CHAPTER 41

With no disturbances from a troublesome bedmate, Shu Yanyan had a very comfortable sleep. The gentle morning light awakened her, and as she turned her head, she saw Yunmiao sleeping with her little mouth slightly open. She couldn't help but stretch lazily and marvel at the beauty of life.

After freshening up in the bathroom and returning to the bedroom, Shu Yanyan found Yunmiao rubbing her eyes, already awake. She went over and gave the little girl a good morning kiss, dispelling any remnants of sleepiness. Then, she carried Yunmiao into the bathroom to get ready.

After tidying up and opening the bedroom door, they saw Chu Yu waiting in the living room.

Naturally, Chu Yu approached as they came out and took Yunmiao from Shu Yanyan's arms. She leaned down and gently kissed Shu Yanyan's forehead.

"Good morning." Chu Yu said.

Yunmiao hugged Chu Yu's neck and exchanged a warm good morning kiss with her, softly responding, "Mom, good morning."

Chu Yu smiled and smoothed out the small wrinkles on Yunmiao's dress. "Did my baby sleep well?"

Yunmiao nodded. "Yes!"

She glanced back at Shu Yanyan and blushed slightly with a shy smile. "Sleeping with Mommy is so comfortable!"

Chu Yu unintentionally added a hint of sourness to her tone as she swore to herself, "Indeed, it's comfortable... Your Mom also wishes to sleep with Mommy."

Shu Yanyan, who had been quietly watching their interaction, blushed and gave her a glare.

Chu Yu snapped back to reality and tried to make up for it. "Ahem, Mom really hopes to have the chance to sleep together with the baby."

Yunmiao was very happy and sweetly planted a kiss on her cheek.

The three of them proceeded to the dining room.

After finishing breakfast, Chu Yu had to go to work, while the Empress Dowager and Shu Yanyan were responsible for taking Yunmiao to the Linglu Kindergarten. Chu Yu initially wanted to go together, but the Empress Dowager found her presence too imposing and disdainfully drove her away with a look. Coincidentally, Chu Yu had some important matters in the morning, so she didn't continue to insist and only escorted the three of them to the door, watching them board the hovercar and leave

Inside the car, Yunmiao asked about the new school.

"Are there many other children there?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded. "Of course, there will be many other adorable children like Yunmiao."

Thinking back to Yunmiao's previous experience at school, the Empress Dowager specifically instructed, "If any child dares to b*lly our Yunmiao at this new school, Yunmiao must tell Grandma!"

Now that her precious granddaughter had returned to her territory, she absolutely would not allow such things to happen!

Shu Yanyan had her concerns. "Previously, you mentioned that the school is likely filled with children from prominent noble families... Yunmiao's previous upbringing is quite different from theirs. I'm worried that those children might not be willing to accept her."

"If they dare not accept our Yunmiao, they are disrespecting us!" The Empress Dowager exclaimed, her eyes wide open.

The leader of the most prestigious noble family in the entire empire crossed her legs and proudly raised her chin, saying, "Yanyan, rest assured. I've already talked to the principal. If anyone dares to cause trouble for our Yunmiao, we'll have them transferred to another school directly."

Shu Yanyan couldn't help but smile and cry at the same time. "There's... no need to go that far."

She looked at her own little daughter and said, "Sometimes it's normal for children to play and fight. If we handle it the way you suggested, other children might see Yunmiao as a school b*lly and be afraid to make friends with her."

Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager nodded vigorously and declared with great momentum, "Being a school b*lly is great! She should be a school b`*lly!"

She talked to Shu Yanyan and Yunmiao about Chu Yu's past, saying, "Chu Yu used to be like that. She was the only one who b*llied others, and no one dared to b*lly her."

For her, one of the biggest advantages of her unfortunate daughter was that it was quite effortless to raise her!

Shu Yanyan hugged Yunmiao, trembling in her seat, and said, "Yunmiao shouldn't be compared to Chu Yu... And Chu Yu's personality..."

She didn't say the rest of her words, but judging by her conflicted expression, it was as if she was saying more through silence.

The Empress Dowager clapped her hands, "Ah, you're right!"

She looked at Yunmiao with a face full of tenderness, "Oh no, oh no, we can't raise Yunmiao to be like Chu Yu with her unfortunate appearance!"

Shu Yanyan: "..."

