Chapter 73 How can I not be envious?

Dean Luo nodded slightly to Sheng Peirong, his eyes filled with relief. This surgery was extremely risky, and even he had hesitated many times, but now it brought new hope to this broken family.

When Fangfang met her older sister for the first time, she had a soft, sweet smile on her lips. This child was the best at being charming.

"Big sister, I arrived a long time ago."

Sheng Peirong never imagined that she actually had a younger brother. This little child was actually her brother…

Before she could even ask anything, the younger brother had already started to introduce himself in a long, rambling manner.

He introduced himself by his full name, Shengfang, but you could call him by his nickname, Fangfang. He also mentioned his age and alma mater, even though Coco reminded him that he couldn't call it his alma mater until he graduated—but the boy waved his hand, completely ignoring her correction.

Fang Fang even mentioned his "profession," patting his chest as if he were about to show off his police badge.

This was the first time Fangfang had ever interacted with Sheng Peirong face-to-face. When he was born, his blood-related sister had already fallen into a deep sleep, completely unaware of his existence. Yet now, their eyes met in the air; they were siblings, bound by an innate bond.

Was it because Fang Fang talked too much? It was only the first time Sheng Pei Rong had met him, yet it felt like a long-awaited reunion.

"Police..." Sheng Peirong snapped out of her shock, "You?"

"It's hard to explain, I'll explain it slowly later," Sheng Fang said in a childish voice. "Big sister, Qingzai and I have been waiting for you for a long time."

"Qingzai?" Sheng Peirong repeated softly.

“It’s Coco.” Little Shengfang shook her head, her eyes sparkling. “Don’t you know Qingzai’s name? She’s the one the orphanage director gave her—”

"Mmm..." Fangfang's little mouth was covered by Zhu Qing.

"You talk too much."

Sheng Peirong took Fangfang's small hand and said gently, "Tell me a little more."

After her mother truly regained consciousness, Zhu Qing didn't mention those childhood memories. Even when her mother asked, she would evade the question; it turns out that children really do only report good news and hide the bad.

A mother always wants to know more and more.

"You said... you are Sheng Wenchang's son?" Sheng Peirong asked softly again.

“Youngest son!” Fangfang leaned closer. “Dad said that you often argue with him and are the most disobedient daughter.”

Aunt Ping stood to the side, pulling the collar of the young lady's coat tighter to shield her from the wind.

Those memories from the past should have faded with time and become blurred. But now, when I think back, the scene of the young lady and the master arguing fiercely in the study is still vivid in my mind.

After every argument, Sheng Wenchang, who never yielded to anyone, would always be the first to give in to his daughter. Sheng Peirong was indeed the most rebellious member of the Sheng family; she dared to defy her father's authority and refute those so-called unquestionable family rules. Yet, it was also this daughter who gave him headaches who, at one time, was his greatest source of pride.

The family, finally reunited, had so much to talk about.

The atmosphere was warm and lively, as if Sheng Peirong had only gone on a long trip and was now finally returning home.

Fangfang, the little boy, also wanted to help push the wheelchair. He came over and was held in his niece's arms. Every now and then, he would lean forward to look at his older sister, and then look up at Zhu Qing.

He has an older sister, and Qingzai has a mother; the two of them, uncle and nephew, are the luckiest children.

The wheelchair was slowly pushed out, and the ambulance was already waiting not far away.

Sheng Fang then realized that he and Aunt Ping had both made a mistake. Even if Sheng Peirong's surgery was very successful, it didn't mean they could go home immediately. Waking up after years in a coma was already a miracle; taking a patient who hadn't fully recovered home directly posed a huge risk. Zhu Qing had tried to help, but during this crucial recovery period, unprofessional care could lead to accelerated muscle atrophy and irreversible joint contractures. Behind every medical term lay irreversible consequences.

Therefore, they must send Sheng Peirong to a professional rehabilitation institution. Only when all the indicators meet the standards can this family truly reunite.

Aunt Ping patted her forehead.

She simmered the soup for several hours; it was the young lady's favorite flavor, and she originally planned to just reheat it when she got home—

“No wonder Dean Luo is here too,” Fangfang said.

Zhu Qing gently pinched the little one's nose: "What do you think?"

