Chapter 57:

Lin Qiao wanted to explain to her father that although she and Shen Qingzhou had decided to get married, they hadn’t yet set a date and there was no need to rush. But before she could speak, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go see who it is first,” Lin Qiao said to her father before hurrying to the door. Through the video intercom, she saw a standard oval face, red lips, long eyebrows, and a refined, elegant appearance—none other than Xie Jiayi.

Lin Qiao hesitated for a moment, then took out her phone to call Shen Qingzhou. But she couldn’t just leave a guest standing outside, so she opened the door instead.

Xie Jiayi lifted her eyes and saw Lin Qiao, unsurprised. She walked in calmly and casually asked, “Where’s Qingzhou?”

Lin Qiao replied quickly, “He’s at the hospital with Xiaoning.”

Xie Jiayi nodded and said, “If he doesn’t have anything important, tell him to come back and have lunch with me. Let Xinling take care of Xiaoning for now.”

Hearing this, Lin Qiao suddenly felt a bit sorry for Du Xinling. She had just heard similar words from her father, and now Xie Jiayi repeated them, as if Du Xinling existed only to serve Shen Qingzhou. Cough, this business partner’s role was indeed somewhat tragic.

Obediently agreeing to Xie Jiayi’s request, Lin Qiao led her into the living room and then went to make the call. After informing Shen Qingzhou, she returned to the living room. As she walked in, she saw her father and Xie Jiayi standing there, facing each other awkwardly.

Suddenly remembering she hadn’t introduced them, Lin Qiao hurriedly rushed forward and said, “Mom, this is my dad. He just came back from overseas to visit me.”

Xie Jiayi glanced at the luggage on the floor and smiled, “I see. I understand now. Don’t be nervous, Qiaoqiao. Do you think I would actually suspect you of anything with someone else? I’m not that insecure about my son.”

Lin Qiao awkwardly scratched her head, while Lin Huiming looked at Xie Jiayi with a complicated expression. Although this was their first meeting, he felt like he had seen her before.

“Mr. Lin, are you staring at me because there’s something wrong with my appearance?” Xie Jiayi said, checking her outfit as she spoke.

Lin Huiming shifted his gaze and smiled, “Of course not. Mrs. Shen is dignified and beautiful, looking far younger than your age. There’s absolutely nothing wrong.”

Xie Jiayi didn’t respond to his compliment and simply asked, “Then why were you staring at me?”

Lin Qiao feared an argument might break out. Although Xie Jiayi’s tone was gentle, Lin Qiao felt a deep sense of respect—and even fear—toward her. She always seemed like someone who handled everything calmly, never showing anger until it was already too late.

Lin Huiming, however, was not intimidated by her sharpness. He said calmly, “I just feel like I’ve seen you before. Have we met in the past?”

Xie Jiayi covered her mouth and lightly laughed, “Mr. Lin, I forgot to mention earlier—please don’t call me Mrs. Shen anymore. I’m divorced from my ex-husband, and he passed away when Qingzhou was very young.”

Lin Huiming had never heard Shen Qingzhou talk about his family background. Although he knew about Fang Zheng’s actions toward the Wang family, he had only been a friend of the Wangs and had never met their parents, so it wasn’t within his jurisdiction.

After the Wang family’s troubles, he knew Shen Qingzhou had helped, but he had always assumed it was because of Lin Qiao. Since Lin Qiao had been the one handling most of it, and at the time Lin Huiming had been preoccupied with managing the company during a critical period, he hadn’t asked for many details. Therefore, it was strange that he felt like he recognized Xie Jiayi.

Hearing that Shen Qingzhou’s father had passed away long ago, Lin Huiming’s expression turned solemn. After a moment of silence, he said, “I’m very sorry.”

Xie Jiayi replied, “It’s fine. It was a long time ago. Even if I felt pain back then, it’s all faded now.” She turned away, seemingly unwilling to continue the topic.

But seeing her back, Lin Huiming suddenly furrowed his brow and blurted out, “May I ask, do you know Shen Yinming?”

Deep in his heart, Lin Huiming had already guessed the likely connection. Shen Qingzhou bore the surname Shen, and Xie Jiayi’s back view reminded him of a woman he had seen many times in the past.

At the mention of Shen Yinming, Xie Jiayi turned around immediately. Her gaze toward Lin Huiming turned cold, clearly unwilling to bring up the subject.

