When A Snail Falls In Love

Lin Qingyan Short Story Part 2.2

Qin Shuhua was the first to perceive a change in Lin Qingyan.

The Lin Qingyan of the past was as close to her as a husband to a wife, but, right from the time she had known him, he had always been unspeakably wilful and possessed an air of desolation, something that she had both loved and hated. Recently, he had become more gentle and often took the initiative, kissing her more warmly than before, and the eyes which looked at her were full of love. His every movement oozed with the alluring sexuality of a mature man.

He was also increasingly adept* at managing his work. Under his charge, the Qin group underwent a period of rapid expansion. Everyone said that Lin QIngyan was leading the Qin group into the second phase of high-speed growth . . .
*( 游刃有余 – handling a butcher's cleaver with ease)

He was like a precious gem which had been hidden in the dust for a long time. Now, after the dust had finally been washed off, he had begun to shine brilliantly.

"Why?" On one occasion, Qin Shuhua had asked this as she gasped for breath, pressed beneath Lin Qingyan's body and his eager demands.

Lin Qingyan lowered his head to kiss her deeply. After a long time, he stared at her and said, "Because I love you. Actually, I've always known, and you've always known as well, right? In the past, I was unwilling to face up to my own heart."

These were the most moving lovers' words Qin Shuhua had ever heard in her entire lifetime. Even though she was an intelligent, capable, hard-headed businesswoman, she could not help being intoxicated by his words.

After she was diagnosed with cancer, Qin Shuhua made a will leaving all her assets to Lin Qingyan without the slightest hesitation. She had no husband and no children, and Lin Qingyan had been with her for so many years. If she didn't give it all to him, then who would she give it to?

Lin Qingyan did not have much a a reaction to this. He only smiled faintly as he told her, "Do what makes you happy."

Qin Shuhua had some regrets, but also felt some gratification. She knew why Lin Qingyan was so indifferent – the person that he was now could easily conquer the entire business world* by himself. He was the person she had personally groomed, but, now, the student had surpassed the master **. If he continued to stay by her side, it was mostly out of affection.

*(无边江山 – lit. the rivers and mountains, without bounds)

**(青出于蓝而胜于蓝 – the colour blue comes from indigo but is more vivid than indigo)

Of late, the two of them had been less and less intimate. Qin Shuhua was residing in a private nursing home far away from the urban area, and Lin Qingyan had put aside all his work, to be at her beck and call. There were doctors and nurses who were unable to pick up on the clues, and laughingly commented, "Mr. Lin treats President Qin better than a biological son." Even Qin Shuhua, when she was only semi-lucid, would sometimes caress his head, and sigh, "If my own son had survived, he would be twenty-two years old. If you were really my son, wouldn't that be great?"

Whenever he heard such shamless words, Lin Qingyan's expression could be considered the epitome of brilliance. He said, "The way we are now, there is no difference. It's wonderful if you see me as your lover, it's just as wonderful if you see me as your son. From beginning to end, you are the most important woman to me."

——

Even though most of his time was spent at the nursing home, Lin Qingyan still had to return to the company frequently in order to manage its affairs.

It was at this time that Feng Ye appeared.

Some people are naturally born to be outstanding. No matter what position they are in, they will attract everyone's attention.