Chapter 1528: Chapter 1528: Love Will Always Be the Icing on the Cake
“I never expected…” Zhou Ran began, her face calm.
She had remained silent all along; what Miao Xiu recounted matched her own past experiences almost perfectly.
Miao Xiu said, “Xu Mengxi mentioned in the recording that perhaps heaven wanted her to spend more time looking at her daughter. Yet, she would never again have the chance to hold her like before, to soothe her to sleep.”
“Even up until her death, she longed to see her daughter. Many times, she even considered stepping out of Qing City to come to C City to find her. But her conscience told her she couldn’t do it—doing so would violate her past promise and betray Madam Zhou; secondly, it would surely disrupt Mrs. Shen’s peaceful life; thirdly, she feared her daughter would resent her and accuse her of failing as a mother.”
“After weighing it repeatedly, she chose to remain in Qing City.” Miao Xiu said.
“Mumu wouldn’t hate her.” Shen Chi spoke, his heart stirred.
He considered himself cold and ruthless, but upon hearing all this, the softest part of his heart seemed to be touched.
How could any mother endure years of separation from her daughter…
The one who suffered most was Xu Mengxi, but somehow, the one who was happiest was also Xu Mengxi.
“Before passing away, Xu Mengxi recorded a lengthy audio. She never intended for her daughter to hear it; she simply wanted to express her joy.” Miao Xiu said, “In Qing City, she didn’t have anyone to talk to, so she often spoke to the recorder, as if she were having a conversation with her daughter.” Miao Xiu admitted.
When Miao Xiu learned all this, he couldn’t deny that he, too, was moved.
In this world, love is profound, and so is maternal love.
And Xu Mengxi was a fulfiller, whether in love or motherhood.
She fulfilled Bai Xuan and also fulfilled Xu Chaomu.
From start to finish, she was the most selfless, even at the cost of being misunderstood by those she loved most for many years…
Miao Xiu had met countless brilliant minds, but he acknowledged that Xu Mengxi was the most brilliant person he had ever encountered.
In her brilliance, he saw countless shimmering lights, dazzling and radiant.
“Mother.” Shen Chi looked at Zhou Ran, speaking slowly, “All these years, why didn’t you tell us the truth…”
Zhou Ran’s expression remained as calm as ever; she lifted her gaze to look at Shen Chi.
There was no reproach in Shen Chi’s tone; he was simply seeking an answer.
Miao Xiu remained silent; he knew that Zhou Ran’s heart regarding this matter was not as indifferent as her exterior seemed. She valued friendship, love, and promises. Beneath her strong exterior lay a tender soul.
“I didn’t know whether she was still alive. Even if she was, I never planned to tell.” Zhou Ran gave the same answer, measured and unhurried.
Shen Chi didn’t pursue it further. Zhou Ran had already told him before: not everything requires a clear answer.
Sometimes, choosing oblivion is a rarity in itself.
Miao Xiu said, “I’ve said about everything there is to say. I’ve compiled all the relevant documents, and the answers are mostly in the files and the recorder. Xu Mengxi’s residence is still under supervision, so if you wish to visit, you can at any time.”
“Thank you,” Shen Chi said to Miao Xiu.
“You’re welcome; it was my duty.” Miao Xiu smiled faintly.
The mischievous, carefree side of Miao Xiu was now replaced by someone much more composed, meticulous, and serious in his work.
He placed a stack of documents neatly onto Shen Chi’s desk, perfectly aligned.
Zhou Ran had long since recovered from her initial shock; after all, she was the sole witness to the entire incident.
Over the years, her heart had grown calmer, less prone to fluctuations.
For a moment, the office was silent.
Miao Xiu glanced at Shen Chi, then at Zhou Ran. He smiled and said, “Well, my task here is done. President Shen, it seems we’ll rarely meet again; shall I take my leave?”
“Why ‘rarely meet again’? Are you heading abroad or to heaven?” Shen Chi asked in his usual lazy, teasing tone.
Miao Xiu froze momentarily, then burst into laughter.
It was this familiar Shen Chi that put him at ease…
“Neither abroad nor to heaven, I’m going to pursue my mentor.” Miao Xiu smiled and threw a glance at Shen Chi.
“No need for a seasoned driver to guide the way?” Shen Chi gave him a cool glance.
“Would the seasoned driver be annoyed by this rookie?”
“Depends on your performance.”
“Well then, President Shen, my friend delivered me a jar of coffee beans yesterday—it’s genuinely aromatic. Would you like one?”
“One jar of coffee beans to try to win me over?”
“How about two jars? No more than that; I only have two.”
“Fine, two jars it is. I’ll begrudgingly accept it—but deliver them personally.”
“Alright, absolutely. Then I’ll head off now to find my mentor!” Miao Xiu packed up his belongings and walked out of the office.
The atmosphere grew much lighter; Zhou Ran also glanced at Shen Chi.
“Achi, do you have anything else you’d like to say to me?”
“Carrying the reputation of a murderer all these years—doesn’t it tire you?” Shen Chi asked lightly.
Zhou Ran laughed instead. Her laughter remained elegant and graceful, like an orchid growing in the secluded valleys.
“The people I love most believe in me—there’s nothing tiring about it.” Zhou Ran gently smiled.
Over the years, neither Shen Cexian nor Shen Chi ever believed she was guilty of murder. She should feel fortunate that her husband and son understood her.
“Did you really have to tear me and Chaomu apart?” Shen Chi also smiled.
“I was merely thinking from a bystander’s perspective, planning for you. Back then, Xu Chaomu was just a little girl; I didn’t think she understood love, nor did I believe she could bring you anything worthwhile. On the contrary, she might have caused you trouble.”
“No, love only ever adds warmth and joy,” Shen Chi replied.
“You’re right.” Zhou Ran lowered her gaze to her son.
Over the years, she had learned many truths, some of which were taught by her son.
Years ago, she had been too fixated, too rigid.
Sometimes, when you view things from another perspective, they can appear completely different.
“There’s a new dessert place downstairs; come on, I’ll treat you.” Shen Chi curved his lips, locking all the files into his cabinet, taking only the recorder with him.
Zhou Ran didn’t refuse. She thought to herself that it had been too long since she shared a dessert alone with her son.
As they walked out of the office side by side, they chatted casually along the way.
Over the years, due to issues surrounding Xu Mengxi and Xu Chaomu, their relationship had been tense at times.
“Is this dessert shop yours, too?” Zhou Ran asked as they reached the storefront, glancing in curiosity.
“Mom, as always, you understand me.”
“How could I not? The decor of this dessert shop unmistakably mirrors your taste. And as for the signature desserts here, I took a look—they seem to be Chaomu and Xiaobao’s favorites.”
“I simply wanted to make it convenient for them to enjoy their favorite treats whenever they visit the office.”
“So you went ahead and opened such a large shop—such extravagance!”
Shen Chi coaxed Zhou Ran, saying, “Mom, I know you adore pearls. Someday I’ll open a Pearl Shop just for you.”