Chapter 6, Stumbling Bravely

Lin Wanqiu was very clean when she was with him, and over the past few years, no other men have appeared around her. He is very satisfied with her

Lin Wanqiu replied apologetically, "I was at the supermarket just now and didn't hear."

Bai Shubei's originally gloomy expression seemed to be shrouded in a layer of murderous intent in an instant, as he fixed his gaze on Bai Younian. His fists, hanging by his side, were clenched tightly, and his eyes glowed with a terrifying crimson: "Do not mention Anning again. If it were not for you, she and I would not have ended up like this, and my life would not have been ruined by Lin Wanqu.

Lin Wanqiu stared wide-eyed in surprise: "Are you coming over?"

Lin Wanqiu opened her mouth, but fell silent when she received his slightly heavy gaze

Bai Shubei looked helplessly at the number; it was Lin Wanqu's call. Seeing her name at this moment undoubtedly added fuel to the raging fire.

He had never looked at her closely before, but at this moment, as he examined her seriously, he realized that she was not as unpleasant as he had thought. Her frail figure was indeed somewhat pitiable

He did not put much thought into understanding her family, but he guessed it might not be very good; it was just that she was a bit too thin. Perhaps he should treat her a little better in the future? Regardless, she is still a lovely mother.

Lin Wanqiu anxiously said a word to Bai Shubei, but she heard a more displeased male voice from the opposite side. The voice was icy cold, carrying a bone-chilling chill that made her heart tighten: "Who are you with?"

He angrily struck the steering wheel, startling Lin Wanqiu, who quickly reached out to grasp his hand: "What are you doing? Why take it out on yourself when you're unhappy?"

She felt a slight heaviness in her heart, but still let out a deep sigh. Regardless of everything, the matter had been resolved, and she and Bai Shubei had a brand new beginning. This was the most important thing

In the afternoon, when I went to pick up Mengmeng, she looked at her damp forehead and, feeling distressed, raised her small hand to help wipe away the sweat, saying: "Auntie, where have you been? Why are you so tired?"

Lin Wanqiu, I wish you good luck

"Waiting for you." Lin Wanqiu clenched her fist and strode forward.

At first, he did not realize that he had feelings for Lin Wanqiu; it is unknown when he began to be moved. However, by the time he became aware of it, he had already developed a deep sense of protectiveness and affection for this woman

There are just some things that he himself cannot distinguish clearly

The living room was very quiet, with only the occasional dull sound of the antique clock. The soft pressure of her hand on his temple was indeed very comforting. Bai Shubei pondered for a moment and then spoke in a hushed voice: "I will return to the company tomorrow to handle some matters. There is a new case, and I will try to come back by Wednesday. Please take good care of Mengmeng."

However, considering his feelings for the children, perhaps he is just too concerned about Mengmeng

The child's last words were spoken with a sense of grievance, and their little face was wrinkled and pitiful. Lin Wanqiu felt a pang in her heart as she reached out her hand, and the child instinctively opened their arms, wanting her to hold them

Bai Shubei drove back to the Bai family, suppressing his anger the entire way. The butler, seeing him get out of the car still looking fierce, couldn't help but advise, "Young Master, the Fourth Young Master is here; please do not let your temper flare with the Master."

Lin Wanqiu tightly gripped the body of the machine, sensing that Bai Shubei was displeased. Recalling his previous attitude towards Gao He, her voice lacked any confidence as she said: "Gao He helped me organize things in the store this afternoon, so I—"

Lin Wanqiu could not fathom the reason for his change and gazed at him in confusion

He seemed to have made some simple inquiries and casually chatted with the child for a few moments. In the end, Mengmeng quietly murmured with a hint of grievance, "When will Daddy come back? Auntie is sick and still has to take care of Mengmeng, it's so hard."

Lin Wanqiu could sense his hesitation and struggle. She had originally signed an agreement with Gu Anning, and the name listed in the mother’s section of the child's birth certificate was also Gu Anning's.

Lin Wanqiu's fingers, resting on her knees, curled tightly as she silently ate her food.

Lin Wanqiu turned her head in shock, overwhelmed by joy and gratitude... so many emotions surged within her that she could hardly speak: "Thank you, Mr. Bai"

Bai Younian furrowed his brow and said, "How audacious, who are you speaking to"

His mocking tone made her feel as if a giant stone was pressing down on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. She had no choice but to obediently provide the address. However, when she returned to the private room, she had lost her appetite; the table full of her favorite dishes seemed tasteless.

Lin Wanqiu felt somewhat embarrassed by his questioning: "I have to work, Mengmeng goes to kindergarten during the day, it won't be affected."

The two walked silently through the alley, as the setting sun cast a sorrowful hue at dusk. He and she each harbored their own thoughts, neither breaking the tense atmosphere.

Bai Shubei did not notice her low mood, took the car keys and went out, but turned back at the door to remind her: "Don't worry about that store, I will help you take care of it next time I come back"

Lin Wanqiu was at a loss for how to respond, and Mengmeng, who was curled up in the back seat, finally couldn't help but speak up: "Dad, why are you so stupid? It's driving me crazy"

She will not take a single cent from Bai Shubei. The porridge shop may earn very little in the future, but it does not matter if she saves a little for herself. If she accepts his money, their relationship will become even less pure.

This can be considered a polite refusal, Gao He bitterly tugged at the corners of her mouth without saying a word, only to hear her continue: "You know, I have never actively sought anything before, this is the first time, I want to make an effort for myself."

She pondered for a moment and then gave a faint nod: "Yes"

Lin Wanqiu indeed feels somewhat reluctant; they have officially started dating, yet it still seems like something is missing, which feels a bit strange.

When Bai Shu woke up in the early morning, he found himself alone. After washing up, he went downstairs and saw Lin Wanqiu making breakfast in the kitchen, occasionally letting out a few suppressed coughs.

Gao He smiled as he raised his hand and gently tousled her hair, saying, "Is there nothing else you want to say to me?"

