The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 432 - 434. Is it her?

Chapter 432: 434. Is it her?

Jin Enxi was still angry with Shen Qinglan. She couldn’t believe that Shen Qinglan had passed up such a good opportunity. This Shen Qinglan felt like a stranger to her; the Shen Qinglan she knew from before wasn’t like this.

"You let her go, didn’t you? So why are you looking into her now? Even if you find something, she’s already gone." They didn’t take the other party down when they had the chance, and now that woman was probably no longer in that villa.

Shen Qinglan knew Jin Enxi was angry, but she couldn’t explain right now, "Enxi, once I’m certain about my suspicions, I’ll tell you. For now, please help me look into her past, the more detailed, the better."

Her tone was very serious, and Jin Enxi paused briefly, "An, who do you suspect she is?"

"I’m not sure yet, Enxi. I need evidence."

Jin Enxi fell silent and after a while, she finally said, "I understand. I’ll try my best, but it’s really difficult to find information on that woman. I’m not sure I can get it." When she had tried to investigate before, she could only find out about the woman’s past year; her past was like a blank sheet with nothing to show for it, as though she had appeared out of thin air.

"I understand; do what you can." If that person really was who she thought, then it would be extremely difficult for Jin Enxi to find her information.

Shen Qinglan hung up the phone and stood there for a long time, tumultuous emotions swirling deep within her eyes.

"Qinglan, what are you spacing out for?" Chu Yunrong’s voice pulled Shen Qinglan back from her thoughts.

Shen Qinglan turned to look at her mother. She had been very calm since seeing Chu Yunrong today, no different from usual, but it was exactly this calmness that made Shen Qinglan feel something was off.

"Mom, let’s go to Doctor Zhou tomorrow for a check-up."

Chu Yunrong was momentarily taken aback, looked into Shen Qinglan’s eyes, and nodded, "Okay."

The next morning, after making sure everything was arranged for Anan, Shen Qinglan took Chu Yunrong with her.

Shen Qinglan had already made an appointment with Doctor Zhou the night before. When they arrived, Doctor Zhou was alone.

Chu Yunrong went in alone, just as before, but this time she came out quickly.

"Doctor Zhou, my mom, she..."

Doctor Zhou smiled warmly, "She’s fine, everything is normal. However, your mother wasn’t willing to open up and talk to me this time."

"Is there no issue with my mom’s mental state?" Shen Qinglan was mainly worried about this.

Doctor Zhou smiled, "No issues at all; you can be reassured on that point."

Knowing that Chu Yunrong’s mental state was fine, Shen Qinglan felt relieved.

When Chu Yunrong and Shen Qinglan left the hospital, Chu Yunrong looked at Shen Qinglan’s profile, "Qinglan, do you feel relieved now?"

"Mom, I was just worried about you. I hope you don’t mind," Shen Qinglan said lightly.

Chu Yunrong laughed, "Of course not. How could I mind? Qinglan, I know I haven’t been a good mother. As a mother, to both you and Li Xitong, I haven’t fulfilled my responsibilities. Li Xitong ending up this way is largely my fault, and you, if only I had been more attentive, your childhood wouldn’t have been so miserable. I’m a failed mother."

"Mom, that’s all in the past."

"Yes, it’s all in the past now, and I can’t change it. Qinglan, I just want to try hard to be a good mother in the future, to stop dwelling in guilt and self-reproach, to stop avoiding and being weak. I am your mother, and I want to provide a sky for you, to prevent anyone from hurting you. Do you believe in me?" Chu Yunrong said earnestly.

Shen Qinglan stopped in her tracks and looked at Chu Yunrong, "Mom, you really don’t have to do this." She had already grown accustomed to a life like this, and Chu Yunrong’s excessive attempts at closeness only made her feel uncomfortable.

Her words slightly dimmed the light in Chu Yunrong’s eyes, "Qinglan, I know I’ve disappointed you in the past, but please give me a chance to be a good mother."

"Mom, I’m not disappointed." Never having had expectations, there couldn’t be disappointment, "The way you are now is already fine, there’s no need to change any further."

