Rongrong looked at her, her face wearing a forced smile, “I didn’t expect you to get married and pregnant so quickly. It seems Shen Mu was in a hurry to become a father. Congratulations.” Xu Ke was taken aback, finding her words odd. Out of politeness, she replied softly, “Thank you.” “How is Shen Mu?” Xu Ke was increasingly shocked and couldn’t help but ask, “You’re not with him?” Rongrong was stunned, “Me?” “Didn’t you ask Shen Mu to accompany you for half a year?” Rongrong paused, her smile bitter, “You think too highly of me. If I asked him to stay with me for half a year, would he agree?” Xu Ke felt her mind go blank, her breathing becoming rapid. “You’re not with him?” “I haven’t seen him for half a year.” Xu Ke’s expression changed; she was speechless.
“Goodbye,” Rongrong said as she passed by. Not far away, Yin Wancheng approached. Xu Ke, feeling lost, watched him come closer but lacked the strength to stand. Was Shen Mu deceiving her, or was it Rongrong? The half-year period had passed, and she hadn’t hoped for Shen Mu’s return, or rather, she had even thought that if he did return, she wouldn’t start anew with him. However, Rongrong’s sudden appearance and her words made her feel something was off. She shivered involuntarily, a series of thoughts emerging in her mind. He had said that during those years abroad, due to immense pressure, he lived a life of drunkenness and despair. Upon returning home, he often ate little due to stomach discomfort. He used to dislike porridge but later grew fond of it. Shen Xiaoshan died of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer has a genetic predisposition. He hadn’t contacted any friends in the last half year. No, no way. Xu Ke immediately interrupted her own speculations, desperately convincing herself it couldn’t be, he was so young and strong. But that suspicion had taken root and lingered in her mind.
