At the start of June, Cecilia received an invitation.

It was from the International Art Association: an invitation to the 'When Winter Fades' exhibition, with all proceeds from the show pledged to charity. The news caused quite a stir in the art world.

Such a generous donation—and in such a distinctive way—brought fresh attention to painters, a group that usually stays out of the spotlight.

The event was being organized by the International Art Association and would be held in Country Y.

This time, Cecilia wasn’t just a visitor—she was being presented with an association award and invited to share some stories behind her paintings.

When the invitation arrived, Cecilia was painting in her studio. Work at the studio wasn’t especially busy, so she found time each day to paint a little.

Strawberry stared at the email, unable to believe her eyes. She hurried to call Cecilia over—being invited to speak was a huge honor.

Cecilia read the message and couldn’t hold back a bright smile.

'Miss Ye, will you go? I heard from Professor that this is a very prestigious event.'

Cecilia hesitated. Of course she wanted to go, but she had never traveled abroad alone before—and she wasn’t sure if Zhiyen would agree.

Not to mention, there was Little Rice Cake. The whole trip would take at least six or seven days.

'I really want to,' she said, 'but I have to talk it over with my husband first.'

Strawberry looked utterly starstruck. 'Hee hee, I’m sure Mr. Fu will support you!'

'Mm.' Cecilia smiled, certain that although Zhiyen would grumble, in the end he’d let her go.

By evening, Xavier Fostern came to pick her up right on time.

They got in the car together. Little Rice Cake sat calmly in his car seat, looking around with wide eyes full of curiosity.

'Was Little Rice Cake good today?'

As Xavier Fostern drove, he glanced at the rearview mirror. At the sound of his name, Little Rice Cake’s round eyes focused intently on his dad.

'Da-da-da.'

'He was really good! While I painted, he played by himself with his toys. Such an angel.' Cecilia praised their son, then leaned down to kiss him.

Tickled by her kiss, Little Rice Cake burst out giggling.

Soon, the car pulled into Qinghe Community.

At home, Cecilia put Little Rice Cake in his cradle.

'Zhiyen,'—remembering the invitation, she decided to tell Xavier Fostern right away—'I want to take a trip to Country Y.'

'Hm? Country Y?' Xavier Fostern looked surprised. 'Why do you need to go there?'

'The International Art Association invited me today; they want me to speak and share some stories with everyone.'

Their son toddled over to hug his waist, his glassy eyes blinking up at him.

'You really want to go?'

She was even being sweet about it. Xavier Fostern couldn't resist lowering his head to kiss her lips and guided her to sit on the sofa.

'When is the exhibition? How long will you be gone?'

Cecilia checked the email. The trip was in just two days, and she’d be away for at least five or six.

Nestled in his arms, she glanced up. 'But if I go, you’ll need to take care of Little Rice Cake—or maybe I’ll send him to our old house with your mom.'

Since Little Rice Cake was born, he’d only ever been at the old house for a day or two—never for this long. Cecilia felt a bit reluctant.

Xavier Fostern took her slender, pale fingers in his own, frowning slightly. He leaned in and couldn’t help giving her ear a playful nibble.

'So sure I’ll let you go?'

'Mm-hmm. Of course you’ll let me,' Cecilia teased. 'You always support me in doing what I love.'

He rubbed his temples helplessly—she really did have him wrapped around her finger. 'Fine, I support you.'

He checked the time on his phone. 'But, baby, I can’t go with you. I’ve got a big project with Charles Chase about to launch that week.'

'I know, you’ve been so busy lately. I’ll just send Little Rice Cake to your mom’s for a while. It’s only a few days—I can handle myself! I’m not a little girl anymore.'

Xavier Fostern laughed, pulling her onto his lap and giving her nose a gentle rub.

'You are a little girl to me. I wish I could keep you by my side every day—I’d be terrified of losing you.'

His tender, affectionate words whispered right in her ear, making her laugh as she tightened her arms around his neck.

'There’s no way you’ll lose me. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.'