Lin Qiao’er lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum: “No.”
Even someone as slow as Lin Qiao’er was gradually realizing Chu Feng’s intentions.
First, he gave her meat buns and soda, then asked if she had a partner.
Wasn’t this just him wanting to be with her?
Ever since she discovered she was pregnant, she hadn’t had a single peaceful night’s sleep.
An idea surfaced.
If she found someone to marry, even if it was a sham marriage, her child could be born legitimately.
If Chu Feng was willing to accept it, she would marry him.
Suisui cried out, “Ah, Mama, this is all mixed up! Uncle is my second uncle. Is Mama abandoning Daddy?”
Hearing this, Lin Qiao’er was stunned for a long moment, then sighed deeply in her heart.
Suisui was still young and didn’t understand that in the 1980s, being caught in an affair could lead to charges of hooliganism.
She was afraid the child might even be aborted.
Suisui was her flesh and blood. To ensure Suisui could be born safely, she was willing to endure any hardship.
Lin Qiao’er gritted her teeth and stole a glance at Zhao Chufeng.
Chu Feng wore a military-green jacket and matching pants, sitting ramrod straight.
He wasn’t particularly handsome, but his eyes were honest and simple, clearly showing he was a good-hearted person without ulterior motives.
To Zhao Chufeng, this seemed like Lin Qiao’er was just being shy.
Zhao Chufeng’s face flushed red, and he felt a bit awkward himself. He deliberately softened his voice as he introduced his family background, “Qiao’er, both my parents are alive and well. My father is a senior officer, and my mother is a high school teacher. I have an older brother and a younger sister who’s still in college. Everyone in my family is easy to get along with.”
Lin Qiao’er was taken aback by Chu Feng’s straightforward introduction, then said with envy, “That’s wonderful. You have both a brother and a sister.”
Zhao Chufeng was blunt and direct, “If you marry into our family, they’ll be your brother and sister too.”
Such straightforward words made Lin Qiao’er blush with embarrassment, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at Zhao Chufeng anymore.
“We’ve only just met. It’s too early to talk about these things,” Lin Qiao’er said, worried others might overhear.
The intimate atmosphere between the two, as if no one else was around, made Zhou Huijin seethe with jealousy.
She had known Chu Feng since they were toddlers, and their families were close.
Although she and Chu Feng had always clashed, no one knew she had long harbored feelings for him.
She never expected Lin Qiao’er, a country girl, would beat her to it.
A rustic country girl, dressed shabbily with no education or background—what did she have that was better than her?
Zhou Huijin’s gaze toward Lin Qiao’er was sharp as knives, wishing she could stab her through.
Zhou Huijin began observing Lin Qiao’er’s every move, even deliberately imitating her at times.
Lin Qiao’er was puzzled. Why was Zhou Huijin staring at her all day?
Suisui said, “Bad Auntie likes Uncle. She’s copying you, hmph, copycat.”
Lin Qiao’er frowned and couldn’t help but glance at Zhou Huijin. Although Zhou Huijin had been unfriendly toward her the entire time, she was still Shuwan’s sister-in-law. Lin Qiao’er didn’t want to put Shuwan in an awkward position.
Lin Qiao’er looked at Zhou Huijin and said, “Everyone has their own unique qualities. There’s no need to deliberately imitate anyone.”
Zhou Huijin, having been exposed, turned pale and then flushed with anger.
Zhao Chufeng happened to pass by and burst into laughter, “Hahaha, Qiao’er, have you noticed she seems to be copying you? That affected voice of hers—it’s so grating to listen to, hahaha!”
Zhao Chufeng laughed heartily, slapping his thigh several times. “That’s called ‘Dong Shi imitates Xi Shi’s frown’—a blind imitation with ludicrous effect.”
Lin Qiao’er’s lips twitched.
“Zhao Chufeng, I hate you!” Zhou Huijin’s face flushed red with anger as she turned and ran out.
