Back Then, I Adored You

Qin Zhi’ai turned and threw one look at Gu Yusheng. She had wanted to say “I’m fine” but, before she could, her body curled over and she began to throw up again.

As she had already digested her lunch, only a sour fluid came out of her mouth. She threw up for some time, until her entire body was weak and she started to tremble lightly.

A barely noticeable look of concern washed over Gu Yusheng’s eyes as her face became increasingly pale. In the next instant, he reached out his hand and grabbed her elbow. “Let’s go to the hospital…”

“No,” Qin Zhi’ai protested.

She had never considered letting another soul know about her pregnancy and, if they were to go to the hospital, he would certainly find out.

Her dry retching continued for a while before she managed to suppress her nauseousness. “It’s okay. I… I’m… fine…” she stuttered weakly.

As she spoke, she started to throw up again, and this time it was worse than before.

How can she be okay when she’s vomiting like this?

Gu Yusheng’s face twisted into a scowl. Ignoring her objections, he bent down and lifted her up.

Qin Zhi’ai jumped away from his arms reflexively and back tracked a few steps. Leaning against the front of his car feebly, she took a few deep breaths before she flashed him a smile and said, “We can really give the hospital a pass. I’m fine.”

Eyeing her ghostly pale face, Gu Yusheng’s brows twitched and he said nothing.

As the nauseousness subsided, Qin Zhi’ai’s voice sounded stronger. “My stomach has been just a little upset these past couple of days.”

Seeing an improvement in her condition, Gu Yusheng’s face loosened up slightly. “Did you go to the hospital? Get some medicine? Or a body scan?”

“Yes, I’ve been taking some medicine for a few days,” Qin Zhi’ai replied haltingly because she was lying.

Gu Yusheng didn’t say anything else. Walking up to his car, he opened the trunk and retrieved a bottle of mineral water. After twisting it open, he passed it to Qin Zhi’ai.

“Thank you.” Qin Zhi’ai took it and rinsed her mouth before drinking half the bottle. Feeling better, she turned and smiled at Gu Yusheng. Afraid that he would see through her lies, she pondered slightly and proceeded to weave a cover-up. “It was probably a stomachache; I’ve been eating spicy mala soup with Nuannuan at a roadside stall for the past two days.”

Convinced that she was truly alright, Gu Yusheng resumed his usual indifferent expression and leaned against his car casually like her. “Roadside stalls are not hygienic, so it’s best not to eat their food.”

“Well, sometimes we have cravings…”

“Mm,” Gu Yusheng replied distractedly, as if he was thinking about something else already.

Qin Zhi’ai could tell from his tone of voice that he was being perfunctory. Turning her head to look at him, she affirmed that his thoughts had drifted away long ago, so she stopped talking.

A long silence ensued.

Qin Zhi’ai only straightened her back when Wu Hao walked out of their apartment.

His eyes were red from crying and, as he made his way to Gu Yusheng’s car, he dug out his wallet from his pocket to take out a bank card. Handing it to Qin Zhi’ai, he said, “Xiao’ai, please give this to Nuannuan for me.”

Would he need to ask for my help if Nuannuan had been willing to accept this?

Qin Zhi’ai didn’t accept the card or even look at him. It was as if he didn’t exist. Saying goodbye to Gu Yusheng, she left.