The phrase “catching a turtle in a jar” probably refers to exactly the situation happening right now.
Several plainclothes officers guarded the back entrance, while others stood watch at the front. Skilled officers scaled the walls and entered the compound. Captain Liu personally led the charge at the front door, kicking it repeatedly. In the blink of an eye, all the officers were in position, and the door was forced open.
As soon as the door gave way, Shen Qingzhou and Captain Liu rushed inside. The sight before them momentarily stunned them both.
Zhao Chunjun sat beside a stone table in the center of the courtyard. The table and chairs were covered in clean brocade, and on the fabric rested a traditional Chinese tea set. Zhao was pouring tea into several empty cups when he heard the commotion at the door. He showed no surprise or panic, merely saying calmly, “You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Captain Liu glanced at Shen Qingzhou, silently questioning whether Zhao’s calmness meant he had some hidden plan or backup.
Shen Qingzhou merely glanced at him without responding, his gaze fixed on Zhao Chunjun. Zhao returned his gaze and gestured with his hand, calling out in a tone usually reserved for pets: “Come here, Master Shen. You’re the master, after all. Before I leave, I’d like to share a cup with you.” He lifted the teacup, stood up, and walked toward Shen Qingzhou, saying, “I never drink alcohol, so today I can only offer you tea instead.” He stopped in front of Shen Qingzhou, extended the cup with a smile, as if certain he wouldn’t refuse.
But today had already brought many surprises.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t take the cup or acknowledge Zhao. Instead, he turned to Captain Liu and said, “It’s getting late. You’ve already arrested him. I have matters to attend to at home, so I’ll leave now. We can discuss the details once you return to the station.”
Captain Liu glanced sideways at Zhao Chunjun. Seeing the tension in Zhao’s grip on the teacup, he instinctively stepped in front of Shen Qingzhou and nodded. “Go ahead. Thanks again for your help today—we couldn’t have captured the suspect so smoothly without you.” He then smoothly took out handcuffs, snatched the teacup from Zhao’s hand, and snapped the cuffs onto his wrists, adding with a smile, “Doctor Zhao, would you like to check our paperwork? Or shall we proceed without further resistance?”
Zhao Chunjun lowered his gaze, his expression darkening. He remained silent, clearly indicating he had no intention of challenging the arrest.
At the moment the cuffs clicked around Zhao Chunjun’s wrists, Shen Qingzhou finally felt a sense of relief. At last, the troubles that had stood between him and Lin Qiao were all resolved. Even if Zhao and Fang Zheng didn’t face the death penalty, they would remain imprisoned for many years. By the time they were released, Shen and Lin’s child would already be grown. And if they still hadn’t changed by then, he would have plenty of time to deal with them.
With that weight lifted, Shen Qingzhou bid farewell to the officers and headed home. Driving his understated black Audi through Beijing’s streets, he reflected. Once, he had loathed the city’s congested traffic and confusing roads. On previous visits to the capital, he had never considered settling here. The air quality alone had been unbearable to him. Yet, as the saying goes, “Life is full of surprises.” No one can predict what will happen tomorrow, or whether today’s goodbyes will be the last. The only thing within our control is the present moment, so embracing joy when it comes is a wise approach.
While waiting at a red light, Shen Qingzhou absentmindedly glanced at the shops along the roadside. He happened upon a maternity and baby store and, without thinking, turned the car toward the curb, parked, and entered the well-known shop.
A man like Shen Qingzhou entering the store immediately drew the attention of the sales associates—excitement mixed with resignation, as they quickly realized he wasn’t there for romantic pursuits but for baby products.
“The phrase ‘like catching a turtle in a jar’ probably describes the current situation perfectly.”
Several plainclothes officers guarded the back door, while others watched the front. The more agile police officers scaled the wall, and Captain Liu personally kicked the door open. In the blink of an eye, the entire operation was in place, and the door swung open.
Shen Qingzhou and Captain Liu rushed in the moment the door opened. What they saw inside left them momentarily stunned.
Zhao Chunjun was sitting at a stone table in the center of the courtyard. The table and chairs were draped with clean brocade, and on the fabric were traditional Chinese coasters holding teacups and a teapot. Zhao Chunjun was pouring tea into several empty cups. Hearing the commotion at the door, he showed neither surprise nor panic. Instead, he calmly and indifferently said, “You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Captain Liu glanced suspiciously at Shen Qingzhou, silently questioning whether Zhao Chunjun’s calm demeanor meant he had an ambush prepared or some other trick up his sleeve.
Shen Qingzhou shot him a look but said nothing, his gaze fixed intently on Zhao Chunjun. Zhao Chunjun turned to look at him and beckoned, as if calling a pet. “Come, Master Shen. You’re the expert. Before I leave, I’d like to share a drink with you.” He picked up a cup, stood, and walked toward Shen Qingzhou. “I never drink alcohol, so today, I can only offer tea instead.” He stopped in front of Shen Qingzhou, handed him the teacup, and smiled as he waited for him to take it, as though certain he wouldn’t refuse.
However, many things had already happened today that defied his expectations.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t take the teacup and ignored him entirely. Instead, he turned to Captain Liu and said, “It’s getting late. You’ve caught the suspect. I have matters to attend to at home, so I’ll head back first. We can discuss the details once you’ve settled things at the station.”
Captain Liu glanced sideways at Zhao Chunjun, noticing his awkward expression and the stiff grip he had on the teacup. He stepped alertly in front of Shen Qingzhou and nodded. “Go ahead. Thank you for your help. Without you, we wouldn’t have caught the criminal so smoothly.” With that, he deftly pulled out a pair of handcuffs, snatched the teacup from Zhao Chunjun’s hand, and cuffed him. Smiling, he asked, “Dr. Zhao, would you like to see our paperwork? Will you come with us quietly, or will you put up a futile struggle?”
Zhao Chunjun’s face darkened, and he lowered his eyes without a word. Clearly, he had no intention of asking for any paperwork.
The moment the handcuffs clicked into place on Zhao Chunjun’s wrists, Shen Qingzhou finally felt at ease. At last, the troubles that had stood between him and Lin Qiao, swirling around them, were completely resolved. Even if Zhao Chunjun and Fang Zheng didn’t receive the death penalty, it would be years before they were released. By then, his and Lin Qiao’s child would be grown. If those two hadn’t reformed by then, he would have plenty of time to deal with them.
