Chapter 12: Without Children

When Song Xining mentioned Zhou Jing, Tang Xi was momentarily taken aback before she finally recalled. "I almost forgot about him. He disappeared suddenly, and it's been nearly ten years now, hasn’t it? No one knows if he’s alive or dead. Such a pity."

She took a bite of her apple. "Do you think Mr. Zhou resembles Zhou Jing?"

"Just a little," Tang Xi replied. The image of Zhou Jing had long blurred in her mind, but seeing Zhou Jingchuan had briefly jolted her memory. "Only a slight resemblance."

"Ah, if only he hadn’t suddenly run into that trouble back then, you two might have..."

"That’s all in the past now. We shouldn’t speculate," Tang Xi interrupted firmly.

Ten years had passed, and she had long since let go.

"By the way, what did Mr. Zhou want with you?"

"He bought two ancient porcelain vases in the capital, but there seems to be a problem. He asked if I could help authenticate them." Zhou Jingchuan had been straightforward about his purpose when he registered earlier. His message was concise, sprinkled with some traditional characters—a habit from their Hongcheng typing style.

Suddenly, Song Xining leaned over. "With so many treasure experts in the capital, why did he come to you, a housewife with nothing better to do? I bet he fell for you at first sight when he was in Hongcheng, and even more on second."

"Stop it," Tang Xi said helplessly, covering her friend's mouth. "Don’t talk nonsense. Gu Yu might misunderstand if he hears."

"He’s with Gu Wenran and isn’t afraid you’ll get the wrong idea. Why are you worried?"

"Gu Wenran’s situation will be resolved soon. I trust Gu Yu. He promised me, no more than three times."

***

Gu Yu came home unusually early today.

It had been a long time since he cooked himself, yet today he prepared six dishes—all Tang Xi’s favorites.

She knew his company had been busy negotiating business in Southeast Asia lately, making him exhausted.

So she took the initiative to help.

After the meal was ready, Gu Wenran and Little Feng came downstairs as well.

Little Feng, while Gu Yu wasn’t looking, made faces and spat at Tang Xi.

Tang Xi pretended not to see. Soon, mother and son would move to the Gu family’s old residence; there was no need to stoop to a child’s level.

At the dinner table, Gu Yu served soup to Tang Xi.

Meanwhile, Gu Wenran and Little Feng’s soup was served by the housemaid—a clear difference in treatment.

Gu Wenran’s hand clenched under the table, but her face remained composed.

"Brother, the kindergarten where Little Feng will enroll starts registration tomorrow. Can you go with me?" Gu Wenran suddenly spoke in the middle of the meal.

"I’ll check with my assistant later," Gu Yu said as he helped Tang Xi with her dishes. "If I have time, I’ll go."

In the past, Gu Yu had always agreed immediately to Gu Wenran’s requests. Now, he said he needed to consult his assistant first.

Gu Wenran knew it was Tang Xi secretly pressuring Gu Yu.

She was eager to kick them out and keep Gu Yu all to herself.

"Brother, I want Little Feng to attend Wancheng Bilingual Kindergarten."

Hearing this, Tang Xi glanced over. "That kindergarten is supposed to be very expensive."

She often volunteered and sometimes assisted at nursing homes and children’s institutions. The other volunteers had mentioned that Wancheng Bilingual Kindergarten was the most costly in their district, charging over three hundred thousand a month.

It was far beyond what an ordinary family could afford.

Gu Wenran said, "Though expensive, Little Feng is my only son. He must receive the best education and enjoy the most privileged environment."

She smiled and added, "Sister-in-law, you don’t have children—you wouldn’t understand a mother’s feelings."

She deliberately emphasized "don’t have children" and then glanced at Gu Yu across the table.

Sure enough, Gu Yu’s expression stiffened briefly before he quickly regained his composure.