One month before the university entrance exams.
Xu Ji’s lawsuit had completely come to an end, and the teacher from Capital University’s recruitment team had constantly kept in touch with her and offered a place for her in the university. She had given them an affirmative answer when her case ended. But, before that, she had met up with Gu Mang and shared her thoughts with the latter.
"Senior, I’ll take the university entrance exams." Xu Ji wanted to get good results on the university entrance exams so as not to disappoint her mother. The latter had worried so much about her exams getting affected by the whatnots when she was still alive. Although Capital University had contacted her several times to offer her the chance to begin her lab studies, she still wanted to take the university entrance exams.
"Okay." Gu Mang nodded. She was wearing a loose snow-white shirt and lazily slumped into the sofa with her leg put across her knee. Her arms rested on the table, and in one of her beautiful and fair hands was on a cup of iced milk tea. Her slightly callused fingers glided across the cup surface.
Lu Jilai and Lu Jixing were obediently sitting next to Gu Mang with their backs ramrod straight. In front of them was a pile of prawn shells, while the fleshy meat was on Gu Mang’s plate. They were de-shelling the crab now.
The two little boys looked prim and proper, so quiet and pretty like porcelain dolls. The fact that they were sensible enough to peel prawns for their mother despite their young age had gotten many people’s attention in the restaurant, and they kept looking over. Some even secretly took photos of the twins as if they would try to steal them away. However, it would never occur to them what shocking things these seemingly cute and adorable twins usually got up to.
Gu Mang had taken her sons to pay Elder Tan a visit earlier, and when they were on their way back, she received a call from Xu Ji. That was why she had brought them along.
She picked up her phone and sent Yu Mufeng’s contact number to Xu Ji. "Contact him once your exams are over. He’ll make arrangements for your lab studies."
Xu Ji saved Xu Ji’s number and added him on WeChat before putting her phone down to look at Gu Mang. "Senior, is Senior Mang back in the capital already?"
She had wanted to invite both of them to a meal, but only Gu Mang showed up.
Gu Mang hummed an assent.
Just then, the restaurant’s entrance bell rang as the glass door was pushed open. A man in a black outfit with distinct features and outstanding looks entered the restaurant wrapped in the warm light of the setting sun.
"Daddy," Lu Jilai and Lu Jixing greeted in unison.
Lu Chengzhou sat down next to Gu Mang, his eyes narrowing a little at the sight of the iced milk tea next to her hand.
"Order your own food," Gu Mang told him.
When the waiter brought the menu over, Lu Chengzhou ordered a few items at random.
Xu Ji greeted him, "Mr. Lu."
Lu Chengzhou nodded in greeting. When he realized that she was here alone, he asked, "Where’s your boyfriend?"
Xu Ji remained quiet for a second before whispering somewhat awkwardly, "He’s not my boyfriend." We’ve already broken up.
Gu Mang raised her eyebrows. "Why are you looking for him?"
Lu Chengzhou picked up Gu Mang’s cup of iced milk tea and took a sip of it before answering in a slightly deep voice, "He’s good at physics."
In his first year of high school, Xie Hang had won the championship of the International Physics Competition. He had come in first place for theory, practical, and overall score. To be honest, there wasn’t a need for him to remain in high school. It was entirely for the sake of accompanying Xu Ji that he had stayed in Ming City High School.
Hearing that, Gu Mang immediately understood that Lu Chengzhou had the intention of recruiting Xie Hang.
Recruitment actually wasn’t part of Lu Chengzhou’s job scope. He had only asked about Xie Hang because Gu Mang was taking care of Xu Ji at Meng Jinyang’s request.
Xu Ji said, "I can give you his number."
After giving it a thought, she forwarded the number to Gu Mang since she didn’t have Lu Chengzhou’s contact number. "Mr. Lu, I’ve sent Xie Hang’s number to Senior."
"Okay." Lu Chengzhou drank another few mouthfuls of Gu Mang’s iced milk tea and emptied the cup in the process. He then called the waiter and ordered a cup of milk tea at room temperature for Gu Mang.
He’s ordering me room-temperature milk tea when it’s summer now? Gu Mang narrowed her eyes as she propped her face on her hand.
Lu Chengzhou ignored the look she sent his way.
