Fu Shinian was already exhausted, but he felt no drowsiness whatsoever. The food in front of him had cooled down, yet he hadn’t touched it for quite some time.

It was actually quite ridiculous, he found himself reluctant to eat.

He remembered when he used to live with Su Mu; she often cooked meals to please him. Back then, he scorned all her efforts and even mocked her rudely. Now he wanted to eat, but it had been a long time since he last tasted her cooking, which brought forth a sentiment of reluctance, even with the food right in front of him.

As he pondered, his phone rang. Fu Shinian glanced at the caller ID and answered the call:

"Is there any news?"

"Mr. Fu, Xu Yansu is still unwilling to disclose anything about the drugs inside your wife’s body. She only wants to meet with you, and she also said that the incubation period is almost over, and your wife will soon show symptoms. You should prepare yourself early."

Song Yi’s voice came through, causing Fu Shinian to fall silent for a few seconds. He did not respond, but Song Yi knew he must have heard, so he did not urge or demand an answer. After all, anyone facing such a situation would be in a dilemma. However, there was still one more thing Song Yi had to report:

"Mr. Fu, the judgment for Shi Lihua has been issued—thirty years of imprisonment, which for her age, is essentially a life sentence."

This result could not satisfy Fu Shinian, he frowned slightly:

"Thirty years? She has two lives on her hands; why did it end with this verdict?"

"Shi Lihua admitted unequivocally to poisoning your father, but she denied any involvement with Song Zhengxian, claiming she had never been to the underground parking lot. So, it wasn’t her who killed him."

"What?" Fu Shinian abruptly stood up. "Is the news reliable?"

"There should be no problem," Song Yi responded, "After getting the information, I questioned a few insiders. They said Shi Lihua confessed to all her deeds. I also cross-referenced it with the data we have, and indeed, there are no discrepancies except for the case with Song Zhengxian. Moreover, it feels illogical that she confessed to everything else yet denied the charges related to Song Zhengxian alone."

"If that’s the case, does it mean that the person who shot at me in the underground parking lot three years ago was someone else?"

"Yes," responded Song Yi.

Suddenly, Fu Shinian felt a chill run down his spine; he finally understood the meaning of ’unforeseen dangers’. He had thought all his plans in the past three years had eliminated all potential dangers, ensuring a completely safe environment for him, Su Mu, and Qiqi. Yet, there were still hidden threats lurking.

Besides Shi Lihua, someone had been out for their lives three years ago.

Who could it be?

After hanging up with Song Yi, Fu Shinian walked to the door. Just as he was about to knock on the door opposite his, he abruptly paused. What could he say? Could he tell Su Mu she was still in danger at any time? But he did not even know who it was, not to mention whether Su Mu would believe him, and even if she did, there seemed to be no way to defend against it since she could not just stay indoors or live forever in a protected environment.

Nevertheless, no matter what, Su Mu and Qiqi needed protection around them.

The next morning, Su Mu got up early because Qiqi pushed open her door. She hadn’t slept well, so she knew immediately when Qiqi came in. Lying in bed, she gestured towards the door where Qiqi stood with a smile, creeping into her blanket and snuggling into her embrace while cooing:

"Mommy, good morning."

"Morning," Su Mu kissed her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

"Not bad," Qiqi smiled. "I’m just a bit hungry."

That was expected, considering she hadn’t eaten a bite of the meal she had prepared the night before and had gone to bed early. It was normal for her to feel hungry now. Su Mu smiled gently:

"Then, Qiqi, go wash up, and I’ll make breakfast, okay?"

"Okay."

After a quick wash, Su Mu went to the kitchen. She was quite particular about breakfast. Previously, when she was alone, she didn’t care much, but now with Qiqi, who was growing, she couldn’t help but care.

When Qiqi finished washing and came over, Su Mu had only gotten halfway through her preparation. Seeing Qiqi with eager eyes, she smiled slightly:

"Very hungry?"

Qiqi shook her head: "I’m just watching and wondering how many people’s breakfast mommy is preparing."

Upon hearing this, Su Mu knew what Qiqi was thinking about. Her hands paused momentarily, but then she resumed, looking at Qiqi before asking:

"Qiqi, can you tell me why you like Fu Shinian so much?"

"Shouldn’t I like him?" Qiqi looked innocently at Su Mu. "He’s my dad, isn’t he?"

"But he was never around before."

Qiqi nodded, acknowledging Su Mu’s words:

"I know. I didn’t like ’Daddy’ before because all the kids around me told me that my dad abandoned me and you, and went to be with another woman. So I didn’t like him. But after I met him, I knew it wasn’t true. He really likes me, loves me, so I think there must have been a reason for his absence before."

Su Mu was taken aback by Qiqi’s words; she hadn’t expected such a response. It made her reflect on her own misunderstandings with Fu Shinian from three years ago, which could be understood easily if only one thought about it. However, as an adult, he hadn’t thought that way and had simply believed the hurtful words he’d heard.

Sometimes, things that seem complicated are actually very simple, simple enough for a three-year-old to see through, yet those living through them can’t always see it clearly.

Noticing Su Mu zoning out, Qiqi waved her small hand to catch attention:

"Mommy, what are you thinking about? Did I say something wrong?"

Su Mu turned around, gently shook her head: "No, I just think Qiqi is very smart."

Qiqi, proud to be praised, smiled shyly, but her gaze remained on Su Mu’s face, her next question cautious:

"Mommy, do you not like me being with Fu Shinian? Do you dislike him?"

Regarding this question, Su Mu had not known how to answer before, and even now, she felt the same.

She acknowledged having a resentful phase towards Fu Shinian, not wanting to talk or have any interaction with him. But after last night, she could clearly feel her attitude had changed, even becoming indifferent to his frequent interactions with Qiqi, because Qiqi was right—Fu Shinian liked and loved her.

The feelings between people are mutual; you can definitely feel how someone else feels towards you.

And now, Qiqi felt Fu Shinian’s affection for her, which is why she liked him, too.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com