First spoiled, then love

Chapter 610 Ni Shengnan's Dilemma
Inside the coffee shop, soft lighting spilled onto the table. Two steaming cups of mocha were gently placed on the table by the waiter, who then quietly left.

Chen Qingrong picked up the cup and gently blew on it, instantly filling the air with the rich aroma of coffee.

He looked at Ni Shengnan across from him, a smile in his eyes. "Shengnan, you said you wanted to talk to me. I guess you're going to tell me you're going to start dating?"

Upon hearing this, Ni Shengnan's expression changed slightly, and she unconsciously stirred the coffee in her cup with the spoon in her hand, a complex look flashing in her eyes.

"Brother Chen, how could you have such a guess?" She tried to make her voice sound calm, but the underlying emotion was hard to hide.

Chen Qingrong shrugged, a hint of understanding in his smile. "Because you said on the phone that you haven't told anyone about this, and it's related to Sun Cheng. I think this is the thing that's hard for you to talk about, and it's related to Lao Sun."

His tone was calm, yet every word struck a chord with Ni Shengnan.

Ni Shengnan lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and when she looked up again, her eyes were slightly red.

“Brother Chen, you’re right. This year will mark three years since Chengcheng left.” Her voice was low, filled with nostalgia and emotion. “In these three years, I’ve tried to forget him and adapt to life without him, but sometimes I still think of him and all the little things we shared.”

Chen Qingrong sighed softly and patted her shoulder. "Shengnan, we all know you two have a good relationship. He wouldn't want you to keep dwelling on the past like this. You're still young and have the right to pursue your own happiness. Neither Lao Sun nor anyone else has the right to blame you. It's your freedom, and both Lao Sun and I want you to move on."

Upon hearing this, Ni Shengnan's eyes reddened even more. She sniffed and said softly, "Brother Chen, I'm not in a relationship. However, I have recently started to waver. I met a very nice person. He treats me very well, and he doesn't mind that I still have feelings for Chengcheng. But I always feel that this is not right, like I'm betraying Chengcheng, and I also feel a little sorry for that boy."

Chen Qingrong looked at her, his eyes full of tenderness and encouragement. "Shengnan, don't think like that. On the journey of life, we will always meet all kinds of people. Some people will accompany us for a while, and some people will accompany us further. Although Lao Sun is gone, no one can replace him in your heart. But that doesn't mean you can't accept new feelings. You have to give each other a chance to try, and whether it works out or not is another matter. At least, you have to give yourself the courage to take a step forward."

Ni Shengnan bit her lip, her brows furrowed, her inner struggle and entanglement evident.

She knew Chen Qingrong was right, and she longed to start over, but whenever she thought of Sun Cheng, an indescribable sense of guilt and reluctance would well up in her heart.

"Brother Chen, I..." She hesitated, her eyes filled with confusion and helplessness.

Chen Qingrong gently held her hand, giving her unwavering strength. "Shengnan, don't be afraid. There's no absolute right or wrong in matters of the heart. The important thing is to follow your heart and feel that warmth and happiness. I believe that Lao Sun also hopes that you can find your own happiness. As for that boy, if he is truly worthy of your trust, then he will understand your past, cherish your present, and look forward to your future."

Upon hearing this, Ni Shengnan finally couldn't hold back the tears that had welled up in her eyes and they slid down her cheeks.

She held Chen Qingrong's hand tightly, feeling the warmth and support from her friend.

"Brother Chen, thank you. You're right. I should give myself a chance, and give that boy a chance too. Maybe I really can find my own happiness."

Chen Qingrong looked at her with a relieved smile on his face.

He knew that this strong yet fragile girl had finally taken that important step. And as her good friend, he would always be by her side, witnessing her happiness and growth.

The two exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere in the coffee shop became more relaxed.

Even after separating from Ni Shengnan, Chen Qingrong still had things on his mind, but life had to go on, especially with his two little darlings at home, who were his heart and soul and he couldn't bear to be apart from them for a moment.

Following Tang Xiaoru's instructions, he drove to a nearby maternity and baby store to buy formula and diapers for the babies.

