For the next seven days, Chen Qing Wu and Meng Fu Yuan spent most of their time in the apartment.

Occasionally, they went out to buy supplies, spend time in a café, or simply bask in the sun by the river.

They lived a life reminiscent of hibernation.

This was probably the most relaxed Spring Festival Chen Qing Wu had ever experienced, free from the obligations of visiting relatives and friends to pay New Year greetings.

Even without being productive, there was no anxiety.

Calls came from home, but after a few words, the other party would hang up angrily.

However, Liao Shuman still accepted the red envelope that Chen Qing Wu sent her.

As for Meng Fu Yuan, regardless of how Meng Chengyong and Qi Lin tried to persuade him, he always responded with ease.

Not being in front of them limited the impact of their words, and once the call ended, it had no further effect.

Good times always seemed too short.

On the eighth day, Meng Fu Yuan’s company resumed work, and Chen Qing Wu’s studio was also ending its spring break and returning to business.

In the morning, after driving Chen Qing Wu to her studio, Meng Fu Yuan planned to return to Nancheng. Firstly, to have a meal and catch up with Mr. Lu from SE, secondly, to visit a temple to fulfill a vow, and thirdly, to drive her pickup truck back to Dongcheng.

Meng Fu Yuan planned to make the round trip in one day, but Chen Qing Wu told him not to rush and that it was okay to stay an extra day.

At 2 PM, Meng Fu Yuan arrived in Nancheng, had a simple meal, and headed to the Chen family.

Before going, he had messaged Liao Shuman, who said she would not be home at that time and told him to take the car himself.

When he arrived at the Chen house, Meng Fu Yuan knocked on the door and handed the New Year’s gifts to the maid who answered. Just as he was about to go get the car, he heard footsteps from the living room.

Liao Shuman appeared, dressed up and holding a bag, seemingly about to go out.

Meng Fu Yuan immediately greeted her.

Liao Shuman nodded, “Just arrived?”

“Yes. I’m planning to take Qing Wu’s car to the suburbs.”

“To visit your grandparents?”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded.

“How has Qing Wu been recently?”

“She’s very happy. Auntie, don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.”

“She’s not a child who needs much worry,” Liao Shuman said blandly. “She’s just young and tends to think she’s fighting the whole world when she’s emotional.”

“I think it’s rare and valuable to have such pure bravery.”

“So you just accompany her in this?” Liao Shuman glanced at him, “I didn’t realize you were such an imprudent child.”

“Sorry. I know it will be hard for our families to stay connected in the future, but for me, Qing Wu is more important.”

“I hope you’ll remember this determination ten or twenty years from now.”

“I will.”

Liao Shuman was somewhat dazed. Meng Fu Yuan’s tone lacked the solemnity of an oath but sounded as convincing as stating an irrefutable basic theorem.

Liao Shuman said no more, adjusted her cashmere shawl, and was ready to leave. Before going, she said lightly, “Make sure she eats well. Don’t let her skip meals when she’s busy. And tell her to quit smoking; her health isn’t great, and she might end up with cancer at a young age.”

Meng Fu Yuan was somewhat taken aback and nodded.

He took the car and drove to his grandparents’ place.

The elderly couple lived in the suburbs.

They disliked the hustle and bustle of the city and, after retiring, rented a house with a yard and fields in the suburbs. They tended the vegetable garden during the day and spent the evenings reading and listening to operas, their health remaining good due to the lack of worries.

The sun was out today, and the old couple was basking in the yard.

Meng Fu Yuan’s grandmother was using a voice app on her phone, downloaded by Meng Qi Ran, who also taught her how to connect it to the Bluetooth speaker. The speaker was currently playing “The Story of the Jade Hairpin.”

Grandfather held a vertically bound book, reading word by word with his reading glasses on.

Parking the car by the roadside, Meng Fu Yuan walked into the yard, smiling, “Reading in the sun will strain your eyes.”

The old couple immediately looked up and exclaimed joyfully, “Fu Yuan!”

Meng Fu Yuan handed them the gifts, and Grandfather fetched him a chair to sit in the yard. Though he said he would only sit for a while, Grandma couldn’t help but bring out snacks, fruits, and tea.

After some busy work, Grandma finally sat down, persuaded by Meng Fu Yuan.

