Chapter 181: Awan, I’ve come to see you.

After sleeping until evening, Gu Jianing felt completely refreshed, both body and mind.

As expected, sleep truly is the source of life.

By her side, Sheng Zexi was already gone—she had no idea when he’d gotten up.

“You’re awake.” As if he’d heard her stirring, Sheng Zexi appeared at the doorway.

As Gu Jianing tried to sit up, Sheng Zexi hurried over to help her.

Ever since Gu Jianing’s pregnancy had advanced, getting in and out of bed had become more difficult.

But as long as Sheng Zexi was around, he would always be there to help her up.

By now, he’d gotten very good at it.

His movements were always gentle.

Gu Jianing felt a warmth in her heart. Sometimes, love for someone is shown in these small, everyday details.

As her pregnancy progressed, she had to use the bathroom more frequently.

She used to be able to sleep through the night, but not anymore—now she had to get up several times.

Every time she so much as stirred, Sheng Zexi would wake up and accompany her to the bathroom.

Because the bathroom was outside in the courtyard, she had to walk a little way.

Sheng Zexi worried it wouldn’t be safe for her to go alone at night.

So he always went with her. Sometimes she’d get up two or three times a night, and he’d go with her each time.

Gu Jianing felt bad, knowing he had to get up early for training the next day, so at first she refused.

But Sheng Zexi insisted.

“I’m used to going days and nights without sleep when I’m on missions,” he said.

“Getting up with you to use the bathroom won’t affect me.”

“If I don’t go with you, I’ll just worry.”

“And besides, you’re the one who’s really working hard, being pregnant.”

What was Gu Jianing thinking when she heard those words?

She thought, maybe this is why a woman would want to have a child. At the root of it, it’s probably because the father loves the mother.

And what is love? Love is cherishing, caring, always feeling you owe the other person, always wanting to do better, to treat her even better.

Gu Jianing thought, most women need love—whether it’s romantic love, family love, or friendship. All these kinds of love are like nourishment for a flower, helping her grow into her best self.

That’s the best explanation for the saying: “Loving someone is like tending a flower.”

After helping Gu Jianing up, Sheng Zexi brought her clothes and helped her get dressed, then led her out of the room.

At this time, Grandpa Sang had already returned.

When Gu Jianing sweetly called him “Grandpa,” the old man nodded happily, repeatedly reminding Sheng Zexi to take good care of her.

The Sang family had a housekeeper, assigned because of Grandpa Sang’s status and age.

By now, the housekeeper had already prepared dinner.

“Ning, try some. Aunt Zhao is a great cook, and she’s cared for pregnant women before. She made some dishes just for you,” Grandma Sang said warmly.

“Thank you.”

At the table, Grandpa and Grandma Sang kept putting food on Gu Jianing’s plate, afraid she wouldn’t eat enough.

Gu Jianing returned the favor, serving food to the elderly couple, making them both beam with joy.

Only Sheng Zexi looked on, half amused, half helpless: Why does it feel like Ningning is the real beloved grandchild here, and I’m just the one they picked up off the street?

But seeing Ningning get along so well with his grandparents, seeing how much they doted on her, Sheng Zexi felt even happier than if they were doting on him.

After dinner, when Sheng Zexi joked about it to Gu Jianing—

She shot him a playful glare. “Don’t pretend you don’t know.”

Sheng Zexi: “Know what?”

“Know why Grandpa and Grandma treat me so well.”

“Then tell me, why is that?”

“Obviously, it’s because they love you, so they love me too.”

Sheng Zexi was taken aback, then smiled. Yes, that’s exactly it.

The next day was Sang Yuwan’s memorial day.

Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing, along with his grandparents and offerings, to Sang Yuwan’s grave.

Gu Jianing looked at the photo on the tombstone. It was a small black-and-white picture, but you could still see Sang Yuwan’s delicate features.

There was no doubt—her mother-in-law had been a beauty in her youth.

Sadly, beauty often meets with misfortune.

Because the elderly couple visited often, the grave was well-tended and clean.

Sheng Zexi took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the tombstone.

“Mom, it’s me, Xiaoxi. I’ve come to see you.”

“I’m married now—you have a daughter-in-law.”

“Her name is Gu Jianing. She’s as beautiful as you, and she’s kind and brave.”

“We’re going to have children soon. In a few months, we’ll have twins.”

“Mom, you’d be happy for me, wouldn’t you?”

“If you’re watching over us from above, please bless me and Ningning, and Grandpa and Grandma, keep us all safe and healthy.”

Sheng Zexi murmured, saying so much.

His expression was calm, but Gu Jianing, who knew him well, could see the longing and fleeting sadness in his eyes.

Grandpa and Grandma Sang, listening to their grandson, couldn’t help but get teary-eyed.

When Sheng Zexi finished, Gu Jianing stepped forward to pay her respects.

She spoke softly, “Hello, Mother-in-law. I’m Gu Jianing, Zexi’s wife…”

Gu Jianing rambled on, talking about their lives and recent events, as if chatting with family.

Finally, she said, “…Please rest assured, we’ll be just fine.”

“Good, good.” Grandpa and Grandma Sang wiped their eyes, nodding over and over.

After about an hour at the cemetery, the four of them prepared to leave.

Just then, they heard footsteps.

Gu Jianing turned and saw a middle-aged man in military uniform, with sharp, dignified features and an imposing presence, walking over with a bouquet of white bellflowers.

Looking closely, she noticed his features bore some resemblance to Sheng Zexi’s.

A suspicion rose in Gu Jianing’s heart.

She glanced at Sheng Zexi, and sure enough, when he saw the man, Sheng Zexi’s face darkened, his eyes full of disdain, his whole demeanor bristling with hostility.

The newcomer was Sheng Xinhao.

He walked up, nodded to Grandpa and Grandma Sang, and placed the bouquet in front of the tombstone.

Looking at the photo, a trace of longing and sorrow flickered in Sheng Xinhao’s eyes.

“Awan, I’ve come to see you.”

As soon as Sheng Xinhao finished speaking, a soft, mocking laugh sounded behind him.

“Colonel Sheng, I’m surprised you still remember my mother, with how busy you are. I thought, now that you have a lovely wife and a child on the way, you’d have forgotten her completely.”

Sheng Xinhao turned to see Sheng Zexi, his eyes sharp and rebellious.

Sheng Xinhao had to admit, this eldest son resembled his younger self the most—and was the most outstanding.

But also, the most disobedient.

Every time they met, it ended in an argument.

Just listen to what he says!

Sheng Xinhao’s face darkened. “Sheng Zexi, no matter what, I am your father! Must you speak to your father this way?”"