Chapter 423: Why Are You Here?

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Wen Chi was momentarily stunned; he hadn’t expected Gu Shaoting to say such words. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a hint of goodwill. Although still aloof, it was characteristic of his personality.

Shu Pan was also surprised. It was rare for Gu Shaoting to speak so gently. After bidding farewell to Wen Chi, Shu Pan sat in the car with Joy, who seemed more awake now.

Gu Shaoting started the car and engaged in small talk with Joy while driving. Joy shared everything she had discussed with Wen Chi and what they had eaten tonight. However, Gu Shaoting’s enthusiasm seemed low, and his face remained expressionless.

Glancing at him discreetly, Shu Pan sensed a melancholic atmosphere. She found Gu Shaoting’s behavior tonight unexpectedly different. He didn’t like Wen Chi, yet he had agreed to Joy’s request.

“Have you had dinner?” Shu Pan asked with concern.

“Is it any of your concern whether I eat or not?” Gu Shaoting responded indifferently, hinting at his sour mood.

“Where did you eat then?” Shu Pan, sensing his displeasure, asked another question.

“In the office,” Gu Shaoting replied calmly.

“Daddy, why didn’t you eat with us?” Joy asked in confusion.

“Daddy has to work, so he’s busy,” Gu Shaoting patiently explained.

“Being a big boss doesn’t seem fun at all,” Joy pouted. She didn’t want to be a big boss if it meant no time for meals.

Joy’s innocent remarks amused the adults.

“If you’re busy, you don’t have to come in the future. Wen Chi can take us home,” Shu Pan couldn’t help poking at him.

As expected, Gu Shaoting’s gaze shifted towards her. “I’ll take care of the pick-up in the future. No need for others to do it.”

Shu Pan thought it was best to go along with him for now. After all, he wasn’t in a good mood.

On the way back to the Shuimu Qinghua residential area, the roads were congested due to rush hour. By the time they reached home, it was already past 9 PM.

Joy already showed signs of sleepiness, yawning and rubbing her eyes continuously. Being a child, once she felt sleepy, she was ready to sleep, unlike adults who could resist drowsiness.

As soon as they arrived home, Joy took a bath, preparing for bedtime.

When Shu Pan carried Joy out of the bathroom, she was almost asleep. Shortly after putting her on the bed, a steady breathing sound could be heard.

Shu Pan gazed tenderly at Joy’s delicate face for a while before quietly leaving the room with Gu Shaoting, closing the door behind them.

Gu Shaoting suddenly reached back and held Shu Pan’s hand. “Panpan, I’m hungry.”

His burning gaze focused on her, and Shu Pan’s face suddenly turned red.

What did he mean by hungry? His eyes seemed to be burning with flames.

“What do you mean? Didn’t you already eat?” Shu Pan asked, a bit teasingly.

“I lied to you guys. I couldn’t enjoy the meal alone, so I only had a couple of bites. Now my stomach is growling from hunger,” Gu Shaoting rubbed his stomach, as if to confirm he wasn’t lying.

“If you’re hungry, eat more. Back when it was just me and Joy, you used to eat alone when we weren’t around,” Shu Pan said, not too pleased.

“I want to eat the noodles you cook. Can you make me a bowl?” Gu Shaoting rarely made such a request.

Tonight, he just wanted to eat the noodles she made.

“Okay, you go take a shower. By the time you’re done, the noodles should be ready,” Shu Pan arranged, ensuring they wouldn’t eat too late..