The next morning, after dropping off Chen Qing Wu at her studio, Meng Fu Yuan headed back to Nancheng without notifying anyone.

He arrived home at noon to find the house quiet, likely because the family had gone out to visit someone.

Meng Fu Yuan went upstairs first.

The door to the third-floor study was closed, with no signs of entry.

Perhaps due to a lack of ventilation, the room smelled dusty.

He drew the curtains and opened the window, letting the soft golden sunlight stream in, stirring the dust in the air.

Walking to the desk, he unlocked a drawer with a key.

Inside, everything was organized according to his habits, neat and undisturbed.

He took out a black leather journal.

Inside were some not-so-important but somewhat memorable receipts, like plane tickets, movie tickets, performance tickets, and exhibition tickets.

There were a few photos, including graduation photos with Mai Xunwen and a group photo from an all-night work session during the company’s early days.

The Polaroid of Chen Qing Wu was his one hidden indulgence.

The fireworks that New Year’s Eve were especially beautiful, and at her request, he had taken a Polaroid of her.

Through the viewfinder, she was smiling beautifully, and at that moment, he couldn’t resist his selfish desire and moved the camera slightly to exclude Meng Qi Ran from the frame.

The picture showed only her.

When the photo came out, Qing Wu turned to listen to Qi Ran.

He discreetly pocketed her solo shot and said the shutter hadn’t clicked, suggesting they retake it.

When he moved to Dongcheng, fearing that important items might get lost, he brought some materials back to Nancheng after sorting them.

It had been locked in the drawer ever since, deliberately left untouched.

The last time he took it out was after Qing Wu pointed out his feelings and subtly rejected him.

That day, after celebrating Qing Wu’s grandmother’s birthday and returning home, he stayed in the study for a long time.

Perhaps it was during that time, while putting the photo back, that he got a phone call and didn’t notice it falling out.

***

Meng Chengyong and Qi Lin returned home with the housekeeper after lunch.

Handing the groceries to the housekeeper, they headed to the living room but stopped abruptly.

Qi Lin almost shouted in surprise, “Fu Yuan?”

Meng Fu Yuan was sitting on the sofa, a black coat draped over the armrest, and a small suitcase beside him.

He was slightly hunched, elbows on his knees, smoking with a calm expression.

Qi Lin was visibly excited and incoherent, “When did you come back? Just now? Why didn’t you tell us… Have you eaten? I’ll ask Auntie to…”

“Mom.” Meng Fu Yuan extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray, sat up straight, and gestured to the sofa opposite, “Please sit down. No need to fuss; I just need to say a few things before I leave.”

Qi Lin, although uneasy, walked over and sat down.

“Father, you too.”

Meng Chengyong was stunned but complied.

Meng Fu Yuan looked at them and got straight to the point, “Did you give the Polaroid photo to Qing Wu?”

Meng Chengyong asked, “What photo?”

Qi Lin’s face changed immediately but remained silent.

Meng Fu Yuan’s question wasn’t directed at anyone in particular since he wasn’t sure who had approached Qing Wu.

Qi Lin’s reaction gave him the answer.

“How did you find it?”

“…I found it while cleaning your study, under the carpet by the desk,” Qi Lin admitted, knowing it was useless to deny it. “Did Qing Wu tell you?”

Meng Fu Yuan couldn’t help frowning, “No. Not a word. If I hadn’t accidentally found the photo, knowing her, she would never have told me.”

Qi Lin hesitated.

Meng Fu Yuan’s tone remained calm, “You pressured her, didn’t you?”

Qi Lin didn’t answer.

“Last National Day, you suspected something and subtly warned me, even arranging a blind date. When you realized you couldn’t get through to me, you went to Qing Wu.”

Meng Fu Yuan had pieced together most of it. Qi Lin found it hard to speak.

She felt today was even more unbearable than the day Meng Fu Yuan and Qing Wu went public before the New Year.

“Why didn’t you come to me directly?” Meng Fu Yuan stared at her. “Did you think Qing Wu would be more soft-hearted and considerate?”