Bai Shubei did not look at them; he merely gazed intently at the road conditions ahead, his thin lips slightly pursed

This left her somewhat disappointed, as she hoped that Bai Shubei was not merely infatuated with her body, even though she understood that men are primarily driven by their lower instincts

Gao He rolled up the cuffs of his shirt and easily set up a small round table while bending down. Lin Wanqiu wanted to stop him, but he smiled gently and said, "How long are you going to tidy up by yourself? Let me help you"

Lin Wanqiu looked at her unexpectedly and asked, "Does Dad often go out for drinks?"

Eating? Bai Shubei has not eaten anything until now, had an unpleasant parting with Bai Younian, and was closely observed by Bai Chen throughout the process, feeling completely fed up with anger, leaving no appetite whatsoever

Lin Wanqiu? Bai Shubei frowned at her, feeling slightly displeased. His question seemed somewhat irrational, as if he had been possessed, and it had inexplicably slipped out of his mouth.

However, today is clearly not the best time to discuss this matter. Bai Shubei is in a bad mood, and going to the bar for a drink is the best proof of that

Lin Wanqiu did not know how to explain to Gao He the reason for her not being open for business, she simply greeted him as she ushered him inside: "It's very hot outside, come in first"

Bai Shubei pondered for a moment, then reached out to gently stroke her warm cheek: "Go to the hospital for a check-up, Mengmeng has a weak immune system, don't let her catch anything from you"

What was once deemed unattainable now seems to have been infused with confidence by him, and surprisingly, I have begun to entertain some minor delusions.

He has not thought of Gu Anning for a long time; the once unforgettable love ultimately could not withstand the erosion of time, gradually fading in color

In the afternoon, Lin Wanqiu insisted on returning to the store, which was still in disarray and had not been tidied up. Bai Shubei could not persuade her otherwise and drove her there.

He unbuttoned the collar, sinking heavily into the sofa, as darkness enveloped him, even his thoughts became clear.

However, Bai Shubei

His identity makes it impossible for him to understand the struggles of a woman fighting at the bottom of society, so he will never be able to comprehend the matter of surrogacy.

Once everything is in order, Gao He’s shirt is already soaked in a large area. Lin Wanqiu feels embarrassed and says, "I will go make you some sour plum soup, you take a break."

She silently looked up at him, the corners of her mouth curving slightly: "No tricks, I promise you."

Lin Wanqiu was somewhat stunned by his tone. She glanced at Gao He, who was laughing and joking with Mengmeng, and quietly held her phone as she walked outside. Once in the corridor, she lowered her voice: "I am having a meal, and Mengmeng is with me."

"Have you called the police? Do you need my help?" He was well aware that it was not easy for a woman to venture out on her own. When he received her call saying she had opened a congee shop, he had been worried all along. He never expected that she had only gone to attend a seminar, and upon returning, he stumbled upon such a scene

Lin Wanqiu was terrified at that moment, her mind blank. She often saw robberies on television and in the news, but when it actually happened to her, she completely forgot how to react. She stood frozen for a few seconds, then suddenly came to her senses and, without a moment's hesitation, raised her leg and chased after them.

Mengmeng happily hugged her neck and kissed her on the cheek: "When Mengmeng grows up, I will work hard to earn money for Auntie, so Auntie won't have to work so hard."

"Give the phone to Mengmeng." Bai Shubei stated directly that he wanted to speak with Mengmeng. Lin Wanqiu's eyes dimmed slightly, but she still brought the phone to Mengmeng's ear. The subway was somewhat crowded, and Mengmeng was sitting in her lap, so Bai Shubei's voice clearly reached her ears, filled with a tenderness that was completely different from before.

Bai Shubei tightened his long arms slightly, holding her slender body more firmly in his embrace. Her soft form pressed tightly against his chest, warm and very comfortable, and surprisingly, she fell asleep shortly after closing her eyes

Mengmeng stared at Lin Wanqu and giggled while covering her small mouth: "Did Auntie act cute with Dad last night? Did she ask for kisses and hugs?"

Lin Wanqiu looked at Gao He with a newfound respect. In her eyes, he had always been a clean man, fair-skinned and skilled with a scalpel, someone who would not engage in heavy physical labor and who looked down upon tasks that were dirty, exhausting, and made one sweat

Gao He was washing his hands when he heard this and turned to smile at her: "You don't have to work so hard, let's go eat. You still owe me a meal."

She has never liked anyone, Bai Shubei is the first and the only one. ... Everyone knows she likes Bai Shubei, except for him ... . ... He cannot see her, or rather, he never wishes to try to look at her one more time.

It is unclear whether she was too nervous on the way and exposed herself, or if the other party had already set their sights on her. When she was still a street away from the school, a man in black suddenly and without warning snatched the backpack from her shoulder

Lin Wanqiu looked at the man who was so close, his handsome and refined features were composed, and even the impatience reflected in his tightly furrowed brows was attractive. She hesitated, the words of confession stuck in her throat, almost ready to spill out.

But is this question so difficult for her to answer

Lin Wanqiu looked at the child with discomfort, her lips murmuring: "Mengmeng—"

Bai Chen remained quietly seated on the sofa, slightly lowering his gaze to savor the Longjing tea in his cup, as if everything before him was unrelated to him

Why? ... For the sake of everything ... . ... Irresponsibly bringing her into this world, yet failing to fulfill even a fraction of a mother's responsibilities, regardless of how helpless the reasons may be, she has always let the child down.

Gao He glanced at her with complexity: "... ... Is it Bai Shubei?"

Bai Shubei recalled these thoughts, and his gaze grew increasingly sinister. After a long while, he called back, and upon hearing her soft voice, his mood seemed to worsen: "Where are you?"

Lin Wanqiu looked at his clean smile and pressed her lips together to express her gratitude

He angrily cut off the conversation, and when he looked at Bai Younian, his eyes were filled with coldness: "That's right, it's that woman, Lin Wanqiu, who signed the surrogacy agreement with Gu Anning."

