Chapter 5: Nuannuan Cannot Have a Boyfriend

“I originally thought the same, but Gu Yu will have a hard time; he’s always valued family deeply.”

Gu Yu had been exceptionally kind to her—how could she cause him such a dilemma over this?

She believed her husband would surely find a proper way to resolve it.

She preferred quiet and was not accustomed to being disturbed, and he knew that well.

~

Xiao Feng was discharged from the hospital soon after. Tang Xi specially had the servants prepare a table full of dishes children love.

“No, I want to eat what Uncle makes,” Xiao Feng pouted, refusing even to pick up his chopsticks.

Tang Xi thought of Gu Yu, who had worked all day, and did not want him to tire himself further. She suggested, “How about ordering some pizza instead?”

“Takeout junk food isn’t suitable for children. I’ll cook,” Gu Yu said, rising from his chair and heading to the kitchen.

Tang Xi stared at his back for a moment.

Though a bit uneasy, she forced herself to believe that Gu Yu, who cherished family so much, would surely be a good father when they had children of their own.

“Brother, I’ll help you,” Gu Wennuan quickly followed him into the kitchen.

Tang Xi replied to Song Xining’s message on her phone. When she looked up, she saw Gu Yu holding a tissue, his face nearly pressed against Gu Wennuan’s.

“What’s wrong?” Tang Xi opened the kitchen door.

Gu Yu said, “Something got into Wennuan’s eye.”

“It’s nothing now, thank you, brother,” Gu Wennuan glanced at Tang Xi. “When I was little, things often got into my eyes too; all it took was brother blowing on them.”

“Wennuan,” Gu Yu frowned, “go wash the vegetables.”

---

Tang Xi recalled the glance Gu Wennuan had just given her—it seemed she had misread it; the look was almost a challenge.

“Xi Xi, please go out,” Gu Yu kissed her on the cheek. “Your hands are those of an artist—they can’t touch anything greasy. Leave the dirty and tiring work to me.”

“Thank you, husband,” Tang Xi said as she left the kitchen.

Gu Wennuan, still washing vegetables, revealed a trace of jealousy in her eyes.

Her brother treated Tang Xi with such care—as if holding her in his hands might make her melt, or keeping her in his mouth might make her fly away. He wouldn’t let her step foot in the kitchen.

What was it about Tang Xi besides her beauty that made her so special?

After dinner, Gu Yu took Gu Wennuan and Xiao Feng for a walk.

Tang Xi returned to her studio and began painting.

Gu Father’s sixtieth birthday was approaching. She had spent half a month meticulously copying “The Evergreen Pines,” a piece specially for him.

When Tang Xi emerged from the studio, Gu Yu had returned as well.

He held Xiao Feng in his arms, with Gu Wennuan clinging closely to his left arm, both chatting and laughing.

The scene looked every bit like a warm family of three.

“Husband,” Tang Xi called from the staircase.

Gu Yu hastily put down Xiao Feng and distanced himself from Gu Wennuan. “Wife, have you finished your painting?”

“Just some finishing touches left for tomorrow; my eyes are a bit sore.”

“Sore eyes? There’s eye drops in the room; I’ll get them for you,” Gu Yu said hurriedly as he went upstairs, bringing Tang Xi back to their bedroom.

After applying the drops, Gu Yu gently covered her eyes with his palms, massaging them softly.

---

Feeling the warmth of his hands, Tang Xi’s heart gradually softened.

She loved Gu Yu too much, which made her overthink.

That was his sister—how could there be anything more?

“Are there any suitable candidates at the company to introduce as a boyfriend for Wennuan?” Tang Xi suggested.

She hadn’t expected Gu Yu to oppose so firmly.

“No, Wennuan can’t have a boyfriend.”

His voice was sharp, almost resentful, as though blaming her for meddling.

After he spoke, both were stunned.

He seemed never to have spoken to her in such a tone before.

“Why not? She’s young and beautiful, and another person could help look after the children.”

Seeing Tang Xi’s doubtful look, Gu Yu softened his tone. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. I’ll ask her tomorrow. I’m her brother, not her parent—it’s not right for me to decide such things.”

“Wife, can you promise not to be away for more than three days at a time? I really miss you,” Gu Yu held her and changed the subject.

Soon after, Gu Yu went to shower. Tang Xi, feeling thirsty, wanted to go downstairs for a glass of water.

When she opened the door, she saw a figure skulking suspiciously by the studio entrance.