Chapter 3  

Suddenly, the sound of keys opening the door echoed in the entrance. The man who walked in had a tall and sturdy figure, dressed in a well-fitted black three-piece suit, highlighting his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. Upon closer inspection, his facial features were flawless, a clear indication of being heaven’s favorite. His narrow eyes were extremely deep, and his jet-black pupils carried a profound and alluring charm that could captivate anyone. The words “handsome” alone couldn’t fully describe the man in front of her, although he was undoubtedly handsome. With his thick black hair, prominent nose, and slightly pursed lips, he exuded a hint of seriousness.

Shu Pan opened the door and stepped into the living room just as Gu Shaoting walked in.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? The food is still intact,” Gu Shaoting approached her with concern, and Shu Pan felt an inexplicable nervousness.

“No, I just don’t have much of an appetite today.”

“What kept you busy today?” Gu Shaoting asked as he took off his coat.

Suddenly, Gu Shaoting noticed a bag on the sofa with its zipper open. Inside was a medical record book, and he looked at her with confusion.

“It’s nothing. I had a slight headache in the afternoon, so I went to the hospital for a check-up,” Shu Pan said softly.

Gu Shaoting furrowed his brows. “Why didn’t you tell me and let me accompany you? What did the doctor say?”

“It’s nothing. Maybe I haven’t been sleeping well lately due to rushing with the design drawings. Resting will be fine.”

“Come and have something to eat with me. I had a few drinks during a business engagement.”

Shu Pan walked into the kitchen and prepared a cup of honey water for him, then served him a bowl of rice. She also took a small portion for herself, sat across from him, and quietly ate.

Usually, Shu Pan would chat with Gu Shaoting about what happened during the day while they ate. Today, she suddenly fell silent, which Gu Shaoting found unusual. However, he assumed it was because she wasn’t feeling well and didn’t pay much attention to it.

“After eating, go rest quickly. Don’t rush with the design drawings tonight. Sister Zhang can handle the dishes tomorrow,” Gu Shaoting said.

“Okay.” After finishing their meal, Shu Pan entered the master bedroom, took her pajamas, and headed to the bathroom. She undressed and stood beneath the showerhead, letting the water flow down from above, washing away her muddled thoughts. Shu Pan thought to herself that Gu Shaoting probably had his own plans, and she should be more understanding. After all, they had been together for a long time, and it hadn’t been easy.

Shu Pan spent a long time in the bathroom. Gu Shaoting had already finished showering and knocked on the door. It was then that Shu Pan came out, her whole body flushed from the hot steam.

In fact, Shu Pan wasn’t bad-looking herself. She had fair skin and unadorned long hair tied simply in a ponytail at the back of her head, showcasing her full forehead. She wore no makeup, and her lips were naturally red and her teeth white. Her large eyes were clear and distinct, with a clarity that revealed her innermost thoughts. With her slender waist, she evoked a sense of tenderness.

Inside the room, Gu Shaoting stood in the middle with his back to her, wearing only a towel around his waist. It was evident that he had just finished bathing, as droplets of water even clung to the tips of his hair.

Gu Shaoting grabbed a towel and wiped his hair before reaching out to Shu Pan, helping her dry herself.

“Tomorrow night, the eldest son of the Lu family is getting married. I’ll pick you up at 6 o’clock, so get ready. Mom will also be going,” Gu Shaoting whispered in her ear.

In fact, Shu Pan was not accustomed to such occasions. She preferred to stay in the study, quietly drawing. Usually, her secretary handled social engagements on her behalf. However, this time it was a private banquet, so she had no choice but to attend.

Soon after, Shu Pan lay on the right side of the bed. The bedside lamp emitted a soft yellow light, creating a serene and radiant atmosphere.

Gu Shaoting uncovered the blanket beside him and lay down. Out of habit, he placed his hand on Shu Pan’s waist, holding her as they slept. In the past, Shu Pan would have found it sweet, but at this moment, her mind was filled with thoughts.

She really wanted to ask Gu Shaoting why he had given her birth control pills and why he didn’t want children. If he didn’t want to have children, he could have told her. Why did he choose this approach? However, it felt as if something was blocking her throat, preventing her from uttering a single word.