First spoiled, then love

Chapter 616 It's Fine (End of Main Text)
Winter has quietly arrived, and the streets and alleys of Shanghai are covered with a thick layer of silver.

This winter seems to be colder than in previous years. Even Chen Qingrong, who is usually full of energy, is too lazy to go out and stays at home all day, enjoying the warmth brought by the heating.

"This weather is freezing cold," Chen Qingrong remarked, huddled on the sofa with a cup of hot tea in her hand.

“Yes, this winter is indeed particularly cold.” Tang Xiaoru, who was reading a magazine nearby, chimed in, “But no matter how cold it is, we still have to go out. Today is Zhou Tianyi and Fang Huimin’s daughter’s one-month celebration.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong suddenly realized, "Oh right, I almost forgot. Let's get ready and set off."

The two tidied themselves up, put on their warmest clothes, and then went out.

Along the way, the cold wind was biting, stinging people's faces.

When we finally arrived at the banquet venue, it was already bustling with activity.

"Brother Chen, sister-in-law, you're here!" Zhou Tianyi greeted them warmly. "Why didn't you bring the kids?"

Chen Qingrong gave a wry smile: "It's too cold. I really don't want to take the baby out. I'm afraid she'll get cold."

“That’s true, this weather is really not suitable for children to go out.” Zhou Tianyi expressed his understanding. “Brother Qiang came by himself. Sister-in-law Miao Su’s belly is getting bigger and bigger, so it’s inconvenient for her to go out.”

"Yes, I see her." Chen Qingrong looked around. "Where's Xiaoyuan? Why isn't she here?"

"Sister Xiaoyuan got the flu and was afraid of infecting others, so she didn't come," Zhou Tianyi explained. "Brother Qingyun is also taking care of her at home."

"I hope Xiaoyuan gets better soon," Tang Xiaoru said with concern.

"Definitely." Zhou Tianyi nodded gratefully, then pulled Chen Qingrong and the others into the banquet hall. "Come, come, come, hurry up and take your seats. The banquet is about to begin."

The banquet hall was decorated in a warm and festive style, with colorful balloons and ribbons hanging everywhere.

The round tables were laden with all sorts of delicious food and drinks, making one's mouth water just looking at them.

The guests gathered in twos and threes, chatting, laughing, and joking, filling the banquet hall with joyful sounds.

Soon, the main character appeared.

Zhou Tianyi and Fang Huimin carried their son Zhou Enci onto the stage.

The little one was wrapped in thick swaddling clothes, with only his pink little face showing, his eyes closed, fast asleep.

"Dear friends and family, thank you all for coming to celebrate my son Zhou Enci's one-month birthday." Zhou Tianyi picked up the microphone and said excitedly, "The meaning of this name is that this son is a gift from heaven. His nickname is Enen."

A round of enthusiastic applause and blessings erupted from the audience. Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were genuinely happy for Zhou Tianyi and Fang Huimin.

They knew that this child was of great significance to Zhou Tianyi.

Zhou Tianyi once said that he had always wanted a son, and now his wish has finally come true.

"Come on, everyone, let's raise our glasses!" Zhou Tianyi raised his glass. "Let's wish our little 'um' a healthy and happy growth!"

The guests raised their glasses in response and then drank it all in one gulp.

Then, the banquet officially began.

Everyone ate and chatted, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru also joined in, chatting with their friends about everyday life and parenting experiences.

At this moment, the waiter brought out plates of steaming hot dishes.

There are braised pork belly, steamed fish, sweet and sour pork ribs... Every dish is delicious and visually appealing, making you want to take a bite.

Everyone picked up their chopsticks and began to enjoy the pleasure that the food brought.

"Old Chen, how's things going at head office lately?" Gao Qiang asked, leaning closer.

"It's alright, I've been quite busy," Chen Qingrong replied while eating. "What about you? Miao Su is about to give birth, right?"

"More or less," Gao Qiang said with a happy smile. "We'll have to celebrate properly then."

"That's for sure. You finally managed to have a child." Chen Qingrong patted Gao Qiang on the shoulder. "We definitely have to have a good drink together when it happens."

The two were chatting happily when they suddenly heard a crying sound coming from the stage.

It turned out that little Um had woken up and started crying.

Zhou Tianyi and Fang Huimin quickly went over to coax him, but the little guy didn't seem to listen and cried even harder.

“This child must be hungry,” Fang Huimin said helplessly. “I’ll feed him some milk.”

As she spoke, she picked up little Enen and walked to the nursing room next door.

After a short while, Xiao Enen quieted down, clearly having eaten her fill.

Everyone who saw this couldn't help but laugh.

