Chapter 34: Insider Information

“I understand, I’ve got it all figured out, Mom. Please don’t say so much.” Si Qinyu replied absentmindedly, not really wanting to listen to his mother’s nagging—it was so annoying.

Seeing her son’s perfunctory response, Fang Lehong naturally grew displeased. Suddenly, she thought of a question and asked, “Qinyu, you two have been married for quite some time now. Why hasn’t Lu Qiqi gotten pregnant yet? Is there something wrong with her health?”

She had never been fully satisfied with Lu Qiqi. If it weren’t for the money and her son’s insistence, she certainly wouldn’t have agreed to their marriage. If she found out Lu Qiqi was physically incapable of having children, she would definitely insist they get a divorce.

“Mom, stop guessing wildly. We haven’t even shared a room yet, how could she be pregnant?” Si Qinyu groaned, annoyed by his mother’s continuous interference in such private matters.

Fang Lehong’s expression changed at this. Her son and daughter-in-law hadn’t even consummated their marriage? Who would believe that?

Although she disliked Lu Qiqi, she had to admit that Lu Qiqi’s appearance was impeccable. For her son to endure being with such a beauty without acting on it—could there be something physically wrong with him?

Worried, she looked at Si Qinyu, already recalling the traditional Chinese medicine doctors she knew who specialized in such issues.

Feeling a chill down his spine under his mother’s strange gaze, Si Qinyu hurriedly pushed Fang Lehong back into the room as he walked, saying, “Mom, please stop overthinking. We’re both healthy. I have my own plans and arrangements.”

After swearing and assuring her repeatedly, he finally calmed his mother down for the moment and brought a bowl of hot brown sugar ginger tea into the room.

When Lu Qiqi woke, she saw Si Qinyu sitting by the bedside, holding a steaming bowl of brown sugar ginger tea, smiling at her with tenderness and deep affection.

Noticing she was awake, Si Qinyu helped her sit up, placed a pillow behind her back, adjusted the blanket, then scooped a spoonful of the tea and gently brought it to her lips. His eyes were filled with care and love as he softly said, “Here, it’s the perfect temperature. Drink a little; it’ll make you feel better.”

Lu Qiqi instinctively parted her lips slightly and sipped the warm tea, the spicy sweetness trickling down her throat, bringing a comforting warmth.

Looking into the patient and focused gaze of the man before her, every movement brimming with boundless love, Lu Qiqi’s eyes began to redden. She recalled how, once upon a time, Si Qinyu had cared for her so attentively during her menstrual period.

Back then, she had been deeply moved by his actions; now, he still did it so naturally, without any hint of pretense. So, when exactly had this man gone rotten? Was their love from the very start nothing but a lie?

Lu Qiqi didn’t know. It seemed no matter what the answer, facing the inevitable outcome now was like a sharp dagger piercing her heart.

“Honey, are you feeling better?” Si Qinyu set the bowl down and brushed some stray hair from Lu Qiqi’s face, his voice full of guilt. “It’s all my fault. I was so busy with work that I forgot about your period. You got caught in the rain. It must have been terrible.”

Lu Qiqi turned her face away, unwilling to witness his feigned tenderness. Si Qinyu, however, mistook her silence for sulking.

“All right, I know you’re still mad at me. Tonight, I’ll sleep in the study. Honey, smile for me, will you?” His voice carried a hint of grievance, like a pitiful, innocent puppy begging for its master's favor.

Lu Qiqi knew she couldn’t push things too far, and since she was still on her period, Si Qinyu couldn’t do much anyway. So she deliberately grabbed his hand to stop him. “There’s a bed here. Why would you sleep in the study?”

“You’re not mad anymore! That’s wonderful! I knew you loved me the most!” Si Qinyu joyfully hugged Lu Qiqi, secretly relieved. It seemed she still had some affection and softness for him.

However, when it came time to sleep, Lu Qiqi used her discomfort as an excuse to curl up on her side, far away from Si Qinyu, not wanting to touch him at all. Si Qinyu, aware she hadn’t fully forgiven him, behaved obediently and caused no trouble throughout the night.

The next morning, when Lu Qiqi woke, she found she was alone in the bed. She breathed a sigh of relief, unable to imagine how much longer she would have to endure if Si Qinyu were still there.

She closed her eyes, intending to get some more rest. The night before, sharing the bed with Si Qinyu, she hadn’t slept well. But just as she closed her eyes, the phone rang sharply, jolting her awake.

It was Chu Linchen’s personal ringtone!

Without hesitation, Lu Qiqi answered immediately. On the other end, Chu Linchen’s cold voice came through, tinged with impatience, “Have you considered the project?”

“President Chu, you’re really anxious, but your sincerity doesn’t seem enough. My conditions are already laid out here, and you’re unwilling to compromise. It’s difficult for me.” As she spoke on the phone, Lu Qiqi changed clothes, planning to head to the company for another shareholders’ meeting.

“How about this—you give me half a day to think it over? I caught a cold in the rain last night and feel dizzy. I’m not ready to make an important decision lightly.” Lu Qiqi circled around and played the pity card, refusing to yield.

By the time Lu Qiqi arrived at the company, before the meeting could start, a familiar figure entered her office. She immediately stood to greet him.

“Uncle Zhao, what are you doing here?”

The visitor was Zhao Juncheng. Without any formalities, he came straight to the point. “Qiqi, I heard you’re pushing a project with Chu Linchen?”

“I’m still considering it. President Chu’s demands are quite high, and I have some reservations.” Facing Zhao Juncheng, Lu Qiqi was candid. “Uncle Zhao, what do you think?”

“Sign it directly. Don’t miss this good opportunity. You should trust Chu Linchen’s ability.” Zhao Juncheng not only urged Lu Qiqi to sign but also hinted something deeper. Lu Qiqi immediately understood.

These business tycoons had far-reaching influence and connections. They must be privy to many unknown insider details. Otherwise, how could they all be focused on the Moon Bay Harbor project at the same time? There had to be something going on behind the scenes.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Lu Qiqi was not ungrateful. Uncle Zhao’s special visit was a clear warning, laying everything out for her. After he left, she immediately called Chu Linchen.

“President Chu, I’ve made up my mind. I agree to cooperate.”

“A wise decision.” Chu Linchen’s voice on the phone was proud and confident, yet Lu Qiqi detected a faint trace of subtle pleasure.

“Honey, help me investigate any recent policies or developments regarding the harbor. I have a feeling something’s wrong.” Lu Qiqi messaged Bai Yu and transferred one million as research funds.