Naturally, the topic couldn’t avoid Meng Fu Yuan and Chen Qing Wu this time.

Grandfather said, “You were nowhere to be seen during the New Year, and your father told the relatives and friends that you went abroad for research.”

“Only the family knows for now?”

“Given their personalities, they wouldn’t be the first to spread the news.”

Meng Fu Yuan looked at his grandparents, “You don’t object?”

“We’re old and near the end, can’t care about so much.”

Meng Fu Yuan laughed, “Don’t say such taboo words, you both will live long.”

Grandmother took an orange, intending to peel it for Meng Fu Yuan, but he took it and peeled it himself.

“Fu Yuan…” Grandmother looked at him, hesitant, “Did you… know about your father’s past?”

“Yes.” Meng Fu Yuan’s tone was particularly calm.

“We’ve regretted it.” Grandma sighed, “Had we known, we would’ve let your father be with that girl, avoiding so many problems later on.”

Meng Fu Yuan remained silent.

“Your father, with his character, only knows how to go with the flow. His tragedy back then, he wants to replay it through his child.”

“I am me, he is him.” Meng Fu Yuan said flatly.

“What are your plans for the future?” Grandfather asked.

“Live our lives well. Whether the elders accept it or not doesn’t affect us.”

“You won’t return to Nancheng?”

“Of course, we’ll come back often to see you.”

Grandmother smiled, “Next time, bring Qing Wu secretly, and I’ll give her a red envelope.”

Meng Fu Yuan smiled and agreed.

Grandfather asked again, “What is the Chen family’s attitude?”

“Uncle Chen opposes it, but Aunt Liao is okay.”

“Uncle Chen is somewhat biased towards sons. I don’t think he necessarily looks down on you, just can’t save face for now. With your conditions, you’re more than enough for their family.”

“Don’t say that, Grandfather,” Meng Fu Yuan gently objected, knowing the old man meant no harm, “Qing Wu is excellent. I should say she is more than enough for me.”

Grandfather laughed, “So protective.”

Chen Suiliang’s bias was never openly discussed, but everyone knew it. Liao Shuman refused to have a second child, saying that taking care of one sickly child was already exhausting. If she had another, it would be like asking for her life. The couple often quarreled, and whenever they did, Chen Suiliang would say that Chen Qing Wu was born to repay debts.

These words were never said in front of Chen Qing Wu, but she was inherently more sensitive than other children. How could she not feel her father’s concealed annoyance?

Meng Fu Yuan often marveled at how much tougher Qing Wu was compared to him, able to find and insist on being herself in such an environment, without seeking parental approval. From this perspective, she was a child without a home early on, which explained why studying abroad always felt urgent and insecure to her.

He never thought it was hard to understand why Qing Wu once liked Meng Qi Ran. Those born free always shone a bit more, and it’s natural for those who are shackled to yearn for that light.

“Have the families been in contact during the New Year?” Meng Fu Yuan asked.

“Of course not. I don’t see it happening in the future unless they both come to accept you two. Then, as in-laws, they have to maintain appearances.”

Meng Fu Yuan said nothing.

As a child, he disliked TV dramas with harmonious, happy endings, seeing them as another form of implicit bullying by the oppressors against the oppressed.

Who said a big happy ending was the standard?

He and Qing Wu would never compromise themselves to fit a conventional reunion.

Family ties also depend on fate; some things are better left to fate.

Meng Fu Yuan intended to leave after a short visit but couldn’t bear to disappoint the elderly, so he stayed for dinner and rescheduled his meeting with Mr. Lu for the next day.

After dinner, he returned to the city and booked a hotel room.

He took a shower, changed his clothes, and called Qing Wu via video.

She seemed just out of a busy spell, still wearing an apron with mud on it.

“Have you had dinner?” Meng Fu Yuan asked.

“No… I was going to order takeout.”

“Order now.”

“Wait a moment…”

“It’ll take at least half an hour to arrive, order now.”

Qing Wu smiled, “Alright.”

The screen switched to her avatar, but her voice continued, “Aren’t you coming back today?”

“Things aren’t done yet. I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”

“I see.”

“Who said it’s okay to stay an extra day?” Meng Fu Yuan laughed.

“I did. But not seeing you all day feels a bit strange.”

They had never really chatted over voice calls before, even if they did, it was just to relay information.

