“That was my fault. I was too impulsive.” He reflected that he hadn’t been fierce; he had just slightly raised his tone. It seemed pregnant women’s emotions were easily changeable.
“Do you really see Zhuo Ning as a sister?” Luo Yaling blurted out, still concerned as the woman looked at her like an enemy and had repeatedly warned her.
“Hmm, what’s wrong?” Shen Yixuan questioned, sensing her overthinking.
“I feel like her gaze towards you is different.”
“How could that be? She just sees me as a brother. Don’t think too much.” Shen Yixuan stroked her hair.
“Really, believe me. I won’t be wrong.”
“Alright, I believe you. Go to sleep now!” Shen Yixuan placed her on the bed, covered her with a blanket, and lay down beside her.
Ning’s feelings for him? Probably not! He hadn’t noticed. But her confident look made him reconsider. He would need to pay more attention.
“I’m telling the truth.” Luo Yaling reached out her small hand, thinking he still didn’t believe her.
“I know. Be good, go to sleep.” Shen Yixuan tucked her hand under the blanket, coaxing her.
“Oh.” His voice seemed to calm her, and she slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 82: Buying Snacks
When Luo Yaling awoke, it was almost noon. She opened her eyes to see Shen Yixuan sitting by her bed, looking at her tenderly.
“Huh? Why aren’t you at work?” she asked in surprise.
“Going a bit later won’t hurt. Get up, don’t go hungry. Time to eat.”
“Oh.” She realized she was indeed very hungry.
“Quickly wash up and come eat.” Shen Yixuan smiled gently and walked out.
“Ah?” Luo Yaling blinked, staring at his departing figure. So handsome! His smile was truly beautiful and gentle.
Wait, this wasn’t the first time she’d seen him smile. Why was she acting like this? Today, she noticed his smile was especially lovely, tender, and charming. Moreover, he had waited for her to wake up. She was so happy!
“Grumble…” A sound brought Luo Yaling back to reality, reminding her to get up quickly.
She quickly got up, cleaned herself, and ran to the living room.
“I’m ready!” Luo Yaling said energetically, her fist raised in the air.
“Huh?” Shen Yixuan looked at her bewildered.
Her hair was messy, toothpaste stuck to her clothes, and foam at the corner of her mouth. Shen Yixuan smiled helplessly, wiped the foam from her mouth, and led her to the table.
Luo Yaling sat down and immediately started eating.
“We’re moving back tomorrow,” Shen Yixuan suddenly said.
“Moving back where?” Luo Yaling asked, her mouth full of food.
“Moving back to my apartment.”
“Why?” She looked at him, confused. They had only been here a few days.
“No reason.” Shen Yixuan’s expression was unreadable, but his eyes were full of tenderness.
“No reason? Then why move back? Aren’t we living well here?”
“Don’t ask so many questions.”
Shen Yixuan looked at Luo Yaling, who had finished her food but left an untouched glass of milk, his brow furrowing in displeasure.
“Can I not drink it?” Luo Yaling asked pitifully.
“No.” Shen Yixuan coldly refused.
“Then… okay, I’ll drink it. But can we stay here a few more days?” She was getting tired of milk but wanted to stay since she felt she wouldn’t be this free once they moved.
“Okay.” Shen Yixuan finally replied.
Luo Yaling gulped down the milk and put the glass down with a bang. “I’m done.” She felt depressed, wondering if she’d have to drink this every day now.
Shen Yixuan smiled knowingly.
“I’m going to the company. Stay home and don’t run around, understand?” he instructed as he prepared to leave.
“Wait, I’m coming too.” Luo Yaling quickly stood and grabbed his clothes.
“You’re coming too?” He raised an eyebrow at her grip on his shirt.
“Can I?” she asked, looking at him like an abandoned child.
“Eh? Okay!” He couldn’t bear to refuse her expression.
“Great! Let’s go!” Luo Yaling brightened up and pulled him outside, her mood completely different from just moments ago.
