"Why?"
"It's bad rumor, about relationships."
Fang Zi put down her book, placed her hands on the armrests of the chair, and said, "I want to see him too."
"I don't want to waste your time." Xiang Lan said with a hint of smugness, "From now on, I'm going to have my own career too."
"Of course, I fully support you in pursuing your own goals."
"Ah, it makes me a little proud. I haven't even officially debuted yet, and a professional agent has already taken notice of me." She was itching to try it. "Suddenly, I feel so talented, and I'm full of confidence for the future."
Fang Zi glanced at her, smiled, and said, "I'll contact you at lunchtime tomorrow."
"Hey, Fang Zidu, you're not doing this right. Stop bothering me every day. My time is precious too."
"You stingy guy, lunch only takes less than an hour."
Fang Zidu immediately realized that his thinking was too optimistic. Xiang Lan had completely forgotten his instructions and was very dedicated to her work.
On the first day, she took Gu Yuan around the entire school. At noon, she made an excuse that it was inconvenient and didn't tell him where to eat. He gave up and went to the cafeteria with everyone in the lab for a quick meal. When he got home that evening, the girl said she had already eaten and was going to start creating. She locked herself in her study and worked hard until 10 p.m. If he hadn't dragged her to bed, she could have stayed up until midnight.
The next day they continued, but instead of visiting the school, they went to the art district. Gu Yuan took her to see some private art centers that he thought were very unique. Clearly, he approved of her living environment and the qualities she displayed, and was willing to get to know her better. It was a good start, and Fang Zi also approved, but he was a little unaccustomed to not having normal communication with his wife for two consecutive days.
On the morning of the third day, Xiang Lan got up even earlier than Fang Zi because she had made an appointment with Gu Yuan to go to the Palace Museum to see an exhibition. The artworks from the Arab royal palace had come from afar, and it was a rare opportunity that she had to see. After the exhibition, they went to the studio of a master craftsman who was currently researching the restoration of some ancient furniture.
On the morning of the fourth day, he continued, half-jokingly saying, "Honey, you seem to have forgotten that there's someone else at home these past few days."
Xiang Lan glanced at him and said, "Isn't this better? You don't have to come back at specific times to cook and clean; you can focus on your research!"
Fangzi could sense the sourness and seriousness in her words, so on the fifth day, he went home early, intending to cook a big meal to treat the two of them. However, he arrived home promptly at seven o'clock, and the food was ready, when a text message came in saying that something had come up and he had to meet someone. By the time she got home, the food was cold.
The busier she was, the less she seemed to feel the inconveniences that pregnancy brought her.
On the fifth, sixth, and seventh days, she also arranged to visit the studios of several colleagues in the suburbs.
Even Liu Nanyang noticed Xiang Lan's unusual behavior. He called Fang Zidu and said, "Is Lanlan working too hard lately? She's been coming to the art district to see exhibitions all the time. The weather is hot now, and her belly is getting bigger. You should keep an eye on her."
How should it be managed?
The brother-in-law, Xiang Yuan, also expressed his concern, "Has Lanlan already started working? Why didn't you find something easier? Your body won't be able to handle this."
How do you explain not earning a single penny and even spending a considerable amount on travel and living expenses?
By the way, what he was most dissatisfied with was their sex life. The two of them had always been in good sync, once every two days, no more, no less; but her busy schedule disrupted this rhythm. Because she was out and about every day, and had to do some brainstorming when she got back, she was too exhausted to meet his desires by the time she went to bed.
Ahem, this is a big deal.
Fang Zi was thinking about how these changes were brought about by Gu Yuan's appearance, and how he could handle the situation effectively without making Xiang Lan feel that he was controlling her life.
"Why are you eating so slowly?" Lin Li watched him stop eating, even leaving a piece of vegetable on his chopsticks untouched.
He paused for a moment, put down his chopsticks, looked at the half-eaten food, and had no appetite.
"Looking absent-minded."
"Xiang Lan has been very busy with work lately," Fang Zidu said. "She gets home very late every day and can't eat on time."
"Isn't this great?" Lin Li smiled. "It's a perfect opportunity to catch up on the work we've fallen behind on."