"Forget it, words are less meaningful than actions, let’s go home," Chu Yunrong said.

Shen Qinglan opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she said nothing and drove Chu Yunrong home.

Chu Yunrong looked at her strangely, "Qinglan, why aren’t you driving inside?"

"I have something to take care of, Mom, you go home first."

"You should have said earlier if you had matters to attend to, I could have taken a taxi home by myself. Alright, hurry off to your business, I’ll go and see Anan." Chu Yunrong unbuckled her seatbelt, and only after Shen Qinglan’s car vanished around the corner did she turn and enter the courtyard.

By the time Shen Qinglan arrived at Half-summer Western Restaurant, the woman had already arrived, sitting in her seat, flipping through a book quietly. The sunlight bathed her, suggesting a peace of years gone by. This woman had an aura of tranquility about her; who could have imagined such a woman could actually be a special agent?

"Here you are, take a seat." The woman sensed someone approaching, lifted her head to see it was Shen Qinglan, closed the book with a smile, greeting her as if greeting an old friend, despite their ostensibly oppositional positions.

Shen Qinglan sat down across from her and studied the woman, who in turn handed her the menu, "Order whatever you’d like; today’s meal is on me."

Shen Qinglan did not take the menu, "Your presence is enough."

"Alright then, I’ll do the ordering. How about black pepper steak, is that alright?"

"That’s fine, I’m not picky." Shen Qinglan’s expression remained cool and calm, her gaze steady on the woman.

"Mushroom soup, maybe? I hear their mushroom soup here is quite tasty." The woman posed the question to Shen Qinglan, beaming.

"That’s fine. Add a serving of cheese shrimp balls," Shen Qinglan said.

The woman’s movements paused briefly, "Okay."

After the woman placed the order and handed the menu to the waiter, she turned to Shen Qinglan, "Have you always been so punctual?" They’d agreed on twelve o’clock, and she was neither a minute late nor early.

"It’s a habit," said Shen Qinglan. "Why do you want to have lunch with me? Aren’t you afraid I might hold you?"

"If I just wanted lunch with you, I’d have stayed with you that day. I was prepared to be captured by you back then but was surprised by your choice. Can you tell me why?" The woman’s face held a look of curiosity.

Shen Qinglan’s eyes flickered slightly, but she remained silent, instead picking up the water jug from the table and pouring the woman a cup of lemon water, "Have a drink first."

The woman had a cup of plain water in front of her, marked with a faint lipstick stain, clearly having been drunk from. She glanced at the cup Shen Qinglan placed in front of her and, with a smile, took a sip, her demeanor natural.

Shen Qinglan watched her, noting her actions, a shade of barely perceptible disappointment crossing the depths of her eyes.

"Miss Shen, you haven’t answered my earlier question," the woman said with a smile.

Shen Qinglan responded lightly, "First, tell me, what’s your name."

The woman slapped her forehead, "My mistake, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Su Qing, or you can call me Joanna."

"Su Qing," Shen Qinglan silently repeated the name as she looked at the woman.

"This is my real name; I also have an ID card. Do you want to see it?" The playful expression on Su Qing’s face was tinged with seriousness.

If Shen Qinglan said she needed it, Su Qing would have definitely produced it on the spot, but Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No need." An ID card might not always be genuine, at least not when it came to the woman before her.

"Miss Shen, you seem very curious about me," the woman said lightly.

"Aren’t I supposed to be curious, since you work for Qin Yan..."

"No, no, no, Miss Shen, let me clarify once again. Strictly speaking, I can’t be considered Qin Yan’s person."

"Qin Yan arranged for you to take revenge on the Shen Family. Now that you’ve seen my mother learn the truth without going mad, are you disappointed?" Shen Qinglan’s eyes carried a coldness.

"Actually, I think you should thank me. Your mother’s current condition should be a good thing for you. Isn’t it difficult living with the past hidden? Telling your mother the truth, she’ll be even more heartbroken. Given that, you really should thank me, don’t you think, Miss Shen?"

