Chapter 202: Three Months Apart, a Couple

Time seemed to stand still at this moment. Lu Qingshan's heartbeat roared in his ears, and the figure that had haunted his thoughts appeared before him.

After two months apart, Yue E seemed to have lost some weight, but her clear eyes were still as bright as stars.

She wore a light blue thin sweater and dark trousers, simple and plain yet unable to hide her unique charm.

What moved Lu Qingshan even more was that her temperament had changed, gaining a few touches of Confidence and competence, the charm unique to successful women.

"Qing Shan?" Lin Yue'e stood at the doorway, a stack of ledgers in her hand, a flash of disbelief in her eyes, her voice trembling, "When did you come back? Am I… am I dreaming?"

"Just arrived." Lu Qingshan could no longer contain his longing, rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms, "Yue E, I'm back, I'm finally back!"

The ledgers fell to the floor with a "Snap!", Lin Yue'e's eyes instantly grew wet, her voice choked, "Why didn't you tell me beforehand? I… I wasn't prepared… Look at me now…"

"Silly girl, I love you just the way you are." Lu Qingshan gently stroked her cheek, his eyes full of affection, "Being able to see you is the best preparation. These two months, I've thought of you every day, almost to the point of madness."

The others in the cafeteria were perceptive; Li Jianqiang quietly signaled, and everyone rose and left, leaving the couple a private space.

Only Lu Qingjun remained seated, curiously eyeing the legendary sister‑in‑law, thinking to himself: No wonder second brother is so attentive; her looks and temperament truly make her a one‑in‑ten‑thousand beauty.

"Yue E, this is my fourth brother Qingjun." Lu Qingshan took his wife's hand, his voice proud, "Qingjun, this is your sister‑in‑law, as I told you."

"Hello, sister‑in‑law!" Lu Qingjun immediately stood, smiling earnestly, "I'm Qingjun. When second brother was in Hong Kong Island, he kept mentioning you and Xiao Xue; my ears are almost worn into calluses."

Lin Yue'e blushed, nodded, and said graciously, "Qingjun, hello. Thank you for looking after Qing Shan. When he was in Hong Kong Island, did he take good care of himself? Was his meals regular?"

"Sister‑in‑law, rest assured, second brother is mighty in Hong Kong Island!" Lu Qingjun said animatedly, "He runs a big company, lives in a big house, has many subordinates. The entire Hong Kong Island finance world knows his name. By the way, second brother also bought you many gifts!"

"What gifts?" Lin Yue'e asked curiously, anticipation flashing in her eyes.

"Let's not talk about that yet." Lu Qingshan squeezed his wife's hand, his gaze burning, "Yue E, do you know? The most painful thing for me in Hong Kong Island isn't how tiring work is, but missing you every night to the point I can't sleep."

The blunt words made Lin Yue'e's face even redder, but the sweetness in her eyes was unmistakable.

She gently nudged her husband, "So many people are watching, can't you tone it down a bit?"

"Then let's go home." Lu Qingshan said impatiently, "When does Xiao Xue finish school?"

"Three p. m." Lin Yue'e glanced at her watch, "It's only past nine now, still early."

"That's great, we'll have a good talk when we get back." Lu Qingshan took his wife's hand and walked out, turning to Lu Qingjun, "Qingjun, you stay here a while, get familiar with the surroundings; Yue E and I will go back to tidy things up."

The two left the cafeteria, Lu Qingshan pointed at the two cars parked at the entrance, proudly saying, "Yue E, what do you think of these two cars?"

"Heavens!" Lin Yue'e covered her mouth, eyes wide, froze in place, "Is… is this yours? These cars look so expensive!"

"Hmm, one is a Tiger‑Head Run, the other a new‑model SUV." Lu Qingshan said proudly, walking over to pat the hoods, "From now on I'll drive you and Xiao Xue to and from work, no more walking. No wind, no rain."

"How much does this cost?" Lin Yue'e said with concern, walking over to touch the body, "Even though we have money now, we can't spend like this. The villagers will see it and we don't know what they'll say."

"Honestly, the cars were a gift from a friend in Hong Kong Island." Lu Qingshan gently stroked his wife's hair, his voice low, "Yue E, do you know how much money I made in Hong Kong Island?"

"How much?" Lin Yue'e blinked, asking innocently, "One million?"

"Over ten billion Hong Kong dollars." Lu Qingshan said casually, but his eyes glittered with pride.

Lin Yue'e's leg gave way, nearly falling. Lu Qingshan hurriedly steadied her, "What's wrong? Were you too shocked?"

"Ten… ten‑plus billion?" Lin Yue'e stammered, her voice trembling, "Qing Shan, you're not joking, are you? How much is that? I can't even calculate it!"

