Wen Yang noticed he was looking at her. Her voice softened as she told him not to stare. Fu Xingzhou chuckled, got up, and carried her into the bathroom. The mist that had just cleared in the bathroom rose again with new steam.
The sink counter was wide enough. Wen Yang was set down on it.
A long while passed.
Sleepiness followed exhaustion. Wen Yang curled up under the covers and asked Fu Xingzhou to set a timer so she could nap for half an hour. Fu Xingzhou gently ruffled her hair and said softly, “It’s set.”
But he hadn’t actually set it.
He thought Wen Yang needed the rest. She had stayed up with him all night. She was naturally someone who loved sleep and tired easily. Even he had found it hard to endure—how could she not?
Meanwhile, a pile of work had built up for him. After leaving the bedroom, he handled it from the kitchen island in the living room.
Time passed.
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Ww Dkdtgbsw tyhl y zktbv “Yx,” yde alrzkle, “Fbl yaakhle zypv dktbv.”
He raised his hand to end the video call, turned around, and looked at Wen Yang. “Did you sleep well?”
Wen Yang was barefoot, her light-colored nail polish standing out against the dark carpet. Looking at him, she asked, “You didn’t set the alarm, did you?”
Fu Xingzhou replied, “I wanted you to sleep a little longer.”
Wen Yang muttered, “Alright, I slept enough. I’ll go change clothes first.”
“Go ahead,” he said, turning to pour himself a cup of coffee.
Wen Yang came back out wearing a new blouse and a long skirt, her hair tied up neatly. Fu Xingzhou stood up and took her hand. Wen Yang yawned and looked up at him. “Did you not sleep at all?”
Fu Xingzhou lowered his gaze and answered, “I dozed a little.”
Wen Yang glanced at the computer.
She didn’t believe him.
He probably hadn’t slept at all.
They drove to a large supermarket nearby. It was similar to the big chain stores back home. Wen Yang pushed a huge shopping cart and selected vegetables.
The prices were shockingly high.
Fu Xingzhou stood beside her, quietly watching her pick.
Even though he hadn’t rested properly and looked a little intimidating, he was still gentle whenever Wen Yang asked him to help.
Wen Yang leaned on the shopping cart and asked, “What kind of porridge does Auntie like? Is there anything she doesn’t eat?”
Fu Xingzhou answered in a clear voice, “She doesn’t eat cilantro or green onions.”
Wen Yang let out an “Ah,” and said, “Good thing I don’t really like adding those either.”
She thought for a moment and then looked at him. “What about you?”
Fu Xingzhou gazed at her. “I’m not picky.”
Only then did Wen Yang say, “I realized you’re really not a picky eater.”
She wanted to cook something he liked. Thinking back, he seemed willing to eat just about anything. Even leftover corn from breakfast—he would finish it for her. After some thought, Wen Yang turned and said, “But I noticed you really like eating sandwiches, right?”
Fu Xingzhou looked into her eyes, the corners of his lips curving slightly. “What makes you think that?”
Wen Yang went to grab ham and slices of bread, saying, “You can just tell. Maybe you’re not picky, but you definitely have favorites.”
Fu Xingzhou watched her picking out bread.
There was a softness in his eyes.
Sandwiches were the only thing his father had known how to make. When Fu Xingzhou was young, his father had made them for him many times. Even later, when his father was busy running the company, he still made sandwiches whenever he could—getting better and better at it.
Rather than saying he particularly liked sandwiches, it was more accurate to call it a sense of nostalgia.
While picking groceries, Wen Yang grumbled a little, “Honestly, everything here is so expensive.”
Fu Xingzhou chuckled and pushed the cart. He said, “Vegetables are a bit pricey, but overall, it’s not too bad. Beef and lamb are a little cheaper.”
He said “a little cheaper,” but Wen Yang wasn’t sure what he was comparing to. She thought it was all expensive. Still, they needed to eat, so she picked out what they needed and headed to checkout.
After paying, they returned to their place.
Qiu Pei had housekeepers—more than one, in fact. A Chinese couple. But they had returned to China temporarily because of their child.
