"Then, I'll take the kids out for a walk to help with digestion."
Qin Nian also felt she needed some fresh air, and the children happily followed along.
"Poor thing, we really should’ve prepared more for Nian back then."
Yang Yufen couldn’t help but sigh.
Professor Wen also felt a pang of heartache.
"They always say things are better abroad, but how could she have been starved like this? Nian used to eat so little—it was hard to get her to take even an extra bite. Good thing we made plenty of food today."
"Actually, the food abroad just looks fancy. It’s not that tasty—the meat’s often undercooked and has a strong gamey smell."
Dean Hu couldn’t resist adding his own observation.
Meanwhile, in a similar scene at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs canteen, Fan Juan tried her best to restrain herself but still ended up devouring several bowls of rice. The braised pork over rice was absolutely intoxicating.
"Comrade Fan Juan, our canteen’s food is this delicious—are you really sure you won’t stay with us?"
Losing such a brilliant diplomatic talent to the Ministry of Economic Affairs was hard to swallow.
"Our canteen chefs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs are just as skilled—no worse than yours!"
The economic department staff immediately jumped in, unwilling to let go of their hard-won recruit.
"Ahem, we’re all working toward the same goal. I’ll help wherever I’m needed," Fan Juan quickly reassured them, discreetly rubbing her full stomach.
Her decision to join the economic department stemmed from her experiences abroad over the past two years. A weak nation had no voice in diplomacy—economic strength was the foundation of progress, and development was paramount.
Thinking of the money she’d earned, Fan Juan knew she had the financial foundation; what she lacked were projects. Her first thought was to turn to Qin Nian.
Science and technology were the path to national strength. If they were to invest in development, why not leverage what they already had? Research required funding, but blind investment wasn’t enough—they needed a cycle where scientific advancements could generate profits, fueling further research and integrating technology into everyday life.
Having lived abroad together, they’d been exposed to many innovations and shared a mutual understanding. Besides, Qin Nian also had funds of her own—this was a partnership of equals.
But a mere idea wouldn’t sway the higher-ups. They needed a concrete, actionable, and sustainable plan.
Fan Juan stayed up all night, drafting her thoughts and strategies.
After putting the children to bed, Qin Nian also remained awake. Shen Xianjun, granted a rare day off, noticed her searching for paper and pen and stepped in to help.
"What are you working on?"
"Some ideas came to me, and I need to write them down. I spoke with the professors earlier—our country’s research conditions are limited. I want to organize what’s in my head to improve the current situation and make the most of available knowledge."
She glanced apologetically at Shen Xianjun.
"I won’t disturb you. Is the light enough? There’s a desk lamp in the kids’ room—I’ll fetch it for you."
Shen Xianjun immediately grew serious. Since enrolling at the National Defense University, he’d come to deeply appreciate the importance of scientific research.
"Alright."
Qin Nian nodded.
When he returned with the lamp, she began writing swiftly. Shen Xianjun watched the unfamiliar symbols flow onto the page, though he couldn’t decipher them.
True to his word, he didn’t interrupt. Worried his snoring might disturb her, he stayed quietly by her side, occasionally fanning her gently to keep the mosquitoes away.
Qin Nian wrote for five or six hours straight, her body still on foreign time. By the time she paused, the clock read 3 AM, and her stomach growled loudly.
"I’ll make you some noodles."
Shen Xianjun set down the fan and stood.
Qin Nian watched his tall figure leave, then glanced at the fan by the bed. She’d been so absorbed she hadn’t noticed his efforts, only feeling a deep sense of comfort that let her thoughts pour out effortlessly.
Warmed by the thought, she took a sip of water and resumed writing until Shen Xianjun returned with a steaming bowl—no, a basin—of noodles, piled high with toppings.
"Wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I scooped a bit of everything from the pantry. Eat up."
"I can’t finish all this."
Qin Nian blushed at the enormous portion. Had her dinner portions given him the wrong idea?
"Whatever you don’t eat, I will. Mom’s a light sleeper—I don’t want to wake her by going back to the kitchen."
Nodding, Qin Nian picked up her chopsticks. She thought she’d only manage a few bites, but between jotting down more ideas and savoring the food, she ended up eating most of it.
"Want more?"
Shen Xianjun, seemingly oblivious, encouraged her when she stopped.
"I’m full."
"Alright, then keep working."
He finished the rest, then carried the basin out—only to find his mother already awake.
"Mom."
"Keep it down. Has Nian been up all night?" Yang Yufen asked worriedly.
"It’s the time difference—this would be afternoon for her over there."
Yang Yufen nodded in understanding. Seeing Shen Xianjun had eaten, she decided to skip breakfast preparations to avoid disturbing Qin Nian.
She headed to the backyard to feed the chickens and water the vegetables, checking the time as she worked.
"Time to get up. Grandma’s taking you out for breakfast today—quietly now, your mom just fell asleep."
Qin Nian had dozed off at the desk, and Shen Xianjun carried her to bed, tucking her in.
The three children cooperated, dressing quietly and tiptoeing out.
Shen Xianjun stood guard at the door, keeping the twins from barging in—those papers were too important to risk disturbing.
Meanwhile, Hu Jun had submitted a report to the higher-ups.
"This matter is of utmost importance. After deliberation, the organization has decided to assign Shen Xianjun to protect Comrade Qin Nian."
Given the initial arrangements and Dean Hu’s strong endorsement of the project’s significance, Shen Xianjun was deemed the ideal candidate.
Yang Yufen took the children to a noodle shop for breakfast, then dropped them off at the compound—they knew their way to school. Unburdened, she headed to the market with a basket.
Spotting fresh shrimp? Bought! Tender ribs? Bought! Plump pork trotters? Bought!
Remembering that duck was good for hot weather—and not having raised any herself—she bought one too.
Laden with groceries, Yang Yufen happily trudged home, unbothered by the weight.
When Hu Jun arrived, he found Shen Xianjun stationed outside the door, eyes closed but alert.
"You’re not sleeping inside?"
Hu Jun was surprised. Had the couple quarreled? But his sister wasn’t the type—no, that couldn’t be it.