Shen Qinglan rested her hands on her lap, gently tapping, "Who are you, really?"

"I just mentioned my name, have you forgotten it so quickly?"

"You know what I’m asking."

Su Qing chuckled lightly, "Hasn’t your friend already investigated me? Oh, that’s wrong, the investigation is still ongoing. That is my identity, apart from being Qin Yan’s person, everything else is true. By the way, did you convey the message I gave you to Qin Yan? How did she react? Was she angry?"

Shen Qinglan looked at her steadily.

"Miss Shen, you don’t have to be so guarded against me. I told you I have no ill intent toward you. If I really had any malice, I wouldn’t have invited you out to dine. Relax, let’s just consider each other friends who have known each other for years. After this meal, we’ll part ways, and I will leave Beijing, never to set foot here again."

"Why?" asked Shen Qinglan.

Su Qing raised an eyebrow, "It seems you really are curious about me. Perhaps it’s because an enemy’s enemy is a friend; after all, we share a common enemy."

The dishes arrived, and Shen Qinglan pushed the cheese shrimp balls toward the woman, speaking indifferently, "These are quite tasty, try some."

"Thank you, Miss Shen, but I don’t like cheese."

Shen Qinglan fixed her gaze on her, "Is it that you don’t like it, or you can’t eat it?"

Su Qing’s pupils contracted slightly, she looked down and kept her eyes from meeting Shen Qinglan’s. When she looked up again, she had regained her composure, "Miss Shen is really joking. It’s just cheese shrimp balls, how could I possibly not be able to eat them? Fine, since you insist, I’ll give them a try." She picked up a shrimp ball and took a bite.

"Mmm, Miss Shen, you really are a connoisseur when it comes to food. The shrimp ball is very tasty; no wonder you recommended it." Su Qing seemed to relish the dish, her eyes slightly narrowed.

Shen Qinglan watched the entire time, her grip on the cutlery tightening. Seeing the woman swallow the shrimp ball with a natural look, Shen Qinglan looked down, hiding the disappointment in her eyes. That person didn’t like the taste of lemon, so she never drank lemon tea, and with an allergy to cheese, she never ate it. This woman seemed to have no aversion to both, could she really not be that person?

But if not, why did this woman have the same little habits as that person? Was it a coincidental habit, or did she know that person’s routine and was deliberately misleading her?

Shen Qinglan’s mind was filled with doubts.

The meal came to an end, and the woman laid down her cutlery, "Miss Shen, I’ve booked my flight for tomorrow. You still have time to ask me to stay if you want."

Shen Qinglan took a sip of water and leaned softly against the chair, "Do you really hope that I’ll ask you to stay?"

"No, I just don’t want you to have regrets, because once I leave, it would be difficult for you to find me. Or is it that after this meal, Miss Shen’s curiosity about me has been satisfied?"

Shen Qinglan stared into her eyes, "Not at all, so are you planning to come and clear up my confusion?"

Su Qing shrugged, "Miss Shen, Su Qing is indeed my real name. I think you mistook me for someone else, didn’t you? Did you let me go because of that? If so, I’m actually quite disappointed in you, Miss Shen. Such behavior could get yourself killed. If it were me, I would rather wrongly kill a thousand than let one go."

"So you are you, and I am I." Shen Qinglan sat up straight, "The next time we meet, it won’t be as easy for you to slip away as this time."

Su Qing smiled slightly, "Now that you mention it, I’m actually looking forward to our next meeting. But before I go, I have a piece of advice for Miss Shen."

Shen Qinglan paused in her steps as Su Qing continued, "Some things are better released than contained; you only know if something is good or bad by trying it out."

Shen Qinglan’s gaze flickered slightly, and she left.

Su Qing watched Shen Qinglan’s retreating figure with a tinge of goodwill in her smile, then she stood up and left the place.

On the way back, Shen Qinglan couldn’t stop the woman’s words from flashing through her mind, along with every detail of their meeting today. Ultimately, however, she shook her head in disappointment. Aside from that small gesture she saw that day, this woman was completely different from the other in appearance, habits, and temperament. Could they really be different people?

