The Step-mom's Daily Life of Raising Kids in a Wealthy Family

Ye Zhenzhen was born beautiful, from a happy family, and had excellent grades, only to die of cancer just after graduating from college.

She closed her eyes and opened them again, finding her...

58? Fun

58 Fun

When Gu Tingshen stepped onto the terrace, he saw Ye Zhenzhen, dressed in a black dress, standing on the edge of the railing.

The night breeze carried the scent of roses, gently caressing her skirt. Her mask was removed, revealing a delicate face that seemed to glow in the moonlight.

The usual intoxicating smile was gone from those peach blossom eyes, replaced by a profound loneliness and emptiness.

For a moment, his breath hitched, and his heart stopped beating.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he strode over, opening his arms as if to pull the person into his embrace.

"Do we know each other? Excuse me, sir."

Ye Zhenzhen used her folding fan to press against the man's chest, preventing him from taking any further action.

"Your behavior is extremely offensive to a married woman you are meeting for the first time."

Gu Tingshen had to keep his distance, and his arms, which had been embracing him, stopped at his sides.

He curled his lips into a smile, removed the hat from his head with one hand, and bowed deeply. "Master, please forgive my involuntary actions."

Straightening up, Gu Tingshen removed the mask covering half his face, bending slightly to let her see him clearly. "It is I, your loyal servant. I am so happy to be reunited with you that I have lost my manners and sense of propriety."

Ye Zhenzhen raised one eyebrow, her expression instantly becoming incredibly vivid. "Where did you steal this dress? Did you sneak in using a mask?"

“How could you think that way?” Gu Tingshen chuckled and shook his head, taking the folding fan from her hand and looking at her sincerely. “I am a law-abiding citizen. It’s just that I had to hide my background from you due to the circumstances before.”

"I would like to hear the details."

Go ahead and make it up, I'm watching you make it up!

“Before I confess to you,” Gu Tingshen bowed, making a gesture inviting me to dance, “would you please dance with me and give me the courage to speak out?”

Ye Zhenzhen nodded happily, extending her gloved hand, which was grasped in the man's large, tanned hand with distinct knuckles and pulled into his embrace.

Elegant string music drifted from the banquet hall. Ye Zhenzhen gently placed her other hand on his shoulder, but the man did not place his hand on her shoulder blade as instructed by the etiquette teacher. Instead, he possessively wrapped his arm around her waist.

The scent of cedar mingled with floral and fruity notes, and a man's deep voice sounded in her ear.

“I was originally a prince of a country, but due to persecution by my uncle, I was forced to flee to the country of Y and live in hiding. Thanks to your kindness, you saved me from my suffering and provided me with food and clothing. I will always remember your kindness.”

"So it's Your Highness. I've made you my personal servant for so long. How rude of me!" Ye Zhenzhen said with a fake smile, trying to provoke her.

"Ever since he discovered my feelings, your brother has been very dissatisfied with me. He wants to use this dinner to introduce you to a few young gentlemen. The thought that you might accept invitations from others and dance with them at the dinner is almost like my heart is being corroded by the venom of jealousy."

“Therefore, I can no longer hide my identity and feelings.” The man’s dark eyes revealed an undisguised surge of love. “I have long since fallen in love with you without even realizing it.”

"You..." Ye Zhenzhen was struck by that gaze, her eyes trembled, and she paused in her steps.

The next moment, strong arms easily controlled her dance steps, leading her away from the carved pillars behind her.

Ye Zhenzhen was pulled into the man's arms. The music in the distance stopped at that moment. She looked up at him from a very close distance. The man's expression was firm, and his lowered eyes were filled with an undeniable affection, which dispelled all her attempts to escape.

"This confession may be too abrupt for you, but please don't rush to refuse or run away. Please look at me, test me, and let me prove myself to you."

After the man finished speaking, he took her hand, placed it to his lips, and kissed her through her glove.

The kiss was incredibly polite and restrained; they didn't have any skin contact through the gloves.

But the man's movements were slow but firm, showing no submissiveness whatsoever, which was quite impolite and offensive. His deep black eyes were fixed on Ye, his gaze like a net, enveloping her and leaving her no way to escape.

Ye Zhenzhen trembled slightly under his gaze, and it took her a long time to find her voice, "You are a prince, how could you stay by my side as an ordinary male servant?"

In a flash, she realized she had caught a loophole in his words. "Besides, you have a bright future ahead of you and may marry a princess in the future. Don't waste your feelings on a married man like me."

"In my eyes, he is really not a qualified husband to let you travel alone with the child in a foreign country."

Gu Tingshen spoke provocatively in a natural tone.

Ye Zhenzhen stared in disbelief. This person was truly ruthless; he even cursed himself when he got angry!

