Chapter 72:

Rong Lun was the lawyer who had previously handled Fang Zheng’s case. He graduated from Yale University, a law school renowned worldwide. His intelligence and capability were beyond doubt. With him in charge of Shen Qingzhou’s case, Lin Qiao felt relatively reassured.

On the very day she learned about the newspaper incident, Shen Qingzhou contacted Rong Lun to begin gathering evidence, preparing to sue both the newspaper and Xu Boqin. Naturally, things wouldn’t end there. After all, Xu Boqin and the newspaper were just puppets; the real mastermind behind them needed to be dealt with. Otherwise, even if they won the lawsuit, they wouldn’t be able to live in peace.

After arranging the initial tasks, Shen Qingzhou finally had a moment to breathe. These days, Lin Qiao had noticed his exhaustion. Others weren’t blind either. Xie Jiayi might have been too busy to notice the newspaper issue, but she could clearly see that Shen Qingzhou’s condition was off.

Xie Jiayi was a renowned socialite who frequently attended high society events. Her friends all knew about her son Shen Qingzhou and her ex-husband Fang Mingjun, an outstanding man. Even more unforgettable was her first husband, Mr. Shen Yinming, who had passed away long ago but remained a legendary figure in his industry.

When news of Shen Qingzhou’s troubles spread, people naturally assumed Xie Jiayi could easily resolve the matter. This was a very practical society; when legal channels failed, money often solved everything. If money couldn’t make someone compromise, it simply meant you hadn’t offered enough.

Upon hearing that Shen Qingzhou had been “framed” for fraud, everyone called Xie Jiayi to express their sympathies. Xie Jiayi, who had been preoccupied with taking care of the children, hadn’t known about the incident. Yet, when first consoled, she showed no signs of distress.

Calmly listening to their accounts, she already had a rough idea of what had happened. After hanging up, she didn’t immediately go to Shen Qingzhou for details. Instead, she drove straight to Fang Mingjun’s company, not bothering to notify him beforehand. She got out of the car and headed straight to the top floor, entering his chairman’s office without hindrance.

A long time ago, even before Fang Mingjun and Xie Jiayi divorced, he had given instructions that she was to be admitted without notice and allowed free access. Even after their divorce, he had never revoked this rule.

“Chairman, Ms. Xie is here, she…”

Fang Mingjun’s secretary, Jian Shi, hadn’t finished speaking when Xie Jiayi had already pushed past her and entered the office. Fang Mingjun was sitting behind his desk reviewing documents, wearing a pair of refined, non-prescription glasses, dressed sharply in a suit, maintaining a cold, impassive expression. In the past, Xie Jiayi had found him charming in this look; now, she only saw a refined scoundrel.

“You can leave,” Fang Mingjun said, setting down his documents and instructing Jian Shi to exit.

Jian Shi tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded, stepping out of the office.

Watching her close the door, Xie Jiayi spoke casually, “When are you planning to promote your big secretary to be your wife?”

Fang Mingjun frowned, expressionless as he stared at her coldly, “What do you mean?”

Xie Jiayi walked over and sat on the sofa, placing her expensive handbag aside, crossing her arms as she looked at him indifferently, “Exactly what I said.”

Fang Mingjun stood up from behind his desk, as if intending to approach her, but after walking aside, he returned to his seat, took out a cigar from the box, lit it, and smoked in silence without uttering a word.

“You’re a smart person, and I’m no fool. I know what you’re thinking even if you don’t speak,” Xie Jiayi wasn’t bothered by his silence, continuing with what she wanted to say. “Chairman Fang, I think you’ve made a mistake. My son went to prison because he broke the law. You can’t take revenge on the person who brought him to justice because of that. Fang Zheng hurt so many people, and you know that yourself. To say nothing of the past, consider your recent daughter-in-law. She not only miscarried because of your son but almost lost everything by marrying into the Fang family. Who knows how many curses she’s thrown at your son for his misdeeds? Qingzhou merely sent him to prison; he’s already been very lenient. I speak bluntly, I hope you don’t mind.”

Fang Mingjun had stopped smoking, his hands clasped on the desk, frowning as he stared at the aggressive Xie Jiayi, his expression extremely grim.

He just kept staring at her, not speaking, until she finally began to feel somewhat uneasy.

“I won’t beat around the bush anymore. Today, I’m just here to tell you: don’t harm my son. He’s my life. If anything happens to him, I will fight you to the death. Even if I die, I won’t let you go. That’s it.” Having said her piece, Xie Jiayi picked up her bag and left, never once looking back. She truly had no lingering attachment to the man in the office.

Perhaps she had once harbored feelings for him, especially when, after their divorce, she allowed him to stay at her place. But now, things had escalated to a point where there was no turning back between them.

After Xie Jiayi left, Jian Shi hurried in to check on the situation. Confirming there was no disorder in the office, she softly asked, “Chairman, are you alright?”

Fang Mingjun glanced at her, then said after a moment’s thought, “I’m fine. You can go back to work.”

Jian Shi nodded slightly, preparing to leave and close the door behind her when Fang Mingjun suddenly said, “Jian Shi, go pack up your things and head to the HR department. Let Xiao Zhou take your position.”

Jian Shi looked over in surprise, “Chairman, what did I do wrong? Why…”

Fang Mingjun said, “I’m not firing you; I’m promoting you. You just don’t need to work by my side anymore. Xiao Zhou is male, and it’s more convenient for him to be around me. You can go to HR. I remember Deputy Director Chen went on maternity leave a few days ago, so you can temporarily take over her position.”

