At the restaurant, Huo Zheng's concern for Susu was evident the moment he saw her. He immediately got up and solicitously pulled out the empty seat next to him for Susu to sit down. "Susu jie, what would you like to eat? I'll help you plate it," he said.
Susu maintained a distance from him. "I can do it myself."
Then she looked at everyone. She wanted to smile faintly at them, but only a slight curve could be drawn on her lips.
"Thank you all for coming today. I'm fine, everyone please eat."
Aunt Chen stood beside her, busily saying, "Yes, yes, everyone eat quickly."
Chang Qingchuan beat Huo Zheng to it, plating a piece of braised pork for Susu. "I remember this was your favorite before, eat more. Don't be too sad, I completely understand how you feel."
Susu hummed and used the spoon in her bowl to push the braised pork into her mouth, swallowing it down with difficulty.
She remembered when she and Chang Qingchuan were in university, she had no money for meals and was too proud to ask the Ai family for help.
Chang Qingchuan also came from a small town and a not-so-wealthy family. His monthly living expenses were limited. Sometimes, when he splurged on a portion of braised pork, they would share it, and it felt like a festival.
"Thank you. I advised you back then. Now I truly understand how you felt then," Susu said, trying her best to smile.
Huo Zheng was now unsure what dish to plate for Susu because he didn't know her preferences well. If he chose incorrectly, he would lose face in front of Chang Qingchuan.
He suddenly thought of something, looked at Susu, then at Chang Qingchuan. Neither of them had their other half. Could brother-in-law end up with Susu?
Chang Qingchuan pinched the bridge of his nose, pushing back the tears that welled up, and smiled. "You are stronger than me. Eat, eat more."
"Everyone, don't just talk, eat!" Yanan quickly tried to liven up the atmosphere, plating several dishes into Susu's bowl.
Everyone started using their chopsticks. Susu ate more heartily than anyone, drinking two bowls of soup and eating many dishes.
Aunt Chen watched from the side, feeling both sad and happy. She turned around and secretly wiped away tears.
Although everyone present hoped to cheer Susu up, they also knew that such pain could not be overcome instantly.
The atmosphere at the table became somewhat subtle. To avoid being too somber, Huo Zheng and Yanan started making conversation out of nothing.
"Young Master Huo, you're a famous model now, you've entered the entertainment industry. Tell us some gossip or interesting stories," Yanan winked at Huo Zheng.
Huo Zheng responded, "Yes, there's a lot of gossip in the entertainment industry. I'll tell you some fun stuff..."
"Susu, why did Shu Zhongze come to see you just now?" Chang Qingchuan interrupted Huo Zheng.
"Yes, why did he come?" Huo Zheng also wanted to know. When he saw Shu Zhongze earlier, he had wanted to punch him and ask about his conscience, especially since he had tried to help Shu Yan get acquitted back then.
Susu looked at them, feeling that some things should be clarified. She put down her spoon and said, "I don't think it was Shu Zhongze who tried to help Shu Yan get acquitted back then, although there's no conclusive evidence yet. I think you all know that Shu Zhongze is currently in a divorce lawsuit with Jia Nanfang. Shu Yan is actually not his biological daughter, so you don't need to hate him anymore. The person who helped Shu Yan get acquitted should be Jia Nanfang and her lover behind her."
After she finished speaking, Xiao Anjing, who had been sitting at the dining table without a word, was not surprised at all. He already knew all of this.
He swept a meaningful glance at Chang Qingchuan and Huo Zheng. Tianyi had only been gone for a short while, and it seemed some people were already eyeing Tianyi's wife. He had to help Tianyi protect his wife.
He picked up on Susu's words and said, "Haven't you seen all the news about Shu Zhongze's divorce? His wife cheated first, so now he wants Jia Nanfang to leave with nothing. And Susu is his biological daughter and the future heir of the Shu Corporation."
Susu hadn't expected Xiao Anjing to reveal all of this, and she didn't know how to face Chang Qingchuan and Huo Zheng.
"I'm sorry I never told you. I know you hated the Shu family, but I inadvertently discovered a blood relationship with Shu Zhongze..."
Before she could finish, Su Kangxi walked in hurriedly.
Yanan immediately got up to greet him, with a hint of reproach. "Why are you only arriving now?"
"I told you not to wait for me to eat," Kangxi walked towards the restaurant with her.
Yanan said, "We didn't wait for you to start eating; we've been eating for quite a while."
As she spoke, she led Su Kangxi to a seat. Aunt Chen said to Xiaomei, "Bring out the dishes that were set aside separately."
"Thank you, you saved dishes for me," Kangxi said gratefully.
Aunt Chen smiled and said, "Don't be polite with me. You all should come more often to accompany the young madam; it will make her happier."
Yanan chimed in, "Okay, I won't be polite. I plan to stay here and keep Susu company during this time." She smiled and then linked her arm with Susu's.
Susu finally managed a genuine smile. Chang Qingchuan and Huo Zheng were still pondering Susu's words from earlier, still unable to fully understand some parts, and exchanged glances.
Su Kangxi didn't know what they had been discussing. Seeing the table full of dishes, he felt hungry and quickly ate a bowl of rice.
Susu looked at him. "Eat more if you like it. You work too hard usually."
Su Kangxi saw that Susu's spirits had improved significantly. Not knowing how to comfort her well, he said bluntly, "Susu jie, don't worry, we police will definitely investigate this bombing case thoroughly."
"What have you found out so far?" Susu asked.
Su Kangxi glanced at Xiao Anjing and said, "There are no leads yet. That speedboat was privately owned by the boat owner, with all the proper documentation. The boat owner's background is also fine. Currently, specialized personnel are conducting technical assessments on the speedboat's wreckage to see if there was any mechanical failure with the hull itself."
Susu asked in confusion, "Wasn't there a bomb planted on the speedboat beforehand? If you find the person who planted the bomb, you can find the killer!"
"No, there's no trace of a bomb found yet," Su Kangxi replied.
Susu became agitated. "Do you police even know how to investigate cases? I saw the flames shooting up into the sky on the plane at the time. If it wasn't a bomb, what was it?"
"Susu jie, we handle cases based on evidence. Don't get agitated. If there was a bomb, it will be found," Su Kangxi said.
Yanan secretly tugged at Kangxi's sleeve, urging him to go along with Susu's words as much as possible.
Susu wished she could go and find evidence herself right now. Xiao Anjing quickly advised her, "Leave these matters to the police and us to handle. You just focus on resting and nurturing your pregnancy at home."
"Yes, investigating cases takes time and process. Don't worry, I'll do my best," Su Kangxi echoed.
Yanan comforted Susu, "Don't rush. If it was deliberate, the truth will come out. Have you forgotten what the doctor told you when you were discharged? Relax, protecting the baby is the most important thing."