"It is not gentlemanly to speak ill of a lady's husband. Please have some self-respect."

"You didn't refute my words, does that mean you also have some resentment towards him deep down?"

"Whatever our feelings are, it's none of your business as an outsider." Ye couldn't help but glare at him, racking her brains for words that would fit her status. "Our family would never tolerate anything dishonorable!"

Stop this nonsensical conversation! Why do you have to drag me into cursing you?!

This role-playing is so convincing! Do you even remember who my husband is?!

"Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. As long as you give your approval, everyone will only offer their blessings to us." The man's smile became even more confident.

“You’re in dire straits yourself right now and have no choice but to go into exile,” Ye shook his head and chuckled, pressing his fan against the man’s chest and pushing him back. “Don’t talk big too soon. Focus on resolving the chaos at home.”

Gu Tingshen retreated with her force, widening the distance between them. He gazed quietly at the girl in the moonlight, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Of course, if you need to leave, please let me know in advance, so I can find a new servant.” After saying this, Ye raised his chin and turned to leave.

Gu Tingshen reached out to stop her, took the mask and carefully put it on her, saying, "Nothing is more important than being with you."

---

"Zhenzhen, the banquet is almost over. Why don't you find someone to dance with?" Wang Liqing asked worriedly when she saw Ye return to the banquet hall.

"I've completed the mission, don't worry, sister." Ye Chong smiled gratefully at her.

Wang Liqing felt relieved upon hearing this and was about to speak when she saw a man dressed in a black tailcoat walk in from outside the hall. The mask on his face had mysterious and beautiful gold patterns.

Her tall figure, gorgeous clothes, and imposing aura attracted attention from both the public and the private in the hall.

All the onlookers saw was him walk up to the beautiful lady dressed as a vampire, bow and invite her to dance.

Just when everyone thought he was doomed to be rejected, several men who had previously failed laughed contemptuously. But the next second, a hand wearing a silk glove was placed in his palm, and the two slowly glided into the dance floor.

The men who had been refused the dance invitation earlier instantly turned pale, picked up their glasses, and angrily drank them down.

"Didn't you just dance outside? Haven't you danced enough?" Ye Zhenzhen asked softly, taking advantage of the music to cover her voice.

"Yes, I can never get enough of dancing with you," the man replied with a smile.

Ye Zhenzhen's eyes widened instantly beneath the mask, unable to believe that these words came from the mouth of a man who was always serious.

You've been spouting a lot of witty remarks lately, it's ruining your image, Mr. Gu!!

---

"President Gu has already patched up his identity, so why is he still dressed as a male servant?" Zhang Siqing asked Lan Nuo curiously as she looked at Gu Tingshen, who was serving Ye Zhenzhen, while eating breakfast.

Last night, after the banquet ended, on the way back, everyone learned that President Gu had given himself the identity of a prince in exile. They thought that the new identity would be put into use today, but it turned out to be the same as before.

How can someone become addicted to being a male servant?

"Don't you understand? Zhenzhen handles all her affairs herself. I think President Gu is enjoying it!" Lan Nuo whispered to her, looking bewildered, and smiled broadly.

Zhang Siqing straightened up, looked at the male servant surnamed Gu who could provide precise service without Ye Zhenzhen having to say a word, and then looked at Liu Wei next to her who was eating with his head down. She shook her head in disgust. It's true that you have to compare people!

---

This trip to Country Y lasted for nearly a week. After leaving Kande Castle, they also visited a famous ski resort and a hot spring town.

After filming enough footage, the production team returned to China.

Ye Zhenzhen and her two companions once again did not follow the main group, but instead went to Country F.

Gu Tingshen went to the branch office to inspect the work, so Ye Zhenzhen simply took Gu Sinan out for two days. Fortunately, both of them spoke English well and had no problem handling daily life.

Gu Tingshen had arranged for two bodyguards to accompany them. He was initially worried that she would be bored, but to his surprise, the two of them had a great time. Today they went to Disneyland, tomorrow to the Louvre, and the day after to the Champs-Élysées...

In addition to his bodyguards regularly reporting his schedule, Gu Tingshen also received photos from Ye Zhenzhen on his phone from time to time. In the photos, Gu Sinan was either running in the sun with an ice cream cone in hand, or dressed up as a little wizard holding a magic wand and making a peace sign. Without exception, her face was beaming with a bright smile.

In the group photo, two delicate faces, one large and one small, are close together, their rosy cheeks beaming with smiles, and they look strangely alike.

Looking at the photos on his phone, Gu Tingshen felt that much of the fatigue from the morning had dissipated.

---

Ye Zhenzhen stretched and walked out of the bedroom, only to see Gu Tingshen, dressed in pajamas, just coming out of Gu Sinan's room.

