Shen Yin has been quite idle recently. Other than spending Sundays teaching martial arts to a group of young girls at the dojo and sharpening her own skills, she usually has plenty of free time.
Xu Xiuhe often summons her to the Heyuan Group, and the employees are in the habit of having their boss' wife around every day. This is indeed a rarity for them.
Shen Yin, clever as she is, observes the operations of the Heyuan Group during her free time, and even has a knack for dealing with some documents.
"Having you around puts me under a lot of pressure," said Xu Xiuhe jokingly.
"What pressure?" she asked.
"You're capable and efficient. I can't help but worry that you might outshine me someday and leave me," he confided.
This remark elicited laughter from Shen Yin. Was Xu Xiuhe feeling insecure?
"You better treat me well then," she teased.
"Yes, I promise to treat you well."
Shen Yin couldn’t figure out what had caused Xu Xiuhe's perceived insecurity. She wasn’t one to frequently verbalize her affections or proclaim her love; Shen Yin preferred to let her actions do the talking.
Words don't matter, actions do. Talk is cheap, doesn't cost a dime, and requires no effort.
In order to soothe Xu Xiuhe's anxiety, she decided to make him a sumptuous dinner that night as a reward for his hard work.
"I'll make you something delicious tonight," she said.
"Hmm?" He seemed surprised.
A mere glance from him was enough for Shen Yin to ascertain his thoughts. But she chose not to acknowledge it.
"I'm going to buy the ingredients with Zhengzheng this afternoon"
Shen Yin exited Xu Xiuhe's office with Zhengzheng in tow later that afternoon.
Passing through the office area, the assistants greeted her warmly. Seeing Shen Yin and Zhengzheng leave for the day, the secretaries found themselves wishing for a fairy-tale love like theirs.
"A charming love story, such a happy marriage!"
"Lucky Mrs. CEO!"
Shen Yin, holding Zhengzheng’s hand, noted that the child’s short legs could only move so fast. Just as they reached the parking garage, Shen Yin picked the child up.
"Let's go to the nearby supermarket."
Responding to her instruction, the driver started the car.
There was a large shopping mall near the Heyuan Group. When Shen Yin ventured outside with Zhengzheng, they both wore masks to avoid being recognized.
"Mama, can we buy corn?" Zhengzheng asked.
"How do you want to eat the corn?"
"With spare ribs."
"Alright, if Zhengzheng wants it, we'll buy it."
They bought numerous items, and the supermarket staff took care of them all and delivered them to their car.
As they reached the gates of Ziyue Manor, a young woman was waiting for them.
"Finally, you're back, Sister Yin Yin!"
"Qi Ji, what brings you here."
"I missed you, wah wah."
Qi Ji wore a pouty, childlike expression. If it wasn't for her visible pregnancy, one might have mistaken her for a small child.
"What's wrong, did Xue Jingrui give you a hard time?"
Qi Ji gave a strong nod.
At the sight of this, Shen Yin was frightened, knowing Qi Ji was carrying a baby. She couldn't fathom the ongoing events between the two.
"I'll call Xu Xiuhe, and ask him about the situation with Xue Jingrui,” Shen Yin suggested, pulling out her mobile phone.
"No, no, don't call him. I don't want to see him," Qi Ji hastily stopped Shen Yin.
"Auntie, what's wrong?" Xu Yunzheng asked.
"I really crave something delicious," Qi Ji replied, her mouth watering at the sight of the pile of food ingredients Shen Yin had bought.
Understanding the unpredictable nature of a pregnant woman's mind, Shen Yin decided not to take any random actions. “Let's go inside," she finally said.
Shen Yin unlocked the villa using her fingerprint and the door slid open. The driver delivered all the food to the kitchen.
Qi Ji closely followed Shen Yin, sticking closer than Zhengzheng, who was struggling to find room near her and ended up behind Qi Ji.
"How did you get here?" Shen Yin asked.
"Jingrui brother went to work, and Mom was sleeping. I snuck out and took a cab. I have been waiting for you at your doorstep for a long time," Qi Ji explained.
"Ah, when did you arrive?"
"Two hours ago."
"Why didn't you go look for Shu Yi in our absence?"
"I went to Sister Shu Yi's house, but no one was there. I didn't take my mobile when I left, so I had to sit and wait here."
The young girl seemed oppressed, and Shen Yin felt sorry for her.
"Zhengzheng, accompany your auntie, I will cook for you both," she told her son before entering the kitchen.
Pulling out her cellphone, Shen Yin sent a message to Xu Xiuhe, asking him to inform Xue Jingrui that Qi Ji was with her. She wasn't sure what was happening between the couple, and fearing agitating Qi Ji further, she refrained from asking too many questions.
Working in the kitchen, Shen Yin chopped vegetables and kept an eye on Zhu Zheng and Qi Ji. And as she watched the adult and child play, her thoughts raced, piecing together the possibilities of what might have happened between Qi Ji and Xue Jingrui.
“Auntie, what's wrong?"
"I crave different food every day, but your Uncle Jingrui never lets me eat. Yesterday, I stole some food, and when he found out, he scolded me."
After hearing Qi Ji's words, Zhengzheng ran to her side, slightly patting her shoulder.
"Your uncle is mean! Don't worry, auntie, we have a lot of delicious food at home," Zhengzheng assured Qi Ji, who was so touched she nearly shed tears.
"My son-in-law, you treat mommy the best, my love for you has never been unwarranted."
"Mommy is preparing food."
Zhengzheng turned to look into the kitchen, and Shen Yin, multitasking between cooking and listening to their conversation, continued with her tasks.
"In the future, I will be your mother too. You are my son-in-law," Qi Ji announced.
The little darling didn't quite understand what a 'son-in-law' was. He tried to figure it out but wasn't successful.
"What's a 'son-in-law'?" He asked.
"Not 'Lu Xu,' but 'son-in-law.' A son-in-law is someone who marries my daughter. So, in that way, I also become your mother," Qi Ji patiently explained.
"Auntie's daughter?"
"That's right, there's a small baby in your auntie's belly; wanna feel it?"
Qi Ji held Zhengzheng's small hand and guided it to her stomach.
"Auntie's stomach is big," he noted.
"Yes, because there's a little life within. In just over half a year, she will emerge and play with Zhengzheng."
Xu Yunzheng's hand rested on Qi Ji's belly, marveling at the wonder of it all, touching here, and then touching there.
Shen Yin's phone vibrated, a message from Xu Xiuhe had arrived.
[I have informed Jingrui, and am now on my way home.]
Shen Yin sent another reminder, telling Xu Xiuhe to be careful on his way home.
At the Xue residence, Ye Rong was frantic. She had taken a nap in the afternoon, woke up to read a little, researched some new recipes, and prepared dinner in the kitchen. However, when she went up to ask Qi Ji to come down for dinner, she found Qi Ji's room emptied. There, to her utter shock, lay a runaway letter on the table.
