Chapter 103: Interrogation

Gu Zehuai cautiously asked the two women, “Grandma, Mom, is something the matter? Why are you both looking at me like that?”

He spoke humbly, for his place in the household was, at present, the lowest of all.

Old Lady Gu and Madam Gu approached, settling on either side of him.

Old Lady Gu spoke with gravity, “Ah Huai, I know it’s not proper to bring up such matters so directly, but we cannot let Jiujie suffer any grievance. Tell me, have you done anything to her?”

Gu Zehuai instantly understood what she meant. Faced with the seriousness of these two, he dared not lie. He cleared his throat and answered honestly, “I have…”

Both women stood up at once. Old Lady Gu tapped her cane on the floor several times, each strike thunderous, as if she wished nothing more than to knock it right over Gu Zehuai’s head.

“Jiujie is a young woman—she’s most vulnerable in these matters. You haven’t even planned your future together, yet you dared act so rashly.”

Old Lady Gu’s scolding was forceful, and Madam Gu echoed her reproach.

Gu Zehuai knew his grandmother and mother were concerned Jiujie might be wronged. He rubbed his brow lightly and countered, “Grandma, you’re mistaken about the last part. I’ve made arrangements already—the gifts for visiting her family are prepared, and the engagement ring is being custom-designed. Even without your prompting, I know what must be done. I absolutely will not let Jiujie suffer any injustice.”

Hearing the clear and orderly plans, Old Lady Gu and Madam Gu finally relaxed, their expressions softening, the severity ebbing away.

After a few more words of admonition, they allowed Gu Zehuai to go upstairs.

Suddenly, Madam Gu seemed to recall something and called him back.

“You rascal, remember to take proper precautions. If we ever find out Jiujie has to take medicine because of you, you’ll be in real trouble.”

Old Lady Gu added, “Exactly! Though I dearly wish for a great-grandchild, if you dare let her get pregnant before she’s ready, I won’t forgive you.”

Gu Zehuai turned around, caught between laughter and exasperation, and replied earnestly, “I understand, Grandma, Mom. Can you please give me just a little basic trust?”

Both women answered with a simultaneous snort—this was their reply.

Once Gu Zehuai was inside and upstairs, Old Lady Gu and Madam Gu, still in the courtyard, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Madam Gu patted her flushed cheeks and said to Old Lady Gu, “Mom, did I do alright just now? I tried to be as stern as possible. Talking about this with my own son—it’s not a big deal, really, but it still feels awkward.”

Old Lady Gu nodded in agreement. “Of course. We’re just worried this reckless boy will let Jiujie down. Well, we’ve said what needed saying—he knows the boundaries. Let’s not bring it up again, save everyone the embarrassment.”

Inside his room, Gu Zehuai took a shower first, then dialed Wen Jiujie for a video call.

It rang for a while before she answered, smiling at him.

She had just showered and blow-dried her hair, wearing pajamas and lying on the bed. One glance, and Gu Zehuai’s gaze shifted.

Her pajama collar was low, revealing scattered red marks on her chest—traces he’d left the night before.

Wen Jiujie noticed his change of expression, hastily sat up, and pulled her collar closed.

Recalling the past few nights, her cheeks flushed, and after a long moment, she managed only to scold him, “Pervert…”

Gu Zehuai laughed, accepting the accusation without protest. “Yes, whatever Jiujie says goes.”

She was so amused she nearly hung up, but it took several rounds of coaxing before he calmed her down.

“I was wrong, I was wrong, Jiujie, I won’t tease you anymore.”

“Fine,” she huffed.

Wen Jiujie began telling Gu Zehuai about her walk that evening. He replied coolly, “Was it that wild man who took you home the first time?”

“He’s not a wild man, just a friend! Besides, if it hadn’t been for Huo Yiran, who knows when you’d have come to your senses!”

Gu Zehuai rubbed his nose, offering no retort—because it was true.

“So, I suppose I ought to thank him,” he said stubbornly.

Wen Jiujie didn’t want to discuss this topic any further with this jealous man.

They chatted for more than half an hour. These nights had left her tired, and though it was still early, Wen Jiujie was yawning incessantly.

Seeing Gu Zehuai still laughing at her, she glared and said, “You’re still laughing? Who do you think is to blame for this?”

Gu Zehuai quickly softened and pleaded, “Alright, alright, Jiujie, I know I was wrong. I’ll behave myself from now on!”

As if.

Wen Jiujie silently filled in those words for him.

She didn’t believe a word he said—after all, men’s promises are never trustworthy, least of all when it comes to matters in bed!