Chapter 1006: Losing Confidence

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

When Gu Zi came back, she carried an assortment of fresh produce, meat, and fruits from the farmer’s market. She had a plan—a grand dinner for the evening.

After unpacking her groceries, she made a quick call to cancel their usual reservation at the Golden Sun restaurant. A moment like this, she decided, deserved a personal touch—her own cooking.

By the time Su Jing returned home, she was greeted with the unusual sound of her sister-in-law humming a cheerful tune while busying herself in the kitchen.

The sight left Su Jing momentarily stunned. When she finally regained her senses, she rushed over to pull Gu Zi out of the kitchen.

“You shouldn’t be in here right now!” Su Jing exclaimed in a hushed panic. “If my brother catches you, I’ll be the one getting scolded!”

But Gu Zi was unfazed. She sidestepped Su Jing’s frantic hands, flashing her a casual smile. “Relax. I already told your brother to come home for dinner. I’m cooking tonight—no need to worry.”

...

Su Jing’s concern eased somewhat, though her eyes instinctively dropped to Gu Zi’s stomach. Could it be? Could her brother have…? No, no way.

But still, Su Jing couldn’t help herself. “Is there… something special going on? Why are you suddenly in the mood to cook?”

Gu Zi tilted her head and gave her a knowing side glance. “Don’t overthink it. I’ve been studying so much lately—I just wanted to unwind a little by cooking. Now stop gawking and start peeling some garlic for me. Mash it into a nice paste while you’re at it.”

Reluctantly, Su Jing nodded and fetched the garlic. Still, something didn’t sit right. ‘Who in their right mind finds cooking relaxing? And what’s with all the elaborate preparation?’

Su Jing couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this than Gu Zi was letting on. Her usually calm sister-in-law seemed unusually buoyant, almost radiant.@@novelbin@@

When Su Shen returned home, the dining table was already laden with an impressive spread of dishes.

Gu Zi emerged from the kitchen just as he stepped inside. She walked over to him with a paper towel in hand, dabbing away the sweat on his brow. It was the sweltering heat of June or July, and Su Shen had clearly rushed back as soon as he got her call, not even bothering to wipe his own forehead.

His gaze swept across the table, taking in the sight of the meticulously prepared dishes—each one a signature masterpiece of Gu Zi’s. Then, his eyes settled on her, mirroring the same puzzled expression Su Jing had earlier.

“What’s the occasion?” he asked.

Their family ate well on a regular basis, but Su Shen knew his wife. She only went all out with elaborate dishes like these when she was truly, deeply happy about something.

Today, there were five such dishes on the table. Just how happy was she?

Gu Zi, as candid as ever, let her guard down without realizing it. “Of course, today’s a special day,” she said with a playful lilt. “I spent all my money on premium ingredients to celebrate… Well, to celebrate my upcoming college entrance exams. Isn’t that reason enough?”

Her little cough in the middle of the sentence didn’t go unnoticed, but her explanation was plausible enough.

Su Shen nodded, though a slight frown crept across his face. He hadn’t expected her to be so excited—so thrilled—about her exams.

It was only then that he truly registered what this milestone meant. Her pursuit of academic success would inevitably take her away from him, even if just for a while. The thought sent an unfamiliar pang of unease through him. He fell quiet.

Su Jing, oblivious to her brother’s inner turmoil, jumped in with an enthusiastic smile. “Of course, that’s worth celebrating! My sister-in-law’s college entrance exams are a big deal. By the way, where are you planning to go, Gu Zi?”

As the conversation shifted to dinner, the group settled around the table. Gu Zi placed a piece of sweet-and-sour pork on Su Jing’s plate, her smile soft but confident. “My goal is the nation’s top university—Imperial Capital University.”

Su Jing’s jaw practically hit the floor. “Are you serious, sister-in-law? That’s the Imperial Capital University we’re talking about! Only one or two students from each province ever make it in. You’re aiming to be the provincial top scorer?”

Su Shen, in the middle of picking up a piece of food with his chopsticks, froze for a moment. He’d always known Gu Zi was exceptionally smart, destined for a top-tier university. But Imperial Capital University? That was an entirely different league.

From that moment on, the food lost its flavor for Su Shen. Even the chatter between his sister and his wife became background noise.

It wasn’t that he doubted her abilities—far from it. It was himself he lacked confidence in.

If Gu Zi made it into Imperial Capital University, her future would be limitless. What place would she have for him then?

What need would there be for her to remain by his side, living the mundane life of a butcher’s wife?

He loved her, but that love could never become a cage to hold her back. As much as he wanted her to shine, the thought of losing her terrified him.

After dinner, Su Shen left the house as usual. But later that night, he returned—a rare occurrence. He climbed into bed, leaned over Gu Zi, and kissed her with such intensity that it startled her awake.

In the dim light, she met his dark, bottomless gaze. She reached out, her fingertips brushing against his lashes, but before she could speak, his lips descended again, this time more forceful, more insistent. His kiss was hungry, almost desperate, as if he were trying to etch her into his very soul.

There was a sadness there, too—one Gu Zi could sense but not fully comprehend. Was her older husband sulking because he’d discovered her secret stash of savings? That had to be it, right?

But Su Shen, lost in his own thoughts, didn’t care about any hidden money. All he could think of was the daunting distance between their provincial city and the capital, a gap that suddenly felt immeasurable.

How could he not think about it? How could he not feel the ache of that growing void? So, he poured all his fears, his love, and his longing into that kiss, holding onto her as if letting go wasn’t an option.

The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!