Collecting himself, Shen Qingzhou bid farewell to the police and headed home. He drove his understated black Audi through the streets of Beijing. In the past, he had found the city’s congested roads and confusing routes irritating. He had never considered settling down here during his previous visits—not just because of the traffic, but also because of the air quality, which he found unbearable. But as the saying goes, “life is full of surprises.” No one can predict what the future holds, and no one knows if saying goodbye to someone familiar today means never seeing them again. The only thing we can control is the present, so living in the moment is a wonderful mindset.
While waiting at a red light, Shen Qingzhou absentmindedly glanced at the shops along the street. His eyes fell on a maternity and baby store, and on impulse, he turned the car around, parked, and entered the well-known shop.
A man like Shen Qingzhou walking into the store immediately caught the attention of the sales assistants, who felt both thrilled and frustrated—thrilled because they thought they’d encountered a stroke of luck, but frustrated when they realized he was there for maternity and baby products, making him unattainable.
“Sir, what would you like to buy?” a sales assistant asked enthusiastically.
Shen Qingzhou thought for a moment and replied earnestly, “I’d like to look at baby products and maternity clothes.”
The sales assistant’s heart sank, but she maintained her professionalism and guided him. “Right this way, sir. We have the best maternity and baby products in the city. You’ve come to the right place.”
What followed was the usual shopping routine. Shen Qingzhou bought several bags of items, mostly maternity clothes for Lin Qiao and toys suitable for their one-year-old daughter. He carried the bags to his car, stowed them away, and then drove to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. There, he called a familiar doctor and picked up some herbal medicine to help nourish Lin Qiao’s body during her pregnancy. Although it had been a year since she gave birth, this pregnancy had come a bit early, and Shen Qingzhou was worried her body might not handle it well. He took extra care to consult the doctor on many matters.
Concerned that many Western medicines were unsafe due to side effects that could affect the baby and Lin Qiao’s health, Shen Qingzhou specifically chose traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine is generally considered superior to Western medicine—while Western medicine acts faster, Chinese medicine has fewer side effects and addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
While waiting for the doctor to prepare the medicine, Shen Qingzhou carefully learned how to brew it himself. It would be troublesome to come to the hospital every time, and although he trusted the doctor’s brewing skills, he was confident he could learn to do it just as well.
Once he mastered the technique, Shen Qingzhou took the prepared medicine bags and drove home. Soft instrumental music played in the car, the flowing notes matching his relaxed and joyful mood. The back seat was filled with purchases, none of which were for himself. A man like him, in others’ eyes, had every reason to be frivolous and playful, but he had always been immune to such temptations. He never cared about others’ opinions and never walked the path others expected of him.
By the time he arrived home, it was already late at night. Lin Qiao answered the door, holding their sleeping daughter in her arms. The little girl was dressed in adorable pajamas, nestled against her mother, clutching her hair. Tears stained the corners of her eyes—she had likely cried herself to sleep.
Lin Qiao welcomed Shen Qingzhou inside and watched as he neatly arranged the items in the living room. “Why did you buy so much? Was there a big sale?” she asked in a hushed voice.
Shen Qingzhou glanced back at her. “You know I never ask about prices.”
Lin Qiao’s lips twitched. “I’ll put the baby to bed first,” she whispered.
Shen Qingzhou nodded and picked up the items that needed to be taken to the bedroom, following her upstairs. He walked behind her, admiring her figure. Even after becoming a mother, she retained her slender and graceful form. He adored her, and this external allure made it even harder for him to control himself. If it weren’t for that, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with their second child so soon.
As if reading his mind, once they put their daughter to bed and entered the walk-in closet, Lin Qiao remarked, “The national policy is great lately. If your first child is a girl, you can apply to have a second child. It saves a lot of trouble.”
Shen Qingzhou replied, “Even without the policy, it wouldn’t matter. In Chinese society, there’s nothing money can’t solve.”
Lin Qiao smiled wryly. “Yes, even without the policy, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind paying the fine.”
Shen Qingzhou curled his lips into a refined, elegant smile and efficiently unpacked the maternity clothes, placing them on the ironing board. There were also exquisitely packaged baby clothes, each looking expensive and delicate.
Lin Qiao exclaimed in surprise, “You came back so late because you went shopping for these?”
Without looking up, Shen Qingzhou said, “There’s traditional Chinese medicine on the coffee table downstairs. Remember to drink it every day. When it’s finished, I’ll brew more for you.”
“Why Chinese medicine?” Lin Qiao asked as she helped him sort through the maternity clothes. These clothes needed to be washed before wearing, so they couldn’t be hung up yet.
Shen Qingzhou looked at her, his tone firm. “It’s only been a year since you gave birth. I’m worried about your health with this pregnancy, so you need to nourish your body properly.”
Lin Qiao gazed worriedly at her belly. “But my waistline keeps expanding. I can’t fit into many of my pre-pregnancy clothes anymore. The stretch marks are terrible. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant again, I was planning to find a way to beautify my stomach.”
Shen Qingzhou narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in his expression, though Lin Qiao didn’t notice. She continued, “I’ve even thought about liposuction. What do you think about me getting liposuction after giving birth? To get rid of the excess fat on my stomach. Otherwise, no matter what I wear, there’s always that extra bulge. It looks awful.”
Shen Qingzhou warned sternly, “Don’t even think about it!”
Lin Qiao looked puzzled. “Why? Don’t you want a slim wife? It would be something to show off.”
Shen Qingzhou pressed his lips together, averted his gaze, and continued organizing the clothes. He crumpled the empty shopping bags and muttered, “It’s not good for your health.” Then, holding the discarded bags in one hand, he wrapped his other arm around Lin Qiao’s shoulders, kissed her cheek, and said, “It’s fine. A little plumpness is good. Think of it as a blessing, not a burden.” With that, he turned and walked downstairs with the bags without looking back.
Lin Qiao stood there, watching his retreating figure until he disappeared through the doorway. For some reason, she felt deeply moved. He hadn’t said anything particularly sweet, but it was this kind of genuine, unintentional care and acceptance that touched her the most.
