Qi Zhenzhen glared at Qi Xuanxuan and patiently explained the difference between books and real life. After Qi Xuanxuan agreed to everything, Qi Zhenzhen finally let it go. Still not entirely reassured, Qi Zhenzhen reminded the head maid to dispose of the harmful storybooks, ensuring that such dross would not influence Qi Xuanxuan.
"Alright, you're young, don't dwell on these things. With this time, practice your needlework. It's not for making clothes for anyone. Although you and Amu'er will be married in two years, the wedding dress should be prepared. For good luck, it's best to embroider the wedding dress yourself," Qi Zhenzhen said.
When she married Gu Sinian, she hadn't personally embroidered her wedding dress as she didn't place much importance on the symbolism. Xuanxuan was different from her, and Qi Zhenzhen hoped she would follow the customs and have no regrets.
Qi Xuanxuan blushed slightly. "Why the rush?"
Qi Zhenzhen gently patted her hand. "A wedding dress is intricate; it's always best to plan ahead."
—
In the evening, Gu Sinian came to pick up Qi Zhenzhen to return to the manor. "Are you tired?" Gu Sinian asked, supporting Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen smiled. "I haven't done anything strenuous, so how could I be tired? I ate red bean and white jade cakes at Xuanxuan's, and I'm so full I don't think I can eat dinner. I'll be hungry again at midnight!"
"I'll have the kitchen prepare a late-night snack for you. You can eat it if you get hungry," Gu Sinian said gently.
Upon returning to the manor, Qi Zhenzhen and Gu Sinian paid their respects to Madam Da Qin and chatted for a while before returning to Qingfeng Courtyard.
"Why didn't you dine with Mother?" Qi Zhenzhen asked him.
"Mother prefers light dishes. If I stayed for dinner, she would have to cater to my taste, with more meat and heavier flavors. This way, she naturally wouldn't eat well, and I wouldn't enjoy it either. So, it's better to eat back here. The small kitchen in the courtyard has already prepared our favorites, which is convenient," Gu Sinian explained. "Besides, wouldn't you be more at ease here?"
Qi Zhenzhen felt a little touched. She was now heavy with child and preferred to be as comfortable as possible, sitting when she could stand, and lying down when she could sit. Although her relationship with Madam Da Qin was harmonious, they were still mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and she couldn't completely let go.
"You're so thoughtful," Qi Zhenzhen said, gently shaking Gu Sinian's arm.
Gu Sinian reached up and tucked a few stray hairs from her cheek behind her ear. "I will be thoughtful about anything concerning you."
While Gu Sinian ate, Qi Zhenzhen leaned against soft pillows on the couch, watching him.
His features were as picturesque as a celestial being from the heavens. Indeed, one could never tire of admiring his appearance.
"Staring at me like that?" Gu Sinian put down his bowl and chopsticks and sat beside Qi Zhenzhen.
"You're so good-looking, I can't stop looking," Qi Zhenzhen said with a giggle. Usually, she was quite composed, so this sudden display caught him off guard. Though his expression remained neutral, his earlobes betrayed him—they had turned a deep red.
"Zhenzhen is also beautiful," Gu Sinian said earnestly.
Qi Zhenzhen touched her slightly rounded face. She could be considered a delicate beauty, but in terms of looks, she was nowhere near Gu Sinian's level. So, this compliment was merely a case of love being blind?
"Why did you fall for me? When we first met, I was just a skinny bean sprout, sallow and gaunt. 'Ugly' wouldn't even be an exaggeration," Qi Zhenzhen asked, curious. She really wanted to know what she had looked like in Gu Sinian's eyes back then.