Gao He finally relaxed his furrowed brow, but still uneasily advised, "If anything happens, call me. It's not safe for you to live alone; I will find you a place to stay"

Mengmeng nodded slightly, pinching her little nose with a look of disdain: "Dad always comes back smelling of alcohol."

She wanted to inform Gao He that this matter had already been resolved by Bai Shubei, but recalling the unpleasant incident between the two at the gym, she held back and did not speak up

Bai Shubei coldly gazed at his father. When he found information related to Bai Chen, his first reaction was that it was arranged by the old man. Bai Chen was not so bored as to vandalize Lin Wanqu's shop, which would bring him no benefit; the only explanation was to curry favor with the old man

Lin Wanqiu stared blankly ahead in shock, took a deep breath, and then hurriedly chased after it.

With the harmony brought by the child, the atmosphere between the two was no longer so tense. Throughout the journey, Bai Shubei did not speak again, while Mengmeng and Lin Wanqu had been discussing matters related to parent-child activities.

She got up a bit late and was unable to prepare breakfast for Mengmeng. After helping the child wash up, she first took the little one to kindergarten. When she returned, thinking that Bai Shubei might have already woken up, she went straight outside to queue and buy his favorite crab roe buns

Even Mengmeng knows the answer, yet he has never bothered to discover it.

The two went shopping for a considerable amount of ingredients, with Mengmeng standing beside Lin Wanqiu, tiptoeing to push the shopping cart, following her closely as she moved through the vegetable section, behaving like a little tail.

Lin Wanqiu furrowed her brows, finding it somewhat difficult to endure his capricious temperament, yet she still responded with good humor: "I understand."

Bai Shubei was indeed in a bad mood; the memories of the past felt like a needle in his heart, piercing him more densely at this moment. ... However, looking at the woman before him, the pent-up resentment had no outlet for release, as if it were uncontrollable, as if ... ... he could not bear it. Moreover, what was even more troubling was that he would lose control whenever he saw someone approaching her.

It is so late

Bai Younian quietly gazed at him, the smoke swirling around obscuring the true emotions in his eyes. After a moment, he extinguished the cigarette butt in the ashtray and said: "So you came back today to settle the score with me?"

After leaving the supermarket, Lin Wanqiu held a shopping bag in one hand while trying to hold onto the little one with the other. It was not easy to squeeze onto the subway, and only then did she take out her phone to check the time, only to find that there were two missed calls, both from Bai Shubei.

Bai Shubei soon arrived, dressed in a gray loungewear outfit, his hair still somewhat damp, suggesting he had just gotten out of bed. He appeared to have a bit of morning grumpiness on his face: "Why are you so foolish? Can't you at least let me know when you go out?"

Lin Wanqiu glanced again at the tightly closed door. The sound of a car engine starting echoed in the courtyard. She sighed quietly to herself and took the child to the bedroom: "Baby, it's time to sleep."

What happened?" He reached out to feel her forehead, as if she had a fever

As soon as the child spoke these words, Bai Shubei and Lin Wanquiu were both taken aback.

Gao He looked at her with increasing tenderness: "I have many friends at the police station"

Running while instinctively calling for help, yet none of the passersby were willing to lend a hand. Today's society has exhausted people's goodwill; no one dares to do good deeds without reason, as such kindness may not necessarily be rewarded in the end

Bai Shubei was bending down to change her shoes when she suddenly felt her soft body slowly leaning closer. Her delicate white arms gently lifted as she thoughtfully helped him take off his clothes: "I have made a hangover soup, please wait a moment."

Lin Wanqiu did not understand what could not be said between them, could it be related to Bai Shubei? However, how could someone related to Bai Shubei go about dealing with her in such a roundabout way? In Bai Shubei's heart, she did not hold even the slightest position.

The youthful and beautiful visage of his mother gradually became more and more blurred, ultimately transforming into a cold liquid that soaked his face

Lin Wanqiu's fingertips trembled slightly as she silently nodded her head

Bai Shubei's tone was not as harsh as before, yet it still conveyed an inexplicable sense of oppression: "What are you busy with? Mengmeng goes to kindergarten during the day, so you have plenty of time. You aren't going back to your shop again, are you?"

The adorable little fox furrowed its two small eyebrows and asked, "Why do we need to say sorry?"

Seeing Lin Wanqiu's stiff expression, Gao He lost his inclination to joke, gradually suppressing his smile, and a serious look returned to his eyes: "Lin Wanqiu, I am still somewhat worried about you"

There is money in the drawer of the bedside table, feel free to take it, don't bother with the store anymore. He thought for a moment and added, "It's very hard, and the earnings are low."

Bai Younian's action of twisting his eyebrows paused slightly: "Lin Wanqiu?"

He said as he pulled her into his arms, she was very light, and he hardly felt any burden even when she fell onto his lap

Bai Shubei did not say much more to her, lacking even the tender affection that should exist between lovers. He simply said, "I have something to attend to," and hung up first.

She still wants to continue running the porridge shop, although it does not earn much, at least she feels fulfilled, and the money is earned by herself, which gives her a sense of security.

Bai Younian's words forcibly tore open that sealed memory

Bai Shubei wore a cold expression, and his words were chillingly devoid of any warmth. For a moment, Lin Wanqiu felt a fleeting sense of confusion, thinking that this man was no different from the past.

Lin Wanqiu was teased by the child to the point of being speechless, and she flicked her chubby cheek, saying: "Little rascal"

Bai Shubei looked at Mengmeng with a dark expression, and the little one sighed helplessly: "Just be stupid to death, our kindergarten has a performance next Wednesday, you must not embarrass me."

Lin Wanqiu opened the door, placing her index finger against her lips to lower her voice: "Shh, Dad is still sleeping. Is it okay if Auntie sends you?"

Lin Wanqiu nervously clenched her fists, wanting to say something to ease the atmosphere, but ultimately could not think of anything. At this moment, saying anything would be futile; saying too much would only come across as pretentious.

Tonight, while drinking at the bar, Bai Ruxi asked him: "Are you still thinking about Gu Anning? Perhaps if she returns, she will no longer be the Gu Anning you once liked."