She couldn’t help but place a hand on her belly and murmur, “Baby, you have a wonderful father. Your mom and I must have accumulated so much virtue in our past lives to meet your dad in this one. We’ve probably used up all the luck from several lifetimes.”
No sooner had she finished speaking than Shen Qingzhou reappeared in the doorway. Frowning, he asked, “What are you dawdling for? Come downstairs and drink your medicine.”
The moment Lin Qiao heard the word “medicine,” her face stiffened with displeasure. “There’s nothing wrong with my health. Do I really have to drink it? Even if I must, can’t I take Western medicine instead?”
Shen Qingzhou’s frown deepened into a stern expression. He strode forward, scooped her up into his arms, and carried her downstairs. As she gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, he warned her in a tone that brooked no argument, “You will drink the medicine properly. How can Western medicine compare to Chinese medicine? This isn’t up for discussion. If you don’t drink it yourself, I’ll have to force it down your throat.”
Lin Qiao: “…” She took back what she had just said to the baby.
In the end, no matter how much Lin Qiao resisted, Shen Qingzhou made sure she drank the traditional Chinese medicine. He always had a way of handling her, and she could never truly refuse his demands.
The medicine wasn’t as bitter as Lin Qiao had imagined. Besides, she was given a sweet treat after each dose, so she gradually grew accustomed to it.
Every time after she finished the medicine, Lin Qiao would see Shen Qingzhou brewing a new batch for her over a small stove in the backyard. This ancient method of preparing medicine was no longer used in hospitals because it was labor-intensive and inconvenient, but it was the most effective way to extract the full potency of the herbs.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t use a gas stove either. Instead, he set up a small outdoor fire pit, placed the medicine pot on it, and fanned the flames with a palm-leaf fan, looking every bit the expert.
He wore his usual modified traditional Chinese clothing, with intricate knotted buttons running down the front. The unique fabric and style gave him an ethereal, almost immortal aura. Combined with the ancient task he was performing and the yin-yang rings and prayer beads always adorning his wrist, he stood there, slightly bent over, looking utterly captivating.
Lin Qiao leaned against the doorway, watching him with rapt admiration. When Shen Qingzhou happened to turn around and saw her expression, he felt as though she were mentally undressing him with her eyes.
“Lin Qiao, avert your eyes!” Shen Qingzhou growled slightly.
Lin Qiao’s eyes curved into smiles. “I won’t avert my eyes. My husband is so handsome—dashing and capable. He not only put that scum Fang Zheng behind bars but also sent the harmful Dr. Zhao to prison. You’re a true master who rids the world of evil. Master Shen, may I take a photo with you? Can I have your autograph?” As she spoke, she pressed closer, pretending to want him to sign her T-shirt. “If you sign my T-shirt, Master, I’ll never wash it.”
Shen Qingzhou frowned in disgust, pulled her aside, and kept her away from the medicine-brewing fire. “Stay away from here,” he said, then adopted an impatient tone. “There’s a limit to your infatuation. We’ve known each other for so long, and you’re still at it. Aren’t you tired of it? I am.” Although he wore an expression of annoyance, his slightly reddened ears and fidgety hands betrayed his true feelings. Lin Qiao saw right through him and, undeterred, took his hand and kissed his ear.
As she kissed him, she whispered quickly, “My husband is so handsome. I could never get tired of looking at him, even when he’s an old man—he’ll still be a handsome old man.”
Shen Qingzhou glanced sideways at her awkwardly, but seeing her wind-tossed hair and enchanting demeanor, her eyes filled with his reflection, her long lashes brimming with affection and admiration, he found himself at a loss for words.
Her eyes told him, and others, that she loved him deeply. And wasn’t he the same, loving her just as much?
Husband and wife—everyone says the marital relationship is the most important of the five cardinal relationships. Only by nurturing this bond can the other four relationships remain stable. It seemed they were among those who had mastered this balance. Continuing to brew the medicine, Shen Qingzhou thought this with reddened ears.
Shen Qingzhou paused, then replied seriously, “I’m looking at baby items and maternity clothes.”
The saleswoman’s heart sank slightly, but she maintained her professionalism. “Right this way, sir. Our store carries the best maternity and baby products in the city—you’ve come to the right place.”
What followed was the usual shopping routine. Shen Qingzhou purchased several bags of items—mostly maternity clothes for Lin Qiao and many toys suitable for a one-year-old. After loading everything into his car, he drove to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, where he called upon a familiar physician to obtain herbal remedies for Lin Qiao’s prenatal care. Although Lin had already given birth a year ago, this pregnancy had come rather quickly, and Shen was concerned about the toll it might take on her body. He had consulted extensively with doctors, asking countless questions to ensure her well-being.
Worried about the side effects of Western medicine on both mother and child, Shen had specifically opted for traditional Chinese medicine. While slower-acting than Western medicine, TCM had fewer side effects and offered both symptomatic and holistic treatment.
While waiting at the hospital for the herbs to be prepared, Shen carefully studied how to brew them properly. Although it was more convenient to have the hospital prepare them, he was confident he could learn to do it himself just as well.
Once he had the herbs in hand, he drove home, the car playing soothing instrumental music. The back seat was filled with his purchases—none of which were for himself. A man like him, with the means to indulge in fleeting pleasures, had always been immune to such distractions. He had never cared for others’ opinions, nor had he ever followed the paths others expected him to take.
By the time he arrived home, it was already late. Lin Qiao opened the door for him, cradling their sleeping daughter. The little girl, wearing a cute outfit, clung to her mother’s hair with tears dried on her cheeks, clearly having cried herself to sleep.
Lin Qiao ushered him in and, as he carefully arranged the items in the living room, whispered, “Why did you buy so much? Was there a sale?”
Shen Qingzhou glanced back at her and replied, “I never ask about the price. You know that.”
Lin Qiao’s lips twitched slightly as she whispered, “I’ll go put the baby to bed first.”
Shen nodded and picked up some of the items to carry upstairs with her. As he followed behind, he admired her figure—still slim and graceful despite being a mother. His heart stirred with affection, and her allure made him feel even more powerless to resist. If not for that, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with their second child so soon.
