Chapter 698 A Date with Xuebao After breakfast, Lu Xuexue magically pulled two items from her exquisite little bag—a pair of large, fashionable sunglasses and a face mask printed with a cute little rabbit pattern.

She handed it to Gu Luo like a treasure, her eyes curving into crescent moons:

"Brother Gu Luo, put it on! That way we won't be recognized!"

His tone carried a hint of excitement, as if he were carrying out a secret mission.

Gu Luo chuckled, but obediently took it and put it on.

Sunglasses covered most of his face, revealing only his well-defined jawline, while a mask covered his mouth and nose.

Lu Xuexue herself was also fully armed, only revealing a pair of watery eyes that were now full of smiles.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a secret joy in each other's "strange" attire.

They walked out of the hotel side by side, like an ordinary yet slightly mysterious couple. The midday sun in early winter was somewhat warm, but the wind still carried a chill.

Lu Xuexue naturally took Gu Luo's arm and leaned half her weight against him.

I hailed a taxi and gave them my destination—a small park not far from the hot pot restaurant I had arranged to meet with my editor.

The driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror, probably finding it a bit odd that the young people were wearing sunglasses and masks in the middle of winter, but he didn't ask any further questions.

The park is indeed small, and even a bit old, but the greenery is excellent. Because it was midday on a weekday, and in the dead of winter, there were very few people in the park.

Only a few elderly men dressed in thick sportswear were slowly practicing Tai Chi in an open space not far away.

Gu Luo held Lu Xuexue's slightly cool hand as they strolled along the clean path.

The soft sound of fallen leaves being crushed underfoot filled the air, and the cool air, carrying the scent of earth and dormant plants, was refreshing to the touch.

There was no cramped feeling of tall buildings around, nor the pervasive tension of a bustling world found in hotels.

Only bare branches point to the azure sky; the evergreen tree stubbornly remains green even in winter, with sparrows occasionally fluttering by.

A long-lost, pure ease and comfort, like the afternoon sun, slowly seeped into Gu Luo's body.

Lu Xuexue was clearly overjoyed.

Even through her mask, you could see the smile in her smiling eyes.

Her small hands were enveloped by Gu Luo's large hands, yet they swayed restlessly back and forth, her steps light and cheerful, like a little bird finally released from its cage, frolicking on a familiar meadow.

Looking at the little girl's appearance, Gu Luo felt a surge of joy, like ripples on a lake. But then, a deeper, heavier sense of guilt quietly welled up inside him.

Because no matter which girl it is, when they enjoy a pure world for two, the sparkle in their eyes and the relaxed joy emanating from their body are the most genuine and touching.

That's why he didn't ask Gu Ximan, who had just woken up, if she wanted to come out together this morning.

Today is a special day for Olaf.

As you walk along, a small viewing pond covered with a thin layer of ice appears ahead of the path.

Lu Xuexue stopped and looked at the withered lotus stems that were faintly visible under the ice.

She suddenly turned around, tilted her head slightly, and through the thin mask, her voice sounded even softer, like a feather brushing against the heart:

"Brother Gu Luo..."

She seemed to hesitate for a moment, blinked behind her sunglasses, and then continued to ask:

"After...after Sister Xiaoman gets pregnant...can I...get pregnant too?"

The question came somewhat suddenly, but Gu Luo nodded almost without hesitation, her tone firm and gentle:

"all right."

For him, as long as the first child is Gu Ximan's, and that principle is upheld, everything else is acceptable.

Lu Xuexue's lips curled up into a sweeter smile, and the edge of her mask was pushed up in a small curve.

She felt like she had received the candy she wanted most, completely satisfied, yet unable to resist wanting to explore more.

"Then... Brother Gu Luo." She shook their clasped hands, her voice tinged with curiosity and a touch of naivety.

Do you prefer boys or girls?

“A girl.” Gu Luo answered even faster this time, almost blurting it out.

"Why?" Lu Xuexue tilted her head, seemingly amused by the unequivocal answer:

"Aren't boys good? They can play ball and games with you."

Gu Luo imagined the scene and couldn't help but smile. His voice was a little muffled through the mask, but it carried a vivid warmth:

"Boy or girl, it's fine. But..."

He paused deliberately before slowly saying:

"Compared to coming home after a busy day, opening the door, and seeing a brat waving an Ultraman toy and shouting 'Monster, take this!' followed by a flying kick or a toy being thrown at me... I would probably prefer to walk in and have a soft, sweet little girl rush over and sweetly say 'Daddy, hug me,' which is much more heartwarming."

"Pfft—" Lu Xuexue was amused by the overly vivid scene and burst out laughing. Her shoulders shrugged slightly, and the two of them swayed their hands even more joyfully.

She could even picture Gu Luo's helpless yet amused expression when his son ambushed him.

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