"Kids can be forgiven even if they tell lies."
Xu An'an stuck out her tongue playfully and dragged the eldest child away at a brisk pace.
"Brother, hurry up!"
Seeing the two kids bouncing around in an unseemly way, Lu Chuanbai took Xu Qingqing's hand, his tone tinged with a hint of coquetry.
"Sorry, I didn't know you had the habit of controlling their KFC intake. I'll let you know in advance next time."
"Never mind."
Xu Qingqing relented. "As long as you don't take them too often. I'd prefer them to eat more vegetables and fruits."
"Okay."
Lu Chuanbai nodded and pulled Xu Qingqing towards the room. "Let's go back quickly. The flight is at 7:00 tomorrow morning, so we have to get up early."
Xu Qingqing stopped in her tracks. "I'm not going back for now."
"What's wrong?"
Xu Qingqing told Lu Chuanbai what she'd discovered, her tone taking on a more serious note.
"I suspect those two photographers have their eyes on Yangtian Mansion. After all, they came here because of our family. I have to keep an eye on them!"
After Xu Qingqing finished speaking, Lu Chuanbai readily agreed without hesitation. "I'll stay and accompany you."
"Aren't you busy with your company?"
Xu Qingqing disagreed. She felt that Lu Chuanbai had become a bit love - struck since they got together.
"Mr. Smith will visit the company and inspect the system after he goes back."
"If you're not there, who will take charge? Moreover, the two kids have already taken such a long leave. It's time for them to go back to kindergarten."
Lu Chuanbai moved closer to Xu Qingqing, resting his head on her shoulder and pulling her into his embrace, reluctant to part.
"But I don't want to leave you..."
Lu Chuanbai wanted to spend as much time with Xu Qingqing as possible.
Xu Qingqing pushed Lu Chuanbai away with a mix of disgust and sweetness, and told him sternly to focus on his career.
"Don't forget, you're the president of the Lu Group! Your younger brother is eyeing that position covetously!"
"Don't you want to avenge your mother?"
Hearing Xu Qingqing mention his mother, a flicker of sadness crossed Lu Chuanbai's eyes.
He could only feel happy when he was with Xu Qingqing. When he was alone, those heart - wrenching memories would haunt him.
He could only numb himself by working non - stop, but how could that make him a normal human being?
Seeing that Lu Chuanbai didn't say a word but just held her to feel her body temperature, Xu Qingqing softened her tone and gently patted his back.
"The two kids and I will always be by your side. Don't think too much and put too much pressure on yourself."
Hearing Xu Qingqing's words, Lu Chuanbai rallied his spirits. His long, narrow eyes were filled with love, and his tone was teasing.
"But just thinking about being separated from you takes away my motivation to work well. Cheer me up..."
Xu Qingqing looked at the pushy and glib - tongued man helplessly. "How do I cheer you up?"
Lu Chuanbai pointed at his cheek meaningfully.
Seeing that there was no one around, Xu Qingqing tiptoed and gave Lu Chuanbai a quick kiss on the cheek. Her face instantly flushed.
"Is this okay now?"
Lu Chuanbai pinched Xu Qingqing's soft cheek and stared at her with amusement.
"We're an old married couple. Why are you still so prone to blushing?"
"Is it because I'm so handsome that you're always shocked when you see me..."
The shyness on Xu Qingqing's face disappeared instantly. She rolled her eyes at Lu Chuanbai, stomped on his foot, and turned away.
She'd never seen someone so self - complimenting.
When did Lu Chuanbai become so glib - tongued? He used to be so steady and cold - blooded.
Lu Chuanbai laughed and chased after her. His expression became more serious as he put his arm around Xu Qingqing's shoulder and seriously admonished her.
"You must be very careful when facing them alone. If they're really up to no good, call the police immediately. Don't confront them directly."
"I know. Don't worry." Xu Qingqing gave Lu Chuanbai a reassuring look.
Early the next morning, Lu Chuanbai, together with the two kids and Mr. Smith, said goodbye to Xu Qingqing at the hotel entrance.
Mr. Smith bowed to Xu Qingqing in a gentlemanly manner, his tone full of cadence.
"Miss Xu Qingqing, thank you so much for your hospitality during these days in Dongchuan Province. I've had a great time."
"I've also seen the most shocking Taoist temple in my life. Welcome to visit my country in the future. I'll be the host!"
Mr. Smith patted his chest boldly, imitating the new phrase "be the host" he'd learned from the boss when eating stewed dishes.
Xu Qingqing couldn't help but laugh. Her eyes curved as she shook hands with Mr. Smith.
"Thank you, Mr. Smith. I'm really looking forward to visiting your country."
After saying goodbye to Mr. Smith, Xu Qingqing looked down at the two kids, each holding one of her thighs. She squatted down and stroked their little faces.
Xu Qingqing patiently taught them, "Yiyi, An'an, Mommy can't go back with you this time. You must listen to Daddy and study hard, okay?"
Xu An'an pouted, looking a bit unhappy. "Mommy, when can you spend more time with me and brother? We want to be with you all the time."
Every time Xu Qingqing came back, she'd only stay for a few days and then leave for other work.
She couldn't always be with them.
"Okay."
Xu Qingqing's eyes welled up with tears. She kissed Xu An'an's little face.
Hearing her daughter miss her, how could she not want to go with them?
But she was worried that after she left, the two photographers would take the opportunity to cause trouble in Yangtian Mansion.
And Wang Lide and the others didn't know about it. She didn't want to cause them any trouble.
"During the Chinese New Year, Mommy will definitely take a long vacation and spend time with you and brother." Xu Qingqing wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Okay then."
Xu Yiyi was much more mature than Xu An'an. His young face was full of seriousness. "Mommy, I'll take good care of sister. You can focus on your work with peace of mind."
Xu Yiyi's considerate words warmed Xu Qingqing's heart. She kissed Xu Yiyi on the face. "Thank you, my dear baby."
"Will you kiss Mommy?"
"Okay!"
The two kids each kissed Xu Qingqing on one side of her face and then reluctantly ran into the taxi.
The taxi driver, impatient after waiting for so long, honked the horn loudly.
Xu Qingqing and Lu Chuanbai didn't have time to say a lingering goodbye. They just gave each other a light hug and exchanged a look full of tenderness.
"Take care of yourself."
"You too."
After seeing Lu Chuanbai and the others off, Xu Qingqing returned to the hotel and hid in a secluded spot on the floor where the two photographers were staying to keep watch on them.
At 8 o'clock in the morning, the two photographers didn't carry their heavy equipment. They just clipped small, portable video recorders to their collars and swaggered out of their rooms.
After they got on the elevator, Xu Qingqing checked the floor they were going to.
The photographers were going to the first floor. Xu Qingqing quickly ran to the stairwell and sprinted downstairs at full speed, successfully catching up with the two photographers as they were getting out of the elevator.