Cheche rushed downstairs and stood before Murong Cheng, tilting her delicate, adorable little face. "Daddy, Mommy says you have to throw away the rolling pin. Daddy can't hit Mommy with the rolling pin anymore. Mommy doesn't like the rolling pin. If you hit Mommy with it again, Mommy will get angry!"
Murong Cheng's lips twitched in helplessness. "Tell Mommy, Daddy will be gentle..."
"No! Gentle hitting is still hitting, Mommy says it hurts!" Cheche mumbled around a candy, her tone earnest and righteous, her expression filled with justice and solemnity. She grabbed Murong Cheng's hand. "Daddy, please don't do that, okay? If Daddy does that, Mommy will get hurt?"
Murong Cheng stroked the little one's fluffy, short hair, his deep, husky voice gentle and affectionate. "Cheche, do you want a little sister?"
"Yes! Cheche wants one! Cheche wants a cute little sister!" Cheche's eyes lit up, sparkling like stars in the sky.
"Then Cheche should tell Mommy that if she throws away the rolling pin, she won't be able to have a cute little sister. It's the rolling pin that's used for cooking and making dough, and that's how we can create a cute little sister!" Murong Cheng said with utmost seriousness.
Cheche listened intently.
Then, she turned and went upstairs, relaying his words to Jiang Shiyu without missing a beat.
Jiang Shiyu almost stumbled. Cheche steadied her. "Mommy, don't you like little sisters? Don't you want one? Mommy, how can you be like this? Daddy works so hard! He always cooks alone, uses the rolling pin alone... Daddy says the rolling pin should be used by Mommy..."
The child's voice was soft and innocent, without any ulterior motives, just innocent prattle.
Jiang Shiyu felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. She pressed Cheche's shoulders. "Don't listen to your daddy's nonsense... Go brush your teeth and go to bed!"
She carried Cheche into the bathroom.
Cheche obediently brushed her teeth and lay in bed. Jiang Shiyu told a story to lull the little one to sleep. Once the child was fast asleep, she left the bedroom.
Before Jiang Shiyu could turn around, she saw her shadow obscured by a tall, imposing figure.
The moment she turned, she didn't even have a chance to escape before she was swept into the man's embrace. It wasn't so much a hug as being stuffed into his arms; the man's strength was immense, leaving her no room or opportunity to resist.
"Mmm..."
Her chin was gripped tightly and lifted by the man, who she didn't even have time to get a clear look at.
A kiss like a storm descended upon her.
Jiang Shiyu felt like she was suffocating.
As the passion intensified, the man grabbed her soft, tender hand and guided it downward...
Jiang Shiyu's face flushed hotly. As if struck by an electric current, she released her hand and, seizing the man's momentary distraction, tried to escape.
"You've lit a fire, aren't you going to extinguish it?"
Naturally, she was easily recaptured by the man.
His low, husky voice pressed down from above her.
It was a deep, resonant sound, pleasant like the lower register of a violin.
Jiang Shiyu felt like crying but had no tears. "I was wrong, husband, please let me go..."
"Hmm? What did you call me?"
The stubble on the man's chin gently brushed against her neck.
Warm air puffed against her neck.
Jiang Shiyu shivered, a chill running down her spine. "Husband... let me go... please..."
"Cheche said she wants a sister..."
"I... I... I... I'm already pregnant!"
Jiang Shiyu closed her eyes and blurted it out.
The man behind her stiffened.
The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.
The man turned her around, forcing her to look at him, and repeatedly asked, "You're pregnant? Really pregnant? How many months? Is it a boy or a girl..."
Jiang Shiyu: "..."
Why did this man look so expectant?
The man's joy was evident on his face.
Jiang Shiyu coughed and turned her face away.
"Yes... pregnant... three months already..."
The little woman mumbled.
Murong Cheng's gaze deepened slightly as he took in her subtle movements.
A helpless smile played on his lips.
She hadn't changed at all.
Even her demeanor and tone when she lied were exactly the same.
"Yes, three months. Seven more months until delivery. I'll take you to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. Pregnant women need to take care of themselves. You should quit your job too..."
"No, no, no, no need to be so delicate. I can still work. No need for a check-up, my body is strong!"
Jiang Shiyu patted her chest and flexed her arm, showing off her meager muscles.
Murong Cheng narrowed his hawk-like black eyes and asked in a low voice, "Hmm... for safety, it's better to go to the hospital..."
"No, I'm fine..."
It was just an excuse to avoid the man, but she hadn't expected him to take it so seriously.
Jiang Shiyu racked her brain for an excuse and clapped her hands. "Right, um, I'm not feeling well, I can't walk, so I won't go!"
"I'll carry you, you don't need to move."
"I... I'm dizzy! I'm going to sleep! Goodnight!"
Jiang Shiyu's head was spinning. She felt that if this continued, she'd be exposed.
Of the thirty-six stratagems, flight was the best.
Jiang Shiyu slipped back into her room.
She locked the door.
While the man was out, she had changed the bedroom door lock.
Let's see how he'd take advantage of her!
Jiang Shiyu removed the key and fell asleep with peace of mind.
The next day, when she opened her eyes, she felt a heavy weight on her.
A man's arm was draped over her.
It was pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe.
Jiang Shiyu, who had still been a bit sleepy, was jolted completely awake by this sight.
"You, you, you..."
No wonder she'd had nightmares last night.
It wasn't a nightmare; it had become a reality.
Jiang Shiyu's face turned ashen.
She had clearly removed the key. How did this man get in?!
"Good morning..."
The man's voice was hoarse and languid, even before his eyes were open.
Utterly seductive.
But to Jiang Shiyu's ears, it sounded like the whisper of a demon.
She quickly threw off the covers and jumped out of bed. "Good morning, I'll go make you breakfast!"
She hurried away.
As Jiang Shiyu toasted the bread, she wondered how the man had gotten in last night. She was so engrossed that she almost burned the toast.
"Mommy! It's done!" Cheche tiptoed to retrieve the toast.
"Take it to the table, be careful," Jiang Shiyu said, placing the plate in the little one's hands.
"Daddy!" As Cheche placed the plate on the dining table, he saw Murong Cheng emerge and called out sweetly.
"Hmm, why are you carrying the plate yourself? Where's Mommy?"
Murong Cheng had just woken up, his voice husky, making it charmingly attractive. Cheche was lifted by Murong Cheng and placed on the child's seat.
Cheche swung his little legs. "Mommy seems distracted. Did Daddy bully Mommy again?"
"Hmm?" Murong Cheng glanced towards the kitchen.
Jiang Shiyu's hands trembled in fright, almost dropping the cup.
"No, Mommy's tummy..."
"Cough, cough!" Jiang Shiyu cleared her throat and placed the coffee heavily in front of Murong Cheng. "Eat breakfast!"