It's good that you're alright. I know you're busy with work now, but you still need to take care of yourself.
I will, thank you, Dean.
Why are you being so formal with me? Yuan Fang's voice was gentle. Oh, right, I wanted to contact you because I suddenly remembered I had something of your mother's that I forgot to give you.
What is it?
Shen Qingqing sat up straighter when she heard this.
Yuan Fang thought for a moment and said, I don't really know what it is. It's in a box. You can come over to get it whenever you're free, or I can have someone deliver it to you.
I'll come to get it myself. Shen Qingqing was already eager to see what else her mother had left her.
She hung up the phone and left.
Yuan Fang was cleaning at home when she opened the door wearing an apron. Qingqing? How did you get here so quickly?
I just happened to be free today. I remembered it's been a while since we last saw each other, so I thought I'd come visit you.
Shen Qingqing didn't come empty-handed. She carried two large bags in each hand.
They were all health supplements and tonics for the elderly.
Come in quickly. You shouldn't have brought gifts.
Yuan Fang quickly invited her in and busied herself pouring her a glass of juice. After a brief chat, she went to the bedroom and brought out a box.
The box was brown and rectangular, with intricate and exquisite patterns carved on it.
Shen Qingqing stood up and took the box, placing it on the table.
Open it and take a look. Yuan Fang was already a bit breathless after walking just a few steps. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and offered the key to Shen Qingqing. This box has been with me for a long time. I should have given it to you last time, but I put it at the bottom of the wardrobe when I moved... and then I forgot about it.
Shen Qingqing suppressed her excitement and opened the box.
Inside, a scroll lay quietly. It looked like a painting.
She unrolled it. With just a few strokes of black ink, it depicted a small bridge over flowing water, with a few houses. The small figures in the center served as the finishing touch, bringing the painting to life.
While it wasn't as imposing as a landscape painting of mountains and rivers, it exuded a sense of everyday life.
This... Shen Qingqing was a designer herself and had an almost obsessive love for pictures and lines.
She fell in love with the painting at first sight.
Your mother gave this to me. It's said to be priceless. Yuan Fang sighed softly. She told me back then that it was left to her by your maternal grandfather, and she left it to you. She also said that you don't need to worry about how valuable it is. Once it's with you, it's yours to do with as you please.
Maternal grandfather...
Mom...
These two people who were absent from her childhood, yet after so many years, they sent their love and warmth to her in this way.
She carefully rolled up the painting and put it away, thanking the Dean solemnly.
Thank you, Dean.
Child, why are you being so polite with me? Yuan Fang looked at her with her eyes slightly red, gratified. As long as you know in your heart that your mother loved you, that's enough.
I know, I know everything.
Shen Qingqing's voice was very soft.
She firmly believed that if her mother hadn't died, she would have been a child who grew up surrounded by her mother's love.
No, she still is.
Afterward, Shen Qingqing chatted with Yuan Fang for a while longer and found that she seemed a bit off.
Perhaps it was due to her age, but the Dean seemed to be a little forgetful. In the short time they had been talking, she had forgotten what she was about to say more than once.
Shen Qingqing was a little worried. Dean, have you had a medical check-up recently?
What for? I'm perfectly fine.
I know you're healthy, but these days, annual physicals aren't just for the elderly. We young people do them too so that we can detect illnesses early and treat them more effectively.
Shen Qingqing tried to persuade her earnestly, but the Dean was still dismissive.
She was very resistant to going to the district hospital.
I'm not going to the hospital. I know my own body. I'm very healthy and don't need to be checked at the hospital at all.
Dean...
Alright, alright, let's not talk about this. You're here today, so stay for dinner. I'll make you something delicious. It's been a long time since you've tasted my cooking.
Yuan Fang said with a smile.
Shen Qingqing looked at the time. It's too late today, so I won't stay for dinner. I'll visit you again next time. You should also rest well. You don't look very well.
Yuan Fang hesitated. She did feel a bit weak, but to avoid worrying Shen Qingqing, she didn't say anything. Then you shouldn't stay if you have things to do. You must come next time!
Okay.
Shen Qingqing agreed readily. As soon as she stepped out, she ran into Yuan Zichen, who was returning from work.
Yuan Zichen's eyes lit up when he saw her. Miss Shen, why are you here? You should have called to let me know, and I would have come to pick you up.
I came to see the Dean. Shen Qingqing hesitated, but then decided to tell the truth. Yuan Zichen, I just saw that the Dean's mental state doesn't seem very good. Please remember to take her for a medical check-up.
Is my mother feeling unwell? Yuan Zichen was anxious when he heard this. He was a filial son and wanted to rush into the room immediately to drag his mother to the hospital.
Shen Qingqing stopped him. Don't rush. Listen to me first.
Yuan Zichen managed to calm down.
I just think that the Dean is getting old. It's best to take her for a physical examination just in case. If she has any illnesses, they can be detected and treated more easily.
Hearing this, Yuan Zichen slowly calmed down and said with heartfelt gratitude, Thank you, Miss Shen. I'm really too busy with work. I only got off early today. Usually, I have to work overtime at the office and might not get home until late. I've been neglecting my mother a bit...
Shen Qingqing thought of her own mother and couldn't help but say a few more words. In short, while your mother is still here, be filial to her.
Yuan Zichen immediately thought of Shen Qingqing's deceased mother and pursed his lips. Don't worry, I will take good care of my mother.
Shen Qingqing patted his shoulder and turned to leave.
Yuan Zichen watched her receding figure, a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
...
Shen Qingqing returned home, put away her things in the storeroom, and went upstairs to the study to find Fu Jingshu.
He looked up when he heard her. Where did you go?
Shen Qingqing threw herself onto the sofa and replied somewhat lazily, I got a call from a friend and went to pick something up.
What something?
Shen Qingqing looked at Fu Jingshu. This was unusual. He wasn't the type to pry. Are you very curious about this?
Fu Jingshu withdrew his gaze and focused on the documents, saying nonchalantly, No, I was just asking.
Shen Qingqing stared at him for a while. His expression was flawless, and she couldn't discern any abnormality.
She didn't think about it any further.