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Psst! We're moving!
Early on Saturday morning, Yu Qing received a call from Pang Linbin, asking her to come over at noon.
She hadn’t gotten out of bed yet and lingered lazily for a while, thinking about the surprise she planned to give Fu Jichen that evening, a small smile unconsciously forming on her lips.
Fu Jichen didn’t know why she was smiling and assumed it was because she was about to see Gu Heng, unable to contain her excitement. He pulled her into his arms and pinched her cheeks, forbidding her to smile.
Yu Qing: “Fu Jichen, you’re such a jealous little thing.”
She pushed him away and got up.
After a quick freshening up, she went to the walk-in closet and took out four or five dresses, starting to try them on.
Fu Jichen also went to the closet; he still had to go to the office today. While buttoning his shirt, he occasionally glanced at Yu Qing. It was just a meal—was it really necessary to dress so formally?
“You’re going to Pang Linbin’s place, all family. You don’t need to dress up so deliberately. It makes it seem distant,” he said.
Yu Qing wasn’t trying on clothes for the lunch appointment and teased, “A woman adorns herself for her beloved. You wouldn’t understand.”
At this moment, Yujiale, the robot tidying the closet, chimed in, “Little Fish, saying that will make President Fu very envious.”
“Little Fish, he’s glaring at you.”
Fu Jichen: “...”
He patted Yujiale’s head, “Which eye saw me glare at her? Don’t make things up.”
Yujiale: “Do I even need to say it? You know it, and I know it.”
Fu Jichen temporarily put Yujiale to sleep, and there was a brief silence.
Yu Qing had already tried on three dresses, none of which fit well—they were a bit tight around the waist. Previously snug and figure-hugging, now, with Little Fish growing inside her, her waistline had expanded.
It wasn’t just these few dresses; other untried dresses faced the same awkwardness.
“President Fu, I’ve gained weight.”
Fu Jichen hugged her from behind, comforting her: “You haven’t gained an ounce. I can still lift you in a princess carry.”
He knew how much she cared about her figure and had always been proud of her body. When they first met, every time she flirted with him, he couldn’t help himself.
Now, she rarely wore sexy nightgowns anymore.
Yu Qing wasn’t concerned about her weight gain but was planning to shop for new clothes in the afternoon.
She looked at Fu Jichen through the mirror: “What time will you be back tonight? Any engagements?”
Fu Jichen: “No. I’ll accompany you shopping tonight.”
Yu Qing shook her head, “I’m tired, don’t want to go. Come back early and keep me company.”
________________________________________
Before ten o’clock, Yu Qing set off from home.
This was her first visit to Pang Linbin’s house, and she was full of anticipation.
At the Pang residence, Pang Linbin had risen early to prepare. In a last-minute effort, he learned a dish, but the taste was subpar, and he couldn’t master the timing.
He sighed and continued learning from the chef.
He could manipulate the capital market with ease but was helpless in this modest kitchen.
Gu Heng, who rarely rested, was reading at home when the kitchen erupted with “bang bang bang” sounds, shaking the heavens.
He set down his book and went to the kitchen.
“Dad, vegetables aren’t chopped like that.”
He rolled up his sleeves, “Let me do it.”
Pang Linbin turned around, “You know how to chop vegetables?”
Gu Heng nodded and tied on an apron.
Seeing his son wasn’t joking, Pang Linbin stepped aside. Sometimes, he and his son went months without seeing each other, so he didn’t know much about his private life.
“How did you find time to learn cooking?”
Gu Heng: “I filmed a drama before, where the protagonist came from a poor family and worked part-time in a restaurant, starting as a kitchen helper.” Before filming, he spent over a month learning to cook.
The color and aroma were decent, but the taste was average.
However, his knife skills were quite good.
During filming, the focus was often on his knife work.
Pang Linbin nodded, “Has the drama aired? I’ll watch it when it does.”
“Not yet.” Gu Heng picked up the knife and began slicing.
Soon after, rhythmic “tap tap tap” sounds emanated from the kitchen, pleasing to watch.
When Yu Qing arrived, the butler went out to greet her.
In no time, a voice came from outside, “Uncle Pang.” Her voice preceded her entrance.
Pang Linbin responded, “Your brother and I are both in the kitchen, come on over.” He told his son, “Qing Qing is coming today. The meal is secondary; she’s here to chase stars. She’s your fan.”
Yu Qing hadn’t dressed up specially today, prioritizing comfort.
She had met Gu Heng before, many years ago.
Before reaching the kitchen, hearing the chopping sounds inside, she couldn’t help but admire Uncle Pang’s supposed knife skills.
Upon entering the kitchen, she was dumbfounded.
The person chopping vegetables with his back to her was Gu Heng.
Gu Heng turned his face, smiled, “All grown up now.” Her appearance hadn’t changed much, but she was more mature and had more poise.
The first time he met Yu Qing, she was fourteen, and he hadn’t debuted yet—it was at his father and Yu Qing’s mother’s wedding.
Eleven years had passed; he had achieved success in his acting career, and she was about to become a mother.