"He thought I came to collect medical expenses." Dean Luo pushed up his glasses.

At that moment, the young master patted his pocket and shrugged apologetically at him.

I was in such a rush to leave that I forgot to bring my gold card and black card.

...

The Canoan Sanatorium is nestled among lush trees, where the air is fresh and pleasant.

The environment of this sanatorium has always been comparable to the back garden of a hillside villa. However, when they came before, they were always burdened with heavy thoughts, and even when they were surrounded by birdsong and fragrant flowers, they had no heart to appreciate them.

The elevator smoothly ascended to the fourth floor, and after passing through a sun-drenched corridor, we arrived at the suite with its private garden.

This is the ward where Sheng Peirong has been staying.

For her, the familiar surroundings brought a sense of peace. Ten years passed in the blink of an eye; she had spent a full decade there. In the early years, she often sat side-by-side with her husband in the wicker chairs of their private garden, longing for their daughter. At that time, she would always think of Coco, who was "dead." Because of the little shoes and jade pendant that emitted thick smoke, Sheng Peirong initially believed that Coco was long gone.

In a daze, Sheng Peirong felt a warmth on her shoulder.

When I came to my senses, I realized that I had unconsciously taken my daughter's hand, which was resting on my shoulder.

"Dean Luo," Zhu Qing asked, "how long will you be staying this time?"

"After a long-term coma patient awakens, there is often an accompanying risk of autonomic nervous system dysfunction and latent epileptic seizures." Dean Luo pushed up his glasses, opened the documents, and explained to Ms. Sheng and her family, "This is the transition phase, where rehabilitation training is carried out. The transition plan will last at least two to three months. Only if all indicators return to normal can we move on to the next stage of home rehabilitation."

This wellness suite was designed to be extremely spacious, featuring not only essential medical areas but also a living room, a private bathroom, and even a fully equipped kitchenette.

But during the years that Sheng Peirong was asleep, the only thing that could truly be used in the vast space was a lonely hospital bed.

Until twenty minutes later—

The nutritionist gently knocked on the ward door, carrying carefully selected fresh ingredients, and the space finally felt warm and inviting.

"Family members can participate in the cooking, and we will provide guidance on healthy meal planning."

"I'm going to stay here with my older sister today!" little Fangfang announced, jumping up and down.

Zhu Qing: "I'll stay too—"

"Qingzai, Qingzai." Shengfang stood on tiptoe and tugged at Zhu Qing's clothes. "You have to say you're with 'Mommy'."

Zhu Qing's ear tips were a little red.

As for Fangfang, she received a cold "Shut up" from her niece.

"Shut up." The spoiled brat, smug as ever, opened his mouth wide, "Ah—"

At dinner time, the reunion dinner prepared by the nutritionist filled the table.

Aunt Ping asked the nurses' station for some sticky notes and carefully wrote down the key points of each rehabilitation meal.

The time spent in the sanatorium is just a temporary transition; she can get through it in two or three months if she grits her teeth. When the young lady returns home, she'll definitely cook for her herself.

As for whether Sheng Peirong needs a more professional nutritionist, Aunt Ping isn't worried about that at all.

Back in the Sheng family, many famous chefs came and went, but who could replace her in the kitchen? She could make dishes that perfectly suited the young lady's taste even with her eyes closed. The accumulation of twenty-three years in the Sheng family was not just empty talk!

This was a hard-won meal, and the family was finally reunited.

The dishes were light in flavor, which suited the child's taste perfectly. Fangfang buried her head in her food, scooping up white rice with her spoon and stuffing it into her little mouth, eating with great relish.

Over the years, too many things have happened to the Sheng family. When Sheng Peirong first woke up, her mind was in a daze, but slowly, her condition improved.

She could clearly sense that both her daughter and Aunt Ping were carefully avoiding sensitive topics.

They were all trying to be considerate of Sheng Peirong's feelings, but she said she wasn't that fragile.

“Tell me,” Sheng Peirong said softly, but with unusual firmness, “everything that has happened over the years.”

...

When Zhu Qing asked her if she was ready, Sheng Peirong nodded.

Sheng Peirong was not someone who could be easily fooled. She was determined to uncover the truth, even if it was heartbreaking news. Therefore, Zhu Qing no longer concealed anything.