"What we're doing now is preliminary preparation. If we don't have the funds or the equipment, and we can't do the experiments, then it's alright." Fang Zi lowered his head and cleared the dishes. "It's the weekend today, I have to go home early."
"Hey--"
"Next time you see her, don't say anything irrelevant."
"What? Did I complain to you?"
“There isn’t one.” Fang Zidu frowned. “The real problem is that she doesn’t have one. She seems carefree, but she’s actually quite sensitive.”
"So you're angry?" Lin Li smiled. "Zidu, you should focus more on your work."
He picked up his plate, looked at Lin Li with a direct and sharp gaze that exposed her ulterior motives. He said, "Sister Lin Li, you're too petty. Xiang Lan would never be like you. She knows exactly what she wants, she doesn't hesitate, and she never regrets it. She's nothing like you. You shouldn't use work as an excuse to disturb her. Even if I'm facing difficulties, these are difficulties I must bear and overcome. You should be focusing on your work, not me."
Lin Li watched him walk away without hesitation, angrily slamming down her chopsticks. She didn't understand why, even though she had already given up on him, she couldn't help but want to hurt Xiang Lan whenever she saw her. Yes, it was the smile on her face, always so flamboyant and unrestrained, as if there were no difficult things in the world, without any scruples, openly expressing her desires; what she couldn't achieve was what she hated.
Fang Zi went home early, leaving the house empty. Without Xiang Lan, the world felt too quiet. He searched for nearby restaurants online while texting her.
When can I go home?
"It will probably be quite late, I'll try to get there before dinner."
"I've booked a table at the Western restaurant in West Bund Flower City for 7 o'clock. I'll be waiting for you."
"OK."
He was thrilled to have met his sweetheart and immediately began a thorough cleaning of the house, wiping tables, mopping floors, washing the kitchen, and washing, ironing, and storing away his seasonal clothes. This busy work lasted three hours. Seeing that it was almost time, he hurriedly took a shower, changed into a slightly more formal outfit, and rushed to the dining room.
Seven o'clock on weekends is the restaurant's prime time, but when he arrived, it was already full, and it was only 6:30.
He waited alone in his seat for half an hour without seeing Xiang Lan. He frowned and made a phone call. When the call was connected, it was her voice apologizing repeatedly.
"Zidu, I'm so sorry, we misjudged the time. We're on our way home now, and it'll probably take another three or four hours. Look, you—"
Fangzi didn't let her hear her regret, but instead comforted her, "Be careful on the road, I'll be waiting for you at home."
"OK."
After hanging up the phone, I got up and left the restaurant, went downstairs to the supermarket to buy some groceries and went home.
Who we are, including Gu Yuan, is self-evident.
Since marrying Xiang Lan, he has never experienced being alone in this small home. She is always waiting for him in some corner of the house or doing some crafts. She makes him feel at ease because he can always find her on the surveillance system screen and keep track of her whereabouts. The thought of having such a sweet girl waiting for him fills him with a sense of fulfillment.
But now he realizes that being alone in an empty house is not a pleasant experience.
A small red dot was flashing among the cameras hanging on the four walls. He leaned back on the sofa, staring at the tiny dots, and suddenly remembered what she had said: communicating through this means there is no emotion.
When Xiang Lan returned home, the house was pitch black. She turned on the light and saw her beautiful husband sitting on the sofa, lost in thought. She asked, "Zi Du, are you asleep? Why didn't you turn on the light?"
"You're back?" He stood up, rubbing his shoulders and neck. "Have you had dinner?"
"I didn't have time, so I bought some juice on the way. What about you?"
"I didn't eat."
"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault." She apologetically tossed her bag onto the sofa. "What would you like to eat? I'll ask the chef to cook it for you himself today, okay?"
Fang Zi reached out and hugged her. Her neck was damp with a thin layer of sweat, and she smelled slightly of perspiration—a smell he liked. She struggled uncomfortably, "I'm covered in sweat, let me go wash up—"
"don't want."
Xiang Lan turned her head to look at him, kissed his cheek, and asked, "I stood you up today, are you unhappy?"
"A little."
"Wow, that's so new. You've never been angry before."
