"Brother… it looks like you've really lost your heart to your wife," Lu Xiu teased, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
Lu Zhenyu said nothing. He neither admitted nor denied it, his silence only making her more certain.
"I always thought you had a cleanliness obsession," she continued, leaning closer as her curiosity took over. "Didn't you used to avoid women like the plague? So how exactly did she get pregnant? Don't tell me you used artificial insemination?"
The question came out in one breath.
"She got pregnant naturally," Lu Zhenyu replied calmly. "I slept with her."
Lu Xiu nearly choked on her own saliva at his bluntness.
"You—!" She coughed lightly, staring at him in disbelief before quickly regaining her composure. "Then… does that mean you're cured?"
"No." He rubbed his temples, his brows knitting slightly. "I'm still the same. It just… doesn't apply to her."
He paused, as if even he found it strange.
"I can touch her—and I'm fine."
Lu Xiu stared at him for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Then it seems she was tailor-made just for you."
Lu Zhenyu didn't respond, but his silence this time carried a different weight.
"Alright, I'll get going," Lu Xiu said, straightening up. "Mom and Dad should be back soon."
"Hm." His reply was indifferent as ever.
Lu Xiu didn't mind. She simply smiled and turned to leave.
In the old couple's room, Lu Xiu stepped inside.
"Xiu, quickly—what did Ah Zhen say?" Old Master Lu asked immediately.
Old Madam Lu leaned forward anxiously.
"Was the pregnancy through artificial insemination?"
"No, Grandma," Lu Xiu replied with a small smile. "It's completely natural."
She paused, then added mischievously, "In fact, Ah Zhen's exact words were—'She got pregnant naturally. I slept with her.'"
She even mimicked his tone perfectly.
Old Madam Lu froze for a second before her face lit up with overwhelming relief.
"The heavens are truly gracious!" she exclaimed. "If it had been a test-tube baby, I would have felt a little regret. But now—now my heart is completely at ease."
Old Master Lu nodded in agreement, visibly relieved.
"Then tell me," Old Madam Lu pressed on eagerly, "is Ah Zhen alright now? I saw him holding her hand earlier—quickly, tell me!"
Lu Xiu's expression turned slightly serious.
"He hasn't been cured. He's still the same… but it doesn't affect her."
The room fell silent.
"He can touch her… even be intimate with her—and he's perfectly fine."
Both elders were stunned.
After a long pause, Old Madam Lu let out a soft sigh, her emotions complicated.
"Then we truly have to thank the heavens for bringing her into his life."
Her gaze softened, and deep in her heart, Gu Anran's position rose instantly—far more valuable than before.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Lu Zhenyu and Gu Anran got ready to head back home to their Villa the next day, the old couple personally walked them to their car.
"Ah Zhen make out time to take care of my granddaughter and great grandchild, I know the company is important," she continued, her gaze turning firm. "But now, you have a wife… and a child on the way. You must not neglect them."
Her voice softened again, tinged with lingering worry.
"You've made me worry far too much."
Lu Zhenyu listened quietly, not interrupting.
Old Madam Lu looked at Gu Anran, her expression easing.
"My child, the first trimester is always the most delicate. You must take extra care of yourself," she said gently. "Eat well, rest well… and don't let your body suffer."
She paused, then added with quiet longing,
"I want a healthy grandchild."
Hearing that, Gu Anran felt a warmth spread through her chest. She nodded obediently.
"I understand, Grandma. I'll take good care of myself."
Old Madam Lu seemed satisfied. She nodded, her worry finally easing a little.
"As long as I'm here, no one in this family will dare to bully you," she said firmly.
Gu Anran lowered her eyes slightly. "Thank you, Grandma."
A faint smile appeared on Old Madam Lu's face.
"Good. Focus on your health for now. Leave everything else aside."
"You're worrying too much, Grandma," Lu Zhenyu said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I won't bully your granddaughter—unless it's the kind that gives you another great-grandchild to accompany this one."
Gu Anran's face flushed instantly.
She pinched him hard at the waist.
Lu Zhenyu didn't even flinch, but the slight curve of his lips deepened.
Old Master Lu cleared his throat awkwardly, while Old Madam Lu coughed lightly, clearly caught off guard.
Then, a moment later—
"That kind of bullying is allowed," Old Madam Lu said with a hearty laugh.
Lu Zhenyu shot Gu Anran a sideways glance, his eyes practically saying, You heard her.
Gu Anran's face burned even hotter.
Too embarrassed to stay another second, she grabbed his hand and dragged him straight toward the car.
"Bye, Grandma! Bye, Grandfather!" she called out quickly, her voice a little louder than necessary.
Before anyone could tease her further, she shoved Lu Zhenyu into the car and followed right after.
The car engine started, and within seconds, they drove off—leaving behind the sound of Old Madam Lu's amused laughter.
The moment the car door slammed shut, silence fell.
Gu Anran turned her face away, still flushed, refusing to look at him.
Lu Zhenyu fastened his seatbelt leisurely, as if nothing had happened. But the faint smile lingering on his lips betrayed his mood.
"Why are you blushing so much?" he asked calmly.
Gu Anran shot him a glare. "You still have the nerve to ask? What nonsense were you saying in front of Grandpa and Grandma?"
Lu Zhenyu tilted his head slightly, pretending to think. "Nonsense?"
"Yes, nonsense!" she snapped, her cheeks still burning. "What do you mean by that kind of bullying—"
Before she could finish, Lu Zhenyu suddenly leaned closer.
Her voice caught in her throat.
The distance between them shrank instantly.
"You pinched me just now," he said softly, his voice dropping an octave. "Shouldn't I get something in return?"
Gu Anran's heartbeat skipped.
"W-What return?"
His gaze fell to her lips for a brief second before returning to her eyes.
"This."
Before she could react, he reached out and gently pulled her closer by the wrist.
His movements were slow, deliberate—
giving her every chance to pull away.
But she didn't.
Their breaths intertwined.
Then, he pressed a light kiss to her lips.
It was brief—soft, almost testing.
Yet it sent a wave of warmth rushing through her entire body.
When he pulled back, Gu Anran was completely stunned, her mind blank.
Lu Zhenyu watched her quietly, a faint smile returning to his lips.
"See?" he said calmly. "Fair exchange."
Gu Anran finally snapped out of it, her face turning even redder than before.
"You—!"
But no words came out.
She could only turn away again, clutching the edge of her clothes, her heart pounding uncontrollably.
Lu Zhenyu didn't tease her further this time.
He simply started the car, his expression composed—though the softness in his eyes lingered.
Outside, the city lights flickered past.
Inside, the air was warm… and just a little too quiet.