Chapter 92: In Quiet Years, Radiance Endures Forever

Under Qiao Xi's leadership, the Xi Light Laboratory not only built upon the Youthful Visage Project, but also achieved a number of groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs.

In deep collaboration with the Fu Group, it went on to establish a world-class charitable foundation devoted to aiding the development of impoverished regions.

At last, the radiance of science was truly shining into more corners in need of help.

Through her achievements, she gave perfect meaning to the name Xi Light.

Three months later, Paris.

The hall for the Global Biotechnology and Future Medicine Summit was packed to the rafters.

When the host announced that the highest honor of the conference, the Life Sciences Breakthrough Award, would go to "Doctor Q, Ms. Qiao Xi," the entire room erupted at once in thunderous applause.

Countless curious and admiring gazes gathered on the figure slowly making her way to the center of the stage.

Qiao Xi wore a simple yet elegant custom gown, poised and unhurried.

She accepted the heavy crystal trophy and stood beneath the spotlight, her calm eyes sweeping over the audience below.

There she saw Fu Yanchen in the front row, watching her with an unhidden smile of pride at the corners of his lips.

In his eyes shone stars brighter than the lights behind her.

Qiao Xi leaned toward the microphone and began her acceptance speech in fluent English.

She did not speak of the hardships of research, but began with a memory from long ago.

"Many years ago, there was a girl who, at the darkest and most desperate moment of her life, when she nearly gave up on her dream, received an anonymous grant."

"That money not only allowed her to finish her education, but also rekindled the flame of hope in her heart."

"She did not know who the benefactor was. She only kept that kindness quietly in her heart, vowing that if she ever had the ability, she would give back to society and pass that goodwill onward."

As she spoke, Fu Yanchen looked up from the audience, his gaze tender upon Qiao Xi.

It was as if he had traveled through time and seen that young girl who once struggled through hardship yet still stubbornly reached for the light.

"Today, standing here, I can finally tell this story openly."

Qiao Xi met Fu Yanchen's eyes below the stage, tears and love shimmering in hers.

"Because that anonymous benefactor later became my husband, the firmest support in my life."

"Yanchen, thank you. Not only for your help, but for all your trust, support, and unwavering love."

"You made me believe I could become a better version of myself."

The hall once again rang with warm applause, many hearts moved by this romantic truth.

Fu Yanchen rose to his feet.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, he strode onto the stage.

Before the cameras of the world, he gathered his wife into his arms without the slightest reserve and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

...

Five years later.

The back garden of the Fu estate.

On the emerald lawn, two exquisitely pretty little children were giggling as they chased a fluffy rabbit.

The rabbit had been a gift sent by Aunt Fu Qinghuan not long ago. By nature it was gentle, but at the moment it was being pursued so enthusiastically by its two tiny masters that it had grown a little frantic.

The boy, Fu Mingxi, wore a small shirt with suspenders. His brows and eyes were very much like Fu Yanchen's, and even at such a young age his features were already well defined.

Those deep eyes, dark as obsidian, already carried the sharpness of his father whenever he focused.

The girl, Fu Nianqiao, wore a beautiful princess dress and looked exactly like a miniature Qiao Xi.

Her hair was tied into two little buns, and she pounced and toddled about without any real pattern. Her round cheeks were flushed from running.

When she laughed, her eyes curved into crescents, like a little sun lighting up the whole afternoon.

A peal of silver laughter echoed through the garden.

"Little rabbit, don't run! Come play with Nian Nian!"

Fu Nianqiao called out in her soft, babyish voice. Her footing slipped, and she nearly fell, only to be caught in time by the nanny, who had been watching her closely.

She did not mind at all; once she had steadied herself, she immediately laughed and chased after it again.

Seeing this, Fu Mingxi frowned in a manner far too serious for a child, like a tiny grown-up. He slowed his steps and moved closer to his sister, extending a small hand.

"Sister, slow down. I'll hold your hand."

"Great-grandpa, Great-grandpa! Where did the rabbit go?"

Little Fu Nianqiao lifted her rosy face and called out in her soft voice toward the old man seated in a white wicker chair.

Her almond-shaped eyes, so like Qiao Xi's, were full of urgency and innocence.

Old Master Fu's hair was already completely silver, but his spirits remained vigorous and his complexion healthy and ruddy.