Shen Qinglan shook her head to clear the muddled thoughts and took out her phone to call Eden, "Eden, it’s me."

"An, what’s going on?"

"Tell Qin Yan that Su Qing’s operation failed, her plan didn’t succeed, and Su Qing is dead. Watch her reaction, then report back to me."

Eden was taken aback, "An, who is Su Qing?"

"Someone arranged by Qin Yan in Beijing."

"She showed up?"

"Yes."

"Did you confront each other?"

"No, I let her go, Eden. I suspect she’s that person," Shen Qinglan’s voice suddenly dropped.

"Who..." Eden asked instinctively, then quickly realized, "An, that’s absolutely impossible, that person is already dead. Su Qing can’t be that person."

"Eden, Su Qing knows a gesture that only that person would know," Shen Qinglan said. They had been together day and night and were too familiar with everything about that person.

"An, maybe it’s just a coincidence?" Eden said after a moment of silence, his voice grave. Shen Qinglan was silent; she too knew it might just be a coincidence.

"Eden, I can’t risk that ’what if’." If Su Qing really was that person, and Shen Qinglan accidentally hurt her, she would regret it for the rest of her life.

"An... I understand, I’ll probe Qin Yan’s reaction."

"Thank you, Eden."

"An, there’s no need to thank me. But Qin Yan hasn’t been in good condition these past few days—she seems to be having some mental issues."

Shen Qinglan’s gaze sharpened, "Crazy?"

"Mmm, although I can’t be sure if it’s true or false, but judging from the surface, she seems to have suffered a mental breakdown due to the torture she couldn’t withstand."

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan’s eyes turned cold, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, "Eden, someone with a heart as strong as a fortress like Qin Yan wouldn’t go crazy. It seems our Mrs. Jin is still not giving up. How is your research coming along?"

"The end is near. I think I should be able to figure out the antidote for that virus soon. I conducted over a dozen different experiments on lab mice using the sample I obtained from Allen before, resulting in different mutant samples. Then I tried them on Qin Yan one by one and discovered a very interesting phenomenon. I just need the final confirmation now."

"In other words, once your confirmation is complete, Qin Yan will be useless, right?"

"Mmm, that’s one way to put it."

"If that’s the case, once your experiment is finished, take care of her, to avoid any further complications."

"Okay." Eden had no objections. After a period of experimentation, Qin Yan had already been tortured to the point that she was no longer human, and there was no need for any more tools of punishment.

After hanging up the phone, Eden walked into the laboratory. Inside, Qin Yan lay on the ground, disheveled, with a vacant look in her eyes that did not change even when Eden entered.

Eden stood at the door, looking down at Qin Yan from a height, "I have some bad news for you. The woman you arranged in Beijing, named Su Qing, is dead. Your plan has failed."

Qin Yan showed no reaction, not even a flicker in her eyes. Eden continued, "Your plan to let Shen Qinglan’s mother know the truth has completely failed. As for your two trusted subordinates, they couldn’t endure the torture and died in agony this morning. Next up is you."

Qin Yan remained unresponsive. Eden watched her quietly for a while before finally leaving the laboratory. Only after he left did a hint of madness begin to seep into Qin Yan’s eyes.

She clenched her teeth to suppress the raging fury within her heart, but soon, she was distracted by the itching and pain on her body. Her eyes were wide open as she took deep breaths, trying to distract herself from the suffering.

Qin Yan had no idea how long she had been in this sealed laboratory, unable to sense the passage of day and night. To her, each minute and second felt as long as a century. She continuously told herself that it would be over soon, that Shen Qinglan would soon be despised and driven out of the Shen Family. She had to cling to this comfort, grit her teeth and endure. But now, that hope had been shattered.

Hatred surged in Qin Yan’s heart; her careful arrangements had been destroyed. How could she be content with this? That Su Qing was also a waste. To think she had treated her so well, held her in such high regard, and yet she couldn’t even handle this trivial matter.

