Chapter 33

"Big Sis, how did it go?" Zhen Lina eagerly asked her sister as she returned.

"It's confirmed; we're adding another one to the family. And guess what? Feifei's also pregnant!" Zhen Linqi rubbed her belly with a beaming smile.

"Oh no, I'm the only one left!" Zhen Lina's forehead started to sweat as she realized she would be the only one left unpregnant. How would she keep up with everything from now on?

"Aren't you the one who likes to act tough?" Zhen Linqi teased, narrowing her eyes.

"Fine, I'll face it head-on, hmph!" Zhen Lina was initially nervous, but then her stubborn streak returned.

"Well, well, impressive! Linqi, go ahead and order me some nutritious soup. I need to replenish my energy!" Jia Fuhai smirked mischievously, turning to Linqi with a loud, playful request.

"Sure, Haige. I'll have it sent over right away," Zhen Linqi grinned, playing along.

"No, no! Sis, I was just... Hmph, fine! Order me some too; I'll go down with the ship if I must," Zhen Lina protested but then couldn't hold back her defiance, deciding to join in.

"Oh wow! Lina, you really are something! I'll make sure it gets here," Zhen Linqi responded in surprise, laughing at Lina's inability to back down.

"Hmph." Zhen Lina huffed and walked into her room, legs slightly shaky.

"You're really ordering it?" Jia Fuhai was astonished as he saw Linqi pick up her phone to make the call.

"She needs a lesson! I can't wait to see how she handles it. Feifei and I will watch her squirm together, hehe," Zhen Linqi said with a wicked grin.

"As long as you're happy," Jia Fuhai didn't object. After all, he was the one benefiting, though he didn't really need the supplements.

Jia Fuhai picked up one of the newly baked buns from the table. He could tell his sons had made them again. The aroma was fragrant, and the buns were shaped like animals, truly pleasing to the eye and palate.

He took a bite. The taste, the chewy dough—it was even better than their first attempt!

Raising an eyebrow, he passed one of the buns to Linqi, who was sipping her nutrient-rich soup. The two of them savored the delicious flavors together.

"This is even better than yours, Haige," Zhen Linqi said, finishing her last bite, clearly impressed.

"Looks like I'll need to learn from the boys," Jia Fuhai joked, thinking that with some lessons, he could overcome the lack of innate talent.

"Your cooking is great too, Haige," Zhen Linqi quickly complimented him. She didn't want to hurt his pride, even though she knew he didn't mind.

The two of them sat on the sofa, whispering sweet and silly things to each other.

Meanwhile, Zhen Fugui, feeling a bit parched, walked out to get some water. As soon as he stepped into the living room, he saw his eldest daughter and son-in-law cuddled up together, speaking softly.

His face immediately darkened, and he turned around, heading back to his room. He knew it—being around his son-in-law always made him want to clobber the guy.

If not for the fact that he loved his grandsons so much! Sigh...

"What's wrong?" Chen Lina asked, noticing her husband's sour expression as he returned.

"Nothing." Zhen Fugui's tone was full of jealousy, but what could he say? Couples being affectionate with each other—what's so bad about that? It wasn't like he could interrupt them. Besides, his daughter seemed happy, and that was good.

Seeing her husband's expression and sensing the strong wave of jealousy in the air, Chen Lina sighed. She understood. This man of hers was something else. What was wrong with everyone today?

Earlier, their daughter had come in looking weak-kneed, collapsing onto the sofa with a vacant expression. Could it be that she, too, had been affected by the news about Linqi's pregnancy?

But that didn't seem right—her daughter always acted like she couldn't live without Haige. There hadn't been any arguments between them, either.

I don't get it. I really don't understand. Could it be that I'm getting old?

...

Later that evening.

"Kiki, what are you thinking?" Chen Lina asked, staring in disbelief at the table filled with medicinal dishes meant to replenish strength.

She knew how strong her son-in-law was—it was bad enough without supplements, and the girls were already struggling. Yet, every morning, Jia Fuhai was full of energy.

What was this all about now?

"Nothing, just preparing some nourishment for Lina," Zhen Linqi replied, barely suppressing the grin trying to creep up her face.

"Lina, what about you?" Chen Lina asked, her face full of confusion.

"Hmph, I'm not trying to prove anything! I just want to say that my sister and Feifei are both weaklings." Zhen Lina stood at the table, full of defiance, but her hands were gripping her mom's arm for support, her legs weak.

"Well then, Lina, I'll have medicinal dishes prepared for you every day," Zhen Linqi retorted, immediately launching a counterattack.

"Kiki, you girls shouldn't go too far," Chen Lina sighed, watching the two sisters bicker. She didn't know whom to side with.

Suddenly, she understood why her daughter had looked so defeated earlier in the day.

"Hmph, I'll eat you into bankruptcy if I have to!" Zhen Lina snapped back, glaring at her sister with a resolute face.

"No worries! If it comes to that, I'll sell the house just to make sure my dear little sister doesn't go hungry!" Zhen Linqi teased, still grinning, acting like she would do anything for her sister.

Zhen Fugui and the two boys shuddered from the sidelines. Fugui had always tried to stay out of the sisters' arguments, and now he was even more reluctant to get involved—especially with one pregnant and the other being his youngest daughter. What could he do?

Chen Lina, too, kept her silence. After all, Jia Fuhai was still there.

Jia Fuhai, however, began to wonder if Linqi's emotions were acting up now that she was pregnant. Something seemed off.

"Why argue over this? Linqi, tonight I'll make sure Lina has a good time," Jia Fuhai whispered playfully in Linqi's ear. Then he leaned over to Lina and whispered, "Your sister just got pregnant—don't upset her, or I won't play games with you anymore."

The two sisters quieted down, and the others quickly focused on their food.

"Alright, everyone, let's eat. A little sisterly banter is fine, but don't take it too far," Jia Fuhai said, serving food to both women.

The two sisters obediently started eating.

Watching this scene unfold, Zhen Fugui felt a fresh wave of jealousy. His food, which was usually delicious, suddenly tasted like ash in his mouth.

At this moment, Zhen Fugui's inner monologue was filled with resentment toward Jia Fuhai. He was jealous, so very jealous.

The two boys, meanwhile, hurried off to bed after finishing their meal.

"Brother, Mom is so brave," Jia Qiyi said as he climbed into his small bed, looking over at his brother.

"It's the first time I've realized that too," Jia Naji replied, surprised at their mom's boldness in standing up to Kiki.

"Women are terrifying creatures," Jia Qiyi muttered, pulling up his blanket as he felt a chill run down his spine. The power dynamic between the two women was simply overwhelming.

"You better hope Kiki doesn't hear that," Jia Naji whispered, glancing around nervously before daring to speak.

"Mom doesn't usually act like this," Jia Qiyi said, feeling that something was definitely off. Was this part of a monthly hormonal mood swing?

"Yeah, I'm kind of scared of Kiki too," Jia Naji admitted as he ducked his head under the covers.

"And it's not like I'm not scared too," Jia Qiyi sighed. Of course, he was afraid too!

Zhen Fugui watched as his grandsons went to bed early, scratching his head in confusion. Why were they going to sleep so soon today?

...