SGEIRS -Chapter 229 Xiuming’s Biological Father

Meng Jinyao stopped in her tracks, unsure whether stepping forward would interrupt their conversation. Yet this path was the only way to Weirui Pavilion, so she hesitated for a moment, then stood still, waiting.

After a short while, Gu Jingxi finished talking with the man, and the man walked toward Meng Jinyao.

When he saw her, he froze. She looked somewhat familiar. He studied her carefully for a moment before recognizing her, then turned to Gu Jingxi and asked, “Is this sister-in-law?”

Gu Jingxi also saw his young wife and slightly nodded. “Yes, this is my wife.” He then stepped toward Meng Jinyao and introduced, “Wife, this is Cousin Jingze from my second uncle’s family.”

Meng Jinyao bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Cousin.”

Gu Jingze clasped his hands in return. “Sister-in-law.”

After a few polite words, Gu Jingze left, casting one more glance at Meng Jinyao before departing.

Meng Jinyao watched his retreating figure and asked, “Husband, why have I never met this cousin of yours before?”

Gu Jingxi said kindly, “It’s normal you haven’t met him. He doesn’t live in the capital and returned to the family’s ancestral home. Even I rarely see him—only when there’s a family celebration that invites them.”

Meng Jinyao nodded in understanding, then remarked, “I think you look a bit like him.”

Gu Jingxi smiled faintly. “Our grandfathers are brothers, and our great-grandfather is the same person. With such close blood relations, it’s natural that we resemble each other.”

Meng Jinyao studied the man beside her seriously and said, “Earlier, I thought Gu Xiuming resembled you a little. But after seeing your cousin today, I feel Gu Xiuming looks more like your cousin.”

Gu Jingxi’s expression froze for a moment before he replied, “He is Xiuming’s biological father.”

The words struck like a bolt of lightning. Meng Jinyao’s eyes widened in shock. “He… he is Gu Xiuming’s biological father?”

Gu Jingxi nodded. “Yes. Xuanyi was getting married, and he came to the wedding banquet.”

Meng Jinyao was deeply shocked. She hadn’t expected that a random encounter with a man would reveal him as her stepson’s biological father. Her mind raced, recalling the female guests they had received today, wondering if any of them resembled Gu Xiuming.

After thinking it over, she found no one matching that description, then asked, “Has Xiuming’s biological mother come?”

Gu Jingxi shook his head slightly. “No. According to my cousin, Xiuming’s maternal grandmother is ill. She returned to her family to care for her, so she couldn’t attend the wedding banquet. She’ll probably come in October when Xuanling marries.”

Meng Jinyao let out a soft “oh” and thought: if Cousin’s daughter attended the wedding, then surely the biological parents of her stepson would come when he married, right?

So she asked again, “On the day I married in, they should have attended the wedding banquet as well, right?”

Gu Jingxi replied, “Yes, they did. But Xiuming ran away from the marriage, so after attending the banquet, they left that very night.”

Meng Jinyao was slightly surprised, but not overly so. Her stepson had been adopted into another family and caused such trouble by fleeing his marriage—any biological parent would surely not stay behind to be embarrassed. They probably feared any resentment might fall on them, so they left immediately.

“That explains why we didn’t see them the next day,” she murmured. Thinking of her wayward stepson, she looked around, seeing no one else, and quietly asked, “Does Gu Xiuming keep in touch with them?”

Gu Jingxi replied calmly, “As far as I know, no. But whether they meet privately, I can’t say.”

Meng Jinyao muttered, “Maybe they do.”

Gu Jingxi smiled faintly, not particularly concerned. “Don’t worry about that for now. I know what you’re thinking, but I have other considerations. This will be the last time.”

The last time?

Meng Jinyao pondered the meaning of these words. Was it the last chance for Gu Xiuming, or something else? If it were a final opportunity, it wouldn’t be difficult to expose him, so she’d have to keep a close eye.

Seeing her flushed face and eyes slightly misty, showing a hint of drunkenness, Gu Jingxi gently asked, “Wife, have you been drinking?”

“I had a little with the guests. My head feels a bit heavy now.”

Meng Jinyao yawned. She had been busy since early morning, attending to guests. During the event, she hadn’t felt tired, but after relaxing, sleepiness overcame her.

Gu Jingxi said, “Then let’s go back and have some sobering soup. Rest early tonight.” He reached for her hand and led her back to Weirui Pavilion.

Along the way, seeing her yawn repeatedly, Gu Jingxi shook his head helplessly. “I told you to sleep in this morning, yet you got up so early.”

Meng Jinyao paused and said earnestly, “It’s such an important day today. I had to rise early and learn from my sister-in-law. When my daughter marries in the future, I won’t be inexperienced.”

Gu Jingxi chuckled softly. “We don’t even have a daughter yet, and you’re thinking so far ahead?”

Meng Jinyao glared at him, puffed up her little face, and said seriously, “We will. Don’t forget your promise to me.”

Gu Jingxi smiled warmly. “Yes, we will.”

Back at Weirui Pavilion, spring willow soup was already prepared without her needing to ask—Meng Jinyao was increasingly pleased with Chunliu, who handled everything meticulously.

After drinking the sobering soup and taking a hot bath, Meng Jinyao felt less fatigued and more awake. Sleepiness seemed to have washed away.

Lying in bed, tossing and turning, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Gu Jingxi sitting at the bed’s edge, asking, “Wife, weren’t you sleepy? Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“I was sleepy, but after bathing, I’m not anymore.”

“Then I’ll keep you company,” Gu Jingxi said, taking off his slippers and lying down.

Meng Jinyao skillfully rolled into his arms, looping her arms around his waist and resting her head on one of his arms.

Gu Jingxi smiled. After doing this many times, he could now hold her easily and naturally. Noticing her sniffing at him, his expression paused, and he instinctively sniffed too, asking, “Wife, what’s wrong?”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “Husband, you smell so good.”

Gu Jingxi then remembered the fragrance on him and eyed her curiously. “Wife, did you have the maid replace the scented soap in the powder room with osmanthus fragrance?”

“Yes. Who else would dare? It’s autumn, so it fits the season. But I think it’s too strong. I’d prefer orchid—it’s more elegant.” She sniffed his scent again, rich yet fresh, invigorating her. “I thought you smelled nice with orchid, but osmanthus is also good.”

Gu Jingxi’s brow twitched. So this girl knew osmanthus was too strong and didn’t want to use it—but then why did he, a grown man, end up so fragrant? He didn’t use it himself, yet it was left by his toiletries for him to accidentally use.

Seeing the mischievous glint in her eyes, Gu Jingxi understood immediately. He pinched her rosy cheeks, half annoyed, half amused, and said, “Little rascal, did you do that on purpose?”