Hongli frowned. "That's it? Su Yushan, even beggars aren't this easy to please."

"We can't continue!" Su Yushan looked troubled. "I've thought it over carefully. If I were healthy, it wouldn't hurt to try, but the doctor said my pregnancy is unstable. If I do something reckless and harm the baby, it will be too late to regret it! Consider it something I owe you, and I'll repay you after I give birth."

She spoke sincerely, seemingly genuinely worried about the child in her womb. Hongli understood her situation and didn't press her, but he was still unwilling to let her off so easily.

His hand slowly moved down, found her small hand, and squeezed her palm, his gesture carrying a hidden meaning.

"Don't you have any other way?"

"What method?" Su Yushan looked at him blankly, feeling him fidgeting with her fingers. Recalling a certain scene from the past, she suddenly understood, lowered her head in embarrassment, and dared not meet his gaze again, stammering:

"Huh? That... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"If you're unwilling, then so be it." Hongli released her and made to get up. Su Yushan sensed something was wrong and instinctively grabbed his wrist.

"Why--"

The reason she stopped him was because she knew very well that there was no longer any affection between her and Hongli; to him, she was only of some use. Given her personality, if he wanted to leave, he could leave; she wouldn't care where he went.

But at this moment, she suddenly remembered what Li Yu had told her—to plan for herself.

She knew perfectly well what Hongli's presence tonight signified. No matter what, she couldn't let him leave; after all, so many eyes were watching!

If he leaves in the middle of the night, everyone will gossip and ridicule her, the servants will neglect her, her life will not be easy, and her relationship with Hongli will become even more strained and difficult to repair.

For her and the child's sake, she had to get along with him, so tonight, she should compromise and give in to whatever he wanted.

Thinking of this, Su Yushan held his hand tightly and said coquettishly, "I didn't say I was unwilling, but women are shy, I can't just agree to anything you say, can I? I'm just waiting for you to give me a way out!"

He was indeed very unhappy just now. He had already compromised to take care of her, but she was still not happy. Since that was the case, he was unwilling to compromise any further.

Unexpectedly, she took his hand and changed the subject, speaking softly and gently. With just a coquettish look, she captivated him.

Hongli was reluctant to get up, a dark undercurrent surging in his eyes. He lay down beside him and whispered in his ear, "Playing hard to get? Where did you learn such seductive tricks?"