Chen Xiang truly despaired of her lack of progress, no matter how many methods she employed, her child seemed to learn nothing. She took a deep breath and patiently said, "The most important thing now is to return to Fu Jingshu's side. With Fu Jingshu there, Shen Qingqing will be no match for you!"
Shen Yaoyao stopped crying and fussing, nodding obediently.
Chen Xiang hugged her, "A smart woman doesn't fight other women; she fights men. As long as you capture this man's heart, you'll have everything."
She herself was the best example.
She had captured Shen Zhizhong, and wasn't Shen Qingqing's mother her defeated foe!
Shen Yaoyao felt as if a veil had been lifted, realizing how foolish she had been. "I understand. I'll listen to you."
Once she captured Fu Jingshu's heart, her first order of business would be to make Shen Qingqing miserable!
"Fu Jingshu cares most about Chenchen. You still need to start with the child. No matter what you're thinking, on the surface, you must make the child believe you truly care for him," Chen Xiang said slowly. "Once you've completely won Fu Jingshu's heart, it won't be too late to deal with the child. He's just a child, and Mom will help you then."
Shen Yaoyao was a diligent student, nodding quickly, "Mom, don't worry. I'll be patient."
...
After Shen Qingqing had arranged things for Zhang Xiaotao, she prepared to go home. On the way, she passed a supermarket and, thinking of Chenchen at home, went inside for a stroll.
She returned with toys and encountered Ke Lin at her doorstep, who was delivering some documents.
The documents weren't urgent, so Shen Qingqing didn't look at them immediately. She tossed them into the study and then took Ke Lin to visit Chenchen.
In the room, Chenchen was sitting by the window, gazing outside with focused attention.
Footsteps sounded behind him, but Chenchen remained unmoved. Only when a pair of soft hands covered his head did he slowly look up. Seeing Shen Qingqing, he remained expressionless.
"I'm back, Chenchen. Did you miss me?"
Chenchen didn't speak, merely clutching her clothes with his small hands.
Shen Qingqing's heart softened. She took his small hand. He didn't struggle, but obediently let her lead him out of the room and into another.
Here, a game console was set up, capable of projection, with a giant screen embedded in the wall.
This was the birthday gift Shen Qingqing had bought for Chenchen – a video game console.
Chenchen stared blankly.
Shen Qingqing handed him a controller, "Do you like it?"
Chenchen still didn't respond, but his small hand held the controller, reluctant to let go.
Shen Qingqing knew he liked it; he just didn't know how to express it, or perhaps was unwilling to. She sat beside him, watching him with soft eyes.
Ke Lin, observing the natural interaction between mother and son, couldn't help but chime in, "Chenchen, will Uncle play with you?"
Chenchen didn't speak, but silently handed him a controller.
Ke Lin was delighted. He had been visiting to talk to Chenchen for the past few days. Although the child had never acknowledged him, it seemed his company was finally useful.
At least, he was willing to play games with him now.
However, his smile quickly vanished.
They were playing a fighting game, and he was defeated by Chenchen in less than a minute!
He refused to believe it and asked to play a puzzle game. He ended up stuck in a room, unable to get out, while Chenchen solved a puzzle that should have taken half an hour in less than ten minutes!
He was utterly defeated, on the verge of tears.
"Chenchen, how are you so amazing?"
Chenchen looked down at the controller, silent.
But the joy radiating from the little guy was palpable.
Ke Lin threw down the controller and lay on the ground, devoid of any will to live. "I'm not playing anymore. I can't even beat a child. Ms. Shen, don't you think I'm too useless?"
Shen Qingqing ignored him, scooped Chenchen into her arms, and kissed his forehead. "Chenchen, you're so great!"
Chenchen looked at her blankly, dropping the controller.
He quietly inhaled, catching the sweet scent of the pretty aunt, which made him feel entranced, even drowsy.
If only he could be held by her forever...
Ke Lin watched the mother and son interact with great satisfaction. "Ms. Shen, do you want to bring Xingyao here for Chenchen to meet?"
He had heard Ms. Shen adopted a little girl but hadn't met her yet.
Shen Qingqing slapped her forehead. "Right, how could I forget. Xingyao should be awake too. Chenchen, wait for me here. I'll bring you a pretty little sister, okay?"
Chenchen tilted his head.
His expression instantly melted Shen Qingqing's heart. She couldn't resist ruffling his hair, watching him with his messy mop top, unaware.
She almost got a nosebleed from his cuteness.
So adorable!
She couldn't wait to find Xingyao and introduce her to Chenchen. She had settled Xingyao in the upstairs bedroom and left. Upon entering now, she found the little girl sitting by the bed.
She was holding her small hands, looking somewhat bewildered and a little scared.
Shen Qingqing felt a pang of pain and regretted her oversight. She hurried over, "Xingyao."
Hearing the familiar voice, Xingyao quickly turned her head. Although she couldn't see, her face held expectation. She asked cautiously, "Mommy?"
"Yes, Mommy's back."
Shen Qingqing kissed the little girl's face. Xingyao immediately displayed a shy yet happy smile, melting Shen Qingqing's heart.
"Mommy bought you a gift, a beautiful little dress. Shall we put it on and go meet your brother?"
"Brother?"
"Yes, a very cute little brother. Xingyao will definitely like him." Shen Qingqing had seen Xingyao's file. The little girl was five years old, younger than Chenchen and Xixi.
Xingyao was a little nervous. She hadn't known Mommy had other children at home, but she was also a little excited and apprehensive. Mommy's child...
Would they be as wonderful as Mommy?
Shen Qingqing gave her a fragrant bath, dressed her in the new dress, and styled her hair into a princess bun. The little girl transformed from a little cinder into a little princess.
When Chenchen saw Xingyao, he was stunned.
This sister was so beautiful.
But soon, he noticed something was wrong. When Xingyao shyly greeted him, he tentatively waved his hand in front of Xingyao's face.
She didn't react.
Shen Qingqing patted Chenchen's head, giving him an encouraging smile. Chenchen's lips moved, but he still didn't speak.
Xingyao, not receiving a response, was already a little disappointed.
Shen Qingqing knew it would take time for the child to speak. She said, "Xingyao, although brother hasn't spoken, he likes you very much. He has many toys. Do you want to play together?"
Xingyao asked cautiously, "Can I?"
Brother hadn't even looked at her; he must hate her...
Still without any answer, something cool was placed in her small hand. She didn't know what it was and dared not move for a moment.