“No… Qing Wu happened to visit that day, and I thought it was better to get it over with quickly.”

“Better to get it over with quickly.” Meng Fu Yuan closed his eyes briefly, “You’re right. So let me be clear: I’ve always known about your past.”

Meng Chengyong’s eyes flickered, wanting to defend himself, but Qi Lin shot him a glance, and he kept silent.

“Whether or not you’ve been partial over the years, I don’t plan to seek a verdict. None of that matters, but this time… it crossed my line.”

“Fu Yuan…” Meng Chengyong spoke up, “Your mother meant well. Now, you’re falling out with Qi Ran over a woman, unable to come home. Is this what you want?”

“This is exactly what I want.”

“You…”

“From now on, unless it’s Grandpa and Grandma’s birthday, I won’t return to Nancheng. I hope this is the first and last time you interfere with Qing Wu without my consent.”

Meng Fu Yuan’s tone remained steady, but his calm demeanor was more daunting.

They realized they had never truly understood their eldest son, who was known for being rational, meticulous, and exceptional since childhood. His excellence had always seemed a given.

Who could have predicted that such a person would sever ties with his family?

“Meng Fu Yuan,” Meng Chengyong couldn’t contain his anger, “No matter what, we are your parents. What do you mean by this? Are you cutting ties with us?”

Unmoved, Meng Fu Yuan picked up his coat and stood up, “I thought I made myself clear.”

Qi Lin stood up, hurriedly saying, “Fu Yuan… I’m sorry, I didn’t think it through…”

“You don’t need to apologize. I don’t want to delve into your motives. Let’s consider this matter settled. I have only one request: do not bother Qing Wu.” Meng Fu Yuan picked up his suitcase, nodded slightly, and walked towards the door without hesitation.

Qi Lin followed, “Fu Yuan…”

Meng Chengyong coldly said, “Let him go! Why chase after him? We might as well pretend we never had this son!”

Qi Lin turned back, “Is that what you truly think? Do you still wish you could relive your old dreams without him?”

“Be reasonable! Haven’t I treated you well all these years? Why bring up old grudges now?”

Qi Lin’s shoulders shook with anger, and overwhelmed by emotions, she began to cry.

Meng Chengyong sat in silence for a moment before getting up to console her, “Alright, alright… everyone says things they don’t mean when they’re angry. Instead of crying here, think about what we can do.”

“…What can we do?”

“I always thought that Chen girl was obedient. Who knew she had this side? We need to talk to her, convince her to persuade Fu Yuan. Does he really want to cut ties with his family?”

“Are you done?”

A voice came from upstairs.

Qi Lin and Meng Chengyong looked up.

“Qi Ran? Didn’t you say you took your car for maintenance?” Qi Lin was surprised.

Ignoring the question, Meng Qi Ran walked downstairs, speaking coldly, “My brother was clear. Why are you still planning to bother Qing Wu? Do you think she’s easy to push around?”

“Qi Ran, are you siding with your brother?” Qi Lin was taken aback.

“I’m siding with Qing Wu.” Meng Qi Ran looked annoyed. “Stop bullying her.”

Qi Lin was speechless.

“Don’t say those nasty things about her. You watched her grow up; don’t you know her character? Dad, you used to care about her the most. I don’t understand how your attitude has changed so much.”

“We’re thinking of you, and you don’t appreciate it.”

Meng Qi Ran glanced at Meng Chengyong, “It was my fault that things didn’t work out with Qing Wu. I didn’t handle it well and let her down. You can’t interfere with them.”

Qi Lin wanted to say more, but Meng Qi Ran had already walked to the door, opened it, and left.

Running, he finally caught up to Meng Fu Yuan.

“Brother!”

Meng Fu Yuan stopped and looked at him coldly.

Meng Qi Ran approached, hesitated.

Meng Fu Yuan checked his watch, “Speak quickly, I have a train to catch.”

“How is Qing Wu?”

“Very well. Don’t worry about her.”

Meng Qi Ran had many things to say but felt they were unnecessary after hearing “very well.”

Meng Fu Yuan stared at him for a moment.

