Fu Jingshu said calmly, "I bought it from a collector. I know this was left to you by your mother, and you've always wanted to find it."
Shen Qingqing ran her fingers delicately over every line on the scroll, over the sunlight, trees, grass, and the lifelike garden fountain.
They were all painted by Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing had majored in painting in college, and her dream was to paint. Yet, ironically, she had married what she believed to be love, only to be forced to learn how to manage a company.
She spent her days as busy as a spinning top.
She had put down her paintbrush many years ago.
As far back as Shen Qingqing could remember, she had never seen her mother paint anything. It was as if she wanted to seal away everything related to painting.
The only time she picked up a brush was to paint her.
Shen Qingqing would never forget that day. She was running around wildly in the garden and, by chance, looked back to see her mother holding a drawing board, painting with concentration, her expression and spirit alive.
At that moment, she was radiant.
When she asked her mother why she didn't paint more often, she would never forget that smile. She was young then and couldn't understand why the smile was so brilliant and beautiful, yet it made her feel a deep ache in her heart.
Now she understood.
It was sorrow, helplessness, and the compromises adults had to make.
She carefully put away the scroll and looked up at Fu Jingshu, "Did you go on this business trip just to get this painting for me?"
Fu Jingshu simply said, "As long as you're happy."
Shen Qingqing was naturally happy. All her unhappiness vanished the moment she saw her mother's belongings.
She raised her hand, as if unconsciously, to wipe away the moisture from her eyes. Her tear-washed eyes became even darker and more luminous as she gazed at Fu Jingshu.
"Earlier, when I called you, a woman answered the phone."
Fu Jingshu understood immediately. A flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes, but when he looked at Shen Qingqing, it all turned to tenderness. "It was Xixi. She was the one who told me about this painting. I only found out she was going with me after I got on the plane."
The plane wasn't his, so he couldn't exactly refuse to let her on.
Shen Qingqing narrowed her eyes at him, "So, you're innocent."
"Of course!"
Fu Jingshu didn't hesitate. He gripped his wife's hand and gently pulled her soft body tightly into his embrace.
With warmth and softness in his arms, the subtle emptiness in his heart was finally filled. At this moment, let alone apologizing to his wife, he would give her his life.
"I'm sorry. I promise you, this will never happen again. No matter the reason, I will never let her get close to me again."
Shen Qingqing snorted, still displeased. She raised her hand and pinched his firm waist. It was infuriating how hard his waist muscles were; even the softest part of his waist was much harder than her hand.
It was uncomfortable for her to pinch.
Perhaps her disdain was too obvious, for Fu Jingshu cupped the back of her head and leaned down, kissing her. As their lips met, his voice slowly slipped into her ear.
"The softest part, for you."
Shen Qingqing's cheeks flushed, not out of shyness, but from being affected by his heated breath.
A brief separation makes a marriage anew; it was like dry kindling and raging fire, utterly unstoppable.
If Shen Qingqing hadn't retained a shred of reason at the end, they wouldn't have been able to get out of the car today.
Panting, she pushed him away. "The children and Grandma are still waiting at home. Let's go home first."
Fu Jingshu licked his slightly sore lips. His wife was truly not soft-mouthed; she bit when she said she would. It was just a small wound, and the pain wasn't that unbearable. This slight pain instead turned into an electric current that flowed through his limbs, making him feel numb.
It kept him from calming down for a long time.
Shen Qingqing got out of the car first and entered the villa. The living room was empty, which made her sigh with relief. She had discreetly checked her reflection with her phone at the door.
At this moment, her features were exquisite, her cheeks as red as the sunset, and her entire being exuded a seductive charm and allure that came from being deeply cherished.
It was really not suitable for anyone to see.
Suddenly, a pair of large hands embraced her slender, soft waist from behind. The familiar scent of pine returned. Shen Qingqing turned around and grabbed his tie.
Fu Jingshu cooperatively lowered his head, his gaze slowly sliding from her eyes to her lips, which were just kissed, delicate, and naturally red.
"Behave! Otherwise, you'll sleep in the study tonight!"
Shen Qingqing's body also felt weak under his gaze, but this was the living room, and she didn't want anyone to witness their affectionate display.
Fu Jingshu sighed helplessly, suppressing the surging tide of desire within him. "As you wish."
They went to the sofa and sat down. Shen Qingqing then remembered something she had forgotten. "Oh, right. Mr. He mentioned wanting to cooperate with you on the old town development project."
Fu Jingshu held her close, "Tell me what's happened recently."
Shen Qingqing recounted everything.
When he heard that Xixi had entered the forest and disappeared without a trace, and that Shen Qingqing had gone in alone to search for her, his hands suddenly tightened.
Shen Qingqing's waist ached, and she gasped.
Fu Jingshu snapped back to reality, loosening his grip but not letting go. He gently and smoothly rubbed her waist. "I'm sorry, I came back late. I'll never pull any surprises again. Wherever I go, I'll take you with me."
Shen Qingqing pouted, "Even if you want to take me, I might not want to go with you."
"Then I won't go either."
Shen Qingqing turned around and saw the earnest look on Fu Jingshu's face. It was clear he wasn't just trying to coax her. She hesitated, then decided to address the important matter first, "Do you want to cooperate with Mr. He or not?"
"A project that comes to us? Why wouldn't I take it?"
Shen Qingqing understood.
She called Mr. He and arranged a time and place to meet, setting it for the afternoon of Mr. He's discharge from the hospital.
After hanging up the phone, Shen Qingqing turned and glared at him. While she was on the phone, the man behind her had been restless, nuzzling her neck and deliberately teasing her.
It was unbearable.
Shen Qingqing felt a fire ignite within her. Seeing that the children hadn't come downstairs yet, she knew they were giving them some private time. So, she pulled the man upstairs to their room.
Fu Jingshu's lips curved upwards, a hint of triumphant amusement flashing in his eyes.
...
In the familiar reception room of Mr. He's house, using the same tea set from their first meeting.
Mr. He poured two cups of tea for the couple sitting opposite him. Without further ado, he presented the cooperation agreement while they sipped their tea.
"Take a look. If you think everything is in order, please sign it."
After all, with so many things happening recently, the project hadn't started yet, and the government had sent people to follow up.
They hoped to complete it by the end of the year, so time was tight, which was why Mr. He was a bit anxious.
But despite his anxiety, Fu Jingshu carefully reviewed the contract. All the terms were beneficial to both parties. "Mr. He, you've stated in this contract that all profits will be split equally. Are you sure you don't regret it?"
"This is what I should do." Mr. He looked at Shen Qingqing with full of tenderness, "I believe Xiao Qing would have been happy to see this."
Shen Qingqing frowned slightly, "If it's for my mother's sake, then you don't need to. I'd rather you recognize my husband's capabilities."
A smile flickered in Fu Jingshu's eyes.