“You said Zhaoqian is gone…” Sheng Peirong repeated, her voice murmuring as if she were sighing.

During her time in the Berlin hospital, she had a vague premonition. She dared not ask about her husband's whereabouts, as if by keeping quiet she could continue to deceive herself that he was still somewhere safe and sound. But Sheng Peirong knew better than anyone that, given his personality, if he were truly alright, how could he let his wife face the fear of surgery alone? How could he bear to let their daughter shoulder all the burdens alone?

Actually, he didn't die suddenly. In the last few years before Sheng Peirong fell into a coma, he had already exhausted himself searching for his daughter. The female college student said that their Coco was still alive, so he kept searching and searching... He always had a habit of keeping everything to himself. The only unusual thing he did during those years was to gently put his arm around her shoulder and sigh in the quiet of the night. His health was deteriorating, but his worry was what would happen to his family if he were gone one day.

At this moment, Zhu Qing took out the photo of her parents from her suitcase again and handed it to her mother.

Aunt Ping quietly wiped away her tears.

Fortunately, the young lady found her daughter, which should somewhat alleviate her pain.

Sheng Peirong's coma was not a short period of a month or a year, but a real cycle of life and death.

Having had such an experience, even if the wounds can never truly heal, she will try to learn to reconcile with the pain.

Sheng Peirong's fingertips traced the edge of the photo frame: "It's a pity he didn't get to see you now."

She looked up: "Coco, if your dad sees—"

"I'll be so proud!" Fangfang's mouth was stuffed with unswallowed food, like a little hamster.

"Yes, it's pride." Sheng Peirong's lips curved into a gentle smile, but her eyes were moist.

My memory suddenly flashed back to an afternoon many years ago.

She and her husband held their adorable baby daughter in their arms, shoulder to shoulder, weaving countless possibilities for their child's future. They speculated that Coco would grow up to be a painter, a doctor, or perhaps a successful businesswoman like her.

They made a promise that no matter what their daughter chose, they would be her strongest support.

But now, Coco is a police officer.

This was a path the couple had never imagined.

Aunt Ping assumed Sheng Peirong would be worried. After all, what mother wouldn't worry about her child working in such a dangerous job? But she forgot that the young lady was never one to back down.

"Be careful, Coco." In the end, Sheng Peirong only whispered her advice.

This is the path her daughter chose, and Sheng Peirong chooses to respect it unconditionally.

She felt genuinely proud of Coco's courage, sense of justice, and intelligence.

In the evening, Shengfang and Zhu Qing insisted on staying.

The suites in the sanatorium were cozy and quiet. Actually, there were comfortable rooms prepared specifically for caregivers further inside, but Zhu Qing and Fang Fang were curled up on the caregiver beds. The stubborn uncle and niece refused to go back to their rooms no matter how much they were persuaded.

Sheng Peirong didn't have that much energy yet, and as she listened to their rambling, drowsiness crept over her.

In a half-dreaming, half-awake state, she heard her younger brother whisper something to her daughter—

"Qingzai, I miss you so much!"

Sheng Peirong closed her eyes, tears silently soaking her pillowcase.

During the long years of her absence, it was this little one who first embraced her daughter, pulling Coco from loneliness back into the warm sunshine.

She still finds it unbelievable that she has a younger brother.

Fate so cruelly took away so much, yet so gently gave some back, making her want to complain about the injustice of heaven, yet also feel grateful for this kindness.

The ward became quiet.

Looking at her mother's trembling, wet eyelashes, Zhu Qing knew the heartache her mother was going through.

But things will get better.

It will all pass, it will all be let go. Being alive is the most fortunate thing.

...

Zhu Qing's long holiday wasn't over yet; she was spending all her time at the sanatorium. Her mother's vital signs were slowly improving, and her condition was gradually stabilizing.

The nurses often secretly watched the mother and daughter interact, a smile of contentment unconsciously playing on their lips. Nurse Dai often remarked that looking into Ms. Sheng's eyes, she truly seemed to have come alive. And Zhu Qing, too, had become so cheerful, brightening the entire ward.

"Police officers get such long vacations?" Aunt Ping said. "That's great."

“Of course,” Fangfang said naturally. “Our police station is very humane.”

