Chapter 2009: Is It Because of the Child?

“How could I not know? If she wants to eat it, then I’ll make it. At least this one little request I can still meet.”

Mother Lu didn’t even put on gloves. She personally picked out the lobster meat, the servants stood by helping but didn’t dare, and she sent them all out. She bent slightly at the waist, her voice coming out low.

“Xiao Zhe, did you and Zhenzhen have a fight some time ago?”

Gao Zhe’s expression paused. He lifted his eyes to look over, his voice unconsciously softening. “You already know?”

“I guessed. The last few times it was only you coming home to keep us company. That child wouldn’t come back, and when she did, she barely said anything warm to you. I can see it. That child’s been like this since she was little—when she’s in a bad mood she hides away to digest it herself. She rarely makes a scene with you, but if she really refuses to talk to you, that just means she’s furious.”

Mother Lu glanced back. “Don’t overthink it, I don’t mean anything else by asking. I know my daughter. With that temper of hers, only you can put up with it. If she’s really being unreasonable, I’ll talk to her too. I just feel your feelings run too deep—if you really split up, neither of you could bear it, right?”

Gao Zhe echoed, “Yes. I can’t bear to. Zhenzhen’s just being childish, she can’t bear to either, she can’t let go. Don’t worry, it’s only a quarrel, we haven’t broken up.”

Mother Lu slightly nodded. “That’s good. As long as she’s willing to come home, it’s good. I just don’t want you to wrong yourself too much. If it’s because of the child in Zhenzhen’s belly…”

“Mom, where are you going with this.”

Gao Zhe rarely interrupted his elders, especially Mother Lu; he’d respected her from childhood. But the rest of what she hadn’t finished saying already made his heart clench just thinking about it, and if she really said it out loud, it would be painful for her too.

“I love Zhenzhen. I’ve loved her since we were kids, and it hasn’t changed all these years. Whether there’s a child or not, I won’t leave her. You can hand her over to me without worry, don’t hesitate. I’ll cherish her and protect her for the rest of my life.”

Mother Lu’s eyes grew hot and misty. “I believe you. Her dad and I, and your parents, we’re all hoping you two stay well. You have us as your backing.”

As she spoke, she lifted the lid off the pot and turned to look for heatproof gloves. Gao Zhe was faster; he took a plate of seafood out of the pot and set it on the dining table.

Mother Lu took off the gloves and followed him out, keeping her hand out as if to shield him, afraid he’d get burned. “This is for you. Hurry and eat. Don’t let Zhenzhen see it. Letting her eat shrimp is already spoiling her—if she has more seafood on top of that, I’m afraid her body won’t take it.”

Gao Zhe lifted his hand slightly, wanting to invite Mother Lu to sit. “Come eat with me.”

“I’ve already eaten, I’ve had plenty. This is specially saved for you. Oh, do you need gloves?”

“No.” Gao Zhe rolled up his sleeves. “At home it’s fine without them. I’ll wash my hands later.”

Mother Lu’s face was full of smiles. She was afraid the child would feel uncomfortable, so she went back into the kitchen.

With the open-plan layout, talking was convenient too.

“Last night Zhenzhen’s dad talked to me. He said now that Zhenzhen is pregnant, with a baby it’s inconvenient, she can’t be flying around everywhere like before. He suggested going back to sit at the company, at least until Zhenzhen has the baby and then spends some time recuperating, so the company won’t be a mess during that period.”

Gao Zhe’s chewing paused; the food he’d chewed up pressed against his back molars. He swallowed calmly, but a hint of coldness quietly surfaced in his dark eyes.

“Is that what Dad said?”

“Yes. But I didn’t agree.”

Gao Zhe was puzzled. “Why not?”

“Why else? How could I let him go back!”