As if reading each other’s minds, once the baby was tucked in and they entered the walk-in closet, Lin murmured, “The national policy is pretty good these days. If your first child is a girl, you can apply for a second one now, which saves a lot of hassle.”
Shen Qingzhou replied, “Even without the policy, it doesn’t matter. In China, there’s nothing money can’t solve.”
Lin Qiao gave a bitter smile. “Right, I’m sure you wouldn’t care about paying fines anyway.”
“The phrase ‘catching a turtle in a jar’ probably describes exactly what’s happening now.”
Several plainclothes officers guarded the back door, while others watched the front. The more agile police officers scaled the wall, and Captain Liu personally led the charge to kick the door open. In the blink of an eye, the entire operation was in place, and the door swung open.
Shen Qingzhou and Captain Liu rushed in the moment the door gave way. What they saw inside left them momentarily stunned.
Zhao Chunjun was sitting at a stone table in the center of the courtyard. The table and chairs were draped with clean brocade, and on the fabric were traditional Chinese coasters holding teacups and a teapot. Zhao Chunjun was pouring tea into several empty cups. Hearing the commotion at the door, he showed neither surprise nor panic. Instead, he calmly and indifferently said, “You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Captain Liu glanced suspiciously at Shen Qingzhou, silently questioning whether Zhao Chunjun’s composure meant he had an ambush prepared or some other trick up his sleeve.
Shen Qingzhou shot him a look but said nothing, his gaze fixed intently on Zhao Chunjun. Zhao Chunjun turned to meet his eyes and beckoned him over as if calling a pet. “Come, Master Shen. You’re the expert. Before I go, I’d like to share a drink with you.” He picked up a cup, stood, and walked toward Shen Qingzhou. “I never drink alcohol, so today, tea will have to do.” He stopped in front of Shen Qingzhou, offering him the teacup with a smile, as though certain he wouldn’t refuse.
But today, many things had already defied his expectations.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t take the cup, nor did he acknowledge him. Instead, he turned to Captain Liu and said, “It’s getting late. You’ve got your man. I have matters to attend to at home, so I’ll head back now. We can discuss the details once you’ve returned to the station.”
Captain Liu shot a sidelong glance at Zhao Chunjun, noting his stiff, awkward posture and the tense grip on his teacup. He stepped protectively in front of Shen Qingzhou and nodded. “Go ahead. Thanks to you, we were able to apprehend the criminal so smoothly.” With that, he deftly pulled out a pair of handcuffs, snatched the teacup from Zhao Chunjun’s hand, and cuffed him. Smiling, he asked, “Dr. Zhao, would you like to see the paperwork? Or will you come quietly without a struggle?”
Zhao Chunjun’s face darkened. He lowered his eyes and stood in silence, clearly having no intention of demanding to see any documents.
The moment the handcuffs clicked into place around Zhao Chunjun’s wrists, Shen Qingzhou finally felt a sense of relief. At last, the troubles that had stood between him and Lin Qiao, swirling around them, were fully resolved. Even if Zhao Chunjun and Fang Zheng weren’t sentenced to death, it would be years before they were released. By the time they got out, his and Lin Qiao’s child would be grown. If they still hadn’t reformed by then, he would have plenty of time to deal with them.
With his mind at ease, Shen Qingzhou bid farewell to the police and headed home. He drove his understated black Audi through the streets of Beijing. There was a time when he detested the city’s congested roads and confusing routes, never once considering settling down here during his previous visits. Never mind the traffic—the air quality alone was something he couldn’t tolerate. But as the saying goes, “life is full of surprises.” No one can predict what the future holds, and no one knows if saying goodbye to someone familiar today might mean never seeing them again. The only thing we can truly control is the present. So, living in the moment is a pretty good mindset to have.
While waiting at a red light, Shen Qingzhou idly glanced at the shops along the roadside. His eyes偶然 fell upon a maternity and baby store. Almost without thinking, he turned the car toward the curb, parked, and entered the well-known shop.
A man like Shen Qingzhou walking into the store immediately stirred mixed feelings in the sales assistant—a flutter of excitement at what seemed like a stroke of romantic luck, quickly followed by the realization that this particular peach was out of reach, since he was clearly there for baby supplies.
“Sir, what would you like to buy?” the sales assistant asked enthusiastically.
Shen Qingzhou thought for a moment, his expression serious. “I’d like to look at baby products, and also maternity clothes.”
The assistant’s heart sank, but she maintained her professionalism. “Right this way, sir. We have the best maternity and baby products in the city. You’ve come to the right place.”
What followed was the usual shopping routine. Shen Qingzhou left with several bags filled mostly with maternity clothes for Lin Qiao, along with toys suitable for their one-year-old daughter. He carried the bags to the car, stowed them away, and then drove to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. There, he called a familiar practitioner and picked up some herbal medicine to help nourish Lin Qiao’s body during her pregnancy. Although it had been a year since she gave birth, this second pregnancy had come a bit early. Worried about her health, Shen Qingzhou had taken extra care to consult the doctor and ask numerous questions.
Concerned about the side effects of Western medicine on both the baby and the mother, he specifically opted for traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese herbs, though slower to take effect, have fewer side effects and not only address symptoms but also target the root cause.
While waiting for the doctor to prepare the medicine, Shen Qingzhou carefully observed how it was done. It would be troublesome to come to the hospital every time for this, and although having the doctor prepare it gave him peace of mind, he was confident he could learn to do it just as well himself.
Once he’d learned the process, Shen Qingzhou took the prepared medicine, now bagged and ready, and drove home. Soft instrumental music played in the car, the flowing notes matching his relaxed and cheerful mood. The back seat was piled high with purchases, none of which were for himself. A man like him, in the eyes of others, had every qualification to be frivolous and indulgent, yet he had always been immune to such fleeting temptations. He had always been this way—unconcerned with others’ opinions and never following the path others expected.
By the time he arrived home, it was already late evening. Lin Qiao answered the door, their daughter asleep in her arms. The little girl was dressed in adorable pajamas, nestled against her mother, clutching her hair. Tear stains were visible around her eyes—she must have cried herself to sleep.
