Shen Jinxi was about to speak, but was pulled into Fu Jingshu's arms. His small face pressed against his chest, and he was instantly speechless, struggling with muffled cries.
Then his daddy grabbed the back of his neck.
He immediately fell silent.
"It's nothing, Xixi was just watching a TV show," Fu Jingshu glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. I'll take him upstairs to rest. You should come up quickly too."
Shen Qingqing didn't suspect a thing. She even smiled faintly as she watched the father and son's retreating backs.
Once they were in the room upstairs, Shen Jinxi's feet had barely touched the ground before he put his hands on his hips, his face full of fury. "Daddy, what do you mean? Why did you stop me? If Mommy is being bullied, shouldn't I stand up for her? Besides, this is your job. If you don't do it, you shouldn't stop me from doing it!"
He grew more and more angry as he spoke, his eyes turning red with frustration.
Fu Jingshu was a little surprised by the little one's strong reaction. "Of course, I'm prepared. She is my wife."
Of course, he would protect her.
"But you need to take action!" Shen Jinxi wished he could immediately go and deal with Mark, using any means necessary, but he couldn't be patient.
Yet, he looked so calm, as if he didn't care at all.
Fu Jingshu picked him up and placed him on his lap, saying patiently, "Some things can't be rushed."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
Shen Jinxi remembered that his daddy wasn't someone who took things lying down; in fact, he was known for his vengefulness. He managed to curb his impatience and asked.
Fu Jingshu squeezed his neck. "Do you trust me?"
Shen Jinxi hesitated for a moment, then someone flicked his forehead. He reluctantly said, "Yes."
If I don't trust you, you'll force me with strength. What kind of person is that!
Fu Jingshu chuckled, "You're awake. It's getting late, go to sleep."
The little one scampered to the door, but at the doorway, he turned back, resting his head on the doorframe, his eyes sparkling as he looked at him.
"Daddy, will you really stand up for Mommy?"
"Yes."
Hearing his daddy's resolute voice, Shen Jinxi finally felt relieved. No matter what, his daddy would never lie to him.
He went back to sleep, reassured!
The next day, an unexpected guest arrived.
Shen Qingqing never imagined that the visitor would be Mark, and he even brought a gift. However, his expression was a little awkward.
"Is there something you need?" She really didn't want to see this person.
"Shen Qingqing, I know you're upset about what happened yesterday, so..." Mark took a deep breath, as if psyching himself up. "I'm sorry!"
Shen Qingqing paused, and the orange in her hand suddenly didn't seem so sweet.
She narrowed her eyes and stared at Mark.
"Why?"
Mark knew she was asking why he was apologizing, especially after his arrogance yesterday. He gave a bitter smile. "I had no choice. I've come today to apologize, and to return this painting to you."
He took out the painting of a small bridge over flowing water, his eyes full of reluctance.
The simple act of placing the painting on the table seemed to happen in slow motion. By the time he finally set it down, Shen Qingqing had already finished an entire orange.
She took a tissue to wipe her fingertips. "Why did you have no choice? Was someone threatening you?"
Mark's expression stiffened, then he smiled. "It's nothing. In any case, I've come today, and I've returned the painting. I won't come again from now on."
With that, he turned and left in a hurry.
The apology had come and gone so quickly.
Shen Qingqing looked at the painting. It was the real one. He had actually exchanged it back, even though he had clearly loved it so much before.
He had even acted shamelessly for it.
Something wasn't right!
Shen Qingqing put the painting away, placed the box in the bedroom, and then saw Fu Jingshu return from his morning run. He naturally kissed her forehead. "I'm going to take a shower."
"Wait a moment!"
Shen Qingqing grabbed his sleeve, observing his expression. "Mark came today."
Fu Jingshu hummed. "What for?"
"You don't know?"
Fu Jingshu shook his head.
Shen Qingqing didn't believe him. She stared intently into his eyes. "He came to apologize to me, and said he would never appear before me again. How could this person suddenly change his tune? I suspect someone threatened him with something."
Fu Jingshu's slender eyes were filled with clarity. "I'm not sure."
He gently bowed his head and kissed her forehead, then turned and walked upstairs. His pace was slow, even exuding a leisurely air.
Shen Qingqing pouted.
Could this really have nothing to do with Fu Jingshu?
Fu Jingshu came downstairs, had breakfast with her, and took Xixi to the old lady's place. They decided to go for a walk.
It was Fu Jingshu who suggested it.
As soon as Shen Qingqing stepped out and saw the sunny weather, she sighed. "I don't know about Chenchen..."
Fu Jingshu's hands tightened slightly. "Don't worry, he'll be fine."
"What if..."
"Qingqing, trust me." Fu Jingshu placed his hands on her shoulders, gazing into her eyes. "I guarantee that Chenchen will be absolutely fine."
Shen Qingqing suddenly realized that this wasn't a guarantee made just to reassure her.
It was because he truly had complete confidence.
She didn't ask where that confidence came from. After all, he never did anything he wasn't sure about.
Thinking of this, her mood also relaxed.
"Let's go. Enjoy our date today."
They left the house and, following Fu Jingshu's plan, went to a movie theater. Both of them were very attractive and immediately drew a lot of attention upon entering.
Fu Jingshu paid no mind and led her to buy popcorn.
Shen Qingqing looked at his broad back and knew in her heart that he actually didn't like places like this, nor did he like crowds.
Yet, he still came.
He came to accompany her.
Shen Qingqing temporarily put her worries aside, wanting to enjoy the day.
After the movie, it was already noon, and they were planning to go for a meal.
Who would have thought that at the entrance of a restaurant, they would encounter two acquaintances.
Ning Su and Mark.
Upon seeing them, Mark's expression clearly soured. He didn't intend to linger and turned to leave.
But Ning Su was unwilling to leave like that. She stubbornly pulled him towards them, completely ignoring Shen Qingqing, and smiled sweetly at Fu Jingshu. "Jingshu, you're out for a meal too? Want to share a table?"
"No, I don't like crowds."
Fu Jingshu refused without any hesitation.
Ning Su was extremely disappointed.
Mark secretly rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "They don't want to eat with you, so don't force it. After all, he's not lacking in women."
His words were laced with mockery.
Fu Jingshu glanced at him. "It seems the previous lesson wasn't profound enough. You still haven't learned to keep your mouth shut."
Mark's face turned a faint shade of green. "Don't be too arrogant! We'll see!"
With that, he turned and left.
However, his retreating back looked somewhat disheveled, like he was fleeing in defeat.
Ning Su looked like she had something to say but stopped herself.
Fu Jingshu didn't even spare her a glance. Ning Su's eyes dimmed, and she no longer pestered him, turning to chase after Mark.
Shen Qingqing became even more curious. "What exactly did you do?"