Qinglan one more time before following Aunt Zhao.

Old Sir Fu and Fu Jingting went upstairs as well.

Shen Qinglan was the first to go upstairs to take a bath. Fu Hengyi went to the bathroom to run the water for her and, after she got in, he stepped out, personally prepared the guest room for Little Douding, as if he was the one to sleep with his wife. That would be too easy for him.

By the time Little Douding finished bathing and came out, Fu Hengyi took him to the guest room.

"Where’s Auntie?" Little Douding didn’t see Shen Qinglan and asked.

"Your Auntie is still bathing. You go to sleep first, and she will come over after she’s done," Fu Hengyi coaxed him. He just needed to make sure the little rascal was asleep before Qinglan finished bathing.

Little Douding was not satisfied. "Then I’ll wait for Auntie."

Fu Hengyi softened his tone, a rare occurrence. "Your Auntie takes a while to bathe. We can’t just not let your Auntie bathe, right? Be good and go to sleep first."

Little Douding blinked and looked at Fu Hengyi. "Uncle, can you tell me a bedtime story? My mom and grandma both tell me stories."

Fu Hengyi was at a loss; he didn’t know how to tell stories. "I can’t tell stories."

"Do you know the one about the Three Little Pigs?"

Fu Hengyi shook his head.

"What about The Big Bad Wolf and the Little White Rabbit?"

Fu Hengyi shook his head.

"Maybe The Tortoise and the Hare?"

Fu Hengyi once again shook his head.

"How about One Thousand and One Nights?"

Fu Hengyi could only shake his head again.

Little Douding looked at Fu Hengyi with disdain. "Uncle, why are you so silly? You don’t know anything."

Fu Hengyi’s face was a little dark, glaring at the little child in front of him with a somewhat cold aura.

Shen Qinglan was standing at the doorway at the moment, looking at the man inside with the corners of her mouth turned up, revealing her good mood at the moment. Probably in his more than thirty years of life, Mr. Fu had been called dumb for the first time.

"Do you really want to hear a story?" Fu Hengyi, with a vein throbbing on his forehead, still asked patiently.

The child nodded vigorously, afraid that Fu Hengyi wouldn’t believe him, and added another sentence, "I have to listen to a story every night before I can fall asleep."

"Alright, wait here." Fu Hengyi stood up, intending to go to the study to find a novel. When exiting, he saw Shen Qinglan, who was watching the spectacle at the doorway. Seeing her upturned lips, Fu Hengyi glanced at her displeasure.

Taking the chance while the child was not noticing, he pulled her into their own bedroom, "You go to bed first, I’ll go and coax him to sleep."

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow, "Why bother, just bring him over and we can all sleep together."

Fu Hengyi gritted his teeth, "He’s male."

Shen Qinglan was speechless, "He’s only three years old, still a child."

Fu Hengyi didn’t care, three years old was still male, and males shouldn’t sleep with his wife. His wife was his alone. Fu Hengyi kissed the corner of Shen Qinglan’s mouth affectionately, and softly said, "Be good, go inside and wait for me."

Shen Qinglan was amused, but she didn’t protest either, obediently getting into bed. However, she didn’t sleep but leaned against the headboard to read a book.

Fu Hengyi turned around and headed to the study, rummaged for a while, and finally found a copy of "The Old Man and the Sea" in the corner. It looked like it had some age to it, not knowing when it was purchased. He had not read such books since he was eighteen years old; the study contained more military literature.

"Uncle, you’re so slow." The child was almost falling asleep from waiting, and on seeing Fu Hengyi, pouted in complaint.

Fu Hengyi sat down by the bed, "Do you still want to hear a story?"

The child nodded, lay down properly, and then looked up at Fu Hengyi.

Fu Hengyi opened the book and read from it verbatim.

However, it wasn’t long before the child interjected, "Uncle, you’re reading too fast."

Fu Hengyi slowed down his speech.

Two minutes later, "Uncle, you’re not as good at storytelling as my grandma and mommy. They don’t need to read from the book, and they tell it so..." The small child, not understanding the phrase "vivid and dramatic," didn’t know how to describe Mr. Fu’s rigid "reading."

But miraculously, Mr. Fu understood the implied meaning, his face turning a bit colder. However, when he met the child’s black, watery, large eyes, something softened inside him, and he began to tell the story again in a gentler tone, as if resigned to his fate.

The child was somewhat satisfied, listening quietly, and even asked Fu Hengyi about parts he didn’t understand, which Fu Hengyi patiently answered.

By the time Fu Hengyi looked down, the child had already fallen asleep, with his little mouth slightly open. Fu Hengyi smiled faintly, put the book on the bedside table, covered the child with the blanket properly, then turned off the light and left.

"Is he asleep?" Shen Qinglan asked when he returned.

Fu Hengyi nodded, finally having managed to lull the little rascal to sleep; now no one would fight with him for his wife.

Shen Qinglan had already taken a bath, and Fu Hengyi took his pajamas into the bathroom. Ten minutes later, he came out with his hair half-dry and slightly damp.

He got into bed and held Shen Qinglan in his embrace, looking at the lovely face of the person in his arms, he couldn’t help but sigh lightly, "You really have a lot of admirers, attracting men and women, young and old." He hadn’t forgotten about the encounter with Yan Shengyu at the exhibition hall yesterday. Being a man himself, he naturally understood the affection in Yan Shengyu’s eyes when he looked at Shen Qinglan.

And then there was his sister, whose eyes practically turned green when looking at his wife. And now this little one needn’t say anything more, following them all the way home, clamoring to sleep with his wife.

Thinking about it, Mr. Fu’s heart became even more blocked, "I really want to shrink you down and put you in my pocket, so nobody can take you away."