Shen Yixuan stared blankly at her. When did she become so proactive? But being by his side was better than not being there; he wouldn’t have to worry about her being harassed by bad people.
Excitedly, Luo Yaling followed Shen Yixuan to the company. Staying by his side meant no other women could target him, especially that Zhuo Ning—she needed to keep an eye on him.
“Just sit here. If you feel tired, lie down on the sofa,” Shen Yixuan said as they entered the office.
Luo Yaling nodded silently, staring at him.
“Xu Chu,” Shen Yixuan called outside.
“What is it?” Xu Chu quickly entered, puzzled by Shen Yixuan’s late arrival. But seeing Luo Yaling on the sofa, he understood.
“Go buy some nutritious snacks outside and bring them back. That’s it, you can go now,” Shen Yixuan instructed.
“Are you sure you said that correctly?” Xu Chu asked uncertainly, surprised that he was being called just to buy snacks.
And nutritious ones? Who were they for? This seemed indulgent, but it was good—he’d see him smile more often, even if just for someone specific. Better than always looking gloomy. But asking him to buy things wasn’t really his job. Xu Chu grumbled internally.
“Are your ears working?” Shen Yixuan looked at him coldly.
“Fine, I won’t argue.” Alas! He was his brother and boss. Xu Chu left the office to complete his mission: buying snacks.
“Huh?” Luo Yaling looked at her in shock. Wasn’t she in love with Xuan? How could she say this? Forget it; whether she saw it right or wrong, she’d deal with it later. Worrying about it was exhausting! She’ll just treat her like a younger sister, just like how she treats Xuan.
“Sister-in-law! Isn’t it boring here? Would you like to walk around with me? Xuan-ge is busy anyway,” Zhuo Ning said sincerely.
“Okay!” Luo Yaling replied after a moment.
“Xuan-ge, can I go out for a walk with sister-in-law?” Zhuo Ning asked the busy Shen Yixuan.
“Be careful,” Shen Yixuan said, putting down his documents.
“Don’t worry, I promise to bring sister-in-law back safe and sound,” Zhuo Ning said playfully, winking at the worried Shen Yixuan.
Not long after they left, Xu Chu entered with a pile of items.
“Huh? Where are they?” Xu Chu asked suspiciously.
“Gone out,” Shen Yixuan replied coldly, not looking up from his materials.
“Gone out? Alone?” Confused, Xu Chu thought they might be playing a trick on him.
“No, gone out with Ning,” Shen Yixuan clarified, finally looking up.
“What?” Xu Chu exclaimed.
“Aren’t you worried she might be in danger?” Xu Chu continued, concerned about Zhuo Ning.
“Didn’t you arrange for people to protect her?” Shen Yixuan countered, looking sharply at Xu Chu.
Xu Chu felt nervous about this conversation. “Yes, but accidents can happen!” He rushed out without waiting for a response, knowing he couldn’t explain further.
Sorry, Xuan; he couldn’t tell him now; he’d have to figure it out himself.
He should be able to accept that fact now. After all, he never truly loved that woman. However, Xuan hates deception the most, so that woman can only fend for herself.
“You……” Shen Yixuan was about to ask more when he saw Xu Chu had already fled.
Is Xu Chu hiding something from him related to Ning? Could Ning have a problem? He needs to be more careful. If Xu Chu doesn’t want to talk, he won’t force him. The truth will come out eventually.
Chapter 84: Kidnapping?
On the street:
“Sister-in-law, look, this dress is so beautiful. It would definitely fit you perfectly,” Zhuo Ning said excitedly, pulling Luo Yaling.
“Stop calling me sister-in-law. I’m older, so just call me sister,” Luo Yaling thought. Zhuo Ning is like a child, so cute. She completely let down her guard, looking at the bouncing girl.
“Sister… sister… okay! I’ll call you sister from now on,” Zhuo Ning mumbled, then looked up with a bright smile.