Bai Shubei narrowed his elongated eyes and directly took a seat on the sofa in front of the two, crossing his long legs and adopting a posture of negotiation

When Lin Wanqiu brought breakfast to the table, her cough seemed to have worsened. He looked up and then noticed that the woman's small face was flushed deeply.

Bai Shubei admitted that his feelings for Lin Wanqu are predominantly driven by desire; she is his only woman. He has a certain obsession in this regard and does not like to casually sleep with just any woman

I will go see Mengmeng first

Until he got into Gao He’s car, he did not start the engine immediately. Instead, he pondered for a moment, slowly turning his head to look at her: "You know his relationship with Gu Anning, yet you still chose to be with him, so I believe you have thought this through. Regardless of everything, I still hope you are happy"

The two of them began to clean up the debris scattered all over the floor. On this midsummer day, the air conditioner in the room had also been damaged, and both of them were sweating profusely, yet neither of them complained of fatigue

The security guard's eyes were scanning back and forth between the two individuals. He was aware that there was no mistress in Bai Shunbei's household, so why had such a woman suddenly appeared?

"What’s wrong?" Bai Shubei said with a teasing smile, gazing at her ambiguously, "Are you reluctant?"

"You can shout however you like," Bai Shubei suddenly interrupted her, not glancing at her again, his tone calm and devoid of any discernible emotion

Lin Wanqiu called back, and when Bai Shubei answered, his tone was not very pleasant: "Why did it take so long?"

Despair engulfed me, and my vision instantly became a blur

The slightly bitter taste of chocolate filled her mouth, and Lin Wanqiu felt an inexplicable bitterness in her heart. Looking at the child's ingratiating smile, she was also moved.

Lin Wanqiu awkwardly said goodbye to Gao He. When she was taken away by Bai Shubei, she expressed some grievances: "I have nothing with Gao He, you—"

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback; she naturally hoped that her child would call her "Mama." Even if the meaning was different in the child's eyes, she was still immensely looking forward to it

Bai Shubei, although not necessarily fond of Lin Wanqu in the late autumn, truly dislikes Bai Younian's demeanor, with arms crossed and a lazy smile: "Why don't you just tell me who you are satisfied with, and I will marry her directly."

Lin Wanqiu looked at her phone as it returned to the standby screen, feeling a sense of inexplicable discomfort

Waking up in the morning to see the person you love is truly not a dream; reality can also be very beautiful

Mengmeng stood at the bedroom door, knocking forcefully. Her clear, childlike voice resonated with remarkable clarity in the silent corridor: "Dad, we're going to be late!"

She shouted hoarsely, "Someone is stealing something—" That cry seemed to be the last lifeline, and even though she knew no one would care, she still called out helplessly

Bai Shubei glanced at the woman in his arms, his face still showing little expression, yet he said: "What? After everything that happened last night, do you still want to play tricks?"

Although the afternoon is also a peak period for foot traffic, Bai Shubei is right; it is indeed unsafe for Mengmeng to stay there. Moreover, there are always rickshaws and electric vehicles passing through the alley. If by any chance a child gets hurt, it would be truly not worth the risk

Slowly strolling into the alley, even the sticky air seemed less bothersome. Before reaching the shop entrance, I noticed a figure standing in the distance, their slender silhouette stretching long under the blazing sun.

Lin Wanqiu looked at the child's tender little face, feeling extremely warm inside. Although there was still no progress with Bai Shubei, she was already content to be able to spend every day with Mengmeng.

The butler has watched them grow up since childhood, naturally aware of the matters within the household. He also knows that the Bai Shunbei brothers exclude Bai Chen and appear very united in front of him

Lin Wanqiu had not slept all night; she could sense that Bai Shubei's mood was off today. Was it because of her? Or was it because of Gu Anning? She dared not think too much about it. The past was already behind her, and no amount of entanglement would bring about any change.

Bai Shubei did not pay much attention, sitting by the dining table reading the newspaper

Yet she wanted to give it a try, harboring a glimmer of hope deep within her heart. Perhaps, just perhaps, this man would truly fall in love with her

Bai Shubei glanced down at her small hand tightly holding onto his arm, delicate and tender, with an expression on her face that was one of eager appeasement

Bai Shubei looked at her for a while, but in the end, he did not say anything further

However, at this moment, Bai Shubei is willing to try to like her. What she needs to do is to persistently strive to let him see the real her and to make him understand her feelings

Bai Shubei coldly laughed and said, "What do you think, Father? Do you deserve this title?"

Lin Wanqiu knew that if she chose the default option, she might fall into an unknown abyss from then on. What lay ahead was unclear to her, and this man's heart was always shrouded in a layer of mist

Finally, a commotion was heard at the door, and Lin Wanqiu stood up nervously as Bai Shubei's tall figure appeared in the shadow of the entrance

As Lin Wanqiu just got out of the car, Bai Shubei's vehicle suddenly drove away, and he didn't even say another word. Lin Wanqiu stood under the scorching sun, continuously watching his car disappear from sight

After changing his clothes, he noticed that her complexion was even worse than before, flushed as if two patches of rouge had been applied. He frowned slightly and asked, "How could you suddenly fall ill?"

In the living room, only a floor lamp was lit, while a warm yellow light source illuminated the kitchen. Her slender figure moved back and forth in the kitchen, and at that moment, Bai Shubei's hollow heart seemed to be filled with something.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head in surprise: "Really, there's no need, Doctor Gao. You have already helped me a lot. I can take care of myself."

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback: "Hmm."

The security guard looked her up and down with suspicion, and the more he observed her attire, the more disdain he showed: "Wait, let me ask."

Lin Wanqiu and Bai Shubei fell silent, while the little girl clutched the back of the chair with both hands, gazing at them with an expression of anticipation: "Now that Auntie has arrived, can I join Dad? The other children have never met my mother..."

He was initially critical of Gu Anning's family background, but what can this woman, who runs a congee shop, contribute to Bai Shubei's future? Taking her out would only serve to add to the ridicule.

