Chapter Sixty-Five: Liu Yueru’s Interrogation

Shen Guodong bid farewell to Zhou Meiniang.

By the time he returned home, it was already six in the evening.

Liu Yueru sat at the table, diligently grading homework. When she saw Shen Guodong come in, she asked, almost out of habit, “Why are you back so late?”

“There was something at the factory. I might have to go on a business trip to Shencheng in a few days. It’ll probably take ten days, maybe half a month. You’ll need to take good care of yourself while I’m gone. I’ll bring you back a gift from Shencheng,” Shen Guodong replied.

Liu Yueru looked up in surprise. “Why so suddenly? You’ve never had to do this before.”

“I used to be just a junior employee, but now I’m Director Shen. Things aren’t like before; I can’t just clock out right on time,” he said with a smile.

Liu Yueru considered his words carefully and found them reasonable. “Later, I’ll help you pack. If there’s anything you want to bring, just tell me and I’ll prepare it for you.”

“Just a few changes of clothes will do. It’s only ten days or so, not that much trouble,” Shen Guodong said, his heart softening as he saw the anxious look on Liu Yueru’s face. He continued quickly, not wanting her to worry.

He then noticed the food on the table had gone cold, and Liu Yueru hadn’t touched it. Shen Guodong immediately put on a stern face. “Why didn’t you eat? The food’s all cold now!”

Liu Yueru hadn’t expected him to scold her over something like this. She said, “You’re my husband. You work so hard outside, and if you came home to leftovers, what kind of wife would I be?”

This caught Shen Guodong off guard. He hadn’t expected Liu Yueru, who used to quietly accept everything, to talk back to him now. Yet, her words were filled only with tender affection, making him feel a pang of guilt and softening him at once.

He sighed, “Let’s eat first, and pack later.”

“I’ll go reheat the dishes,” Liu Yueru said, carrying the three plates into the kitchen.

Seeing this, Shen Guodong could only sigh helplessly. A look of resignation settled on his face.

Liu Yueru soon returned with steaming dishes, but Shen Guodong noticed her delicate hands were suddenly red and swollen.

“What happened?” he asked anxiously, grabbing her hand.

“It’s nothing, I just burned myself. It’s not a big deal,” Liu Yueru replied, her heart warm. In the past, if she burned herself, Shen Guodong never paid attention, even if he noticed. But now, his concern was genuine, and she found herself unaccustomed to it.

Shen Guodong fetched some toothpaste from the kitchen and gently smeared it on her burn. Only then did he relax, though he still scolded, “Why weren’t you more careful?”

“Oh, kitchen work always has its little accidents. Don’t make it a big deal,” Liu Yueru said, unsure why Shen Guodong was suddenly so concerned over such a small matter.

“Let’s eat,” Shen Guodong said, not wanting to dwell on it. “Just take care of yourself, that’s all I ask. As long as I’m here, you don’t need to do much. If you ever feel like quitting your teaching job, you can. Our family will never want for anything in the future.”

“I know you’re capable, but I want to have something of my own. Besides, teaching is my lifelong dream. Survival is secondary; what matters is the joy I find in watching my students grow. Seeing them succeed gives me a sense of accomplishment,” Liu Yueru said softly.

Shen Guodong understood this well. If she truly did nothing, she’d lose her sense of purpose, which was not what he wanted for her.

They lingered over dinner longer than usual. Afterward, Liu Yueru washed the dishes while Shen Guodong stepped into the small courtyard. He gazed at the sky, now thick with stars, and before he knew it, was lost in thought.

He realized he needed to carefully sort out the relationship between Liu Yueru and Zhou Meiniang. Otherwise, if either woman was hurt in the future, it was something he’d regret deeply.

Inside, Liu Yueru packed Shen Guodong’s things for his trip. He found it rather amusing—he still had a week before he left, and she was already packing his clothes.

“I’ve packed your things. Is there anything else you want to add?” Liu Yueru came out and sat beside Shen Guodong, her voice gentle.

Shen Guodong laughed. “I’m not leaving for another week! It’s not urgent. There’s nothing special to bring; it’s a big city out there. Just a couple of changes of clothes is enough.”

Liu Yueru nodded, then suddenly grew serious.

“I have a feeling… this time I might really be pregnant with our child. And it’s a boy.”

Hearing this, Shen Guodong couldn’t help but laugh. “How can you be so sure? It’s only been a few days!”

Medical technology wasn’t as advanced as it would become—no pregnancy test strips to use after just a week. One had to go to the hospital, and even then, the results weren’t immediate. Most people simply waited to see if they missed their period the next month.

“I know, but the feeling is just so strong. If I really am pregnant, would you be happy?” Liu Yueru’s tone was unusually solemn, her gaze unwavering. This was something women cared about deeply; even if she already knew Shen Guodong’s attitude, she still wanted to hear it from his lips.

Shen Guodong was a little surprised. He hadn’t expected Liu Yueru to bring this up.

“Why would you think otherwise? Of course I’d be happy—it’s our child. What’s going on in that little head of yours?” he said, astonished.

With these words, Liu Yueru finally relaxed completely. If that was so, there was nothing more to say. She could be at ease; she had once feared that Shen Guodong only comforted her to win her over. But now, it was clear that wasn’t the case.

From his words, she knew unmistakably that this man was ready to embrace the role of a father.