At this moment, little Fangfang had completely forgotten what had happened not long ago—

My nagging uncle just complained, "What kind of job is Qingzai? She doesn't even get Sundays off!"

It's not that the Yau Ma Tei Police Station's system is particularly enlightened, but rather that Inspector Mok, as a superior, is very humane.

The officers of Major Crimes Unit B have superiors who are most willing to show consideration for their subordinates. Recently, the police station has been relatively quiet, and granting him a few extra days off is just a matter of course for him. He doesn't even hesitate at all, as if it's not a special favor at all.

Every morning, Zhu Qing first takes Fangfang to school.

Just after four o'clock in the afternoon, Fangfang climbed into the back seat of the car, and the uncle and nephew headed to the sanatorium together, appearing at the entrance of the rehabilitation room.

Sheng Fang never expected that taking care of his older sister would actually benefit him. He hadn't taken the school bus to kindergarten in ages; his niece used to drive him there, and the other children would always surround him, looking on with envy. How could he not be envious? She was Madam, the flying superhero!

They returned to the sanatorium before evening, when Sheng Peirong was usually doing rehabilitation.

The attending physician often said that Ms. Sheng was the most hardworking rehabilitation patient he had ever seen. Her focused demeanor during training made it seem as if she couldn't bear to waste even a second.

Whenever Sheng Peirong gritted her teeth and persevered with her rehabilitation exercises, fine beads of sweat would cover her forehead. Even in November, she would work up a complete drenching in sweat. Sometimes Zhu Qing would take a tissue, sometimes a handkerchief, and gently wipe away her sweat. At that moment, she finally realized why Aunt Ping always remarked on how alike she and her mother were; her stubborn nature truly came from her mother.

Sheng Fang wished she could help her older sister stand and walk, and was even willing to help her run and jump.

When Sheng Peirong grits her teeth and exerts her strength, little Fangfang will tilt her head back, tighten all her facial features, and even furrow her brows.

Sheng Peirong couldn't bear to look at him.

Whenever her gaze fell on his face, she couldn't help but want to laugh, and she felt even more powerless.

"Big sister, be serious!" Little Fangfang said anxiously, pacing around.

Left with no other choice, Zhu Qing had to cover Fangfang's little face.

On his face, there was an extra "mask"—Qingzai's hand. Fangfang waved his arms and legs excitedly, trying to peek out with his little head, while Zhu Qing's shoulders trembled with laughter, making it difficult for her to keep steady.

Finally, she couldn't bear it anymore, stood there and burst into laughter, pinching Fangfang's little face with both hands to retaliate on behalf of his older sister.

Sheng Peirong laughed too, laughing until she was almost exhausted. The nurse handed her a glass of water and reminded her to calm down. At this moment, for "drinking safety," she even had to close her eyes to avoid losing control if she caught a glimpse of her genitals.

The young master of the Sheng family, hands on his hips, said, "Big sister, can you please stop grinning like that?"

The therapists all said they had never seen such a joyful treatment process.

That's because they didn't know what had happened to this family before. They gathered all their strength together, and the joy of their reunion hadn't faded at all. Whether it was Zhu Qing, Fang Fang, or Aunt Ping, they were all working hard and couldn't wait to bring Sheng Peirong home.

Over the past few days, Sheng Peirong has gradually pieced together the outline of the past. Zhu Qing tells her about the grudges and feuds of the Sheng family every day, and she needs time to slowly accept and digest them.

Her father often emphasized that Sheng Peirong was his most prized daughter. Yet, when she lay in her hospital bed battling her inner demons, he rarely showed up. Sheng Wenchang, a strong-willed man throughout his life, could never understand why his decisive daughter had become so despondent. In his eyes, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression… were nothing more than excuses for cowards.

Sheng Peirong still remembers that fierce argument. If her father hadn't blocked all news from the outside world, perhaps they could have saved Coco. Even if the hope was slim, she wanted to try. She had resolved to sever her father-daughter relationship with him, but when she heard the news of his death, she remained silent for a long time.

As for her stepmother, Qin Lizhu, although she always had her own little schemes, she never mistreated her. When she married into the Sheng family, Qin Lizhu was too young, barely a few years older than her—

It's sad that they're no longer here.