No, I... I am watching a Korean drama

"Are you going back there again?" Bai Shubei's expression darkened, clearly displeased. "How much can you earn from opening a congee shop? You are busy with business every day; where do you have the time to take care of Mengmeng?"

Mengmeng pouted slightly, her originally bright eyes dimming a little: "This is a parent-child activity, there was no mother before."

The car stopped at the entrance of the alley. Bai Shubei lowered the window and instructed, "I have something to attend to later, you need not worry about those people; they will not appear again."

Moreover, they are very compatible in this matter, and each time they can make him feel completely satisfied. When considering it, this woman is suitable for him in every aspect

If it is said that the unfortunate fellow is him, he would surely be angry

Return immediately after eating

... ...

Lin Wanqiu said this as she took her phone and walked out of the store, while Gao He watched her figure, his originally bright eyes dimming slightly.

However, at present, Gao He has been quietly helping her to clean up the broken items, and he is very civic-minded, absolutely refusing to casually throw the trash at the door, but instead walking a considerable distance to dispose of it in the trash bin

But in the end, it was too late; some feelings always occur at the most inopportune times

He is not happy

As Bai Shubei entered the hall, Bai Younian was quietly conversing with Bai Chen. Upon seeing him, both of them slightly straightened their backs and fell silent.

Bai Shubei's heart tightened instantly; Lin Wanqiu was nowhere near worthy of being compared to her mother

Lin Wanqiu also understood and nodded thoughtfully: "You can rest assured, I will take good care of Mengmeng, I will take her to the store"

How could Dad's intelligence be so frustrating when even a child knows the answer to this

He was a tall man, and she could not see his face clearly, but that upright figure seemed to illuminate her desolate world like a ray of dawn in an instant. No one could understand her feelings at that moment; that man appeared in her world with the demeanor of a savior

She knows that she is very humble, but the burdens of life are just that cruel

Lin Wanqiu picked up the phone and after a moment of contemplation, he spoke: "Aren't you supposed to go to the hospital? Why is it getting worse?"

Compared to living alone in solitude, Mengmeng and Bai Shubei provided her with a so-called "home"

The kindergarten children were all in a state of confusion, repeatedly asking in a childish voice: "Bai Yimeng, who exactly is your father?"

Gu Anning has still not been heard from, what does Bai Shubei think about this? Has he informed Lin Wanqiu?

Then what about her after school? In such an environment, do you still have the heart to take care of the children

She held the bag tightly, her palms sweating slightly. It was a very hot day, and there seemed to be hardly anyone on the street. The sun was scorching the entire city, and there was a pervasive sense of impending storm and burning heat everywhere.

What do I do?

She turned her head to inquire and indeed saw the fleeting annoyance that crossed his face

He awkwardly averted his gaze, remaining silent. After entering the elevator, his fingers resting on her shoulder gently pinched her cheek: "If you had been this obedient earlier, you wouldn't have had to endure so much suffering."

Indeed, she was still delusional

The implication is that Bai Shubei has already found out who did it. Lin Wanqu's careful inquiry was: "It's not as simple as just a ruckus caused by hooligans, is it?"

Bai Shubei, seeing her like this, could not get angry. He reached out to embrace her and turned to the security guard beside him, clearly stating word by word: "Remember, this is my wife"

My finger slipped, and I accidentally switched to the caller ID page, seeing Lin Wanqiu's name, which reminded me of her call this afternoon

I do not know why, my first reaction is him, but he is also unwilling to accept it. Is Bai Shubei not in love with Gu Anning? How can the woman before me be so foolish

Mengmeng happily clapped her little hands and kissed Lin Wanqu's face several times. She wanted to kiss Bai Shubei again but was pushed away by him with a serious expression: "Don't make a fuss, Dad is driving"

Boyfriend? Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback by this unfamiliar term in his words. She and Bai Shubei were considered to be in a relationship, right? Although she did not feel any romantic atmosphere at all, still—

Lin Wanqiu felt that Gao He had indeed troubled her for an entire afternoon, and it was only right to treat him to a meal. However, what about Bai Shubei...

He raised his hand and rubbed the child's small head, starting the car: "Did you have fun on Wednesday when Dad and Auntie participated together?"

Bai Shubei was indeed in a bad mood; the memories of the past felt like a needle in his heart, piercing him more densely at this moment. ... However, looking at the woman before him, the pent-up resentment had no outlet for release, as if it were uncontrollable, as if ... ... he could not bear it. Moreover, what was even more troubling was that he would lose control whenever he saw someone approaching her.

Bai Shubei's phone suddenly rang, as if a crack had been torn in the originally tense and stalemated atmosphere, with three men silently confronting each other

Lin Wanqiu tightly clutched the bag in her hand: "I see you are still sleeping"

Lin Wanqiu looked at the darkened screen of her phone, slightly squinting. Perhaps Bai Shubei was busy and unable to answer her call? He hadn't mentioned what he was going to do that afternoon, so it was possible he was occupied with something important.

That was the last bit of money left in the family, containing her future; if the money were to run out, her dream of attending university would be completely shattered

He carried her into the room, directly taking her into the bathroom

Although the cabin is air-conditioned, there is a sense of torment akin to being caught between ice and fire

She held Lin Wanqiu's arm, her clear eyes shimmering with bright ripples, and she hesitantly pleaded, "Auntie, can I introduce you as my mother to the little friends when the time comes?"

The next morning, Lin Wanqiu was awakened by the sound of knocking on the door. After staring blankly at the ceiling for a while, she slowly turned her face and gazed at the man's handsome and composed appearance, feeling somewhat dazed.

Gao He silently gazed at her, and the originally relaxed and peaceful atmosphere instantly became tense

I

Gao He served food to Meng Meng, his handsome features carrying a hint of coldness: "If you cannot even achieve the most basic trust and respect, how can we talk about trying to like you"

Gao He had a smile at the corner of his mouth, his tall figure lazily leaning against the edge of the pool. Lin Wanqiu felt even more guilty as he said to her: "I'll make a call, you decide where to eat."

