Chapter 34: No Way

Fu Zhengtu got out of bed first, and before closing the door, he told Su Taotao to sleep a little longer.

Su Taotao, who had been buried under the covers, was almost suffocating. When the sound of the door closing reached her ears, she sneakily pulled the blanket down, confirming that she was the only one in the room, and let out a slow sigh of relief.

Mentally scolding herself for being a coward, Su Taotao remembered how, in her past life, one of her roommates had no problem hooking up with a guy she met for the first time at a bar. She and Fu Zhengtu were officially married, and the experience had been so good—why was she still so shy?

However, when she saw the bruises on her arms and memories of Fu Zhengtu kissing every inch of her body the previous night flooded her mind, she couldn’t help but blush again. Why were men from that era so skilled?

Her skin was delicate and fair, and even the slightest touch left a mark. Su Taotao cursed Fu Zhengtu inwardly for being so domineering.

This man was truly like someone who hadn’t opened shop for three years but intended to make up for it all in one night. The thought of him trying to fulfill three years’ worth of conjugal duties in one night was terrifying.

Su Taotao rolled around hugging her quilt. Fu Zhengtu’s lingering scent, as domineering as the man himself, made it impossible for her to sleep. She gave up trying and got out of bed, only to nearly lose her balance because her legs were weak.

Zhou Linglan, who had already gotten up early, smiled unusually kindly at her. However, Su Taotao felt guilty and couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a hidden meaning when Zhou asked why she didn’t sleep longer.

After washing up, Su Taotao went to help in the kitchen. Zhou Linglan, as expected, pointed at her collar and said, “You should change into something with a higher neckline.”

Her gaze was as kind as could be, and Su Taotao even felt her glance at her stomach, the expression clearly saying, “Our Chenchen might soon have a younger sibling.”

Even someone as tough-skinned as Su Taotao couldn’t stop herself from blushing. She quickly went back to her room and changed into a high-necked shirt. That bastard Fu Zhengtu hadn’t left a single inch of her body untouched.

Next time, she definitely wouldn’t let him touch any exposed skin.

Next time?

Su Taotao was shocked by her own thoughts. What was she thinking? There wouldn’t be a next time!

At the same time, Su Taotao realized a critical issue. They hadn’t used any protection the previous night. She had no plans to give Chenchen a sibling anytime soon. Although it was supposed to be a safe time of the month, you could never be 100% sure.

Alright, no next time until this issue was resolved.

When breakfast was served, Fu Zhengtu had just finished his morning jog. He was drenched in sweat, his vest already soaked through, clinging to his muscles. Sweat trickled down his jawline, past his Adam’s apple, and over his chest before disappearing into his clothes. He looked undeniably sexy.

This man’s looks and physique were exactly Su Taotao’s type, and she couldn’t help but steal a few more glances.

After he finished showering and changing, Zhou Linglan couldn’t help but nag, “You have too much energy. It’s rare you get a few days off, and yet you’re up early jogging.”

Fu Zhengtu replied, “It’s a habit.” He had forgotten how many years he had been sticking to this morning jog routine. Unless it was stormy or rainy, no matter how busy he was, he would get up for a half-hour run.

Zhou Linglan smiled at Su Taotao. “Ever since he was young, he’s been running with his father. Even when his dad wasn’t around, he’d go running by himself. And after his father passed, he kept it up.”

As Zhou Linglan spoke, her smile faded. Even after all these years, the memory of her late husband still tugged at her heart.

So that’s how disciplined he was. No wonder he could maintain such a good physique despite spending all his time in the lab.

Fu Yuanhang arrived with a washed-up Chenchen, and the family began to eat breakfast.

The goat milk tea was divided into six portions. As usual, Fu Yuanhang took one portion to Cao Guohua at the cowshed, and Zhou Linglan added an extra egg pancake to the delivery.

Fu Zhengtu had noticed the night before that an extra portion of food had been set aside, but he didn’t ask. Zhou Linglan, however, brought up Cao Guohua’s situation on her own, and Fu Zhengtu learned that he had been relocated here.

“I’ll go,” Fu Zhengtu said, taking the items from Fu Yuanhang’s hands.

Zhou Linglan shook her head. “People don’t know we have contact with each other. You’re too much of a target. It’s better if Ah Hang goes. You should wait until it’s dark to talk to him.”

Fu Zhengtu had no objections. His eyes swept over to Su Taotao, who was smiling and whispering something to Chenchen. Chenchen sat neatly on his little stool, raising his bowl to gently tap Su Taotao’s. Then, with a big smile, he buried his face in the oversized bowl and slurped up the milk tea.

She looks so adorable.

Zhou Linglan slid a bowl of mutton milk tea over to Fu Zhengtu. “I made this using the method Su Taotao taught me. It tastes great. Try it! Su Taotao is so talented; everything she makes turns out great.”

After tasting it, Fu Zhengtu was quite surprised and nodded. “Not bad.”

After finishing the bowl, he spoke to Su Taotao again. “We’ll be heading out in two days. Join me at the base the day after tomorrow.”

Su Taotao was still playing a toast game with her son and was stunned for a moment when she heard him. “Already? I haven’t even finished wrapping up my work yet. Can it be two days later?”

Zhou Linglan also said, “Why the rush? I thought you’d be able to stay at home for at least a week.”

Fu Zhengtu replied, “This time, I’m stopping by on my way to a meeting in the capital. I have to leave the day after tomorrow.”

Su Taotao, biting into an egg pancake, asked, “When are you coming back next time?”

Fu Zhengtu frowned. “Aren’t you planning to come to the base with me?”

Su Taotao shook her head. “I was thinking of going when you come back next time.”

Fu Zhengtu thought for a moment and replied honestly, “I can’t say for sure when I’ll be back. It’s best if you come with me this time.”

Su Taotao said, “This is too sudden. We can’t get everything sorted on Mom’s end so fast. What if you give me the address, and we’ll head over once we’ve sorted everything here?”

Zhou Linglan had originally planned to tell Su Taotao about not going with her later, but she didn’t expect Fu Zhengtu to be home for such a short time.

“Taotao, I won’t be going to the base. You and Chenchen must stay by Zhengtu’s side. As for Ah Hang, it’s up to him.”

“Ah?” Su Taotao hadn’t considered that Zhou Linglan wouldn’t want to go to the base. “You’re not going?”

Before Zhou Linglan could answer, Fu Yuanhang, who had just returned after delivering the items, overheard their conversation and said softly, “I’m not going either. I’ll stay home with Mom.”

Su Taotao opened her mouth, looking confusedly at Fu Zhengtu. “Then should I…”

Fu Zhengtu’s narrow phoenix eyes looked back at Su Taotao displeasedly, as if urging her to think carefully before speaking.

Su Taotao changed her approach. “I’ll think about it some more.”

Three voices said in unison, “No!” Six eyes looked at Su Taotao disapprovingly.

Su Taotao: “…” No need to take it so seriously. I was just throwing it out there.