"Do we still need to go?" Wu Shangqing asked.
"Of course, let's treat it as a family trip abroad."
"Has the girl's family been notified? What's the plan then?"
"Not yet. I came here precisely to discuss this with you."
"If I don't let their parents come, they might resent me."
"If I do let their parents come, there might be some unexpected issues during the wedding ceremony."
"What are your thoughts? Share them with me."
"I want to ask for their opinions first."
"If they agree to have their parents come, I'll bring them along. If they disagree or don't want their parents to know about the marriage, then their parents won't come."
"I think that's a viable approach."
"After all, you're not familiar with these people's parents. It's best to let the girls make the decision themselves. Regardless of whether their parents attend or not, our ultimate goal is to legitimize these children and then hold a grand wedding."
"Yes. You're truly wise. You see through it all at a glance. As long as we achieve our objective, the process isn't that important."
"That statement of yours is incorrect. As a girl, who wouldn't want a grand wedding to look back on? Whether their parents are present or not, you must ensure the wedding ceremony is well-executed."
"Mom, some things might exceed your expectations, so be mentally prepared."
"Don't try to preemptively warn me. If there's something, say it now. Don't surprise me later; I don't want surprises or shocks. My current psychological resilience is still quite good."
"Then I'll confess to you."
"If you have something to say, spit it out. When did you become so hesitant?"
"There might be quite a few girls marrying me that day." Guo Xuyang said, casting a furtive glance at Wu Shangqing.
"Quite a few? How many? More than a soccer team?"
"Probably more than a soccer team plus a basketball team."
"You little brat, are you trying to wear out your mother or anger her to death? How many are there, exactly?"
"Currently, less than twenty."
"What kind of statement is that? 'Currently less than twenty'? Are there more?"
"There are a few more who I'm unsure if they just want to have fun with me or genuinely want to marry me."
"Are you really so confident that so many girls will marry you?"
"Let's not even mention those who are pregnant."
"When I married Xiao Xi this time, many girls came, and you'd recognize most of them. Also, I ended up keeping several of Xiao Xi's bridesmaids."
"What did you say? Say that again. What do you mean you kept the bridesmaids?"
"Mom, how should I explain this to you?" Guo Xuyang scratched his head and continued. "I was drunk that day, and then I..."
"Are you saying you abducted all these girls while you were drunk?"
"No. I have genuine feelings for the people I'm with now. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had children with me."
"Then what about the part about being drunk?"
"I got drunk and ended up getting involved with those bridesmaids."
"You ruined those girls too?" Wu Shangqing's mouth gaped in astonishment.
"Aren't you afraid they'll sue you?"
"That was because I was drunk. I didn't mean for it to happen."
"Don't feed me that nonsense. When you get back, bring me a list of the girls you're marrying. I want to see just how many people you've 'ruined'!"
"Mom, I'm not as bad as you imagine."
"A soccer team plus a basketball team, and you're planning to assemble a rugby team too? 'Not as bad as I imagine.' I truly didn't know my son was so capable."
Wu Shangqing glared at him and turned to carry the baby Guo Yishun upstairs.
By now, Ilena should have finished freshening up and would be feeding the baby again. Little Guo Yishun was now eating more than a calf, needing to be fed every two hours. After he ate, he would fall asleep without a fuss. He'd wake up, drink some water, play a bit, be doted on by Wu Shangqing and the aunties, and then eat again. His current routine was basically eat, sleep, wake, play, eat, sleep. He had nothing else to do. However, the little guy was growing rapidly, now almost a meter tall. Who would have thought a baby less than three months old could grow so tall?
As Wu Shangqing carried the baby upstairs, he noticed the little fellow give Guo Xuyang a mysterious smile, as if mocking his philandering ways. Guo Xuyang shook his head, feeling it wasn't an illusion. This child was becoming quite sophisticated.
Guo Xuyang followed Wu Shangqing upstairs. Ilena had already changed into loungewear. She took Guo Yishun and, lifting her top, began to breastfeed him. Ilena's breasts, which hadn't softened after feeding Guo Yishun, had become even more magnificent. This was likely due to Ilena's persistent exercise. Guo Xuyang watched Guo Yishun suckle with relish and couldn't help but lick his lips.
Seeing Wu Shangqing's retreating back, Ilena beckoned Guo Xuyang. "Come here, I'll feed you."
"I won't. I'm too old for that."
"Your son can't consume all of it. It'll be wasted if it's not used." Ilena tempted him.
"Isn't it embarrassing if someone sees?"
"Can't you just close the door? Did you get stupid from getting married? Have you been drained dry these past few days?"
"Not at all."
"Don't go back tonight. Stay with me and the baby for the night, okay?" Ilena said, swaying one of her magnificent peaks with her hand.
"Let's talk about it in a few days. I'll come after I've taken care of those other people."
"Which people? Who has captured your soul again?"
"Xiao Xi's bridesmaids were led astray by Xiao Xi. I owe Xiao Xi a favor."
"I think neither of you two are good people. Xiao Xi was such a good girl when I was in Kyoto. After you 'ruined' her, she started learning bad habits from you."
"What do you mean I corrupted Xiao Xi? Xiao Xi's friends thought I was incompetent, and she's deliberately retaliating against them."
"So, do you see this as a loss or a gain?"
"What's there to lose or gain? I see it as an opportunity."
"Who knows their own body best? I've told you more than once. Be careful you don't have trouble urinating when you get old."
"My prostate is fine, so I won't have the problems you're talking about."
"Yes, you're healthy. At thirty, you look like a little old man of fifty or sixty. That's when you'll realize the consequences. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Lust is a knife that scrapes the bones'?"
"If I stay with you, will you let me off? I don't believe it for a second."
"At least I'll be gentler than they are."
"Do you believe that?" Guo Xuyang asked Ilena with amusement.
Ilena's statement was a bit of a trick. She was treating Guo Xuyang like a child. Months without contact with men, would Ilena let him go easily? Wouldn't she drain him dry before releasing him? That was unlikely. The thought alone sent shivers down his spine.