One night of carefree pleasure.
Early morning.
Shen Qingqing woke from her dream, hugging the blanket, unwilling to get up. The body beneath was a sight to behold, and she was aching all over, not wanting to move at all.
The spot beside her had long since gone cold. She didn't know when this man had gotten up.
After lingering for about ten minutes, she slowly, leisurely got up. The moment her fair, tender feet touched the ground, she saw a note on the bedside table.
— Breakfast has been prepared and is in the microwave downstairs. The two children have been sent to art class. I am going to an auction. Contact me by phone if anything comes up. PS: Madam worked particularly hard yesterday, so rest more today.
Signed — Fu Jingshu.
Shen Qingqing should have been angry, but seeing the considerate content on the note, she found she couldn't muster any anger.
She threw off the blanket, casually picked up the clean pajamas by the pillow, and put them on. Her mood improved a bit. It was fortunate that the fellow had some sense and had helped her bathe after everything was done, and then brought her clean pajamas.
After changing, she went downstairs. In the living room were only Madam Fu and Fu Tingsheng. The mother and son were chatting. Upon seeing Shen Qingqing descend, they exchanged a look.
Madam Fu said, "Qingqing, you've had a tough time lately. I wonder when you'll give me another great-grandchild?"
Shen Qingqing's face flushed. "Grandmother."
Fu Tingsheng, standing nearby, chimed in, "I think your grandmother is right. Our family is too small; it's never lively enough. It's better to have more people."
His greatest regret was returning home too late and missing his grandchildren's growth before they turned six. As for Fu Jingshu, it was even more so.
Before this, he hadn't even known he had another child. If he could have another little treasure, he would never leave their side, fully experiencing the joy of a child's growth.
Looking at his wistful expression, all semblance of a mature, experienced father was gone. Shen Qingqing found it both amusing and exasperating. "Father, these things also depend on fate; they can't be forced."
"Of course, it depends on fate. I'm not forcing you. It's just that our family's conditions allow it, and there aren't too many people at home. If you're willing to have more children, don't hesitate. I can help you look after them then."
Fu Tingsheng said this very sincerely.
Madam Fu chuckled and gently patted her son's arm. This boy just talked nonsense. Didn't he see how uncomfortable his daughter-in-law was? How could a father-in-law constantly pressure his daughter-in-law to have children?
"Alright, alright. When it comes to the children, we really should follow Qingqing's advice and let nature take its course. You shouldn't interfere."
Fu Tingsheng knew his mother was right and nodded helplessly. Then he looked at Shen Qingqing, worried she might misunderstand, and quickly explained, "Please don't have any other thoughts. I really don't mean to rush you."
"I understand, Father."
Shen Qingqing didn't take it to heart at all. For a fleeting moment, she even considered whether to give their two children a younger sister.
She remembered how much Xi Xi liked Xing Yao before. The little one really liked sisters, but sadly, he was the youngest in the family.
She seriously pondered this possibility.
Meanwhile, at the auction, guests were arriving one after another. Although they were here to compete, they still had to maintain appearances. Everyone greeted each other, exchanging pleasantries at the very least.
Fu Jingshu truly hadn't expected to see someone so out of the blue.
"...Mr. Fu."
Kelvin approached to greet him, his heart pounding. He had originally planned to wear a hat and mask to blend in, regardless of whether this project was successful, as long as it didn't cause any conflict for Mr. and Mrs. Shen.
But he never imagined he would be dressed like this. Someone in the venue recognized him, and one couldn't carry on a conversation while wearing a mask and hat.
So he took them off. After the pleasantries, just as he was about to put them back on, he felt a somewhat cold gaze land on him.
"Mr. Fu, long time no see. What a coincidence."
Fu Jingshu nodded slightly, his tone unfathomable. "Indeed, quite a coincidence."
Kelvin felt bitter.
He desperately wanted to explain to Mr. Fu immediately that he hadn't intended to compete for the project, and that Mrs. Shen must have had a reason for doing so.
Or perhaps he could take the blame and say he acted on his own initiative. But after much thought, he felt none of these explanations were suitable.
The former was inappropriate in a crowded place where such matters could be easily misinterpreted. The latter was even simpler; he wouldn't believe it himself.
He felt it was becoming awkward to stay there, so he scratched his head and quickly said, "Well, Mr. Fu, I have a few more clients over there. I'll go say hello. You sit here first, and call me if you need anything."
Unfortunately, just as he turned to leave, before he could do anything, Mr. He and Ning Xin walked towards him side by side. Kelvin's expression slowly darkened.
He knew this Mr. He. He had investigated him and provided the detailed information to Mrs. Shen. However, the information didn't mention any close relationship between Mr. He and Ning Xin.
But looking at the two of them chatting and laughing now, it was clear they were on very good terms.
Kelvin no longer had time to leave. The two of them spotted him.
Ning Xin took the initiative to greet them. "Mr. Fu, Kelvin, what are you doing here?"
Mr. He asked, "You know him?"
Ning Xin explained, "He is Mrs. Shen's assistant. It's said he's a graduate of a prestigious university with rich work experience and is Mrs. Shen's capable right-hand man."
Mr. He nodded slightly. "I see."
His expression remained unchanged, betraying no emotion. But Kelvin, having been in the business world for so many years, was very sensitive to changes in people's emotions. He immediately sensed that Mr. He seemed to have become somewhat colder after hearing his identity.
This was not right.
He remembered that Mrs. Shen had previously said she got along reasonably well with Mr. He. Even though Mr. He had given the necklace to Ning Xin, they hadn't fallen out because of it.
Kelvin couldn't help but scrutinize Ning Xin, feeling that if there was any issue here, it must be related to this woman.
Ning Xin then turned to Fu Jingshu. "Isn't this auction project for Ruis Group? Or are you and your wife competing against each other?"
Her words carried a deep, meaningful implication.
While competition between husband and wife in the business world wasn't uncommon, no one would do it so openly, nor would they bring it up so directly.
Kelvin strongly suspected this woman was doing it intentionally. He quickly explained, "No, I've had my eye on this project for a while. I received Mrs. Shen's approval previously and have been working on it. I only found out that Ruis Group was also participating when I came here today."
"So Mrs. Shen is unaware."
"Of course, she isn't," Kelvin said, sounding genuinely righteous. "After all, given Mrs. Shen's feelings for Mr. Fu, if she knew Ruis Group was also bidding, she absolutely would not have sent me."
Ning Xin smiled without saying a word.