Chapter 109: On the Proper Way to Enjoy a Midnight Snack

“Did Lin Rui go to find Zhou Kuan?” Jiang Zao asked with certainty.

Zhou Lichuan did not hide anything and nodded. “But Zhou Kuan has no intention of turning Lin Rui in.”

Jiang Zao sighed as she sat on the bed. “Well, it’s obvious. Lin Rui holds so many secrets over Zhou Kuan; controlling him is far too easy.”

Zhou Lichuan sat beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her waist. “Zhou Kuan isn’t necessarily afraid of going to prison. He’s just terrified of failing before achieving what he set out to do.”

Jiang Zao lowered her head, her eyes dark and uncertain.

“Zhou Lichuan, I’m a little tired. Lin Rui, Zhou Kuan, Meng Qiaoyuan, the medical disputes—there’s just too much information. I’m really exhausted.”

Zhou Lichuan stroked her hair softly. “These matters are complicated and shouldn’t be your burden to bear. Meng Qiaoyuan is your good friend; it’s natural to worry about her. But your health isn’t good right now. If you exhaust yourself like this, she’ll only worry about you in return.”

Jiang Zao shook her head gently. “No... Ever since Qiaoyuan got into trouble, I’ve been thinking: she got caught up in all this because of you and me. If we hadn’t made her a double agent from the start, Lin Rui wouldn’t have held a grudge against her. If I hadn’t been so arrogant, Lin Rui wouldn’t have had the chance to harm her.”

Suddenly, Jiang Zao grabbed Zhou Lichuan’s shirt, looking up into his eyes. Her voice choked as she continued.

“Lin Rui was already lurking around Changzhou during the New Year. I think he was after me. Every time I went out, he followed. I thought he wouldn’t be able to resist doing something, and when that happened, we could cut off the source—much stronger than calling the police then. He’d have spent a few more years behind bars. But I didn’t expect... someone would die... Qiaoyuan would suffer because of my arrogance... I...”

Tears began to fall as Jiang Zao’s words became fragmented.

Zhou Lichuan quickly pulled her into his arms, sharing the conclusion he and the police had reached.

“Zaozao, the police and I both believe Lin Rui’s preparations didn’t happen overnight. Remember our recent theory about the real cause of the gas explosion at Lin Rui’s home? He’s always been calculating; it’s possible he planned all this in advance. It’s not because you didn’t report him.”

Jiang Zao was jolted by his words and abruptly stopped crying, lifting her head from his embrace. “Right, what about Shen Mushi? Didn’t he go to investigate Lin Rui’s family back then? How’s that going?”

Zhou Lichuan gently helped Jiang Zao lean against the headboard, took off her slippers and placed them on the floor, then covered her legs with the blanket and began softly massaging her slightly swollen calves.

“Shen Mushi is still investigating, but there’s news soon. He’s been by Meng Qiaoyuan’s bedside non-stop these past few days, even skipping work.”

Jiang Zao sniffled.

Zhou Lichuan quickly handed her a tissue, folded neatly, and placed it at her nose, signaling her to blow hard.

“Qiaoyuan’s condition keeps fluctuating. He’s worried and wants to stay with her, so let him.”

Wiping away the big sniffles with his hand, much of Jiang Zao’s earlier sadness was distracted.

“Shen Mushi’s pitiful too. He hadn’t even started pursuing her, and this happened to Qiaoyuan.”

Zhou Lichuan focused intently on massaging her calves, as if this was the most important thing in the world.

“They’re destined, and their days ahead are long. No rush.”

Watching his expression, Jiang Zao asked on impulse, “What about us?”

Zhou Lichuan looked up, meeting her eyes. “We’re destined too. Otherwise, in this vast world, why would I choose only you?”

A blush tinged Jiang Zao’s cheeks as she leaned closer, a hint of warmth in her voice. “You speak such smooth words. Who would believe you haven’t rehearsed them a thousand times?”

Zhou Lichuan cupped her neck and decisively pressed his lips to hers.

“Miss Jiang, believe me—that’s all that matters. Why worry about others? Can I sleep here tonight?”

Jiang Zao stepped back, pushing him away. “No, go back to your maid’s room.”

The Zhou family’s three-bedroom house had the master bedroom, which she occupied, the best guest room where Jiang Zao stayed, another guest room doubling as a study where Du Bin slept, and the servant’s quarters, where Zhou Lichuan had no choice but to stay.

If he refused the servant’s room, he’d have to find a hotel.

But Zhou Lichuan didn’t mind where he slept as long as he had a chance to be close to his wife.

Since they had come to terms, Jiang Zao hadn’t minded physical contact much, sometimes even stealing a sweet moment when close.

Yet, no matter what Zhou Lichuan said, Jiang Zao refused to share the bed.

He longed to wake up with his fragrant wife in his arms more than anything.

He would gladly be blind again if it meant that.

Seeing Zhou Lichuan’s pitiful look, Jiang Zao sighed.

In the past month or two, her body had changed.

Beyond the outward signs of pregnancy, there were deeper changes, reaching into her very soul.

She often dreamed of Zhou Lichuan, drenched in sweat, calling her name with such passion.

Suddenly, a familiar shiver rose from her feet, making Jiang Zao nearly kick his head by accident.

“What are you doing?”

Zhou Lichuan held her ankle and kissed it softly.

Not satisfied, he even flicked his tongue lightly.

“Zhou Lichuan, are you crazy?”

He flipped his phone face down and, taking advantage of Jiang Zao’s momentary distraction, searched online about physical changes during pregnancy.

Her hormones had been affecting her greatly; if what he suspected was true, it would explain her recent unusual behavior.

A simple test could make her panic like this—it seemed he had guessed right.

“Zaozao, you want it. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Before she could respond, he crawled over and silenced her with a kiss.

After a long while, gasping for breath, they finally parted.

Jiang Zao’s eyes were moist, making Zhou Lichuan nearly lose control.

“Zaozao, it’s perfectly normal. Don’t be afraid. I’m always here. I won’t love you any less because of this.”

If anything... he loved her even more fiercely.

His gaze was deep and intense, almost pulling her entire being in.

Under his unwavering stare, Jiang Zao surrendered, comforted by his tender whispers of her name.

“My back hurts...”

Her soft, alluring voice shattered Zhou Lichuan completely.

He gently lifted the edge of her blouse and kissed the small swelling on her belly, secretly warning the little one sleeping inside.

“No peeking.”

Locking the door and turning off the lights, Zhou Lichuan took off his shirt and slid under the covers with Jiang Zao.

Over four months now, Zhou Lichuan finally savored the precious treasure he had longed for.

Slowly, tenderly.

Afraid to lose even the slightest bit of sweetness.