Shen Qinglan learned of Qin Yan’s reaction from Eden and was not disappointed; she had anticipated this. "Since that’s the case, there’s no use keeping Qin Yan alive. Just get rid of her," she said indifferently.

"Okay," Eden responded.

Nearly a week later, news finally came from Jin Enxi, "An, I couldn’t find anything about Su Qing."

Shen Qinglan narrowed her eyes, "Nothing at all?"

"Yes, her past truly is a blank slate, with no leads at all. All information seems to have been very cleanly destroyed; I am powerless."

The thoroughness of the information’s destruction was somewhat surprising to Shen Qinglan. If Su Qing wasn’t working for Qin Yan, then which organization did she belong to? Who did she serve? What was her purpose in coming to Beijing? How much intel had she sent out?

One mystery after another tangled in Shen Qinglan’s mind, leaving her unable to sort out her thoughts for a moment.

"An, can you tell me now who you suspect Su Qing is?" Jin Enxi asked gravely. This question had troubled her for a long time. Without clarification, she wouldn’t be able to rest. She had never been angry with Shen Qinglan for many years, and now, her heart was heavy over just one woman.

Shen Qinglan uttered a name, and Jin Enxi looked shocked, "Impossible, An, that person has been dead for so many years, and you saw it with your own eyes. How could she still be alive?"

"Enxi, I’ve told myself that countless times too. But deep down, there’s always been a voice telling me that Su Qing is that person."

Jin Enxi fell silent; she knew that person had always been a scar in Shen Qinglan’s heart. If Su Qing really was that person, even if it was just a suspicion, Shen Qinglan would let her go, and Jin Enxi could understand that.

"I know, An," I will keep investigating. No matter the final result, I will give you an answer."

"Thank you, Enxi."

Jin Enxi was taken aback, then she chuckled softly, "An, as long as you are not angry with me, it is all good."

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan felt somewhat embarrassed and said, "Enxi, do I disappoint you now?"

Jin Enxi’s eyes flickered slightly, "An, I don’t want to lie to you. That day, I was truly disappointed in you. You were nothing like you used to be. Once, you were decisive and straightforward in your actions, the backbone for all of us, and we were accustomed to following your lead. But ever since you had a child, you seem to have changed."

She paused, not continuing, and Shen Qinglan spoke gently, "Enxi, go on, I’m listening."

Jin Enxi hesitated, then continued, "An, I feel that you’ve become softhearted, and your actions lack the decisiveness they once had. This version of you has too many hesitations; it makes me feel constrained and estranged."

"Actually, I’ve wanted to say this for a while, but I hesitated for a long time and didn’t speak up. I know you have your considerations, but An, I still prefer the way you were before."

Shen Qinglan’s eyes were deep as she looked into the distance, remaining silent.

Jin Enxi ended the call and stared at the ground, lost in thought. Daniel patted her on the shoulder, "Darling, what are you thinking about?"

Jin Enxi snapped back to reality and shook her head, "Just wondering if all women change their temperament so greatly after having a child?"

"Are you talking about Qinglan?"

"How did you know?"

"Who else could make you this sentimental except for Qinglan?"

"Daniel, you really do understand me. Since you’re so clear on it, why don’t you give me your analysis?"

Daniel shrugged, "They say a woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets. How could I possibly guess what goes on in your minds?"

Jin Enxi rolled her eyes at him, "You’re just a cunning fox. Fine then, I know that in your eyes An is the most perfect woman. I won’t bother asking you anymore."

"Nonsense, you are the most perfect goddess in my heart. Qinglan can only be second." Daniel wrapped his arms around Jin Enxi’s waist from behind, leaned down to kiss her earlobe, and as they were about to go further, Daniel’s phone suddenly rang. Jin Enxi pushed him, "Answer the phone."

Daniel held on to Jin Enxi without letting go, "Ignore it, let it ring. If no one answers, it’ll stop eventually."

But today the ringing was persistent, again and again, impossible to overlook. Jin Enxi pushed Daniel away, "You better answer the call, I’m going to take a shower." With that, she walked into the bedroom.