Lin Huiming noticed her reaction but, considering she was his daughter’s future mother-in-law, he felt he needed to understand the family background his daughter was marrying into.

“Although it’s been many years,” Lin Huiming said directly, “I don’t think I’m mistaken. Mr. Shen Yinming must have been close to you. Back then, I worked at a company that collaborated with his firm. I saw him many times, though we rarely spoke. But I remember seeing him pick up a lady several times. That lady must have been you, right?”

Lin Qiao had told Xie Jiayi that her father greatly admired Shen Yinming and had many books about him at home. He had always managed the company following Shen Yinming’s methods and philosophies, so it was understandable that he was so interested in Shen Yinming’s background.

Xie Jiayi quickly regained her composure and politely said with a slight smile, “Yes, you’re correct, Mr. Lin. Your memory is truly excellent. That was indeed me. Shen Yinming was Qingzhou’s father. After our divorce, I took Qingzhou overseas. He stayed in China and passed away not long after. Later, I remarried abroad—to Fang Mingjun, Fang Zheng’s father. I believe that’s the information you’re seeking.”

Talking to a smart person was easy—just a little prompting and you could get the answers you wanted.

Lin Huiming nodded slightly and said apologetically, “I’m very sorry if my words were inappropriate just now. I hope Mrs. Fang won’t take offense.”

Xie Jiayi’s expression subtly shifted as she said softly, “Mr. Lin, you’re quite humorous. It seems you don’t know that I’m also divorced from Fang Mingjun. I won’t mind if you make the mistake again.”

Lin Qiao wanted to explain to her father that although she and Shen Qingzhou had decided to get married, they hadn’t yet set a date, so there was no need to rush. But before she could say anything, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go see who it is,” Lin Qiao said to her father before hurrying to the door. Through the video intercom, she saw a woman with a classic oval face, red lips, well-defined eyebrows, and elegant makeup—it could be no one else but Xie Jiayi.

Lin Qiao froze for a moment, reaching for her phone to call Shen Qingzhou. But leaving an elder standing outside wasn’t an option, so she opened the door.

Xie Jiayi glanced at the person who answered the door, unsurprised to see Lin Qiao. She stepped inside casually and asked, “Where’s Qingzhou?”

Lin Qiao quickly replied, “He’s at the hospital with Xiao Ning.”

Xie Jiayi nodded and said, “If he’s free, ask him to come back and have lunch with me. Let Du Xinling take care of things for now.”

Hearing this, Lin Qiao couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Du Xinling. Her father had just said something similar, and now Xie Jiayi was saying the same thing. It was as if, in their minds, Du Xinling was nothing more than Shen Qingzhou’s caretaker—a rather tragic role for a business partner.

Obediently agreeing to Xie Jiayi’s request, Lin Qiao ushered her into the living room and went to make the call. After notifying Shen Qingzhou, she returned to the living room to keep Xie Jiayi company, only to find her father and Xie Jiayi standing face to face, staring at each other.

Lin Qiao suddenly realized she hadn’t introduced them yet. Worried that Xie Jiayi might misunderstand, she rushed over and said, “Auntie, this is my father. He just returned from abroad to visit me.”

Xie Jiayi glanced at the luggage on the floor and smiled. “I see. Don’t worry, Qiaoqiao. Did you think I’d suspect you of something? I have enough confidence in my son.”

Lin Qiao scratched her head awkwardly. Lin Huiming looked at Xie Jiayi with a subtle expression. Although this was their first meeting, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she looked familiar.

“Is there something wrong with my appearance, Mr. Lin?” Xie Jiayi asked, checking her outfit.

Lin Huiming averted his gaze and smiled. “Of course not. You’re elegant and beautiful, far too young for your age. There’s nothing wrong at all.”

Xie Jiayi brushed off his compliment and asked, “Then why were you staring at me?”

Lin Qiao worried they might argue. Although Xie Jiayi’s tone was gentle, Lin Qiao held a deep respect for her, sensing that she was the type to handle everything calmly, never showing anger until it was too late.

Lin Huiming, however, was unfazed by Xie Jiayi’s directness. He said calmly, “I just thought you looked familiar. Have we met before?”

Xie Jiayi covered her mouth with a light laugh. “Mr. Lin, I forgot to mention earlier—please don’t call me Mrs. Shen. My ex-husband passed away when Qingzhou was very young. We were already divorced by then.”