Their first conversation was initiated by her: “Big Brother, what are you thinking about?”
She meant during the ceremony.
He replied: “I hope my dad is serious about this marriage this time.”
She responded: “Big Brother, thank you.”
Much later, he understood her words—he didn’t resent her mother, and she thanked him on behalf of her mother.
Today, Gu Heng redeemed his father’s culinary skills. He told Yu Qing, “What dishes would you like? Order, and I’ll make them—I know quite a few.”
Yu Qing was surprised Gu Heng could cook, “You’re so busy with filming and appearances, where do you find time to cook?”
Pang Linbin told her it was due to filming a drama.
Yu Qing: “I know which drama you mean. They say it will air next May.”
Pang Linbin, with nothing to do on the side, took out his phone, opened the video mode, and said to Yu Qing, “Aren’t you here to chase stars? I’ll record it for you and send it to you later.”
Yu Qing smiled, “Thank you, Uncle Pang.” She was still a bit unfamiliar with Gu Heng and felt shy directly filming him with her phone.
After recording a short clip, a call came in—it was Li Bing.
Pang Linbin saved the video and walked outside while answering, “So late, why aren’t you asleep yet?” It was early morning on her end.
“Not sleepy.” Li Bing asked him, “Did you learn to cook?”
“Gave up.” Pang Linbin explained the situation to her: “Qing Qing is here now. There’s no time to learn. Today’s dishes are made by Gu Heng—he’s better than me.”
“If you give up learning, then doesn’t that mean I won’t get to eat either?”
“When I return, I’ll learn to cook for you. Today, we’re pressed for time. Who knows, maybe I could be a Michelin-starred chef.”
“...”
Pang Linbin knew why Li Bing called, “Don’t worry. Qing Qing and Gu Heng are getting along well. One actively cooks, which even I don’t get. The other claims to chase stars, endlessly admiring.”
He glanced at his watch, “Is it time to sleep well now?”
Li Bing didn’t say much more, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” Before hanging up, Pang Linbin added, “I’ll go home in a couple of days.”
“Aren’t you staying in Beijing for a while?”
“I’ll go home to report to the leader, and then I’ll come back after finishing.”
Li Bing chuckled, “I’ll pick you up then.”
________________________________________
Gu Heng prepared six dishes and a soup.
Yu Qing ate until she was stuffed. The taste of the dishes was average, but the sentiment was different, and the meaning even more so. She ate this meal as a little fangirl.
One dish remained untouched.
Yu Qing: “I want to pack some to take home for my sister.”
Pang Linbin half-joked, “Who doesn’t know how picky Miss Yu is? There’s a rumor that Jingxin even brings her own chef when traveling for business.”
Yu Qing laughed and explained, “My sister is also a little fangirl of Shadow Emperor Gu.”
Since she didn’t mind, Pang Linbin let the housekeeper pack it up.
Yu Qing stayed at the Pang residence until after three o’clock before leaving. After exiting the villa area, she instructed the driver to head straight to the mall. Her dresses were getting tight, and she needed to buy a few new ones, mainly a white shirt suitable for pregnant women.
She visited several maternity stores but couldn’t find anything suitable.
She ended up at a women’s clothing store, intending to buy a larger size. She planned not to button the bottom few buttons anyway, since ID photos only captured the upper body.
Fate brought enemies together.
Zhou Siyuan was also out shopping today, her mood at rock bottom these past two days, using shopping to vent.
She never expected to run into Yu Qing here.
Troublesome.
When Yu Qing turned around, Zhou Siyuan was stunned.
Yu Qing’s belly protruded, appearing to be about five or six months pregnant.
During previous encounters, due to her attire, Zhou Siyuan hadn’t noticed at all.
Yu Qing also saw Zhou Siyuan but didn’t bother raising an eyelid afterward.
The flagship store was only so big. After wandering around for a bit, they ran into each other face-to-face.
Zhou Siyuan’s lips curled with a mocking smile, “You sisters from the Yu family are really interesting—one by one, tying down men with children.”
Yu Qing: “The key point is, the men being tied down are completely devoted. Are you envious?”
Zhou Siyuan: “...”
She sneered.
Yu Qing stepped away; staying a second longer would affect the baby’s upbringing.
Zhou Siyuan lost interest in shopping too, leaving without buying anything.
These past two days, frustrating events kept piling up.
Besides SZ, other projects she had pinned her hopes on, which she thought were sure wins, were now on the verge of falling through. People who previously sought her out for collaborations, literally almost breaking down her door, now left her doorstep deserted.
If this continued, the Zhou family’s wealth would drastically shrink.
When Leng Wenning nearly went bankrupt before, Zhou Siyuan had openly mocked her.
When Siyuan Holdings’ market value dropped, Leng Wenning would surely retaliate with ridicule, possibly even kicking her while she was down.
After much deliberation, Zhou Siyuan decided to mend her relationship with Yu Jingze. If the SZ project fell through, she had to think about the future.
[Brother, I’ve reflected on myself these past few days and realized it was indeed my fault.