Daniel looked at the phone that was still ringing incessantly, ran his fingers through his hair in annoyance, didn’t even look at the number, and answered, "You better have a real issue, or you’re in for it."

"Daniel, what kind of way is that to answer the phone!" The person on the other end responded sternly upon hearing him.

Hearing this, Daniel took the phone away to check the number, his expression immediately softened, "How did you get my number?"

"Daniel, next month is your father’s 60th birthday. It’s about time you came home. After all these years, the family has let you be; have you really forgotten that you have a home?"

"Heh," Daniel scoffed, glanced towards the bathroom, walked into the study room, and closed the door, "I’ve never had a home."

"Daniel, I know the events of the past left you disappointed with this family, but so many years have passed, you should cool down by now. Over the years, the family hasn’t bothered you, and we’ve left your affairs to you, allowing you to do as you please. All of this is because your father wanted to give you the freedom and prevented the family from disturbing you. He even silently removed obstacles for you; otherwise, do you think you would have had such a comfortable life these past years?"

"So what, it was he who personally drove me out of that home, and now he wants me back? Too late."

"Daniel, your father just lost his temper back then. Ever since you were young, you were his most cherished son. He arranged everything for you, hoping that you would take over his position. These are opportunities your brothers couldn’t even beg for. How can you not understand your father’s painstaking efforts?"

"I don’t need anyone to arrange everything for me. I am capable of living the life I want. The ’best’ life you all imagine for me has never been what I’ve wanted. Don’t try to dominate my life under the guise of loving me. Your behavior isn’t love, it’s moral coercion." Daniel’s emotions were a bit heated, his eyes full of cold light, and even though the person on the other end of the phone was his biological mother, his tone was filled with disgust.

"Daniel." The woman on the other end of the line was very angry and called out sternly.

"I can hear you, no need to shout. I think I’ve made my thoughts perfectly clear. I want nothing from that home. Whoever likes it can take it. I don’t care at all."

"Okay, okay, let’s not talk about this issue for now. This time, I just want you to come home for your father’s sixtieth birthday. Over the past few years, although your father has ignored you, I can tell that he misses you. He often sneaks peeks at news about you at home." The woman’s voice softened.

Daniel’s sharpness in his eyes lessened somewhat, but his expression remained very cold, "I don’t have the time."

"Daniel, he’s your father. All we hope is that you can come back and attend his birthday party. We’re not asking you to stay and take over your father’s business. Can’t you even satisfy this small request?"

Daniel remained silent.

"Daniel, no matter what happened back then, so many years have passed. Your father’s health has been quite poor these past two years; he’s been in and out of the hospital several times. If you don’t come back this time, the next time you do, your father may..." The woman couldn’t continue, her voice choked with emotion.

Daniel’s heart sank; he spoke more gently, "I know, I’ll come back. But I will leave after the party."

"Good, good, as long as you’re willing to come back. As for afterwards, you can still do what you want. Your father and I will not interfere."

"Then let’s leave it at that. It’s late, and I should go to bed."

"Alright, rest well. By the way, when you come back this time, bring your girlfriend with you. Your father and I have always wanted to meet her."

Daniel, who had just relaxed, instantly became defensive, "What do you want to do? Monitor me?"

"No, Daniel, you got it wrong. I only guessed because I saw you two together last time in Xueli City."

"You were in Xueli City last time?" Daniel said coldly.

The woman’s gaze shifted slightly, her tone becoming awkward, "Daniel, Mommy just wanted to see you. I only glanced at you from a distance and then left. Your father doesn’t know about this."

"I’m telling you, she’s my lover, the only love of my life. If you dare harm a single hair on her head, I will never forgive you in this lifetime, and I will never step into that home again." Daniel’s face grew completely dark.

"I know, don’t be agitated, Daniel. Mommy won’t do anything to that girl. I just wanted you to bring her back so your father and I could see her. If you two plan to get married, it’s not like we can go our entire lives without meeting her, right?"

"No need. The person she wants to be with is me, not you." After finishing his words, Daniel hung up the phone, looking out the window with an icy gaze.

