Chapter 2020

Chapter 2020

The Next Morning

In the morning, at Geng Yuehua’s house, Dong Xuebing got up just after 5 AM, stretched, yawned, and then got out of bed to wash and dress. Not wanting to disturb Geng Yuehua, he gently covered her with the blanket and quietly left the house. He purposely avoided being seen by her parents downstairs or by her brother Geng Xinke, since he knew they shouldn’t find out. This was also the reason for waking up so early. If not, he could’ve slept in after such a long, hectic day the previous day, but Dong Xuebing considered Geng Yuehua’s reputation and the fact that more people would be around by 6 or 7 AM, so he decided to leave early.

It was still dark outside. There were few people on the streets, and the breakfast vendors were beginning to set up, steaming hot buns.

“Boss, I’ll have a tray of buns.”

“They’re not ready yet, we’ve just set up.”

“Oh, how long will it take?”

“Not too long, just about ten minutes. You can sit while you wait.”

Dong Xuebing’s stomach rumbled, so he sat and waited for about ten minutes before finally enjoying his meal. Afterward, he noticed more empty taxis driving by, signaling that the morning rush was starting, so he was satisfied and wiped his mouth. Then, he hopped into a taxi heading to Lü’an City.

7 AM

In a residential complex in Lü’an City, Dong Xuebing got out of the taxi and walked toward the building. This time, he hadn’t informed his mother or Uncle Yang. He didn’t want them to know, preferring to handle his matters. He was confident that Geng Yuehua was fine, and he’d return to meet a few leaders in Fen City tonight or tomorrow, as well as establish contacts with leaders in Beihe Province. At worst, he could have his mother-in-law make a call for help, but he was sure Geng Yuehua’s promotion to vice mayor was nearly guaranteed. This was the one thing he could secretly do for her. Now, his next stop was, of course, going to be with Qu Yunxuan.

Upstairs

On the third floor, Dong Xuebing knocked on the door and rang the doorbell.

“Who is it?” the door opened, and Qu Yunxuan, in her pajamas, appeared. It seemed like she had just woken up. Upon seeing Dong Xuebing, she froze for a moment. “Xuebing, you’re back? Come in, come in. You didn’t even let me know you were coming.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “I thought I’d give you a surprise.”

Qu Yunxuan gently rubbed his head, “You…”

“Give me a kiss first.” After closing the door, Dong Xuebing pulled her in for a kiss.

Qu Yunxuan dodged for a second but ultimately gave in, kissing him back. After a while, they separated, and Aunt Xuan flicked his nose playfully. “You troublemaker.”

“Aren’t you working today?” Dong Xuebing asked.

Qu Yunxuan replied, “I was busy for a while before, so I’ve been resting these past few days. I’ve been at home taking care of the kids. You, on the other hand, didn’t even call me. If you came back the day before yesterday, I wouldn’t have even been at home, and the kids were at your mother’s place.”

Dong Xuebing grinned, “It’s called telepathy. I just knew you’d be here. By the way, where’s Qianqian? My little princess, why haven’t I seen her?”

At the mention of her, Qu Yunxuan sighed, “The little one is still in bed, all grumpy. She’s supposed to be up at 8:30 AM to go to kindergarten, but she refuses to get up.”

Dong Xuebing was shocked, “She’s already in kindergarten?”

“Yeah, she’s over two now. Originally, she could’ve started at three, but after discussing it with your mom, we thought it’d be better for her to start earlier,” Qu Yunxuan said, tapping his forehead. “You, you’re so out of touch, you didn’t even know your kid is in school.”

Dong Xuebing was speechless. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Qu Yunxuan smiled, “She’s only been attending for a few days. I was going to tell you soon.”

“Well, hurry up and wake her up; she needs to get washed and have breakfast,” Dong Xuebing urged.

Qu Yunxuan called into the bedroom, “Qianqian, wake up! Come out and see who’s back—Daddy’s home! Hurry up!”

Moments later, there was a shout from the bedroom, and the door was clumsily pushed open from the inside. A slightly taller and chubbier Qianqian ran out, and upon seeing Dong Xuebing, she began jumping up and down, shouting, “Daddy! Daddy! Hug me!”

Dong Xuebing’s heart melted, and in just a few steps, he scooped her up, kissing her on the cheek, “So good, Daddy missed you so much.”

Qianqian, still with messy hair, giggled.

“Do you miss Daddy?” Dong Xuebing asked.