"Of course I'm not joking." Lu Qingshan said seriously, "I also helped a friend earn a lot of money. So those two cars really mean nothing. From now on, whatever our family wants, we'll buy it."

Lin Yue'e took a while to calm down, then examined her husband closely, noticing his aura had changed greatly compared to two months ago.

If the earlier Lu Qingshan was a successful businessman, now he resembles a worldly great figure.

Every gesture exuded a calm, unhurried presence, a demeanor possessed only by true achievers.

"Qing Shan, have you grown taller?" Lin Yue'e suddenly asked, "You seem more imposing than before."

"Maybe." Lu Qingshan laughed heartily, "The food in Hong Kong Island is good, nutrition is adequate. And having seen a bigger world, one's perspective and outlook change."

The two got into the car, and A‑Qiang drove toward their modest home.

The luxurious interior left Lin Yue'e gaping; leather seats, air‑conditioning, sound system— all luxuries in her eyes.

The car traveled the mountain road, Lin Yue'e clutched her husband's hand tightly, fearing it was all a dream.

"Yue E, you've worked hard at the factory." Lu Qingshan said softly, "When I was away, everything relied on you. I heard Engineer Li say you're now an impressive Finance Director."

"Of course." Lin Yue'e shook her head, a proud glow on her face, "I'm now the Finance Director, overseeing the accounts of three factories. Engineer Li and his team take good care of me, taught me many things. Now I'm especially sensitive to numbers, can spot any accounting issues at a glance."

"I always knew my wife‑to‑be was the smartest." Lu Qingshan nodded, "By the way, on this trip I want to take you and Xiao Xue to Capital City to meet my parents."

"Meet the in‑laws?" Lin Yue'e became nervous, "I… I know nothing; what if I embarrass you? Will they look down on me for being from the countryside?"

"Silly talk, my parents have long wanted to meet you." Lu Qingshan comforted, "Besides, my father is a Minister, my mother a cadre; they're very open‑minded. They'll surely like you, given how wonderful you are."

"Minister?" Lin Yue'e was startled again, "Your father is a Minister?"

"Yes, a senior minister." Lu Qingshan nodded, "So you needn't worry, our family's standing is high."

The car arrived at the house quickly. After Lu Qingshan got out, he immediately heard a familiar dog bark.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Jin Hu burst out of the courtyard, and upon seeing Lu Qingshan, immediately wagged his tail and lunged. His massive body nearly knocked Lu Qingshan down.

"Jin Hu!" Lu Qingshan crouched, hugging the big dog, "My god, you've grown so big! Like a little calf!"

Indeed, Jin Hu is now a full‑grown dog, weighing at least eighty‑plus pounds, dense fur, looking majestic. His eyes are bright, exuding a wild authority.

"Jin Hu is now our family's guardian spirit," Lin Yue'e said with a smile, "He patrols the courtyard every night, more diligent than a gatekeeper. Village thieves avoid our house."

Lu Qingshan patted Jin Hu's head, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart.

This dog was raised single‑handedly by him, and now has become the family's loyal guardian.

Entering the courtyard, Lu Qingshan looked around and saw many changes at home.

The large yard now had various plants; chrysanthemums were in full bloom, looking vibrant.

The storage room had been repainted, appearing especially clean and tidy.

"Yue E, you've tidied the house wonderfully." Lu Qingshan praised, "It's like a garden."

"I'm idle, but still idle." Lin Yue'e said shyly, "I thought about waiting for you, so you'd see a clean, tidy home. That way you'll know I'm not idle at home either."

The two entered the house, Lu Qingshan scooped his wife into his arms, holding her tightly, "Yue E, I really missed you. These two months apart were pure torment."

"I also miss you," Lin Yue'e leaned into her husband's broad embrace, feeling his familiar warmth, "Every night I wonder how you're doing in Hong Kong Island, whether you think of us. Sometimes I miss you so badly that I hug Xiao Xue and have a good cry."

"It won't happen again," Lu Qingshan gently stroked his wife's hair, "I've already settled my footing in Hong Kong Island, so from now on our family will either live there together or come back together. Never apart again."

The two embraced tightly, savoring this long‑awaited warmth.

"By the way, I brought you many gifts," Lu Qingshan suddenly remembered something, his eyes flashing with hopeful light, "They're all in the car; I guarantee they'll give you a big surprise."

"What gifts?" Lin Yue'e's eyes brightened, curious like a child.

"Don't be impatient; after we pick Xiao Xue up from school, we'll look together," Lu Qingshan said mysteriously, "I want my precious daughter to see what good stuff dad brought her."