Gao Xiaoxiao felt her blood pressure rising. She flung the tabloid onto the floor and said angrily, "Xiaobai! Where did you get this?"
Gao Xiaobai's big eyes flickered as he replied in a childish voice, "I bought it."
"Why would you buy such things?" Gao Xiaoxiao could not understand. "You're only four years old!"
Gao Xiaobai tilted his head and looked at her. "What has this got to do with my age?"
Gao Xiaoxiao found herself at a loss for words.
She knew that children nowadays hit puberty early, but… four years old was still too early!
Gao Xiaobai placed his short little fingers on the cover of the tabloid and pointed at the man in a white shirt and black pants. He smiled charmingly and said, "So my dad is such a person. Mommy, no wonder you couldn't bear to tell me."
"… Huh?" Gao Xiaoxiao did not know how to react.
"Sigh." Gao Xiaobai snuggled into her bosom and patted her arm. He consoled her kindly, "It's alright, it's alright. Since Daddy is so terrible, we don't want him anymore. Anyway, he has never seen cute Xiaobai. From now on, we'll rely on each other for survival."
Gao Xiaoxiao held the soft little body in her arms as she slowly gathered her thoughts. "So Xiaobai has been investigating Han Zhen behind my back and has even read such a terrible article…"
She looked down at the little fellow's composed and mature expression and probed, "Xiaobai, if Mommy wants to divorce Daddy, will you be sad?"
Gao Xiaobai shook his head like a rattle. Without hesitation, he said, "Not sad at all."
"… Why?"
"After the divorce, you don't have to find lame excuses for not coming home. From now on, you can be with Xiaobai at home every day," Gao Xiaobai said matter-of-factly.
Gao Xiaoxiao did not know what to say.
• • •
While they were eating, Gao Xiaoxiao's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, picked up her phone, and walked into the bedroom.
Gao Xiaobai thought as he pouted. "Could it be… another call from the bastard Daddy?"
It was indeed Han Zhen who called. When he returned home, he realized that Gao Xiaoxiao had not brought her gown home, so he specially made a trip to the office. However, when he got home, he realized that Gao Xiaoxiao was gone!
"Wife, where are you?" A low, pleasant voice asked.
"I was in a bad mood, so I came to Huanyan's place to sleep," Gao Xiaoxiao said softly, sounding like she was really feeling down.
Like a gentle and caring husband, Han Zhen coaxed, "Don't be sad. Grandma has always been in good health. She will definitely recover."
Gao Xiaoxiao nodded. "I know."
"Alright, have an early rest. Do you need me to pick you up tomorrow?"
"No need." Gao Xiaoxiao declined his offer. "I'll go back at noon. I'll be on time."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Gao Xiaoxiao took a deep breath.
She should wait for Old Madam Han to recover before deciding on the divorce. She had treated her so well that she could not bear to hurt her at such a critical time…
As for the gala tomorrow, she would wear glasses and keep a low profile. The Gu family had not seen her for a few years, so they should not be able to recognize her.
• • •
At noon the next day, Gao Xiaoxiao excused herself, saying that she wanted to discuss divorce with Han Zhen. Gao Xiaobai immediately waved his hand and let her leave.
When she walked into the villa in Xiangxi Garden, she did not see Han Zhen. Instead she saw a gift box containing clothes on the sofa and a jewelry box beside it.
Gao Xiaoxiao carried the gift box upstairs. She had just changed when there was a knock on the door.
After opening the door, she saw Han Zhen standing outside. He was dressed in a black formal suit that looked sharp. He had a white-collar shirt and a tie that matched the color of her gown. His casual manner was restrained. Today he exuded a dignified and cool aloofness. Glancing at him, the usually composed Gao Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up.
"Why aren't you wearing the necklace?" He stared at her fair neck before slowly looking up again. "Why are you still wearing glasses?"
Gao Xiaoxiao blinked and said, "I can't see without my glasses. I'll embarrass you at the gala."
"Ha." Han Zhen smiled faintly. "You're my wife. Who would dare to laugh at you?"
Gao Xiaoxiao looked at him in a daze, not knowing what he meant.
"Since you're done, let's go." Han Zhen interrupted her thoughts. Looking at his haughty back view, Gao Xiaoxiao had no choice but to follow him.
• • •
The banquet was held at the revolving restaurant on the top floor of Lidu Hotel.
After getting out of the car, Gao Xiaoxiao followed Han Zhen like a little sidekick, maintaining a one-meter distance from him.
When they arrived at the scene, they were surprised that Han Zhengming and Zhong Yuhong were both there. They were chatting with other guests.
Gao Xiaoxiao was unhappy. "Old Madam Han is recuperating in the hospital. As her son and daughter-in-law, they are actually in the mood to socialize here?" she thought. However, she kept her resentment to herself. When there was no one around them, she respectfully called out, "Dad, mom."
Han Zhengming nodded insincerely and picked up his glass to drink without replying.
Zhong Yuhong could not resist coming over and saying softly, "Xiaoxiao, you look very beautiful in this dress. Wouldn't you look great if you dress like this on usual days. Also, why don't you take your glasses off…"
She reached out to remove her glasses.
Gao Xiaoxiao quickly reached out to stop her. "I… I have high myopia…"
Zhong Yuhong had to give up.
There was a commotion in front. Gao Xiaoxiao glanced over and saw that the Gu family was here.
Han Zhengming glanced at his son and said, "Ah Zhen, come with us to meet a few elders."
Gao Xiaoxiao quickly added, "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well. I'm going to the washroom."
Han Zhengming did not have any reaction, but Zhong Yuhong's expression was a little uncomfortable. She did not dare to defy her husband and son, but her daughter-in-law was here today. It would not be good if they did not introduce her at the same time.
Gao Xiaoxiao couldn't care less and turned to leave. However, a big hand grabbed her arm and an affectionate voice said, "Since my wife is not feeling well, I'll accompany her. Dad, mom, wait a moment."
• • •
Gao Xiaoxiao dawdled in the washroom for a long time. If possible, she wanted to jump out of the window and escape.
But looking out the window from the 30th floor… "Forget it. I still have Xiaobai to take care of. I will deal with whatever comes my way. The Gu family should be even more unwilling to see me than I am to meet them. What is there to be afraid of?!" she rationalized.
Gao Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked out.
When she got outside, she saw a handsome couple standing beside Han Zhen, who had been waiting at the door. Her gaze landed on a familiar and handsome side profile.
As if he realized that someone was looking at him, Gu Xiangbei turned around too.