When the family of three returned to Rong City, Xu Xiuhe became more vigilant.
Logically speaking, since Shen Yin had been with Zhengzheng all along, why was there no Zhengzheng in Shen Yin's dream? This meant that when Shen Yin was kidnapped, Zhengzheng was not present.
"Don't go out if you don't have to during this period," Xu Xiuhe told Shen Yin.
"Okay," Shen Yin agreed.
"Then I'll go to the company first. The studio should be safe."
Shen Yin nodded.
There was no one at the studio today. After Xu Xiuhe left, just as Shen Yin was about to close the door, Su Jin walked up to Shen Yin's studio.
"What's up? Not open today?" Su Jin joked.
"Mother-in-law, indeed, we don't open on Sundays. But you are still welcome," Shen Yin opened the door wide again and led Su Jin inside.
"Ah, I'm the kind of person who doesn't go to the Three Treasures Temple for no reason. But this time, I came to see you for no particular reason."
"Ah?"
Shen Yin didn't expect this twist from Su Jin. She thought Su Jin would say she came to see her for some particular matter.
"No reason, Mother-in-law can visit me even if there's no reason," Shen Yin said.
Zhengzheng came over from the side and, upon seeing Su Jin, politely called out "Mother-in-law."
Su Jin was usually a serious person, but for some reason, whenever she faced this mother and son, she felt happy, and her expression became more tender than usual.
"Ah, it's been a while since I've seen Zhengzheng. Did Zhengzheng miss Mother-in-law?" Su Jin bent down and patted Zhengzheng's head.
Shen Yin suddenly realized that she had heard this question countless times, almost every person who knew Zhengzheng would ask this question when they saw him again.
And Zhengzheng, as if used to this question, answered it without hesitation.
"I missed Mother-in-law. Did Mother-in-law also miss Zhengzheng?" Zhengzheng asked with a smile.
"Oh, I missed you, I missed you. Zhengzheng is so handsome and adorable, Mother-in-law thinks about you every day."
Hearing Mother-in-law praise him like that, Zhengzheng was delighted. He hurried over to the side of the tea table and reached for the teapot. However, being small with short arms, he couldn't quite reach it no matter how hard he tried.
If you can't reach it, find a way. Zhengzheng stood on his tiptoes, stretching his arm to reach the pot. Finally, with great effort, he managed to grab it with one hand, but then realized he couldn't move it at all.
As an experienced mother, Shen Yin noticed Zhengzheng's little actions while chatting with Mother-in-law Su Jin and couldn't help but be amused.
"Zhengzheng, don't move, it's too heavy for you to carry. Let Mom pour," Shen Yin walked over.
When Zhengzheng saw his mother coming, he stepped back to make way for Shen Yin.
"Was Zhengzheng trying to pour water for Mother-in-law?" Mother-in-law Su Jin also walked over.
"Mother-in-law, please take a seat first," Shen Yin handed the water cup to Su Jin.
"Thank you, Yin Yin," Su Jin took the cup and drank a sip.
Then she said, "I saw your final piece from the last competition. It was indeed excellent, just as I expected."
Shen Yin smiled without saying anything.
Su Jin continued, "I think you were still holding back your true abilities. Your skills are far beyond that."
Shen Yin didn't expect Su Jin to notice that she hadn't shown her full potential.
"Mother-in-law noticed, huh?" Shen Yin also took a sip of water.
"Hahaha, after all, I'm older and have been in the embroidery business for decades, so I can still tell the quality of embroidery."
"Mother-in-law is indeed impressive."
"Not at all, you're still so young, and your skills have already reached this level. To be honest, I think my skills don't measure up to yours. You were born with exceptional talent, destined for this craft."
Shen Yin smiled. She wasn't born with exceptional talent; at most, she was a little clever and paid attention to details, plus she had the advantage of having transmigrated here.
"Indeed, each generation is stronger than the last. In the future, Chinese embroidery will be able to flourish," Su Jin sighed.
"Mmhmm, many crafts are worth promoting. Outstanding cultures need to be carried on."
"Good, good, I never expected to hear such words from a young person's mouth. Indeed, our traditional culture is profound and extensive. Many cultures have flowed continuously throughout history, lasting until today. They cannot be lost. Culture is the blood, crafts are the flesh, and those who inherit them are the bones. None can be dispensed with." Su Jin went on.
She usually didn't talk this much, but when facing a young person like Shen Yin with both thoughts and skills, she couldn't help but speak at length.
"Mother-in-law, I understand. I will never abandon the craft of embroidery."
"I may have said too much. Don't find it bothersome. I'm just like this. When I meet someone I click with and resonate with, I can't help but talk more."
"Not at all, not at all. You didn't say too much," Shen Yin still showed respect to her elders, especially someone who valued promoting outstanding culture. If she looked at it from an ancient person's perspective, she would be very gratified.
"Alright, you must work hard for the finals. Mother-in-law believes in you, and the championship will definitely be yours."
"Thank you, Mother-in-law. I will definitely try my best and not let Mother-in-law down."
"Good, then Mother-in-law will head back."
Shen Yin saw Su Jin off. While they were talking, Zhengzheng had been playing on the side. Now, hearing that Mother-in-law was leaving, he hurried over with his little steps to see her off as well.
"Zhengzheng, Mother-in-law is leaving," Su Jin waved.
"Goodbye, Mother-in-law. Mother-in-law, be careful on your way back."
"Okay, Mother-in-law is leaving." Su Jin turned back to look at them multiple times as she left.
"Mom, where does Mother-in-law live?" Zhengzheng asked.
Shen Yin knew Su Jin lived next door, but she didn't seem to see Su Jin often, so perhaps Su Jin didn't often stay there.
"Mother-in-law Su probably has several homes like Zhengzheng."
"Oh oh."
Shen Yin closed the door again, and no one else came in this time.
"Zhengzheng, what do you want to eat for lunch?"
"I want to eat crab."
Shen Yin: ...
It seemed they didn't have any crabs at home. She had been buying groceries online before.
Sometimes she would take Zhengzheng to the farmers' market to buy some vegetables.
Shen Yin ordered some fresh seafood and vegetables online. Xu Yunzheng had been craving for so long, so Shen Yin decided to let him have a good meal.
"Mom, Zhengzheng is so happy today."
"Why is that?" Shen Yin took Zhengzheng upstairs to the third floor.
"Just happy."
Zhengzheng played in the living room while Shen Yin cooked the rice in the kitchen.
Soon after, she received a delivery call asking her to go downstairs to collect the order.
"Zhengzheng, you play over there for a while, don't touch anything dangerous. Mommy is going downstairs to get the dishes." Shen Yin changed her shoes.
"Okay, Mommy, Zhengzheng won't move around, Zhengzheng will be good and listen." Xu Yunzheng's gaze shifted from the picture book in his hand to Shen Yin.
Shen Yin walked downstairs. Usually, the front door was never closed, after all, there were five dogs outside.
Today, the five dogs had all been led inside by Xu Xiuhe.