Lin Huiming hadn’t heard about Shen Qingzhou’s family situation. Although he knew about Fang Zheng’s actions against the Wang family, he was merely a friend of the Wangs and had never met their in-laws. It wasn’t his place to intervene.

After the incident with the Wang family, he knew Shen Qingzhou had helped and understood the general circumstances, but he always assumed Shen Qingzhou did it for Lin Qiao. Since Lin Qiao was handling the matter and the Lin Group was at a critical juncture, he was too busy managing the company to ask for details. So, if he hadn’t met Xie Jiayi before, why did she seem so familiar?

Hearing that Shen Qingzhou’s father had passed away long ago, Lin Huiming’s expression turned solemn. After a moment of thought, he said, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Xie Jiayi replied, “It’s alright. It happened a long time ago. Even if it was painful then, the feelings have faded now.” She turned away, seemingly unwilling to discuss the matter further.

But seeing her背影, Lin Huiming suddenly frowned and blurted out, “Forgive me for asking, but do you know Shen Yinming?”

Somehow, Lin Huimming had already guessed the general connection. Shen Qingzhou’s surname was Shen, and Xie Jiayi’s背影 closely resembled that of a woman he had seen multiple times in the past.

Hearing the name “Shen Yinming,” Xie Jiayi turned back around, her gaze turning cold and clearly unwilling to bring up this person.

Lin Huiming noticed her reaction, but as the future father-in-law of her son, he felt he needed to understand what kind of family his daughter was marrying into.

“Although it was many years ago, I don’t think I’m mistaken,” Lin Huiming said bluntly. “Mr. Shen Yinming must have been closely related to you. Back then, I worked for a large company that collaborated with Mr. Shen’s firm. I saw him quite often, and though I rarely spoke with him, I several times saw him leaving with a lady. That lady must have been you, right?”

Lin Qiao had told Xie Jiayi that her father admired Shen Yinming greatly and had collected many books about him. Shen Yinming was somewhat of a legend in the industry, and Lin Huiming had always managed his company using Shen Yinming’s methods and mindset. So, it made sense that he would take an interest in Shen Yinming’s affairs.

Xie Jiayi quickly regained her composure, smiling politely. “Yes, you’re not mistaken, Mr. Lin. Your memory is impressive. That was indeed me. Shen Yinming was Qingzhou’s father. After we divorced, I took Qingzhou abroad. He stayed in the country and passed away not long after. Later, I remarried overseas—to Fang Zheng’s father, Fang Mingjun. I suppose that’s all you wanted to know, Mr. Lin.”

Talking with clever people was always this effortless—just a slight nudge, and you could get the answers you wanted.

Lin Huiming nodded slightly, apologetically saying, “I’m truly sorry if I said anything inappropriate just now. I hope you won’t take offense, Mrs. Fang.”

Xie Jiayi’s expression shifted微妙ly. She said softly, “Mr. Lin, you’re quite humorous. It seems you didn’t know that Fang Mingjun and I are also divorced. I won’t mind if you mistakenly address me again.”

Lin Huiming was stunned and looked at Lin Qiao in disbelief. Lin Qiao massaged her temples helplessly and nodded at her father.

Lin Huiming was at a loss for words. Xie Jiayi, seeing his embarrassment, said lightly, “My surname is Xie. You can call me Ms. Xie.”

Lin Huiming quickly replied, “Of course, Ms. Xie. I’m sorry, I truly apologize…”

“No need. We’re going to be in-laws soon—no need for such formalities,” Xie Jiayi interrupted Lin Huiming. She casually walked around the living room and remarked, “My son is really capable. This villa must have cost a fortune—much more successful than his father.”

“I heard you talking about me as soon as I walked in.”

Shen Qingzhou’s voice came from the doorway. The three people in the living room turned to look and saw him walking in dressed in a sharp suit, car keys in hand, his black leather shoes spotless—so clean they could serve as mirrors.

“You’re back,” Lin Qiao called out to him softly, her voice tinged with embarrassment, as if both撒娇ing and求救ing.

Shen Qingzhou walked over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Mm,” he acknowledged before turning to Lin Huiming. “You’re back, Uncle. A few days later than I expected.”

Lin Huiming smiled. “The scenery there was quite beautiful, so I stayed a bit longer.”

Shen Qingzhou curled his lips into a faint smile and said in a soft voice, “You look well, Uncle. I’m glad you enjoyed the trip—it makes the effort worthwhile.”

