Entering the bedroom, Shen Zhi Qiu gently closed the door and then headed towards the bathroom. The showerhead gently sprayed warm water, and she closed her eyes, letting the water wash over her body, carrying away the day's dust and fatigue.
After showering, Shen Zhi Qiu put on a soft cotton dress and walked out of the bedroom. Downstairs in the dining room, Lu Jia had already prepared a meal for her. The dishes on the table looked and smelled delicious, making one's mouth water. Lu Jia pulled her to sit at the table.
Zhao Zhao and Niannian sat opposite her, looking at her expectantly.
"Mom's going to have a meal, and then we'll go out for ice cream soon, okay?" Shen Zhi Qiu said with a smile as she picked up her chopsticks. Her voice was gentle and kind, full of love for her children.
“Not good.” Zhao Zhao shook his head, frowning. His reaction surprised Shen Zhi Qiu, and she looked at him with some doubt.
"What's wrong?" Shen Zhi Qiu looked up at him, puzzled.
“Dad just told us that eating too fast is bad for your stomach,” Zhao Zhao said seriously. “So, Mom needs to eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Niannian and I can eat ice cream a little later, right, Niannian?” He turned to Niannian and asked.
"Mmm." Niannian nodded quickly and imitated, "Mommy, eat slowly." Her little face was full of seriousness and cuteness, making people want to pinch her cheeks.
Shen Zhi Qiu felt a warmth in her heart, touched by the children's understanding and thoughtfulness. She said with a smile, "Mom knows, and will definitely eat it slowly."
After the meal, Zhao Zhao, like a little adult, stepped forward, held Shen Zhi Qiu's hand tightly, and carefully reminded her to walk slowly and not to tire herself out.
“Mommy isn’t tired anymore, Zhao Zhao, don’t worry.” Shen Zhi Qiu squatted down and gently patted Zhao Zhao’s little head. “Don’t worry, Mommy is fine now.”
"Yes, Mom, please take care of yourself." Zhao Zhao nodded.
Shen Zhi Qiu hugged him with relief. Zhao Zhao always acted like a little adult, worrying about her. But she didn't want Zhao Zhao to worry; after all, he was still a child. She hoped that all her children could grow up carefree and happy.
After carefully placing the two children into their car seats, Lu Jia meticulously adjusted their seatbelts to ensure they were both comfortable and safe. His movements were gentle and attentive, revealing his deep care for the children. Then, taking Shen Zhi Qiu's hand, he considerately closed the car door for her after she was seated before walking around the front of the car and calmly getting into the driver's seat.
The atmosphere inside the car was warm and harmonious, filled with the children's laughter. However, suddenly, Niannian tilted her little head and asked earnestly, "Mommy, why aren't we like Daddy?" Her question made the atmosphere in the car freeze slightly.
Upon hearing this question, Shen Zhi Qiu hesitated. She glanced at Lu Jia, noticing his grip on the steering wheel tighten, clearly also affected by the question. Shen Zhi Qiu understood that the question might be somewhat complicated for the children, but she still decided to answer honestly.
However, just as she was about to speak, Zhao Zhao blurted out, "But it's enough that we look like Mom!" His voice was full of confidence and pride. "We grew up in Mom's tummy, so naturally we look like her. And although we don't look like Dad, Dad loves us very much, doesn't he?"
Shen Zhi Qiu and Lu Jia exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with gratitude for the children's pure and kind nature. They decided not to disturb the children's happy world for the time being, and to explain this topic to them when they were older and more sensible.
Niannian nodded blankly. Although she didn't fully understand her brother's words, she trusted him and her parents, so she obediently repeated, "Brother is right."
Zhao Zhao continued to let his imagination run wild, muttering to himself, "Right, Niannian? Besides, Mom is so beautiful! We'll be good-looking when we grow up, just like Mom!" His little face was filled with anticipation and longing for the future.
Hearing Zhao Zhao's words, Niannian smiled happily. She pointed at Lu Jia and said, "Daddy is handsome too." Her little face was full of admiration and love for her father. "But I love Mommy more." Her voice was full of determination and sincerity.
Hearing Niannian's words, Lu Jia felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He smiled and replied, "I love Mom more too." His words revealed his deep affection and love for Shen Zhi Qiu.
At this moment, the car was filled with the warmth and happiness of family.
Upon arriving at the mall, Shen Zhi Qiu led the way, holding Nian Nian's hand. Her steps were light and elegant, as if each step was dancing to a joyful melody. Lu Jia followed behind, holding Zhao Zhao's hand. His gaze frequently fell on Shen Zhi Qiu, his eyes filled with love and doting affection.
The mall was bustling with people, and the various shops were filled with a dazzling array of goods. Shen Zhi Qiu and Nian Nian stopped in front of a toy store, selecting a toy they had long admired. Lu Jia and Zhao Zhao stood quietly to the side, waiting.
Suddenly, Zhao Zhao tugged at Lu Jia's arm, indicating that he had something to say. Lu Jia looked down at his son's nervous little face and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. He gently picked Zhao Zhao up and asked softly, "What's wrong, Zhao Zhao? Is there something you want to tell Daddy?"
Zhao Zhao hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Dad, you just said you love Mom, right?" His brows furrowed, and his fingers nervously gripped the hem of his clothes, clearly deep in thought.
Upon hearing this question, Lu Jia immediately understood. Looking at his son's earnest little face, he nodded solemnly, "Yes, Daddy has always loved Mommy." His voice was firm and strong, revealing his deep love for Shen Zhi Qiu.
"Then why didn't Dad come home for so long?" Zhao Zhao looked at him with a troubled expression, carefully observing his expression. This question had clearly been bothering him, and now he had finally mustered the courage to ask. Although he had already asked his family before, he still wanted to ask Lu Jia in person.
Lu Jia was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Dad had an accident and couldn't come back, but not a day went by that he didn't think about Mom." His voice was low and affectionate, revealing his helplessness and regret about that time. Although he lost his memory due to the accident, Shen Zhi Qiu's figure would appear in his dreams every night.
Zhao Zhao looked at him earnestly, and after confirming it was true, she stretched out her little hand, "Then let's pinky swear, you'll never leave us, okay?"
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