Jian Shi’s face showed a mix of emotions, neither clearly happy nor sad. She had no authority to influence the decision, so, even if unwilling, she had to accept. She nodded and left, closing the door behind her to go pack her things and head to HR.

Xie Jiayi had left, unaware that her single remark had prompted Fang Mingjun to reassign Jian Shi. Even if she had known, she probably wouldn’t have thought much of it. Unless Fang Mingjun truly abandoned his plan to retaliate against Shen Qingzhou because of her words, it would be hard for her to move him.

While Xie Jiayi was visiting Fang Mingjun at Fangshi Group, Lin Qiao was at home taking care of the children. Shen Qingzhou had gone out to meet with his lawyer to discuss the details of suing Xu Boqin and the newspaper. He didn’t return until after nine in the evening.

After the children had fallen asleep, Lin Qiao waited for Shen Qingzhou in the living room downstairs, watching TV. Thus, the moment Shen Qingzhou stepped through the door, he saw her.

After closing the door, Lin Qiao naturally took his gloves, coat, and scarf, neatly draping them over her arm to take to the coatroom.

“Did you eat?” she asked while busying herself, inquiring if his hunger had been satisfied.

Shen Qingzhou nodded, “I had dinner with Rong Lun outside. Don’t bother with me.”

Lin Qiao didn’t argue with him. She took his hand and said, “It must be cold outside. The weather forecast said there would be sleet tonight. It looks like it’s about to start.”

Shen Qingzhou returned her hand grip and walked upstairs with her, speaking softly, “Not too cold. I was mostly in the car, didn’t walk much. Did the baby fall asleep?”

“She did,” Lin Qiao looked slightly helpless when mentioning the child, “You’ve been busy lately, and I haven’t had the chance to bring it up. Our daughter’s full month is coming up. What are your plans?”

Shen Qingzhou had just sat down on the edge of the bed when he heard her words and immediately stood up, slightly surprised, “Already?”

Lin Qiao had just finished placing his clothes in the wardrobe and walked out, crossing her arms and nodding, “Yes, time flies when you’re busy. It’s the day after tomorrow.”

Shen Qingzhou slightly furrowed his brow, thinking for a moment, “That’s a bit tight, but we should still make it. I’ll book a hotel tomorrow and come back at noon to send out the invitations.”

Lin Qiao said, “You just book the hotel. I’ve already sent out the invitations. I’ve been idle at home, so I might as well help you with something.”

Shen Qingzhou took her hand, pulling her closer, not hiding his fatigue, and placed her hand on his shoulder, “Things have been a bit tough, I’m tired. Help me rub my shoulders.”

Obediently, Lin Qiao began massaging his shoulders. Finding the sitting position inconvenient, she took off her shoes and knelt on the bed to give him a better rub. Shen Qingzhou closed his eyes, enjoying the massage. After a while, he suddenly turned around, pulling her into an embrace and pushing her down onto the bed.

Lin Qiao was a bit taken aback. Truthfully, since the later months of her pregnancy, they hadn’t been intimate. Firstly, her health wouldn’t allow it, and secondly, after she had given birth, Shen Qingzhou had been busy, and the baby was always around, leaving no opportunity.

Now, the baby was asleep, and Xie Jiayi wasn’t home. The timing and circumstances were perfect, except for Shen Qingzhou’s slight fatigue, making the conditions excellent.

Still, Lin Qiao hesitated slightly, “Aren’t you tired? Maybe we should just forget it…”

Shen Qingzhou grunted, “Exactly because I’m tired, you should comfort me.”

“…What a twisted logic.” Lin Qiao, half-laughing and half-crying, was overwhelmed by his passionate kisses and soon surrendered under his tender advances.

They rolled from the edge of the bed to the center, shedding their clothes piece by piece as they went. The foreplay lasted quite a while, nearly twenty minutes. Lin Qiao was already overwhelmed with sensitivity and had reached several peaks before Shen Qingzhou had even entered her.

After their passionate encounter, Lin Qiao lay in Shen Qingzhou’s arms, sweaty and breathless, her bare shoulder exposed. Shen Qingzhou glanced at her and pulled the blanket over her smooth, pale shoulder.

“Why? It’s hot,” Lin Qiao tried to push the blanket away, feeling uncomfortable.

Shen Qingzhou whispered, “Don’t fuss. Be good and listen to me. Be careful not to catch a chill.”

Lin Qiao couldn’t stand it when he spoke to her in that low voice; every time he did, she felt like agreeing to anything he asked.

Seeing the woman in his arms so obedient, Shen Qingzhou’s mood improved. Her affection had eased his weariness from the outside world. He held her tightly and softly asked, “What do you think of the name Shen Xuan for our daughter? In the ‘Classic of Mountains and Seas,’ it says, ‘On the mountain of the Queen Mother are found Xuan, Gui, Yao, and Bi.’ Our daughter is the Queen Mother’s treasure. What do you think?”

Lin Qiao was too exhausted to voice any objections. She could barely string her words together and could only slowly nod.

Seeing her fatigue, Shen Qingzhou decided not to trouble her further. He picked her up and carried her toward the bathroom for a quick wash, though even that simple act led to another round of tender entanglement.