The transition happened too quickly, so fast that Su He hadn't even had time to process it before the two people inside the room emerged.
Because she had been squatting for too long, Su He's legs had gone numb, leaving her no time to dodge.
Just like that, she was caught red-handed.
"Ah~" The man in front was so startled by the shadow in the hallway that he took a step back. "Who, who are you?"
Su He's long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she was wearing a white dress. Her eyes were still red from crying, making her look quite frightening. She ignored the man, her eyes glued to Lu Yanbei.
"Honey~" she called out pitifully.
Lu Yanbei's body stiffened slightly, then he moved past the man in front and helped her up. "Why are you here?"
Su He opened her mouth, but before she could utter a sound, the man cut in.
"Lu Yanbei, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Lu Yanbei first massaged Su He's calf. Once she could stand steadily, he introduced her to his friend, "This is my wife, Su He."
"And this is Xiao Xun."
"Hello." Su He nodded at the man.
"Oh, so you're the first love Lu Yanbei has been thinking about for so many years. Nice to meet you, nice to meet you." Xiao Xun replied with a smile. He was a few centimeters shorter than Lu Yanbei but was quite burly. His face, however, was smooth and delicate, not quite matching his toned physique.
He was wearing a simple gray t-shirt and faded jeans, giving him a rather nonchalant air.
Su He found it difficult to connect him with the profession of a psychological counselor. Moreover, this so-called psychological counseling room was too dilapidated, like a slum. Would anyone seek him out for consultations here?
Lu Yanbei seemed to sense her confusion and explained in a low voice by her ear, "Xiao Xun is quite unconventional. Something happened before, so he moved here."
"This whole building belongs to his family, and it's going to be demolished soon."
This brief explanation left Su He stunned. So, another rich man! Houses in this area started at ten million. Estimating the entire building, it must be worth several hundred million.
As expected, birds of a feather flock together.
Lu Yanbei's friends were all millionaires if you just picked one at random!
"I'm in a hurry to buy a cake for my daughter, so I won't entertain you any further." Xiao Xun closed the door casually and walked downstairs in his slippers.
Lu Yanbei called out to him from behind and then took out a wad of cash from his wallet and handed it to him.
"What for?" Xiao Xun looked bewildered.
"To buy a birthday present for my niece." Lu Yanbei smiled and patted his shoulder.
Xiao Xun clicked his tongue, didn't stand on ceremony, took the money, and left. "Sister-in-law, let's get together again sometime."
Su He waved at him.
Soon, Xiao Xun's figure disappeared through the main entrance. Judging by his hurried demeanor, he must have been eager to see his precious daughter.
"How old is Dr. Xiao's child?" Su He asked curiously.
"Seven years old." Lu Yanbei put his arm around her and walked towards the car.
"He got married quite early!" Su He exclaimed.
Lu Yanbei hummed. "Graduation from university, diploma in one hand, marriage certificate in the other."
Su He's mouth gaped in surprise, and she gave him a thumbs-up in admiration.
On the way back, Lu Yanbei was silent for a long time.
He didn't know how to explain it to Su He.
He had lied to her, and he felt very guilty.
An hour ago, Su He might have been angry with him. But after knowing his reasons for keeping it from her, how could she possibly blame him? She hadn't even mentioned his illness, instead asking him what he wanted to eat for dinner.
Lu Yanbei pursed his lips. "I lied to you. Aren't you angry?"
He couldn't bear the pangs of conscience any longer and finally voiced the question.
Su He hadn't brought it up, but he couldn't pretend he didn't know.
Su He was browsing recipes on her phone. Hearing his question, she slowly looked up. "Why should I be angry! If anything, your illness was caused by me... I'm more concerned than angry!"
How could she possibly blame him!
Lu Yanbei reached out and took her hand. "I was afraid you'd worry, so..."
"I know!" Su He clasped his hand back, smiling reassuringly. "Well, if there's to be a punishment, you can kneel on the washboard when we get home!"
"We don't have one of those at home," Lu Yanbei replied dryly after a moment's pause.
Su He glared at him and pretended to be angry, pulling her hand away. "Then I'll punish you by making you sleep in the guest room for a week!"
"Isn't that punishment a bit too harsh?" Lu Yanbei protested.
"I think it's quite suitable. Besides, you've been keeping a low profile lately, so you should adapt to it quickly." Su He thought about his recent unusual behavior and decided to get a little revenge.
Lu Yanbei understood the implication in her words and couldn't help but chuckle.
So, she had been waiting for him here.
Was she blaming him for not doting on her properly these past few days? He had been enduring it too, hadn't he! Fearing that his condition would worsen and that he might hurt her if he wasn't careful, he had restrained his impulses, only holding her as he slept each night.
As a result, she had mistaken his thoughtfulness for... neglect?
*
When they returned home, Aunt Li had already prepared dinner.
Su He and Lu Yanbei were no different from usual, drinking soup, eating dinner, and occasionally exchanging a few words.
Su He was on a diet, so she put down her chopsticks after eating half a bowl. "You eat slowly, I'll go take a bath first."
With that, she slipped back into the room.
Lu Yanbei felt a weight lifted from his mind, and his appetite improved considerably. However, he ate little at night and rarely had a second bowl.
After dinner, Lu Yanbei, uncharacteristically, did not go to his study but instead went to the courtyard.
The flowers in the flowerbed were blooming beautifully. He took some shears and cut a few flowers, packaged them simply, and then went upstairs.
At this moment, Su He had just finished showering and was sitting at the dressing table applying skincare.
Lu Yanbei embraced her from behind and offered her the flowers. "Wife, I was wrong!"
Su He held the bouquet, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upwards. "Wrong about what?"
"I shouldn't have kept it from you," Lu Yanbei answered honestly.
"What else?"
"I shouldn't have lied to you about having work engagements."
"And I shouldn't have neglected you."
Su He hummed, deliberately drawing out the last syllable. "It's good that you know. Will you do it again next time?"
"Never again!" Lu Yanbei's survival instinct was strong, and he answered the deadly question with extreme decisiveness.
Su He nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, I forgive you!"
"Then, can I sleep holding my dear wife tonight?" Lu Yanbei leaned down and kissed her ear.
Su He blushed and struggled a little. "No! If I go back on my word, how will I have any face?"
"But I can't sleep without you by my side," the domineering CEO suddenly transformed into a pampered puppy, clinging to Su He and acting cute.
Su He stared at him in the mirror, utterly shocked.
Had something unclean possessed him?
Monster!
Give me back my domineering CEO husband quickly!