And then there's Sheng Peishan… her younger sister whom she'd doted on since childhood. Sheng Peirong never imagined that all the suffering Keke had endured stemmed from this closest person. If Peishan had told the truth when the child was lost, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way.

In my memory, the female student named He Jia'er was always full of energy, but she was innocently caught up in the Sheng family's feud and lost her life for nothing.

After hearing the whole story, Sheng Peirong's brows were furrowed with deep sorrow.

"Our Sheng family should take good care of He Jia'er's mother."

Is anyone doing this right now?

Zhu Qing and Fang Fang both shook their heads.

There hadn't been any before—but now their mother and older sister were awake, staring at her expectantly, like two little followers waiting for instructions.

"besides……"

Sheng Peirong rubbed her temples: "There are still more?"

In the end, Chen Chaosheng's death was related to that smiling old butler.

Butler Cui's biological son is Huang Ashui, the driver who assisted Sheng Peishan in "kidnapping" Coco back then. This case, which had already been filed away, was only now being fully reconstructed in Sheng Peirong's mind.

She slowly closed her eyes.

"What about the company?" Sheng Peirong suddenly asked. "Who's managing it now?"

The young master of the Sheng family sat obediently in front of his eldest sister.

Now he finally had a question he could answer.

“It’s Uncle Pei.” Sheng Fang raised her hand as she would in class. “Uncle Pei is here at the kindergarten.”

When this happened, Zhu Qingyuan was in Berlin, and Teacher Ji couldn't contact her, so she could only tell Aunt Ping what had happened. Being thousands of kilometers away, no matter how anxious Aunt Ping was, she couldn't immediately relay the message, and the matter was eventually dropped.

However, Ms. Ji repeatedly assured that the kindergarten had comprehensively strengthened its security measures. Not only were the safety rules revised, but an additional guard was also specially assigned to the gatehouse to take turns on duty.

Sheng Peirong seemed to be deep in thought: "Pei Junyi..."

She turned to her daughter: "Coco, go back and rest first."

Sheng Peirong knew better than anyone that the hardest time for her daughter during this period was for Coco. From the very beginning, when the difficult decision to have surgery was made, her daughter had shouldered the entire burden. Hearing that their major crimes unit had just solved a case, she hadn't even had a moment to catch her breath before rushing her abroad for treatment. These days, Coco had to endure both physical exhaustion and mental stress; how could she not be suffering?

A few days ago, Sheng Peirong knew how worried her daughter was, but now the situation is gradually stabilizing.

"I'm much better now, but it's going to be a long battle." Sheng Peirong gently patted her daughter's hand. "Coco can't collapse from exhaustion."

As her memories gradually became clearer, Sheng Peirong was able to distinguish between dreams and reality. She remembered the baby in her arms smiling and blinking, and she could also see clearly the daughter in front of her who had skipped the growth process and suddenly become a big girl... They finally reunited. This was a life she had been given a second chance. Since fate was willing to grant her a second chance, Sheng Peirong cherished every minute and every second.

A mother and daughter are of one heart; Zhu Qing feels sorry for her mother, and a mother is even more concerned about her child.

Sheng Peirong insisted that her daughter go home and rest properly. The medical staff here are all professional, and her personal leave was about to expire; she shouldn't neglect her work.

"Don't worry." Sheng Peirong gently tucked a stray hair behind Zhu Qing's ear. "Listen to your mother."

"Fangfang should go home too." After saying that, she looked at her younger brother, "It's far from kindergarten here, and the journey back and forth is too much of a hassle."

"You need to make sure Coco gets enough rest."

Aunt Ping stepped forward at the opportune moment and said she would stay and keep him company for the night.

She had been wanting to tell the young lady all the things she had kept to herself for the past ten years.

Sheng Peirong is always decisive and efficient, and she can arrange things properly in just a few words.

Zhu Qing didn't need to take the toiletries she left in the hospital room, but Fang Fang was like a busy little bee, tidying up his toys all over the room. This child is truly amazing; he's only been in the sanatorium for a few days, yet this suite has become his toy kingdom, with traces of childlike innocence everywhere.

“Also—” Sheng Peirong turned to look at Aunt Ping.

"Contact a lawyer to see me; I need to know about the group's situation over the years."

"Take over? Dad's really getting senile."

Aunt Ping quickly tried to recall.

