Xia Wantang followed his gaze, her hand unconsciously stroking her belly.
The feeling was wondrous, carrying her and Ling Yuchen's child.
Ling Yuchen watched foolishly, his eyes full of curiosity.
Xia Wantang pulled his hand and placed it on her belly.
Although she knew the baby was as small as a sesame seed and couldn't move yet, she still made the gesture subconsciously.
Ling Yuchen instantly tensed up, not daring to place his hand there. He said fearfully, "No, I'm afraid."
Hearing him say he was afraid, Xia Wantang froze, then burst into laughter, throwing her head back.
Ling Yuchen looked helpless, cupped the back of her head, and covered her red lips. Before she could react, his tongue expertly began to explore.
Xia Wantang closed her eyes, her arms slowly wrapping around his neck, no longer awkwardly responding to him.
They kissed with reluctant fervor, clinging to each other.
"Ahem..."
Just then, a dry cough suddenly came from the doorway.
Xia Wantang startled, quickly pushed Ling Yuchen away, and instinctively looked towards the door.
She saw Old Madam Ling standing there, her face stern as she admonished, "Ling Yuchen, I'm telling you, you can talk, but no touching. Tangtang is pregnant!"
Xia Wantang wished she could find a hole to crawl into, feeling utterly embarrassed.
"I, have, boundaries!" Ling Yuchen said through gritted teeth, his face turning as black as the bottom of a pot.
He wasn't a beast, how could he not have boundaries?
Besides, if he couldn't eat the meat, couldn't he at least drink the soup?
Old Madam Ling was still worried, staring at him warily, and quickly stepped forward to take Xia Wantang's hand.
"My dear, you come with Grandma."
Xia Wantang secretly glanced at Ling Yuchen, his face shifting from green to black, like a palette.
She had never seen Ling Yuchen's expression change so much, and finding it amusing, she couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Ling Yuchen looked at Xia Wantang's departure with helpless, resentful eyes.
After taking only a couple of steps, Old Madam Ling suddenly realized this was a secret room, and there was only one room.
She turned and glared at Ling Yuchen, not politely saying, "You go out. You are not allowed to go near my darling for the first three months."
Ling Yuchen suddenly felt abandoned, standing there in a daze.
He really wanted to say: He was the father of the child, not a bad person!
Xia Wantang pulled Old Madam Ling and said coaxingly, "Grandma, Yuchen has boundaries. We won't do anything. Besides... after that incident, I'm always very scared. He's by my side, and I feel safe."
Old Madam Ling's expression softened considerably. She lovingly held Xia Wantang.
"My poor darling, you've been wronged."
Xia Wantang smiled faintly and shook her head, saying, "It's okay, Grandma. It will get better in a while."
"Then let Yuchen stay with you. Leave the group's affairs to your father to handle when your mother returns. You focus on resting your body. Everything in the family now revolves around you."
Actually, Old Madam Ling could understand Xia Wantang's fear.
Let alone Xia Wantang, even she felt her heart tremble upon hearing that so many people had died.
Doing so much evil, weren't they afraid of retribution?
That old shrew was as vicious as ever! But what made her shiver was Situ Jing.
Truly, one could know a person's face but not their heart. Such a good young girl, but with such a different face in private.
She was fortunate, fortunate that Situ Jing hadn't married into the Ling family.
Before leaving, Old Madam Ling still worriedly reminded Ling Yuchen several times to prioritize the child.
Ling Yuchen's face remained gloomy, but he ultimately said nothing.
As soon as Old Madam Ling left, he immediately pulled Xia Wantang into his arms, nibbled her ear, and teased in a low voice.
"I can't touch you, but you can help me!!"
Xia Wantang hurriedly pushed him away, saying urgently, "Don't be reckless. Grandpa and Grandma are right outside."
Ling Yuchen couldn't help but chuckle, his Adam's apple bobbing, his deep voice particularly magnetic and alluring.
However, he did nothing. He just held Xia Wantang quietly, embracing her in his arms, feeling incredibly secure.
...
Situ Family.
Situ Jing had already been discharged from the hospital.
She lay in bed recuperating, feeling exceptionally happy.
She had just received news online that Xia Wantang's body had been found.
There were even censored photos. The ring on her hand was indeed Xia Wantang's, exactly as she remembered.
This meant Xia Wantang was truly dead.
The thought of Xia Wantang being dead made her lips curl upwards, and her scheming mind began to stir.
Holding her phone, she couldn't resist calling Ling Yuchen.
Her eyes were full of anticipation and longing. At this time, he must need comfort the most!
Ling Yuchen was holding Xia Wantang, speaking in gentle tones, when a sudden phone ring shattered the rare, beautiful moment.
His face darkened, his mood thoroughly soured.
Xia Wantang nudged him, signaling him to answer the phone quickly.
When Ling Yuchen saw the caller ID, his face became even uglier. He truly didn't want to answer this call.
He should have blocked it long ago to avoid annoyance.
Seeing that he didn't react for a long time, Xia Wantang leaned over to take a look. Upon seeing the note "Situ Jing," she instead showed a hint of a smile.
"Answer it. You must answer this call. Give her hope, and make her believe I'm truly dead. That way, Mom will be back soon."
Ling Yuchen's expression was solemn. He knew Xia Wantang was right, but he truly didn't want to answer this call.
However, to get his mother back soon, he had no choice but to answer. He slid the answer button, his face as cold as ice.
The call was connected. Situ Jing was overjoyed, but her voice was filled with immense sorrow.
"Brother Yuchen, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. You must take good care of yourself and don't grieve too much!"
Ling Yuchen responded coldly, "Mm, thank you for your concern."
Although his voice was cold and hard, it sounded exceptionally pleasant to Situ Jing's ears. But she couldn't show any other emotions now.
She cried, "If possible, I wish it was me who was burned to death. That way, you wouldn't be sad, and sister-in-law wouldn't have died."
Ling Yuchen suppressed the urge to slap her to death, gritting his teeth, "Don't say foolish things."
Situ Jing became even more animated, her tone full of concern, "Brother Yuchen, you must take good care of yourself. There are still many days ahead. Sister-in-law wouldn't want to see you sad either..."
Xia Wantang initially listened to her long monologue with raised eyebrows, but as she listened, she couldn't help but feel jealous.
She pouted, extremely displeased, especially with every "Brother Yuchen." It made her want to smash her mouth with a palm.
Could she not speak without calling him brother? So annoying.
Ling Yuchen felt like he was going to vomit if he listened any longer. He immediately interrupted the voice on the other end, intending to end this quickly.