Chen Xiang hid in her room and didn't come out until evening, when she called Shen Yaoyao.
"Yaoyao, make your move on Chenchen as soon as possible. I want you to get Fu Jingshu back and drive Shen Qingqing away!"
Shen Yaoyao was puzzled. "What's wrong? What happened?"
Her mother had always been so composed, as if no difficulty could stump her. It was truly rare for her to suddenly become so anxious.
Chen Xiang said coldly, "Shen Qingqing has returned to live here, and she even humiliated me today. If you don't act soon, she'll immediately become the mistress of the Shen family again!"
"What?" Shen Yaoyao's voice suddenly sharpened. "That won't do! I understand. I'll act as soon as possible."
Living room.
Shen Zhizhong tried his best to persuade Shen Qingqing to stay, but she insisted on returning that day. He knew that too much haste could be detrimental, so he put on a reluctant act.
"Alright, but you must come back tomorrow."
Shen Qingqing neither agreed nor refused. Ultimately, Shen Zhizhong had no control over her comings and goings. After leaving the Shen family and returning home, she first went to Chenchen's room.
To her surprise, the room was empty.
She asked the maid and learned that Chenchen was in the kitchen. She hurried to find him.
As soon as she entered, she froze.
Chenchen was making coffee. So small, he stood before the counter, barely able to poke his head over, laboriously pouring water into a cup.
Suddenly, hot water splashed out, scalding his hand. The little one winced in pain.
Shen Qingqing quickly walked over, took the kettle from him, and placed it aside. She hugged him and carefully examined the wound. Chenchen was surprised she was back and stared at her blankly.
Upon closer inspection, one could see his eyes filled with joy.
"How is it? Does it hurt?"
Feeling her concern, Chenchen was overjoyed and shook his head. "It doesn't hurt."
Shen Qingqing suddenly looked up. This little fellow could always speak, but after the first time he woke up and said a few words, he hadn't spoken again. "You..."
She suddenly realized she shouldn't be overly surprised and quickly composed herself.
"When I wasn't home, did you miss me?"
Chenchen nodded and obediently said, "Yes."
Shen Qingqing blew on the back of his tender hand. It was only a little red; the injury wasn't severe. "Chenchen, do you get bored when you're home alone?"
Xingyao went to kindergarten every day, leaving Chenchen by himself.
He thought seriously. "It's okay."
But even though he said that, Shen Qingqing knew he must have been bored, or he wouldn't have been trying to make coffee alone, just waiting for her to return.
"Do you want a companion?"
This time, Chenchen remained silent.
But he didn't refuse, which Shen Qingqing saw as a good sign. "Mommy will find you a beautiful older sister, and she'll teach you a lot. How about that?"
Chenchen glanced at her, a hint of fear in his eyes.
Knowing he was afraid of strangers, Shen Qingqing said, "Don't worry. This beautiful older sister is very kind and capable. If Mommy weren't so busy, I would teach you myself."
Chenchen looked at her apologetic face and reached out a small hand to place it on her cheek.
That little hand was warm, but what warmed Shen Qingqing even more was his attitude. Every time she held Chenchen, she felt her heart melting.
"Our Chenchen is so good, the best child in the world."
Chenchen pursed his lips and lowered his head as if shy.
But he had no interest in the so-called beautiful aunt. He remained as he was before, not liking to talk, not wanting to interact with people, living in his own world.
The only difference was that now, a crack had appeared in that world.
Enough for Mommy to enter.
He slowly hugged Shen Qingqing, his movements gentle but firm, as if he were embracing his faith, his entire warmth.
Shen Qingqing held him, patting and coaxing him until he fell asleep, then returned to her room.
The next morning, Chenchen woke up and felt a little disappointed when he didn't see Mommy. He pursed his lips, then, remembering something, quickly got out of bed and ran out of the room.
When he saw Shen Qingqing sitting on the sofa, he was slightly relieved.
Shen Qingqing looked up when she heard him, saw his bare little feet, and went to pick him up and sit him on the sofa. "Why did you come down without wearing shoes?"
"I thought Mommy had left..."
He whispered this in her ear because he had already seen the unfamiliar aunt sitting opposite him and was starting to feel uneasy.
Shen Qingqing kissed his cheek. "Mmm, smells so good."
Chenchen buried his flushed little face into her embrace.
Li Youyou's eyes widened at Chenchen's adorable appearance. "Chenchen is so cute! He's exactly the kind of baby I've always dreamed of!"
She leaned closer and extended her hands, her beautiful face slightly flushed.
"Chenchen, can Auntie hold you?"
Chenchen shrank back.
Shen Qingqing coaxed him, "Chenchen, this is the beautiful aunt I told you about yesterday. Can you say hello to her?"
Her words were effective. Chenchen hesitated and looked up, revealing his fair little face. His hair was messy, making him look incredibly cute.
"Hello, Auntie."
Li Youyou's maternal instincts completely exploded. She couldn't resist hugging Chenchen and kissing his cheeks repeatedly.
"Little darling, you're so adorable! You're the cutest baby I've ever seen."
Unlike when Shen Qingqing praised him and he would get shy, Chenchen was calm facing Li Youyou. Yet, his feigned composure made him even more adorable.
Li Youyou held him tightly. "Qingqing, go ahead and get busy. I'll take care of Chenchen."
Shen Qingqing checked the time; she did indeed have to go to work. "Chenchen, be a good boy and listen to Auntie. Study well. If you miss Mommy, call me, okay?"
Chenchen nodded obediently.
Even after she left, Chenchen's reluctant gaze followed her.
Li Youyou said gently, "Auntie will be with you from now on. Don't worry, Auntie will be very good to you."
Chenchen remained silent.
Having already learned about Chenchen's personality from Shen Qingqing, Li Youyou wasn't upset. She took him to wash up, but Chenchen could manage himself without her help.
Then, they had breakfast together, and afterward, she took out the prepared textbooks.
First, she gave Chenchen a few tests to see what he liked. Although Shen Qingqing had told her that Chenchen had a talent for finance, she felt that the child was likely capable of more.
The final test results were indeed as she suspected. Chenchen was not only sensitive to finance but also had a keen talent for colors.
She suppressed her excitement and asked, "Do you like to draw?"
Chenchen looked at her, said nothing, and quietly picked up a drawing board and pencil. The tip of the pencil touched the paper, and smooth lines gradually appeared on the sheet.
Li Youyou looked at the final result with some surprise. "This is..."