Wish to take Shanshan abroad together

  Before picking up Xiao Xiao and Shan Shan to go home, Gu Bei Chen had already gone to the supermarket to buy all the necessary items for entertaining guests. Ingredients for five dishes and one soup, various nutritious fruits, exquisite tea snacks...

  After listening to the leader's report, Ye Shanshan was quite helpless, "You've all prepared, what else do you want me to do?"

  "You first put away the ingredients, wait for me to go back and cook." Just as they were about to arrive home, Gu Bei Chen planned to drop them off at the entrance of the residential area before rushing straight to the hospital.

  "Let me do it, when I was young my mom always cooked for me, today let her try my cooking skills." Although the boss's culinary skills were indeed good, Ye Shanshan still wanted to personally cook a table of good dishes for his mom to taste.

  "Suit yourself." After being separated for ten years, the mother and daughter finally reunited and enjoyed their family bond again. Gu Bei Chen was also happy for Shan Shan.

  "Hehe, today's homework is just a little bit, Xiaoxiao can also help. Such a good opportunity to perform well, how could the little ghost let it go?"

  All emotions of a child are written on their face, and that little bit of unease in Xiao Xiang's heart was impossible for Ye Shuang to not feel. "Don't be too nervous, Grandma will definitely like you."

  Xiao Xiao didn't deny it, and instead looked down with a silly smile, her face slightly red. This kid's thoughts are really not ordinary, she's very sensitive. Mommy isn't her biological mother, and grandma is also someone who came along later, so it's normal for her to worry that grandma might not like her.

  The car soon arrived at the entrance of the residential area, and after seeing his wife and children enter the gate, Gu Bei Chen turned around and left.

  When Gu Bei Chen arrived at the hospital, Sophia had already helped her complete the discharge procedures. However, she still needed to discuss some cooperative matters with the manufacturer, so after a brief greeting, she excused herself first.

  However, what Gu Beichen did not expect was that as soon as Sofia had just left, his mother-in-law handed him a paper bag filled with cash. "What is this?"

  "This is the deposit you paid when you were admitted to the hospital yesterday." Yang Sulan replied truthfully.

  "Living in a hospital for one day and one cent hasn't been spent?" If it were really the deposit being returned, Gu Bei Chen would definitely not ask more questions, but if the amount of the returned deposit was the same as the amount paid, that wouldn't be normal.

  "It's not easy for you to support a family on your own now, so I'll take care of the hospital expenses myself." Although Gu Jia's family background is prominent and their economic situation shouldn't be bad, Beichen has already become a part of the family, and being too dependent on parents isn't good. A soldier's income is limited after all, and it's already exhausting for him to support the family alone, so Yang Sulan thought about returning the deposit in full.

  Gu Beichen smiled helplessly and handed the paper bag back to his mother-in-law, "You'd better give this money directly to Shanshan, she's in charge of our family's finances."

  Her son-in-law kept holding out his hand, so Yang Sulan had no choice but to accept it temporarily. When her daughter got married, as a mother, she definitely had to prepare a generous dowry, and this small amount of money wouldn't make a difference.

  Leaving the hospital and heading west, it took less than twenty minutes to reach their destination. The environment of the residential area was much better than Yang Suyan had imagined, and she also raised questions about the property rights of the house, just like when she first came here with Shan Shan, "The housing prices in this area shouldn't be low, did you buy the house yourself?"

  "No." Gu Bei Chen frankly denied, "This house was the only legacy left to Xiao Xiao by her grandfather before he passed away. When she comes of age, the property rights will be returned to her."

  This explanation makes sense. With his doubts dispelled, Yang Su's anticipation grew stronger - what would their little home be like?

  The elevator went straight up and stopped on the seventh floor. Gu Bei Chen walked ahead to lead the way, Ming Ming had brought the key, but stretched out his hand to press the doorbell.

  At this moment, Xiao Xiao was arranging some snacks in the living room. As soon as she heard the "ding dong" of the doorbell, she immediately raised her hand and said, "I'll go open the door!"

  The little ghost spirit, who was in a hurry, was not much taller than the doorknob. She tiptoed and used all her might to open the door. After opening it, the first thing she did was not to greet anyone, but to bow respectfully and say, "Grandma is welcome, please come to our home as a guest."