Lin Huiming praised, “I enjoyed it very much. You’re very thoughtful. I had a wonderful time.”

Xie Jiayi quietly observed Shen Qingzhou and Lin Huiming as they spoke, a hint of neglected jealousy in her eyes. Her jealousy was expressed just right—so coquettish that it made Lin Huiming’s face heat up inexplicably.

Shen Qingzhou glanced calmly at Xie Jiayi and said, “Why didn’t you call me before coming?”

Xie Jiayi said委屈ly, “I thought with Qiaoqiao at home, you wouldn’t go anywhere and would stay by her side all day. Who knew you wouldn’t be here?”

Shen Qingzhou looked somewhat awkwardly at Lin Huiming, who coughed and turned away. Lin Qiao simply lowered her head, her face flushed.

Shen Qingzhou frowned at Xie Jiayi and said, “You must have something to discuss. You never visit without a reason. Should we eat first, or talk first?”

Xie Jiayi showed no sign of discomfort at being seen through. She said directly, “No hurry. Let’s eat first. I’m hungry and would like to taste my son’s cooking.”

Shen Qingzhou refused无情ly, “There are no ingredients at home. It’s too rushed—we wouldn’t have enough time. Let’s eat out. You can have whatever you want.”

Xie Jiayi raised an eyebrow. “I want to eat what you cook.”

“No room for negotiation,” Shen Qingzhou said, making as if to leave.

Xie Jiayi asked, “Then can you take me anywhere I want to eat?”

Shen Qingzhou vaguely sensed something unusual in her words but still said, “Yes.”

Xie Jiayi revealed a mischievous smile and said, “I want to eat roast duck.”

“…” Lin Qiao looked at Xie Jiayi in surprise. Seeing Xie Jiayi wink at her, she turned her helpless gaze to Shen Qingzhou.

Shen Qingzhou looked down at Lin Qiao, silent for a moment. Under Lin Huiming’s puzzled gaze, he said calmly, “Then let’s go eat roast duck.”

If Xie Jiayi said she wanted to eat roast duck, then this roast duck was definitely not going to be simple. There was a famously delicious roast duck restaurant in Beijing, located in a small alley. Shen Qingzhou had been there before, and Lin Qiao had walked that path countless times. Today, they were going again, bringing both sets of parents along for what should have been a pleasant meal. Yet, the two people walking ahead showed no signs of joy.

Just before entering, Lin Qiao grabbed Shen Qingzhou’s hand and asked quietly, “What if Senior Qin is here?”

Shen Qingzhou didn’t look at her, keeping his eyes forward. “If he is, then he is. He owns a restaurant, and we’re here to eat. It’s perfectly normal.”

“But…” Lin Qiao seemed hesitant.

Shen Qingzhou finally looked at her, his gaze sharp and profound. “What? Can’t you make a decision?”

Lin Qiao felt somewhat overwhelmed by his look, but she knew she couldn’t show any hesitation now. Otherwise, Shen Qingzhou would definitely overthink things. So, she braced herself and met his gaze. “Of course I can. I’ve never doubted my decision from the start. Even if someone could动摇 my decision, it wouldn’t be him.”

Shen Qingzhou’s expression was unreadable—neither pleased nor displeased. He simply said flatly, “I won’t give you a chance to doubt your decision, and there won’t be anyone who can动摇 you. So, let’s just go eat.”

Unable to change his mind, Lin Qiao reluctantly agreed and walked into the restaurant with him.

Heaven often enjoys playing tricks on mortals, delighting in watching them struggle through hardships. This saying might be a bit exaggerated when applied to Lin Qiao’s situation, but it aptly described her current predicament.

As soon as the group stepped into the restaurant, they spotted Qin Muyao sitting by the bamboo plants in the courtyard, reading a book. As the owner of the restaurant, Qin Muyao naturally paid attention to arriving guests. He looked up from his book, and upon seeing who had arrived, his expression shifted slightly.

At a loss for words, Lin Huiming saw Xie Jiayi’s subtle discomfort and said lightly, “I go by Xie now. You can just call me Ms. Xie.”

Lin Huiming quickly replied, “Alright, Ms. Xie. I’m truly sorry, I just…”

“There’s no need. We’re future in-laws. Why be so formal?” Xie Jiayi interrupted him, then casually walked around the living room, saying with a sigh, “My son is truly capable. This villa must have cost a fortune. He’s more successful than his father ever was.”

“I heard you talking about me as soon as I walked in.”

