Feng Feng did not notice Shen Su watching her, nor did the name on the screen stir any emotion within her. She silenced her phone without looking at it and once again urged Shen Su, "Stop the car."
Shen Su did not stop. He countered, "Are you going to get out and take his call?" There was no need to mention a name; they both knew who he was referring to.
Feng Feng had no intention of answering, nor did she plan to explain herself to Shen Su. She simply repeated, "Stop the car."
Shen Su chuckled. Not only did he not stop, but he accelerated, driving even faster. It was rare for him to act so childishly. Feng Feng glanced at him and gave up on arguing. They continued in silence, returning to the hotel.
Shen Su followed Feng Feng, and they entered the elevator together. The elevator contained only the two of them. The confined, quiet space made their breathing sounds startlingly clear. Shen Su's gaze fell upon Feng Feng's neck. Her neck was slender and fair, her collarbone and the curve of her shoulders flowing and perfect. Images of their passionate encounters flashed through his mind, and his Adam's apple bobbed heavily.
The elevator stopped, and Shen Su followed Feng Feng out. He trailed behind her. Feng Feng ignored him, but as she swiped her key card, Shen Su pushed his way in. Before Feng Feng could speak, he pinned her against the door. He advanced relentlessly, and the door closed behind them.
There was a significant height difference between them, but Feng Feng's presence did not diminish. "Mr. Shen, what are you doing?"
Rough fingers traced her collarbone. The man before her smiled, his politeness as formal as a business negotiation. "We've been doing business for so long, Ms. Feng. Can't you see my intentions?"
How could she not see? She simply didn't want to engage. When she remained silent, Shen Su spoke directly, "Of course, I want to ignite a spark with you, Ms. Feng. It's easier to do business like this with old acquaintances, isn't it?"
"I'm not interested," Feng Feng said. "Mr. Shen can find someone else. If you can't, I'll help you find someone."
Shen Su asked again, "What's wrong, Ms. Feng? Did you rekindle an old flame and burn yourself out, your body can't handle it?" His tone was laced with amusement, but those with keen ears could detect the sarcasm beneath.
As if cooperating with him, Feng Feng's phone vibrated again. It was the same familiar caller. Shen Su snatched the phone and answered it for her, holding it to her ear.
At such close proximity, he could hear the man on the other end say, "Why didn't you answer earlier?"
"It was inconvenient," Feng Feng replied. "What do you need me for?"
"I'm going on a business trip to Miami next week. Come with me," the man said. "Let's take a vacation too. We've never gone out together before."
Before Feng Feng could respond, Shen Su laughed. Feng Feng looked at him and met his eyes, which were filled with mockery. She changed her mind. "Oh, alright. You can make the arrangements."
"Are you busy now?" the man on the phone asked, concerned. Beside her, Shen Su began to act inappropriately. They had been partners in passion for several years, their bodies perfectly attuned. He knew her intimately and with a few deft movements, elicited a sound from her. Shen Su grew bolder, using this method to assert his claim.
"Feng Feng? What's wrong?" the voice on the other end detected something amiss. "What are you doing?"
"Packing my bags," Feng Feng said, her voice strained. "I have to go. We'll talk later." Feng Feng snatched the phone back, ending the agonizing call.
Shen Su asked, "Afraid he'd hear?"
Feng Feng: "Is this fun?"
She disliked clingy men; it was undignified. When she had decided to pursue a "long-term relationship" with Shen Su, it was because he was laid-back. They were compatible in bed but did not interfere in each other's lives, and they could even be business partners. She thought this was an unspoken rule.
Unexpectedly, as their relationship was ending, Shen Su seemed to have transformed. It was as if he was unwilling to let go, even going so far as to investigate her past with that other man. This was her sensitive point, something she would never allow anyone to touch, especially him.
"Every time he's mentioned, Ms. Feng's temper flares. It seems you truly care," Shen Su's finger traced her neckline, hooking it. "You love him so much, how could you sleep with me for so many years, hmm?"
"Mr. Shen, that's undignified for a man," Feng Feng stated plainly. "I sought you out to avoid trouble."
"You think I'm easy to dismiss, is that it?" Shen Su tore open her clothes.
The buttons of her chiffon blouse popped open and scattered across the floor. He gripped her waist and pulled her out, moving towards the floor-to-ceiling window.
Having been casual partners for years, Feng Feng could immediately predict what he intended to do. She did not struggle or resist, instead negotiating with him. "One last time."
The man's hand stopped at her hemline. "Hmm?"
"I don't have time to deal with you anymore. Let's part amicably," Feng Feng said. "Let's begin."
Shen Su chuckled and violently ripped off her skirt.
Yesterday, when friends came to visit, they had mentioned names. Lin Mei had spoken with Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue early on, discussing a nickname for the child. Lin Zhengde had already given it considerable thought. "Lin Jingchu, what do you think?"
"It's nice," Lin Mei had always trusted Lin Zhengde's naming choices. "Jingchu as a nickname is very good."
"Let's see what the father thinks." Lin Zhengde was very attentive to Xing Zheng's opinion. Lin Mei did not make the decision herself and waited until Xing Zheng arrived to tell him about it.
Xing Zheng said, "The name sounds lovely. Thank you, Teacher Lin."
Not long after Xing Zheng arrived, Xu Shang and Xie Junyao also came. This time, only the two of them were present.
The elderly couple brought many nourishing foods for Lin Mei and clothes and toys for the baby. Lin Mei found it difficult to refuse such warmth.
Xing Sha and Xie Qin Jia did not come, but Xing Zheng's mood was not affected. He took Xu Shang and Xie Junyao to the bedroom to see the baby.
Upon seeing the child, the elderly couple smiled happily. Xu Shang said, "He really is your son. He looks exactly like you did as a child. You looked just like this when you were a few days old. I even have photos!"
Xing Zheng smiled, his finger gently touching the baby's face. Lin Mei became curious. "Do you have any photos of him from when he was little?"
"Yes, I'll bring them for you to see next time," Xu Shang said. "All his childhood photos are with me."
Despite Lin Mei's curiosity, Xing Zheng poured cold water on it. "There's nothing much to see."
"What are you saying?" Xie Junyao defended Lin Mei. "She's showing concern for you. Don't be ungrateful."
"Has the baby's name been decided?" Xu Shang asked. "Lin Jingchu," Xing Zheng replied. "You've arrived at the perfect time; we just finished naming him."
Xu Shang and Xie Junyao were momentarily stunned, their expressions showing surprise.
Xing Zheng then explained, "The child will take Lin Mei's surname. I decided."
"Yes, it doesn't matter. She went through a lot during pregnancy; he should take her surname!" Xu Shang explained to Lin Mei, "Hua Mei, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm old, and my mind wasn't working properly just now."