As he stepped into the living room, he saw Sister Zhang busy cleaning.
"Mr. Gu, you're awake." Sister Zhang looked up and immediately stopped her work.
Gu Shaoting didn't say anything, he just nodded slightly, indicating that he was awake, and then he walked towards the dining table.
Sister Zhang followed him and, as instructed by Shu Pan, first brought a cup of warm honey water and placed it in front of him. Then she went to the kitchen, brought out the congee that Shu Pan had cooked in a clay pot, and served it in a porcelain bowl.
Gu Shaoting had just woken up and had consumed alcohol the previous night, so he felt dry and parched. He drank more than half of the honey water in one breath before placing the cup down. Then he picked up the congee and slowly brought it to his mouth, stirring it a couple of times with the spoon before savoring it.
The congee, cooked for a long time, was fragrant, smooth, and delicious.
As soon as it touched his tongue, Gu Shaoting's brow furrowed slightly, and he continued to take spoonfuls, savoring the warm and tasty congee that soothed his stomach. It was so delicious.
In no time, the bowl of congee was empty.
Sister Zhang, who was watching, tactfully asked, "Mr. Gu, would you like another bowl?"
The congee obviously suited his taste, and he nodded slightly, indicating that he wanted another bowl.
After finishing the congee, Gu Shaoting's stomach felt much better, and he was in a better mood. While eating the second bowl, he couldn't help but ask Sister Zhang, "The congee is cooked perfectly."
Sister Zhang was taken aback for a moment but then remembered what Shu Pan had told her, not to reveal that she had cooked the congee. The words that Shu Pan had said before leaving echoed in her mind. It seemed that the couple had been having some conflicts, as it is common for married couples to argue and become reconciled.
But she couldn't help but say, "Mr. Gu, Madam prepared this congee for you early this morning before she went out."
She thought that if Mr. Gu knew about Madam's efforts, he would be deeply moved.
Gu Shaoting paused for a moment upon hearing this and casually responded, "Oh." He continued to spoon the congee into his mouth, this time savoring each spoonful slowly. Perhaps because he was accustomed to indulging in extravagant delicacies, occasionally enjoying a simple congee was not bad at all.
Seeing him enjoying the congee, Sister Zhang felt a sense of satisfaction. She believed that she had done the right thing, as Mr. Gu still cared for Madam. Madam's intentions were not in vain.
After finishing the congee, Gu Shaoting's empty stomach was filled, and he felt much more comfortable.
After breakfast, Gu Shaoting returned to the bedroom to pack his luggage. He had to go on a business trip for a few days, a task that Shu Pan usually took care of, but now he had to handle it himself.
As he looked at the bed, a scene suddenly flashed through his mind. Last night, when he was drunkenly half-conscious, it seemed that someone had brought him water.
He couldn't recall whether his hand was too weak to lift the cup or if he hadn't raised it at all. But that person had carefully supported his upper body and fed him water. She had even massaged his head, her gentle touch bringing great comfort.
Besides Shu Pan, who could it be?
"Have you heard from Madam about where she went?" Gu Shaoting asked as he saw Sister Zhang passing by the bedroom door, suddenly throwing out the question.
Sister Zhang shook her head, indicating that she wasn't sure.
"It's alright," Gu Shaoting continued with his task.
When he was done, he picked up his phone from the bedside table and left.