"Sister Su Qi is such a good-natured woman, very likable. I doubt anyone could refuse such a woman, right?"
*Crack.*
With a crisp sound, Li Caiyi looked over in surprise to see that the chopsticks in Huo Tingyun's hand had snapped.
"Tingyun, what's wrong..."
"Poor quality," Huo Tingyun said, signaling the waiter to replace his chopsticks.
Li Caiyi picked up the wooden chopsticks. These were made of expensive wood; how could they break so easily? She even tried them herself and found she couldn't break them at all.
The next day, Su Qi went to the Huo residence after work. Qin Xue hadn't been in good spirits for the past two days. According to Aunt Tong, she had been suffering from insomnia. Su Qi had prepared some traditional Chinese medicine. Upon arriving at the Huo residence, she gave the medicine to Aunt Tong before heading upstairs to Qin Xue's room.
Only when Su Qi visited and spoke with her did Qin Xue's mood improve slightly. Looking at Su Qi's visibly growing belly and feeling the fetal movements, Qin Xue's heart was filled with immense comfort. A hint of a smile appeared on her usually worried face, but her health continued to decline. It started with a cough, then her complexion worsened, and her appetite dwindled.
Su Qi, concerned, called the family doctor. After a thorough examination, no physical abnormalities were found.
"It seems to be a matter of the heart, requiring a remedy for the heart," the doctor said before leaving.
Su Qi watched the doctor's car drive away, then stood there, contemplating for a moment. She returned upstairs and took Qin Xue's hand. "Aunt Qin, how about we stay at the temple on the mountain for a couple of days? There's a temple there, filled with the scent of incense, peaceful and quiet, very restorative."
The old master had also stayed at this temple for a period in the past, and his health had indeed improved considerably then. However, his body had been depleted for too long; even if Hua Tuo himself were alive, he would have been unable to save him.
"I'll do whatever you say," Qin Xue replied immediately, holding Su Qi's hand, without further comment.
Within a couple of days, Su Qi had packed some simple, comfortable clothes for Qin Xue and then took her to the temple in the suburbs.
Since the Huo residence was also in the suburbs, the distance to the temple wasn't too great. However, the mountain road was rugged, and it took half an hour to reach their destination.
This temple was known for its abundant incense but was exceptionally quiet. It only accepted one devotee for worship on the mountain each day, with limited spots that were booked years in advance. Consequently, those who had secured a spot often asked those who hadn't to go up and pray on their behalf.
Although only one person ascended the mountain daily, the incense burned continuously. It was the most famous temple in the country, renowned for its efficacy. It was said that nine out of ten people who made wishes here had them granted.
Su Qi had never believed in such things before. It wasn't until the old master fell gravely ill that she knelt before the Buddha for three days and three nights, praying for him. The old master's condition improved from critical to stable, and he lived healthily for over half a year. Only then did Su Qi finally believe that there were indeed deities in this world, and that sincerity truly moved heavens.
As the abbot and the old master were old friends, upon their arrival, Su Qi and Qin Xue were directly escorted to a meditation room. Qin Xue was assigned a room with a courtyard, which was exceptionally serene and elegant. The sleeping arrangements were on the floor, and the temple's common areas were all wooden floors. The courtyard was meticulously swept clean by the young monks.
It was evening, the setting sun casting a golden glow. The scenery from the mountaintop was magnificent and beautiful, as picturesque as a painting.
Su Qi made the bed for Qin Xue and opened the floor-to-ceiling wooden door. Beyond it lay the courtyard, connected to a corridor. Auspicious talismans hung under the eaves. Outside the courtyard stood a tree of unknown species, which remained lush and green even in winter, its leaves swaying gently in the breeze.
Qin Xue stood in the corridor, pulling her shawl tighter, gazing up at the beautiful scenery. For the first time, she found the surroundings so pleasant, bringing comfort to both body and mind.
"Last time I visited the old master, I was in such a rush, coming and going so quickly, I didn't even have time to stay and properly admire the scenery."
Qin Xue's voice carried a hint of nostalgia. The boundless, beautiful glow of the sunset was reflected in her eyes, and a touch of color and vitality seemed to return to her pale face.
"This place is secluded from the world, with beautiful scenery. Every day, one can chant scriptures, worship Buddha, eat vegetarian meals, and burn incense to purify the soul."
That period spent at the temple was her most carefree time. Her senses were clear, and she didn't need to contemplate the grievances and entanglements of the mortal world, nor the affairs of love.
Qin Xue turned her head, looking at Su Qi beside her. The shimmering sunset glow fell upon her cheeks. Her skin was fair and translucent. After becoming pregnant, she had filled out a bit, appearing even more graceful and charming. Even without makeup, her flawless, radiant skin and luminous eyes were ethereally beautiful.
It was the first time Qin Xue had observed Su Qi so closely, realizing how fortunate and pleasing to the eye her former daughter-in-law was.
"What a pity..."
"To lose you is a lack of fortune for Tingyun. Sooner or later, Tingyun will understand your worth."
Su Qi smiled, not taking the bait.
It no longer mattered.
She had burned away all her affection.
When the man repeatedly crossed her boundaries and ignored her feelings, she knew it was time to let go.
Perhaps, the best outcome for the two of them was to go their separate ways.
One should keep their unrequited love hidden in their heart to preserve its eternal beauty.
After eating a vegetarian meal at the temple, Su Qi drove down the mountain. Her handbag was still at the Huo residence. Because she was taking Qin Xue to the temple, she hadn't brought her handbag. Her car was parked at the entrance of the Huo residence. Su Qi got out of the car, intending only to retrieve her handbag, when a familiar voice called out from beside her.
"Sister Su Qi?"
Su Qi's brow furrowed, and she turned to look in the direction of the voice.
Li Caiyi stood beside a man, her arm linked with his, appearing docile and dependent.
"Huo Tingyun, Aunt Qin hasn't even been gone a day, and you're already rushing to bring your little canary home?!"
In an instant, Su Qi felt all the blood rush to her head.
"Yes, so what?" Huo Tingyun looked up, his dark, cold eyes fixed on her. His voice was indifferent and calm. "This is my home, not yours. Don't forget that, Su Qi."
"You're right. That's your biological mother, and you're indifferent to her. You only care if your little wife is wronged. Huo Tingyun, you're truly laughable!"
Su Qi couldn't comprehend how she had ever fallen in love with such a man!
This was perhaps the truth of the saying: when you love someone, even their flaws become virtues. When you no longer love them, even their greatest strengths become flaws. In the past, she had only seen Huo Tingyun's arrogance, dominance, and cold indifference as unique strengths. Now, it all seemed childish and ridiculous!
"Sister, please don't be angry. I didn't mean anything by it. Tingyun and I just came back for dinner. Tingyun said he wanted to introduce me to his family, and we'll be holding our wedding soon. We haven't visited the Huo family before, and Tingyun felt he owed me, so he brought me back. We're not trying to move in. Please don't be upset."