Watching her retreating figure, Lin Qiao’er shook her head. Now the misunderstanding had grown even deeper.
In the afternoon, Shuwan bought back three portions of food. Glossy braised pork lay atop the white rice, smelling incredibly fragrant.
Lin Qiao’er had just taken a bite from her aluminum lunchbox when her expression suddenly changed. She dropped the bowl and rushed out.
Zhou Huijin climbed down from her bed and secretly followed her, hearing the sound of retching from inside the bathroom.
Her beautiful eyes narrowed, and a wicked smile curled at the corners of her lips.
After Lin Qiao’er finished vomiting, she scooped up some water to rinse her mouth. When she opened the door, she saw Zhou Huijin standing outside. Her face paled, her fingertips turning slightly white as she awkwardly greeted, “You’re here to use the facilities too?”
Zhou Huijin nodded arrogantly.
She secretly scrutinized Lin Qiao’er’s waist and abdomen.
But Lin Qiao’er’s top was loose-fitting, and she was very thin, making her stomach completely unnoticeable.
Could it be that she had guessed wrong?
Pretending to stumble, Zhou Huijin made Lin Qiao’er instinctively reach out to steady her.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Huijin grabbed Lin Qiao’er’s wrist, her thumb brushing over Lin Qiao’er’s pulse. Her eyes suddenly widened.
It was a slippery pulse!
Lin Qiao’er was pregnant.
Suisui: “Mother, the bad auntie knows you have a baby. Oh, my dear mother, you must be more careful.”
Lin Qiao’er’s pupils contracted sharply as she quickly withdrew her wrist. Her previously worried expression turned cold and detached.
Zhou Huijin was truly cunning.
“I’m going back first,” Lin Qiao’er said coldly.
Zhou Huijin’s gaze lingered on Lin Qiao’er’s flustered retreating figure, a malicious smile tugging at her lips.
Returning to the carriage, Lin Qiao’er sat restlessly, fearing that Zhou Huijin would make a big deal out of her pregnancy.
Suisui: “Mother, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. You have Suisui. Suisui is super, super powerful. Suisui will help Mother.”
Her low spirits instantly dissipated because of Suisui’s comfort.
She gently touched her belly.
What a wonderful child. She must bring Suisui safely into this world.
That very night, Zhou Huijin went to find Zhao Chufeng.
She embellished the story with added details and finally lowered her voice, saying, “Chu Feng, I’m doing this for your own good. That Lin Qiao’er is pregnant. Who knows, she might just be trying to make you the cheap father. Don’t be foolish.”
After hearing this, Zhao Chufeng’s face darkened, as black as the bottom of a pot.
He glanced at Zhou Huijin, his gaze chillingly cold.
Zhou Huijin felt a shiver run down her spine under his stare.
“Zhou Huijin, why must you gossip so much? Keep your mouth shut. If I hear you spreading rumors or badmouthing Qiao’er again, I won’t let you off.”
Furious, Zhou Huijin’s face turned pale. She stamped her foot and stormed away.
Stupid Chu Feng.
Serves you right to be cuckolded.
Since Chu Feng wouldn’t listen, she went to find Zhao Moting.
Chu Feng had always admired his older brother since childhood. She didn’t believe that even Zhao Moting’s words would fall on deaf ears.
After listening to Zhou Huijin’s account, Zhao Moting’s brow furrowed into a deep knot. He unconsciously tapped his fingers on the bed as he looked at Zhou Huijin. “I’ll look into this matter. Keep it quiet for now.”
His younger brother was simple-minded and honest. If Lin Qiao’er really was involved in promiscuous relationships, he couldn’t just stand by and watch his brother be deceived.
Seeing the persistent furrow in Zhao Moting’s brow, Zhou Huijin knew he wouldn’t remain indifferent.
She could just wait and watch the show unfold.
Zhou Huijin nodded, wearing a worried expression. “Brother Mo Ting, I’ll leave this matter to you. I don’t want to see Chu Feng get deceived either.”