My whirlwind marriage partner is a wealthy CEO

Chapter 253 Everything Can Never Go Back to the Way It Was

Chapter 253 Everything Can Never Go Back to the Way It Was

Zhu Ziqing strode out of the company building and immediately spotted Xiao Qingqing standing at the entrance. She had two pigtails, wore a pink dress, and white leather shoes, looking as lively and adorable as a little angel. A middle-aged woman, presumably her nanny, was with Xiao Qingqing, but Tan Haoyu was not present.

When Xiao Qingqing saw Zhu Ziqing, her eyes lit up instantly. She happily jumped into her arms, stood on tiptoe, and kissed her on the cheek: "Sister Ziqing, I missed you so much!"

Zhu Ziqing laughed heartily at her antics, picked up Xiao Qingqing, and kissed her on her chubby cheek: "Little one, you're such a clever little devil!"

Little Qingqing giggled, then suddenly tilted her head and asked, "Sister Ziqing, how much money does Daddy charge?"

Zhu Ziqing was taken aback for a moment, then shook her head speechlessly: "What are you thinking about all day long in that little head of yours?"

"Sister Ziqing, let's go eat!" Little Qingqing broke free from Zhu Ziqing's embrace, took her hand, and looked at her with anticipation in her eyes.

"Okay, where do you want to go?" Zhu Ziqing asked with a smile.

"The Lily Restaurant, which isn't far from the company, is in room 1608." Xiao Qingqing blinked and smiled mischievously.

Zhu Ziqing was stunned for a moment, then realized: "You little rascal, you didn't plan this all along, did you?"

Little Qingqing giggled but didn't say anything, just pulled Zhu Ziqing along as they ran. Zhu Ziqing followed behind helplessly, but her heart was filled with warmth.

In private room 1608 of the Lily Restaurant, Zhu Ziqing pushed open the door and immediately saw Tan Haoyu sitting at the dining table. He was wearing a dark suit, his hair was slightly messy, but his eyes were focused on her, as if at this moment, the whole world only consisted of her.

"Daddy!" Little Qingqing ran over happily and jumped into Tan Haoyu's arms.

Tan Haoyu gently patted her back before looking at Zhu Ziqing and smiling slightly: "Sorry to disturb your work."

Zhu Ziqing shook her head, looking at Xiao Qingqing with gentle eyes: "I like being with her, but I didn't expect you to be here too."

Tan Haoyu smiled, a hint of doting in his eyes: "This girl is very willful. She keeps insisting on having dinner with you, and I can't do anything about it."

Zhu Ziqing sighed softly, squatted down, and patted Xiao Qingqing's head: "You little rascal, have you got your dad hanging on again?"

Little Qingqing pouted, looking aggrieved: "I didn't! Dad is always too busy, and it's not easy for me to come out with him."

Tan Haoyu smiled helplessly: "This child has been spoiled by me since her mother was away when she was little."

Zhu Ziqing's heart stirred, and a hint of heartache flashed in her eyes: "Xiao Qingqing is very cute and sensible. Don't always spoil her."

Tan Haoyu smiled slightly, a hint of tenderness in his eyes: "I know, but I can't help myself when I see her."

Zhu Ziqing sat at the dining table, a pang of sadness in her heart. She thought of herself, who also had no mother. As a child, she had always longed for her mother's presence, but now she could only envy little Qingqing. She couldn't help but ask, "Is little Qingqing's mother still alive?"

Tan Haoyu's eyes dimmed slightly. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Her mother... has been gone for a long time. Xiao Qingqing always thought she had just gone on a trip."

Zhu Ziqing felt a pang of heartache and gently held Xiao Qingqing's little hand: "Xiao Qingqing is very strong and sensible. Her mother will definitely be proud of you."

Xiao Qingqing nodded, her eyes full of determination: "I know, Mom will definitely come back."

Before they even started eating, Tan Haoyu suddenly stood up, a hint of helplessness in his eyes: "Something came up at the company, I have to go now."

Zhu Ziqing was taken aback for a moment, and was about to ask him to stay, but then swallowed her words and simply nodded and smiled: "Then be careful on your way."

Tan Haoyu looked at her smiling face, his breath catching slightly. She was still so beautiful, but the look in her eyes no longer held the same blushing and heart-pounding feeling she once had for him. He leaned down and gently kissed Xiao Qingqing's forehead as a farewell.

"Daddy, you kissed Little Qingqing, you have to kiss Big Qingqing too!" Little Qingqing suddenly looked up, her eyes full of innocence.

Tan Haoyu and Zhu Ziqing looked at each other at the same time. A glint of something inappropriate flashed in his eyes, while Zhu Ziqing blushed slightly and quickly turned her head away, pretending not to have seen anything.

Tan Haoyu looked at her profile, a hint of melancholy flashing in his eyes. He recalled three years ago, also in this Lily Restaurant, also in this private room 1608. Back then, Zhu Ziqing would blush and her heart would race whenever she saw him, becoming completely flustered.

But now, she no longer depends on him as much as she used to.

He sighed softly and turned to leave. Behind him, Xiao Qingqing was still chattering away, but he could no longer hear her.

Tan Haoyu walked out of the restaurant and looked up at the sky. The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh, but something felt stuck in his heart. He believed that everything would return to normal, but he didn't know how long it would take…

After Tan Haoyu left, only Zhu Ziqing and Xiao Qingqing remained in the private room.

Xiao Qingqing's gaze instantly fell on the strawberry pie cake on the table. Her eyes lit up, and she couldn't wait to pick up a fork, poke off a piece of cake, and stuff it into her mouth.

"Wow, so delicious!" Little Qingqing's eyes widened, her face filled with delight at the food. She took two bites, a satisfied smile spreading across her face, and continued to enjoy it heartily.

As Xiao Qingqing ate, she wiped her mouth with her hand, but the more she wiped, the dirtier it got. Her face was covered in strawberry jam and cream, making her look like a cute little kitten.

She looked up, flashed a bright smile at Zhu Ziqing, and even struck a pose like a little hostess, waving her fork: "Sister Ziqing, come and have some! This cake is super delicious!"

Zhu Ziqing couldn't help but laugh when she saw Xiao Qingqing's dirty face: "You little rascal, how did you get cake all over your face? Eat slowly, be careful not to choke."

She put down her water glass, picked up a tissue, and gently wiped Xiao Qingqing's face, shaking her head as she cleaned it: "Look at you, this doesn't look like you're eating cake, it looks like you're fighting with it!"

Xiao Qingqing giggled and let Zhu Ziqing wipe her face. She even deliberately twisted her body, making Zhu Ziqing sigh.

Seeing how happily Xiao Qingqing was eating, Zhu Ziqing felt a little uneasy.

How could Tan Haoyu entrust Xiao Qingqing to her? She and Xiao Qingqing had only known each other for a short time. What if she was a bad person with ill intentions and hurt this lovely little one?

As Zhu Ziqing was thinking, Xiao Qingqing suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling: "Sister Ziqing, Daddy's away on a business trip, why don't you come home with me!"