Qianqian nodded vigorously, “Daddy kiss!”

Dong Xuebing leaned in, and Qianqian kissed him back, making him smile. It had been a while since he had seen his daughter, and he could tell that her ability to express herself had gotten a little stronger. Though her speech was still a bit clumsy, she could say a few key words, and they could communicate well now.

Qu Yunxuan watched and smiled, “This little girl, she wouldn’t listen to me even when I called her for so long, but when Daddy comes, she comes running right out.”

Qianqian looked at her mother longingly, “Mommy kiss.”

Qu Yunxuan leaned in, and Qianqian kissed her on the cheek, making Dong Xuebing chuckle.

“She’s going to be a smart one. I can see it—she’s a born leader. She knows how to keep everyone happy. After all, she’s my daughter, right? She must have inherited my great genes. She’ll grow up to be a good official.”

Qu Yunxuan wasn’t too thrilled by this and said, “I’ll never let her go into politics. Don’t try to plan her future. She can decide what she wants to do when she’s older.”

Dong Xuebing nodded, “Alright, hurry and get her washed up. I’ll go make breakfast for both of you.”

About Ten Minutes Later

Breakfast was ready, and Qu Yunxuan sat with Qianqian in her arms.

“Daddy, pick me up! Daddy!” Qianqian squirmed in her mother’s lap, reaching out for Dong Xuebing.

Qu Yunxuan joked, “Oh, so now that Daddy’s here, you’ve forgotten about me?”

Qianqian wasn’t having it, though, and insisted on being picked up by her dad. Dong Xuebing happily obliged, holding her on his lap while feeding her, “Alright, today Daddy will feed you. Look how good our little one is.”

Qu Yunxuan, still slightly annoyed, joked, “See, you’re already jealous of your daughter.”

Dong Xuebing laughed, “Well, she hasn’t seen me for a while. What’s the harm in letting me hold her? Don’t worry, I’ll hug you too after.”

Qu Yunxuan rolled her eyes. “Forget it.”

The family of three enjoyed a warm, cheerful breakfast together. Afterward, Qu Yunxuan told Qianqian to tidy up her little backpack, aiming to foster some independence in her. Though Qianqian wasn’t keen, she complied when her mother gave her a serious look.

With Qianqian occupied, Dong Xuebing and Qu Yunxuan had some time to chat.

Qu Yunxuan asked, “Why did you come back so suddenly? When are you leaving?”

“I just missed you and the kids,” Dong Xuebing said. “I’ll leave the day after tomorrow.”

Qu Yunxuan smiled, “What’s wrong?”

“I know it’s tough being apart, especially with me being so busy. I feel bad that I can’t take better care of you and the kids,” Dong Xuebing admitted.

Qu Yunxuan brushed it off, “Don’t worry about it. I’m fine here.”

Dong Xuebing smiled and winked at her, “About that five-year agreement, it’s been almost two years, right? When we get married, you and the kids can come live with me.”

The five-year agreement was something Dong Xuebing and Qu Yunxuan had made a long time ago. At the time, his personal life wasn’t as complicated, but there had been some major incidents. Xu Huilan and Qu Yunxuan almost came to blows over it. Eventually, the agreement was reached: Dong Xuebing would marry Xu Huilan first, then divorce her after five years, and subsequently marry Qu Yunxuan.

Qu Yunxuan hesitated, “Forget it, I’ve long since forgotten about that.”

Dong Xuebing was shocked, “What do you mean forget? We agreed—didn’t you and Huilan both?”

Qu Yixuan lovingly pinched his nose and interrupted, saying, “I’m quite happy with my life now. I spend time with the child, go to work, and you come to visit more often. What’s the big deal about getting married or not? Everyone has their career. You and Hui Lan are married, but you’re living apart, right? In the end, there’s no real difference. I heard from Mom that you’re about to become the city party secretary, and your political rise is at a crucial stage. If you were to divorce, it would have a significant impact on your political future. Such things are very sensitive; you can’t make decisions as if it’s a game. So, let’s move on. I’ll call Hui Lan later and talk to her.”

Dong Xuebing became anxious. “That can’t be done.”

Qu Yixuan smiled. “As long as you’re doing well and the child is fine, I have no problem with anything. Alright, no need to say more.”

Dong Xuebing knew that Aunt Xuan was thinking of him, caring for him. He felt deeply moved in his heart. To have a woman like her supporting him from behind, he didn’t know how many lifetimes of good fortune that would take.

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