In just over half a month, Meng Qi Ran looked much more haggard, as if the cooling words from Qing Wu had tempered his impulsiveness.

“Giving up?” Meng Fu Yuan asked calmly.

“No…”

“Qing Wu never said a bad word about you. She always thought you were too free to be restrained. This isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about different values.”

Meng Qi Ran looked up sharply.

“Take responsibility for your choices.”

With that, Meng Fu Yuan grabbed his suitcase and turned to leave.

“Take care of Qing Wu.”

Meng Fu Yuan stopped, frowning, “I’ve tolerated you long enough.”

Meng Qi Ran looked puzzled.

“Don’t call Qing Wu that anymore.”

“…What should I call her? I’ve called her that for twenty-six years; you want me to change suddenly?” Meng Qi Ran thought about it and realized it would be difficult for any man to tolerate someone else addressing his girlfriend so intimately.

“If you like, you can call her sister-in-law.”

Meng Qi Ran gritted his teeth, “I don’t like it!”

***

Chen Qing Wu made a batch of clay blanks today and placed them on the shelf to dry.

Then she began packing and shipping orders from the past two days.

There was a lot to do, especially with the studio’s online store running smoothly and daily orders coming in. Pre-sale and after-sale services gradually took up her creative time.

But hiring someone would be a financial stretch.

She had planned to consider hiring in the second half of the year, but now she had to think about it earlier.

After the courier picked up the packages, it was already 6:30 PM.

Since last week, Meng Fu Yuan had arranged for meals to be delivered to her at 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM daily.

She wasn’t sure which restaurant they came from, or if it was a private chef, but the meals were well-balanced and varied every day.

She felt a bit guilty about it, but Meng Fu Yuan was annoyed: Can’t you let your boyfriend show off a bit?

And if she really felt bad, she should eat more and gain some weight.

The meal delivery was already late, but she hesitated to ask and was about to order takeout when she received a message from Meng Fu Yuan.

Meng Fu Yuan: Get ready, let’s go out for dinner.

Meng Fu Yuan: I’ll be there in ten minutes.

Chen Qing Wu smiled and replied: The CEO isn’t working overtime today?

Meng Fu Yuan: The CEO is spending time with his girlfriend.

She waited for a bit, and soon, Meng Fu Yuan’s car arrived at the gate.

She was done for the day and planned to rest after dinner, so she checked the water and electricity, locked the door, and only took her laptop.

Today, a driver was driving the car. When Chen Qing Wu opened the back door, she got in and hugged Meng Fu Yuan, “Can you believe it?”

“Hmm?”

“It’s been ten hours since we last met!”

Meng Fu Yuan’s hand rested on her back, laughing, “Indeed, a bit too long.”

They went to a restaurant for dinner, then drove back to the apartment.

Dinner included a delicious braised beef dish, and Chen Qing Wu couldn’t resist eating an extra half bowl of rice, leaving her feeling stuffed. Near the community’s lake, she asked the driver to stop, wanting to walk off the meal.

The spring breeze was still a bit chilly.

The wooden path around the lake was almost empty.

After a while, they stopped at a spot with a wide view.

Chen Qing Wu leaned on the wooden railing, squinting against the wind.

Her hair got messed up, and as she smoothed it, she heard Meng Fu Yuan say, “Qing Wu, I saw the Polaroid photo in your bag.”

She was startled and turned quickly.

Meng Fu Yuan stepped forward, holding her hand, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

His tone wasn’t accusatory but regretful.

“You… you know everything?”

“Yes.”

“Did you talk to Auntie?”

“Yes. I went to Nancheng today.”

Chen Qing Wu was flustered, “And… how did it go?”

“Don’t worry about others, Qing Wu. I’m asking why you didn’t tell me you were being bullied.”

“Because I wasn’t sure if we’d end up together. If I told you, it would affect your relationship with Auntie. And after we got together… I thought it’s your family, your parents. They might not understand now, but maybe one day they will. If I told you, it would just create conflict.”

“Qing Wu, from now on, you are my family.”

