Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Gu Jingze went in first.
The old man was still alive, but the clan members were already crying outside.
These people cried so much that they looked more like his grandson than his own real grandson.
Upon seeing Gu Jingze arrive, they immediately stood up and welcomed their leader home.
The clan leader was treated differently. Everyone seemed to obey him and whatever negative thoughts they had were quickly hidden away.
“Mr. Gu.”
“Jingze, you’re back.”
“Jingze, you’re finally here. Your grandfather… Oh my, the family has to depend on you in the future…”
Gu Jingze greeted everyone and proceeded to go in and ask about Grandfather’s condition.
Meanwhile, Lin Che watched from the outside. She felt as if her presence silenced the gossiping ladies outside. They watched her come in with Mu Wanqing. Some laughed along with their little jokes while some looked at her mindfully. Curiosity glistened in their eyes.
After Lin Che sat down, Mu Wanqing looked at her and asked, “How are you now?”
Lin Che said, “Huh? I’m okay. There’s nothing much, just some morning sickness.”
“Oh my. Some people don’t have it that bad. You seem to have it every time.”
“Yes. It’s probably my body.”
Lin Che asked, “Mom, is Grandpa’s condition serious?” She looked around her and felt that the ladies acted differently.
Mu Wanqing said, “Grandpa’s illness… it’s hard to say. I wanted to ask you over because… I think that if anything happens to Grandpa… I’ll leave the matriarch position to you.”
“What?” Lin Che wanted to faint.
She did not expect to hear this as soon as she returned.
This was simply a bolt out of the blue.
She was absolutely not ready nor clear about what exactly a matriarch had to do.
Mu Wanqing said, “If anything happens to Jingze’s grandfather, the situation would surely get messy. So I think it’s better that you take over in advance. It’s just that I’m worried about your body.”
Lin Che said, “I am indeed… I am indeed worried about my body. I’m not sure if I can take over…”
Mu Wanqing was also not optimistic. The old man had to fall sick at a time like this.
Even though Gu Jingze protected Lin Che very well, tongues still wagged about her taking over the matriarch role. Everyone doubted Lin Che thought that she was not up for it. The objections were obvious.
Thus, Mu Wanqing had to consider in advance so that if the old man really passed away and the house was left in chaos, nobody would try to snub Lin Che out and take the matriarch position.
If that happened, things would get even messier.
The chaos was tough for normal people, but it was even more so for a huge century-old family. With many members, there were also many branches. If it became messy, tidying things up would be very complicated too.
Thus, whenever the old man was ill, the news would be suppressed as much as possible. Nobody would ever know.
Lin Che was still in shock and absolutely did not know what to do.
The people around her kept staring at her. Lin Che originally did not know what was going on, but she understood now. Mu Wanqing wanted Lin Che to take over her position. The ladies probably heard about it and that is why they looked at her strangely.
Just then, Gu Jingze came out.
He wanted to look for Lin Che and he rushed here after knowing that she was here.
Seeing Gu Jingze arrive, everyone finally stopped talking. They quickly looked down and minded their own business.
Lin Che asked Gu Jingze anxiously, “What’s the situation now?”
Gu Jingze took Lin Che outside to talk. He greeted Mu Wanqing and then left the women-only place.
Gu Jingze never liked hanging around in a place like this. When there were many clan members, there would be many womenfolk too. Thus, Gu Jingze always avoided the backyard.
He only came over this time because Lin Che was there.
After walking out with Lin Che, Gu Jingze said, “It’s just that the artificial trachea inserted the last time has a problem. He might have to undergo another operation.”
“Huh, will it be major?”
“He is getting on in years, so there is a higher risk for operations.”
Every operation was like taking a walk to the gates of Hell, just that it was closer with each time.
Even if the Gu family used the best technology and found the best doctor, the risk was unavoidable.
Lin Che asked, “So when is the operation?”
“As soon as possible,” Gu Jingze said. “You can head home tonight. I’ll stay here and wait for the doctor’s arrival so we can prepare for the operation.”
“Okay. Don’t worry about me.”
She didn’t know how to do anything, but she could let him do what he needed to do without worrying about her. That was the least she could do.
Gu Jingze kissed her.
He also felt a twinge of guilt.
This was her most difficult time. Her morning sickness was so serious every day that she barely had an appetite. However, he had to be busy with other matters continually. He couldn’t be beside her every day to comfort her and take care of her. Even if he couldn’t do anything for her, he still wanted to be by her side.
Lin Che knew that he had many things to do. She also did not need him to be with her all the time. She didn’t want to become a burden to him. After all, he had huge responsibilities and was no ordinary man.
She chose to marry a man like this, so she had to accept that he would be busy.
Lin Che and Gu Jingze parted ways. She decided not to tell him about what Mu Wanqing said for now. She went home by herself.
At home, she saw that Dong Zi was already standing by the door.
Dong Zi looked skinnier but was still energetic overall.
The attendants saw Lin Che and gathered around her. They all knelt in front of her.
Lin Che did not expect this at all. She quickly tried to pull Dong Zi up. “What are you guys doing? Stand up, stand up.”
Dong Zi looked up at Lin Che.
“Miss, we have been waiting for your return.”
Dong Zi’s eyes were focused and firm, making her feel encouraged.
Lin Che laughed and said, “Yes, I have also been waiting for your return. It must have been tough on you guys. You starved for so many days and went through punishment. It must have been tough.”
“Miss, you left us here this time. We already told you that our lives belong to you now. Whatever you ask, we will deliver at all costs.”
Such serious words touched Lin Che.
“Alright, don’t talk about giving away your lives.”
“Miss, this is our promise. We will definitely protect you from all danger with our lives.”
Lin Che looked at the different faces, which all bore the same expression and spirit. She felt deeply moved.
