Xu Tingyu didn't say a word. She just shot him a glare, then shook off his hand the next second and quickened her steps to find Youyou.
The garden was deserted, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of gardenias.
Xu Tingyu and Youyou walked side by side, chatting merrily.
Qi Shifeng trailed behind, watching them.
His mind was filled with the image of Xu Tingyu when she first went to the Qi family. She was led by the butler to find him.
She had fair cheeks and bright, water - like eyes, the unique elegance and charm of a young girl.
When she saw him, she gave a sweet smile. Her bright eyes were full of affection, as if she had captured the whole spring in her smile.
He wondered why he hadn't realized at that time that when she looked at him with those black and clear eyes, she had actually seen into his heart.
He could only blame himself.
He curled his lips in a self - mocking smile, then quickened his steps to join their conversation.
"Youyou will be on holiday next week. Let's go surfing at the seaside."
Xu Tingyu was a bit surprised but mostly delighted.
Actually, Youyou had already been on summer vacation for a while. But Qi Shifeng was strict with Youyou. Even during the holidays, there were all kinds of courses arranged.
Although she didn't quite agree with making a child learn so many things, she didn't want to interfere with Qi Shifeng's educational philosophy.
After all, she had been a hands - off parent for four years. If she came back and interfered too much, it wouldn't be good for Youyou.
Naturally, she readily agreed to this travel proposal.
Youyou was also overjoyed. "Great! Dad said he would teach me how to swim before."
Qi Shifeng squatted down, picked Youyou up and put him on his shoulders.
This action made Youyou burst into laughter.
He loved sitting on his father's shoulders because it was high and the view was great.
"Okay, I'll teach you how to swim. We'll also go fishing on the sea then."
While making promises to Youyou, Qi Shifeng reached out and took Xu Tingyu's hand.
This time, Xu Tingyu glanced at him but finally said nothing and let him hold her hand obediently.
The family of three played in the garden for quite a while before returning to the room.
Qi Shifeng even had someone send over a few sets of clothes for him and Youyou, clearly showing his determination of "where she is, there I am".
Xu Tingyu pretended not to notice and ignored him, just focusing on playing with Youyou.
At night when they went to sleep, Youyou slept between them.
Qi Shifeng protested to Xu Tingyu with his eyes, but it was in vain. He could only lie down on the other side aggrievedly.
But after only two days of "good days", now being cold - shouldered, he naturally couldn't fall asleep.
However, he was extremely good at "lying in ambush". Even though he couldn't sleep, he didn't toss and turn. He just lay there quietly.
Xu Tingyu thought he had fallen asleep first, so she softly told Youyou a story and then turned off the light.
Youyou's breathing soon became steady.
But Xu Tingyu didn't know if it was because she took a nap in the afternoon, but she wasn't sleepy for the moment.
It was better during the day. Now that it was quiet, she couldn't help but think about the illegitimate child again.
She also couldn't help but wonder why Xu Jianmin had made such a choice in the end.
Didn't he finally get the healthy son he wanted the most?
Why did he finally jump off the building because of debts?
And that woman and the illegitimate child had never shown up, which always made her feel restless.
She turned over and stared blankly at the moonlight outside the window.
She didn't know how much time had passed when a warm body suddenly pressed against her back.
She was startled. Before she could move, her waist was encircled.
She turned her head and found that Qi Shifeng had moved Youyou to his side at some point.
Now he had "occupied" Youyou's position and was hugging her from behind, with a smug smile on his face.
Xu Tingyu was both amused and helpless. She lowered her voice. "Aren't you being childish?"
"Not at all. Otherwise, I can't fall asleep."
He got closer to her. His voice was very low and full of laughter.
How could it be childish to be close to his wife?
He had been "lying in ambush" all night, just waiting for this moment.
Xu Tingyu had no choice but to let him be.
Today, Secretary Qian asked her if she wanted to get back together with Qi Shifeng. Actually, she had also thought about this question.
The most appropriate explanation for her current state of mind was: emotional anchor.
She wasn't a saint who had cut off all emotions. She also needed an emotional outlet.
Wasn't Qi Shifeng the most suitable candidate?
Just as the two were quietly embracing each other, enjoying this moment of tenderness, Xu Tingyu's phone on the bedside suddenly vibrated.
It was almost twelve o'clock. Who would call at this time?
The hand behind her moved faster than her. It picked up the phone and handed it to her.
It was Chen Chunyao's call.
She got up, took the phone and walked out of the room.
"Tingyu, can you come out and have a drink with me now?"
As soon as the call was connected, Chen Chunyao's sad voice came from the other end.
Calling in the middle of the night to ask for a drink, she must have encountered something.
Otherwise, a female star with such strong stress - resistance wouldn't be so broken - down.
She agreed. "Okay, send me the address. I'll come to you right away."
After hanging up the phone, she looked up and saw Qi Shifeng standing at the door of the room.
"Where are you going? Can I go with you?"
He didn't want to control her life. It was just that it was really late at this moment.
Xu Tingyu thought for a while and refused. "No, I think my friend probably doesn't want to see you. You stay here and accompany Youyou."
She quickly went to change her clothes. Not wanting to put on makeup, she put on a hat.
During this time, Qi Shifeng followed her all the time.
"Have I ever offended her? Why doesn't she want to see me?"
Although he hadn't had much contact with her friends, he hadn't done anything to them either.
"Do you still need to ask? You haven't offended her, but you offended me so much before. She likes me, so of course she hates you."
Xu Tingyu gave him a proud look, then pushed him aside and walked straight out.
Qi Shifeng pursed his lips and couldn't refute.
He could only follow her all the way to the door. He rubbed her hand gently. "Come back early. Your son and I are waiting for you here."
This sounded so strange, as if she was a promiscuous woman going out to have fun.
Xu Tingyu quickly took a few steps forward. She didn't even dare to look back, for fear that he would come up with something else.
She couldn't stand it.
When she arrived at the place.
Xu Tingyu looked up at the signboard.
It was a bar specifically for women.
She went in and found the booth where Chen Chunyao was.
There were a bunch of empty wine bottles on the table in front of her. She was slumped in her seat, looking nothing like a female star.
When she saw Xu Tingyu, her eyes were filled with hazy moisture.
"Tingyu, you're finally here."
She staggered to her feet and was about to hug Xu Tingyu.
Xu Tingyu was afraid that she would fall, so she quickly stepped forward and supported her in advance.
"How much have you drunk? Why are you here alone? Doesn't your agent care about you?"
After all, she was now a first - tier star in the circle. Getting drunk like this.
If someone took a picture and posted it on the Internet, it would be a big deal.