  Looking at the little girl in front of her, wearing a red skirt and two braids, Yang Sulan really felt like time was flowing backwards. This little girl looked just like Shanshan when she was younger, "She's really a well-behaved and obedient child."

  "It's all thanks to Mommy." The little devil cleverly attributed all the credit to his mommy, while answering, he picked up two pairs of slippers from the shoe rack beside him, "Both pairs of slippers are new, which color does Grandma like?"

  "Just put it down, I'll handle it myself." Yang Sulan was a bit startled, this kid is too enthusiastic.

  "It's okay, Xiaoxiao has already finished her homework." The little imp remained in the same posture, holding a pair of slippers in one hand, waiting for Grandma to choose.

  Yang Sulan was really at a loss with this child, bending down to take the blue pair from her hand, "Just this pair then."

  "Hehe, Mommy likes blue too." The little devil giggled and put the green slippers back on the shoe rack, then took down Daddy's black slippers and placed them by his feet. "Daddy, come in quickly! Don't close the door, the warm air will escape!"

  Yang Sulan seems to understand why Shanshan is willing to be a mother to Xiaoxiao, such a lovely and cute little girl, anyone who sees her will like her. Just a few minutes ago, she was conquered!

  Xiao Xiao had been performing enthusiastically for half a day when Ye Shanshan finally came out of the kitchen, sweetly calling out "Mom".

  "Are there any aprons at home? I'll go to the kitchen to help you." Looking at her daughter's standard housewife attire, Yang Sulan was not calm again. At the age of 18, she should be enjoying the best years of her youth under her parents' pampering, but her Shanshan had to take on the responsibilities of being a mother and wife prematurely.

  "No need, you just got out of the hospital, can't be too tired." Ye Shanshan naturally wouldn't agree, and hurriedly called out to Xiaoxiao, "Xiaoxiao, come accompany Grandma to the living room for a chat."

  "Grandma, let's go to the living room and have some snacks." Xiaoxiao quickly came over, affectionately holding Grandma's hand, "We had art class today, and the teacher praised me. Do you want to see my drawing, Grandma?"

  "Okay." Little Ya was so enthusiastic that Yang Sulan felt a bit embarrassed. It was her first time visiting their home, and she hadn't even brought any gifts for the kids, which made her feel a bit rude.

  Xiao Xiao helped take care of her mother-in-law, and Gu Bei Chen could also go to the kitchen with his wife in peace. "Don't you think Xiao Xiao is being a bit too enthusiastic?"

  "It's okay, my mom just likes lively and outgoing kids." Ye Shanshan had never worried that her mother wouldn't like Xiao Xiao, but rather was more worried about him. Although he wasn't married, having a child meant that there must have been an important woman in his life at some point. Being a parent is definitely not something to be taken lightly.

  "My mother-in-law wanted to return the deposit I paid when I was discharged from hospital, but I didn't take it." At home, Gu is absolutely a hen-pecked husband, reporting everything to his wife.

  "What does she mean? Doesn't recognize you as her son-in-law or what?" Ye Shanshan's reaction was quite intense, and with a slip of her hand, the bamboo scoop almost fell to the ground.

  Gu Beichen took the spatula from her hand and skillfully stirred the mixed three-color beans in the pot, his expression still calm. "Of course not, I think she's just a bit worried about our financial situation. You know that too, a soldier's income isn't very substantial."

  "I have an income, I have the savings left by my grandfather and the money from selling the house, so I don't need her to worry about me." Alas, mom is still not at ease with him, first worrying that he's old, has children, and is often away from home, now worrying about his financial situation. It's said that parents' concerns are pitiful, but mom is being overly anxious!

  Gu Beichen freed up a hand and smiled as he gently rubbed her small nose, "Look at how excited you are. You can keep your money for yourself, I can support you and Xiao Xiao."

  "What's with 'your' and 'my'? It's ours!"

  Gu Beichen knew he had misspoken and could only lower his head in admission of error, "Alright alright, I was wrong, it's ours!"

  Ye Shanshan smiled complacently and raised an eyebrow, taking back the bamboo spoon, "You go out and chat with Mom, these are all home-cooked dishes, I can handle it myself."