In this kind of casual chat, he couldn’t help but notice her voice sounded a bit different than in person, but not much.

A moment later, Qing Wu reappeared on the screen, “I’ve ordered.”

“What did you get?”

“Chicken cutlet rice. Nothing special. Blame you, your cooking is so good, I can’t go back to simple food.”

Meng Fu Yuan chuckled.

“Are you staying at the hotel?” Qing Wu seemed to be looking at his surroundings.

“Yes. Just visited grandparents.”

“How are they?”

“Good. They said next time, I should secretly bring you over.”

Qing Wu laughed, “Wouldn’t Uncle and Aunt be angry?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

It seemed like just chatting, and time passed unknowingly.

He was a person who valued efficiency, rarely chatting about trivial things, except for occasional tea at Sister An’s place.

But with Qing Wu, even hearing about her ordering new shampoo felt interesting and calming.

The delivery man’s voice came from the other end, and Qing Wu responded, “I’ll hang up for now…”

“It’s okay. Just put your phone aside while you eat.”

“You want to watch me eat?”

“I’ll do some work, you can be background noise.”

Qing Wu laughed and agreed, running to the door to get the food.

After some shaking, the camera was set on the coffee table.

Qing Wu sat on the sofa opposite, opening the takeout bag.

Meng Fu Yuan took his tablet, opened the OA backend, and glanced at his phone, “Is it good?”

“Just okay. It’s edible.”

Meng Fu Yuan “accompanied” Qing Wu, ensuring she finished her meal properly.

“I might have to work a bit more, I’ll video call you later, okay?” Qing Wu said while cleaning up the takeout boxes.

“Okay. When you’re almost done, call the driver to take you to the apartment.”

Qing Wu nodded.

Returning to work after a break involved trivial tasks that consumed a lot of time.

By the time she finished, it was past eleven.

With Meng Fu Yuan not around, Qing Wu didn’t feel like going to his apartment, so she decided to sleep at her studio.

After wrapping things up, she took a hot shower and was about to lock the door when she saw two car lights in front.

Squinting, she recognized Meng Fu Yuan’s car.

It seemed he had instructed the driver to pick her up.

The car stopped at the door.

The rear door opened.

Qing Wu was surprised.

Meng Fu Yuan stepped out.

He had changed his inner clothes but was still wearing the same black coat from the morning.

The door closed lightly, and he walked over, the steps seeming to bring a breeze.

Qing Wu was still in a daze when he hugged her, “Why are you…”

“I wanted to see you.” Meng Fu Yuan said, burying his head in her shoulder.

“Weren’t you supposed to finish things…”

“Tomorrow morning.”

Luckily, Nancheng wasn’t far.

“You’re crazy.” Qing Wu laughed, hugging him back.

“Maybe.”

After a while, Qing Wu suggested a place to stay, “Should we go to your place? But it’s late now, a bit far. If you don’t mind, you can stay at my place.”

“Is it convenient?”

“Don’t be so polite.” Qing Wu laughed, gently nudging his shoe with hers.

They entered, and Qing Wu locked the door.

There was freshly boiled water in the kettle, so she poured him a cup.

He took the cup, placed it on the coffee table, and pulled her onto his lap.

Without hesitation, he cupped her neck and kissed her.

Despite traveling late, he still carried a thin layer of coldness.

Perhaps their close company over the past week made even a day apart unbearable.

After a long kiss, Qing Wu leaned on his shoulder, “Want some midnight snack?”

“No need.”

“Then a shower? You have to get up early tomorrow.”

“I showered at the hotel.”

Qing Wu went to find toiletries for him.

Zhao Yingfei often stayed over, so she had disposable towels and toothbrushes ready.

It was the second time Meng Fu Yuan entered her personal space.

The bedding had been changed, now a plain cream color.

After washing up, he didn’t see Qing Wu and was about to look for her when she came around the corner with a water cup and phone charger.

She set the cup down and plugged the charger into the bedside table outlet.

There was a magazine on the bed, and Meng Fu Yuan sat down, casually flipping through it.

Qing Wu straightened up, glanced at him, “Do you need anything else? I don’t have pajamas that fit you.”

“No need.”

Suddenly, Meng Fu Yuan remembered something, closed the magazine, and set it on the bedside table.

He went to get his coat from the coat rack and took out a red envelope, handing it to Qing Wu.

