As the first rays of morning sunlight streamed gently into the room through the gaps in the curtains, Shen Zhi Qiu felt as if her heart was being softly enveloped by a ball of cotton. She slightly opened her eyes, still drowsy, and saw a cute little face close to hers.
Niannian was lying on top of her, her upper body arched, her bright eyes staring at her curiously. Her little face was rosy, making one want to take a bite.
"What's wrong? Niannian, why aren't you sleeping?" Shen Zhi Qiu smiled and reached out to gently stroke Niannian's hair, her face full of doting affection. Her voice was soft and warm, as if afraid of disturbing the sleeping child.
"Mommy." Niannian pouted, her little brows furrowing slightly, looking a little dissatisfied. She pressed her face tightly against Shen Zhiqi's chest and mumbled softly, "Mommy, baby is hungry." Her voice was sweet and childlike, sounding especially adorable.
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhi Qiu couldn't help but laugh. She sat up, holding Niannian, and gently coaxed, "Then Mommy will get up now to prepare food for you, baby." Her movements were gentle and careful, as if she were afraid of hurting the little one in her arms.
As she spoke, she turned around and noticed that the beds next to her were all empty. She froze for a moment, a sense of panic rising within her, but quickly, she saw Nian Nian pointing outside with her little finger, trying her best to express herself, calling out in her childish voice, "Auntie Xiao Ran!"
Shen Zhi Qiu looked in the direction Niannian was pointing and, through the window, could vaguely see Zhou Xiaoran and Zhao Zhao sitting at a long table in the courtyard, their backs to them. Sunlight shone on them, creating a golden halo. Seeing this, the panic in Shen Zhi Qiu's heart instantly dissipated.
"Niannian is so great!" Shen Zhi Qiu was relieved and gently held her little hands in his own.
Niannian nodded and smiled happily. Her smile was like the rising sun, warm and bright. Then she buried her little head in Shen Zhi Qiu's shoulder, wrapped her arms around her neck, and said in a spoiled tone, "Mommy, I'm hungry."
"Okay, Mommy will take you out now." Shen Zhi Qiu quickly washed and groomed Niannian, tying her hair into a cute ponytail and securing it with a pink bow. She carried Niannian out of the room, and the gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of flowers and grass was refreshing and invigorating.
"Mom!" Niannian called out excitedly as soon as she pushed open the door. Shen Zhi Qiu looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhou Xiaoran sitting with Zhao Zhao at the long table in the courtyard. The table was covered with all kinds of delicious food, which looked extremely tempting.
The round ball was lying obediently at Zhao Zhao's feet. When it saw Shen Zhi Qiu come out, the round ball opened its mouth and made a "meow meow meow" sound, as if it was greeting Shen Zhi Qiu.
Round Ball walked over and rubbed against Shen Zhi Qiu's leg several times, then looked up at her, its bright blue eyes filled with expectation. Shen Zhi Qiu squatted down and gently stroked Round Ball's fur, feeling the texture as smooth as silk. A strange emotion welled up in her heart, "It's been so long, Round Ball."
"Mommy, kitty!" Niannian looked at the round ball curiously and pointed happily at the ground. She seemed to be full of curiosity and love for this cute little life.
"Niannian likes the ball too, doesn't she?" Shen Zhi Qiu smiled and supported her with her right hand to prevent her from falling. Niannian wobbled towards the ball and reached out her little hand to touch it. The ball obediently rolled over, letting Niannian stroke its fur.
As Shen Zhi Qiu watched this scene, she smiled, and suddenly the scene of her first encounter with the sphere flashed through her mind—
"Lu Xiaoyu! Hold the cat tight and don't let its claws scratch your sister Zhi Qiu. She's pregnant, and it would be a big problem if she got scratched," Lu Jia said seriously, protectively shielding Shen Zhi Qiu behind him with some concern.
Upon hearing Lu Jia's words, Lu Xiaoyu was first taken aback, then glanced at Shen Zhi Qiu's still flat stomach, his brows furrowing deeply. He had been fantasizing about how wonderful it would be if Shen Zhi Qiu could become his sister-in-law. But now, that beautiful fantasy seemed to have shattered. A distinctly dejected expression appeared on his face.
"What's wrong, Xiaoyu?" Shen Zhi Qiu noticed Lu Xiaoyu's unusual behavior.
"Sister Zhi Qiu, you're pregnant? What a pity." Lu Xiaoyu looked up at Shen Zhi Qiu's eyes and said with some frustration, "I was hoping you could be my sister-in-law." His voice was full of disappointment and regret.
"What? Just because you have a baby doesn't mean I can't be your sister-in-law? I don't mind, so why should you?" Lu Jia glanced at him and said indifferently.
"Get lost. You're talking nonsense all day long." Shen Zhi Qiu glared at him irritably. "Don't corrupt the children here."
"Oh dear, I'm really hurt. I didn't have a chance before, and I still don't have a chance now." Lu Jia exaggeratedly clutched her chest, putting on a pained expression.
......
Suddenly, everything from the past played out in Shen Zhi Qiu's mind like a movie, fast and clear. The laughter, tears, arguments, and reconciliations were all like a silent black and white film, instantly plunging her mood into despair.
Suddenly, Shen Zhi Qiu felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if an invisible dagger had pierced it. The pain made it impossible for her to breathe, even to think. She couldn't help but close her eyes, trying to calm herself. However, the next second, her eyes welled up with tears.
Niannian noticed Shen Zhi Qiu's change in mood. She looked up at Shen Zhi Qiu with her clear, big eyes, as if asking, "Mommy, what's wrong?" Thinking she had upset her, she burst into tears, muttering, "Mommy, don't cry, Mommy, don't cry..."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