  "Just being with you and laughing together is enough for me, I want to spend more time with you." Director Gu lingered, reluctant to leave, as the days of his vacation at home passed by one day at a time. He didn't want to miss any moment or second spent with her.

  The living room echoed with the sound of mom's laughter, and Ye Shanshan suddenly thought of things from when she was a kid. At that time, her dad also couldn't come home often, only managing to return once or twice a year. However, every time he came back, he would hug her tightly, refusing to let go. Unlike him, she stuck close to her mom, but towards Xiaoxiao, she wasn't very enthusiastic.

  Silly girl, you and Director Gu are now newlyweds and deeply in love, which is completely different from Mom and Dad's situation back then.

  The delicious soup has been simmering for more than half an hour, and the five dishes are left with only the last dish of bamboo shoots and ribs still cooking in the pot. The restaurant is filled with a warm and cozy family dinner atmosphere.

  "It smells so good! Mom's stir-fry is the best!" The last dish hadn't even been brought to the table yet, and Little Glutton was already drooling.

  "Are you usually cooking at home by yourselves?" Such great culinary skills must have taken more than a few days to develop, Yang Sulan thought to herself.

  "Monday to Friday I work from home, and on weekends I go back to the old house to have dinner with Grandpa and Grandma." Xixi replied with a smile.

  "That's also quite tiring." Yang Sulan forced out a faint smile, her gaze fixed on the thin figure in the kitchen. After seeing Xianxian's current life with her own eyes, she became even more determined to arrange for Xianxian to study in France.

  Grandma's forced smile was seen through by Xiaoxiao, 'Grandma must think I'm a burden to Mommy, that's why she's not happy.' The little girl thought anxiously with her head hung low.

  In the few minutes it took for the last dish to be served, Xiao Xiao didn't say another word. Yang Sulan's eyes were only on her Shanshan and she didn't notice Xiao Xiao's abnormal emotions either. However, such an obvious emotional change was impossible to escape Ye Shanshan's eyes, "Are you starving, why are you so down?"

  "No." Smiling, she immediately broke into a sweet smile and carefully helped her mother pull out the chair. "Mom's hard work, sit down quickly."

  Gu Beichen naturally also sensed it, but now is obviously not the time to investigate, "Let's eat first."

  After personally tasting Shanshan's craftsmanship, Yang Sulan couldn't believe that this was something her daughter had made. "When did you start learning how to cook?"

  "It was when I graduated from elementary school, I don't remember clearly." Ye Shanshan casually replied, serving a piece of fish to her husband, Xiaoxiao and her mother.

  Yang Sulan had already picked up a piece of bamboo shoot and was about to put it in her mouth, but she suddenly stopped after hearing Shanshan's answer. She thought that Shanshan's good cooking skills were due to becoming a housewife too early, but she didn't expect that all this was thanks to her. After graduating from elementary school at the age of 12 or 13, other people's children were still living a princess life where everything was provided for them, while her Shanshan had already started dealing with oil, salt, soy sauce and vinegar.

  "What's wrong with the food? Is there a problem with the bamboo shoots?" Ye Shanshan's guessing skills were far inferior to those of her mother, and she couldn't guess what was on her mind at all.

  "It's nothing, I just thought of your grandfather who seemed to like this dish a lot." Yang Sulan reacted quickly and casually found an excuse to brush it off.

  "Ah, I've learned all of Grandpa's secret recipes." After living with her grandfather for eight years, Ye Shanshan had learned more than just cooking and tea-making skills from him. More importantly, he had taught her many valuable life lessons, without which she wouldn't be the kind-hearted, optimistic person she is today.

  "I want to find some time to visit your grandfather's grave, when are you free?" Yesterday evening, Shanshan had already told her that the old man had passed away from cancer. Thinking of this, Yang Sulan still felt a little guilty. She asked herself, in the years she married into the Ye family, the old man was really good to her, and when she decided to go abroad, he didn't say a word against it. For ten years, he worked hard to raise Shanshan on his own. He suffered from cancer, but she didn't do anything for him.

  Now that the old man has passed away, she can only remember this kindness in her heart and has no chance to repay it.

