Gaining Fu Zhiyé’s support was expected, but Chi Chi couldn’t help feeling delighted.
She went into the kitchen and made a few dishes, giving her husband a proper treat.
The next day, Chi Chi replied to the email, confirming she would go. Through Zhou Ya, she also found out that Quentin Zane had received an invitation as well. That calmed some of her nerves—at least she’d know someone there.
After handing over the art studio’s work, Chi Chi returned home early.
They dropped little Niangao off at the old family house. Knowing Chi Chi was about to head abroad alone, Grandma Rivers and Grandpa Rivers were worried, and clasped her hands with a long list of reminders.
Chi Chi couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “Grandma Rivers, I’m just going abroad for work for a few days—I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Ah, Grandma Rivers knows, Grandma Rivers knows. We’ll have Zhiyé arrange for someone to go with you, otherwise it’ll be inconvenient.”
“Alright, alright—Zhiyé said he’ll have Lao San and Xiao Liang come with me, so you really don’t need to worry.”
After dinner, Chi Chi snuggled with little Niangao for a while before reluctantly leaving the old house.
“Zhiyé, why did you send the baby back today? I’m not leaving until tomorrow. Couldn’t Mom pick him up then?”
She was really reluctant to say goodbye. As they left, little Niangao’s eyes were brimming with tears, her nose turning red as she tried her best not to cry.
She reached out her chubby little hands, wanting to be cuddled. In that moment, Chi Chi realized—children truly are the greatest tie a mother has to home.
Fu Zhiyé kept his eyes on the road ahead, raising an eyebrow. “Mm, because tonight, you’re spending it all with me.”
“Otherwise, I’d miss my wife too much.”
“...Fine.”
Chi Chi crinkled her nose and made a silly face out the window, clinging to him even more than little Niangao would.
When they got home, Chi Chi went straight to shower. Fu Zhiyé followed—opening the door and walking in behind her.
“Why are you coming in—mmph.”
Before she could finish, he scooped her up onto the vanity.
“Baby, I’m already starving.”
Even as he whispered, his lips pressed hungrily to hers, catching her soft lips in a lingering kiss.
It was June and she wore thin clothes. Sitting on the cold marble counter, she couldn’t stop herself from shivering.
Fu Zhiyé felt her tiny movements as he kissed her. Without pausing, he tugged off his shirt, pulled her close, and wedged his expensive custom shirt beneath her for a cushion.
“Mmm...”
She felt his broad hand sneak up beneath her skirt. Chi Chi gently pressed his hand away.
“Zhiyé...”
Lost in tenderness, he finally managed to rein himself in, letting her go. But in his ink-dark eyes, the storm hadn’t faded.
“Hm?” He pressed his cheek to hers, brushing their noses together. “My love.”
His voice was almost a whisper, full of longing. Chi Chi caught her breath. “I haven’t even showered yet...”
“Then let’s shower together, okay?”
His voice was low and inviting, impossible to resist.
Chi Chi found herself nodding, swinging her long legs, wanting to get down.
His arm came around her waist. “Be good, sweetheart. I’ll carry you.”
Strong arms lifted her, carrying her to the tub.
By the time they came out of the bathroom, night had fallen. Chi Chi, spent and exhausted, collapsed on the bed.
Soft blankets cradled her, and Fu Zhiyé leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.
“Wait here—I’ll be right back.”
He went to grab a little box from the bathroom, then rushed back, sweeping her up into another round of passion.
The night grew deep. Chi Chi pushed his hand off her waist, half-crying as she begged him to stop.
Only then did Fu Zhiyé let her be, lowering his head to kiss her again.
“What am I going to do? I’m missing you before you’ve even gone.”
“Hmph, I don’t want to miss you...” she whimpered.
His rumbling laugh was muffled against her hair. “Think of me. Remember to video call every day, okay?”
By then, Chi Chi had already drifted off to sleep...
And once more, he pulled her gently into his arms.