Where are the business cards of the Sheng family lawyers hidden?

Shengfang's eyes widened in surprise—

Big sister is amazing! This is the first time anyone has dared to talk about Daddy like that!

Fangfang tidied up the toys and hugged them to her arms.

As a junior member of the family, he had to go back and watch over his niece as she rested. His niece was reluctant to leave, but her mother had spoken, so she had no choice but to obey.

"Now Qingzai has an older sister to take care of her." Little Fangfang shook his head.

Sheng Peirong: "Is she usually disobedient?"

Zhu Qing covered the little chatterbox's mouth again, turned around and dragged him away.

Fangfang: "You, you, you—"

"Mom, I'm leaving now."

The moment the door closed, Sheng Peirong suddenly grabbed Aunt Ping's hand: "She just now..."

Aunt Ping's eyes reddened: "Miss, she called you 'Mom'."

...

The uncle and nephew stepped out of the sanatorium.

As Sheng Peirong said, you need to get some rest.

She needs to be in better shape to face the slow road to recovery and return to work.

"Qingzai, Qingzai, your lips are practically curling up to the sky!"

On the way home, Fangfang would occasionally look up to observe Qingzai's expression.

She was so happy, her lips couldn't help but curl into a smile, and every step she took was filled with lighthearted anticipation.

Under the bright sunshine, Fangfang smiled like a little sunflower: "Our Qingzai has a mommy now—that's different!"

This trip wasn't a vacation; Zhu Qing left the sunglasses her elders had specially prepared in a drawer at home and didn't take them with her at all. She was going out on business, and after finishing her business, she picked out souvenirs for her colleagues at the police station at the airport on her return trip.

A few days ago, when she went home to pick up her car keys, she also brought her suitcase. Aunt Ping had already washed and ironed her clothes and hung them neatly back in the closet. But some things she wasn't sure how to put away, such as these carefully prepared gifts, were still lying untouched in the suitcase, quietly leaning against the corner of the bedroom.

Since Shengfang started school, her schoolbag has been almost always empty. But now it finally came in handy, filled with gifts that Zhu Qing had prepared for her colleagues at the police station.

The police station is still the same as always.

Mo Zhenbang is a rare good boss. A few days ago, he specially called her to extend her vacation, but Zhu Qing still decided to return to work on time the day after tomorrow.

As she passed the break room, several colleagues were chatting animatedly. As soon as she entered, they immediately surrounded her.

"Is Inspector Mo here?" Zhu Qing asked.

“He’s studying in the office.” Xu Jiale winked. “I heard that Nannan got into a fight with her classmates at school, and one of them said, ‘Your daddy is just a sergeant, how good can he be at solving cases?’”

"My daughter was so upset by her classmate that she cried!"

"That's not how it works—we ordinary police officers are just as good at solving cases!"

"But no matter what, it's a good thing that Inspector Mo is willing to take the exam."

Mo Zhenbang is preparing for his promotion exam. Weng Zhaolin had argued with him countless times about this before, and everyone thought Mo Sir was unyielding and determined not to advance. However, unexpectedly, this time he has relinquished his long-held insistence. His wife and daughter have been there for him as he crossed this hurdle.

In the tea room, Hao-zai imitated Mo Sir's daughter stomping her feet, while Xiao-sun imitated Mo Sir's embarrassing moment when he was so engrossed in studying that morning that he almost bumped into the door frame.

"Mr. Mo dotes on his daughter the most. Even if it's just for his daughter, he has to become the inspector and make his child proud."

"It's a boon for us—I'm most afraid of getting a difficult inspector transferred from somewhere, like the one in Group A."

"I heard that Officer Gao from Group A last time..."

"Shh, keep your voice down. If Group A hears us, they'll start tattling on us again, and in the end, it'll just make things difficult for Mo Sir."

"If he really gets promoted, Inspector Mo will definitely have to treat us to a meal."

"This time, Zhu Qing should treat us to a meal. Such great news, isn't it worth it?"

This time, before the young tycoon could even raise his chin and say "no problem," his niece had already agreed with a smile on her face.

We had agreed beforehand that when she returned with good news, we would definitely celebrate with everyone.

"Oh, right, I brought you all gifts."

Zeng Yongshan was lying on her workstation when she heard the sound and looked up in surprise.

