In the year that followed, her family underwent earth-shattering changes. The most devastating blow was her father's imprisonment for kidnapping and extortion.
When Song Qinian woke up again, her complexion was grim.
It was Lunar New Year. She wondered if her father had dumplings and a reunion dinner, if he could watch the Spring Festival Gala.
Lin Qiutong and Shen Qiwen were too cunning. Zhou Luo'te's side had made no progress. It seemed she would have to rely on herself.
Her phone suddenly rang. Song Qinian picked it up and saw a multitude of people wishing her a Happy New Year, including Miao Zi'ai, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Universe's Most Adorable Miao": "Niannian, Happy New Year! I miss you so much. Let's get together when you have time!"
Song Qinian sent Miao Zi'ai a red envelope, wishing "Universe's Most Adorable Miao a Happy New Year," and then sent another WeChat message: "I'm a bit busy lately. We'll go for a hot spring soak together after the new year."
"Okay! Thank you for the big red envelope, Niannian. I love you the most, mwah!"
Looking at the cute emojis Miao Zi'ai sent, Song Qinian's mood finally improved a little.
As soon as she exited the chat window, she saw Liu Xiaohan had also sent her a message.
"Niannian, Happy New Year. When are you coming home? Mom will cook your favorite dishes for you."
Despite her past grievances with Liu Xiaohan, Song Qinian knew she couldn't truly abandon her birth mother.
Moreover, Liu Xiaohan was also alone at home and must be lonely.
After thinking for a moment, Song Qinian replied via WeChat: "I'll come back tomorrow."
"Great, great... Is Shen Chi Yan coming with you?"
Shen Chi Yan was in the shower. Song Qinian glanced at the bathroom and replied, "Just me."
As soon as she finished sending the message, Shen Chi Yan emerged from the bathroom. He was wearing a grey bathrobe, water still trickling down his long neck and across his firm, sexy chest before disappearing into the robe.
Seeing Song Qinian staring at his chest, Shen Chi Yan curved his lips and struck a pose he considered particularly handsome. "Darling, do you need me to open my robe so you can have your fill?"
Song Qinian's face flushed. She immediately scrambled to the wardrobe to find her clothes.
Watching Song Qinian's blushing face, Shen Chi Yan's heart ached with longing. He couldn't help but corner her by the wardrobe. "If we didn't have to pay respects to Grandma later, I'd really want to..."
Song Qinian: "..."
Didn't this man ever get tired?
He had so much work to handle, yet so much energy.
After Song Qinian was dressed, Shen Chi Yan handed her a red envelope. Song Qinian blinked in surprise.
"My dearest wife, Happy New Year! This is your husband's lucky money!"
The red envelope was custom-made for Song Qinian, bearing the inscription: "Qiqi, Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true."
Song Qinian's heart warmed, and her eyes welled up slightly. She didn't reach out to take it immediately. Instead, she slowly gestured, "I'm not a child, why are you giving me lucky money?"
Shen Chi Yan pulled Song Qinian into his arms. "It's to ward off bad luck and calm your nerves. I hope my Qiqi will never have nightmares again and will be peaceful and joyful every day."
Song Qinian hugged Shen Chi Yan tightly. How could she not love this man!
"Today might be quite busy. Shall I accompany you back to your family's home tomorrow?"
Early in the morning, Song Qinian was overwhelmed by a wave of surprises. She had always thought Shen Chi Yan disliked Liu Xiaohan, so when Liu Xiaohan asked, she only said she would go back alone. She never expected Shen Chi Yan to be willing to accompany her.
Seeing Song Qinian's incredulous expression, Shen Chi Yan chuckled. "What? You don't want me to come?"
Song Qinian immediately shook her head. "I'm just very surprised."
"What's there to be surprised about? Liu Xiaohan is your mother, and she's my mother-in-law too. Accompanying you to your parents' home is a husband's duty."
Song Qinian's heart melted. She stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around Shen Chi Yan's neck, and gave him the first kiss of the New Year.
As they went downstairs, many people had already arrived. The old lady beckoned Song Qinian to sit beside her and subtly inquired about her sleep the previous night, which was essentially asking when she planned to have children with Shen Chi Yan.
Song Qinian felt cornered and was about to seek help from Shen Chi Yan when a servant suddenly rushed in. "Old Madam, Third... Third Master is back."
Before anyone in the household could react, Shen Zhenghao entered, escorting a man and a woman.
The woman wore a dark red qipao with a white cashmere shawl draped over it. Her hair was styled high, and she was delicate and beautiful, resembling a young lady from the Republican era.
She was holding Shen Zhenghao's arm, appearing somewhat nervous and lost.
The man wore a grey suit beneath a black wool overcoat. He was tall, slender, handsome, and refined.
Song Qinian immediately recognized Li Junshen and Ji Luofei. But she couldn't understand why Ji Luofei was arm in arm with Shen Zhenghao, nor why they had come to the Shen family's old residence together.
The moment Shen Chi Yan saw the trio, his handsome face turned cold. He was about to step forward when Shen Huanling, beside him, moved faster.
Shen Huanling walked up to Li Junshen, smiling, and linked her arm with his. "Mr. Li, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have come to welcome you. Oh, and why is my Third Uncle here with you?"
Li Junshen offered Shen Huanling a slight smile and subtly removed her hand. Before he could speak, Shen Chi Yan stepped forward and glared at him coldly. Then, he turned to Shen Zhenghao and said angrily, "It's the first day of the Lunar New Year. You're not welcome here."
"A'yan..."
"Get out!"
When Shen Chi Yan was angry, he was terrifying. The chilling aura emanating from him made Ji Luofei flinch. She instinctively hid behind Shen Zhenghao.
Seeing this, Shen Zhenghao's heart ached. He ignored Shen Chi Yan and turned to the expressionless old lady. "Mom... I've brought Luofei and Jun Shen to wish you a Happy New Year."
Shen Chi Yan clenched his fists. Just as he was about to throw them out, Gu Zhiyan stepped forward and patted his back.
Upon seeing Gu Zhiyan, Shen Chi Yan was deeply worried about her. However, Gu Zhiyan's reaction was better than he had anticipated. She was remarkably calm, even overly so.
"A'yan, he is your father after all. Since he's here, there's no reason to drive him away."
With that, Gu Zhiyan smiled at Shen Zhenghao. "Long time no see. You're still as much of a... scoundrel!"
Shen Zhenghao felt a flicker of guilt when facing Gu Zhiyan, but remembering that he had given her what he owed her, he didn't feel too remorseful. "Zhiyan, I saw your new movie. It's fantastic. Congratulations."
"No need. Since you're here to wish Mom a Happy New Year, do so. I didn't sleep well last night and need to catch up on beauty sleep. Excuse me!"
Gu Zhiyan didn't even spare Ji Luofei or Li Junshen a glance, as if she disdained to look at them. Holding her head high, she walked directly back to her room.