Lin Qiao welcomed Shen Qingzhou inside and watched as he neatly arranged the items in the living room. “Why did you buy so much? Was there a big sale?” she asked in a hushed voice.
Shen Qingzhou glanced back at her. “You know I never ask about prices.”
Lin Qiao’s lips twitched. “I’ll put the baby to bed first,” she whispered.
Shen Qingzhou nodded and picked up the things that needed to go to the bedroom, following her upstairs. He walked behind her, admiring her figure—even after becoming a mother, she retained her slender, graceful form. He adored her, and this external allure made it even harder for him to restrain himself. If it weren’t for that, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with their second child so soon.
As if reading his thoughts, once they’d settled the child and stepped into the walk-in closet, Lin Qiao remarked, “The national policy is quite favorable now. If your first child is a girl, you can apply to have a second. It saves a lot of trouble.”
Shen Qingzhou replied, “Even without the policy, it wouldn’t matter. In Chinese society, there’s nothing money can’t solve.”
Lin Qiao smiled wryly. “Yes, even without the policy, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind paying the fine.”
Shen Qingzhou’s lips curved into a refined, elegant smile as he efficiently unpacked maternity clothes and placed them on the ironing board. There were also exquisitely packaged baby clothes, each item looking expensive and delicate.
Lin Qiao exclaimed in surprise, “You came back so late because you went to buy these?”
Without looking up, Shen Qingzhou said, “There’s traditional medicine on the coffee table downstairs. Make sure you drink it every day. When it’s finished, I’ll brew more for you.”
“Why do I need to take Chinese medicine?” Lin Qiao asked as she helped him sort through the maternity clothes. These would need to be washed before wearing, so they couldn’t be hung up just yet.
Shen Qingzhou looked at her, his tone firm. “It’s only been a year since you gave birth. I’m worried about your health with this pregnancy, so you need to nourish yourself properly.”
Lin Qiao gazed worriedly at her belly. “But my waistline keeps expanding. I can’t fit into so many of my pre-pregnancy clothes anymore. The stretch marks are terrible. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant again, I was planning to find a way to rejuvenate my stomach.”
Shen Qingzhou narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in his expression, though Lin Qiao didn’t notice. She continued, “I’ve even considered liposuction. What do you think about me getting it done after giving birth? To get rid of the excess fat on my stomach. Otherwise, no matter what I wear, there’s always that extra bulge. It looks awful.”
Shen Qingzhou warned sternly, “You’re not allowed to go!”
Lin Qiao looked puzzled. “Why not? Don’t you want a slim wife? It would be more presentable when we go out.”
Shen Qingzhou pressed his lips together, averted his gaze, and continued organizing the clothes. He crumpled the empty shopping bags and muttered, “It’s not good for your health.” Then, with one hand holding the discarded bags and the other wrapping around Lin Qiao’s shoulders, he kissed her cheek and said, “It’s fine. Being a little heavier is good. Think of it as a blessing, not a burden.” With that, he turned and headed downstairs without looking back.
Lin Qiao stood there, watching his retreating figure until he disappeared through the doorway. For some reason, she felt deeply moved. He hadn’t said anything particularly sweet, but it was this kind of genuine, unconscious care and acceptance that touched her the most.
Unconsciously, she placed a hand on her belly and murmured, “Baby, you have a good daddy. I don’t know what virtues your mom and I accumulated in our past lives to meet your dad in this one. We’ve probably used up several lifetimes’ worth of good fortune.”
No sooner had she spoken than Shen Qingzhou reappeared in the doorway, frowning. “What are you dawdling for? Come down and drink your medicine.”
At the mention of medicine, Lin Qiao’s face stiffened with distaste. “My health is fine. Do I really have to drink it? Even if I must, can’t I take Western medicine instead?”
Shen Qingzhou’s brows furrowed deeply. Displeased, he strode forward, scooped her up into his arms, and carried her downstairs. As she gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, he warned sternly, “You will drink the medicine properly. How can Western medicine compare to traditional medicine? This isn’t up for debate. If you won’t drink it yourself, I’ll force it down your throat.”
Lin Qiao: “…” She took back what she’d just said to the baby.
In the end, no matter how much Lin Qiao resisted, Shen Qingzhou made sure she drank the herbal medicine. He always had a way of dealing with her, and she could never truly refuse his demands.
The medicine wasn’t as bitter as Lin Qiao had imagined. Besides, she was given a sweet treat afterward, so she gradually grew accustomed to it.
Every time after she finished the medicine, Lin Qiao would see Shen Qingzhou in the backyard, setting up a stove to brew her next dose. This traditional method of preparing medicine was no longer used in hospitals because it was labor-intensive and inconvenient, but it was the most effective way to extract the full potency of the herbs.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t use a gas stove either. Instead, he set up a small outdoor fire pit in the yard, placed the medicine pot on it, and fanned the flames with a palm-leaf fan, looking every bit the part.
He wore his usual modified traditional Chinese attire, the neat knotted buttons running down the center of his jacket. The unique fabric and style gave him an ethereal, almost immortal aura. Combined with the ancient task he was performing and the yin-yang rings and prayer beads always adorning his wrist, he stood there, slightly bent over, looking utterly captivating.
Lin Qiao leaned against the doorway, gazing at him with rapt admiration. When Shen Qingzhou happened to turn and see her expression, he immediately felt as though she were mentally undressing him.
“Lin Qiao, look away!” he growled slightly.
Lin Qiao’s eyes curved into smiles. “I won’t. My husband is so handsome—capable and dashing. Not only did you send that scum Fang Zheng to prison, but you also put away the harmful Dr. Zhao. You’re like a celestial master ridding the world of evil. Master Shen, can I take a photo with you? Can I have your autograph?” She pressed closer, pretending to want him to sign her T-shirt. “If you sign this, Master, I’ll never wash this T-shirt again.”
Shen Qingzhou frowned in annoyance, pulling her away from the fire. “Stay away from here,” he said, then adopted an impatient tone. “There’s a limit to your fangirling. How long have we known each other? Aren’t you tired of this? I certainly am.” Though his face showed displeasure and irritation, his slightly reddened ears and nervously fidgeting hands betrayed his true feelings. Lin Qiao saw it all but paid no mind, grabbing his hand and planting a kiss on his ear.