"Zhu Qing—you're finally back!"

Zhu Qing distributed the gifts to everyone one by one.

Most gifts were simply wrapped in plastic bags, but Zeng Yongshan's was placed in a light blue gift box, tied with a beautiful ribbon. That soft cashmere scarf brought her real warmth in the cold Berlin. Initially, Zhu Qing thought the original plot had stopped at the fork in the road, and the cannon fodder female supporting character and the original female lead's interactions would be limited to ordinary colleagues. But at some point, Zhu Qing began to cherish this unexpected friendship.

She also made friends.

"That's so unfair! Why does her gift come in a box?"

"No! Fair! Fair!"

"Zeng Yongshan, what's your gift? It definitely wasn't chosen randomly, let me see!"

"No, I'll look at it at home." Zeng Yongshan proudly waved the gift box in her hand, her smile wide and her eyes disappearing. "It's already good enough that I brought you gifts, why are you being so picky?"

More than 20 days have passed since the Lin Tingchao case was closed.

If it were the first day after the case was closed, and the CID office was as noisy as a market, Ong Siu-Lin might have turned a blind eye. But now, such noise would definitely get him a scolding.

Three muffled thuds sounded as Weng Zhaolin, his face stern, stood by the door and knocked on the glass.

But the next second, his serious expression crumbled.

"Did you bring this especially for me?"

The little girl looked up and answered in a clear voice, "Of course!"

Fangfang took out a nail clipper set from the bag.

The nail clippers still had a metal ring attached. He clumsily fumbled around on Weng Sir's waist for a while, and Weng Zhaolin reluctantly took it and clipped it to his waist.

Shengfang exclaimed again, cupping her hands around her heart, "Wow, what a handsome guy!"

"How is your mother doing lately?" Weng Zhaolin's brow relaxed as he said to Zhu Qing, "Take good care of her; this is a crucial time."

The children's performance became a major factor in winning over Weng Zhaolin.

The officers of the entire Major Crimes Unit B were filled with admiration and tried to learn from the kid. What method did he use to always make Inspector Ong smile? A mere nail clipper keychain? It had somehow captured the heart of this difficult superior!

The young master of the Sheng family sincerely explained, "John and I are friends."

Leaving the main building, Zhu Qing led Fang Fang toward the separate forensic medicine area at the back.

The office door was ajar, and she knocked gently.

"Dr. Cheng?"

The door opened with a click, but there was no one inside.

The children, carrying the gifts Qingzai had prepared, ran in and carefully placed them on the empty desk.

However, as he turned to leave, he suddenly heard a series of unhurried footsteps behind him.

Zhu Qing turned around and unexpectedly bumped into that familiar figure at the corner of the stairs.

Cheng Xinglang leaned against the window, his white coat looking like a trench coat.

He put his hands in his pockets, a smile playing on his lips: "Long time no see."

Little Fangfang peeked in and said in her childish voice, "Yes, it's been a long time!"

"Kid, I didn't tell you."

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the corridor, landing at the feet of the three people and casting long shadows.

Fangfang, the little girl, patted Zhu Qing and said, "I'm telling you."

...

Zhu Qing listened to Sheng Peirong's advice and got a good night's rest.

She slept soundly until the world seemed to end, and when she woke up, all she could see was Fangfang's chubby little face magnified infinitely in front of her.

After sending the little one onto the school bus, she went back to sleep until she appeared at the Weston Kindergarten gate at 4 p.m. sharp, looking radiant.

If Aunt Ping were here, she would definitely be amazed by the incredible resilience of young people.

But after a good night's sleep, I'm full of energy again.

I have to report back to the police station tomorrow, and it won't be so easy to get leave from now on. So tonight, Zhu Qing still took Fangfang to the nursing home to have dinner with her mother.

While Sheng Peirong was in a coma, Zhu Qing bought her many financial magazines and sat by her bedside, reading them aloud until she almost fell asleep. At that time, young Sheng Fang remarked, "Who thinks about doing business when they're sick?"

Now, my mother no longer sees herself as a patient. There are more financial magazines and books on her bedside table; she studies the complex stock market trends with unparalleled focus.

Zhu Qing couldn't understand how she could find such obscure and difficult-to-understand financial data so interesting.