"I don't know why I was angry today." Fang Zi was a little sullen and embarrassed. He placed his hand on her lower abdomen and gently stroked it. "When I got home and didn't see you, I felt something was wrong. You didn't come home for dinner either—"
"Then let me go!"
"I said I'd treat you to steak." Fang Zidu put his arm around her and led her to the kitchen. "I bought some, I'll pan-fry it for you!"
"All right."
While he was preparing dinner, Xiang Lan went to the bathroom to shower. When she came out in her pajamas, he was already plating the food. She then noticed that he was wearing a rather formal shirt and dress pants, clearly indicating that he valued their date.
Fangzi helped her sit down, set out napkins, plates, and cutlery, and finally served her a steaming hot steak, saying, "Try it and see if it's good."
Xiang Lan cut off a piece and put it in her mouth. The outer skin was crispy and fragrant, while the inside was soft, tender, and juicy. "Mmm, it's delicious."
He was a little pleased. He sat down in his seat, neatly placed his napkin, and slowly cut the meat, saying, "Xiang Lan, when I go to work, are you particularly bored at home alone?"
"No, not really." Xiang Lan chewed on her meat. "Reading books, drawing pictures, making some toys, and time flies by."
Fang Zidu's expression was somewhat restrained, and he said dejectedly, "I'm sorry."
"What's wrong with you?" she asked, surprised.
"I spent a few hours at home by myself today and I felt very lonely."
"My beauty, I have already apologized."
"I'm sorry, I should be the one apologizing to you. I was too selfish and didn't consider your feelings."
"you--"
"I'm angry with myself." Fang Zi put down her knife and fork and said shyly, "I didn't take good care of you. I was too busy with work and only thought about pushing you out into the world. It's all my fault. Although I support you going out to work, I'm very worried about you working so hard. If it's convenient, could I meet Mr. Gu Yuan?"
"Of course!" Xiang Lan's eyes lit up. "Don't you think I've been going too far lately?"
Fang Zi was both ashamed and saddened, saying, "I went too far."
After they finished eating, they cleaned up the kitchen together. Then he went to wash up, and Xiang Lan was already a little drowsy when he got into bed. She instinctively reached out for him to hug her, and he held her tightly in his arms, burying his head in her hair. She reached out and touched his chest, feeling the heat between his abdomen, then moved her hand down, grasping his desire, and said, "You're so clingy today."
"You don't like it?"
"I love it!" She kissed him with her eyes closed.
Why have you been so busy lately?
"There's not enough time. I wish I could become someone worthy of you as quickly as possible!"
He felt hot all over and couldn't control himself. His body spontaneously wanted to bury itself in her body and find a place to belong. And Xiang Lan was exceptionally passionate tonight, indulging his greed.
Chapter 57
Fang Zidu's meeting with Gu Yuan was very natural.
The next morning was Xiang Lan's scheduled prenatal checkup. After the checkup, Gu Yuan was already waiting in his car at the hospital entrance. Fang Zi led Xiang Lan over and immediately spotted the mature and imposing man beside the car. This man was unlike any other man she had ever been with before. He lacked Li Xingda's immaturity, Shen Chuan's roughness, and Fang Jun's tenderness and gentleness. His demeanor exuded a sense of complete control and ease.
Xiang Lan introduced the two of them, and they shook hands, which was considered an introduction.
The day's itinerary was simple, and finally, it got to the point. Gu Yuan had a company in the city and invited her to take a look. The prescriptions were all there, so it was convenient to do so.
Gu Yuan's office is located in a prime location in the city's CBD, occupying an entire floor and divided into seven different departments according to their functions.
They have teams that liaise with auction houses, teams that maintain relationships with high-end clients, teams that develop emerging artists, and a business department that purchases art for high-end hotels and clubs. Presumably because they work in this industry, the office's decor is very unique, making you feel like you're in an art exhibition center—a completely open space, various artworks everywhere, and incredibly young faces all around, even the air is filled with youthful energy.
After demonstrating his abilities, he invited the two to his enormous office.
As he went out to retrieve the documents, Xiang Lan surveyed the office, noting the display shelves covering an entire wall and the floor-standing sculptures. She asked Fang Zidu, "What do you think?"