Chapter 71: I Like It Too
Without the presence of the Gu family elders, especially Gu Jian, Wu Xiaoman seemed much more reserved. She had none of the imposing aura she displayed at the old family house last time and didn’t dare to openly expose Gu Hanling’s blatant nonsense.
As for Gu She, he didn’t dare say much either. Right now, he was a bedridden patient, and the entire operation of this private family hospital wasn’t run for profit in the first place. All the funding came from Gu Hanling.
Angering this walking disaster again? Even if he wasn’t outright doomed, there was no doubt he’d suffer more.
If Gu Hanling wanted to deal with them, it would be as easy as picking up a helpless little chick.
However, Gu Hanling only cared about the grandma’s wishes. The old lady didn’t want to see the Gu family members tearing each other apart. This wasn’t some imperial palace power struggle. Things hadn’t reached that level.
Since Gu She couldn’t even get out of bed, only Shen Xi, Gu Hanling, Feng Weiwei, and Wu Xiaoman sat down for the meal.
The group headed to the Gu family’s private dining hall in the inner courtyard.
The restaurant’s decor was just as elegant as the rest of the estate, with a peaceful and serene ambiance.
Shen Xi couldn’t help but think, This place would be perfect for retirement. Everything was provided, and there was no need to worry about health at all.
Once again, she found herself marveling at the deep heritage and wealth of powerful families.
No wonder Gu Hanling carried himself with such a unique presence.
As they reached the table, Gu Hanling gracefully pulled out a chair for her like a true gentleman.
Shen Xi raised an eyebrow.
Huh? Are we starting the “loving couple” act again?
She sat down without hesitation, flashing a deliberately sweet smile at him.
“Thank you~”
Gu Hanling responded with a small smile and then took his seat beside her.
To Feng Weiwei, watching from across the table, the romantic atmosphere between the two was amplified tenfold.
They hadn’t even started eating yet, but she already felt stuffed from all the public displays of affection.
Her eyes grew misty as she silently endured the emotional damage.
If she could express emotions this well while acting, she wouldn’t be stuck with the label of just a “traffic star” in the industry.
At the dining table, Gu Hanling and Shen Xi sat on one side, while Wu Xiaoman and Feng Weiwei sat on the other, making the atmosphere feel strangely tense.
But that didn’t affect Shen Xi’s appetite.
Still, with outsiders around, especially her “fake mother-in-law” Wu Xiaoman, she held back a bit, pretending to be a well-mannered lady, taking small, delicate bites.
Shen Xi just wanted to eat in peace, but of course, the people around her wouldn’t let that happen.
When she reached out with the chopsticks to grab some food, the simple motion caused the antique bracelet on her fair wrist to sway slightly, annoying Wu Xiaoman for no apparent reason.
She couldn’t criticize Gu Hanling, but she could criticize Shen Xi, right? After all, she was her “mother-in-law.”
“Shen Xi, you and Xiao Han have been married for quite some time now, haven’t you? Why haven’t I seen any signs of pregnancy?”
Shen Xi rolled her eyes internally.
Signs? Yeah, right.
The two of them had only just started sleeping in the same bed recently. And even then, they were just sleeping. Nothing else.
How could there possibly be any “reaction”?
Although… last time at the hotel, she had almost gotten marked by him. But from the looks of it, Gu Hanling didn’t seem interested in someone as inexperienced as her.
Besides, as a top-tier CEO, he wouldn’t possibly lower himself to doing that in some cheap, non-star-rated hotel, right?
…Wait.
Does that mean…?
Before Shen Xi could think deeper, Wu Xiaoman only paused for a second before pressing on.
“Could it be that there’s something wrong with your body? The inner courtyard has top medical specialists from all over the world. Since you’re already here, why don’t you let them check you out after dinner?”
Before Shen Xi could even respond, Gu Hanling’s expression darkened slightly, and his voice remained calm but firm.
“Xixi and I both had premarital checkups. We’re both in perfect health.”
“She’s still young, there’s nothing wrong with us enjoying life for a few more years.”
The moment he finished speaking, Wu Xiaoman still refused to let it go.