...
After leaving the restaurant, Xu Ji took a taxi back to Ming City High School. Lu Jilai and Lu Jixing opened the back door of their car, obediently got in, and then fastened their seat belts. Lu Chengzhou, on the other hand, rested his arm on the front passenger door and asked when he saw Gu Mang not getting into the car, "What other food do you want to eat?"
They were currently at a food street, which Gu Mang loved coming in the past. Xu Ji wanted to treat Gu Mang and Meng Jinyang to a meal at Starlight Plaza since Meng Jinyang, who had represented her pro bono, was back in the capital, but Gu Mang ended up choosing to eat at a cheap restaurant in a food street with a relatively better environment.
"You finished my milk tea," Gu Mang said to him with an expressionless face. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂
That tone... Lu Chengzhou smiled, his voice filled with amusement. "Didn’t I order you another cup?"
"That’s at room temperature."
"Girls shouldn’t always be drinking cold stuff." He stroked her cheek.
Gu Mang crossed her arms in front of her chest and nodded. "You’re right."
Lu Chengzhou was rather surprised that she had actually agreed with him and was about to say something when he saw her suddenly flashing him a wicked grin. "But I don’t care."
She then turned around and walked toward the milk tea shop down the street.
Lu Chengzhou reached out and pulled her back by her shoulders, making her back bump into his chest in the process. He lowered his head slightly and whispered into her ear, "You’re not allowed to go. Didn’t we agree to prepare for pregnancy? You have to take care of your body. Be good." I took care of her for so many years, but her hands are still so cold all the time. Yet, she still dares to drink cold drinks behind my back.
However, what he said rubbed Gu Mang the wrong way. She looked toward the car and ordered, "Lu Suiyi, go buy milk tea."
"Yes, Mommy." The twins immediately hopped off the car and ran to the milk tea shop, leaving their speechless father behind.
...
On the way back to Seal Palace, Lu Chengzhou looked at the girl lazily sitting on the passenger seat and drinking her iced milk tea. She seemed to have deliberately turned the drink’s label in his direction. It read, More sugar, more ice.
Lu Chengzhou was speechless. She’s mad at me?
Lu Suiyi and Lu Suibian had each bought themselves the cheapest drink on the menu, which was iced fresh orange juice.
When they arrived at Seal Palace, Lu Chengzhou took out the key card for the next apartment from Gu Mang’s pocket and tossed it to Lu Suiyi before pulling Gu Mang over to his own apartment.
Bam!
The door slammed shut right in the twins’ faces. As Lu Jixing stared at the tightly shut door, he said, "They won’t... fight, will they...?"
"It’s only a cup of iced milk tea. Surely not...?" replied Lu Jilai uncertainly.
Lu Jixing took a sip of his orange juice. "War of the century."
After giving it some thought, Lu Jilai said, "I better go check which renovation company has cheap and good services. It’s better to be prepared." If Daddy and Mommy fight, that apartment... will probably be destroyed...
...
Lu Chengzhou pulled Gu Mang in, snatched the almost empty cup of milk tea from her, and threw it far away. The cup landed precisely into the trash bin with a thud.
Sensing the change in atmosphere, Gu Mang instinctively moved to remove her white shirt and speedily hooked it around Lu Chengzhou’s neck the moment he turned around. She then put his arms behind his back twisted the white shirt around them several times before tying a dead knot. Next, she pushed his chest, making him go back until his back bumped on the door.
She had struck so quickly that the man was left in a daze. When he looked up, he saw her still standing in the same spot and in a black camisole.
She was tall and lean and had smooth and beautiful shoulder and necklines. Her collarbones were slightly protruding, and her shoulders were fair and glowing. The body-hugging camisole revealed her marvelous waistline and a hint of her thin waist.
Lu Chengzhou’s eyes suddenly darkened as he stared unblinkingly at her with unrestrained desire. He tried twisting his wrists, but he failed to do so. Tsk, she tied me up pretty tightly, huh? But then again, does she really think that this thing can hold me down?
Gu Mang crossed her thin and fair arms in front of her chest and said with an expressionless face, "Quit alcohol and iced milk tea?"