“From grandparents.”

“So much…” Qing Wu weighed it, smiling, “Seems more than previous years.”

“It has a special meaning.”

Qing Wu set the red envelope on the bedside table, “Shall we sleep early?”

Meng Fu Yuan agreed, pulling Qing Wu onto his lap again, hugging her tightly.

Memories of their previous time there were vivid.

It was almost the same spot.

“Qing Wu…” His voice softened.

Qing Wu knew what he was thinking, silently lowering her head.

In the soft yellow light, they looked at each other, Qing Wu closed her eyes, and kissed him.

Everything was quiet and lingering.

After a while, Qing Wu pushed him onto his back, kneeling on the bed and bending down to kiss him again.

Her hair fell, blocking the light.

The scent of her hair, like the subtle fragrance of flowers after rain, filled his nostrils.

Before things escalated, Meng Fu Yuan stopped the kiss. They didn’t have any protection there.

Qing Wu also understood, knowing it would be torturous to continue.

Meng Fu Yuan decided to sleep in his shirt.

After turning off the light, the suburban night seemed quieter, almost eerie.

“Are you scared to be alone at night?”

“Not really. Watching horror movies with Zhao Yingfei has desensitized me.”

“So that’s how you trained your courage.”

“Are you implying something?”

“No.” Meng Fu Yuan chuckled.

This was probably their first time sharing a bed without having sex after being together.

A new experience.

She lay on his arm, smelling the scent of his bath products, playing the boring game of guessing which hotel he stayed at.

With the heater on, it wasn’t noticeable, but his body temperature was much higher than hers, making her feel warm.

Their plan to sleep early seemed to be failing.

Qing Wu said, “Sleep? You have to get up early.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded, finding her lips in the dark.

After the kiss ended, Meng Fu Yuan said softly, “Qing Wu.”

“Mm?”

“It’s too cold here, move in with me.”

Qing Wu smiled in the dark, but said, “No.”

“Why?”

“Too far.”

“I’ll drive you.”

“Still too far, I’ll lose a lot of sleep.”

“Then there’s no choice.” Meng Fu Yuan thought for a moment, “When I come back, we’ll look for a house.”

“…Huh?”

“You can choose a location you’re comfortable with.”

“…Only people planning to get married buy a house together.”

Meng Fu Yuan paused, “Then let’s get married.”

Silence filled the air.

Meng Fu Yuan quickly said, “Just kidding. Did I scare you?”

“So it was a joke. I actually had a bit of hope.”

Meng Fu Yuan was surprised, “…We’ve just started dating.”

“But we’ve known each other for twenty-six years.”

Meng Fu Yuan didn’t know if she was serious.

Qing Wu suddenly said, “Did you transfer your residence to Dongcheng?”

“Yes.”

“I got a US visa last time.”

The topic shift was abrupt, Meng Fu Yuan took a moment to react, “And?”

“For the visa, you need a household registration book, you know?”

“…Yes.”

“The household registration book is still with me.”

Silence again.

“Qing Wu, are you serious?”

“Why not?”

“I hope you’re not acting on impulse. It’s not that I don’t want to, believe me, I was prepared from the start, but…”

“From the moment I made the choice, I never intended to just casually date you. I won’t let down someone who liked me for six years.” Qing Wu paused, “But a quick marriage is too extreme, we can plan slowly.”

Meng Fu Yuan hugged her tighter, “…Sorry.”

“Mm?” Qing Wu didn’t understand why he apologized.

“I underestimated your determination.”

“It’s not me you underestimate, it’s yourself.”

Qing Wu laughed, “You seem a bit insecure.”

Meng Fu Yuan stayed silent.

“Seems like we really should have a quick marriage.” Qing Wu joked, “Isn’t that the cliché for a domineering CEO?”

“…Are you serious?”

“…Kidding.”

“Too late. Let’s go to the civil affairs bureau tomorrow.”

“You need an appointment, you can’t just walk in, didn’t you know?”

“Seems you’re very familiar with the marriage registration process?”

Such a jealous tone.

Qing Wu laughed, “How about this, I’ll give you a verbal commitment first. Darling…”

Meng Fu Yuan anticipated her term of endearment and covered her mouth.

His voice was low by her ear, “Do you really want to sleep early?

Qing Wu blinked and nodded.

“Then don’t call me that.”