Carrying a Lucky Charm, I Thrive with My Husband on the Road to Exile
Chapter 20: Return
The news of Xu Yulan’s discomfort spread quickly, and before the sun set, Bai Suihe had already received the message.
Bai Suihe found it a bit strange. Xu Yulan had always been in excellent health. She even bragged about this to Bai Suihe and Liu Yun, rarely catching even a cold, unlike them who relied on bird’s nest and ginseng for nourishment, yet her health was better.
"How could the Second Young Madam suddenly have stomach pains? She never had such problems before," Winter Plum couldn’t help but mutter after conveying the news.
"If you’re curious, send someone to find out more," thought Ms. Bai. Although the young madam faced many difficulties at home, the Third Household was still known for its generosity in seeking information.
"What’s there to find out? Stomach pain usually comes down to two possibilities: either she ate something bad or it’s her period," Bai Suihe said offhandedly.
"But that’s not right," Winter Plum, who was quite the informant in the household, said, "It seems the Third Young Madam never had such issues. Could she be pregnant?"
Bai Suihe carefully recalled the records and remembered Xu Yulan was not noted as pregnant. Even during her exile, Xu Yulan, who grew up in the countryside, walked the journey with ease and often teased her elder sister-in-law and herself.
"I’m going to check it out, just in case something bad is brewing," Winter Plum said, looking at Bai Suihe, who didn’t stop her and then hurried away.
But it wasn’t long before she rushed back excitedly, saying, "Third Young Madam, Third Young Master has returned."
Bai Suihe instantly stood up. Gu Kaiyuan was back, and by the time, it was about right.
"Miss, slow down," Spring Fragrance said, frightened, as she quickly supported her, reminding the young madam to heed her condition.
"How did he return so quickly?" Bai Suihe said unconsciously.
Spring Fragrance found it strange since the young madam had been missing him a few days ago.
"It should have been a couple more days," Bai Suihe quickly realized her mistake, "Let’s head to the front yard."
Spring Fragrance, "..." She thought to herself that the young madam really misses the master. However, this time, he indeed returned earlier than usual.
Before they even reached the door, a figure appeared just outside the courtyard. He stood tall like a pine, with sharp brows like willow, and his eyes deep as a pool, exuding a subtle authority.
He was even more handsome than the ideal hero she had in mind, but that aura was truly awe-inspiring.
The other two Gu Family brothers were scholarly and frail in appearance, but Gu Kaiyuan seemed to be an anomaly among them, more like a soldier in stature and temperament.
But the sharp keen look in his eyes, mixed with a hint of curiosity and unfamiliarity, made Bai Suihe realize the prophecy from her child was correct.
But where did this unfamiliarity come from? In the story, this man was the affectionate antagonist who, in vengefulness for his wife and child, pursued justice relentless, never remarrying in his lifetime.
"Mother, father is back," the baby, who had been quiet for days, now screamed excitedly in her ears.
Bai Suihe immediately covered her stomach with both hands. If she remembered correctly, her child had said before that he could also hear the baby’s voice.
Bai Suihe’s eyes were fixed on Gu Kaiyuan, and although he showed no expression, she caught a glimpse of confusion in his eyes.
"Husband is back," Bai Suihe steeled herself and walked forward a few steps.
Gu Kaiyuan beat her to it, supporting her before she could bow. His tone was stiff, "You’re pregnant, no need for such formalities."
Winter Plum and Spring Fragrance observed their interaction and felt something was off. The young master and the young madam weren’t this formal before.
"You all can leave. I have some words to exchange with the Third Young Madam," Gu Kaiyuan said as he heard a child’s voice in his ears, though the others in the courtyard seemed calm and unfazed.
The courtyard residents were accustomed to such occasions, knowing the Third Young Master liked to spend quality time with the Third Young Madam upon his return.
Once everyone left, Bai Suihe returned to the room, ready for a good talk with Gu Kaiyuan.
"Did Madam hear a child’s voice just now?" His voice still reverberated in her ears as he scanned the room. This familiar room he hadn’t seen in years was now vividly clear.
He was thoroughly familiar with this place, devoid of any possible child hiding spots.
"It’s me, father," the baby interrupted Bai Suihe, "I’m in mother’s belly."
Gu Kaiyuan’s eyes locked in on Bai Suihe’s belly, "..." Was this some kind of illusion?
Bai Suihe admired his psychological resilience as his expression remained unchanged. She smiled wryly, touching her belly, "You’re not hearing things. We can both hear the baby."
Bai Suihe took a deep breath, "You’ve had a tiring journey. Have some tea, and then I’ll explain everything."
Bai Suihe poured a cup of floral tea for Gu Kaiyuan and then sat down, supporting her belly.
She began to explain, detailing how she awoke in this body a few days ago, recounting the events foretold in the world of the story and what she had experienced in the past few days, then calmly sat beside him.
Bai Suihe initially considered concealing the truth, but she also understood one’s behavior could not change drastically overnight.
Even if she possessed all the original host’s memories, it was impossible to replicate every detail of speech and behavior.
She never underestimated anyone. Instead of being discovered later, it was better to lay everything out now.
Besides, Gu Kaiyuan also had his own secrets. Both had secrets. If there were misunderstandings, they could choose to part ways.
She had her own space and would somehow find a way to retreat safely.
"Are you not afraid I’ll treat you as a witch and deal with you?" Gu Kaiyuan tightly clenched his fists. He hurried back, eager to address his unresolved regrets from a past life.
But hearing all this, he couldn’t help feeling a bit bewildered.
"Father, mother is not a witch. She’s just the baby’s mother," Bai Suihe hadn’t panicked yet, but the baby in her belly was already anxious.
Bai Suihe quickly placed both hands protectively over her belly, "I am not a witch. I also don’t know why I’m here. Don’t look at my baby like that –she’s not a witch either."
"Don’t think I don’t know. You came back after being reincarnated. We’re both in the same boat now. If you dare harm us, we’ll see it through to the bitter end."
Bai Suihe fiercely stared at Gu Kaiyuan and spoke without reservation.
Seeing the familiar yet unfamiliar face, she remembered that Ms. Bai looked exactly like this when angry. The realization hit him hard, and he needed time to make sense of it.
If such a miraculous encounter had happened to him, it could also happen to his wife and daughter.
"How can you prove you’re not her?" He simultaneously spoke to her belly, "Your unborn child is just five months along. How can she communicate with us?"