Gu Yunsheng thought about the money in her hands. She could buy quite a lot of things.
More importantly, the items in the mall did not require ration coupons.
Just as she was feeling extremely excited, Huo Chengxuan came upstairs.
“You’re back?”
“Yes. Weren’t you taking a nap?”
Gu Yunsheng shook her head.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
Huo Chengxuan looked at her for a moment and then said,
“You still have time to regret it.”
When Gu Yunsheng heard this, she frowned. She thought to herself, what is wrong with this man?
“Huo Chengxuan, you still don’t believe me, do you?”
Her tone became stiff. Huo Chengxuan suddenly raised his eyes to look at her. After taking a deep breath, he lowered his voice.
“No.”
He had seen her change, but he was worried that she would not be able to adapt.
Once they went to the countryside, putting aside other things, the food alone would already be difficult for her to endure.
When Huo Chengxuan looked up again, he saw that Gu Yunsheng’s face was covered with tears. For a moment he did not know what to do.
Gu Yunsheng reached out and hugged his waist.
“Huo Chengxuan, believe me one more time, alright? I want to live a good life with you.”
Huo Chengxuan sighed softly.
“Don’t cry.”
“I’m worried you won’t be able to adapt. Life in the city would be better.”
His voice was low and gentle.
After a moment, his tightly clenched hand slowly relaxed and lifted, gently wiping away the tears on her face.
“But you’re not in the city.”
Huo Chengxuan fell silent. His mind was in turmoil.
He did not know whether her words were true or false, but deep down he found himself hoping they were true.
After all, she used to covet the Huo Family’s power. But now the Huo Family really had nothing left for her to gain.
She was willing to go to the countryside and suffer with them. She was even willing to keep the baby. It was impossible for him not to feel moved.
Gu Yunsheng took Huo Chengxuan’s hand and placed it on her lower abdomen.
“Hubby, do you really not want me and the baby?”
Huo Chengxuan looked at her. His dark eyes softened.
“No. As long as you can truly do what you said.”
In the end, he still could not say the words in his heart.
Huo Chengxuan knew she was delicate. He also knew her appearance was captivating. Otherwise he would not have lost control before when he clearly could have resisted.
Gu Yunsheng understood his hesitation. Everything the original owner had done before had deeply hurt the Huo Family.
As her husband, it was normal for him to doubt her sudden change.
Gu Yunsheng did not expect to change his opinion overnight.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Seeing that Gu Yunsheng kept staring at him, Huo Chengxuan asked.
“No… it’s just that I plan to go out tomorrow and take a walk.”
Gu Yunsheng could hardly say that she had been staring at him because she was lost in his looks.
“Alright. But I might be busy tomorrow.”
Tomorrow was the last day before they left for the countryside. There were still procedures he needed to complete.
After reassuring Huo Chengxuan, Gu Yunsheng felt much better. She glanced at the time and prepared to go make dinner.
“What’s wrong? Do you want to rest a bit more?”
“No. I’m going to the supply and marketing cooperative. There are no vegetables left at home.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Gu Yunsheng smiled.
“No need. There are still many things at home that need to be packed. I can go by myself.”
If Huo Chengxuan followed her, how would she secretly take things out of the mall?
Since the whole family would soon be going to the countryside, Gu Yunsheng wanted them to eat well while they still could. Of course, she herself was also craving good food.
While they were still in the city, many ingredients could pass unnoticed. Once they reached the countryside, it might not be possible.
Gu Yunsheng went out for a while and returned carrying many things.
After entering the kitchen, she first took out the various seasonings she had bought from the mall. She removed the packaging and threw it back into the mall for recycling, then poured the contents into the jars in the Huo Family kitchen.
There was no time now, but after going to the countryside she planned to make some fermented bean paste and other sauces.
That way she would not have to sneak around in the future.
She also wondered whether they would be given a vegetable plot. If the Huo Family could get their own small courtyard, that would be perfect.
Gu Yunsheng finished cooking but had not yet brought the dishes out when Huo’s mother, Huo Zhenguo, and Wan’er returned from outside.
“Dad, Mom, Wan’er, you’re back. Go wash your hands, dinner is ready.”
Gu Yunsheng said with a smile.
“Coming, coming.”
Wan’er said excitedly when she smelled the aroma, but her expression quickly darkened.
“Well… the family is already in this situation and you’re still being so extravagant.”
Huo’s mother glared at her and scolded her.
“You still complain even when there’s food. If you keep talking, you won’t eat at all.”
Wan’er immediately fell silent.
“Shengsheng, you worked hard.”
Gu Yunsheng smiled and shook her head.
“It’s nothing. Go ahead and eat. I’ll go upstairs to call Chengxuan.”
“What did Shengsheng cook today?”
“Spicy boiled fish, garlic ribs, shredded pork with bean sauce, braised eggplant with sauce, and mushroom soup.”
While speaking, Gu Yunsheng was about to go upstairs when she saw Huo Chengxuan already coming down.
Everyone sat at the table. Then Huo Chengxuan said calmly,
“Apologize to your sister in law. Otherwise you won’t eat.”
Wan’er froze in shock.
Why? She had not said anything wrong. Why should she apologize?
The chopsticks in Wan’er’s hand dropped onto the table.
Huo Chengxuan looked at her calmly.
“Well?”
Wan’er snapped back to her senses. Her eyes were full of resentment as she glared at Gu Yunsheng.
What a clever move. In just one day she had already charmed her brother completely.
Gu Yunsheng looked innocent. She really had not done anything.
She reached out and gently tugged at Huo Chengxuan’s sleeve.
“Dad and Mom are eating. Is this fish?”
But Huo Chengxuan seemed not to notice. He simply greeted his parents and started eating.
Gu Yunsheng nodded.
“Yes. This is spicy boiled fish. I’m not sure if you can handle spicy food.”
Huo Chengxuan acknowledged softly. He picked up a piece and ate it slowly, then asked,
“How is it made?”
Gu Yunsheng was speechless.
Huo Chengxuan’s move was ruthless. It was practically torture.
“Well?”
“The fish is freshly killed and sliced. The bones are removed. The fish slices are marinated with salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Then oil is heated in the pot and spices and dried chili are fried on low heat until fragrant…”
Before Gu Yunsheng finished speaking, a loud swallowing sound was heard.
Huo Chengxuan did not even lift his head.
“And then?”
Huo’s mother and Huo Zhenguo also pretended to mind their own business. This girl really needed to be taught a lesson.
Shengsheng had worked so hard cooking, yet she still behaved so insensitively.
Gu Yunsheng glanced at everyone.
“Then the hot oil with the spices is used to stir fry scallions, ginger, and garlic. Add bean paste and fry until red oil appears. Then add the fish bones and stir fry for a moment before adding water. Once the water boils, add the marinated fish slices. When the fish slices turn white, cover the pot and let it simmer for a while.”
Gurgle gurgle.
Gu Yunsheng looked toward Wan’er, whose stomach had just made the loud noise.