The kitchen on the first floor was spotless, almost as if unused. But when Wen Yang opened some hidden cabinets, she found supplies stored inside. Qiu Pei had even casually left a few expensive handbags on the kitchen island. Fu Xingzhou picked up the bags and placed them on the sofa, then helped Wen Yang retrieve some stored condiments.
Wen Yang reached up to take the spice bottles and started washing rice.
Fu Xingzhou, watching her preparations, asked, “Boat Congee?”
Wen Yang nodded and looked up at him. “Is that okay?”
Fu Xingzhou said, “It’s perfect. She loves it.”
Wen Yang’s eyes curved into a smile.
She pulled on his wrist and said, “Time’s a bit tight. President Fu, help me out.”
Fu Xingzhou raised an eyebrow. “Help with what?”
He stepped closer, and Wen Yang pushed the bread slices to him, asking him to help toast them. Fu Xingzhou took over and turned on the toaster. He wasn’t unfamiliar with kitchen work, always able to help Wen Yang at just the right time.
Around 12:10 p.m.,
The congee was done. Wen Yang also made two small side dishes, good for both porridge and rice, along with three servings of Chinese-style sandwiches. By 12:30, Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou were carrying thermal food containers into the hospital room.
Chen Shang and Li Luo were sitting by the hospital bed, discussing work. When Qiu Pei saw the thermal containers they were carrying, her eyes lit up slightly. “What’s that?”
Qiu Pei looked at Wen Yang, and Wen Yang said softly, “Congee. Try it and see if it suits your taste.”
Qiu Pei asked, “Did you make it?”
Wen Yang nodded.
She opened the thermal lunchbox.
Fu Xingzhou opened the small dining table and placed the congee and other dishes onto it. Qiu Pei immediately spotted the boat congee (“ting zai congee”) and caught the familiar fragrance. She said, “I really miss this taste.”
Wen Yang smiled slightly upon hearing that.
The two uncles, Chen Shang and Li Luo, also came over to the table. They glanced at the dishes and smiled, saying, “President Qiu is really blessed. Just a few days ago you were missing Nancheng’s food, and today you get to eat it.”
Qiu Pei held Wen Yang’s hand and said to them, “Our Wen Yang made it.”
Chen Shang and Li Luo smiled.
Wen Yang was a little embarrassed. Qiu Pei looked at Wen Yang and said, “Don’t blame Auntie for being ignorant. To be honest, even after all these years in Paris, I still can’t get used to the food here. I initially hired a housekeeper from Nancheng, but she felt lonely here without someone to chat with, so she went back to China. Later, I hired two chef-housekeepers, but they happen to not be in Paris right now. I really craved a taste of home. Wen Yang, thank you. Coming all the way to Paris, not being able to go out and have fun, and even taking the trouble to cook this meal for me.”
Wen Yang said softly, “It’s nothing. Auntie, if you want to eat anything, just tell me.”
Qiu Pei smiled and glanced at Fu Xingzhou, “That won’t do. You’re dating Xingzhou, not coming here to cook for me. One or two meals already make Auntie very happy.”
Wen Yang smiled too and said softly, “I actually really like cooking. Auntie, you don’t need to feel burdened.”
“Wen Yang, you are truly wonderful,” Qiu Pei said, holding her hand.
Seeing the warmth in this family scene, Chen Shang and Li Luo took their leave. After Fu Xingzhou escorted them out, Wen Yang handed a spoon to Qiu Pei. At this point, Qiu Pei’s appetite had already been aroused. She took the spoon, just about to eat when Wen Yang opened another thermal container, revealing sandwiches inside. Qiu Pei’s hand paused.
She could even more deeply understand why her son was so enamored with Wen Yang.
They hadn’t been together for long, yet Wen Yang had already noticed what Fu Xingzhou liked to eat. Her son was the kind of person whose preferences were hidden deep and difficult to read.
Only family members knew the origin of Fu Xingzhou’s gentle sides.
Even Li Man had only realized after two and a half years that Fu Xingzhou liked sandwiches for a particular reason.
