Chapter 1214: I Forgive You

Chapter 1214: I Forgive You

By this point, Su Jing had said enough that someone simply had to chime in—and of course, Su Li was the first to bounce over to her side. It wasn’t that he hadn’t noticed his aunt earlier; he’d just been so overwhelmed with joy at seeing his mother that everything else had momentarily faded into the background.

“Auntie, what did you bring us? What delicious snacks and fun toys?” he asked with that irrepressible sparkle in his eyes.

Su Jing, with the flair of a favorite aunt returning from a long voyage, began unveiling her treasures. “Of course I brought goodies from all over—specially picked just for you. Here, try this rice candy—it’s fragrant, sweet, and absolutely divine.”

She proceeded to hand out treats and little gifts. Gu Zi took a few polite bites, and they were indeed quite good—but her current aversion to sweets meant she only nibbled on two pieces before tossing the rest to Su Shen to finish.

He hadn’t said much since she arrived. Whether it was surprise or a quiet irritation over her sudden return, she couldn’t quite tell.

Being in Guangcheng without Su Shen had made her keenly aware of all the small inconveniences of daily life. Like when she had leftovers—there was no one to finish them for her. When he was around, everything just felt easier. More comfortable. Perhaps that was what marriage was all about—not the grand gestures, but the small, shared moments.

If he was sulking, she wasn’t worried. Worst case? She’d coax him into forgiveness when no one was looking.

Letting Su Jing continue entertaining the kids, Gu Zi slipped into the kitchen, tugging Su Shen behind her like she was about to present a state secret. “Look at what I brought back,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “Wild mushrooms and dried bamboo shoots—Mum helped me get them. Please, make sure to put them away properly.”

She hadn’t brought much else—not even clothes—but these two culinary treasures were non-negotiable. They were gourmet gold in her eyes: earthy, umami-rich, and nearly impossible to find up north. Worth more than diamonds, really.

Su Shen, who knew exactly how sacred these items were to her, silently grabbed two empty ceramic jars and began carefully storing the mushrooms and shoots. Then he looked at her, gently urging, “You shouldn’t be in the kitchen—go rest. I’ll handle lunch.”

As he spoke, he placed a protective arm around her waist and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. One kiss turned into another—this time on the tip of her nose, and then her lips. She flushed a rosy red and quickly slipped out, telling herself it was time to wash off the travel dust and change into something fresh.

By the time she emerged from the room, she looked like her elegant self again—fragrant, glowing, effortlessly put-together. She hadn’t even reached the dining room yet when the rich, savory aroma of mushroom soup hit her senses like a warm hug.

She knew that scent. It was her favorite—tender pork and mushrooms, slow-simmered into a velvet broth.

Peeking back into the kitchen, she found Su Shen taste-testing the soup. He looked up the moment she entered, immediately setting the ladle aside.

“Go wait in the dining room,” he said warmly. “It’s almost ready.”

But Gu Zi lingered. With no one else around, she blinked up at him and teased, “Su Shen, do you not love me anymore? You’ve been so… off today.”

Su Shen didn’t deflect. Instead, he took a slow breath and replied with patience, “Silly girl. You’re the love of my life—how could I not love you? But didn’t we agree I’d come fetch you myself? Why did you come back alone?”

He had booked the tickets, cleared his schedule, and planned everything—only for her to turn up on her own. It had made things simpler, yes, but it also gave him endless things to worry about. Even with her standing right in front of him, safe and sound, the what-ifs still gnawed at him.

Pregnancy had made Gu Zi more sensitive, more prone to emotional swings. She only heard the blame in his words and dropped her gaze. “You say you’re not mad, but you are. I just didn’t want you to run around. I thought it would be a nice surprise. But now it feels like I got it all wrong—you’re clearly not happy.”

Tears welled up in her eyes, and the next thing she knew, they were spilling down her cheeks. Su Shen’s heart clenched at the sight. What was he thinking, saying things that made her cry?

He softened instantly. “Okay, okay—my fault entirely. I was wrong to say what I did. I was just worried. The train isn’t exactly the safest when you’re by yourself, especially now. Please don’t stay mad at me, alright?”

His large hand gently wiped her tears, his eyes brimming with tenderness as if he were looking at a priceless gem. Gu Zi, touched and amused all at once, found her tears drying before she even had the chance to enjoy a good cry. She felt so spoiled, so utterly doted on, that she almost laughed.

“I forgive you,” she murmured.

Su Shen guided her into the dining room, settling her at the table before disappearing back into the kitchen. By then, Su Jing had changed into something more comfortable and came out to lend a hand. In no time, the table was filled with an abundant, fragrant feast.

And right on cue, as though summoned by the smell, Chen Xi arrived. He stepped through the door, eyes lighting up when he saw Gu Zi.

“Gu Zi!” he called out joyfully. “You’re finally back!”

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