The area around Bai Shubei fell silent for a few seconds, allowing the child to hand the phone to Lin Wanqiu

He struggled to recall the name in his mind, suddenly widening his eyes in disbelief as he looked at Bai Chen: "Is it that woman? You actually..."

The steward could not stop him and stood in the courtyard, sighing deeply

Lin Wanqiu pondered for a moment and replied softly, "He seems to have misunderstood."

You wouldn't be so stingy as to not provide a meal, would you

Bai Shubei coldly glanced at her, and that gaze pierced Lin Wanqu's chest with pain. She hesitated and timidly asked, "Are you in a bad mood?"

What performance? Bai Shubei has always placed great importance on his daughter's matters, and upon hearing her words, he couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled, Why didn't you mention it before?

Bai Shubei opened the password lock and found the house dark and empty, not a single person inside, not even Mengmeng had returned. He did not know where Lin Wanqiu had taken the child.

Lin Wanqiu did not dare to mention being busy with matters in the shop, only saying: "I have taken medicine, and I may not have rested well"

Gao He saw her, and a gentle curve appeared at the corners of his mouth. The clean and tidy white shirt made him look even more handsome and refined: "You haven't come to see me since you opened your business, and I didn't expect to be turned away at the door."

Bai Shubei's long fingers gently caressed her body, as she wore only a white nightgown. He meticulously stroked through the fabric, starting from her ankle, gliding along the elegant lines of her legs, and finally resting on her chest

Gao He listened with a heavy heart, feeling both sour and pained. This woman always managed to make him feel heartache. To many, she might seem like an ordinary woman, but in his eyes, he saw her efforts and struggles in the lower strata of society, as well as her unwavering perseverance—qualities that others could not see.

Lin Wanqiu felt a bit embarrassed and replied softly, "It might be that I caught a chill last night"

Bai Shubei furrowed his brows and glanced at her, but said nothing. He simply leaned over to open the car door for her: "I will pick you up later"

Bai Shubei, lacking the patience to let her finish, directly interrupted her: "Address."

Just as I was about to hang up the phone, Gao He stood at the door of the private room urging, "Mengmeng will start making a fuss if she doesn't see you in a while"

"Who?" Bai Shubei almost did not think at all and blurted out the question, then immediately realized that his reaction was somewhat strange. He slightly turned his eyes away in annoyance, "I am really curious about what kind of man is so unfortunate."

Mengmeng seriously raised her little face and said: "This is for my aunt, it is very delicious, and Mengmeng loves to eat it the most"

Lin Wanqiu noticed that he did not wish to respond to her, so she pressed her lips together and fell silent.

He sat on the sofa, wearily rubbing his brow, until a bowl of steaming hangover soup appeared before him

By that time, it was already early September, and Lin Zhixia's university started earlier than hers, so she had to go to the freshman registration alone.

When Bai Shubei left in the morning, it was not like this; now it seems as if she has become a different person, or rather, it seems she has reverted to the old Bai Shubei, with her eyes filled with disdain.

Bai Shubei did not respond, merely closing his eyes slightly

The woman in his arms let out a soft moan, her slender white legs suddenly resting on him. Bai Shubei turned his head slightly to look at her, pinching her waist, which was barely the size of his grip, and suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

Lin Wanqiu waved her hand in refusal: "It's nothing, I have already reported it to the police."

Lin Wanqiu, under the slightly scrutinizing gaze of Bai Shubei, unconsciously tightened her fingers, boldly knelt beside him, placed the bowl in her hand on the tea table beside them, and gently reached out to massage his temples.

Lin Wanqiu took the key to unlock the door, and the rolling shutter door slid up with a whoosh. Gao He, not minding the dirt, reached out to assist her, but was somewhat taken aback by the scene inside.

After Bai Shubei left, only Mengmeng and Lin Wanqu fell at home. Lin Wanqu had a high fever and felt weak in her legs. She first took Mengmeng to kindergarten, then bought some fever-reducing medicine on the way, and afterwards went to the congee shop.

I have tried my best, and if I still cannot win his favor, then so be it; at least I have not wasted the passionate love I experienced.

Every time they see him like this, the father and son inevitably end up having a big argument

She stared straight at him, while Bai Shubei merely cast a fleeting glance at her and said, "You don't need to wait for me tonight"

Lin Wanqiu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry; her child showed concern for her in the most naive way, yet it warmed her heart. She lowered her head and pinched the child's chubby little face, saying, "Mengmeng is truly well-behaved"

His tone immediately indicated his displeasure, and Lin Wanqiu did not understand why she had to lie. She rarely told lies, and whenever she did, she would stutter, but this time she spoke quite fluently.

Such deeply entrenched prejudices are unshakeable

Lin Wanqiu stood in the empty foyer, feeling a slight sense of disappointment. Bai Shubei's temperament was indeed somewhat domineering, and it seemed he was not accustomed to discussing matters with others.

The year she turned thirteen, after meeting Bai Shubei for the first time, the second time they met was in the summer after her college entrance examination. She remembers it very clearly; it was during that hottest and most oppressive summer that she developed feelings of affection for him

Her university is located in the city, so there is really nothing to worry about. The only source of anxiety is the four thousand yuan in her bag, which includes Lin Zhixia's scholarship, the money she earned from working hard during the summer, and the remaining portion that she borrowed from relatives

Bai Shubei looked at her nervous appearance, and a strange feeling slowly flowed through his chest. He gazed at her intently and, almost unconsciously, asked: "Lin Wanqiu, have you ever liked anyone?"

Lin Wanqiu was eager to ask him where he was going, but Bai Shubei, in his current demeanor, clearly did not wish to tell her. He changed his shoes at the door and left without looking back

My father used to suffer from headaches due to social engagements, and my mother would always help him by giving massages.