They were too tired from playing yesterday, so when they got back to their hotel suite, they slept until late morning. Usually, Gu Tingshen would have already gone to work by this time.

"Don't you need to go to the company today?" Ye Zhenzhen asked casually, sitting on the sofa. "Nannan is still asleep?"

“Still not awake,” Gu Tingshen said with a smile as he sat down next to her, his arm naturally draped over Ye Zhenzhen’s waist. “I’m not going. The photos you sent have distracted me from work.”

Her ears were tickled by his breath, and Ye Zhenzhen shrank her neck, turning around in his arms with a smile in her eyes. She blinked her peach blossom eyes and laughed out loud, "Oh, we go out to play every day, while you, the president, can only go to work. Are you feeling resentful?"

"Mm." The man readily admitted, hugging the person in his arms and sighing softly, "I'm not going to the company today, I'm going out with you guys."

Ye Zhenzhen leaned lazily against the man's warm chest, "Okay, work is never-ending. Follow me, your tour guide today, and I guarantee you'll have a great time!"

"So, Miss Tour Guide, what would you like for breakfast?"

Ye Zhenzhen's eyebrows drooped, and she patted her flat belly. Thinking about the various breads, fried eggs, cheese, and ham she had eaten for breakfast these past few days, she felt a great craving for plain porridge and steamed buns. The variety was plentiful, and the taste was quite good, but after eating so much, she missed the white porridge and steamed buns terribly.

"What? Tired of milk and bread?" Gu Tingshen chuckled and pinched her nose.

"Ugh! I don't want to eat dry bread and sweet macarons anymore!" Ye Zhenzhen dodged his large hand and curled up in the man's arms, complaining.

"I knew you wouldn't like it." Gu Tingshen easily picked him up and placed him on a chair by the dining table. He then turned and went into the kitchen. A moment later, he brought out a small casserole dish filled with thick seafood porridge. The pink shrimp and green scallions looked incredibly appetizing.

"It smells so good!" Ye Zhenzhen sniffed, watching longingly as the man ladled a bowl for her. She picked up the spoon, blew on it a few times, put it in her mouth, and squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

They were staying in a suite at the hotel, which should have been fully furnished. However, Ye Zhenzhen had never been to the kitchen during the few days she had stayed there. When she saw the man magically put plates of garlic greens, tomato and egg, and salt and pepper shrimp on the table, she was stunned and speechless.

"Old Gu, how did you know I wanted to eat these? You're amazing!!" Overwhelmed with excitement, Ye Zhenzhen grabbed the man's arm and shook it vigorously.

She picked up her chopsticks, took a bite of shrimp, and put it in her mouth. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a savory and delicious flavor.

Ye Zhenzhen showered the chef with compliments, "You're practically a prophet! Your culinary skills far surpass those of a Michelin three-star chef!!"

Gu Tingshen stood steadily, letting her act coquettishly. He watched her puffed-out cheeks as she ate, looking like a happy little hamster, which was very cute.

Thanks to his upbringing abroad, he is quite good at cooking, but he doesn't actually have high demands for food and rarely cooks unless absolutely necessary.

For the first time in nearly thirty years, Gu Tingshen was moved and wanted to offer her the best of everything in the world.

However, after observing for a long time, he regretfully discovered that Ye Zhenzhen's material desires were not actually high. When she came to the fashion capital, she had no interest in shopping.

Glamorous clothes and exquisite makeup seem to be just armor when facing the camera. In real life, she actually prefers comfortable old clothes and a clean and refreshing bare face.

When I go shopping on my trips, it's usually to pick out souvenirs for friends and family.

She has no attachment to money and invests most of her income in charitable foundations.

Compared to many girls in the industry, she is practically without desires.

But sometimes she's so easily satisfied; a delicious meal, a strangely shaped stone, or a wildflower by the roadside can make her happy for a long time.

Just like now, watching her eat with such satisfaction, he suddenly realized the joy of cooking and feeding her.

He couldn't help but laugh and tease her: "Don't you have any other way to show your appreciation to the chef?"

"Hmm? Is there any dessert you'd like to eat? I'll make it for you later!" Ye Zhenzhen stopped what she was doing, thought for a moment, and patted her chest to assure him!

She's not good at cooking, but baking cookies and cakes is a piece of cake for her!

Just as she was thinking about which dessert to use to express her gratitude, Gu Tingshen bent down, leaned close to her, and pointed to his cheek, "Here's a treat to show your gratitude!"

Ye Zhenzhen was stunned for a moment, then met the man's eyes and her face immediately turned red.

She peeked at the still-closed door to the second bedroom, turned back, her eyelashes fluttered, and she simply closed her eyes and kissed him.

Her pink lips drew closer and closer. Gu Tingshen tilted his head slightly, and the next second, he felt his lips press against two soft petals.

It's sweet.