She even began to suspect that the reason the Empress Dowager didn't let Chu Yu accompany them to take Yunmiao to school was because she was considering Chu Yu's feelings. After all, if Chu Yu heard these words with her own ears, her mood would probably not be too pleasant...

The Empress Dowager was so anxious that she seemed like an ant on a hot pan. "Oh no, what should we do? Maybe all my plans were wrong. Oh no, how could I use that same approach on the baby? It's over, it's over!"

Shu Yanyan could only comfort her in return, "Auntie, it's okay. Yunmiao is not a bad child. She won't become a school b*lly."

Taking a deep breath, she faced Yunmiao in her arms and said, "Yunmiao, when you go to the new school, try your best to make friends with the other children."

Yunmiao smiled and replied, "Okay, Yunmiao will make friends with them!"

Shu Yanyan thought for a moment and added, "The other children might be a little shy, but don't be afraid, Yunmiao. You're so adorable, there will definitely be kids willing to be friends with you. As for the ones you don't like, you just need to keep your distance from them, but there's no need to be scared of them."

She gently touched her child's soft hair and said, "Mommy and Grandma are here. If anyone dares to b*lly you, let us know anytime."

Yunmiao nodded vigorously and said, "Okay!"

The Empress Dowager also calmed down and held Yunmiao's little hand. "Baby is so good. I can feel a little at ease now."

Shu Yanyan smiled and said, "Don't worry too much. The teacher will definitely take care of Yunmiao. Let's wait and  see the feedback from Yunmiao and the teacher in a couple of days."

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "Yes."

She looked at Shu Yanyan with satisfaction and said, "Yanyan, you have a really good personality. The Yunmiao you've raised is also very likable." She sighed, "That Chu Yu really accumulated great merits in her previous life to be able to meet you. It's truly a blessing... Ahem, my eyes have been opened!"

Shu Yanyan could see it now. Besides work-related matters, the Empress Dowager really had a strong aversion to Chu Yu in her personal life. Even when praising her, she would take the opportunity to criticize Chu Yu.

This made Shu Yanyan feel awkward every time. "You're exaggerating, Chu Yu is also very good."

The Empress Dowager held her hand and said, "You're so kind. You're even speaking up for her now."

"Last night... Did you both sleep well?"

Shu Yanyan pursed her lips and said, "It's alright... She slept outside, and Yunmiao and I slept well."

The Empress Dowager nodded and subtly mentioned, "That's good... But it's not a solution to always have her sleep outside..."

In reality, she strongly supported Shu Yanyan's decision to keep Chu Yu outside, but the prerequisite for such an action was that—

Shu Yanyan shouldn't take her precious baby away!

So, even though she felt reluctant about it, the Empress Dowager had to speak up for her ill-fated daughter.

Shu Yanyan paused for moment upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words.

She smiled at the Empress Dowager and said, "Hmm... I understand. I'll think of another solution!"

The Empress Dowager nodded with a conflicted expression.

Linglu Kindergarten was located near the palace, and soon, the three of them arrived at the entrance of the kindergarten.

After handing Yunmiao over to the new homeroom teacher, the Empress Dowager and Shu Yanyan got back in the car.

The Empress Dowager let out a sigh of relief and regained her composure before extending an invitation to Shu Yanyan.

"Yanyan, do you have any plans for today? I've made an appointment with two friends to get some beauty treatments done. If you don't have anything important, why don't you join us?"

She added, "Those people really want to meet the future Empress of the Empire!"

Shu Yanyan felt a bit hesitant but still declined, saying, "I'm sorry, Auntie, I can't today."

She explained, "I made an appointment with a friend in advance to discuss something."

The Empress Dowager casually asked, "What is it about?"

Shu Yanyan smiled and said, "It's about the previous shop lease."

The Empress Dowager seemed to understand vaguely but still expressed understanding in a very considerate manner. "Okay, you young people, work is important! You can go ahead, just remember not to overexert yourself!"

She confirmed, "So, in the afternoon, will you still come with me to pick up Yunmiao?"

Shu Yanyan nodded, "I'll be back after finishing lunch at the latest."

The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement.

The two exchanged a brief farewell, and Shu Yanyan politely declined the Empress Dowager's offer to give her the car, instead hailing a taxi on the side of the road to go to the predetermined location with Fang Suqing.

It was a business teahouse located in the commercial district.