These things are used up so quickly; the stock we had at home is almost gone, and we need to restock immediately.

In the maternity and baby store, Chen Qingrong skillfully selected brands commonly used by babies, and occasionally consulted with the staff about which formula was more suitable for her baby's current constitution and which diapers were more breathable and comfortable.

His eyes were full of tenderness and care, as if he were choosing the best gift for the most precious treasure in the world.

After shopping and returning home, Chen Qingrong rushed to the stroller. The two little ones were lying inside, blinking their big eyes. As soon as they saw their father come home, they excitedly waved their little hands and babbled incessantly.

Chen Qingrong smiled and picked them up, kissing their little faces one by one, feeling warm inside.

"Daddy, Daddy!" The son suddenly called out these two words clearly. Although his voice was still a bit childish, it sounded more beautiful to Chen Qingrong than any music.

He paused for a moment, then his eyes welled up with tears.

He couldn't help but smile again when he recalled the first time his son called him "Dad".

That day, he came home from get off work as usual, and as soon as he entered the door, he heard his son babbling in his stroller. He went over, bent down, and asked softly, "Baby, did you miss Daddy?"

Unexpectedly, her son responded clearly, "Dad!" At that moment, Chen Qingrong's heart seemed to be struck by something, and her whole being softened.

He excitedly hugged his son and kissed him repeatedly, but tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

He quickly hid in the bathroom, afraid that his family would see him in this state.

Sitting on the toilet, he covered his face and wept silently.

The cries contained joy, emotion, and deep love for her son.

He recalled the moment when he first called out "Dad" as a child, and how excited and happy he must have felt back then.

After crying his fill, he wiped away his tears and walked out of the bathroom. Seeing his father and father-in-law chatting in the living room, he walked over somewhat embarrassedly.

"Dad, Dad... I just..." he stammered, unsure how to say it.

My father and father-in-law exchanged a smile, as if they had already guessed what was going on.

"It's alright, Qingrong." His father patted him on the shoulder. "It's only natural. We cried back then too."

“Yes,” Tang Chengshan echoed, “I was incredibly excited when my daughter first called me ‘Dad.’ Only fathers can truly understand that feeling.”

Hearing their words, Chen Qingrong felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

It turns out that every father has such a tender side and such touching moments.

He is no longer the lonely, bewildered new father, but has become someone who can truly understand and appreciate fatherly love.

Now, watching his son and daughter playing and frolicking in his arms, Chen Qingrong's heart is filled with gratitude and happiness. He is grateful to fate for giving him these two precious children, and grateful for the joy and growth they have brought him.

At the same time, he cherishes his relationship with Tang Xiaoru even more, because they have nurtured these two little lives together and witnessed their growth and changes together.

"Daddy!" His daughter stretched out her little arms and gave him a gentle hug.

Chen Qingrong smiled and hugged her tightly, feeling her innocence and warmth.

He knew that no matter what difficulties and challenges he might encounter in the future, as long as his family was together, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.

He played with the babies for a while, and watching them laugh and play happily made him happy too.

Then, he gently hummed a lullaby, and the babies seemed to like the tune, gradually calming down and falling asleep in his arms.

Looking at them sleeping soundly, Chen Qingrong felt a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.

He knew that this was the life he wanted—simple, ordinary, yet full of love.

Just as Chen Qingrong was immersed in family affection, Tang Xiaoru pushed open the door and entered, dressed in yoga attire, looking both energetic and vibrant.

Seeing Chen Qingrong at home, she smiled and said, "You're back so early today, honey. It's almost Chinese New Year again, shouldn't we talk about buying New Year's goods?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong leaned forward slightly, adopting a nonchalant attitude, and laughed, "You don't need to worry about it. This year, Mom and Dad are celebrating the New Year with us, and they'll definitely have everything prepared perfectly. We can just enjoy ourselves."

Tang Xiaoru gently shook her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips: "We still need to prepare some things, especially when visiting relatives and friends. You have to go back to your hometown, and I have to go back to my parents' home. We also need to take the baby with us, so we can't go empty-handed, can we?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong's eyes lit up, as if she could already foresee the scene of "showing off" to her relatives in her hometown with her children. She couldn't help but laugh out loud: "That's great! I have to show my hometown folks how good-looking and successful my son and daughter are!"

