Chapter 299: Eager to Protect Her Husband
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gu Qingcheng frowned when she saw Gu Tianhao attempting to manipulate Huo Sicheng.
Even though Huo Sicheng was capable of countering Gu Tianhao, he chose to remain silent.
She was determined not to let Gu Tianhao bully her husband.
“What you said seems reasonable, but I disagree,” she said, addressing Gu Tianhao. “After my husband’s parents passed away, indeed, Cousin helped him and elevated the Huo Family to its current stature. Si Cheng is deeply grateful for that. However, he had only one father, and no one can replace him.”
“You refer to him as ‘cousin,’ yet you assume a father’s role. What then do you make of my father-in-law?” she challenged Gu Tianhao. “Today marks the anniversary of his death. Regardless of your rudeness, you ought to show the basic courtesy and respect due in the presence of the deceased.” Gu Tianhao’s expression changed upon hearing Gu Qingcheng’s words.
“You can eat whatever you like, but you can’t just say anything you want.” Observing Gu Tianhao’s embarrassment, Gu Qingcheng felt vindicated and retorted, “As the head of the Gu family, you should exhibit better manners.” Gu Tianhao’s face paled, mocked by Gu Qingcheng.
In the past, he would not have tolerated such treatment from Gu Qingcheng. But now, to secure the inheritance he desired, he had no choice but to contain his anger.
Qin Chong, who had been silent, observed the exchange between Gu Tianhao and Gu Qingcheng.
He stared at the photo of Huo Sicheng’s parents with a hint of malice, yet said nothing.
“Sicheng has indeed matured. The Huo family leads in Jiang City, and I am proud of his accomplishments. I’m sure his parents would have been pleased,” he finally remarked.
After a pause, he added, “Your daughter-in-law felt unwell today. Given that you’ve been married for some time, I thought she might be expecting. But don’t worry, not only is Sicheng married, but you might also soon welcome a grandchild…”
Gu Qingcheng looked at Qin Chong in astonishment.
Was she presumed pregnant just because she felt sick?
Such an assumption seemed absurd to her!
She remembered being allergic to roses given by Gu Tianhao and needing Huo Sicheng’s care, yet Qin Chong had then speculated about her being pregnant.
She wanted to laugh off the absurdity but restrained herself.
She bore the pain of her own unfulfilled wish to conceive.
She looked at Qin Chong to explain. “I…”
As she was about to clarify, she felt Huo Sicheng’s reassuring grip on her waist and looked up at him.
Huo Sicheng gazed into her eyes and subtly shook his head, silently advising her not to explain.
Gu Qingcheng was surprised by his gesture, not expecting Huo Sicheng to stop her explanation.
Was he suggesting they pretend the pregnancy was real?
Confused by his intentions, she remained silent, following his lead.
Huo Sicheng, noticing Gu Qingcheng’s compliance, glanced back at Qin Chong.
Qin Chong, though his eyes betrayed his ill intent, spoke kindly of Huo Sicheng and offered help to the Huo family. He nostalgically recalled the close ties between the Qin and Huo families.
Gu Qingcneng’s gaze tilled with complex emotions upon nearing Qin chong’s words.
“Cough cough…” Qin Chong feigned distress, clutching his chest. “Sicheng, I dearly miss your parents. Had they not met with that accident, our families would be enjoying tea together now.”
Huo Sicheng responded gently yet firmly, “Cousin, let’s not dwell on the past. My parents have been gone for many years. We must live well in their memory.”
Qin Chong coughed again, masking his pain. “It’s hard to see you so composed, cousin. I’m glad for your sensibility.”
Gu Tianhao offered Qin Chong an exit. “Ah Chong, don’t distress yourself; your health isn’t robust. You’ve paid your respects today. Let me accompany you down the mountain. It’s getting late, and if you fall ill again, it’ll be too much.”
“I would prefer to stay a bit longer with my cousin and aunt,” Qin Chong replied, reluctant yet conceding to Gu Tianhao’s suggestion. “But you’re right, Tianhao. The wind is chilly, and my health is frail. I shouldn’t overexert myself.”
“I feel fine now,” Huo Sicheng interjected, glancing at his watch. “The sun is quite warm, and it’s not cold at all. Cousin, you’re welcome to stay with my parents for another half hour.”
Qin Chong clenched his fists in suppressed anger at Huo Sicheng’swords, his knuckles turning white.
Gu Tianhao, noticing the tension, turned to Huo Sicheng. “Sicheng, your cousin rose at six this morning and hasn’t rested since. It’s been hard on him.”
Gu Qingcheng’s deep eyes looked at Huo Sicheng and then at Qin Chong. She didn’t know what Huo Sicheng wanted to do, but she would help him with anything he wanted to do.
Observing the dynamic, she stood up from Huo Sicheng’s side and approached Gu Tianhao with a smile. “I understand my cousin’s fatigue. He can rest here and enjoy Mt. Dragon’s scenery in silence. I have a private matter to discuss with you.”
Then, she turned to Huo Sicheng, saying softly, “Hubby, I’ll be back after a short chat. Please wait here with cousin.”
Huo Sicheng looked at her tenderly, understanding her intentions.
“Alright, cousin and I will wait here for you.”
Qin Chong, unable to find a reason to leave, reluctantly agreed. “Tianhao, go ahead with your niece. Si Cheng and I will wait here for you.”
Upon hearing Gu Tianhao linguistically manipulate Huo Sicheng, Gu Qingcheng frowned.
Even if Huo Sicheng could refute Gu Tianhao, he wouldn’t bother to say an extra word.
She would never allow Gu Tianhao to bully her husband!
“What you said makes sense, but I don’t agree,” she said, looking at Gu Tianhao. “It’s true that after my husband’s parents passed away, it was indeed our cousin who helped him and the Huo family reach where they are today. Sicheng is very grateful for that. However, a father is irreplaceable, and no one can take his place.”
“You turn ‘cousin’ into ‘father’, but where does that leave my father-in-law?” she countered Gu Tianhao. “Today is his death anniversary. Even if you’re rude, you should at least show the basic courtesy and respect due to the deceased.”
“You can eat whatever you want, but you can’t say whatever you want.” Seeing Gu Tianhao getting metaphorically slapped in the face, Gu Qingcheng felt a sense of satisfaction and retorted, “As the head of the Gu family, your manners really shouldn’t be so poor.”
Gu Tianhao’s face turned from green to white, mocked by Gu Qingcheng.
In the past, he wouldn’t have tolerated such treatment from Gu Qingcheng. But now, he couldn’t break up with her as he needed the inheritance, so he had to swallow his anger, unable to express his frustration.
Qin Chong had already recovered from the conversation between Gu Tianhao and Gu Qingcheng.
He didn’t play the mediator; he just stared at the photo of Huo Sicheng’s parents with a hint of malice.
“Sicheng has grown up. In the entire Jiang City, the Huo family is the leader. I’m very pleased that he’s so accomplished. I believe your uncle and aunt would be happy to know this from the afterlife..”
