As the car slowly drove into the villa's gate, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the exquisite building, giving this warm home a golden cloak.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was also very warm. Shen Zhi Qiu lay quietly on the back seat, fast asleep. Her breathing was steady and deep, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she were experiencing a sweet dream. Her face looked particularly soft in the sunset, and her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow under her eyes.
Wei Qiao parked the car, looked back at Shen Zhi Qiu, and hesitated. He knew he should wake her and let her go home to rest. However, looking at her peaceful sleeping face, he couldn't bear to disturb her.
Just then, Lu Jia gently shook his head, his eyes revealing a tender firmness. He gestured to Wei Qiao not to wake Shen Zhi Qiu, then carefully opened the car door.
Lu Jia walked around the car and to Shen Zhi Qiu's side. He gently opened the car door, then bent down and slipped his arms under her back and knees. His movements were light and careful, as if afraid of waking her. Shen Zhi Qiu lay quietly in his arms, her brows furrowing slightly as she stirred, seemingly sensing his warmth and sense of security, before falling back into a deep sleep.
Wei Qiao quickly stepped forward and opened the villa door for them. Lu Jia carried Shen Zhi Qiu into the living room and gently placed her on the sofa. He carefully adjusted her position to make sure she was comfortable.
At that moment, Zhou Xiaoran was leading her two children downstairs. She was shocked to see Shen Zhiqi being carried into the house by Lu Jia, thinking something had happened, and quickly walked over.
Upon seeing this, Zhao Zhao immediately let go of Zhou Xiaoran's hand and ran towards Lu Jia. His little face was filled with worry and curiosity.
"Shh—" Seeing this, Wei Qiao quickly put his index finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet. He whispered to Zhao Zhao, "Miss is just too tired and has fallen asleep. Let's not wake her up."
Zhao Zhao obediently frowned, his little face full of unhappiness. He muttered softly, "Where did Mommy go today? Why is she so tired?"
Wei Qiao squatted down, looked Zhao Zhao in the eye, and explained softly, "Miss Zhao has gone to do something very important. Don't worry, young master, she will wake up soon. Let's go quietly first. Let's not wake her up now and let her rest."
Although Zhao Zhao was still a little unhappy after hearing this, he obediently nodded. He tiptoed to Shen Zhi Qiu's side, squatted down, and looked at her carefully. Nian Nian was also picked up by Zhou Xiao Ran, and she blinked her big eyes curiously at her mother on the sofa.
After hearing Lu Jia recount what had happened, Zhou Xiaoran was deeply moved. She looked at Shen Zhi Qiu and felt a pang of heartache.
Niannian's little hands gripped Zhou Xiaoran's sleeve tightly, her face slightly contorted with worry. Her eyes sparkled with longing and concern for her mother. "When will Mommy wake up?" Her voice carried a hint of fear, clearly showing how genuinely worried she was about Shen Zhi Qiu.
Zhou Xiaoran felt a surge of tenderness in her heart when she saw Niannian's anxious expression. She knelt down and gently stroked her little head. "Don't worry, Niannian. Mommy is just tired. She'll wake up after a short nap. Let's wait for her here, okay?"
Zhao Zhao remained crouched in front of the sofa, his gaze fixed on Shen Zhi Qiu's face, as if protecting her in his own way. Seeing Ni Nian approach, he gently shifted his body, making room for her.
"Brother, Mom is sleeping." Niannian tilted her head and explained to Zhaozhao in her uniquely cute way.
Zhao Zhao nodded, his gaze still fixed on Shen Zhi Qiu's face. He leaned close to Nian Nian's ear and whispered, "Shh, Nian Nian. Mom is sleeping. We need to be quiet and not disturb her." His voice was full of love and protectiveness towards Shen Zhi Qiu.
Zhou Xiaoran stood in a corner of the living room, quietly watching the heartwarming scene before her. Shen Zhi Qiu lay peacefully on the sofa, while Zhao Zhao and Niannian squatted beside her, protecting her in their childish way. This scene filled Zhou Xiaoran with immense warmth and emotion, and she couldn't help but smile.
Just then, Lu Jia walked over quietly. He lowered his voice and said, "Zhao Zhao, Niannian, let's not stay here, let's go to the restaurant, okay?"
However, the two little ones shook their heads in unison, indicating that they did not want to leave. Their eyes remained fixed on Shen Zhi Qiu's face, as if telling Lu Jia in their own way that they wanted to stay here with their mother.
Seeing the children's persistence, Lu Jia sighed softly. He squatted down, looked into their eyes, and said gently, "But this will disturb Mom's sleep. Let's go to the restaurant for dinner first, and then come back to keep Mom company, okay?" His voice was full of patience and understanding, making the children feel his love and respect.
Hearing this, Zhao Zhao and Niannian exchanged a glance, nodded, and stood up hand in hand. Although there was still a hint of reluctance on their faces, they obediently followed their instructions.
Looking at the children's sensible expressions, Lu Jia felt a surge of relief. He picked up the two children steadily, one in each arm, and walked towards the restaurant.
Zhao Zhao and Niannian each leaned on his left and right shoulders, looking back in the direction of Shen Zhi Qiu, their little faces filled with worry.
Seemingly sensing the children's worry, Lu Jia whispered, "Mom said in the car that after dinner tonight, she'll take you out for ice cream. Do you want to go get some ice cream?"
As soon as Lu Jia finished speaking, Zhao Zhao and Niannian's eyes lit up. They exclaimed happily, "Yes!" Their voices were full of anticipation and excitement, as if they couldn't wait to taste the delicious ice cream.
"Then eat your food obediently first." Lu Jia smiled and put the two little ones on the chairs.
After dinner, Shen Zhi Qiu stretched and slowly opened her eyes. She found herself lying on the sofa and sat up in surprise. She looked around and saw Lu Jia sitting on the opposite sofa with Zhao Zhao and Niannian, all three of them looking at her with smiles.
"Mom's awake! We can go get ice cream together!" Zhao Zhao and Niannian exchanged a glance, then excitedly ran towards Shen Zhi Qiu.
Shen Zhi Qiu stretched out her arms and hugged the two little ones tightly. "Okay, let's go eat ice cream together."
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