Zhang Hongmei got into the car, swaying gently, and before they even reached the village, she was already sleepy again.

"Brother Zhang, I'm sleepy, I want to go to sleep."

"Okay. Lie down and rest your head on my lap; it will be much more comfortable that way."

Zhang Hongmei didn't stand on ceremony and fell asleep instantly after lying down.

Driving at night reduces visibility, but there are fewer people around, so driving is relatively safe.

Er Lengzi had already given advance notice, letting them go first while he went to see the people on the bus back to the city.

Zhang Hongmei doesn't care about this at all right now. All she does is sleep and eat. She doesn't care about anything else.

She didn't wake up until after 3 a.m. Xiao Li was still driving; the car was going quite fast, but the ride wasn't too bumpy.

She sat up, startling Zhang Shouyi.

"Brother Zhang, lie down on my lap and sleep for a while. It's definitely more comfortable than sleeping sitting up."

"No need, your legs will go numb in a bit."

"It's okay, you can take a nap. Xiao Li, if you're sleepy, I'll take over for you for a bit. I'm wide awake now."

"Madam, no need. Su Chen will drive when it gets light."

"Honey, have a glass of water. Are you hungry?"

"I'm actually a little hungry. I have some biscuits in my bag. You can give me two."

"How about cookies? Auntie steamed some sugar buns for you; they're easy to digest."

"Okay, sugar buns it is."

After Zhang Hongmei finished eating, she felt full and much more energetic.

Zhang Shouyi, fearing she would be lonely, kept her company and chatted with her.

"Daughter-in-law, I'll send someone to pick them up when the old lady and the others arrive."

"Grandma said it wasn't necessary, and that her family would take the train back. Actually, if they could get sleeper tickets, I think it would be more comfortable than taking the bus."

“That’s true. I’ll go back and order a car that I can sleep in, so you won’t have to suffer when we travel in the future.”

“Brother Zhang, this is a good idea. Really, just like with houses, if it's inconvenient for you to come in person, I can do it.”

"Let me do it; the configuration will be much better."

In the morning, everyone came down to rest. "Grandpa, how are you feeling?"

"No problem, what's the big deal?"

Zhang Xingguo also had a big smile on his face. Only Jinsong looked a little listless.

"Jinsong, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, Auntie, I'm fine."

The bodyguards came over and asked, "Boss, should we cook here or go to a restaurant in the city?"

Zhang Hongmei glanced at Lu Jing and asked, "Did you bring us a lot of food?"

"Yes, we have meat pies, flatbread, steamed buns, and dumplings."

"Let's start a fire and cook on the spot. Since everyone is okay with it, we need to speed things up now."

The two elderly people certainly had no objections. Not only are they in better health now and can ride in cars without any problems, but even if they were really uncomfortable, they wouldn't say a word and would just endure it themselves.

Er Lengzi set up the pot and soon started steaming the rice he had brought. Lu Jing and Han Mei were in charge of cooking porridge.

Su Chen took Zhang Hongmei's pulse and confirmed that there was nothing wrong, which put Zhang Shouyi at ease.

Zhang Hongmei sat down next to Jinsong. "Why do you look so listless? You can talk to your aunt about something."

“I saw my dad, and he saw me too, but he turned his face away.”

"Heh, you're sad because of this?"

Jingsong, your aunt is telling you, since many things have already happened, don't try to undo them. Your aunt is asking you: If your father acknowledged you and wanted you to stay, what would you do?

The child shook his head. "I don't know. I don't want things to be the same as before. I don't want to stay."

Is it because your family is struggling financially?

"Yes. As long as I have enough to eat, that's fine. But what about going to school?"

"What if your dad lets you go to school?"

Liu Jinsong lowered his head. "How could that be? He has never cared about me. And he always beats my mother and me."

"Since you know what kind of person he is, why do you still have expectations?"

"I have no idea."

"Jinsong, let me tell you, I have no objection to what you want to do in the future. That is to say, if you want to go back to Liujiatun, or live with your father or your mother, I will respect your opinion."

“I don’t want to go back. If they wanted me, they wouldn’t abandon me.”

Zhang Hongmei is now at a loss as to how to comfort the child. He still longs for family affection and is afraid of being hurt by them.

Breakfast was ready soon, and everyone gathered around. Zhang Hongmei drank a bowl of porridge and ate a steamed bun with red bean filling, but didn't eat anything else.

After getting ready, we set off again, this time at a significantly faster pace.

"Honey, if you feel unwell, just let me know, and we can slowly head back."

"Let's keep it this way. If we go home, we can stay here comfortably."

"Hongmei, shall we move back to the compound?"

"Why? Because it's too restrictive there."

"Because I can't be with you for long periods of time, I'm worried about you when you're out."

"Brother Zhang, I really don't want to go."

"Okay, if you don't want to go, you don't have to go. But there will be a few more bodyguards at home from now on. Given your health, it's not really realistic for you to go out, but just in case. You really can't refuse this. And this time, it won't be female bodyguards."

Zhang Hongmei felt quite uneasy. Had she been too willful? Had she put Zhang Shouyi in a difficult position?

But I really find it hard to accept that kind of life without freedom. I don't want to be a caged bird.

Deep down, I understand. Once the baby is born, we'll really have to move into the compound to ensure the baby's safety.

"Brother Zhang, let me think about it and then. In the end, we still have to move in. Right now, I just want to breathe some fresh air for a few more days."

"It's okay, you can decide whichever you want."

Fearing that Zhang Hongmei might be overthinking things, Zhang Shouyi immediately changed the subject.

"Honey, what do you think about me introducing Liu Jingze to someone?"

"Of course it's good. Now that he's married and has children, Grandma can rest assured."

"I'll go back and see if there's anyone who's capable and good-looking."

"They're all your men, don't you know that?"

"Who has time to go see them? Honey, are you jealous?"

"Not yet, mainly because I trust you. I know you won't betray me."

"Heh, you trust me that much?"

"Yes, unless I get old and a beautiful girl comes along, then I won't feel threatened."

"Haha. Honey, are you that confident?"

"It's alright!"

Zhang Shouyi adored Zhang Hongmei's current haughty little face. He scooped her up and pulled her onto his lap. He whispered in her ear, "Wife, actually, the baby came too early!"

Zhang Hongmei looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"I won't be able to touch you for a long time."

Zhang Hongmei blushed and spat at him, "You're so improper!"

The two chatted and laughed, looking especially sweet.

Liu Jingze now knows that Zhang Hongmei is pregnant.