Chen Qing Wu froze.

“You were under pressure alone while I stuck to the principle of not reaching out first. It was ridiculous.”

Meng Fu Yuan sighed, bringing her hand to his cheek, “Next time you’re upset, can you tell me first? I feel useless when you bear it alone.”

Chen Qing Wu was often moved by his sense of guilt, despite him giving her his purest loyalty and love.

She quickly nodded, “I will. But don’t abandon your principles.”

“Alright.”

The conversation returned to today’s events.

“Did the talk end badly?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take responsibility for my decisions.”

“Then there’s something you need to take responsibility for now.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m a bit cold… can you hug me?”

Meng Fu Yuan laughed and opened his coat, wrapping her in his arms.

***

Time flew by, and it was March.

Mrs. Zhuang Shiying’s ceramics exhibition was about to open, and Mai Xunwen planned to visit Dongcheng to attend the exhibition and meet up with Meng Fu Yuan.

That day, Maggie’s daughter Beibei came to Chen Qing Wu’s studio to try pottery.

Maggie had business in the morning, so she entrusted Beibei to Chen Qing Wu.

Beibei was an easy-to-communicate-with girl. Whether learning coil building or observing raku firing, she followed instructions well.

Raku Firing

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique that has been used for many centuries to create a very unique finish to wares. The Raku technique dates back to the 16th century, traditionally crafted by hand and not thrown on a potter’s wheel.

Around 2 PM, Meng Fu Yuan visited the studio.

Upon arrival, he saw a metal bucket outside the studio, smoke wafting from it, with a scent of burnt wood and leaves in the air.

Chen Qing Wu and Beibei were crouched near the bucket, Beibei wearing full protective gear, including a headscarf.

“What are you doing?”

They turned at the sound.

Beibei smiled and greeted, “Uncle Meng. Sister is showing me raku firing.”

Meng Fu Yuan didn’t correct the generational error and walked over to see several pieces cooling on the ground, still smoking.

Compared to her usual works, these had a wilder, more random charm.

“What does raku firing mean?” Meng Fu Yuan squatted beside them.

“Raku firing is…” Beibei looked at Chen Qing Wu. Explaining this concept was a bit challenging for a six-year-old.

Chen Qing Wu smiled, “Raku firing involves taking a glazed bisque to about 1000 degrees in an electric kiln. At high temperatures, it’s placed in a bucket with leaves and old newspapers, which are very flammable. The flames create a metallic sheen on the surface. This is American raku; Japanese raku is different. Raku firing is quick, and the results are random and fun.”

“That bowl was my choice,” Beibei pointed out. “Sister said I could take it home once it cooled.”

Meng Fu Yuan smiled, “What did you make?”

“I made a cat head. Sister said I could come back for it once it’s fired.”

Beibei, aware of the high temperatures, stayed away from the cooling pieces.

Chen Qing Wu stood up, removing her gloves, “Let’s leave them to cool and wash our hands, Beibei.”

Meng Fu Yuan followed them inside.

Chen Qing Wu removed Beibei’s protective gear and led her to the sink.

After washing up, Beibei took Meng Fu Yuan to see her work, a cat head with complete ears and nose.

Meng Fu Yuan praised, “Very well made.”

Chen Qing Wu, not used to seeing Meng Fu Yuan so amiable, glanced at him and smiled.

Around 3 PM, Maggie came to pick up her daughter. The bowl Beibei wanted was packed and ready.

Maggie thanked her profusely, saying her daughter wasn’t any trouble.

“Not at all. She was very good.” Chen Qing Wu patted Beibei’s head and said, “We had a great time, didn’t we?”

Beibei nodded enthusiastically.

Before leaving, Chen Qing Wu reminded, “That bowl is for display. Using it will oxidize the surface and the metallic sheen will fade.”

Maggie suggested to Beibei, “Let’s put it on your bookshelf, okay?”

“Okay!”

After sending off Maggie and Beibei, Meng Fu Yuan helped Chen Qing Wu clean up the raku equipment.

While washing her hands, she asked, “Aren’t you going back to work?”

