Chapter 58: Familiar Memories

Shen Qingyi returned home, as usual, took a nap with An’an before getting to work, and in the afternoon started cooking in anticipation of Lu Yan’s return.

Unconsciously, these routines seemed to have become habits.

Lu Yan came back as early as he had the day before, but today Shen Qingyi didn’t let him cook; instead, she asked him to spend more time with An’an.

During dinner, Shen Qingyi brought up the matter concerning Lu Caiqing.

Lu Yan was silent for a while before finally asking, “What do you think would be the best way to handle this?”

Hearing the tone of his inquiry, Shen Qingyi gave it careful thought. “If she’s able to find a job here on her own, then it’s fine for her to stay.”

She recalled how she had brought the principal to Lu Yan.

“All right! There are three rooms over there. When I’m not around, you’ll have someone to look after you.” After agreeing, Lu Yan added, “Don’t rush about An’an’s kindergarten; before I leave, I’ll check in with the family quarters over there.”

The kindergarten at the research institute was much better equipped.

Shen Qingyi remembered the attitude of the local kindergarten last time and nodded, “Okay! And regarding the money Lu Caiqing mentioned, should we ask her again?”

“If there’s still money left, we ought to get it back.”

“What if they hand over the money and decide not to return?” Shen Qingyi worried aloud.

Lu Yan looked at his wife’s conflicted and anxious expression, amused. “Don’t worry, the money won’t be enough.”

Shen Qingyi understood now: if the money wasn’t enough, they’d still have to go back.

At the end, Lu Yan said, “The day after tomorrow, I’m likely to have an interview. If something comes up in the evening, I might be home late. You and An’an don’t have to wait for me.”

Shen Qingyi nodded, “You could have told me tomorrow.”

Lu Yan laughed, “I was afraid I’d forget.”

After dinner, Lu Yan went to wash the dishes. Unconsciously, he seemed to have so much to say to his wife; he had never been the type to discuss every detail, yet now he wanted to share everything with her.

When he finished and returned, he heard familiar singing from Shen Qingyi’s room, and his spirits lifted. He called out to An’an, “Want to go swimming?”

An’an set aside the book in his hand, leapt up from the sofa, stripped off his shirt, and dashed out bare-chested.

Dou Dou, holding Wang Qingshan’s hand, passed by and burst out laughing at An’an, “An’an, you’re almost as dark as me now.”

He stretched out his arm for comparison—it was true. But An’an didn’t care in the least, tilting his head, “What does it matter? I swim faster than you anyway.”

Lu Yan looked at his son’s proud little face, in high spirits; Wang Qingshan followed beside them, chuckling.

If they were at the research institute, he’d hardly ever see Lu Yan. Now, as neighbors, he could take his son swimming with theirs every day.

Occasionally, he’d chat about the kids, “Engineer Lu, I’ve noticed An’an’s personality has brightened a lot since you started spending time with him.”

Lu Yan nodded, “Yes. I’ll be away on a business trip soon. If they’re still living here, I’d appreciate it if you could look out for them.”

“No problem! I’ve always told my wife to go visit Qingyi.” He scratched his head after saying this. “But Qingyi’s very particular, and my wife’s got a loud voice. Once she starts chatting, she doesn’t know when to stop. I just hope Qingyi doesn’t mind.”

Lu Yan smiled, “Please be patient with her.”

Aside from Cheng Youqing, his wife seemed to have no friends in this area.

Wang Qingshan was speechless. Shouldn’t a husband encourage his wife to change this habit? How could he ask outsiders to accommodate?

But then he remembered it was Lu Yan, and his face broke into a wide smile. “Of course.”

Shen Qingyi finished the last structural sketch for her bag, glanced at the clock—it was getting late. She stretched, turned off the radio and fan, and went to the wardrobe for clothes before heading to the bathroom to shower.

Lu Yan and An’an returned, saying goodbye to Dou Dou and his father at the door.

Even dripping water couldn’t mask An’an’s joy.

He bounded into the house, and Lu Yan led him to the room. “Hurry up and dry off, put your clothes on. Otherwise, if your mother sees you, she’ll scold us.”

She didn’t like seeing father and son wandering around bare-chested at home.

He wrapped An’an in a towel and quickly dried him off.

Just then, a loud crash sounded outside. Lu Yan paused, alert, handed the towel to An’an, and got up swiftly. “I’ll go check.”

He flung open the door and ran toward the source of the noise.

In the backyard, he discovered a corner of the bathroom next to the kitchen had collapsed. Lu Yan called out anxiously, “Qingyi!”

There had been no singing in the room when he came in, and now his unease grew.

Tiles had fallen into the tub. Shen Qingyi was terrified, but hearing Lu Yan’s voice, she snapped out of it and was about to reply when he rushed in.

Shen Qingyi frantically grabbed a bath towel to wrap herself, “I’m… I’m fine!”

No sooner had she spoken than another loud crash sounded. Lu Yan didn’t hesitate; he scooped her up in his arms and dashed out of the bathroom.

Through the towel, Shen Qingyi could feel his racing heartbeat and trembling body—not sure if it was nerves or something else. His breath was so uneven it made her blush.

His long arms gripped her tightly; for someone so gentle in appearance, his strength was astonishing.

Shen Qingyi struggled to breathe, moved slightly, and whispered, “Lu Yan, I’m fine!”

Only then did Lu Yan come back to his senses, feeling her struggling in his arms—her body soft beyond belief. Familiar memories seemed to awaken in that moment.

His ears burned uncontrollably.

He loosened his hold, avoiding her gaze.

Shen Qingyi found her breathing easier. Looking up, she saw the man’s bare torso, the elegant line of his neck, the white Adam’s apple and sharp jaw. She couldn’t see his expression, but sensed his discomfort.

Lu Yan carried Shen Qingyi into the bedroom, set her down on the bed, and left without a backward glance.

Returning to his own room, he saw An’an already dressed, sitting and flipping through a book on his desk.

Seeing him enter, An’an quickly asked, “Dad, what happened?”

Lu Yan picked up a towel and dried himself as he replied, “Nothing.”

Once dressed, he sat down and wiped his face, finally calming his thoughts.

Her panicked face suddenly became vivid in his mind.

Was she afraid of him?

Lu Yan rose, feeling uncertain, went to the hall, poured himself a large glass of water, and drank it down in one gulp.

Then he turned, staring at Shen Qingyi’s door for a long time, but there was no sound.

He checked his clothes again, making sure everything was in order, and finally, unable to resist, walked to her door and knocked, “Qingyi, it’s me…”