  "Normally have to go to school, it's hard to find time, can only wait until the weekend." At that time, the principal also left, Ye Shanshan could accompany her mother with peace of mind.

  "No rush, I still have half a month before returning home, you take care of the important things first."

  Half a month is neither short nor long, and visiting the old man's grave can wait for a convenient time, but Yang Sulan has some things that cannot be delayed.

  While eating, they chatted, and the dinner lasted for a whole hour. After finishing cleaning up the bowls and chopsticks, it was already 8:30 in the evening. During dinner, Xiao Xiao's mood didn't recover, and Ye Shan Shan remained worried. After finishing up, she hurriedly took her to the bathroom, "You must be almost done digesting, Mom will take you to wash your hair and take a bath."

  Gu Beichen also stood up, "I'll go, you chat with mom for a while."

  Before Ye Shanshan could respond, Yang Sulan spoke up ahead of her, "The little girl is close to her mother, let Shanshan go instead."

  Gu Beichen is so clever, how can't he guess Madame Yue's mind? She's in such a hurry to send Shanshan away, she must want to talk to him alone. Moreover, it's certain that what she wants to talk about has something to do with Shanshan.

  After Song Shuang and Xiao Xiao went into the bathroom with smiles, Gu Bei Chen invited his mother-in-law to the study room, "We're all family, you can say whatever you want."

  "Then I won't beat around the bush with you, I want to talk to you about Shanshan's academic problems." Yang Sulan also knew that her son-in-law was a straightforward person, and there was no need to be evasive when discussing things with him.

  "Is there a problem with Shanshan's studies? As far as I know, her professional grades have always been among the best in the class, and the instructors all like her." Yue Mu now has some understanding of his mother-in-law's achievements, and he also has some guesses about his mother-in-law's thoughts, but he didn't make a smart remark by directly pointing it out.

  "I know this too, but after all, the domestic teaching level is limited. With Shanshan's talent and potential, she should receive better education, what do you think?" Shanshan saw through her daughter-in-law's dependence on and obedience to Yang Suyuan, if she wanted to persuade Shanshan, she had to start with her daughter-in-law.

  "Are you planning to take Shanshan abroad with you?" Finally getting to the point, Gu Beichen's expression became much more serious.

  Yang Sulan did not respond with a yes or no, "I am currently a guest lecturer at a very famous design school in France, and I don't have to worry about the admission procedures and tuition fees. Moreover, I can also take care of her nearby."

  "This matter... you should ask for her opinion, rather than discussing it with me first." The hot potato that Mother-in-law threw over had put Gu Bei Chen in a difficult position. As the husband, he naturally hoped his wife could have better development in her career. However, people are selfish after all, if Shanshan really went abroad with Mother-in-law, it would become even more difficult for him to see her; more importantly, Xiaoxiao had already grown inseparable from her, how would Xiaoxiao adapt if she left?

  Yang Su's eyebrows were furrowed, her face filled with worry. "You know as well as I do that Shanshan has a stubborn temper. If I could persuade her, I wouldn't have come to talk to you first."

  "Do you want me to help persuade Shanshan?" Gu Beichen asked with a knowing smile, but in his heart, he was secretly lamenting: Mother-in-law, can't you be any more ruthless? It's already unbearable that I only get to see her once every few months, and now you're actually thinking of taking her to such a faraway place, isn't this intentionally trying to separate us husband and wife?

  "I can see that Shanshan really likes you, and one sentence from you is more effective than ten sentences from me." Yang Sulan basically put all her hopes on her son-in-law.

  "This tall hat Gu Bei Chen dare not accept, busy speaking to refuse: "You are too high on me, I and Shan Shan have made an appointment, our family's affairs are who is right, who has reason to listen to who, what you said this matter seems to be unreasonable. I don't think she will obediently listen to my words. Moreover...I also don't hope she leaves me and Xiao Xiao, goes to such a far place."

  "I can understand your feelings, but I still hope you can put yourself in Shanshan's shoes. She is so young and has countless possibilities ahead of her. She shouldn't waste her youth taking care of children for you. Besides, I just want to provide a good learning environment for her, not separate you two. She is still your wife, and after she finishes her studies, she will come back to you." Yang Sulan showed no intention of giving up, believing that her son-in-law would make the right decision for the greater good.

