When Qin Yize returned, the young couple washed up and nestled on the couch to watch TV.
After all, the lights-out signal hadnât sounded yet.
Living here is truly great, no need for watches or alarm clocks.
Gu Qiaoqiao lay lazily in Qin Yizeâs arms, like a well-fed kitten. Qin Yize held her with his right arm, smilingly gazing at Gu Qiaoqiao, occasionally stroking her black hair.
The TV, a large color television set bought abroad, was in both Gu Garden and the Qin Family.
A drama was being broadcasted at the moment.
However, neither of them paid attention to it.
They didnât mention the matter of Du Tian; after all, finding something takes time.
Since Du Tian had returned home without receiving a call from Mr. Du, it proved that the mother and her two children didnât take the jewelry. If they did, Director Du would surely have called immediately.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, Director Du wouldnât wait until tomorrow morning. Once confirmed, he would discuss the aftermath with Du Tian.
Thus, reporting it first thing in the morning was certain.
However, the hope of retrieving it wasnât great.
The things Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao talked about were merely to comfort Du Tian.
Losing something for one year or maybe three years, finding it back isnât easy.
But reporting the loss is necessary regardless of the situation.
The two chatted about various topics, speaking whatever came to mind.
Mostly, they talked about Gu Qiaoqiaoâs plan to travel abroad with Old Grand Master Qin after her sister and Xiao Yu finished the college entrance exam, to see Qin Sisi.
Qin Yize disagreed with this plan, but Gu Qiaoqiao was still trying to persuade the stubborn Qin Yize.
But Gu Qiaoqiao had already made up her mind; she indeed needed a trip.
After all this time, Chang Jianhua is still at large, something must be done.
In a past life, he ordered people to blow up Gu Tianfengâs car.
In this life, he had people throw Gu Tianfeng into a river.
Both are capital offenses; there is no reason for him to be the only exception.
Still, thereâs more than a month until July. Once the timing is confirmed, she can talk it over with Old Grand Master Qin, then together persuade Qin Yize...
Meanwhile, in Director Duâs home.
Du Yu and Du Mingzhu went to their rooms to study.
Like usual, Director Du sat on the couch watching the news, while Lih Shuyi accompanied him.
The maid was in the kitchen doing chores.
Then, at 9:30, Director Du would go to the bedroom to rest.
He used to work overtime a lot, but with age and advancing to this position, overtime isnât required often.
Du Tianâs motherâs passing left him with deep regret, lamenting not spending enough time with her when she was alive, hence the reason behind Du Tianâs discontent.
His motherâs death was a painful lesson for Director Du, yet Lih Shuyi ended up benefitting.
The saying "making wedding garments for others" captures the essence of the situation.
Director Du has his reasons, believing heâs doing the right thing, having wronged Du Tianâs mother already, and wonât wrong Lih Shuyi now.
Du Tian no longer argues with his father over this.
Thus, Director Du feels content and happy with life.
Next to him is his young wife, with two sons and a daughter, holding a powerful position, deservedly enjoying it all.
Normally, he would watch the news till the end, but tonight, feeling somewhat tired. During dinner, Lih Shuyi mentioned his mood wasnât good, worrying he might suffer insomnia, so she brought out cherished red wine, advising that moderate drinking is good for his health.
Director Du used to enjoy drinking, but in recent years, Lih Shuyi kept him in check, almost teetotal now, aware that drunkenness leads to mistakes, so mutually understanding, one doesnât drink, the other doesnât serve him alcohol. Unexpectedly, today Lih Shuyi saw he wasnât in a good mood, generously brought out the wine, making Director Du delighted. Of course, the wine was potent too, leaving him drowsy, struggling to watch some news before giving up.
He told Lih Shuyi beside him, "Shuyi, the wine is too strong. Iâm tired, shall rest now."
Lih Shuyi gently smiled, stood up and helped Director Du, "If youâre tired, rest early. Let me assist you, seems youâve really had too much."
"I havenât drunk in years, right?"
"Alright then, in the future, Iâll let you drink when you want, but not too much. Your health isnât like before. Too much drinking isnât good for you." Lih Shuyi said gently, looking at Director Du.
Director Du enjoys when Lih Shuyi gazes at him like that, as if her eyes are full of him.
It makes him feel important and remarkable.
"Donât worry, though Iâm older than you, Iâll protect you till we grow old together."
Director Du spoke sincerely under the influence of alcohol.
With this much younger wife, Director Du always treated her sincerely, pampering her over the years. Had he not made a mistake back then, how could this pretty 18-year-old girl follow this widower, enduring grievances?
So whatever he can do for her, he does.
Lih Shuyi emotionally leaned on Director Duâs shoulder, speaking tenderly as they walked, "Old Du, Iâve been with you for so many years, birthed a son and a daughter, you know what kind of person I am. Youâre my sky, my everything. Iâm content, even with hardships when with you..."
Director Du gently patted Lih Shuyiâs hand, "Shuyi, Iâve seen your contributions to this family. I understand them all; rest assured, your role in my heart is significant."
After Lih Shuyi sweetly responded, she helped the somewhat drunk Director Du to their bedroom.
Once she settled Director Du and heard his snores, Lih Shuyi quietly sighed in relief but still felt uneasy. She stayed by the bed a while longer; only when sure Director Du was sleeping soundly did she stand up quickly, heading hastily towards the study.
Thereâs a phone in the living room too, but Lih Shuyi didnât dare use it there; instead, she went to the study. After closing the door, she started calling the Lih Family.
This time her parents were surely still awake, probably watching TV. Indeed, as soon as the call went through, her nephew answered, "Hello, whoâs this?"
"Itâs your Second Aunt, quickly get your Grandma to take the call." Lih Shuyi instructed urgently.
"Grandma, Second Aunt is calling you, she wants you to pick up quickly."