As she kissed him, she whispered quickly, “My husband is so handsome. I could never get tired of looking at him. Even when he’s old, he’ll be a handsome old man.”
Shen Qingzhou glanced sideways at her awkwardly, but seeing her wind-tossed hair and captivating demeanor, her eyes filled with his reflection, her long lashes brimming with affection and admiration, he found himself at a loss for words.
Her eyes told him, and others, that she loved him deeply. And wasn’t he the same, loving her just as much?
Husband and wife—everyone says the marital relationship is the most important of the five cardinal relationships. Only by nurturing this bond can the other four relationships remain stable. It seemed they were among those who had mastered this balance. Continuing to brew the medicine, Shen Qingzhou thought this with reddened ears.
Lin Qiao was surprised. “Did you come back so late just to go shopping for these?”
Without looking up, Shen replied, “There’s herbal medicine on the coffee table downstairs. From now on, you need to drink it every day. I’ll brew it for you when it runs out.”
“Why the herbal medicine?” Lin Qiao asked as she helped fold the maternity clothes. These needed to be washed before wearing and couldn’t be hung up yet.
Shen Qingzhou looked at her and said firmly, “You gave birth less than a year ago. I’m worried about your health this time around, so you need to take good care of yourself.”
Lin Qiao looked at her growing belly with concern. “But my waistline is getting bigger, and I can’t fit into most of my old clothes anymore. The stretch marks are terrible. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant again, I was planning to do something about my stomach.”
Shen Qingzhou narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression darkening, but Lin Qiao didn’t notice. She continued, “I was even thinking about liposuction. What do you think? After giving birth, I could get rid of the belly fat. Otherwise, I’ll always have that extra bulge—it’s so unattractive.”
Shen Qingzhou’s tone turned serious. “Absolutely not!”
Lin Qiao looked puzzled. “Why not? Don’t you want a slim wife? It would make you look good too.”
Shen Qingzhou pursed his lips, turned away, and continued sorting the clothes. He crumpled the empty paper bags in his hands and muttered, “It’s bad for your health.” Then, holding the bags in one hand and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he kissed her cheek and said softly, “It’s okay to gain a little weight. Think of it as a blessing, not a burden.” Without another word, he carried the bags downstairs.
Lin Qiao stood there, watching his back disappear down the stairs, feeling a strange sense of emotion. He hadn’t said anything particularly sweet, but it was precisely that kind of quiet, genuine care and acceptance that moved her the most.
Instinctively, she placed a hand on her belly and murmured, “Baby, you have such a good father. I wonder what good deeds we did in our past lives to deserve meeting him in this one. We must have used up all our blessings from many lifetimes.”
Before she finished speaking, Shen Qingzhou appeared from behind the doorframe. He frowned and asked, “What are you dawdling for? Come downstairs and drink your medicine.”
At the mention of “herbal medicine,” Lin Qiao’s face immediately turned stiff with reluctance. “I’m fine, really. Do I have to drink it? If I must, can’t I just take Western medicine instead?”
Shen Qingzhou’s frown deepened into a knot of displeasure. He stepped forward, scooped her into his arms, and carried her downstairs. As she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, he warned, “You will drink it obediently. Western medicine can’t compare to herbal medicine. This isn’t up for discussion. If you refuse to drink it yourself, I’ll force it down your throat.”
Lin Qiao: “….” She immediately retracted her earlier sentiment about their baby.
In the end, no matter how unwilling Lin Qiao was, Shen Qingzhou always found a way to make her drink the medicine. He had a knack for getting his way with her, and she had never truly been able to refuse him.
To her surprise, the herbal medicine wasn’t as bitter as she had imagined. And after drinking it, Shen always rewarded her with sweets. Over time, she grew used to it.
Every time she finished her medicine, Lin Qiao would see Shen Qingzhou setting up a small stove in the backyard to brew the next batch. This traditional method was no longer used in hospitals due to its labor-intensive nature and inconvenience, but it was the most effective way to extract the full potency of the herbs.
He didn’t use a gas stove. Instead, he set up a small outdoor stove outside the courtyard, placed the medicinal pot on it, and fanned it with a palm-leaf fan, looking every bit the part.
Dressed in his usual modified Chinese-style attire, with meticulously arranged buttons running down the front, the unique fabric and design gave him an air of ancient elegance. Combined with the traditional task at hand, and the ever-present yin-yang bracelet and prayer beads on his wrist, he looked absolutely captivating as he stood there, slightly bent over.
Leaning against the doorframe, Lin Qiao watched him with a dreamy expression. Shen Qingzhou happened to glance back and caught her staring—her eyes filled with the kind of look that undressed him with a glance.
“Lin Qiao, go back inside!” he snapped, slightly embarrassed.
“The phrase ‘catching a turtle in a jar’ probably describes exactly what’s happening now.”
Several plainclothes officers guarded the back door, while others watched the front. The more agile police officers scaled the wall, and Captain Liu personally led the charge to kick the door in. In the blink of an eye, the entire operation was in place, and the door swung open.
Shen Qingzhou and Captain Liu rushed in the moment the door opened. What they saw inside left them momentarily stunned.
Zhao Chunjun was sitting at a stone table in the center of the courtyard. The table and chairs were draped with clean brocade, and on the fabric were traditional Chinese coasters holding teacups and a teapot. Zhao Chunjun was pouring tea from the pot into several empty cups. Hearing the commotion at the door, he showed neither surprise nor panic. Instead, he calmly and indifferently said, “You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Captain Liu glanced suspiciously at Shen Qingzhou, exchanging a questioning look. Could Zhao Chunjun be so composed because he had an ambush prepared, or was there something else?
Shen Qingzhou shot him a brief glance but said nothing, his eyes fixed on Zhao Chunjun. Zhao Chunjun turned to look at him and beckoned, as if calling a pet. “Come, Master Shen. You’re the expert. Before I go, I’d like to share a drink with you.” He picked up a cup, stood, and walked toward Shen Qingzhou. “I never drink alcohol, so today, it’ll have to be tea instead.” He stopped in front of Shen Qingzhou, offering him the teacup with a smile, as if certain he wouldn’t refuse.