Shen Qingzhou’s voice came from the doorway. The three people in the living room turned to look. There he was, walking in in a crisp suit, holding car keys. His black shoes were spotless, polished enough to reflect light.

“You’re back,” Lin Qiao softly called, her voice filled with embarrassment—half a whisper, half a plea.

Shen Qingzhou walked to her side and draped his arm over her shoulder. He hummed softly before turning to Lin Huiming and saying, “Uncle came back later than I expected.”

Lin Huiming smiled, “The scenery there was nice, so I stayed a few extra days.”

Shen Qingzhou lightly smiled, his voice soft, “It seems Uncle is in good spirits. If you enjoyed the trip, then my efforts were worth it.”

Lin Huiming praised, “I really enjoyed it. You thought of everything. I had a great time.”

Xie Jiayi silently observed Shen Qingzhou and Lin Huiming chatting, a subtle jealousy flickering in her eyes. It was a delicate kind of envy—charming and disarming, making Lin Huiming feel a bit awkward.

Shen Qingzhou glanced at Xie Jiayi and asked, “Why didn’t you call me before coming over?”

Xie Jiayi replied with a pout, “I thought since Qiaoqiao was home, you’d be here every day watching over her. I didn’t expect you to be out.”

Shen Qingzhou looked slightly embarrassed toward Lin Huiming. Lin Huiming coughed and turned his head away. Lin Qiao simply blushed and lowered her gaze.

Shen Qingzhou narrowed his eyes at Xie Jiayi and asked, “You must have something to talk about. You don’t usually visit without a reason. Do you want to eat first or talk first?”

Xie Jiayi showed no discomfort at being seen through and replied directly, “No rush. Let’s eat first. I’m hungry. I want to taste my son’s cooking.”

Shen Qingzhou refused bluntly, “No ingredients at home. It’s too late to prepare. Let’s go out. You can eat whatever you want.”

Xie Jiayi raised her eyebrows, “I specifically want to eat what you cook.”

“No discussion,” Shen Qingzhou pretended to head for the door.

Xie Jiayi asked, “Then can you take me to eat anything I want?”

Shen Qingzhou sensed something unusual in her tone but still replied, “Yes.”

Xie Jiayi gave a mischievous smile and said, “I want Peking duck.”

Lin Qiao looked at Xie Jiayi in shock. Seeing Xie Jiayi wink at her, she turned her gaze helplessly toward Shen Qingzhou.

Shen Qingzhou looked down at Lin Qiao. After a moment of silence, under Lin Huiming’s puzzled gaze, he said flatly, “Fine, then let’s go.”

Xie Jiayi asking for Peking duck meant it wouldn’t be an ordinary meal. There was a famous Peking duck restaurant in Beijing, tucked away in an alley. Shen Qingzhou had walked this road before, and Lin Qiao had walked it countless times. Today, they returned with both sets of parents, for what should have been a pleasant meal. But the two walking ahead showed no sign of joy.

Just before entering the restaurant, Lin Qiao grabbed Shen Qingzhou’s hand and whispered, “What if Qin Xue is here?”

Shen Qingzhou didn’t look at her but said, staring ahead, “If he is, he is. He owns the restaurant, and we’re here to eat. That’s perfectly normal.”

“But…” Lin Qiao hesitated.

Shen Qingzhou finally looked at her, his gaze sharp and deep, “What? Are you still uncertain about your decision?”

Lin Qiao felt a bit overwhelmed under his gaze, but she knew she couldn’t show any hesitation now, or Shen Qingzhou would start to overthink. She forced herself to meet his eyes and said, “Of course not. I’ve never doubted my decision from the beginning. Even if someone might try to shake my resolve, it certainly wouldn’t be him.”

Shen Qingzhou’s expression was hard to read as he listened. He simply said flatly, “I won’t give you any reason to doubt your decision, and I won’t let anyone come between you and that decision. So just go ahead and eat.”

Unable to change his mind, Lin Qiao had no choice but to agree and walked into the restaurant with him.

Fate often enjoys toying with mortals, watching them struggle in hardship. That phrase might seem too dramatic for Lin Qiao’s situation, but it perfectly described her current predicament.

As soon as they entered the restaurant, they saw Qin Muyao sitting by the bamboo in the courtyard, reading a book. As the owner of the restaurant, he naturally noticed the new customers. He lifted his head from the book, saw who had arrived, and his expression slightly changed.