Lu Chengzhou didn’t move as he continued to stare at her. Creases had formed on his black shirt due to him being tied up. As compared to his usual noble and indifferent appearance, he looked somewhat wretched now. It was like he had been held as a hostage.
Gu Mang, on the other hand, looked even more badass than a bandit. The corners of her lips slowly lifted as she said, "You want a daughter? Unfortunately, I’m not going to give birth anymore." I’m not even pregnant yet, but he’s already starting to control my diet? He wasn’t even this busybody when I was expecting the twins.
As Lu Chengzhou looked at her delicate and beautiful face, he raised his eyebrows a little. "Are you jealous?"
"Of course not," Gu Mang retorted with a squint of her eyes. Do I need to be jealous of my own child?
"Is that so?" Lu Chengzhou took two steps toward her. "But why do I smell a strong stench of jealousy?"
Even though she wasn’t pleased when I usually stopped her from drinking cold drinks, she would still listen to me. But this time, just because I said we’re preparing for pregnancy, she deliberately requested more ice in her drink and even showed her order slip to me. If that isn’t jealousy, what is?
After figuring out what was going on, the amusement in Lu Chengzhou’s eyes became more apparent. "Did you think that I care more about our daughter just because I wanted one and didn’t allow you to drink cold drinks?"
"Idiot." Gu Mang glanced at the shirt she tied him up with before looking at him and saying in a dangerous manner, "If you tear my clothes, you’ll have to bear the consequences."
She then moved to head to the bedroom. However, just as she turned around and took a step, she heard a ripping sound. She frowned, and when she felt someone coming close to her, she supported herself on the back of the sofa with one hand and flipped over to the other side.
Lu Chengzhou’s hands ended up grasping at air. He clenched his fingers as he moved his jaw.
When Gu Mang saw the torn white cloth in his hand, she narrowed her eyes.
Lu Chengzhou placed the torn shirt on the sofa and slowly approached her. "I can buy you another shirt. It doesn’t matter how many, but..."
As the gap between them narrowed and the man’s powerful and dangerous aura got closer, Gu Mang instinctively retracted. While she might be able to win against him in a sneak attack, it was impossible in a one-on-one fight.
"...There’s something that I have to make clear to you." Lu Chengzhou’s eyes twinkled with amusement when he saw her backing away from him.
There was no expression on Gu Mang’s face, nor any emotions in her voice when she said, "We can talk. Just stay away from me. I’m not deaf."
Lu Chengzhou paid no heed to her words and continued to approach her, step by step. "It’s more convenient if I’m closer."
Yeah, right. Gu Mang had retreated all the way to the floor-to-ceiling window. When she realized that she couldn’t go back any further, she stopped and instinctively moved toward the side.
"Where are you running to?" Lu Chengzhou grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
Gu Mang’s vision blurred for a second, and by the time she stabilized herself, she was pressed against the window with her hands pinned next to her head. A scorching heat pressed against her body, and it was like she had been trapped inside an impermeable net. Her heart started beating uncontrollably.
The man slipped a long leg between hers and pressed himself against her to stop her from making any moves.
As Gu Mang looked up, Lu Chengzhou bent his back slightly to meet her at eye level. His breath got closer to her as well. They stood so close to each other that she could clearly see his deep and dark eyes as well as every strand of his eyelashes.
"It’s fine if you don’t want to give birth to a daughter." Lu Chengzhou’s refreshing yet hot breath caressed her face. "Don’t you know who I care about?"
Gu Mang didn’t say anything and just averted her gaze.
Lu Chengzhou bit down on her lips slightly forcefully; the subtle pain of it made Gu Mang raise her eyebrows and look at him coldly. He rested his forehead against hers and interlocked their fingers tightly. "Your hands have been cold the whole time. Just because I didn’t let you drink the iced tea, you did the exact opposite of what I wanted?"
Gu Mang laughed when she saw Lu Chengzhou try to play the blame game. "Oh, really?"
Lu Chengzhou raised his eyebrows. "My bad, I did the exact opposite of what you wanted."
For some reason, something seemed wrong with that sentence.
Gu Mang fell silent for a moment. She struggled and tried to break free from his grasp, but his grip on her tightened instead. "Let go. I’m going next door to sleep."