“Did she tell you that? Sounds to me like she just doesn’t want kids.”
“Look at me and your grandmother, we both got pregnant as soon as we became adults.”
Shen Xi completely lost her appetite. First thing in the morning, and she was already dealing with this kind of old-fashioned nonsense. She put down her chopsticks and let out a light chuckle.
“These things can’t be rushed. When the time is right, it’ll happen naturally.”
Gu Hanling nodded slightly in agreement.
Feng Weiwei’s eyes twitched when she heard that.
That was exactly what her Brother Xiao Han used to say. Of course, he would agree!
Wu Xiaoman didn’t even bother looking at Shen Xi. Instead, she turned to Gu Hanling, speaking earnestly.
“Xiao Han, your grandmother is getting old. She’s been wanting to hold a great-grandchild for so long. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”
“If Shen Xi can’t have kids, then it’s better to find someone else sooner rather than later. You’re the only direct heir left in the main Gu family, we can’t have the bloodline end with you.”
Shen Xi curled her lips in disdain. So this was what it was about, another person eyeing her 'golden rice bowl.’
They all needed to relax.
Give it two years, and she’d be the first to pack up and leave on her own.
But right now? No way.
“Grandma is a devout Buddhist and has done countless good deeds. She’s bound to live a long and healthy life, so no need to worry, Auntie.”
Wu Xiaoman’s face twitched.
A-Auntie?!
She stole a glance at Gu Hanling.
He didn’t show much expression, but there was a noticeable smile at the corner of his lips, one he didn’t even try to hide.
Wu Xiaoman was so furious she couldn’t even eat.
Great. Just great!
These two were way too in sync!
Gu Hanling never acknowledged her as his stepmother. Now, with Shen Xi calling her Auntie, it was perfectly in line with his attitude.
The atmosphere at the table became even more tense and awkward.
Feng Weiwei had been watching carefully and noticed that Shen Xi never once picked food for Gu Hanling.
So, in an overly thoughtful manner, she peeled a steamed shrimp with her own hands.
“Brother Xiao Han, I remember you used to love these when you were little.”
Just as those words left Feng Weiwei’s mouth, under the table, Shen Xi suddenly felt the man's knee lightly tap against her leg.
As a dedicated employee, she instantly got the message.
With one swift move, she snatched the shrimp that Feng Weiwei was about to place in Gu Hanling’s bowl.
“Thanks, I like it too.”
Then, without hesitation, she popped it into her mouth.
Mmm, shrimp personally peeled by a beautiful woman? Tastes amazing!
At the same time, she mentally added a new label to her internal “CEO Stereotype Notebook”, “Germaphobe.”
Feng Weiwei’s face instantly turned ugly. She bit her lip and looked like she was about to cry. Wu Xiaoman sighed in frustration and turned to Gu Hanling.
“Xiao Han, look at Weiwei. She’s a big celebrity, adored by thousands, yet she’s still so gentle and caring toward you. A woman like her is the one who can truly take care of you.”
Shen Xi chuckled softly.
“Oh, absolutely. Our villa kitchen is just missing such a thoughtful maid.”
Gu Hanling nodded slightly, a hint of a smile on his lips.
“My wife makes a good point.”
Shen Xi’s words alone were enough to annoy Feng Weiwei, but having Gu Hanling agree with her?
That was the final straw.
Her tears instantly overflowed, ruining her carefully applied makeup. Too embarrassed to stay, she ran out of the room.
In Shen Xi’s eyes, she could totally cosplay as the fourth sister from Black Myth: Wukong.
…Oh, wait. That doesn’t exist in this world.
“Weiwei!”
Wu Xiaoman, worried something might happen, immediately stood up and ran after her.
With the two nuisances gone, Shen Xi felt completely at ease. She dropped the act, picked up her chopsticks, and dug into the feast without restraint.
“Big Brother, hurry up and eat! The appetite-killers are gone.”
“Wife, I want shrimp.”
Shen Xi, with her cheeks puffed out like a hamster, turned her head and stared blankly at the man. Their eyes met, and she blinked, a little dazed.