Just like Sheng Peirong, she didn't know what was so interesting about those case files.

The mother and daughter looked at each other and burst out laughing at the same time.

Last night, Aunt Ping sat by the bed and talked on and on for a long time.

She mentioned that she often came to chat with Sheng Peirong when she was in a coma, and only now did she realize that none of those words had been heard. Sheng Peirong then took her hand and asked her to repeat them.

Sheng Peirong longs to understand the past in her daughter's life that she was absent from.

She was eager to know every moment of Coco's growth and everything she experienced.

Aunt Ping didn't know anything about Zhu Qing's past either, she could only recall the bits and pieces of the past few months, how she had been pestered by the young lady.

Rehabilitation training is tough, but Sheng Peirong can truly feel her progress every day.

This was a difficult transition period, but with her daughter's company, her little brother's innocent and playful words, and Aunt Ping's carefully prepared nourishing soups... the family supported each other like this, and she believed that a true reunion would soon be on the horizon.

Sheng Peirong's eyes stung from reading, but she was still reluctant to put the book down.

Zhu Qing closed the book and put it aside.

"Your eyes need to rest too."

The children sat on the side, their little feet dangling as they read the newspaper.

The young master wasn't unable to understand the dense text; he just didn't like looking at it. His focus now was on the real estate advertisements; staring at the promotional images was enough.

"This time we're going to buy a bigger house," Sheng Fang said. "A villa."

Aunt Ping was busy in the kitchen, but she had simply changed the location to cook her best soup.

She heard the lively chatter of her family around her, and her heart, like a pot of bubbling soup, warmed with warmth. Originally, she had thought that since there weren't enough rooms, she would have to sleep on the living room sofa. But strangely, everyone except her included her in the room count without hesitation when discussing the rooms.

After a life of wandering, she finally found a home in her employer's house.

"This set, this set, and this set... they're all great."

Let the kids focus their attention on the property information.

Her uncle bought the house like it was groceries, and for the past few months, Zhu Qing had always told him, "Don't be wasteful." But now, Sheng Peirong just smiled.

"Take your time looking around," she said. "My older sister will continue to earn money."

Zhu Qing: ...

The doctor from Kangfuke came in with the latest test results.

Zhu Qing followed them out to inquire about the details.

"Ms. Sheng's recovery is progressing much better than expected."

"However, rehabilitation training should be carried out gradually, and patients should be kept from being too tired."

As her footsteps faded into the distance, Sheng Peirong lowered her voice and asked, "Who is Dr. Cheng?"

At the Berlin hospital, Sheng Peirong often overheard Dr. Cheng making phone calls to Coco.

At that time, she was not in good mental condition, and her thinking was always slow and sluggish, so she couldn't ask many questions.

“The motorcycle driver,” Sheng Fang said sadly, “can no longer take me for a ride.”

Cheng Xinglang said that when Fangfang grows up, he can accompany him to continue his motorcycle dream. But Shengfang is not a three-year-old child, nor a three-and-a-half-year-old child. So many months have passed, and he is already a three-year-eleven-month-old child! He doesn't believe such an unsubstantiated promise from Dr. Cheng.

Sheng Peirong had never had any experience interacting with such young children.

Over time, she gradually discovered that Fangfang's thinking was like his favorite "popping candy," which would jump off to a faraway place if he wasn't careful, making it hard for even the most organized adults to keep up.

Sheng Peirong pulled him back to the main topic: "Is he Coco's boyfriend?"

"Of course not, Qingzai is still young!"

"Could you bring it back so I can see it?"

The little one pouted: "Everyone says no—"

"Can't you bring it back?" Sheng Peirong feigned regret. "Then forget it."

At that moment, Zhu Qing pushed open the door and came in, holding the doctor's report.

Just then, the cell phone rang.

Sheng Fang and Sheng Peirong both pricked up their ears.

Zhu Qing stopped walking, answered the phone, and her expression turned serious.

Fangfang made a hand gesture—

See? There's no time for dating.

“That was just you trying to provoke me,” Sheng Fang said to Sheng Peirong, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t think I can’t see through it.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Fangfang puffed out his little chest and said, "But I'm already angry."

No one should use reverse psychology on the children.

Because he simply had no way to defend against the attack.