But today, many things had already defied his expectations.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t take the cup or acknowledge him. Instead, he turned to Captain Liu and said, “It’s getting late. You’ve got your man. I have matters at home to attend to, so I’ll head back now. We can discuss the details once you’ve settled things at the station.”
Captain Liu glanced sideways at Zhao Chunjun, noting his stiff, awkward expression and the tense grip on his teacup. He stepped protectively in front of Shen Qingzhou and nodded. “Go ahead. Thanks to you, we were able to catch the criminal so smoothly.” With that, he expertly pulled out handcuffs, took the teacup from Zhao Chunjun’s hand, and cuffed him. Smiling, he asked, “Dr. Zhao, would you like to see our paperwork? Will you come quietly, or are you going to struggle to the end?”
Zhao Chunjun’s face darkened. He lowered his eyes and stood silently, clearly having no intention of asking for any procedures.
The moment the handcuffs clicked into place on Zhao Chunjun’s wrists, Shen Qingzhou finally felt at ease. At last, the troubles that had stood between him and Lin Qiao, swirling around them, were completely resolved. Even if Zhao Chunjun and Fang Zheng weren’t sentenced to death, it would be years before they were released. By then, his and Lin Qiao’s child would be grown. If those two hadn’t reformed by then, he would have plenty of time to deal with them.
Collecting himself, Shen Qingzhou bid farewell to the police and headed home. He drove his understated black Audi through the streets of Beijing. In the past, he had found the city’s congested roads and confusing routes utterly annoying. He had never considered settling here during his previous visits—not just because of the traffic, but also because of the air quality, which he could hardly tolerate. But as the saying goes, “things are unpredictable.” No one can say for sure what the future holds, or whether saying goodbye to someone familiar today might truly be the last time. All we can control is today and the present moment, so living in the moment is a remarkably good mindset.
While waiting at a red light, Shen Qingzhou idly glanced at the shops along the road. His eyes偶然间 fell upon a maternity and baby store. Almost without thinking, he turned the car toward the curb, parked, and entered the well-known shop.
A man like Shen Qingzhou walking into the store immediately stirred mixed feelings in the salesgirl—delight at what seemed like a stroke of romantic luck, quickly followed by the realization that this particular peach was out of reach, since he was here for maternity and baby products.
“Sir, what would you like to buy?” the salesgirl asked enthusiastically.
Shen Qingzhou thought for a moment, his expression serious. “I’d like to look at baby products, and also some maternity clothes.”
The salesgirl’s heart sank, but she maintained her professionalism. “Right this way, sir. We have the best maternity and baby products in the city. You’ve come to the right place.”
What followed was the usual shopping routine. Shen Qingzhou left with several bags filled mostly with maternity clothes for Lin Qiao, along with toys suitable for their one-year-old daughter. He carried the bags to the car, stowed them, and then drove to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. There, he called a familiar TCM doctor and picked up some herbal medicine to nourish Lin Qiao’s body during her pregnancy. Although it had been a year since she gave birth, this pregnancy had come a bit early. Worried about her health, Shen Qingzhou had taken extra care to consult the doctor on many matters.
Concerned that many Western medicines were off-limits due to side effects that could harm both the baby and Lin Qiao, he had specifically chosen traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine, though slower-acting, generally had fewer side effects and not only addressed symptoms but also treated the root cause.
While waiting for the doctor to prepare the medicine, Shen Qingzhou carefully observed how it was done. It would be troublesome to come to the hospital every time for this, and although having the doctor prepare it was reassuring, he was confident he could learn to do it just as well.
Once he had learned, Shen Qingzhou took the prepared medicine, now bagged, and drove home. The car was filled with the soothing sounds of instrumental music, the flowing notes matching his relaxed and cheerful mood. The back seat was piled high with purchases, yet not a single item was for himself. A man like him, in others’ eyes, had every qualification to be a playboy, but he had always been immune to such frivolous pursuits. He had always been this way—unconcerned with others’ opinions and never following the path others expected.
By the time he arrived home, it was already late evening. Lin Qiao answered the door, their daughter asleep in her arms. The little girl was dressed in adorable pajamas, nestled against her mother, clutching her hair. Tear stains were visible around her eyes—she must have cried herself to sleep.
Lin Qiao welcomed Shen Qingzhou inside and watched as he neatly arranged the purchases in the living room. “Why did you buy so much? Was there a big sale?” she asked in a hushed voice.
Shen Qingzhou glanced back at her. “You know I never ask about prices.”
Lin Qiao’s lips twitched. “Let me put the baby to bed first,” she whispered.
Shen Qingzhou nodded and picked up the items that needed to go to the bedroom, following her upstairs. He walked behind her, admiring her figure—even after becoming a mother, she retained her slender, graceful form. He loved her, and this external allure made it even harder for him to restrain himself. If it weren’t for that, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with their second child so soon.
As if reading his thoughts, once they had put their daughter to bed and entered the walk-in closet, Lin Qiao remarked, “The national policy is good these days. If your first child is a girl, you can apply to have a second. It saves a lot of trouble.”
Shen Qingzhou replied, “Even without the policy, it wouldn’t matter. In Chinese society, there’s nothing money can’t accomplish.”
Lin Qiao smiled wryly. “Yes, even without the policy, I believe you wouldn’t mind paying the fine.”
Shen Qingzhou’s lips curved into a refined, elegant smile as he efficiently unpacked maternity clothes and placed them on the ironing board. There were also exquisitely packaged baby clothes, each item looking expensive and delicate.
Lin Qiao exclaimed in surprise, “You came back so late because you went shopping for these?”
Without looking up, Shen Qingzhou said, “There’s traditional medicine on the coffee table downstairs. Make sure you drink it every day. When it’s finished, I’ll prepare more for you.”
“Why traditional medicine?” Lin Qiao asked as she helped him sort through the maternity clothes. These would need to be washed before wearing, so they couldn’t be hung up yet.
Shen Qingzhou looked at her, his tone firm. “It’s only been a year since you gave birth. I’m not comfortable with your health during this pregnancy, so you need to nourish yourself properly.”