  "Every word Mother-in-law said was reasonable, and Gu Bei Chen had nothing to refute. However, he still had a trump card, 'Have you ever thought about Xiao Xiao's feelings?'"

  "Your parents are still in good health, helping you take care of Xiaoxiao for two or three years shouldn't be a problem." Yang Sulan had naturally considered this point as well, but her consideration was purely wishful thinking. What Xiaoxiao wanted, she didn't know.

  "A mother's love can never be replaced, this point... I believe you understand it more than me!" In order to make his mother-in-law give up, Gu Bei Chen ruthlessly struck at her most painful spot.

  Yang Sulan was poked at her sore spot and was speechless for a moment, suddenly stunned, unsure of how to respond.

  "It's better if you talk to Shanshan about this yourself, no matter what decision she makes, I will unconditionally support her." Gu Beichen never thought of controlling Shanshan's future, as long as she wanted to, he would let go even if it was hard for him. Xiaoxiao was so sensible, and he also had the confidence to persuade her to accept this fact. However, he and Xiaoxiao making sacrifices must be based on Shanshan's happiness.

  "You have your considerations, and I can understand. However...I still hope you can help me sound out Shanshan first, see how she reacts, and then I'll decide whether or not to tell her myself." Yang Sulan didn't give up, but she wouldn't force Shanshan to do something she didn't like.

  Although their positions are different, she and Gu Beichen have the same starting point, they both hope that Shanshan can get true happiness and joy.

  "I can try, but... don't have too high of hopes, her relationship with Xiaoxiao is unimaginable to outsiders." This was also the real reason why Gu Beichen didn't dare to take the risk to help his mother-in-law persuade Xiaoxiao. Shanshan was still young, and waiting for three years wasn't a big deal for him. But Xiaoxiao was different, she had been lonely throughout her childhood, if Shanshan left, it was imaginable how unhappy her childhood would be.

  Talking about laughter, Yang Sulan suddenly thought that the child seemed to have said little when eating, at that time she was busy chatting with Shan Shan and didn't pay much attention, now thinking back, she felt something was wrong, "Before dinner, Xiao Yatou was quite talkative, why did he suddenly become silent during dinner?"

  "Xiao Xiao has been living in a special family environment since she was young, her thoughts are much more sensitive than children of the same age. She will remember every careless word you say." This matter had always been on Gu Bei Chen's mind, and now that his mother-in-law asked about it, he took the opportunity to remind her.

  "What... what did I say?" Yang Sulan couldn't imagine how sensitive Xiao's heart was, and for a moment, she couldn't think of what wrong words she had said.

  Recalling the unusual emotions of Xiao Xiao's smile, Gu Bei Chen's mood also became somewhat heavy, and he remained silent for a moment before answering: "At that time, neither I nor Shan Shan were present, so you can only recall it yourself."

  Yang Sulan furrowed her brow even more tightly, going over what she had said again and again, but couldn't find the key point.

  At the same time, the mother and daughter who were taking a bath in the bathroom also talked about this topic.

  "Baby, why are you so down? Is something uncomfortable?"

  Xiao Yaotou was already full of grievances, and when Mom asked this way, tears almost fell down. "Xiao Xiao is already very well-behaved, why doesn't Grandma still like me?"

  Xiao Xiao looked wronged, almost to the point of tears. Ye Shanshan didn't feel good either, so she patiently coaxed him, "That's not true! Xiao Xiao is such a good boy, how could grandma not like you? Come on, tell mommy what you and grandma chatted about before dinner?"

  "I said Mom only cooks at home from Monday to Friday, and on weekends we go to Grandpa and Grandma's house for dinner. But my aunt said that even so, Mom is very tired. At the time, her expression was strange, I thought... she must think that if it weren't for me, Mom wouldn't be so tired. She thinks I'm a burden to you, that's why she doesn't like me." Remembering my aunt's unkind tone, Xiaoxiao finally shed tears.

  She would cry, not because she felt wronged, but because she also thought that Mommy was working so hard just to take care of her.

