56: Could it be that Lu Chen already has a child?

The afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains, scattering fragmented light throughout the room, creating dappled shadows as if a thin veil had been cast over the entire space.

Gao Xuewei sat on the soft couch by the window, idly flipping through a book, but her eyes were vacant and lost in thought, completely absorbed in her worries, not taking in a single word.

Beside her, Xiao Xi was gradually emerging from the shadow of the tall man.

She was now engrossed in arranging her newly acquired dolls on the carpet, her small mouth mumbling as she concocted storylines for her “little companions.”

Occasionally, she would let out a clear laugh, like the tinkling of silver bells, becoming the only cheerful note in the otherwise solemn atmosphere.

Gao Xuewei looked at the carefree Xiao Xi, whose face was alight with a happy smile, and her eyes were filled with tenderness.

This was what Xiao Xi should be doing at her age.

Not being confined to a dog kennel, with her food, clothing, housing, and transportation all restricted, living a life worse than a beggar on the street.

However, this stable and comfortable life had come too easily, making Gao Xuewei feel an extreme sense of unreality.

Just a few hours ago, they were still enduring humiliation in the Gao Family.

Unexpectedly, a few hours later, they had not only escaped the detestable Gao Family but also moved into a beautiful house she wouldn't even dare to dream of.

The years were peaceful, the breeze gentle.

Everything was so beautiful.

Gao Xuewei's delicate hand slowly brushed over the paper in front of her, her eyes hazy.

After experiencing the sunshine, she truly didn't want to return to that dark, damp place.

So... in a hundred days, should she accept Lu Chen's pursuit?

But now, what she felt for Lu Chen seemed to be more gratitude than romantic love... Oh, what was she thinking!

Gao Xuewei quickly shook her head, dispelling the scattered thoughts in her mind, her fair, pretty face flushing crimson.

It was too early to think about these things; there were still a hundred days anyway.

Within these hundred days, she would have plenty of time to get to know Lu Chen.

After confirming that he truly liked her, finding another father for Xiao Xi wouldn't be out of the question... In short, she still needed to observe him more.

After all, this was a big deal.

Hmm, yes, that's right!

Gao Xuewei nodded secretly, making a decision in her heart.

Just then, a gentle knock on the door broke the silence, and Lu Chen's deep, magnetic voice followed: “Xuewei, it’s me.”

Gao Xuewei's hand trembled, almost dropping the book, and in her haste, she quickly stood up and replied, “Please come in.”

The door slowly opened, and Lu Chen strode in.

A casual charcoal-gray suit made him seem less stern and formidable than usual, adding a touch of casual elegance.

Fragmented light fell on his shoulders, making his posture appear even more upright, yet his deep eyes remained unfathomable, like a deep pool, concealing endless mysteries.

“Are you getting used to living here?”

Lu Chen spoke first, his gaze like a torch, sweeping over the exquisite and luxurious furnishings in the room, finally resting on Gao Xuewei's slightly haggard face, his brows furrowing slightly, as if a trace of heartache was hidden within.

This perfectly timed heartache made Lu Chen himself admire his performance.

He felt that if he were to act, the Best Actor award would surely be within his grasp.

Gao Xuewei lowered her eyes slightly, unconsciously clutching the corner of her clothes, and softly said, “Thank you for your concern, everything is fine, and Xiao Xi likes it here very much.”

After speaking, she quickly glanced at Lu Chen.

Then, like a startled fawn, she quickly averted her gaze, that hint of shyness fleeting across her fair cheeks.

Seeing this, Lu Chen frowned slightly and took a few steps closer. The gentle breeze from outside stirred the sheer curtains, making them dance, and the light and shadows swayed between them, creating a somewhat enchanting atmosphere.

“Xuewei, I can see you still have reservations. You don't need to be so reserved with me; just say what's on your mind.”

His tone held undeniable sincerity, and his warm breath brushed past her ear, causing Gao Xuewei's heart to inexplicably skip a beat.

Gao Xuewei bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, as if summoning all her courage, and softly said:

“Mr. Lu, I appreciate your care, but I... I don't want to just be idle. I can do something, like help you clean, or other work.”

“Oh, and I've also studied some management; I can help you with some trivial work matters. In short, I can do anything.”

As she spoke, a troubled expression appeared on her face, her eyes filled with anticipation, and she lightly bit her lower lip, nervously awaiting Lu Chen's response.

Lu Chen chuckled, his laugh hearty and bright, dispelling some of the heavy and oppressive atmosphere in the room.

“No problem, then you can be my personal secretary from now on.”

A faint smile played on his lips, and he looked at Gao Xuewei with gentle eyes, seemingly with a deeper meaning.

He hadn't expected to even need to ask; Gao Xuewei had already volunteered.

Alas, there was no challenge at all.

Gao Xuewei's pretty face flushed. The term “personal secretary” was too ambiguous, inevitably leading to various interpretations.

She secretly glanced at Lu Chen, only to see a calm expression in his eyes, completely normal. Only then did she secretly breathe a sigh of relief, thinking she had probably overthought it.

“Okay, Mr. Lu, I'll start tomorrow.”

She softly agreed, nodding slightly, her soft hair falling over her shoulders, adding a touch of gentleness.

Lu Chen nodded in satisfaction, then raised his hand to check his watch and said with a faint smile, “It's getting late. Come, I'll take you and your daughter out to eat.”

With that, he naturally took Xiao Xi's small hand.

Then he turned to signal Gao Xuewei to follow, his movements fluid and with an undeniable certainty.

The three walked along the winding path, the sunlight pouring down, elongating their shadows.

The flower beds along the path were fragrant, with colorful flowers blooming freely. A gentle breeze stirred, and petals fluttered down, like a dream.

Before long, they arrived at the manor's restaurant.

The restaurant's interior was elegantly luxurious, with European-style chandeliers casting a warm yellow glow, reflecting on the mirror-like marble floor.

A carved solid wood dining table was placed in the center, surrounded by exquisite dining chairs. The tableware on the table was neatly arranged, all silver-engraved, shimmering under the lights.

At this moment, Chen Mengyao was carrying dishes out from the kitchen.

She was wearing a plain cook's uniform, the light blue fabric clean and tidy, with a white apron tied around her waist, accentuating her slender figure.

Her skin was fair as snow, like congealed fat, her eyes clear as water, revealing a touch of untouched innocence, her nose small and upturned, and her lips pink and soft, like a budding flower in spring.

Her long black hair was simply tied up, with a few wisps falling on either side of her face, making her look even more delicate and charming, truly the image of a pure, common school beauty.

When Chen Mengyao saw the beautiful and graceful Gao Xuewei beside Lu Chen, her steps suddenly halted.

The serving tray in her hands almost slipped, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, leaving her somewhat at a loss.

Although she was already aware that Lu Chen had many women around him, she had never seen such a mature, intellectually beautiful woman whose appearance made her feel inferior.

She subconsciously clutched the edge of the tray, her knuckles turning white, and she secretly mused that this might just be Lu Chen's friend.

But when she saw the clear hint of affection in Gao Xuewei's gaze towards Lu Chen... this was definitely not as simple as just ordinary friends... Chen Mengyao then looked at Xiao Xi, suddenly paused, and a shocking thought surged into her mind.

This little girl... could she be Lu Chen's daughter!?

Could it be that Lu Chen already had a child?