Lin Wanqiu and the security guard looked at him in shock at the same time

Lin Wanqiu wanted to discuss something with him, but Bai Shubei had already raised his hand to check his watch: "I am leaving, remember to go to the hospital"

Bai Shubei observed Lin Wanqu's complex expression, which did not seem feigned. Her gentle demeanor while gazing at the child closely resembled that of a mother, filled with both sorrow and an inability to articulate her feelings at that moment

Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together, and that smile looked even worse than crying. Gao He let out a helpless low laugh: "Alright, if one day you fail, I will still reluctantly accept you."

Bai Younian flicked the ash from his fingers and, as was his habit, frowned: "Why did you come over all of a sudden?"

After returning home, Lin Wanqiu took Mengmeng to take a bath. When she came out holding the child, she saw Bai Shubei had changed into a new outfit as if he was preparing to go out

Bai Shubei, upon hearing his words, displayed an even more pronounced cold smile in his eyes as he removed his coat and draped it over his arm: "Just right"

Bai Shubei let out a cold laugh and cast a meaningful glance at Bai Chen, who was silent beside him: "Aren't you quite clear? You should know what I do every day."

The two seemed to have little to say to each other. Lin Wanqiu had never been in a relationship and did not know what others' romances were like. She and Bai Shubei rarely communicated in their daily lives.

When Bai Shubei arrived, Lin Wanqu and Gao He had already finished. Naturally, Bai Shubei would not say much to Gao He, but his gaze turned colder upon seeing the men's jacket on Lin Wanqu.

The store has been tidied up quite a bit, and with some ingredients prepared, it will be ready to reopen the next day. Lin Wanqiu is bustling around the vegetable market in the sweltering heat of thirty-seven to thirty-eight degrees, her shirt completely soaked.

The people above are youthful and full of vitality, qualities that he lacks and which also attract him to her. However, upon careful reflection now, many things have become unclear.

Lin Wanqiu could only respond with a sound, thinking that tomorrow she would probably have to close for the entire morning again, and that she needed to find a good opportunity to discuss the matter of opening the store with Bai Shubei. Without a job, how could she earn Bai Shubei's respect

Gao He did not continue this topic, perhaps feeling too heavy-hearted, and thus lacked the courage to pour cold water on her again. But can a man like Bai Shubei truly bring her happiness

Lin Wanqiu suddenly remembered that she did not have the key or the access card, and awkwardly explained to the security guard: "Bai Shubei—"

Lin Wanqiu, upon hearing his words, recalled the matters concerning her porridge shop and cautiously asked him: "Are you leaving?"

Lin Wanqiu had worked hard all day, and all her fatigue seemed to be chased away by the child's soft words. She smiled weakly and said: "If Mengmeng gives her aunt a kiss, then her aunt won't be tired anymore"

Lin Wanqiu had never been this brave before; this was the first time she wanted to strive for herself. She sat in the living room watching the midnight theater, "The Little Mermaid," and continued watching until two thirty in the morning

"Doctor Gao?" Lin Wanqiu was somewhat surprised, looking at the man in front of her, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead causing her to slightly furrow her delicate brows, "What brings you here?"

Bai Younian leaned back into the sofa, calmly looking at him: "I am not satisfied with this woman either; your taste in women is truly getting worse. I only asked Lao Si to give it a try; this woman has some courage, but her family background is too poor."

Gao He furrowed his brow, his gaze wandering complexly over the cramped space, the shards of bowls and dishes scattered across the floor, and the tables and chairs toppled askew. One glance was enough to understand what had happened

Gao He quietly sat by the round table, watching her return absentmindedly, and teasingly smiled, "Didn’t get through, so disappointed, boyfriend?"

Mengmeng felt very sorry for her. The two were shopping in the supermarket, and the little one brought a lot of snacks to put in the shopping cart. Lin Wanqiu looked at her in surprise and said, "Baby, eating these things will cause heat in the body."

He spoke calmly and composedly, but inside he was quite anxious. Lin Wanqiu had many suitors in the past, yet she had never been in a relationship with anyone. However, the current situation seemed rather off in every way.

"Dad must have gone drinking again," Mengmeng said unhappily, wrapping her arms around Lin Wanqiu's neck, her little mouth pouting.

Her shy demeanor could be considered an implicit acknowledgment. Bai Shubei slightly restrained his expression and pondered for a few seconds: "The company cannot do without me; I must return as soon as possible"

This time, I can finally bring my aunt along, and the little one is so excited that they can hardly wait for tomorrow to be Wednesday

Gao He furrowed his brow tightly, observing her evasive demeanor, and ultimately could not bring himself to press her further. He could see that she was troubled, and the way she struggled to conceal it pained him; he decided to pretend he was unaware of it.

Lin Wanqiu felt a slight bitterness in her heart. Would he accept her confession? Even if she placed her sincere heart in his palm, in the end, it would only be disdainfully cast aside.

Bai Younian's infidelity is a fact that his mother has known for a long time. However, for the sake of him and his two younger brothers, she has silently endured it. From a young age, he has witnessed his mother sitting alone by the bed in tears at night. She puts on a brave face in front of others, yet she is melancholic behind closed doors. If it were not for them, his mother might have had a different life.

Lin Wanqiu's physical condition was not good; after chasing for a while, she could no longer run. Yet, she still dragged her weak legs to continue the pursuit, watching helplessly as the man's figure grew further away, with her hope being gradually extinguished.

Lin Wanqiu's health used to be relatively good, and she would endure minor ailments without much concern. However, this time it has dragged on for quite a while, and her cough symptoms have not improved. On the very first day of her business opening, she found it somewhat unbearable, feeling extremely dizzy. She closed the shop early in the afternoon to pick up Mengmeng

She hesitated and reached out to link her arm with his, whispering, "Then I will close the door when she finishes school, selling only breakfast every day, is that alright?"

Bai Shubei looked at her obediently listening, his expression slightly brightening, as he pinched her chin with his fingertips: "You are too thin, make sure to rest more often; I prefer a bit more flesh on you"

"You sit here." Lin Wanqiu finally managed to clear a tidy spot and beckoned to the man who was standing dumbfounded at the door

Lin Wanqiu held his hand and instead placed a spoon into his hand, saying: "Hurry up and eat, don't be late."

