Fu Jingshu gave her a reassuring look.
Despite her unease, Shen Qingqing said nothing, choosing to trust her husband.
Chenchen looked at the knife for a while, took it, and then slowly placed it on the cake. The cake wasn't too large, just enough for the four of them.
He cut a cross, easily dividing the cake.
Seeing that the child had made no dangerous moves, Shen Qingqing finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But she couldn't help but glance at Fu Jingshu again, feeling that the man seemed somehow different. There seemed to be something stirring between him and Chenchen's gaze.
"Mommy, eat cake."
Chenchen held the cake and presented it to Shen Qingqing.
Shen Qingqing was touched. She took it and took a bite, saying, "It's sweet and delicious."
There wasn't much sugar, yet it felt sweet to her heart.
Chenchen pursed his lips slightly, a small smile appearing, then he held up another piece of cake for Fu Jingshu, who took it and ate a bite.
But Shen Qingqing knew he didn't like sweets.
Then it was Shen Jinxi's turn.
He took a comically large bite, then narrowed his eyes in satisfaction. "Mmm, Mommy's cooking is as good as ever. Brother is so good at choosing, he picked something Mommy is great at."
Chenchen chuckled at his words.
At his laughter, Shen Qingqing, Fu Jingshu, and Shen Jinxi all smiled in unison.
It was rare for Chenchen to smile so freely.
Chenchen sat in his chair, took a bite of cake, and let out a satisfied sigh. "Mommy, can I eat your cake once a week from now on?"
"Of course!"
Let alone eating cake, if Chenchen asked for the stars, Shen Qingqing would find a way to get them for him.
Chenchen carefully cut a piece of cake and, as if it were a treasure, shared it with her. Shen Qingqing opened her mouth, and the cake was placed inside. It was from the same cake.
But this piece seemed exceptionally sweet.
She reached out and touched Chenchen's little face. "Chenchen, you're so good."
Chenchen's eyes closed contentedly.
Shen Jinxi watched this scene, his heart feeling a pang. He sidled up to his father and whispered, "Daddy, what happened to Brother?"
Fu Jingshu rubbed his head. "Eat your cake."
Shen Jinxi pouted.
He knew Daddy wouldn't tell him. It was fine; he would investigate himself.
"Mommy, I want to go to Brother's painting class too," he suddenly said.
Shen Qingqing was taken aback. "You're not interested in drawing."
Shen Jinxi argued, "But Brother likes it, so I'm interested. Having more skills never hurts. Besides, I can go with Brother and keep him company. If someone is jealous of Brother being too good and tries to cause trouble, I can protect him!"
His reasoning was sound and unassailable.
Shen Qingqing felt it was a viable option, but...
She worried it would delay Xixi.
Xixi had his own interests. He was a bright and earnest child, and he took everything he learned and did very seriously.
Shen Jinxi's eyes curved into crescents. "Mommy, I like being with Brother."
He was still young; his interests could be cultivated later. And he was very smart. Even with home tutoring, he would surely achieve results that would satisfy Mommy.
Shen Qingqing stroked his little head, her eyes filled with affection. "Good boy."
Shen Jinxi looked at Chenchen. "Brother, do you want me to accompany you?"
Chenchen didn't reply, but his expression didn't seem resistant.
"Then it's settled! I'll accompany Brother!" Shen Jinxi decisively made the decision. As for Daddy's opinion... since Mommy agreed, Daddy's opinion was no longer important.
After dinner, Shen Qingqing stood up to clear the table.
Chenchen suddenly called her.
"Mommy."
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry," Chenchen said softly.
Shen Qingqing paused, put down the dishes, turned, and sat beside Chenchen. "Why do you say that?"
Chenchen looked into her eyes and said in a low voice, "I know I'm sick, and I've made Mommy worry. I'll get better soon."
"Silly child."
Hearing this, Shen Qingqing's heart melted.
She pulled the child into her arms and kissed his forehead.
Shen Jinxi watched this scene, his heart aching. He also squeezed in, stretching out his short arms, and with some effort, hugged Mommy and Chenchen.
"Mommy, Brother, don't be scared. I'm here. I'll always be with you!"
Shen Qingqing hugged Xixi back. Just as she was about to say something, she felt strong arms embrace the three of them. Looking up, she met Fu Jingshu's deep gaze.
His embrace was broad and warm. The three of them felt like weary birds returning to their nest, their hearts filled with security.
After clearing the table, Shen Qingqing took the two children upstairs to rest. It was primarily for the children's bath time. Xixi went first, while Chenchen sat by the bed waiting.
Shen Qingqing got them clean clothes and then sat by the bed. "Chenchen, Mommy wants to ask you something."
Chenchen looked at her earnestly.
"Tell Mommy, why did you fight with your classmates?" Shen Qingqing tried to keep her voice gentle, worried Chenchen would think she was scolding him.
Chenchen slowly lowered his head, refusing to speak.
Shen Qingqing frowned, but quickly regained her composure. "It's alright, Mommy won't ask anymore. Your brother will be out soon. You go wash up yourself. Get plenty of rest after that, okay?"
Chenchen nodded obediently.
Leaving the room, Shen Qingqing went to the study. Fu Jingshu was looking at documents.
She walked over, hugged his neck from behind, and said in a slightly muffled voice, "I asked Chenchen about the reason for the fight, but he wouldn't say."
Fu Jingshu held her hand. "Don't force him."
Shen Qingqing hummed, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I didn't force him. I just asked once, and he wouldn't say, so I stopped. I'll find out myself anyway."
"I'll go with you tomorrow."
"How did you know what I was going to do?"
Fu Jingshu chuckled. With a slight tightening of his grip, he pulled the woman behind him into his arms and gently stroked her face.
"You are my wife. Does anyone know you better than I do?"
Shen Qingqing pouted. "It's good you're coming with me. That couple seemed quite arrogant."
And they were dressed quite respectably, suggesting a decent family background. People like that would likely know Fu Jingshu, right?
She smiled at the thought of what might happen tomorrow.
It would certainly be fun.
Fu Jingshu looked at her dotingly.
The next morning, Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu went to the art class. Chenchen did not accompany them. Shen Qingqing had checked on the child that morning.
But he was still fast asleep.
Seeing how soundly he slept, Shen Qingqing couldn't bring herself to wake him. Besides, there were some matters that were not suitable for children to be present for.