Chapter 45 Who Knows Who’s Being Teased to Death

Zhou Lichuan caught the small hand at the back of his neck, pulled it in front of him, and kissed it. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “Are you done? Are you tired?”

Jiang Zao told Zhou Kuan she was painting, but in truth, she hadn’t stepped into the studio for ages, all for the little one growing in her belly. Instead, she had been staying in Zhou Jiayan’s room, working with her to investigate the staff in the villa. Currently, the villa housed three kitchen staff, four for daily chores, six rotating bodyguards, two rotating drivers, the recently promoted special assistant Du Bin, and Aunt Hui, who was assigned to take care of Jiang Zao.

Aunt Hui had been rigorously selected by Du Bin, and Zhou Lichuan had personally checked her as well—absolutely no issues. Du Bin, too, was above suspicion. The others were either temporarily arranged by Shen Xiaonan or newly hired, all of whom needed vetting.

Jiang Zao, following Zhou Lichuan’s posture, reached around from behind and hugged him. “I’m not tired, it’s easy.”

Du Bin, seeing this, immediately rose and took his leave.

Once he was gone, Zhou Lichuan pulled Jiang Zao onto his lap, holding her in his arms and kissing her endlessly.

“Baby, my good baby, you’ve left me hanging for so long. Have mercy on me, please. Tell me what I did wrong—I’ll change, I promise.”

Jiang Zao was breathless from his kisses. Remembering Meng Qiaoyuan and Dr. Hou’s warnings, she managed to push him away. “The surgery preparations have started. You’ll be admitted in the next couple of days. Before that, you need to keep calm and abstain, take care of your body so you’re fit for surgery.”

Zhou Lichuan held her waist, unwilling to let go, his voice thick with desire. “You’re always around, but you don’t even let me have a taste of warmth. How am I supposed to keep calm and abstain? Holding back is worse for my health. I’m begging you, please. Was I too rough with you before? I’ll be gentle this time, okay?”

Jiang Zao was not strict with herself; usually, if Zhou Lichuan coaxed her, she’d give in. But now, the situation was different—she dared not take any risks.

“No way. Save it up, and after the surgery, we’ll make up for it together.”

Hearing her refusal, Zhou Lichuan knew for certain tonight was impossible.

He rested his head on Jiang Zao’s shoulder, pitifully playing the victim. “I’ve saved up for over thirty years already, it’s enough…”

Jiang Zao was amused by his antics—so unlike the domineering, untouchable CEO she’d seen just minutes ago when he was talking business with Du Bin.

If this were at the company, no one would believe that the pitiful, love-struck “large dog” in front of her was actually their boss.

…

Zhou Kuan and Lin Rui had spent days running about, nearly living on airplanes, all for reclaiming the last round of investment for the “Little Waterdrop” Charity Fund before its public listing.

After days of effort, they finally succeeded in buying in.

During negotiations, Lin Rui heard rumors that this project had secret channels that could truly turn fortunes around. With a gambler’s mindset, Zhou Kuan and Lin Rui not only invested what their company could afford, but also poured in their own personal funds, buying up more shares.

They got so carried away, they forgot to leave themselves a way out.

After all, from every angle, this seemed like a foolproof deal.

…

Autumn in City A was fleeting. With the first snowflake falling onto the city’s concrete and asphalt streets, winter officially arrived.

Jiang Zao stood before the window of the VIP ward in the affiliated hospital, watching snowflakes drift outside. The room was warm; she breathed onto the glass, then used her fist to stamp out tiny footprints.

“If the baby’s born, its little feet would be about this size.”

Ever since her pregnancy was discovered, Meng Qiaoyuan came to check on Jiang Zao every other day. If she was too busy to visit, she’d call to make sure Jiang Zao was safe.

Jiang Zao understood that Meng Qiaoyuan was keeping the pregnancy a secret out of personal loyalty. But if her secrecy led to any trouble for the child, it would become an issue between the Meng and Zhou families.

Meng Qiaoyuan’s caution was not without reason.

She truly had been reckless.

But now, Zhou Lichuan was admitted, preparing for surgery. Zhou Kuan’s last crisis was already on its way to resolution. Everything was ready—once Zhou Lichuan woke up from surgery, she could announce her pregnancy, and Meng Qiaoyuan would no longer have to worry.

Shen Mushi knocked and entered, catching sight of Jiang Zao drawing footprints on the window. A smile crept unconsciously to his eyes.

“Brother, how does it feel to be admitted again?”

Zhou Lichuan took off his headphones and smiled lightly. “Feels fine, except the smell of disinfectant is stronger here. Otherwise, it’s much the same.”

Shen Mushi sat at the bedside. “After surgery, your vision will be restored. Are you nervous to finally see the light again?”

Zhou Lichuan rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zao came over, sat on the other side, and took Zhou Lichuan’s hand. “I’m nervous. Feel my hand—it’s cold.”

Zhou Lichuan quickly wrapped her hand in his palms. “Why so cold? Didn’t you dress warmly enough? The room’s temperature is fine, shouldn’t be this cold.”

Jiang Zao struggled not to laugh. “I’m anxious about your surgery. I’m worried.”

Shen Mushi exposed her antics. “If you stop drawing footprints on the window, you’ll warm up soon enough.”

Zhou Lichuan sighed. “You’re being mischievous again.”

Jiang Zao giggled and nestled into Zhou Lichuan’s arms. “Oh, I was just playing around for a bit, hoping you’d dote on me more.”

Shen Mushi sighed, “I really need to find a girlfriend. Running up and down the stairs all alone, no one cares about me.”

Zhou Lichuan tossed a paper ball, aiming at Shen Mushi, but missed, and instead hit Meng Qiaoyuan, who was approaching with warm milk.

Just moments before, Jiang Zao had vomited everything she ate, her stomach left empty.

Meng Qiaoyuan figured she must be hungry, so she heated up a box of milk in her office and brought it over.

“…” Meng Qiaoyuan was speechless after being hit.

Jiang Zao hurried over to remove the paper ball stuck to her clothes and tossed it in the trash.

“Sorry! Zhou Lichuan didn’t see you coming.”

Meng Qiaoyuan smiled. “It’s fine. President Zhou is full of energy—the surgery will surely go well. Zao, I heated some milk for you, drink it, you’ll feel better.”

Jiang Zao accepted the milk with a grin, inserted the straw, and began sipping.

After two days in the hospital, Zhou Lichuan had grown used to Meng Qiaoyuan’s habit of bringing food for Jiang Zao. He never wondered why Meng Qiaoyuan was always bringing snacks for her.

Perhaps he was just too trusting, or simply oblivious.

Shen Mushi watched Jiang Zao drinking milk, and felt hungry himself. “Brother, I skipped lunch. I’m going to find something to eat. Call me if you need anything.”

Zhou Lichuan nodded. “Go ahead. I’m fine here.”

The milk was quickly finished. Meng Qiaoyuan pulled out a tangerine from her pocket.

She leaned in and whispered to Jiang Zao, “Bought this especially for you. I’ve got plenty more in my car, I’ll bring them all later.”

The tangerine was mottled green and yellow, looking mouthwatering—certainly sour and delicious.