Chapter 39

The surroundings were deathly quiet as everyone stared in shock at the scene before them.

They never imagined that Zhan Lingfeng would actually peel shrimp for Gu Nanyan, and so many at that.

Although Zhan Yiran had just teased her big brother, deep down she believed he would never peel shrimp for his sister-in-law. This was her big brother after all, a man who only cared about work and viewed time as money. Yet here he was, willing to spend time peeling shrimp one by one for someone else.

It was utterly unbelievable!

Zhan's Mother also gazed at the scene in surprise. This son of hers was naturally aloof, barely even close to her as his mother. Now he was actually peeling shrimp for someone with his own hands!

Zhan's Mother was both shocked and slightly amused. Hmph, you silly boy, she thought. Let's see how you like being cold and aloof now. You've married a wife who will oppress and enslave you!

Gu Nanyan ate a few shrimp and stopped, always one to know her limits and not overindulge. Zhan Lingfeng, however, seemed reluctant to stop, wanting to continue feeding her.

Unfortunately, besides shrimp, he couldn't lend a hand with anything else. Zhan Yiran and Hua Ying'an were already vying to peel crab for Gu Nanyan, and Little Ruirui was picking out dishes for her. If he squeezed in too, it would be unseemly.

The dinner concluded with everyone lost in their own thoughts.

After dinner, Hua Ying'an didn't return to her room or go find Zhan Lingfeng. Instead, she went to the backyard alone.

She felt utterly lost, unsure of what to do next.

She did love Zhan Lingfeng, had loved him for twenty years. This kind of deep-rooted love wouldn't diminish because of one or two incidents.

She couldn't help it; loving Zhan Lingfeng had become instinctual for her.

But at the same time, she clearly realized that Gu Nanyan was very suitable for Zhan Lingfeng. They were a good match.

Gu Nanyan was far better than she had imagined, so much so that she even wanted to be friends with her.

What should she do? Give up so easily? Give up on twenty years of bone-deep love?

Or shamelessly become the other woman, intruding on their relationship?

Neither choice was easy. She couldn't control her instincts, but her self-respect wouldn't allow her to do something immoral.

With her mind in chaos, Hua Ying'an couldn't think straight and decided to go chat with Zhan Yiran.

That little girl had run back to her room right after dinner, claiming she was tired and needed rest.

Who would sleep so early at just past seven?

As she was heading over, she saw servants carrying a large number of crabs upstairs. Hua Ying'an asked curiously, "Why are you carrying so many crabs? Dinner's already over."

The servant replied, "Miss Yiran requested it."

Puzzled, Hua Ying'an followed the servants to Zhan Yiran's room. Upon entering, she saw Zhan Yiran, who was supposed to be resting, sitting at the table peeling crabs.

Zhan Lingfeng rubbed his temples as a headache began to form. He truly couldn't understand.

He strode past Zhan Yiran's room and returned to his own.

Zhan Lingfeng felt he must have been too busy lately, so busy that he was having hallucinations. He needed to rest for a while.

He returned to his room and pushed open the door, only to see Gu Nanyan sitting leisurely on the sofa, looking as comfortable as if she were in her own room.

Zhan Lingfeng was momentarily stunned. He stepped back out to scan his surroundings.

No mistake, this was indeed his room.

Why was Gu Nanyan here?

Zhan Lingfeng raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when Gu Nanyan noticed his arrival. She looked up, her voice cool, "You're back? Go take a shower."

Zhan Lingfeng: "..." What did she mean?

Seeing Zhan Lingfeng not moving, Gu Nanyan frowned slightly. Wasn't he here to serve her in bed? If this were in Great Qi, such a blockhead would have been carried away and thrown out long ago.

But remembering that Zhan Lingfeng didn't understand, Gu Nanyan patiently explained, "Go to the bathroom and shower. Use the white shower gel. I don't like you smelling of all sorts of things. Also, don't make any noise. After you're done, wait for me on the bed. I'll be there shortly."

Zhan Lingfeng: "..."

Why did this feel like he was a concubine in ancient times, bathing until he smelled nice and clean, then being sent to the emperor's bed to serve?

And, and... this woman was so... so shameless, so openly coveting his body?

Zhan Lingfeng had never met a woman like this before.

Gu Nanyan lowered her head to read a page of her book, then noticed that Zhan Lingfeng was still standing at the door, motionless.

What's wrong? Why wasn't he moving?

She frowned slightly.

In other matters, Gu Nanyan was always at ease, but when it came to affairs between men and women, she truly had no experience.

Raising her eyes to carefully examine Zhan Lingfeng for a moment, Gu Nanyan wondered, could it be that he was still a virgin and feeling shy?

Should she comfort him a bit, help him relax?

Thinking this, Gu Nanyan stood up and walked to Zhan Lingfeng's side. She raised her hand to gently touch his face and spoke reassuringly, "Don't be afraid, it'll be quick."

Zhan Lingfeng: ??????

Had he married a wife, or had he become someone's husband?