"Susu, I just had a nightmare. I'm so scared, I can't sleep alone in that room," Sophie hugged her, pressing closer to her back.
Susu broke free from her embrace, turned to face her, and saw the sweat on her forehead. It seemed she had truly had a nightmare. Unable to scold her, Susu wiped the sweat from her brow and said, "It's okay, it was just a nightmare. You sleep on the sofa, and I'll get you a glass of water."
As she spoke, she sat up, intending to leave the sofa for the kitchen.
Sophie grabbed her hand, refusing to let go. "Don't go, I'm so scared. Just stay with me, okay?"
Susu had no choice but to sit, letting Sophie rest her head on her lap. She comforted her, "Sleep, I'm not leaving. I'll stay here and watch over you."
Sophie, resting her head on Susu's lap, was already content. She dared not hope for more, fearing she might scare Susu away.
Susu gently patted Sophie's arm as if lulling a little star to sleep, leaning back on the sofa with her eyes half-closed.
At this moment, she couldn't afford to overthink. She had to treat Sophie as a patient, be patient, and believe that Sophie would gradually get better.
The next morning, the nanny introduced by Huo Zheng arrived punctually.
Susu asked her a few simple questions and found her to be organized and efficient, deeming her suitable.
Sophie was also satisfied with the nanny, named Zhou Li. Susu then left Sophie's residence with peace of mind.
She went directly to her studio and, seeing several orders on her desk that needed processing, immediately got busy.
By noon, as Susu was ordering takeout, Qin Tianyi's call came through.
"Wife, you must have been busy this morning. Have you eaten lunch?"
Susu propped her head up with one hand, feeling a bit tired, and said into the phone, "Yes, I just ordered takeout. I'll just have a quick lunch."
"How was it at Sophie's last night? Did you sleep well?" Qin Tianyi asked with concern.
Susu mustered her energy and replied, "I slept soundly until dawn. It's fine, Sophie's mood is stable."
"That's good. Let Sophie rest more," Qin Tianyi suggested. "Given her current condition, it's best she doesn't go to Mishang for work for now."
"I understand. The nanny I hired is already taking care of her. We'll see how it goes in a couple of days."
"Alright, I won't keep you any longer. We'll chat when I get back tonight," Qin Tianyi said, hanging up first.
Susu slumped onto her desk, feeling drowsy and with a headache. Sophie's psychological issues were worsening and becoming more extreme. How should she discuss this with Tianyi? What methods could help Sophie?
After work, she returned home and almost fell asleep while eating.
Xiao Xingxing laughed at her, "Mom, if you're sleepy, go to bed quickly. Eat after you wake up. I'll save all the delicious dishes for you."
Susu pinched Xiao Xingxing's little cheek, and all her worries vanished. "Mom isn't sleepy, Mom will eat first."
Qin Tianyi, seeing her tired state, knew she hadn't slept well at Sophie's last night and hadn't been truthful during their phone call at noon.
After finishing her meal, Susu could no longer stay awake. She left Tianyi and Xiao Xingxing and just wanted to lie down in the room for a bit.
As soon as she entered the room, she flopped onto the comfortable bed, hugged her pillow, and immediately dozed off.
In her sleepy daze, she felt someone covering her with a blanket. She opened her eyes, tugged at the blanket, and saw Qin Tianyi beside her. She immediately opened her arms, wanting to hug him.
Qin Tianyi pushed her away. "You said you slept soundly until dawn. Did Sophie have an episode again last night?"
Susu closed her eyes, still trying to reach for him. "No, we were chatting very late last night."
Qin Tianyi mused, "Could Sophie's mental problems not have been resolved at all? But she can pretend to be normal during doctor's examinations and pass all the tests?"
"You don't think so? Last time I accompanied her for an examination, the test questions were so complex. Could she really fake it?" Susu held his hand and pressed it to her face. "And when I accompanied her to see a psychologist, the psychologist said her psychological problems were very serious, with a tendency towards depression."
Qin Tianyi leaned towards her and said, "Then she still needs to see her psychologist regularly. We'll observe her condition further. By the way, regarding Mishang, Chang Qingchuan's opinion is that it's best she doesn't go to work in the short term, to avoid causing panic among other colleagues. You should tactfully tell her this."
"Okay, it seems I need to make more time. I'll take her to scenic places in Lancheng to walk around. More contact with nature is good for both body and mind."
"But I feel bad that you'll be too tired like this," Qin Tianyi said, stroking her long hair with his fingers.
"As long as she can get better, any exhaustion is worth it," Susu said, almost falling asleep again.
Qin Tianyi shook her gently and asked, "Are you free tomorrow night?"
Susu's voice grew fainter. "I don't have anything scheduled for now, but I don't know if something might pop up unexpectedly..."
"Then I don't care. You're booked by me for tomorrow night. No matter how big the issue, it has to be postponed," Qin Tianyi said, pinching her cheek domineeringly.
Susu opened her eyes and said helplessly, "Then Mr. Qin, what guidance do you have for booking me in advance?"
"No guidance, I just want you to accompany me to a banquet..."
"But you know I dislike such occasions the most. It's best to avoid them if possible. I'd rather stay home with Xingxing," Susu said reluctantly. "If you have to socialize, why must you drag me along?"
"The RJ executives will be attending the banquet tomorrow night. Of course, you might also encounter people you don't want to meet, but with me by your side, you don't have to worry at all."
Hearing the tone in his voice, which indicated he really wanted her to go, Susu asked, "What banquet is it exactly?"
"Shu Group's Centennial Celebration," Qin Tianyi said, switching to a coaxing tone. "If you don't accompany me, I'll be very lonely in such a grand event."
"I'll go," Susu said, almost sitting up, agreeing without hesitation.
At the Shu Group's celebration, she knew Shu Yan would definitely be there. What if Shu Yan did something detrimental to Tianyi? She had to stay by Tianyi's side and guard against that vicious woman.
Seeing her sudden agreement so readily, Qin Tianyi quickly asked, "You're not planning to find Shu Yan to help Huo Jin get revenge, are you? We don't have evidence for this yet. If we make a big fuss, we'll just alert the enemy. Didn't we agree that you'd leave this to me to handle?"
"Am I that foolish and impulsive? I've thought it through. I want to go, but it's to get in touch with RJ's high-level executives. Don't worry," Susu said. "Besides, Kang Xi is also helping to investigate Huo Jin's matter. Perhaps there will be a breakthrough soon."
"Yes, Su Kangxi has been in touch with me. He does have some progress, and I will bring you an even bigger surprise," Qin Tianyi said, confident.
Susu asked curiously, "What surprise?"
"I'll keep it a secret for now. You'll know when the time comes," Qin Tianyi planned to tell her after it was done. "Then it's settled. I'll pick you up early tomorrow."
"Okay," Susu hugged him, nestling into his embrace. "Mr. Qin, can I sleep now?"
"Sleep, my darling," Qin Tianyi said, kissing her forehead, not wanting to disturb her sleep any further.