He set down the celadon teacup in his hand. Hearing his great-granddaughter's call, he leaned forward with a cheerful smile.

His wrinkled finger pointed toward a cluster of pink and white roses blooming not far away.

"It's over there, our little princess. The rabbit has burrowed under the flowers to keep cool! Go on and catch it!"

Watching his great-grandson and great-granddaughter so lively and adorable, the old man's eyes brimmed with affection.

He had weathered the storms of family and the rises and falls of the business world. To reach old age and still enjoy such a household, with four generations under one roof and children and grandchildren gathered around him, was perhaps the greatest comfort and blessing of his life.

Seeing the Fu family flourish and live in harmony and warmth, this was likely the deepest consolation he had earned after a lifetime of striving.

"Brother, hurry up! Let's catch it together!"

Little Nianqiao stamped her tiny leather-shoed foot anxiously and waved toward her brother, Fu Mingxi, who was a little farther away.

The boy shook his head helplessly like a little adult, but still ran over in cooperation, and the siblings together plunged into the flowerbed.

"Oh, my little rascals, slow down! Be careful not to fall!"

Old Master Fu leaned on his carved cane, his face alight with smiles, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes fully relaxed.

Though he was already well past seventy, his body remained sturdy and strong. Watching his great-grandchildren enjoy themselves at his knees was the greatest joy of his later years.

Just then, two figures emerged side by side from behind the villa's glass doors.

Fu Yanchen remained as straight-backed as ever. Time had polished him into someone steadier and more restrained.

Yet only when he looked at the woman and children beside him did those deep eyes ripple with unmistakable tenderness.

He was dressed in casual clothes, shedding the sharpness of the business world and gaining a touch of domestic ease.

Qiao Xi held his arm, her smile gentle and bright.

Time had been especially kind to her. It had not left its mark on her face; instead, it had bestowed upon her a more mature and confident grace.

The Xi Light brand she founded had become a leader in the domestic high-end skincare field, yet she still retained that original purity and resilience.

"Daddy! Mommy!"

The two little figures saw them and instantly abandoned the rabbit toy, charging over like two tiny cannonballs.

Fu Yanchen bent down and scooped both son and daughter into his arms at once, his strength astonishing.

Qiao Xi smiled as she straightened her daughter's tousled little braids and wiped the sweat from her son's nose.

"Did you listen to Great-grandpa?" Qiao Xi asked gently.

"Yes, we were very good!"

The little girl answered first. She wrapped her arms around Fu Yanchen's neck and planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

The boy was more reserved, but he nodded too and added softly, "We were playing catch-the-rabbit with Great-grandpa."

Old Master Fu came over with his cane and looked at the warm scene before him, his eyes filled with emotion. "Good, very good."

"Seeing you all like this, my old bones can rest easy."

Fu Yanchen set the children down and let them go back to playing.

Then he walked to the old man's side and said solemnly, "Grandfather, don't worry. I will protect the Fu family and Xi Xi."

Qiao Xi also leaned against Fu Yanchen's side and said softly, "Grandfather, thank you for all your support and love."

The old man patted their hands, and everything that needed saying was left unsaid.

Qiao Xi looked at the blissful scene before her, and her eyes stung slightly.

Once upon a time, she had been running about for a living, worrying over her mother's illness, and had nearly lost everything.

And now she had a husband who loved her deeply, a pair of lovely children, and family who treated her as one of their own.

Such complete happiness was something she had not even dared to imagine in the past.

Fu Yanchen noticed the faint shift in her emotions. His hand around her shoulder tightened slightly, and he lowered his head to murmur near her ear, "What's wrong?"

Qiao Xi shook her head and leaned against his shoulder, the corners of her lips lifting with happiness and contentment.

"Nothing. I just think... things are so good now."

"Sometimes it feels like a dream."

Fu Yanchen understood at once, and tenderness filled his deep eyes.

"Yes, like a beautiful dream."

He bent down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "It will only get better from here."

Fu Yanchen lifted her face in his hands, his voice solemn and devoted.

"Qiao Xi, being able to marry you is the luckiest and most correct decision of my life."

"The road ahead is still long. I will use every day to prove that your choice was never wrong."

Qiao Xi rose onto her toes and kissed his lips again.

"My choice has never been wrong. Because it was you."

They smiled at each other.

The years were peaceful, and the light of Xi would remain forever.