"What's the matter? Have you changed your mind?"
"It's not that," she sighed, "I'm just overcome with a sense of irony. It's tragic enough to guard against women—now I must guard against men too. How utterly pathetic."
Long Yubei chuckled. "You ought to consider the bright side. This incident has taught you to keep a close watch on me. Otherwise, your husband today might become your ex-husband tomorrow."
Gu Lili closed her eyes. "Is that so? Well, losing you is no great loss—there are countless outstanding men waiting in line for me. It's you who should be worried. If you dare to bring home a mistress, I won't hesitate to throw a wild party with ten or more handsome men."
"..."
By the time the plane landed in the Qinyuan District of City A, Gu Xichen was already there waiting.
Seeing her carried out in Long Yubei's arms, he asked anxiously, "Are you alright?"
"My leg's nearly broken."
"Then let's get to the hospital immediately," Gu Xichen urged.
"No need," Long Yubei interrupted. "Hospitals are crawling with nosy reporters—it won't take long before our private matters make headlines. A family doctor will suffice."
Gu Lili nodded in agreement. "He's right."
Once her wound was redressed, Gu Xichen asked, "Who was the one who abducted you?"
Gu Lili was about to respond when she noticed Long Yubei casting her a meaningful glance—a silent warning to remain quiet.
She pouted slightly. "Just some deranged maniac. I didn't even know him."
"You didn't know him, and yet he went to such lengths to get you?"
"I told you—he's mentally unstable. People like that don't need reasons."
"Did you offend him somehow?"
"My mere existence offended him."
Gu Xichen instinctively looked toward Long Yubei. "Is this because of you?"
Long Yubei replied coolly, "If there's nothing else, you should leave."
Gu Xichen scoffed, "I'm her brother, Long Yubei. It wouldn't kill you to show some respect. Now you're chasing me out?"
"Respect, my ass. Get going." He turned to Gu Lili. "And don't let him come to our home again. I have no interest in seeing him."
With that, he walked out.
Gu Xichen nearly choked in disbelief. "Look at the man you married! If this is how he treats your family, I can only imagine how he treats you."
Gu Lili replied indifferently, "You're meddling. My husband is right—if you've nothing important to say, you may leave."
"…" Gu Xichen rolled his eyes. "You two really are a perfect match. Fine, I'm going. You ungrateful little thing."
No sooner had he left than Old Madam Long and the Old Master arrived.
"Grandpa, Grandma, why are you here?"
"Yubei said you'd returned safely. Of course we came at once. Lili, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. A few days' rest and I'll be back to normal." She reclined slightly against the headboard.
"As long as you're safe. But you've suffered, my poor child. Take care of your body," Old Madam Long said gently, holding her hand. "And remember the most important matter on my heart—childbearing. You must take it seriously. The sooner, the better."
Gu Lili gave a strained smile. "But Yubei… he's not really ready yet."
"Silly girl, that's how men are. Before marriage, very few are fond of children—but once they're born, they fall in love with them. Don't listen to him. You must use a few clever tricks, understand?"
"Grandma… what kind of tricks…"
Old Madam Long leaned in and whispered into her ear. Gu Lili stared in disbelief. "Grandma… if he finds out, he might kill me!"
"With me around, what are you afraid of? You must follow my instructions precisely. Lili, within the next two months, I want news of a pregnancy. Otherwise, I won't rest in peace."
"..."