He took a pack of cigarettes out of the drawer, lit one, and soon the study was enveloped in a haze of smoke.

Jin Enxi came out of the bathroom and didn’t see Daniel. She checked the living room, but there was no one there. So she went to knock on the door of the study. Hearing the knocking, Daniel snuffed the cigarette out.

"Why are you smoking? Are you in a bad mood?" Jin Enxi frowned. Daniel hardly smoked unless he was extremely agitated.

Daniel opened the window to let in some fresh air and gave a devilish smile, "Who would be happy when a good time is interrupted?"

Jin Enxi rolled her eyes at him, "Hurry up and take a shower. You reek of smoke, it’s disgusting."

Daniel stepped forward and hugged Jin Enxi tightly, planting a fierce kiss on her face, "Now you have to put up with my stink too."

Jin Enxi raised her hand and punched him on the shoulder, which made Daniel immediately clutch his shoulder and start wailing, "Ouch, Enxi, are you trying to murder your husband? If I’m incapacitated, you’ll have to be a widow."

Jin Enxi scoffed, "Keep pretending—you know you can keep that up." She had hardly put any strength into her punch.

Daniel dropped his hand, sheepishly saying, "I’m off to take a shower."

Jin Enxi withdrew her gaze, looking at the ashtray filled with several cigarette butts, and frowned. Then she turned to Daniel’s phone, which he had left in the study. As she picked it up and was about to unlock it, she hesitated for a moment and then put it back.

Forget it. Since Daniel didn’t want to say anything, she might as well not ask. They needed to respect each other’s personal space.

**

Shen Qinglan returned home to the sound of Anan’s giggles at the door. Raising an eyebrow, she wondered what was making him so happy. When she walked into the living room, she discovered the reason: Fu Hengyi had come back.

"Why didn’t you call me when you got back?" Shen Qinglan asked with a smile, noting that Fu Hengyi usually called her before returning home.

Fu Hengyi lifted Anan off his shoulders and held him in his arms. Anan seemed somewhat displeased, frowning, but Fu Hengyi patted his back, though his words were for Shen Qinglan, "I came back suddenly for a bit of business and will be leaving early tomorrow."

"Have you had dinner? I can have Aunt Zhao make something for you."

"I’ve already eaten. Did you go out today?"

"Um, there was something I needed to do outside." Shen Qinglan didn’t elaborate, considering there were others present in the living room.

"Mommy." Anan called out, stretching his arms up to be held by Shen Qinglan.

Shen Qinglan stepped forward and pinched his little face, "Mommy will change clothes first, then hold you."

By the time Shen Qinglan had changed and come out, Fu Hengyi had already started playing with Anan on the carpet. Shen Qinglan just quietly watched the father and son, her gaze tender.

She thought that she must have really changed. It wasn’t just after having Anan, but from the time she got married to Fu Hengyi; having Anan just made it more evident.

She liked the peaceful life she had now—with a husband and a child. Perhaps because of this, her heart had softened and she also held a kind of tenderness towards other people.

Fu Hengyi looked back inadvertently and met Shen Qinglan’s gentle look. He smiled back at her and continued to play with his son.

Most of the time, he was a good father, exhibiting unprecedented patience towards Anan. Of course, this only applied when his son wasn’t competing with him for his wife’s attention.

In the evening, when Shen Qinglan prepared Anan’s crib, Fu Hengyi came out of the bathroom and saw the scene, furrowing his brows, "Is Anan sleeping with us tonight?"

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Yes, Aunt Liu caught a cold and it’s not suitable for her to take care of Anan. Aunt Zhao is old, so it’s better to let her rest at night."

"He could actually sleep on his own." He had rarely come back, and he would leave early tomorrow. He had been looking forward to spending a thorough night with his wife, yet now they had such a little light bulb with them.

"Fu Hengyi, he’s only nine months old," Shen Qinglan emphasized.

"Wife, it’s been almost twenty days since I last saw you," Fu Hengyi began with a woeful voice, his gaze at Shen Qinglan filled with longing.