Lin Qiao gazed worriedly at her belly. “But my waistline keeps expanding. I can’t fit into so many of my pre-pregnancy clothes anymore. The stretch marks are terrible. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant again, I was planning to find a way to rejuvenate my stomach.”
Shen Qingzhou narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in them, though Lin Qiao didn’t notice. She continued, “I’ve even thought about liposuction. What do you think about me getting it after giving birth? To get rid of the belly fat. Otherwise, no matter what I wear, there’s always that extra bulge. It looks awful.”
Shen Qingzhou warned sternly, “You’re not allowed to go!”
Lin Qiao looked puzzled. “Why? Don’t you want a slim wife? It would be more presentable when we go out.”
Shen Qingzhou pressed his lips together, averted his gaze, and continued organizing the clothes. He crumpled the empty shopping bags and muttered, “It’s not good for your health.” Then, with one hand holding the bags and the other wrapping around Lin Qiao’s shoulders, he kissed her cheek and said, “It’s fine. A little plump is good. Think of those extra pounds as a blessing, not a burden.” With that, he turned and headed downstairs without looking back.
Lin Qiao stood still, watching his retreating figure until he disappeared through the doorway. For some reason, she felt deeply moved. He hadn’t said anything particularly sweet, but it was this kind of genuine, unintentional care and acceptance that touched her the most.
Unconsciously, she placed a hand on her belly and murmured, “Baby, you have a good daddy. I don’t know what virtues your mom and I accumulated in our past lives to meet your dad in this one. We’ve probably used up several lifetimes’ worth of blessings.”
No sooner had she spoken than Shen Qingzhou reappeared in the doorway. Frowning, he asked, “What are you dawdling for? Come down and drink your medicine.”
At the mention of medicine, Lin Qiao’s face stiffened with distaste. “My health is fine. Do I really have to drink it? Even if I must, can’t I take Western medicine instead?”
Shen Qingzhou’s frown deepened. He strode over, swept her up into his arms, and carried her downstairs. As she gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, he warned sternly, “You will drink the medicine properly. How can Western medicine compare to traditional medicine? This isn’t up for debate. If you won’t drink it yourself, I’ll force it down your throat.”
Lin Qiao: “…” She took back what she had just said to the baby.
In the end, no matter how much Lin Qiao resisted, Shen Qingzhou always found a way to make her take the medicine. She could never truly refuse his demands.
The medicine wasn’t as bitter as Lin Qiao had imagined. Besides, she was given a sweet treat after each dose, so she gradually grew accustomed to it.
Every time after she finished the medicine, Lin Qiao would see Shen Qingzhou in the backyard, setting up a stove to brew her next dose. This ancient method of preparing medicine was no longer used in hospitals because it was labor-intensive and inconvenient, but it was the most effective way to extract the full potency of the herbs.
Shen Qingzhou didn’t use a gas stove either. Instead, he set up a small outdoor fire pit in the yard, placed the medicine pot over it, and fanned the flames with a palm-leaf fan, looking every bit the part.
He wore his usual modified traditional Chinese attire, the neat knotted buttons trailing down the center of his jacket. The unique fabric and style gave him an ethereal, almost immortal air. Combined with the ancient task he was performing, the yin-yang rings and prayer beads always adorning his wrist, he stood there slightly bent over, truly mesmerizing.
Lin Qiao leaned against the doorway, watching him with rapt admiration. When Shen Qingzhou偶然间 turned and saw her expression, he felt as though her eyes were undressing him.
“Lin Qiao, avert your eyes!” he growled slightly.
Lin Qiao’s eyes curved into smiles. “I won’t. My husband is so handsome—and capable too. Not only did you send that scum Fang Zheng to prison, but you also put away the harmful Dr. Zhao. You’re like a celestial master ridding the world of evil. Master Shen, may I take a photo with you? Can I have your autograph?” She pressed closer, pretending to want him to sign her T-shirt. “If you sign this, Master, I’ll never wash this T-shirt again.”
Shen Qingzhou frowned in annoyance, pulling her away from the fire. “Stay away from here.” Then, in an exasperated tone, he added, “There’s a limit to your infatuation. How long have we known each other? Aren’t you tired of this? I certainly am.” Though his face showed displeasure and irritation, his slightly reddened ears and nervously fidgeting hands betrayed his true feelings. Lin Qiao saw it all but remained undeterred. She took his hand and kissed his earlobe.
As she kissed him, she whispered quickly, “My husband is so handsome. I could never get tired of looking at him, even when he’s an old man—he’ll be a handsome old man.”
Shen Qingzhou glanced sideways at her awkwardly, but seeing her wind-tossed hair and captivating charm, her eyes filled with his reflection, her long lashes brimming with affection and admiration—that look rendered him speechless.
Her eyes told him, and others, that she loved him deeply. And wasn’t he the same, loving her just as much?
Husband and wife—everyone said the marital relationship was the most important of the five cardinal relationships. Only by nurturing this bond could the other four relationships remain stable. It seemed they were among those who had mastered this合格 relationship. As he continued brewing the medicine, Shen Qingzhou thought this, his ears burning red.
Shen Qingzhou frowned, pulled her aside, and kept her away from the stove. “Stay away from here.” He added in a tone of mock impatience, “There’s such a thing as being too much of a fan. We’ve known each other long enough—don’t act like this anymore. You’re annoying me.” Though his expression was one of irritation and disdain, the faint redness on his ears and the awkwardness in his hands betrayed his true feelings. Lin Qiao saw it all and, unfazed, reached for his hand and kissed his earlobe softly.
As she kissed him, she whispered quickly and sweetly, “My husband is so handsome. I’ll never get tired of looking at you. Even when you’re old, you’ll still be a handsome old man.”
Shen Qingzhou glanced sideways at her, embarrassed. But as he saw her long hair flowing, her eyes filled with his reflection, brimming with love and admiration, he found himself unable to speak.
Her eyes told him—and the world—that she loved him deeply. And what was he, if not just as deeply in love with her?
Marriage—people often say that among the five cardinal relationships, the marital bond is the most important. Only by maintaining a healthy relationship between husband and wife can the other four relationships remain stable. Perhaps that was exactly the kind of marriage they had.
As he continued brewing the medicine, Shen Qingzhou, his ears still flushed, thought to himself.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage