Zhàn Chényì frowned and looked at Liǔ Xuěqíng. "Why are you here?"
Liǔ Xuěqíng lowered her eyes. "I'm afraid to go back to the apartment alone. Can I stay here with you?"
Zhàn Chényì's brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't refuse. "If you want to stay, then stay."
Liǔ Xuěqíng's heart leaped. She hadn't expected it to be so easy!
"Thank you, Brother Yi!" Liǔ Xuěqíng pounced forward and hugged Zhàn Chényì's arm. "I knew you cared about me the most."
Zhàn Chényì gave a perfunctory hum and continued, "You can sleep in the guest room."
Liǔ Xuěqíng froze. She looked at Zhàn Chényì in disbelief. "I'm sleeping in the guest room?"
"Do you have a problem with that?" Zhàn Chényì raised an eyebrow.
Liǔ Xuěqíng certainly did. Why was it that even though she had been so proactive, Zhàn Chényì still wasn't...
"No," Liǔ Xuěqíng forced a smile. "Then I'll have to pick one that's closest to Brother Yi's room."
Zhàn Chényì didn't object and turned to walk into the villa.
In another car, Línlín was quiet for a long time until Lǐ Miǎo dropped them off at the entrance of the kindergarten.
By this time, the kindergarten principal had already gone frantic. She had all the teachers in the kindergarten searching for Línlín, and she couldn't believe that Línlín, a living person, had vanished into thin air.
Seeing Shěn Niànqīng bring Línlín into the kindergarten from the outside, she was stunned.
"Shěn Lín, you..."
Before the kindergarten principal could continue speaking, Línlín stepped forward and bowed deeply to the principal. "I'm sorry, Principal. I sneaked out, and I made you worry."
The principal stared for a while before squatting down and sternly saying to Línlín, "You snuck out? That's not right. Do you know how many teachers were worried about you and looking for you? And it's so dangerous outside the campus. What if someone tried to hurt you?"
Línlín lowered his head even further.
At this moment, Niànniàn rushed forward and hugged Línlín.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Seeing the dejected Línlín, Niànniàn quietly asked, "What's wrong?"
Línlín was silent for a moment, but ultimately said nothing.
Shěn Niànqīng smiled apologetically at the principal. "I'm sorry, Principal. I will educate these two children properly, and this will never happen again."
After leaving the kindergarten and returning home, Shěn Niànqīng frowned and looked at them. "Whose idea was today's stunt?"
Niànniàn lowered her head and took two small, shuffling steps forward. "It was me."
"No, it was me!" Línlín also became anxious and quickly stepped forward to admit his mistake to Shěn Niànqīng. "Niànniàn just wanted to... it was all my doing."
Chapter 78
Seeing the two children admitting fault for each other, Shěn Niànqīng couldn't help but laugh. "You know how to take responsibility now, but did you ever think about how, no matter how smart Línlín is, he's still just a child? What if he encountered danger on the road, what would he do?"
Línlín opened his mouth, seeming as if he wanted to argue, but saw Shěn Niànqīng continue speaking:
"I know you'll say you can call the police anytime, but what if the police can't get there in time? How would you escape?" Shěn Niànqīng asked seriously, looking at Línlín and Niànniàn.
The two children lowered their heads.
Seeing them like this, Shěn Niànqīng's heart ached. "You... went to all this trouble to see him... were you trying to..."
Línlín and Niànniàn became truly anxious. They thought Shěn Niànqīng was angry about their naughtiness and was going to send them away. They immediately pounced forward and hugged her legs, their voices choked with tears. "Mom, we won't tell anyone you're our mom, and we won't go see him again! Please, don't send us away."
Shěn Niànqīng was stunned.
She had thought that after their previous conversation, the two children would believe her and no longer worry about being sent away. But now she realized they hadn't forgotten their past worries at all; they had just hidden them deeper.
Shěn Niànqīng couldn't even think about educating them anymore. She pulled both children into her arms and said earnestly, "I was indeed very angry about what happened today, but I was angry because you deliberately hid it and sneaked out of the kindergarten without regard for your own safety. I will criticize you because I want you to correct your flaws; I will never abandon you, nor will I ever forsake you."
Looking at their two pairs of big eyes, red and watery, all of Shěn Niànqīng's anger vanished without a trace. She stroked their hair. "Do you want a dad?"
Línlín and Niànniàn were taken aback. They looked at Shěn Niànqīng hesitantly, not understanding what she meant.
Shěn Niànqīng didn't know how that sentence had slipped out, but now that she had said it, she realized the question had been lingering in her heart for a long time.
Thinking about what she had seen at the villa door that day, Línlín quickly shook his head. "I don't want one! As long as we have Mom, that's enough for us."
Although seeing Zhàn Chényì today was Niànniàn's idea, he had had a small glimmer of hope in his heart. But seeing the intimacy between Zhàn Chényì and Liǔ Xuěqíng, that little bit of hope was completely extinguished.
Since he already had someone else he liked, he couldn't be their father anymore.
Niànniàn, on the side, didn't understand, but she had always been accustomed to following her brother's decisions since she was young. Naturally, she also shook her head. "Yes! We don't want one!"
She hugged Shěn Niànqīng's leg softly and looked up. "Mom, I just wanted to see what Dad was like. I wasn't trying to find that bad man!"
Although Línlín hadn't told her about his experience today, there was always a strange telepathic connection between twins.
This meant that man had made Línlín unhappy, and she didn't want that kind of father.
But the more sensible and yielding they were, the more Shěn Niànqīng pitied them.
For the first time, she seriously considered the matter of a partner. If having a father could make the two children happy, then perhaps it wasn't so unbearable?
Shěn Niànqīng's mind suddenly flashed with Zhōu Yàn's profile.
Chapter 79
The next morning, Zhōu Yàn, who had come to see the two little ones, also learned about their sneaking out of kindergarten. He deliberately sighed exaggeratedly, "I've been taking care of you for so long, and you never sneaked out to see me!"
Seeing Línlín and Niànniàn become anxious, he squatted down and looked at them seriously. "I know you are very smart, but some things adults can do, children cannot. What if something happened to Línlín, what would your mother do? When she gave birth to you, it took half her life. Now, don't let it take the other half."
"We understand," Línlín and Niànniàn quietly glanced at Shěn Niànqīng, and only after confirming she was no longer angry did they loudly agree.
Before entering the kindergarten, Shěn Niànqīng reminded them, "The principal was really scared yesterday. Remember to apologize to her today."
Línlín and Niànniàn nodded obediently.
After they left, Zhōu Yàn asked Shěn Niànqīng, "Did Zhàn Chényì discover anything?"
Recalling Zhàn Chényì's expression yesterday, Shěn Niànqīng shook her head. "Probably not."
If he had truly discovered something was wrong, he wouldn't have let them leave so easily.
Zhōu Yàn suddenly turned and looked at Shěn Niànqīng with a very serious expression. "Have you considered that the children might need a father? I..."
Before he could finish, Shěn Niànqīng stopped him. "It's not convenient to talk about it now. Let's talk tonight."
Zhōu Yàn looked at her with surprise and joy.
In the past, Shěn Niànqīng had always avoided and refused to discuss this topic whenever he brought it up, but this time she had voluntarily suggested they talk about it?
"Okay, okay, okay! I'm free anytime tonight, absolutely free." With that, he walked away with a smile.
Shěn Niànqīng looked at his retreating back with a sense of helplessness.
At this time, Zhàn Chényì was also recalling the child he had seen yesterday, feeling that something was not quite right.
"Brother Yi?"
Liǔ Xuěqíng had intentionally gotten up early to make Zhàn Chényì breakfast, but when she brought it out, she saw him sitting at the table, lost in thought.
Zhàn Chényì snapped back to attention. Seeing Liǔ Xuěqíng's actions, he frowned slightly. "Where is Aunt Wang? You can have her make breakfast; you don't need to do it yourself."
Liǔ Xuěqíng smiled gently. "I'm just a little excited about living with Brother Yi for the first time. If you don't mind, I can do it from now on..."
"No need," Zhàn Chényì rejected her indifferently. "You can find something you like to do; you don't need to do this."
He paused slightly after saying this, suddenly remembering what Chef Wang had said that day at Suíyì Residence.
Shěn Niànqīng had spent three years learning to cook for him, yet he had never eaten a single bite.
Seeing Liǔ Xuěqíng's wronged expression, he said as if possessed, "Ahem, I will eat today."
Liǔ Xuěqíng's face instantly lit up with joy. She smiled at Zhàn Chényì. "I knew Brother Yi would care about me."
Zhàn Chényì fell silent.
Before leaving, Liǔ Xuěqíng even thoughtfully escorted him to the door, giving him a gentle smile. "I heard the amusement park is very lively lately. Can you accompany me for a walk tonight?"
She lowered her head slightly, appearing very dejected.
Zhàn Chényì's words of refusal caught in his throat, and he finally hummed in agreement.
Liǔ Xuěqíng was overjoyed. She leaned her face closer as if to kiss Zhàn Chényì, but he took a step back, adjusted his collar, and said, "I'm leaving now."
Without waiting for Liǔ Xuěqíng to react, he turned and left.
