As the days went by, Shen Zhi Qiu's heart finally settled down.

Spring has arrived, and sunlight filters through the treetops, dappling every corner of the garden and adding warmth and comfort to this vibrant space. The flowers in the garden are in full bloom, displaying a riot of colors and emitting a delicate fragrance, attracting butterflies and bees to flutter among them.

Lu Jia played with Zhao Zhao and Niannian in the garden, their laughter and cheers adding joy and liveliness to the quiet afternoon. Lu Jia would sometimes crouch down to chase butterflies with the children, and sometimes lift them high in the air, letting them experience the joy of flight. His face was beaming with a happy smile, a joy that came from the bottom of his heart.

Zhao Zhao and Niannian were having a blast, running around the garden and exploring every corner. They would pick up fallen leaves and throw them at each other; they chased butterflies, trying to catch the fluttering little creatures. Their eyes sparkled with childlike innocence and curiosity, as if the world was full of endless surprises and fun for them.

Shen Zhi Qiu sat on a bench in the glass room, quietly watching this scene.

A happy smile graced her face. She felt immense joy and contentment, knowing that this home was her eternal refuge, a shared haven of happiness for her and her children. Watching Lu Jia interact with the children, her heart overflowed with gratitude and love. She thanked Lu Jia for bringing them so much joy and warmth, and thanked the children for letting her experience the miracle and beauty of life.

"Zhiqiu, have you thought about when to marry Lu Jia?" Rong Hong's gentle and concerned voice interrupted Shen Zhiqiu's thoughts, which were immersed in happiness. She looked away and turned to Rong Hong, her eyes sparkling with happiness, as if the whole world had become brighter because of this love.

“Lu Jia has been back for quite some time now, and seeing you all so happy makes Dad very proud. It’s time for you two to consider settling down.” Rong Hong put down his teacup and looked earnestly at Shen Zhi Qiu, saying, “Before, I was worried that as the children grow up, what if they don’t get along well with Lu Jia?”

Rong Hong sighed, recalling his past worries. But after observing for the past few months, he realized he had been overthinking things. "Now it seems my worries were completely unnecessary. Lu Jia's love and care for the children have shown me his sense of responsibility as a husband and father." Rong Hong gently patted Shen Zhi Qiu's hand, deeply moved.

"Yes, I have considered it." Shen Zhi Qiu smiled gently. "I was thinking of waiting for Lu Jia to come back and let him adjust for a while before considering this matter. I was afraid it would be too hasty."

“No rush,” Rong Hong said with a smile. “As long as you two are both willing, leave the wedding arrangements to your father.”

Of course, both sets of parents should also meet to work together to make this happen.

You met Lu Jia's parents last month. Since everyone agrees, we can start planning the wedding.

“Hmm, I’ll see if I can find a suitable opportunity to talk to Lu Jia.” Shen Zhi Qiu’s gaze turned to Lu Jia again.

Lu Jia held Niannian's hand with her left hand and Zhaozhao's hand with her right, the three of them looking especially warm in the sunlight. They were chasing a butterfly that was fluttering around them, the children's faces filled with innocent smiles, and the whole world seemed full of beauty.

Lu Jia's face was also beaming with happiness. His eyes were filled with doting affection and love for the children, as if they were the most precious treasure in his life.

Seeing this, Shen Zhi Qiu's lips unconsciously curled into a smile. She took out her phone and captured this moment that made her feel happy.

That's great!

----------

South City.

Since the passing of his father and grandfather, Gu Qingyan seemed to have suddenly returned to his original state, becoming calm and composed with no change in expression on his face.

No matter what tricks the company's senior management came up with because of the past, Gu Qingyan was able to handle them steadily. Gradually, the voices of doubt in the company disappeared. Everyone had witnessed President Gu's skills before, so when they saw Gu Qingyan now back to normal, even more ruthless than before, they were all somewhat wary.

That day, Gu Qingyan held a banquet at a manor in the suburbs.

In early summer, the sunlight slants across the lush green estate in the suburbs. The cicadas chirp, seemingly telling of the summer heat, while a gentle breeze brings a touch of dampness and sultryness.

Bai Xin sat at the dining table, unable to hide her anxiety. Every now and then, she would peek out towards the entrance of the manor, her expression revealing a sense of urgency and unease.

Xiao Chun sat opposite her, dressed in a dark suit, appearing calm and composed. He gently picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly put it down. His gaze was deep and serene, and whenever Bai Xin showed signs of anxiety, he would speak softly, gently but firmly reassuring her.

"Please sit down first. Qingyan invited us, so of course we will come." Xiao Chun's voice revealed a sense of composure and confidence.

However, Bai Xin was not buying it. She frowned and said with dissatisfaction, "What do you know? Our daughter is gone. To Gu Qingyan, the two of us old people are of no use. The only reason I can still ask him for favors and he takes care of us is because of our daughter."

Her tone revealed a sense of helplessness and sadness, mixed with worry about the future. "But he's so young. Who knows, he might meet someone new in a while, and his family might arrange a blind date or marriage for him. So, I have to make my move first!"

As she spoke, she tugged at the hand of Rou Rou, the girl who had been sitting quietly drinking tea beside her, "Rou Rou, when you see your brother Qing Yan later, you have to be a little sweeter, okay?"

Rou Rou wore an elegant haute couture cheongsam, its color as pale as jade, embroidered with delicate lotus patterns, exuding both grace and a fresh, refined air. The collar and cuffs of the cheongsam were adorned with a band of perfectly round pearls, adding to its elegant and intellectual appeal. Her long hair was styled in a classic updo, with a few strands gently framing her forehead, making her appear even more gentle and charming.

When Rou Rou heard Bai Xin's instructions, she nodded obediently, a hint of shyness in her eyes. Her slender, white fingers gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a simple yet unique pearl earring.

"Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way."

Gu Qingyan pushed open the door and said somewhat apologetically.

When Gu Qingyan's gaze fell on that pale color, her hand froze.