Bai Shubei fell silent for a moment, reaching out to grasp her slightly cold fingertips. Lin Wanqiu paused, quietly gazing at him

Even when he returned the bag to her later without a trace of expression, she still carefully etched his cold demeanor into her mind

Lin Wanqiu noticed that he was staring at her arm and thought that he was unhappy about her touching him, so she quickly withdrew her hand, feeling a bit dejected: "I am sorry, Mr. Bai"

Bai Shubei was the first to rush into the room. At that time, he was still young, and upon seeing the pool of bright red staining the water in the bathtub, he felt a spasm in his stomach

However, she really cannot think of who it could be. If it were President Wu, how could there be no further developments after the store was smashed.

The little one always wore an excited smile on her face. In the past, every time she participated in an event, it was only Bai Shubei who accompanied her. Sometimes, when Bai Shubei could not take leave, it would be her second uncle or third uncle who accompanied her.

Later, after giving birth to Bai Xiaoli, my mother unfortunately suffered from depression and chose to take her own life

Due to the realities of life, she has long been worn down to the point of having no sharp edges. From her teenage years, she has shouldered the heavy responsibilities of a family. She is acutely aware of the difficulties of life and always subconsciously accommodates and tolerates others in her interactions. Lacking money and power, no one will stand up for her. She does not dare to cause trouble, nor does she dare to covet what does not belong to her, and can only live a life of appeasement.

Lin Wanqiu came back to her senses from her memories, her gaze returning to his face... She pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat uneasy, and murmured in a very low voice: "I have liked him."

Bai Shubei held her chin firmly, waiting for her dark eyes to fixate on him before speaking: "Remember, your primary responsibility is to take care of Mengmeng. If you need money, just ask me."

He gazed at her with deep intensity, then lowered his head to capture her lips

He gazed intently at the three characters "Lin Wanqiu," his expression complex. In fact, the reason he initially disliked Lin Wanqiu was quite simple: in Bai Shubei's eyes, the two words "mother" were extremely sacred and not to be profaned

"I am sorry." Lin Wanqiu held Mengmeng in her arms and leaned down to kiss her smooth forehead

He did not drink much; when he saw her, he could still recognize her clearly. However, the furrow between his brows seemed to have deepened a bit: "Still not asleep?"

Consoling myself, I put away my phone and returned to the store

Bai Shubei said nothing, merely raising his eyes slightly to scrutinize her closely

Gao He and Meng Meng both noticed something was off about her. Gao He glanced at the phone she had placed aside and, after some thought, roughly figured out what was going on

The rich taste of red wine lingered in his mouth, and Lin Wanqiu felt herself becoming slightly tipsy, gradually becoming a bit dizzy as she immersed herself in his gentle kiss

There are some things that Bai Shubei does not remember, yet they are carefully hidden in her heart, never to be forgotten for a moment

Until a man suddenly got out of the off-road vehicle beside her, she did not have time to see his appearance clearly; she only felt a gust of wind sweep past her side, followed by that figure dashing out like a flash of lightning

Bai Shubei deeply loves his mother. From a very young age, he has held a persistent belief that maternal love should be great and selfless. Therefore, when he learned that Lin Wanqu had sold her own flesh and blood for money, he instinctively felt disgust and contempt for this woman

Although Bai Younian had quarreled with Bai Shubei countless times, never had it been so openly confrontational. He wore a sullen expression and glared at his son with displeasure: "I thought you were still waiting for Gu Anning. Even if Gu Anning acts recklessly, it is still better than this!"

This is not a good omen

Meng Meng peeked at her with a tilted little face and found her in low spirits. Her chubby little hand stuffed a piece of chocolate into her mouth and then grinned, saying, "Daddy is silly and doesn't know how to comfort girls. Auntie, don't mind him."

Therefore, Bai Shubei is the most extravagant dream for her

Looking at her satisfied expression in Baishu North, he couldn't describe the feeling in his heart. It seemed that anything he did casually could excite her for a long time. The admiring look in her eyes made him feel pleased.

However, when this man took the initiative to extend an olive branch to her, she could not control herself; the suppressed desires deep within her began to stir. She wanted to make an effort this time, perhaps... dreams really can come true

Lin Wanqiu merely pressed her lips together and slightly curled the corners of her mouth upward

She stood at the entrance of the community holding a food box, but was stopped by the security guard, who frowned and scrutinized her: "Who are you looking for?"

Bai Shubei left her with long stretches of silence, perhaps finding the reason too ridiculous, ultimately even forgoing a scoff, only slightly lowering her tone: "I will contact the family doctor shortly, and he will come to see you tomorrow morning"

How could Bai Shubei not understand this principle? Not to mention Gu Anning, he is no longer the Bai Shubei he once was.

He took out his phone, swiped his finger, and gently tapped open the photo that he hadn't looked at for a long time in the album.

He directly yanked off the coat and threw it into Gao He’s arms, cradled Meng Meng in one arm, and wrapped the other arm around Lin Wanqiu as he walked towards the car, not even casting a glance at Gao He.

Lin Wanqiu has completely lost words to say. Thousands of words have condensed into one sentence: "Thank you." Gao He always makes her feel warm. It is truly fortunate for her to have such a friend.

Last night, the crazy scene rushed into my mind. She shyly pursed her lips and quietly kissed him on the lips.

He slowly raised his head, and her fair little face was illuminated against the light, her expression somewhat indistinct, yet one could still discern her pair of bright black eyes resembling crescent moons: "Are you feeling uncomfortable? You won't feel uncomfortable after drinking it."

Bai Shubei looked at her smile bathed in the morning light, and for a moment felt a sense of daze, as if he were not searching for a suitable mother for his daughter, but rather had been anticipating this moment for a long time.

Lin Wanqiu could sense Gao He's hesitation to speak. After a long pause, she answered earnestly, "Gao He, thank you for being so good to me."

What, inconvenient?