Outside the glass walls, people in various business attire hurriedly passed by, while inside the glass walls, high-tech soundproofing materials created a tranquil space.

Shu Yanyan tasted the peculiar flavor of the futuristic tea and pastries, waiting for nearly half an hour before Fang Suqing appeared at the entrance of the teahouse.Shu Yanyan looked up and greeted her, "You're here, sit here."

Fang Suqing apologized, "I'm sorry, am I late?"

Shu Yanyan shook her head, "I arrived a bit early. But this place is very comfortable, I sat here for a while and didn't feel like I was waiting."

Fang Suqing smiled, "That's good."

She took a seat opposite Shu Yanyan.

The two remained silent for a moment.

Shu Yanyan took the initiative to break the ice, "I'm sorry for taking up your time, Suqing. I just wanted to return the previous shop to you. As for the rent and penalties, I will proceed with the payment according to the normal procedure."

Fang Suqing stirred the tea in her cup with a delicate stirrer. "...Do you think I would make you compensate for the breach of contract?"

Shu Yanyan pursed her lips. "...I don't want you to suffer losses."

"Suffer losses?" Fang Suqing sighed. "Compared to not receiving a response emotionally, financial losses don't mean much to me."

Shu Yanyan could only remain silent.

Fang Suqing smiled and spoke, "Okay, don't be so nervous."

She took a sip of tea. "It has been a long time since you rejected me., I've already mentally prepared myself. Ahem, now as your friend, I'm just genuinely concerned about your situation."

She looked at Shu Yanyan. "Yanyan, are you really sure about this?"

Shu Yanyan nodded.

She felt a bit shy, as it took some courage to share her emotional journey with a stranger. But Fang Suqing had truly helped her a lot during the years when Shu Qing went missing, so it was necessary for her to know some facts.

"Shu Qing... is Chu Yu."

"It's Chu Yu who disappeared over two years ago." Fang Suqing froze.

The teacup in her hand fell and landed on the coaster, making a loud sound.

Fortunately, most of the tea in the cup had already been consumed, and the small amount that spilled was quickly wiped clean by Fang Suqing herself.

After doing all this, she regained her composure and confirmed with Shu Yanyan, "...Are you telling the truth?"

Chu Yu.

There wasn't a single citizen of the empire who wouldn't recognize this name. And the matter of the Emperor's disappearance several years ago was no longer a secret at this point.

Shu Yanyan nodded. "Yunmiao and I have moved out of the original rental house and moved into the palace."

Fang Suqing took a deep breath, rubbed her temples, and closed her eyes, as if calming herself.

She needed some time to process Shu Yanyan's words.

Shu Yanyan understood the other person's feelings and cooperated by staying quiet, giving her ample space.

During this time, she cast her gaze outside the window, staring at a figure outside.

The person's figure was very familiar, and combined with the custom-made mechanical mask on their face, Shu Yanyan almost immediately identified their identity.

She opened her mouth, silently forming two words.

"Chu... Yu..."

Being recognized, Chu Yu no longer pretended!

In fact, she never intended to pretend in the first place.

The Emperor felt very aggrieved that Shu Yanyan came to see Fang Suqing without bringing her along. She took a few steps forward, turned her back to the crowd, and lowered her mask, showing Shu Yanyan a deeply aggrieved expression.

Shu Yanyan was somewhat angry—being followed made her feel like the other person didn't trust her at all. But at this moment, seeing Chu Yu, who was usually confident and in control, suddenly with a red nose and pouting, showing such a vulnerable expression, her kind nature dissipated her anger completely.

She continued to form the words with her mouth.

"What are you here for?"

Chu Yu had received specialized training and could easily read lip movements. But she was afraid that Shu Yanyan wouldn't understand, so she didn't communicate in that way. Instead, she opened her smart brain and typed a few words on it before flipping the screen and showing it to Shu Yanyan.

[To protect you.]

Shu Yanyan felt a mix of anger and amusement.

Fortunately, Fang Suqing was still completely immersed in her own world and didn't notice her small actions. She made a little fist towards Chu Yu outside the window, feeling annoyed as she replied, "I don't need your protection."

Chu Yu seemed a little more disappointed.

She typed a few more words on the screen.

[Then I'll wait for you to come out and take you home.]

After confirming that Shu Yanyan had finished reading the sentence, Chu Yu covered her mask again and found a pedestrian chair by the glass window to sit on.

