Chapter 192 Fresh Flowers and Rotting Leaves

Chapter 192: Fresh Flowers and Decayed Leaves

After watching the snow for a while, Ling Jue shut the window firmly.

She’d been coming down with a cold these past few days and couldn’t be out in the wind.

They cuddled up on the couch, picking out clothes and toys for Caesar and Princess.

Qin Shuyi had a tablet showing the latest products from major pet brands, plus custom designs from a designer just for the two little ones.

He always grumbled and muttered about the pets on the surface, but deep down, he was more generous than anyone, almost to the point of spoiling them.

He’d get annoyed if any cat or dog on the street so much as bared its teeth at Princess or Caesar.

The young couple had great taste and easily picked out a bunch of sets.

Suddenly, Ling Jue said, a little sourly, “Babe, you’ve never put this much effort into picking out clothes for me.”

Qin Shuyi said, “Don’t you have your own personal tailor?”

Ling Jue wasn’t having it. “How is that the same? I’ve picked out clothes for you, so I want the same treatment.”

Qin Shuyi never used to care what he wore or accessorized, as long as it was expensive and top-notch, and besides, Ling Jue’s butler and assistant would handle all that.

She just needed her boyfriend to look good on their dates.

But Ling Jue was acting like a kid, so Qin Shuyi gave in.

She figured it was a cute little romantic thing.

“Alright, alright, I’ll pick for you.”

Suits didn’t need much picking—his current ones were fine, and Qin Shuyi liked them anyway.

Instead, she could pick out some casual clothes and loungewear.

“Matching outfits,” he added.

Qin Shuyi said, “Deal. Let’s get some for Princess and Caesar too, so we can all match.”

Ling Jue was happy.

His eyes drifted to a cat toy still on the tablet screen.

He pointed at it. “Add another pair of these too.”

Qin Shuyi glanced down.

It was a red rope chain with cute little cat paw bells on it.

Best part, when you shook it, it made a crisp, pleasant jingle.

Qin Shuyi just stared at him without saying a word.

Her mind, totally in sync with his, was suspicious.

Are you buying this for something legit?

Ling Jue put on an innocent face.

Qin Shuyi smacked him in the chest.

Ling Jue couldn’t hold it in.

He hugged her and kissed her deeply, laughing, “Look at you, I didn’t even say what I wanted to do, and you already know. Babe, are you sure you’re not the one corrupting me?”

He and his babe were a perfect match in every way, a natural pair.

Qin Shuyi rolled her eyes at him.

“Even your eye roll is cute.” He was totally smitten and leaned in for another kiss.

Qin Shuyi flipped him over and pinned him down. “Since your mouth is so sweet, you’re punished to make us a late-night snack.”

Ling Jue scooped her up with one arm. “You’re keeping me company.”

Qin Shuyi gave his nose a little kiss. “Go for it, babe.”

A slap then a sweet—classic Qin-style treatment.

Ling Jue helplessly adjusted the woman in his arm. “You just keep sweet-talking me.”

But then he honestly asked, “What do you want to eat tomorrow? Should we go grocery shopping after work? Or I can have the stuff delivered.”

Qin Shuyi climbed from his arms onto his back, clinging like a koala, watching him expertly grab noodles and wash the veggies.

“We might not be able to eat together tomorrow. I have a client doing a farewell ceremony, and I don’t know when it’ll wrap up.”

“Alright,” Ling Jue said, disappointed.

Why was it so hard to show off his new cooking skills?

…

The farewell ceremony location for Tong Xiaoya—or rather, her alias, Ms. Wang—was chosen by her.

The area was scenic, with mountains and clear water, but it was eerily secluded.

It was said something important had happened to her here, so she wanted to revisit that old dream one last time.

That old friend still couldn’t be reached.

“Ms. Wang” had provided too few clues, and they couldn’t even find the person, let alone invite him to the ceremony.

The woman, however, wasn’t anxious. Even as the ceremony was about to begin, she remained composed and was certain he would come.

“Miss Qin, could you trouble me to find some dead leaves?”

She asked everyone to leave after the setup was done, leaving only Qin Shuyi and two colleagues.

She sent the other two off to buy something for her, then made this request to Qin Shuyi.

“Too many flowers don’t suit someone like me.”

She pointed to the flower coffin surrounded by fresh blooms.

“Lay a layer of decayed leaves on top.”

Having dealt with many clients and their various odd requests, Qin Shuyi wasn’t bothered.

Picking up a small basket, she went to the nearby woods to gather dead leaves.

Before leaving, she glanced back.

Her eyes met the woman in the wheelchair, who was watching her leave.

She turned around and walked back with the basket.

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