  "Come on, stop crying. Grandma didn't mean to blame you." These words couldn't even convince herself, but Ye Shanshan wanted to use them to comfort Xiaoxiao's heart. Her mother had many complaints about Xiaoxiao's father, the most important reason being that Xiaoxiao existed. Even if she said these words unintentionally, in her heart, she would still think that if there was no Xiaoxiao, maybe everything would be different.

  "She's right, if there was no Xiao Xiao, Mommy could do whatever she wants every day and go wherever she pleases." Although comforted by Mommy's gentle words, the worry on Xiao Xiao's face showed no signs of fading, her delicate features were truly a pitiful sight.

  "You silly child, how can you think that way! Dad rarely comes home once, if it weren't for you, Mom would have no one to talk to, how could you feel like a burden and a drag?" Ye Shanshan's eyes also had some hidden tears, her voice became even more low and melancholic.

  It seems that Gu Bei Chen was right after all. Although she is also a mother, Yang Su Lan will never be able to understand the feelings between Shan Shan and Xiao Xiao.

  After being hugged and comforted by her mother for a while, the tears on Xiaoxiao's face finally stopped, but she had new worries again. "Mommy, can I ask you something?"

  "What's up." Ye Shanshan casually took a towel to help Xiao Xiao wipe her hair, thinking in her heart whether she should find a good time to have a good talk with her mother, obviously somewhat absent-minded.

  "After you and Dad have your own baby, will you still be so good to me?" This little devil is too clever and his thinking is too erratic.

  "This issue is clearly beyond Ye Shanshan's expectation, she and Gu Shou Zhang haven't even consummated their marriage yet, now talking about having kids is a bit too early, 'Mommy is still a student, we'll consider having kids after I graduate.'"

  Smiling and still refusing to give up, she had to hear her mother's answer, "There will be one day."

  "To me, you will always be the most special existence. Even if I have my own children in the future, they can't replace your position in my heart." Now it's still too early to discuss the issue of children, but some things Ye Shanshan has been mentally prepared for.

  Most women who marry into families with children are very good to their husbands' kids at first, but after their own children are born, many things quietly change, and favoring their own children is almost an instinctual reaction for most stepmothers. Ye Shanshan firmly believes she won't be one of them, although there's less than a twelve-year age difference between her and Xiaoxiao, in her heart, Xiaoxiao is her own biological daughter. Since living with Xiaoxiao, the term "stepmother" has never appeared in her mind again.

  "Mommy, you're so good to me." The little devil finally felt at ease, affectionately wrapping his arms around Mommy's neck and giving her a big kiss on the face.

  Ye Shanshan pretended to be displeased and put on a serious expression: "You know I'm good to you, yet you still get worked up over someone else's casual remarks?"

  Although I knew Mommy was intentionally putting on a serious face to scare me, Xiaoxiao still solemnly made a promise: "I won't do it again, no matter what others say, I will tell myself that I am not a burden or a drag, and Mommy will always love me."

  "This is just about right." Ye Shanshan immediately broke into a big smile, carefully attending to Little Princess's bath.

  The mother and daughter came out of the bathroom, just as Gu Bei Chen and his mother-in-law were coming out of the study. From their serious and solemn expressions, it was clear that their conversation earlier had not been light-hearted.

  However, Ye Shanshan was not interested in listening to what they were talking about, but instead hurriedly gave the order to send the guest off, "Mom, it's getting late, let Beichen send you back to the hotel to rest."

  Yang Sulan raised her wrist to check the time, slightly stunned. It wasn't even 9:30 yet, was it late? However, after seeing Xiao Xiao's slightly red eyes, she quickly reacted and realized that her daughter was trying to get rid of her. Things are hard to predict, she had only casually said something thoughtless, didn't expect the child would be so considerate, it was her own fault for not thinking things through, "Alright, the doctor has instructed us to sleep early these few days, I was just about to wait for you and Xiao Xiao to come out and say hello before heading back."

  "Tomorrow, you still need to go to the hospital for a dressing change and follow-up. If Sophia is busy, you should ask Beichen instead, let him take you there." Although she felt a little resentful in her heart, after all, mom was still mom, and the wound on her forehead wouldn't fully recover for a while, so Ye Shanshan was still worried about it.