"This little guy is quite clever," Chen Qingrong said with a smile. "He'll definitely be a bright and intelligent child in the future."

“That’s for sure,” Zhou Tianyi said smugly. “Don’t you know whose son he is?”

Everyone laughed again.

The banquet continued, and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Everyone sang, danced, or played games, thoroughly enjoying this wonderful evening.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were also immersed in this joy, as if they had forgotten the cold outside.

Time flies, and the banquet was over in the blink of an eye. Everyone said their goodbyes reluctantly and then went home.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were walking home, carrying the full moon celebration gift that Zhou Tianyi had given them.

"What a lively day!" Tang Xiaoru exclaimed. "I hope Xiao Enen grows up healthy and happy."

"We definitely will." Chen Qingrong held Tang Xiaoru's hand tightly. "Let's hurry home, it's too cold outside."

The two quickened their pace and disappeared into the cold night.

On this winter night, a new life and new hope are quietly being conceived.

Another Spring Festival is approaching, and the streets and alleys of Shanghai are filled with a strong festive atmosphere.

Every household is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, joyfully preparing to welcome the New Year.

However, at this time that should have been joyful and peaceful, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru encountered some troubles.

The Young Eagle Project Foundation, which they co-founded, was originally intended to help children in impoverished mountainous areas have better learning and living conditions.

Over the past year, they have devoted countless efforts and resources, personally visiting mountainous areas to conduct research, make donations, and even giving up many opportunities to reunite with their families.

However, recently some outside voices have raised doubts, saying that they are hyping things up and that the destination of the donation projects is unclear, causing an uproar in public opinion.

As Tang Xiaoru's best friend, Yang Bingbing immediately showed her support for the couple on Weibo.

She wrote angrily: "I have personally witnessed their hard work and dedication to the foundation, and every penny has been used effectively! Those who question it, what gives you the right to make unfounded accusations? If you're so capable, why don't you do something practical yourself!"

This Weibo post quickly sparked heated discussions among netizens, with some supporting it and others continuing to question it.

Chen Qingrong frowned as he looked at the online comments.

He knew that if these questions were not clarified in a timely manner, they would cause great damage to the foundation's reputation.

Therefore, he immediately had the foundation's official WeChat account publish a large amount of details and proof, listing in detail the source and destination of each donation, as well as their specific projects and achievements in impoverished mountainous areas.

The release of these details did indeed silence some of the critics. However, some people remained undeterred and continued to spread rumors online.

Although Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru felt wronged, they knew that if they were upright, they had nothing to fear. As long as they had a clear conscience, the truth would eventually come out.

That day, Yang Bingbing invited the couple to meet.

Upon meeting, she angrily said, "Do you know how furious I am when I see those questioning comments! You've all put in so much effort and hard work for the foundation this year! Xiaoru, you've already tarnished your reputation to a whole new level, and yet they still spread these rumors!"

Tang Xiaoru felt a surge of emotion seeing her best friend's angry expression.

She gently patted Yang Bingbing's hand, comforting her, "It's alright, Bingbing. We just need to act according to our conscience. Let those people outside try to smear us. As long as we know we're doing the right thing, that's enough."

Chen Qingrong nodded and said, "Yes, Sister Bingbing, we knew from the beginning that we would encounter many difficulties and challenges in doing this. But as long as we persevere, the truth will come out one day."

After hearing their words, Yang Bingbing felt somewhat indignant, but she knew they were right.

She sighed and said, "I feel wronged for you two. You've been to impoverished mountain areas so many times this year, and you always come back exhausted. Yet they still spread rumors like this. If I weren't a public figure, I would have cursed them out!"

Tang Xiaoru smiled: "I know you mean well, Bingbing. But we're really okay. As long as we have a clear conscience, we're not afraid of any doubts. Besides, we believe that most people can still see our efforts and achievements."

"Yes, I know." Yang Bingbing nodded. "I believe in you too. It just hurts me to see you being wronged."

"Don't be sad," Chen Qingrong said with a smile. "We're doing just fine, aren't we? In fact, this incident has strengthened our resolve. We know that as long as we persevere, we will definitely win the support and trust of more people."

After chatting for a while, the three of them gradually calmed down.

They began to discuss their future plans and how to better promote the Young Eagle Project Foundation so that more people would understand and participate in this public welfare cause.

“I think we can use my influence,” Yang Bingbing suddenly said. “I can share more photos and videos of you in the mountains on Weibo so that your fans can see the real situation and your efforts. This might dispel some people’s misunderstandings.”

"That's a great idea!" Tang Xiaoru's eyes lit up. "We can record what you see and hear in the mountains, as well as the changes and growth of the children. Then, we can share it with more people through your Weibo account."