Since the chair faced the street, Shu Yanyan could only see Chu Yu's slightly lonely figure, standing out amidst the crowd of passersby, giving off a sense of solitude.

Shu Yanyan had an indescribable feeling in her heart—

This obedient and vulnerable Chu Yu actually made her feel a bit sorry for her. Although Chu Yu had followed her here, it seemed that she hadn't intended to hinder her communication with Fang Suqing. This made Shu Yanyan feel that while Chu Yu cared, she also respected her.

So...

Had she really been a bit harsh towards Chu Yu these past few days?

While she was silently reflecting, Fang Suqing finally snapped out of her thoughts.

She opened her eyes again and looked at Shu Yanyan. "I... I think I understand now. It's truly a remarkable fate. So, the Emperor disappeared and ended up in the Chaotic Federation during that time, where she was with you, and you both gave birth to Yunmiao?"

"Then, why did she..."

Shu Yanyan knew what she wanted to ask and answered, "It's a bit of a melodramatic story. During the time she was missing, she lost her memory. After returning to the Empire, she lost the memories of being in the Chaotic Federation, so that's why we were separated for so long."

Fang Suqing nodded thoughtfully.

She no longer dwelled on the past and instead asked practical questions, "So, you two are close to the palace now? But I haven't seen any official documents or statements about the royal family... in that regard. Yanyan, are you sure she... truly wants to continue the relationship with you?"

Shu Yanyan smiled. "The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were ready to issue a statement right away, but I stopped them. I... I'm not sure if I'm worthy of her now. I want to spend some time with her again before making a final decision."

This completely shocked Fang Suqing.

Not everyone can remain calm when faced with such a significant class leap within reach, especially when it involves a tremendous rise from a commoner to the Empress of the Empire.

"You... you..."

Fang Suqing stuttered for a while, then suddenly burst into laughter. "It really seems like something you would do."

Shu Yanyan took a deep breath. "I just want to be more responsible for myself and for Chu Yu's life."

She clasped her hands together. "And also, the things you mentioned in the communication the day before yesterday are also my concerns."

Fang Suqing fell silent again for a while.

Finally, Fang Suqing let out a sigh. "If things are really as you said, and you choose her, it truly is the best outcome. But the royal family... after all, it's not like an ordinary household. You need to be mentally prepared."

Shu Yanyan nodded. "Hmm."

She brightened up a bit and curved her lips. "Actually, everything has been going well so far. Terminating the contract doesn't mean I'm giving up my work; I'm just going to continue my dessert business in a different place. Plus, Chu Yu and the Empress Dowager both support me and Yunmiao. I have confidence in our future."

"It depends on how much the Emperor cares about you." Fang Suqing couldn't help but tease, feeling a bit sour in her heart. "She actually let you come alone today to explain so much to me. Is she not taking me seriously or..."

Upon hearing this, Shu Yanyan puffed up her cheeks.

"How could she ever be so well-behaved!"

She pointed towards the pedestrian chair outside. "Look, that little tail is right there."

Chu Yu had been frequently turning her head to observe the situation between the two of them in the tea room. When Fang Suqing directed her gaze over, their eyes met perfectly.

Through the bulletproof glass wall, Fang Suqing could still feel the piercing gaze fixed on her.

Fang Suqing: "..."

At this moment, she truly had nothing to say.

Taking a breath, she said to Shu Yanyan, "Well, let's go with your plan then. In a couple of days, I'll send someone to take over the shop. As for the rent and such... we'll follow what's stated in the contract."

Shu Yanyan stood up and bowed to her. "Suqing, thank you so much."

Fang Suqing: "No need."

She endured Chu Yu's persistent gaze and said, "If there's nothing else... shouldn't you go back... I feel like the Emperor outside is getting impatient."

Shu Yanyan glanced outside and shook her head. "I don't care about her!"

She asked, "Are you free for lunch? I was planning to have a meal with you."

Fang Suqing decisively replied, "Uh, it might not be convenient, I'm afraid."

Shu Yanyan lowered her head. "I see... then next time!"

Fang Suqing responded, "Mm."

Shu Yanyan was finally satisfied. She picked up her bag, bid farewell, and left.

Fang Suqing stood still in the tea room, watching her leave the compartment and meet up with Chu Yu outside.

The two of them laughed and joked as if no one else was around, walking hand in hand as they merged into the bustling crowd.

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT