Shen Jinxi replied, "Great-grandma is resting upstairs. She said she's a little tired today."
Shen Qingqing nodded.
Seeing the two little ones excitedly chattering away, she didn't interrupt. She prepared to go to the kitchen to make something to eat. As she stood up, the door behind her opened.
Fu Jingshu had returned.
Shen Qingqing quickly asked, "How was it?"
Fu Jingshu didn't speak. He shook his head, walked towards the living room, and took off his coat. He glanced at the two children who were looking at him expectantly upon hearing the sound. The words on his lips trailed off.
Shen Qingqing followed his gaze to the children. Realizing it wasn't the right time to discuss things in front of them, she decided to set the matter aside for now. After all, the most important thing was their family reunion.
"You sit with the children in the living room for a while. I'll go to the kitchen to prepare food. It's rare for our family to be reunited today, so we should celebrate properly."
"Okay."
As soon as Fu Jingshu sat down on the sofa, the two children immediately climbed onto his lap, one on each side. He reached out to hug them, preventing them from falling.
Shen Qingqing turned and entered the kitchen.
The kitchen was open-plan. Fu Jingshu, sitting on the sofa, could clearly see his wife busy inside. The innocent voices of the two children filled his ears.
The living room exuded a warm atmosphere.
A moment later, a knock on the door broke the silence.
Fu Jingshu got up, with the two little shadows following him, one on each side. When he opened the door, he saw Officer Wang standing outside.
"Please come in."
Fu Jingshu went to pour him some water.
Officer Wang's eyes swept across the living room upon entering, then settled on Chenchen. His righteous face broke into a gentle smile.
Chenchen shyly lowered his head, hiding behind Shen Jinxi.
Shen Jinxi, on the other hand, didn't flinch. He curiously scrutinized Officer Wang. "Are you the police uncle?"
"Yes." Officer Wang liked cheerful and sunny children. However, seeing how small the boy was, he unconsciously softened his voice.
"My mommy said that my brother was rescued thanks to you this time. Thank you, police uncle." Shen Jinxi thanked him with great sincerity and seriousness.
Officer Wang laughed heartily. "You're welcome. I'm a people's police officer, and this is what I should do. Your brother has suffered a lot during this time. You should take good care of him in the future."
"Mhm, mhm!"
Shen Jinxi puffed out his chest and, like a little adult, glanced at his brother behind him.
Officer Wang smiled and looked up, only to see Shen Qingqing standing at the kitchen doorway. He didn't know how long she had been there and felt a bit awkward.
He felt like he'd been caught by a parent while teasing their child behind their back.
He coughed softly. "Am I disturbing your family reunion by coming now?"
Shen Qingqing shook her head, indicating it was fine. "Come in and sit down."
The two children, hand in hand, obediently walked to the sofa and sat down.
Officer Wang also walked over. "I've sent all those people back to the police station, and they've given preliminary statements. According to their confessions, they indeed never met the employer."
"As for how they were paid, it wasn't through bank cards, but rather, someone would leave a bag of cash outside their residences every half month for them to divide amongst themselves."
Shen Qingqing pondered, "This way, the clue is lost again."
Officer Wang turned to look at Chenchen.
Shen Qingqing also looked over and immediately understood Officer Wang's intention, but she hesitated.
The child hadn't shown any abnormalities since returning, as if the kidnapping hadn't affected him. However, she was still worried.
After all, he was just a child not even ten years old.
Moreover, this child was already different from other children.
"Let me try," she said softly, "but not now."
Officer Wang could understand her concern. "Alright, no rush. Then I won't disturb your family reunion anymore."
"Stay for dinner. " Shen Qingqing was very grateful for Officer Wang's help during this period.
"I won't stay. I still have work to do."
Since Officer Wang said so, Shen Qingqing didn't insist. She saw him to the door and then turned to look at the two children on the sofa.
Chenchen spoke, "Mommy, actually..."
"Let's not talk about that for now," Shen Qingqing interrupted him directly. "You two just sit here obediently. Mommy has made delicious food, and we'll all eat together as a family. We'll talk about other things tomorrow."
Chenchen had no choice but to nod obediently.
Soon, Madam Fu also came downstairs. Upon seeing Chenchen, she was overjoyed and rushed over, scooping Chenchen into her arms.
"You're finally back!"
Chenchen patted his great-grandma's back. "Don't worry, I'm fine."
"Silly child..."
The child's comfort made Madam Fu's eyes turn red. She began to blame herself even more. If she hadn't agreed to let Fu Tingyi stay, none of this would have happened.
In truth, it was all her fault.
She looked at Chenchen guiltily. "Good child, from today onwards, I will protect you well. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Chenchen offered a shy smile. "Thank you, Great-grandma."
Seeing this scene, Shen Qingqing's eyes also turned a little red. This was the scene she had longed to see most during this period.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "Don't all stand around talking. Grandma, please take Chenchen and Xixi to sit on the sofa. I'll go make something delicious, and we'll have dinner together soon."
"Okay."
Madam Fu did have something she wanted to say to the children, so she took the two little darlings by the hand, one on each side, her heart filled with contentment.
Shen Qingqing entered the kitchen. A moment later, she heard footsteps behind her. With that faint, rich aroma and the familiar footsteps, Shen Qingqing knew who it was without turning around.
"Jingshu, why did you come in?"
Fu Jingshu gazed at her. "To help you. With so many people, I was worried you'd be too busy alone."
Shen Qingqing was washing vegetables, her hands wet. She immediately nudged him with her elbow. "I don't need your help. You're not as good as me when it comes to kitchen work."
Fu Jingshu didn't move.
"What's wrong?" Shen Qingqing felt he had something to say.
"You've worked hard during this period," Fu Jingshu said in a low, gentle voice.
Shen Qingqing smiled. "What's hard about it? We're a family. Your grandmother and father are my family too."
Fu Jingshu looked at her deeply.
Shen Qingqing gave him a sidelong glance. "Stop looking. You should go out and be with Grandma and the two children. You haven't seen Chenchen for so long, go talk to him."
Fu Jingshu leaned against the counter. "Grandma is talking to the two children right now, it's not my turn."
He wanted to stay here more.
Shen Qingqing reluctantly agreed. "Since you want to stay, then help me out."
"Okay."
Fu Jingshu's proficiency in kitchen matters was certainly not as good as Shen Qingqing's, but he wasn't completely unfamiliar with it. He could still help out, hand over chopsticks or plates, or help wash vegetables.
They cooked and chatted, the atmosphere warm and cozy.