  "No need to bother him, he's busy too. It's just a change of medicine, I can go by myself." Yang Sulan waved her hand and carefully walked in front of Xiao Xiao, who looked a bit uncomfortable, slightly bowed her head and asked with a smile: "Xiao Xiao, are you still angry with your grandma?"

  "No!" Xiaoxiao laughed and shook her head repeatedly, "Xiaoxiao hasn't offended anyone, Grandma shouldn't think wildly."

  "Xiao Xiao is really a good kid, it's Grandma who was wrong, shouldn't have said those words to you." After reviewing the conversation from tonight, Yang Sulan finally found the crux of the matter. However, she didn't expect that those simple six words would have such a big impact on Xiao Xiao's emotions.

  "It's nothing, I've already forgotten." The little girl smiled openly and wriggled free from her mother's hand, taking a small step forward. Her small hands gently touched the wound on her grandmother's head, "Grandma still has an injury, go back and rest early, come to our house for dinner again tomorrow night."

  Yang Sulan didn't expect Xiao to invite her again, and she was so excited that "Tomorrow, Grandma will personally cook delicious food for you to eat, okay?"

  "Great, great." With grandma taking over in the kitchen, mom could finally take a break for one night, and Xiao Xiao was more than happy about it.

  "See you tomorrow then." The child was indeed obedient and sensible, Yang Sulan's heart was still somewhat moved. Before leaving, she couldn't help but squat down to hug the frail little body and kiss the tender little face.

  After a simple farewell, Gu Bei Chen and his mother-in-law went out together.

  "Does Xiao Xiao have any favorite toys or foods?" Yang Sulan asked as soon as they left the house, and she made a mental note to bring something next time so she wouldn't come empty-handed again.

  "She has everything, you don't need to buy her anything special." Xiaoxiao grew up under the pampering of her parents since she was a child, wanting whatever she had, and her material needs were never lacking. Gu Beichen also didn't want his mother-in-law to spend money on her.

  "It's absolutely necessary, other people's children call their grandmothers 'Nai Nai' as soon as they meet, but I haven't prepared anything, this is unreasonable. Yang Sulan was determined to see this through, she not only wanted to buy gifts for Xiao Xiao, but also expensive and special ones, so that the little girl would know she was sincerely 'making amends'."

  "Mother-in-law, you're too kind. I don't want to decline your offer either," said Gu Bei Chen. "If you really mean it, just get her two pieces of mousse cake. No need for toys or anything like that. She's the same as Shanshan, not too fond of those little girl things."

  "I'll take care of it myself. Today's incident was indeed my negligence, and Xiao Kui cried so hard that her eyes were red, and she might still be heartbroken now." This is also what Yang Sulan worries about the most. If this matter can just pass like this, then it's fine, but if Xiao Jie continues to harbor resentment, she really doesn't know how to handle it.

  "Don't worry, our family's Laughing Eyes aren't that small-minded. With Shanshan guiding her, she'll understand." Gu Bei Chen wasn't worried at all, on one hand he believed in Shanshan's ability to coax children, and on the other hand, he also believed that Laughing Eyes wasn't a petty-minded child.

  "You're right, Shanshan and Xiaoxiao have an interdependent relationship. I only saw what Shanshan gave to Xiaoxiao, but didn't think about what she got from Xiaoxiao. It's really not right for him to say such hurtful words to the child." After carefully recalling what her son-in-law said, Yang Sulan also came to understand some things. Everyone has their own fate, if Shanshan's fate is destined to be closely tied to this poor child, then she can only accept it.

  Gu Bei Chen smiled and comforted, "You also did it out of consideration for protecting Shanshan, no need to blame yourself too much."

  Yang Sulan smiled with relief, now looking at her son-in-law is also more and more pleasing to the eye. The two of them living a down-to-earth life is the most important thing, as long as he is sincere in treating Shanshan well, she has nothing to worry about. In fact, thinking carefully, finding an older husband than oneself is not bad either, older men are mature and stable, have experience, and also know how to care for people, Shanshan's personality is simple, she should find such a man to pamper her well.