Seeing this, Tang Xiaoru rolled her eyes at him and pretended to be angry, saying, "Stop being so vain. Come and help me stretch my legs. I did a bit too much yoga today, and my legs are a little sore." As she spoke, she pointed to Chen Qingrong's daughter, Xixi, in his arms, "Put Xixi in the stroller. You're always holding her, and she's not comfortable."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong immediately retorted, "Nonsense, I am her father, how could she be uncomfortable? Look how happy she is in my arms."

As he spoke, he deliberately teased Xixi, making the little one giggle.

Tang Xiaoru sighed helplessly, walked to his side, and gently pushed him: "Alright, alright, all you know how to do is spoil her. Come and help me, or my legs won't be able to walk tomorrow."

Seeing this, Chen Qingrong reluctantly put Xixi back in the stroller, turned around and walked to Tang Xiaoru's side to start helping her stretch.

He carefully moved her leg while asking with concern, "How is it? Does it hurt like this? Or here?"

Tang Xiaoru closed her eyes, feeling her muscles relax, and softly replied, "Yes, right here, a little lower, yes, that's it, much more comfortable."

There was a moment of silence between them, with only the babbling of Xixi and Ningning from the stroller and Chen Qingrong's soft breathing mingling together.

Suddenly, Tang Xiaoru broke the silence: "Honey, what do you think we should buy for both sets of parents this Chinese New Year? They don't need anything, it's really giving me a headache."

Chen Qingrong thought for a moment and said seriously, "Actually, what they need most is our company. Why don't we spend more time with them this year? That would be better than buying them anything. As for gifts for visiting relatives and friends, let's buy something practical, like health food or warm clothing. That would be both useful and thoughtful."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaoru's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! Let's do it that way then. Also, I think we should prepare some New Year's gifts for the babies so they can experience the New Year's atmosphere too."

Chen Qingrong smiled and nodded: "That's a must. I've already decided to buy my son a remote control car and Xixi a singing doll. They'll definitely like them."

After stretching, Tang Xiaoru felt much more relaxed.

She straightened up, looked at Chen Qingrong, her eyes full of gratitude: "Thank you, husband. It's so good to have you here."

Chen Qingrong chuckled and pulled her into his arms: "You are the best in my heart, and all the sacrifices are worth it."

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if all their troubles had vanished with the wind.

Over the next few days, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru became busy.

Together they picked out New Year's goods, prepared gifts, and even specially customized New Year's outfits for the babies. Whenever they saw the babies wearing new clothes and happily playing with new toys, their hearts were filled with happiness and contentment.

A week before the Lunar New Year, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru took their two babies and went back to their hometown with Lao Chen and Wang Xiue.

As soon as you step into the village, a familiar and welcoming atmosphere greets you.

Relatives from her hometown had been waiting for a long time. When they saw that Chen Qingrong's two children had grown up, they all gathered around her, exclaiming how quickly time had passed.

"Oh my, Rong, these two kids have grown up so fast! They were so small the last time I saw them!"

"Yes, you've grown so much in the blink of an eye, you're so adorable!"

The relatives warmly held the children's hands, asking them questions and insisting on giving them red envelopes.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru couldn't refuse, so they accepted the gifts. In return, they prepared red envelopes for other people's children as well. For a while, laughter filled the whole courtyard.

Three days before Lunar New Year's Eve, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru, along with their child, accompanied Tang Chengshan and Lin Yue to Lin Yue's parents' home.

Lin Yue's relatives were overjoyed to see the two children, hugging and kissing them repeatedly.

Everyone sat together, chatting about everyday life and sharing the joys and sorrows of the past year, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Isn't this the atmosphere we're all about during Chinese New Year?

New Year's Eve arrived very quickly.

Because it was almost Chinese New Year, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru got up early to put up Spring Festival couplets. The two little ones, Chen Ning and Chen Xi, were also dressed in bright red new clothes. In Chen Qingrong's words, the two looked like chubby babies in a New Year's painting.

(End of this chapter)