Watching Zhàn Chényì's car drive away from the villa, Liǔ Xuěqíng's expression turned grim.
Upon arriving at the company, Zhàn Chényì immediately found Assistant Zhang. "Investigate yesterday's child. Find out what his relationship is with Shěn Niànqīng."
Assistant Zhang nodded, about to leave, but Zhàn Chényì stopped him. "Also, investigate the background of this Shen Family. Do the children have any connection to them?"
An excellent assistant would never ask their boss why they were doing something; they would simply carry it out quickly. Assistant Zhang's gaze swept over the file folder in his hands.
In the coffee shop, Línlín and Niànniàn sat obediently beside Shěn Niànqīng, eating ice cream. Shěn Niànqīng, however, was quite troubled.
Chapter 80
When these two little ones learned that she was going to meet Zhōu Yàn, they insisted on coming along, no matter what she said. Helpless, she had to bring them with her.
Zhōu Yàn walked in with a bouquet of roses and saw this scene.
The smile on his lips froze for a moment, then quickly returned to normal. "Why did you two tag along?"
"We came specifically to see you, Uncle Zhōu!" Niànniàn said charmingly. "You promised last time that we would go to the amusement park together."
Zhōu Yàn affectionately pinched her nose. "I knew you weren't here just because you missed me. The amusement park is closed now..."
"The amusement park is having its anniversary celebration recently. It's open at night too," Línlín said, holding up his phone for Zhōu Yàn to see clearly.
Zhōu Yàn could only say helplessly, "I'm really at your mercy, you two little ancestors! Let's go then!"
Shěn Niànqīng looked at him apologetically, but Zhōu Yàn picked up one child in each arm and said cheerfully, "When can we talk? It's more important to play with the little ancestors first."
This was the first time the two little ones had visited the A City amusement park. As soon as they entered, they pulled Zhōu Yàn and excitedly played on the roller coaster, pirate ship, and other rides. They were thrilled, but Zhōu Yàn's face was pale by the time they got off.
Shěn Niànqīng asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
"How can a man be asked if he's okay?" Zhōu Yàn glared fiercely at the drop tower not far away. "Today, I'll show them how capable their uncle is!"
With that, he ran forward, scooped up the two children, and ran a short distance.
Línlín and Niànniàn were surprised at first, then burst into laughter.
Behind them, Shěn Niànqīng couldn't help but smile as she watched this scene.
But she didn't know that Zhàn Chényì and Liǔ Xuěqíng, not far away, were watching everything clearly.
Liǔ Xuěqíng, who had finally managed to persuade Zhàn Chényì to go out for a walk, smiled faintly and said, "Sister Bai and Young Master Zhōu look like a family! After my engagement with Brother Yi, I will definitely have more children for Brother Yi. Shall we come out and play like this together too?"
Zhàn Chényì's aura deepened. He didn't answer Liǔ Xuěqíng.
Seeing this, Liǔ Xuěqíng called out again, "Brother Yi?"
Zhàn Chényì gave a perfunctory hum and took out his phone to call Assistant Zhang. "Make her appear tomorrow."
After hanging up, Zhàn Chényì looked at Liǔ Xuěqíng. "Your body can't withstand the wind. Let's go back."
Shěn Niànqīng was unaware of this interlude. She stepped forward and wiped the sweat off the two children's foreheads. "Let's rest for a while."
During this brief interval, Niànniàn suddenly hugged Shěn Niànqīng and said softly, "I wish Uncle Zhōu was our dad..."
Shěn Niànqīng's body stiffened. She looked at Niànniàn. "Why do you think that?"
"Uncle Zhōu is the best to us! He always brings us delicious food, tells us stories, and takes us out to play. I heard the children at kindergarten say that's what dads do," Niànniàn said, counting on her little fingers. "Mom, will Uncle Zhōu become our dad?"
Shěn Niànqīng was speechless. Fortunately, Zhōu Yàn returned with Línlín at that moment, which saved her.
After playing all night, the two little ones had already fallen asleep in the car on the way back.
"I..."
Shěn Niànqīng looked at the smiling Zhōu Yàn, a trace of guilt flashing in her heart. "I'm sorry. I know your feelings, but I still haven't given you a definitive answer."
Zhōu Yàn shook his head dismissively. "I'm doing all this willingly, so how can I blame you? I've been prepared for a long wait."
Seeing his candidness, Shěn Niànqīng lowered her head slightly.
She didn't know if the decision she was about to make was correct, but thinking of Niànniàn's words, she finally made up her mind.
"I want you to be the children's godfather, can you?" Shěn Niànqīng looked directly into Zhōu Yàn's eyes with a calm expression. "Niànniàn mentioned wanting a father today, and it made me realize that their lives are indeed lacking a father figure. You have a good relationship with the children, so I thought..."