  Gu Beichen sent his mother-in-law back home, it was almost 10:30. Ye Shanshan and Xiaoxiao, the mother-daughter duo, were still awake, lying on the bed playing Go, as soon as they saw their dad come back, Xiaoxiao cleverly yawned, "I'm so sleepy, I think I'll go to sleep." Dad's back, so mom belongs to him now, this little girl is really self-aware.

  Gu Bei Chen saw through Xiao Gui's fake yawn at a glance, and he wasn't so heartless as to take Shan Shan away. "You can go sleep after finishing this game of chess, I'll go take a bath first, be serious, don't lose every time."

  "Dad, how long will it take for you to finish your bath?" Hmm, if it's not a battle in the bath, I should still have time to play another round.

  "Sleep with us tonight." Her smiling eyes were still red, it was imaginable how uncomfortable she was at that time. Gu Bei Chen really couldn't bear to leave her alone. Anyway, there would be plenty of days for him and his wife to enjoy their two-person world, no need to rush.

  "Really?" The little girl was overjoyed and excitedly jumped up.

  Ye Shanshan took advantage of the situation and made a good move, smiling as she continued: "Can what the Commander said be false?"

  Just as Gu Shou was about to open the door and leave, he heard this and his face turned black with anger. He turned around and glared fiercely at his disobedient little wife, his eyes seeming to say "If you shout again, I'll make you write a self-criticism!"

  Ye Shanshan knew she had misspoken, playfully stuck out her tongue and quickly pulled Xiaoxiao to continue playing chess.

  Director Gu washed and dressed quickly, finishing his grooming in no time. However, he didn't rush back to his quarters, instead taking care of all the tasks that originally belonged to Shanshan. When he first joined the army, he had to wash a huge pile of clothes by hand every day, which wasn't difficult for him at all. But when washing his wife's underwear, he couldn't help but have some improper thoughts. Those two soft mounds under the sponge... who knows when he'll get to taste them again?

  Guessing that Master should have finished bathing, Ye Shanshan quickly ended the last game of chess, hugged Xiao Xiao back to the master bedroom and settled down before running to knock on the bathroom door.

  The bathroom door was closed, but there was no sound of water flowing inside. Ye Shanshan had just raised her hand to knock when the door automatically opened. Then, she saw Gu Shouchang holding a clothes rack full of clips, with a smile on his face, reporting to her, "I've washed the clothes and they're now in the spin cycle, seven minutes until it's done."

  Ye Shanshan took two steps back, with a completely thunderstruck expression, "Y...you're holding what in your hand?"

  "These are all your things hanging here, don't you recognize them?" Gu Bei Chen teased her with a straight face.

  "Who... who told you to help... help me wash this?" How hateful, without even asking her, she actually helped wash her intimate clothes. Waaaah, so embarrassing!

  "Isn't it a matter of course for a husband to help his wife with washing her underwear?" Cough, Director Gu is using the phrase "matter of course" again.

  "If grandma knew you helped me wash... this, she would scold me to death!" Ye Shanshan covered her face, which was red like a tomato, with one hand and snatched the clothes hanger from his hand with the other. "You're not allowed to touch these two things again in the future!"

  Little silly girl, how can you say that he won't be allowed to touch those two things in the future? Even if he doesn't help her wash them, he will still find other ways to touch them.

  Gu Beichen didn't even have time to react before Ye Shanshan had already grabbed the clothes rack and quickly ran to the small balcony, hanging it in the most inconspicuous position.

  The pink girl's lingerie fluttered gently in the night breeze, and Ye Shuang's face grew even redder and hotter. She really couldn't imagine that those two soft things had just been in his hands, following the movement of his palms... that thing.

  What should I do? I don't know how to face him again.

  Gu Beichen appeared out of nowhere, without warning, and pulled her into his arms, one hand holding her, the other quickly closing the door. "Are you trying to catch a cold on purpose?"

  Standing in the night wind for nearly two minutes, Ye Shanshan didn't feel any chilliness at all. It wasn't until he suddenly hugged her tightly that she realized how cold her body was. However, she wasn't worried about freezing at all, because he was like a big furnace - as soon as she got close to him, she would be surrounded by a thick warmth.

  "I'm serious, from now on... don't help me wash that." From the time she had her first undergarment, she had always washed it herself and no one else had ever touched it. Although he wasn't someone else, she still felt very embarrassed.