“I took the afternoon off.”

“Great, there’s some material left. How about another lesson?”

“At your command, Teacher Chen.”

With his talent, Meng Fu Yuan could try using the electric potter’s wheel.

After preparing the clay, Chen Qing Wu instructed him on using the wheel, “Anchor your arms on your knees, keep your body about 30 centimeters from the wheel, and use your right foot to control the pedal. Try pressing the pedal to get a feel for the speeds.”

Meng Fu Yuan followed her instructions, glancing at her.

She nodded, “Throw the clay in the center and secure it. Then start the wheel and shape the clay into a cone—slowly.”

His movements were precise, without mistakes so far.

“Coat the clay with water until the surface is smooth.”

Observing his actions, she said, “Next is the tricky part: Hug the clay with both hands, using the side of your palms to squeeze towards the center, adding pressure with the pedal. Then lift the clay upwards.”

As the speed increased, Meng Fu Yuan became slightly flustered, “Teacher Chen, is this going from the Pythagorean theorem to calculus?”

Chen Qing Wu laughed, “Focus, it’s tilting!”

Seeing the clay about to collapse, she quickly steadied his hands.

The clay, under her guidance, was perfectly controlled.

“Qing Wu.”

“Hmm?”

“Have you seen that movie?” (*Note)

“That movie…”

“Yes.”

They both fell silent, breathing softly, eyes on their entwined hands in the clay.

The wheel continued spinning.

The clay, under her guidance, was lifted into a cone.

At that moment, Chen Qing Wu turned and kissed Meng Fu Yuan.

He let go of the pedal, and the wheel slowed to a stop.

He held her, their tongues intertwining fiercely.

The position was awkward, and soon, he was carrying her towards the sink, still kissing.

She wrapped her arms around his back, leaving handprints on his white shirt, but neither cared, only holding tighter.

When they paused, he washed their hands under running water, then lifted her and carried her to the bedroom.

Fearing they might soil the sheets, he removed her dress and his shirt.

She lay back, and he leaned over, kissing her, while his hand moved down purposefully.

Feeling the damp fabric, he chuckled.

She reflexively arched her knees, but he pressed them apart.

A moment later, she heard rustling, seeing him near her feet.

Grabbing her ankle, he kissed the gray birthmark.

The touch of his lips made her resist the urge to pull away.

That day’s memory, with the salty sea breeze, came rushing back.

She could almost see the sunlight filtering through the palm leaves, shimmering like the water’s surface.

Her heartbeat quickened, as if an ocean roared within her.

His breath traced up from her ankle.

Realizing his intention, she tried to push him away, “You can’t…”

“I can.” He removed her hand, “Trust me, Qing Wu. You’ll like it.”

“But…”

He didn’t give her a chance to argue, acting swiftly.

Her heart raced, nearly stopping, the sensation overwhelming.

The studio door wasn’t locked; someone could come in at any moment.

This insecurity heightened the excitement.

She dared not look down, only seeing his dark hair when she did.

Someone so dignified, now…

In that moment, she cried, and he immediately held her tightly, laughing softly, “A bit ungrateful, aren’t you, Qing Wu?”

“…”

She couldn’t speak.

The afternoon was quietly forgotten.

Held by Meng Fu Yuan for a long time, she finally recovered, gently pushing him away. She tried to get off the bed, but he grabbed her arm, “Where are you going?”

“Of course…”

“No.” He held her, guiding her hand. Her hands, rough from working with clay, were calloused.

“But you just…”

“No buts.” He was firm.

Holding her so tightly, she couldn’t escape.

After a moment, he laughed softly, “Is this your secret weapon?”

“…”

“Don’t use it again.”

Frustrated, she bit his shoulder.

Fortunately, she had the foresight to prepare a change of clothes for him.

After they cleaned up, they emerged to find the sky ablaze with sunset.

The half-formed clay lay on the wheel, a testament to her patient teaching, but Meng Fu Yuan had no plans to touch it again anytime soon.

Locking the studio, they drove off, discussing dinner plans amid the city’s glowing lights.