Outside after class, it started to snow and rain again, and a thick layer of snow covered the freshly cleared roadsides.

Zhou Jiao looked down at her newly added sheepskin boots, tentatively extended her right foot, and slid it back and forth on the ground. Seeing nothing unusual, she smiled and walked with everyone.

Walking behind, Zhang Guoqing replied to classmates’ questions while constantly keeping an eye on his wife. Catching a glimpse of this scene, he absentmindedly continued to watch Zhou Jiao’s back.

No matter how he looked at it, he had his suspicions.

He started recalling his wife’s behavior since returning to school, realizing he might have overlooked something. Considering Zhou Jiao’s thin skin, he resisted the urge to ask in front of others.

As they parted ways with classmates at the intersection, Zhang Guoqing, entangled by Yi Jiefang, paid special attention to his wife’s careful movements down the path. She was indeed more cautious.

"I just got back from home, but I don’t plan to return at the end of the year. How about we go together during summer vacation? In the winter break, we’ll borrow a car and go out."

"Sure, whatever you decide." Zhang Guoqing, eager to get rid of him, quickly agreed.

"You said it yourself."

Zhang Guoqing clenched his fists, wanting to kick this noisy guy away: "You get a car, I’ll go with you. Weren’t you just home? Why are you thinking about going out again, playing too wild?"

Yi Jiefang rolled his eyes: "You have no idea about my suffering. If I don’t leave, am I waiting for my father to send me to the army? This time even my mom can’t save me."

Normally, Zhang Guoqing would tease his good buddy, as if this slow reaction wasn’t enough; later, his wife stepped in to resolve things. But thinking this, his heart twisted even more.

If there really was another child, considering the timeline, it would just be over two months now. Was he close to losing his second child?

Zhang Guoqing gritted his teeth, looked at his wife ahead, and helplessly shook his head: "Did my wife have any favorite dishes down South?"

Yi Jiefang scornfully glanced at him: "She’s right in front, can’t you ask her yourself?"

"Don’t you always feel I’ve neglected you?" Zhang Guoqing smiled meaningfully.

Yi Jiefang shivered upon hearing this: "Disgusting."

"Didn’t you all have proper meals? Sounds like you’ve had a tough time, no wonder you’ve lost so much weight."

"Impossible? If not for tiring work, we’d all be rounder. It’s a pity you missed out. Sweet and sour pork, barbecued pork, roast duck, papaya soup, corn rib soup, everything you can think of..."

Before he could finish, Zhang Guoqing burst out laughing. Keep bragging, keep at it. Papaya soup? He deliberately glanced at Yi Jiefang and made a mischievous gesture towards him.

Upfront, Zhou Jiao covered her mouth, muffling her laughter. This silly boy isn’t even good at lying!

"What’s so funny? Do you think I’d lie to you? Ask Zhou Jiao, didn’t my brother serve more dishes that day? Private cuisine, the chef’s skills make dishes into artworks."

Zhang Guoqing averted his gaze with an enigmatic expression: "Oh, looks like your brother spent quite a bit."

"Of course! He was originally inviting you, and even prepared a package for you. But because you didn’t come, we had to enjoy it ourselves. I must say, it was really good. He’d never taken me there before, but he’s quite considerate of you. Just from a few letters, where did your bond come from?"

Zhang Guoqing shook his head with a smile. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"However, the Yi Family values rapport. My brother is quite a friend, being with him is a good deal for you. During the summer vacation, I’ll take you to the military camp to find him, he’ll be thrilled."

Bullshit! He’d be crazy to walk into that. Just imagine if his son married Yi Zhe’s daughter, he’d rather refuse the letter tomorrow.

"...Jiao Jiao, next time we go, let’s have my brother take us there again; I love those takeaway pastries. Right, I need to write him a letter, who’s going back to Beijing during New Year could bring some back."

Zhang Guoqing no longer wanted to listen to his irritating chatter, stepped forward a few steps and pulled his wife aside, waving back: "We’re here, see you tomorrow."

Yi Jiefang glanced ahead, cursing in frustration. Here his plan was to join them for a late-night snack. Don’t think he couldn’t tell this guy was rushing home to be with his wife.

Entering the dorm building, classmates upstairs and downstairs were busy with their washing, moving back and forth continually.

Zhang Guoqing let go of her hand, carefully guarding her from behind while greeting everyone. As they climbed the stairs, he quietly said: "Wife, tell me what pastries you like, Beijing isn’t lacking talented chefs, I’ll find someone to make some in private for you."

Zhou Jiao knew his little trick. She didn’t expose him, nodded with a smile: "When you eat someone else’s food, your mouth softens; when you take someone else’s gift, your hand shortens. During the New Year, let’s find someone ourselves."

Zhang Guoqing was delighted. The term "someone else" was perfectly used; his wife knew how to distinguish matters clearly.

The couple teased each other, spreading their happiness as they entered their room sweetly.

Then came another problem...

Watching her sit on the stool and straighten her back to remove her shoes, Zhang Guoqing’s brow twitched. When would his wife confess fully on her own?

"Sit still."

Zhou Jiao beamed, watching the man kneeling in front of her gently cradle her leg on his knee, taking off her boots for her.

"Any bird’s nest soup left?"

"Finished, it’s not convenient outside."

Zhang Guoqing understood her meaning: "I’ll prepare more tonight. Can you take Ah Jiao paste?"

"I can, why..." Zhou Jiao immediately realized, "You figured it out?"

Zhang Guoqing laughed, rubbing his head.

"Dirty, you took off my shoes and haven’t washed your hands yet."

"Stop changing the subject." Guiltily, Zhang Guoqing turned to the washbasin to pour water, "If I didn’t ask, were you not planning to tell me, what’s your plan then?"

"It’s too early in the pregnancy, I’m afraid of counting my chickens before they hatch." Zhou Jiao smiled shyly, "I was afraid you’d worry, wanted to wait a few days to confirm then tell you."

Zhang Guoqing silently gazed at her. After so long apart, how could she not think of this, and how could she hide it from him?

"If you are pregnant, you shouldn’t tell anyone, especially my dad; he’ll definitely worry himself sillier."

"Wife, it’s a child, they’ll grow day by day, how can you hide it? Moreover, in terms of diet and everyday details, we need to be cautious. If you tell everyone, they can help keep an eye on you."

Zhou Jiao stubbornly shook her head: "Even if I’m pregnant, let’s wait until after the New Year to say anything. Being observed and cared for is a lot of pressure."

Zhang Guoqing exhaled a sigh: "Fine, whatever you say. Regardless of whether you’re pregnant, keep a happy mood. Recently, have you wanted anything to eat, or felt nauseous?"

"Just like when pregnant with Ping’an, no morning sickness, so I’m not sure if I’m pregnant. Calculate the time, it should be two months or so if I am."

Zhang Guoqing gently touched her belly: "How about we go check at the hospital tomorrow? If you’re embarrassed, I’ll take you to an outside hospital."

Zhou Jiao wrapped her arms around his neck, acting spoiled: "No! Once the vacation ends, I’ll go."

Her jostling scared Zhang Guoqing into immediate compromise.

This ancestor, if she shakes any more, their second child might come out. Even though he was secretly anxious inside, he dared not show it on his face. He knows better than anyone how stubborn Zhou Jiao can be.

Zhang Guoqing served her their late-night snack while pondering what else to prepare.

Regarding Zhou Jiao’s fear of overexpecting, not once did he think in that direction. Given his wife’s nature, if she wasn’t quite certain, she wouldn’t speak of it easily.