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Chapter 576: Chapter 576: Midnight Conversation
Tong Yao knew that what she had done had worried Si Chen. Holding Si Chen’s hand, she sincerely promised, "Ahchen, I was indeed reckless before. At that time, you were abroad, and I thought as long as I didn’t tell you and sneak off just once before stopping, everything would be fine. But after Hongwei intercepted me, I realized my mistake. As for what happened on the way to the breeding farm, that was an accident. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry."
Before Si Chen could respond, Tong Yao added, "Now that I’m pregnant, I won’t take any more risks. Rest assured, I will prioritize the safety of myself and the baby. Don’t be mad."
Si Chen pursed his lips with a bitter smile, "I’m not angry. I’m worried."
Thinking about the timing of Tong Yao’s planned venture to E Country, it coincided with their debt problems. Tong Yao must have decided to try her hand at business to make a quick buck. If he could help her, she wouldn’t have to resort to such measures.
Si Chen’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he looked at Tong Yao’s petite, charming face, feeling a heartache.
Raising her head and noticing Si Chen’s expression, Tong Yao guessed what he was thinking. She hurriedly wrapped her arms around his waist, cooingly saying, "Ahchen, I won’t do anything to worry you again. Don’t think too much either. Now that our business is slowly getting back on track, the breeding farm will be profitable by next year, our house has been renovated and can probably be rented out after New Year. Coupled with the goods that sister Hu is bringing back and if Fu Yiheng’s relative can take them, I’d literally make my hands sore from counting money so much."
Talking about money brought a sparkle to Tong Yao’s eyes; the corners of her mouth lifting into a smile. Now that she was pregnant, she knew it would take a lot of money to bring up the baby. With their business flourishing, she no longer had to worry about their financial situation.
Si Chen gently ruffled Tong Yao’s hair, simply humming an acknowledgment, his gaze thoughtful and inscrutable.
Tong Yao let go of him and looked up, puzzled. "Ahchen, after you went abroad, it’s as though you’ve turned into a different person at times. Your actions are now hard to discern anymore."
Being in the most intimate of relationships with Si Chen, Tong Yao had a better understanding of his changes than anyone else. She couldn’t decide whether the changes were good or bad, but her feelings for Si Chen were undeniably deepening over time.
Si Chen collected his thoughts and gave a light laugh, "Yaoyao, I’m going to be a father of two soon. Naturally, I need to become more mature, stable, and stronger to protect you and the children better."
He hated the thought of leaving Tong Yao alone at home to face all their problems. However, he had no choice but to study abroad. The technique for Tong Yaohui’s surgery is not mature enough in their country yet. He had to study abroad to improve himself quicker.
He didn’t have the time to slowly accumulate experience and qualifications in their country. Regardless of the industry, as long as you have top-tier skills, you can earn respect. Not only did Si Chen want to have the power to cure Tong Yaohui, but he also wanted the ability to make people respect Tong Yao just for being his wife.
Tong Yao gave a playful smile then playfully beckoned Si Chen closer. When he bent down to meet her, she hooked her hand around his neck and kissed him, not letting go until she was almost breathless and only then did she release him, pleased.
Si Chen looked down at his waist and gave a bitter smile, "Yaoyao, are you trying to test my self-control?"
Tong Yao noticed the change in him as well, her face turned slightly red as she teased him purposely, "Dr Si, when can a pregnant couple be intimate again?"
Si Chen pinched her chubby cheek, his eyes full of warmth, "You’re the naughtiest."
He bent down to lift the duvet, arranging the pillow properly. "You should sleep first, I’ll go take a shower."
Tong Yao was indeed a bit sleepy. She had been yawning in the living room, so she obediently lay down in bed. After watching Si Chen carefully arrange the covers for her, she feigned a sudden pain.
Seeing Si Chen’s worried expression, she narrowed her eyes and teased him, "Dr Si, when will I be able to end this celibate, nunnery-like life?"
After speaking, she shamelessly winked at Si Chen.
Si Chen shook his head and took a change of clothes to the bathroom. Looking at the spark of desire Tong Yao had kindled, he emotionlessly turned the water temperature lower.
The couple hadn’t seen each other for a long time. The woman he loved was right beside him. As a normal man, how could Si Chen not have any desires?
However, he couldn’t do anything that could harm Tong Yao and their child.
When Si Chen came out of the bathroom, he happened to run into Gu Hongwei getting a drink of water. The two made eye contact, then in understanding, sat down on the sofa to chat.
Si Chen started the conversation, "Thanks for stopping her from going to E Country."
Gu Hongwei nodded, promised, "Brother Chen, we are family, there’s no need for formalities. If it wasn’t for your family’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to attend university. And without your help during university, I would not be where I am today."
After the village head had helped raise money, he had informed Hongwei that Si Chen had called offering to sponsor his university. Hongwei was moved, but he had already gathered the money needed for his university fees and didn’t want to burden Si Chen any further.
Although a large part of the funds he had gathered came from Tong Yao, they were family. Hongwei had always been grateful to the couple, though he wasn’t adept at words, he’d never properly expressed his gratitude.
Si Chen said, "A person with ability will always shine at the right time. It’s just a matter of when."
He didn’t continue on this topic, instead, he changed it, "I heard about uncle Gu. My condolences."
Upon hearing this, Gu Hongwei nodded, "Brother Chen, there’s no need to comfort me. I’ve come to terms with it. My father had been sick for many years. He lived to see me go to university, so he died content. In recent years, his illness was unbearable. His passing was a release."
Si Chen lifted his hand to pat him on the shoulder in silent support.
Gu Hongwei shifted the topic back to business, "Brother Chen, about Fu Yiheng’s relative you mentioned, what are the chances that he can take on our goods?"
Hongwei had been thinking about this matter and the thought had kept him up, so he had come out to have some water.
Si Chen was silent for a moment, then quietly said, "There’s a 90% chance. Fu Sen has many stores in Kyoto. Clothing is just the tip of the iceberg for him. Selling these things is not a problem."
Hongwei’s eyes brightened, "Besides clothes, sister Hu might bring back other things as well. Can he take those too?"
Si Chen nodded, "He’ll consider any goods that can make him money. Once you meet him tomorrow, you’ll understand. Fu Sen is a commercial genius. He currently has his eyes on the real estate sector."
Hearing this, Gu Hongwei couldn’t help but admire Fu Sen. He said, "The domestic policies are improving, and real estate is like a fat piece of meat. However, not everyone can chew it; only those with real power. Since he has set his sights on this sector, he must indeed have the strength and foresight."
