"Old man, did you hear that? My granddaughter-in-law is pregnant! I'm going to be a great-grandmother!" Old Madam Lu exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement as she turned to her husband.
Even Old Master Lu couldn't hide his joy. His usually stern expression softened, his eyes lighting up with delight.
"This grandson of mine… he really gave me a surprise," Old Madam Lu continued, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "With his situation, I only hoped he would get married so I could be at peace. But now… now he's given me something even greater."
Her eyes reddened as she spoke.
"Quick! Tell the maids to take the food upstairs," she suddenly ordered, turning to Lu Xiu. "My granddaughter-in-law must be hungry after vomiting. Hurry! We can't let my great-grandchild go hungry!"
"Yes, Grandma! I'm on it," Lu Xiu replied cheerfully. "I won't let my little niece or nephew starve."
Old Madam Lu's lips curled into a smug smile. "Hmph, I can't wait to tell those old ladies. Let's see if they still dare to show off in front of me."
Upstairs, Gu Anran lay quietly on the bed, her complexion still pale.
"Tell me," Lu Zhenyu said softly as he gently arranged her hair, "were you bullied while I stepped out to take that call?"
"Not really," Gu Anran replied, her voice calm but laced with meaning. "But your cousin… she doesn't seem to like me very much."
Lu Zhenyu's expression didn't change. "She's not important," he said flatly. "You don't need to worry about her. And if she dares to do anything, don't hold back. Retaliate."
His gaze softened as he looked at her.
"Your husband will take responsibility for anything that happens."
A warm feeling spread through Gu Anran's chest at his words, yet a trace of pity flickered in her heart for Shi Ran—who probably had no idea that the cousin she cared so much about viewed her as insignificant.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Lu Zhenyu called.
The maids entered quietly, carrying trays of food which they carefully arranged on the table. Moments later, Old Madam Lu and Old Master Lu followed.
Gu Anran instinctively tried to sit up.
"No, no—lie down!" Old Madam Lu hurried over, stopping her. "You must be weak. Don't strain yourself."
"Grandma, Grandpa… thank you for your concern," Gu Anran said gently.
Old Madam Lu nodded, then asked eagerly, "How far along is the pregnancy?"
"Three months and three weeks," Lu Zhenyu answered.
Old Master Lu frowned slightly. "It's already been that long, and we didn't know?"
Meanwhile, Old Madam Lu visibly relaxed.
The most dangerous first trimester had already passed—this was truly a blessing.
"You stinky brat," she scolded Lu Zhenyu, though her tone was full of affection. "You actually hid such good news from your precious grandmother!"
She patted his shoulder, her eyes full of pride. "But Ah Zhen… Grandma is very proud of you."
Gu Anran couldn't help but smile as she watched the genuine joy on Old Madam Lu's face.
"Your grandfather and I can finally show off our great-grandchild to those old folks," Old Madam Lu added smugly.
"I'm certain our great-grandchild will surpass all of theirs," Old Master Lu declared with a hearty laugh.
"I should go clean up the Lu family book," he added suddenly. "It hasn't been used in years—it must be covered in dust."
With that, he turned and left.
"I also have things to take care of," Old Madam Lu said, already heading for the door. "Ah Zhen, make sure my granddaughter-in-law eats properly this time."
"Be careful, Grandma," Lu Zhenyu called after her, a hint of concern in his voice.
"What's the Lu family book?" Gu Anran asked curiously once they were alone.
"It's a record passed down through generations," Lu Zhenyu explained. "Every new member of the Lu family has their name entered there."
Gu Anran blinked, finding it oddly amusing.
"Don't tell me… your name was picked from that book?"
"Yes," he replied calmly. "Mine—and my siblings' too."
Gu Anran let out a soft laugh.
Just then, the door opened and Lu Xiu walked in.
"What's making my little sister-in-law laugh?" she asked, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"I was telling her about the Lu family book," Lu Zhenyu replied calmly. "She finds it amusing."
Lu Xiu shrugged lightly. "Well, there's nothing we can do about that tradition."
Her gaze shifted to Gu Anran's abdomen, curiosity and excitement flickering in her eyes. "How far along are you now?"
"It's been over three months," Lu Zhenyu answered.
"Wow, it's already been that long?" Lu Xiu exclaimed, genuinely surprised.
She turned to Gu Anran, her expression softening with sincerity. "Sister-in-law, you've really worked hard. Honestly, Ah Zhen was the last person we thought would get married—let alone have a child."
"Eat before the food gets cold," Lu Zhenyu interrupted abruptly, cutting her off before she could continue.
He scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it to Gu Anran's lips.
Gu Anran hesitated, glancing at Lu Xiu before looking back at him. Her eyes subtly signaled for him to stop, but Lu Zhenyu acted as if he hadn't noticed.
Lu Xiu chuckled softly, clearly understanding the situation. "Don't worry, I'm not some old-fashioned sister-in-law who won't let her brother spoil his wife. Go on, eat before it gets cold."
Only then did Gu Anran open her mouth and take a small bite.
Lu Xiu watched quietly as Lu Zhenyu fed her, one spoonful after another, his movements careful and patient.
"Thankfully, you didn't throw up this time," Lu Xiu said with visible relief.
"My nausea is still strong," Gu Anran replied softly, "but I can manage… as long as Lu Zhenyu feeds me."
Lu Xiu blinked, slightly stunned, before a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I'll speak to Grandma," she said after a moment. "We'll send over some supplements to help with your appetite."
"Thank you, Sister," Gu Anran said, genuinely touched.
"There's no need to thank me," Lu Xiu replied warmly. "We're family."
Gu Anran hesitated for a second before speaking again, her tone turning slightly awkward. "Sister… excuse me, I need to use the bathroom."
She had already sensed that Lu Xiu might have something to say to Lu Zhenyu.
"Of course," Lu Xiu said, pointing toward the direction. "It's over there."
"Do you want me to go with you?" Lu Zhenyu asked gently.
"No, I can manage," Gu Anran replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.
She quickly got up and walked off, her steps a little hurried.
Lu Zhenyu watched her retreating figure, a faint smile forming on his lips as her shy expression lingered in his mind.