"Do you think I’ll let you go sleep with other men?" Lu Chengzhou stroked the tip of her nose. "I’ve never seen you so jealous before. Never mind about the milk tea incident; are you trying to use your sons to make me angry now?"
Gu Mang met his gaze squarely, then suddenly lifted her head and bit him on the lip.
Lu Chengzhou hissed in pain as the blood’s metallic scent spread in his mouth.
Gu Mang took the chance to break free from him, push him away, and head to the bedroom. However, just as she took a step, a scorching palm clasped her nape and forced her to turn around. She instinctively fought back, but Lu Chengzhou put his other hand on the back of her head and pinned her to the window once more.
He then lowered his head and sealed her lips with his. His kiss was somewhat rough as he sucked on her tongue and nibbled every inch of her lips. His fresh and hot breath, mixed with the scent of blood, permeated her mouth as he kissed her deeply and took her breaths. Despite the rough movements, he was extremely patient as well. He put her hands that were pressing against his chest around his neck instead and arched his back even more to deepen the kiss.
Gu Mang, who was having some difficulty breathing, unconsciously grabbed his shirt from behind.
Lu Chengzhou’s kiss was desperate, urgent, and lingering. His searing body was pressed so tightly against her that there was no gap between them. In fact, his entire weight was pressing on her. His dry and scorching hands started to get naughty as they massaged and kneaded her flesh.
When Gu Mang stared into his black eyes and saw the unconcealed lust in them. Her eyelashes trembled, and her fingers curled; he looked like he wanted to devour her.
Lu Chengzhou kept licking and sucking along Gu Mang’s lip lines for a good while before he finally released her. He moved his hands from the back of her neck to her cheeks and lightly rubbed his thumbs against her glistening lips that were stained with his blood. He said hoarsely, "Glib tongue."
Gu Mang’s chest rose and fell slightly as she stared at his torn lips.
"I can’t believe that you’re jealous of your own daughter," Lu Chengzhou whispered into her ear.
His voice trickled into her ear, making her heart tremble slightly. Although she had some difficulty gathering her thoughts, she instinctively rebutted, "I’m not." He’s the one who meddles so much. He’s even controlling the drinks I drink now.
Lu Chengzhou pretended not to hear that. "I have to prove who’s the person I care about."
...
Outside the floor-to-ceiling window was Ming City’s night scene. As Gu Mang looked down at the heavy traffic from afar, she panted heavily. The colorful neon lights were reflected on her face that was densely dotted with sweat.
Behind her stood Lu Chengzhou, who pressed their interlocked fingers on the cool glass window. He kissed her ear and murmured, "Do you know what was on my mind when you first came into this apartment and stood right here?"
Gu Mang bit her lower lip and tried to suppress her voice. "You..."
"My wish came true," answered Lu Chengzhou.
Gu Mang’s body was aching deep down, and the ache seemed to penetrate her bones.
"I wanted to take care of a little Gu Mang." Lu Chengzhou’s baritone voice was alluring and filled with desire. "I want to see how you looked when you were young."
Gu Mang didn’t say anything in response.
"But you have quite the possessive streak, and you want me for yourself alone." Lu Chengzhou’s movements became more aggressive, and his voice was low and magnetic as he said, "Well, it’s not impossible."
Gu Mang remained silent.
"Now, do you know who I care about most?" Lu Chengzhou grabbed her waist.
Gu Mang suddenly knitted her eyebrows tightly together. Trapped between the cool glass window and Lu Chengzhou’s burning body, she experienced both fire and ice at the same time.
Lu Chengzhou gasped in her ear, "I’m yours."
...
The next day, Lu Jilai and Lu Jixing brought Lu Yī and Lu Qi downstairs to buy breakfast before going up to look for their parents.
It was Lu Chengzhou who opened the door.
"Daddy." Lu Jilai and Lu Jixing followed him in. Their round eyes scanned the apartment. They were relieved to find that the apartment wasn’t destroyed.
"If she gives birth to another twin sons, that means I’ll have four nephews," Gu Si joined in the conversation with a complicated look on his face while putting up four fingers. The thought of it... is rather scary... Male genes run stronger than female genes in our family. Things like genes are metaphysical anyway. Not to mention that we have the genes for male twins.
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