Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
……
That night, after speaking to Gu Yusheng on the phone, Qin Zhi’ai’s uneasiness took a turn for the better. She practically slept through the entire night.
……
Three days later, it was Saturday, the day Qin Zhi’ai was supposed to go to the Gu Mansion and have lunch with Old Master Gu. Because she had woken up late in the morning, it was already past his afternoon lunch time by the time she arrived.
Before she could even walk through the open door, she heard Nanny Zhang’s voice drift to her ears from inside the house. “Old Master, do start eating first. Didn’t the housekeeper say that Young Madam was asleep when I called this morning? I’m sure she’s fine, and she’ll be here soon. Stop worrying…”
Qin Zhi’ai’s lips curled before she reached out and knocked on the door. When she entered, Old Master Gu had moved from the couch to the dining table and was drinking his soup. He looked as though he had started on his meal a long time ago. Qin Zhi’ai could hardly suppress her laughter.
Old Master Gu had recently been in excellent physical condition. After lunch, he suggested going out to shop because of the good weather. With her delivery date approaching, Dr. Xia had specially instructed Qin Zhi’ai to walk as much as possible, so she nodded her head and agreed to Old Master Gu’s proposal without hesitation.
They went to Xiangshan Park. In Beijing, the temperature in October was neither too hot nor too cold. Red maple leaves covered the mountain landscape, and the scenery was beautiful.
Old Master Gu and Qin Zhi’ai strolled a trail around Xiangshan Park, accompanied by Nanny Zhang and the housekeeper. When they were getting ready to head back, they bumped into Liang Doukou, whom Qin Zhi’ai had not seen in some time and had hoped to never have to.
Ever since Old Master Gu’s 80th birthday, Liang Doukou had become a shadow. Qin Zhi’ai had not heard anything about her on the news or from the people around her. If Qin Zhi’ai had not run into her today, she would have still forgotten about her existence.
Liang Doukou’s appearance was vastly different from before. She no longer looked fresh and glamorous. In fact, she had not even put on any makeup. The dark circles under her eyes were prominent, and she had lost a lot of weight. Her messy hair added to her haggard look.
She was alone, notably in Zhou Jing’s absence. When Qin Zhi’ai saw her from afar, she noticed that Liang Doukou appeared absent-minded.
She’s probably here to clear her head…
Liang Doukou only discovered Qin Zhi’ai and Old Master Gu’s presence when they were 20 feet away from each other. Her footsteps came to an abrupt stop, and she stared at Old Master Gu and Qin Zhi’ai for a while before her gaze fell on Qin Zhi’ai’s swollen abdomen.
Liang Doukou was taken aback; however, a mere look from her incited Old Master Gu to stand before Qin Zhi’ai. He commanded Nanny Zhang and the housekeeper, who were standing by the side, to take her to the car. He was resolutely on guard against Liang Doukou, as if something might happen to Qin Zhi’ai’s child if Liang Doukou continued looking at her.
When Nanny Zhang and the housekeeper heard Old Master Gu’s words, they immediately stood on either side of Qin Zhi’ai and led her back to the car. Qin Zhi’ai stole a glance at Liang Doukou from the corner of her eye. Old Master Gu’s reaction to her had agitated her; her face was even paler now, and her eyes brimmed with tears.
Liang Doukou’s lips moved, as though she was calling out for Old Master Gu, but the latter acted like he had not heard anything. After watching Qin Zhi’ai get into the car, he grabbed his cane and followed her.
Under Old Master Gu’s orders, the car started slowly driving away.