“Yes, this will definitely attract more attention and resonate with more people.” Chen Qingrong agreed. “Moreover, we can invite some media friends to go to the mountains with us so that they can witness our work and achievements firsthand. In this way, there will be fewer and fewer dissenting voices.”

The three became increasingly excited as they talked, as if they could see a future full of hope and light for the Young Eagle Project Foundation.

They know that as long as they persevere, they will be able to make this charitable cause go further and help more impoverished children.

Yang Bingbing hugged Tang Xiaoru tightly and said, "You must take good care of yourself and not overwork yourself. I believe in you all, and I believe the Young Eagle Project Foundation will only get better and better!"

"Thank you, Bingbing." Tang Xiaoru hugged her back tightly. "We also believe in you, and we believe that our friendship and our careers will only get better and better!"

New Year's Eve is almost here again.

Before the company holiday, Chen Qingrong invited Gao Qiang, Zhou Tianyi, and Xiao Yuan out for a get-together.

Xiao Yuan asked, "Brother Chen, why are you the only one here? Where's your wife?"

Chen Qingrong shrugged. "Your sister-in-law went to a symposium for outstanding entrepreneurs held in the city. I was going to go too, but the authorities only gave one spot, so I sent your sister-in-law instead."

Xiao Yuan suddenly remembered something, "Oh, right, I remember now, our beloved concubine (their sanitary napkin brand name) also received an invitation. It was Sister Bingbing who went. I was wondering why it wasn't my sister-in-law who went. Now I know why."

Chen Qingrong laughed, "I think you've forgotten that your sister-in-law is still the boss of our Chen Tang Guan Design Co., Ltd."

"Old Chen, you two stop chatting and eat first, I'm starving," Gao Qiang urged.

"Are you a reincarnated starving ghost?" Chen Qingrong rolled his eyes.

However, he still called the waiter to serve the food.

This dinner invitation was just a simple get-together with friends; there was no other purpose.

Everyone chatted about their achievements this year at the dinner table, especially Zhou Tianyi, who was beaming with joy when talking about his beloved son.

"Hey, Tianyi, what are you smug about? Don't forget that my family has twins, a boy and a girl."

Chen Qingrong put on a mask.

He glanced at Gao Qiang again and teased, "So, who at this table is still single?"

Gao Qiang choked, gritted his teeth, and said, "What's with the arrogance? After my wife gives birth after the New Year, I'll bring my daughter out every day to show her off to you."

Chen Qingrong crossed her arms over her chest and prayed, "May God bless Gao Qiang's daughter so that she looks like her brother and sister-in-law, otherwise it will be a disaster."

"Go to hell!"

Gao Qiang cursed.

A few days later, it was time for the company's annual meeting.

It's the same every year, and this year is no exception.

The only exception was the larger red envelopes given to the employees.

On New Year's Eve, after eating dumplings, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru didn't watch the Spring Festival Gala. Instead, they held hands and went downstairs for a walk.

Tang Xiaoru originally wanted to each carry one child down with Chen Qingrong, but Chen Qingrong felt that it would be better not to bring those two little third wheels to such a romantic moment.

Crackling.

People started setting off fireworks and firecrackers in the neighborhood.

Fireworks exploded in the sky, creating a dazzling spectacle.

Tang Xiaoru held Chen Qingrong's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined.

"Why are you fastening it so tightly? I'm not going to run away," Chen Qingrong joked.

Tang Xiaoru rested her head on his shoulder and murmured, "Hold on tighter, so happiness won't slip away. Otherwise, I always feel like I've been dreaming these past two years, because I've been so happy."

"fool."

"Pregnancy makes you stupid for three years, and this is only the second year. I still have a year left to be stupid. Will you dislike me?"

"No, even if you're stupid for ten, twenty, or thirty years, I won't dislike you."

"You can only hope for something good from me."

Tang Xiaoru punched him.

At this moment, she casually took out her phone to check the time, and after noticing something, she nudged Chen Qingrong's arm and showed him her phone.

"what?"

Chen Qingrong glanced at it and saw that it was a post on Ni Shengnan's WeChat Moments.

A photo of hands holding hands, along with a simple caption.

"I still have you in my heart, but I must move forward, love."

"It's great." Chen Qingrong handed the phone back to Tang Xiaoru, then put her small hand into his pocket, looked up at the fireworks in the sky, and said, "These fireworks are so beautiful."

"Yes."

Tang Xiaoru smiled and narrowed her eyes.

Her eyes were more beautiful than fireworks.

(End of the book)

(End of this chapter)