“Endure? Endure again…” Chen Shu, who had just calmed down, suddenly became agitated. She stood up and, her voice urgent, confronted Fang Anqian.
“You’re not me! How can you understand my pain? How can you say there’s no need to hire someone to help me take care of Xiaobao?”
“Shu-jie, taking care of your own child—how is that painful? Besides, you don’t even have to cook or do housework. Do you know how many women envy your life? Stop being so dramatic.”
Fang Anqian spoke earnestly, completely unaware of the dark expression forming on Chen Shu’s face.
A sudden, loud crash came from upstairs, startling everyone in the living room below.
Zhou Yushen had just stood up to go check when Xiaobao suddenly appeared in his arms.
Lu Wanwan, worried that Chen Shu’s emotions were about to spiral, handed Xiaobao to Zhou Yushen.
In her rush upstairs, she didn’t notice that Xiaobao’s little hand was still holding onto her collar. As she turned, he tugged it open.
A patch of smooth, pale skin was exposed, revealing a delicate collarbone like a piece of fine art. A red birthmark flashed briefly before her clothing covered it again.
Zhou Yushen was caught off guard by the sudden situation. He quickly averted his eyes but still caught a glimpse of the red birthmark, which seemed vaguely familiar.
Lu Wanwan was also stunned—she hadn’t expected another awkward scene like this. She hurriedly pulled her collar closed, flustered, trying to fasten the buttons. Suddenly, it was too late to avoid it.
A sharp slap rang out. Lu Wanwan’s face quickly reddened and swelled.
Fang Anqian, furious, wasn’t satisfied after one slap. Just as the second was about to land, Zhou Yushen intervened in time.
With one arm holding Xiaobao, he used the other to grasp Fang Anqian’s wrist through her sleeve. His long, strong fingers were like iron tongs, leaving her no chance to succeed.
“Shen-ge, this vixen is shameless! She clearly tried to seduce you by pulling her clothes open. Today, I’ll teach her a lesson.”
Earlier, Chen Shu had lost her temper, startling Fang Anqian. When she rushed downstairs, she saw Zhou Yushen holding Xiaobao while Lu Wanwan’s collar was open near him. She instantly flew into a rage.
Zhou Yushen’s gaze turned cold, his chiseled features framed with frost. In a stern voice, he said, “This was just an accident. The collar opened unintentionally when I was holding Xiaobao. Comrade Fang, do not presume things. If anyone spreads false rumors about Comrade Lu, I will hold you accountable. Now, apologize to Comrade Lu.”
“What do you mean by this? Shen-ge, you’re really protecting her?”
Fang Anqian’s voice trembled with hurt. She couldn’t believe Zhou Yushen and wanted to argue further, but he had already released her hand.
He quickly stepped back, creating distance, deliberately avoiding any misunderstanding, while continuing to pressure her to apologize to Lu Wanwan.
Fang Anqian felt even more distressed, tears welling in her eyes. She would never apologize to a vixen.
At that moment, Chen Shu also rushed over, pushing Fang Anqian forcefully.
“Go, Fang Anqian! I’m dramatic, I can’t take care of Xiaobao properly, so I hired Lu Wanwan. If you despise me so much, why stay here and torment yourself?”
Of course, Fang Anqian couldn’t reveal her real reason—getting close to Zhou Yushen. She cried and told Chen Shu, “Shu-jie, how can you treat me like this? I truly care about you and Xiaobao.”
She directed the words at Chen Shu, using a hurt and pitiful expression to look at Zhou Yushen.
Aunt Zhang hadn’t expected such a commotion in such a short time. Hearing Chen Shu’s voice, she quickly came out of the kitchen to help calm Fang Anqian.
“Comrade Fang, Comrade Chen didn’t sleep well last night, so her emotions are unstable. Why don’t you go back for now and come another day?”
Recently, Aunt Zhang had seen Chen Shu’s emotional breakdowns a few times, but never this severe.
In the entire room, only one servant paid attention to Fang Anqian. She couldn’t accept it and ran out crying.
Lu Wanwan, ignoring that Fang Anqian had slapped her, noticed Chen Shu’s emotional state was extremely poor. She quickly went to comfort her, massaging a few acupoints to help Chen Shu relax.
“Chen-jie, sit down, drink some water, slow your breathing, don’t be so tense.”
“I… I can’t control myself. I don’t know what’s happening to me. It’s all my fault.”
Chen Shu was still very agitated. She realized something was wrong with her, but she wasn’t being dramatic or ungrateful.
Lu Wanwan took a cup from Aunt Zhang and handed it to Chen Shu, her voice growing even gentler.
“This isn’t your fault, Chen-jie. After giving birth to Xiaobao, your rest was inadequate. Your hormones are unbalanced, which can cause low moods, depression, and emptiness. Sometimes you may even feel suppressed.”
“I’ll try to spend more time taking care of Xiaobao. Chen-jie, you rest properly. After some time, you’ll feel better.”
With Lu Wanwan’s comforting words, Chen Shu gradually calmed down. She drank the milk in the cup, eyes red, and looked at Xiaobao.
Lu Wanwan immediately understood, taking Xiaobao and accompanying Chen Shu back to the room.
This time, Lu Wanwan didn’t put Xiaobao in the crib but placed him on the big bed. Chen Shu immediately lay down next to him and soon fell asleep.
After covering them with a blanket, Lu Wanwan quietly went downstairs.
In the living room, Zhou Yushen sat on the sofa, deep in thought. Hearing footsteps, his furrowed brows relaxed, and his penetrating gaze swept over her fair skin before resting on her beautiful peach blossom–shaped eyes.
Their eyes met, and Lu Wanwan calmly said, “Chen-jie has fallen asleep with Xiaobao.”
Zhou Yushen nodded, opening his mouth to explain the earlier accident and apologize. His gaze fell on her swollen red cheek, a shadow crossing his eyes.
“Sorry you had to endure this. Your first day at work, and such a thing happened. If you want any compensation, just let me know.”
“No need. Fang Anqian’s mistake isn’t related to you or Chen-jie, and you defended me anyway.”
Lu Wanwan had heard everything. Zhou Yushen had already warned Fang Anqian not to spread rumors or ruin her reputation, which was already rare.
Earlier, the commotion had scared Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, who had hidden.
Seeing their mother now, they ran out, clinging to her legs, pitifully demanding her company.
Lu Wanwan greeted Zhou Yushen and took the two children to their room to soothe them to sleep.
Watching the three disappear into the room, Zhou Yushen’s eyes darkened. He realized his sister-in-law’s condition was worse than he thought. Thinking of his brother on a dangerous mission, he exhaled heavily, deciding not to let his brother know for now.
The next day, Zhou Yushen walked out of the training field, his clothes soaked with sweat. He exuded raw strength, like walking testosterone.
Two figures walked beside him, supporting each other, both struggling slightly. One teased the other.
“You’re like this, and you still want to buy a gift to appease the girl?”
“Even if I have to crawl, I’ll crawl. I’m going to marry her and cherish her as my wife.”