"I'd be crazy not to be willing," Zhōu Yàn glared at her playfully. "Don't you know how much I adore Línlín and Niànniàn? I'm ready to be their godfather without question!"
"But..." Shěn Niànqīng worried that her intentions weren't clear and wanted to explain further, but Zhōu Yàn gestured for her to stop. "I understand what you mean. Who says a godfather can't get closer to the situation?"
Chapter 81
Shěn Niànqīng nodded blankly. "But I..."
"No need to say more," Zhōu Yàn interrupted her again. "Whoever doesn't let me be the godfather, I'll have a problem with them!"
Looking at Zhōu Yàn's shining eyes, a deep sense of guilt welled up in her heart.
At this moment, Shěn Niànqīng felt despicable. She didn't have romantic feelings for Zhōu Yàn, yet this action undoubtedly gave him hope. Was this really right?
"Sister Bai?"
Just as Shěn Niànqīng was about to say something to Zhōu Yàn, an inescapable female voice rang out. She saw Liǔ Xuěqíng walking over, arm in arm with Zhàn Chényì.
Zhōu Yàn's smile instantly vanished. "I didn't expect to run into annoying flies even when we're out playing. Bad luck."
"What do you mean by that, Young Master Zhōu?" A hint of embarrassment flickered across Liǔ Xuěqíng's face. "I just came to greet you. Do you have to be like this?"
Zhōu Yàn sneered. "I don't recall our relationship being at a point where a greeting is necessary. Besides, even if they're divorced, it doesn't erase the fact that you were once the mistress. What? Are you proud of being a mistress now?"
"You!" Liǔ Xuěqíng looked around nervously. Indeed, people's gazes had become strange.
Zhàn Chényì looked with dark eyes at the child on Shěn Niànqīng's shoulder. "Didn't you say they were just relatives' children? They seem quite close to you."
Línlín was obediently asleep on Zhōu Yàn's shoulder, while Shěn Niànqīng held the soft Niànniàn.
This was the first time Zhàn Chényì had seen Niànniàn.
Her delicate long eyelashes cast a shadow beneath her eyes. Even without opening them, Zhàn Chényì could tell how exquisite her features were.
In just one glance, he inexplicably felt his heart soften.
"Is this his sister?" Zhàn Chényì looked at Shěn Niànqīng.
Shěn Niànqīng didn't want to answer, but she was afraid her attitude would arouse suspicion, so she nodded indifferently.
Zhōu Yàn interrupted Zhàn Chényì's further questioning. "Young Master Zhàn, you shouldn't bother with other people's children. Hurry up and have one with Mrs. Zhàn yourself to play with!"
Liǔ Xuěqíng hadn't expected Zhōu Yàn to speak up for her. She pursed her lips and smiled. "Brother Yi and I will, of course, have our own children..."
"Didn't you have one before?" Shěn Niànqīng looked curiously at Liǔ Xuěqíng's lower abdomen. Liǔ Xuěqíng wished that child had never existed, and she glared at Shěn Niànqīng irritably. "Are you happy that my child is gone? Are you gloating?"
Shěn Niànqīng paused. She hadn't expected Liǔ Xuěqíng's child to be gone, nor had she expected her to have the inclination to visit an amusement park in such a state.
"Don't bother with a fool," Zhōu Yàn sneered and prepared to leave with Shěn Niànqīng. "My fiancée and I are leaving now..."
"Fiancée with nothing? Young Master Zhōu, your engagement is too hasty." Zhàn Chényì scoffed.
But Zhōu Yàn smiled instead. "Don't worry, Young Master Zhàn. We'll definitely send you an invitation when we get married. I won't talk to you any longer; the children are about to wake up."
With that, he pulled Shěn Niànqīng and walked away, leaving only Zhàn Chényì and Liǔ Xuěqíng behind.
"Brother Yi?" Liǔ Xuěqíng looked at Zhàn Chényì, a little nervously. "Let's go too."
Zhàn Chényì watched their retreating figures arm in arm and gave a deep hum.
Holding Shěn Niànqīng's hand all the way back to the doorstep, Zhōu Yàn still seemed unsatisfied. "This neighborhood is too small. Let's find a place with a bigger gate and further away next time."
Shěn Niànqīng let out a chuckle. How did she feel like Zhōu Yàn was emanating a certain silliness all over right now?
Zhōu Yàn was also quite annoyed. He used to be a playboy who had affairs with many women, but now, with Shěn Niànqīng, he had become a pure young man?
This was not the image of Young Master Zhōu at all!
Chapter 82
He looked at Shěn Niànqīng with a serious expression. "Can I hug you?"