I shouldn’t have gotten carried away and harbored petty suspicions. I resented Yu Qing and Zou Lexiao, making you caught between the Yu family and Mom.
I’ve given up on the SZ project.
From now on, I’ll work on projects with my feet on the ground.
I don’t hate Yu Jingxin—I envy her, even jealously so. She has loving grandparents, a doting father, and you, her dear brother. I have nothing.
Although Dad treats me well, he can’t be fair.
I only find familial warmth and a sense of home with you. Over time, I became especially afraid of others competing with me for this sole warmth that belongs to me.
I’ve said so much, and I don’t even know what I’m trying to say.
I hope you won’t blame me.]
________________________________________
When Yu Qing returned home, it was already late.
Everyone was home, gathered around a card game.
Yu Jingxin sat by, watching the cards. Occasionally, she circled the table, secretly peeked at her father’s hand, and then told Ji Qingyuan.
Yu Qing carried several shopping bags and a takeout box. During her shopping spree, the takeout box had been kept in the car fridge and was now icy cold.
“Little brat, you’re back,” Yu Shaohong looked up.
“Mm.” Yu Qing playfully showed off to her father.
Today, she planned to surprise Fu Jichen; everyone in the house knew except him.
Just like when they celebrated Fu Jichen’s birthday before, they were especially cooperative.
Yu Jingxin noticed the takeout box in Yu Qing’s hand, “Where did you get this delicious food? It can be my midnight snack.”
Yu Qing: “Gu Heng cooked it.”
“What?”
Yu Jingxin excitedly stood up, completely forgetting Ji Qingyuan.
“Are you eating it?”
“Definitely. Even if it tastes bad, it’s still a delicacy.”
Ji Qingyuan: “...”
He cast a glance at the takeout box.
Yu Jingxin heated the dishes and eagerly started eating with chopsticks.
She didn’t know how it tasted, but with rose-tinted glasses on, everything seemed delicious.
She couldn’t help but praise, “Michelin-starred chef’s craftsmanship.”
In their little fan group chat, Yu Qing shared the autograph she got from Gu Heng today, specifically for Zou Lexiao.
Zou Lexiao was ecstatic, nearly bubbling over, “Didn’t you say Gu Heng cooked the dishes? Were they delicious? Delicious?”
Yu Jingxin spoke in the group chat: [I’m eating the takeout I brought back. Honestly, I’ve never eaten such delicious dishes.]
Zou Lexiao sent two voice messages, and Yu Jingxin played them.
[Aaaaaaaaaa!]
The sound pierced through the ceiling, nearly lifting the roof off the three-story building.
The next message automatically played:
[Jingxin Sister, if you can’t finish, save some for me. I don’t ask for much—just leave me some sauce. I’ll dip my steamed bun in it!]
After the voice message finished, even the living room was silent.
Yu Jingze: “...”
________________________________________
As the time approached, Yu Qing went upstairs to change into the newly bought long dress.
The card game continued, and Fu Jichen’s luck remained good, hardly losing tonight.
Yu Qing stood by his side, using her fingers to play with the cards in his hand.
Fu Jichen looked up, slightly stunned. “Newly bought?”
Yu Qing nodded, asking him, “Does it look good?”
“Looks good.” Fu Jichen pulled over the chair beside him and let her sit down.
With everyone present, Yu Shaohong folded his cards in hand.
He looked at everyone, “Today, we’re all gathered again. I’ve thought about it all day—how to start in a relaxed manner. Nothing seems appropriate. For Jicheng and Little Fish, it’s the most extraordinary day of their lives. Let’s be serious.”
Fu Jichen’s heart raced; he didn’t know what required such solemnity.
Yu Shaohong mentioned the family group chat, “Everyone in the group is officially part of our family except Jicheng.”
Fu Jichen suddenly thought of something Ji Qingyuan once said—if one day his father-in-law kicked them out of the group, they’d basically be estranged from this family.
But if his father-in-law really wanted them to move out, Yu Qing wouldn’t be wearing a newly bought dress and looking cheerful.
Even someone as calm as him couldn’t stay composed when it came to matters concerning Yu Qing and Little Fish.
Yu Shaohong gestured to Yu Qing, “You speak.”
Yu Qing stood up, looking at Fu Jichen.
Fu Jichen gazed back at her, his mind blank for a moment.
Yu Qing took a deep breath. For this moment, she had even drafted a speech beforehand.
But at the crucial moment, she forgot her lines.
She held Fu Jichen’s hands with both of hers: “I know, the one thing you dare not do most is propose to me. So let me do it. President Fu, I want to marry you. I want to be your wife, and I want you to be with me for the rest of my life. I want to wait until many years later, and you’ll still call me Lawyer Yu, and I can affectionately call you President Fu.”
She paused for breath, “With you, this home is filled with joy. I love all the surprises you give me and deeply cherish them.”
She asked, “President Fu, are you willing to spend the rest of your life with your Little Beauty Fish?”
Fu Jichen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, “I am willing, extremely willing.”
He wiped his cheek with the back of her hand, stood up, and tightly embraced her.
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