After the three of them finished lunch,
Qiu Pei was completely won over by Wen Yang’s cooking. In her heart, she thought she shouldn’t let Wen Yang always cook, but she still hoped Wen Yang would cook often. She pulled Wen Yang to sit beside her bed and chatted with her.
“You’re doing design work in Nancheng?”
Wen Yang nodded, “Mm, interior design.”
“Did you major in this at university?”
Wen Yang said, “Yes.”
Qiu Pei blinked, “So you designed the Washington residence?”
Wen Yang nodded again, “Mm.”
Qiu Pei laughed, “That’s perfect then.”
She could have her own home designed however she liked.
Then Qiu Pei casually asked Wen Yang other questions. They chatted easily, but Qiu Pei’s body couldn’t hold up for too long, and soon she needed her afternoon nap. Wen Yang stood up and tucked her in.
From the blanket’s outline, one could see the hollowness under the hospital gown.
Breast cancer surgery.
In serious cases, one side must be removed.
Wen Yang lifted her gaze and looked at Fu Xingzhou.
Fu Xingzhou adjusted Qiu Pei’s pillow and took Wen Yang’s hand, asking softly, “Do you want to go back and rest?”
Wen Yang shook her head, “But you should get some sleep, right?”
Fu Xingzhou said, “I’m fine.”
The two stayed in the hospital room accompanying Qiu Pei. Fu Xingzhou handled work while staying by her side, and Wen Yang worked on her designs with her laptop. In the evening, Qiu Pei needed to be wiped down. Wen Yang wanted to help, but Qiu Pei didn’t let her and called the nurse instead.
In the afternoon, Wen Yang went back to the house to make more congee for her. At night, Qiu Pei still lacked energy; after washing up, she dozed off, but she kept holding onto Wen Yang’s hand.
Fu Xingzhou glanced down at them, but this time he didn’t pull Wen Yang’s hand away.
–
Wen Yang stayed in Paris for about four days. She had drafts to submit, and Yun Chi was in the middle of a payroll phase, so she had to return to Nancheng. She tugged lightly at Fu Xingzhou’s sleeve.
Fu Xingzhou glanced at her. Wen Yang tiptoed to whisper in his ear.
Fu Xingzhou paused, then after a moment nodded, and asked, “Have you bought the plane ticket?”
Meeting his eyes, Wen Yang said, “I’m about to. I’ll buy one for tonight.”
Fu Xingzhou said, “Okay.”
He said quietly, “I’ll buy the ticket for you.”
Wen Yang looked at him and said, “Okay.”
“Wen Yang,” Qiu Pei called from the hospital bed. Wen Yang came back to herself, let go of Fu Xingzhou’s sleeve, and walked over to the bed. Qiu Pei smiled and held her hand, “Come, let me see your designs.”
Wen Yang nodded, picked up her laptop, sat down by the bed, and opened the drawings for Qiu Pei to see.
Recently, Qiu Pei enjoyed looking at Wen Yang’s design drafts.
As they chatted, Qiu Pei smiled and asked Wen Yang, “What are we eating tonight?”
At that moment, Fu Xingzhou, having just hung up a call, walked in. He heard this question and answered in a clear, cold voice, “We’ll just eat something simple. She has to go back to Nancheng first.”
Qiu Pei was stunned, looking at Wen Yang, “You’re going back?”
Wen Yang nodded lightly and said softly, “There are things at the studio that need handling.”
A wave of reluctance surged in Qiu Pei’s heart. She clutched Wen Yang’s hand tightly. Wen Yang blinked at her and smiled, saying, “Auntie, rest well and take care of your health.”
Qiu Pei said, “I will. You be safe too.”
Wen Yang agreed.
After quickly packing up, Fu Xingzhou carried her laptop bag and held her hand as they said goodbye to Qiu Pei. Once Wen Yang left, Qiu Pei felt an emptiness inside. In a way, Wen Yang, so gentle and well-behaved, felt like a sweet, caring daughter. Her company was very comforting — she had a soft nature but wasn’t devoid of opinions. She was obedient without being submissive, neither servile nor arrogant.
And that beautiful face, her eyes and brows arching into crescent moons when she smiled —
She was simply an angel.
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