Chapter 9: Her Choice of Words

Returning home, I had someone collect Ning Yuanzhou’s toiletries. Then I arranged for soup to be delivered from a restaurant. I intended to fulfill her orders—but in my own way. Yet before leaving, I was determined to complete my work. Not only to bring closure to us but also to repay the Liu Group.

When I married Liu Zhuyin in a flash, it was because my parents had a sudden car accident and urgently needed money. Mrs. Liu approached me, drawn by my dual doctorate degrees and capabilities, which led to this ill-fated marriage. Regardless of how Liu Zhuyin treated me, the Liu family never treated me poorly. Although Mrs. Liu exploited my desperate situation, I accepted because I needed the money. What I hadn’t expected was to foolishly fall in love with her. But feelings and gratitude are distinct; I understood that clearly and was determined to repay their kindness.

For the next couple of weeks, I didn’t return home. I spent my days sorting through the company’s projects, and when exhausted, I slept on the office sofa. When hungry, I ordered takeout. I worked with unwavering focus but neglected the messages Liu Zhuyin sent me. Only after finishing my tasks did I notice she had called and messaged me many times.

I was too lazy to check them, assuming they were mostly about Ning Yuanzhou. Fifteen days remained until I would leave; no matter what she did, I could endure it. When I finally returned home, I found Liu Zhuyin sitting on the sofa. Our eyes met, and I saw the anger she had long suppressed burning within her.

“Why didn’t you answer my calls? Why didn’t you reply to my messages?”

I didn’t hide anything. “I was at the company. There were many things to handle, and I got overwhelmed.”

She paused, understanding my explanation but still furrowed her brow. “That day…I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

“Ah Zhou had just recovered. I was very worried about him—after all, he donated a kidney to save me.”

“I don’t know how to repay such a debt.”

“I hope you understand. You did well that day too; you didn’t say much.”

“But…why are you angry now?”

Kidney? I found it laughable.

“Liu Zhuyin, if I were the one who donated a kidney to you, would you treat him the way you treat me?”

She hadn’t expected my question and stared at me in confusion for a long moment.

“Gu Yichen, what do you mean by that?”

“Shouldn’t I be kind to him?”

“You’re even jealous about something like this?”

She didn’t answer directly, but I knew the truth.

“I’m not jealous, just curious.”

With that, I left the room and went upstairs.

“Where are you going? I’m hungry. I want to eat crab—go buy some for me.”

She clutched her stomach and gave orders, and I heard it growl. In the past, I would have dropped everything to fulfill her wishes. But today, I shook my head.

“Sorry, I’ve been working overtime at the company for days and I’m exhausted.”

She paused, noticing my fatigue, and a flicker of concern appeared in her eyes.

“You…”

“If you’re tired, rest. It’s not like I can’t support you.”

“Why push yourself so hard?”

This time, I was the one stunned. She said she would support me? After five years of marriage, this was the first time she had ever said something like that. I felt unexpectedly touched.

Before I could respond, her phone rang.

“All right… I’ll come right away.”

“Okay, I’ll buy it for you, but you still can’t eat fish right now.”

Hurriedly, she put on her coat and left. Before she went out, she remembered me again.

“Ah Zhou… hasn’t eaten dinner yet.”

“Make sure you rest well.”