Chapter 30: Are you going to come in and sleep with my man?

“No need to repay. What’s there to repay? You owe me!”

Lin Moran said huffily.

Gu Jingyao’s lips curved into a subtle, self-satisfied smile.

When Gu Quanzhe saw Lin Moran return, he rushed over, first laughing, then breaking into tearful sobs.

Lin Moran stroked Gu Quanzhe’s head, gently asking, “My little Quanzhe, what’s wrong?”

Gu Quanzhe, like a little kitten, buried his head in Lin Moran’s neck. His small nose twitched, his voice choked with childish sobs.  “I thought Mom didn’t want me anymore. Waaah…”

Lin Moran’s heart ached. She hugged Gu Quanzhe tightly. “How could Mom not want Quanzhe? Mom was just in a hurry; she went on a business trip and didn’t have time to tell Quanzhe. Quanzhe is Mom’s treasure. How could Mom not want you?”

Gu Jingyao stood to the side, watching the mother and son embrace. Gu Quanzhe’s tearful, downcast expression mirrored Lin Moran’s.  His furrowed brow and downturned mouth made Gu Jingyao feel an overwhelming urge to give the boy the world.

Sometimes he found it strange.  The child wasn’t his own, yet he felt an innate fondness for him.

Being near them brought a sense of inexplicable peace.

“Moran, play with the child. I’ll make dinner.”

After setting down his things, Gu Jingyao rolled up his sleeves, revealing his lightly muscled arms.  Without waiting for Lin Moran’s consent, he expertly rinsed rice, cooked it, washed vegetables, and stir-fried them.  He picked up a half-chicken, expertly chopping it.

He heated oil in a pan, stir-fried the chicken, then added water to simmer it.

While the chicken was stewing, he filled the kettle and fetched two pots of hot water.

Lin Moran and Gu Quanzhe sat in the room, neither speaking, silently watching Gu Jingyao busy himself.

Gu Quanzhe’s eyes shone brightly.  The man worked efficiently and smoothly; every movement was a perfect blend of grace and strength.

His tall, straight figure cast a strong shadow whenever he approached, offering a sense of security and reliability, like a safe haven.

He worked diligently and focused. Gu Quanzhe felt conflicted. If he spoke to the man, should he keep his distance?

Lin Moran felt the same.  Used to being alone with her child, she realized how much easier it was to have someone help with cooking and chores when she was exhausted.

“Wash your hands; it’s time to eat.”

After finishing the stir-fried greens, Gu Jingyao turned to Lin Moran and Gu Quanzhe.

In a short time, three dishes appeared on the table: chicken soup, stir-fried carrots, and steamed egg.

The dishes were simple but looked delicious.

Gu Jingyao placed a chicken leg in Gu Quanzhe’s bowl. Gu Quanzhe looked at him with wide eyes, his brow furrowed. Did he think he could buy his forgiveness with a chicken leg?

No, he wouldn’t forgive him.

He turned his head away, ignoring Gu Jingyao.

Gu Jingyao.

Gu Quanzhe waited, and waited, noticing Gu Jingyao remained silent.

Shouldn’t he coax him?

Shouldn’t he apologize?

Humph!

If he wouldn’t speak, then he wouldn’t be polite either!

He’d take both the leg and the wing!

After glancing at the chicken wing in his bowl, Gu Quanzhe transferred it to Lin Moran’s bowl.  He and his mother would eat the best parts; Gu Jingyao could have the bones.

Lin Moran patted Gu Quanzhe’s head, feeling very pleased.

Gu Jingyao ate quickly, finishing his meal in a flash.

When Gu Quanzhe started eating the chicken leg, he felt angry. After a few bites, he felt disgusted and didn’t want to eat anymore.  He tried to dawdle, but noticed Gu Jingyao watching him.

He said nothing, his eyes soft, his lips slightly upturned.  Gu Quanzhe’s heart skipped a beat. His fingers, about to loosen their grip, tightened again.  He was clearly smiling, but why did he seem so stern?

Lin Moran was surprised. Usually, Gu Quanzhe devoured chicken like it was his last meal, but today he finished a whole large leg.

After Gu Jingyao cooked, Lin Moran diligently washed the dishes.

When she returned, the floor mat was laid out, and Gu Jingyao had made a bed beside it.

In the blink of an eye, Gu Jingyao and Gu Quanzhe were asleep.

Their speed was astonishing.

“Quanzhe… Quanzhe…”

Lin Moran called softly to Gu Quanzhe. He was sleeping soundly, his head resting on Gu Jingyao’s arm, his hand on Gu Jingyao’s chest, breathing evenly and peacefully.

“Jingyao, Jingyao, are you asleep?”

A familiar voice called from outside, a voice Lin Moran particularly disliked.

Was Xu Jingya a bloodhound?

As soon as Gu Jingyao appeared at her house, she came sniffing around.

In the past, she would have angrily pushed Gu Jingyao out, but seeing the father and son sleeping soundly on the floor mat, a competitive spirit surged within her.

A few days ago, she’d thrown Gu Jingyao’s backpack away.  When she was in danger, he was the first to rush to her rescue, indicating he cared about her and her child.

Gu Jingyao stayed at their house, behaving respectfully, showing no disrespect towards her. He was fulfilling his promise to her grandfather, taking good care of her.

Since he was there to protect her, why did she keep pushing him away?

“Jingyao is asleep with the child. Is there something you need, Comrade Xu?”

Lin Moran closed the door as soon as she stepped out, effectively shielding Gu Jingyao and Gu Quanzhe from view.

Xu Jingya’s expression changed, disbelief etched on her face. How was that possible?

How could Gu Jingyao sleep with Gu Quanzhe without any reservations?

This hadn’t happened in her previous life.

In her previous life, Lin Moran had indeed been rescued by him, but after seeing her with Shen Haoyang, he angrily went to the office.

When she passed by his unit while watching a movie, she saw him buying cold buns outside.

Seeing the lights on at his unit tonight, she specially brought him the glutinous rice cakes she made, but his colleagues said he wasn’t there.

After some thought, she came to find Lin Moran.

Hearing Lin Moran’s words, she felt the world crumble.

“I heard he’s back from his business trip. I made some snacks for him. Please give them to him. Also, he said he wanted to watch a movie; I have two tickets here.”

Xu Jingya’s voice was deliberately raised.

Lin Moran narrowed her eyes. Xu Jingya was giving gifts to Gu Jingyao in front of her. Who gave her the courage?

“Comrade Xu is thoughtful.  You mean you want me to accept these things on his behalf?”

Lin Moran asked with a smile.

“Is that alright?”

Xu Jingya asked anxiously.

“Of course,” Lin Moran said generously. “Comrade Xu cares so much about my husband. I’m delighted.”

Xu Jingya found Lin Moran’s smile unsettling.

“It’s late. Aren’t you going home, Comrade Xu?  Do you want to come in and sleep with my husband?”

Lin Moran asked with a smile.

Xu Jingya’s face flushed, feeling lost and uncertain.

Lin Moran looked at her with a kind smile.

Xu Jingya was speechless. 

Lin Moran must be crazy!