Chef Hua
Chapter 500: Episode 271: Simply Refuse

Chapter 500: Episode 271: Simply Refuse

The meaning of this gesture couldn’t be more obvious.

Ever since Hua Xiaomai became pregnant, Meng’s mother had kept a tight rein on the couple, initially wanting Hua Xiaomai to sleep in the same room with her, and after failing to achieve that, her watchful eyes never strayed from her son and daughter-in-law. If the two of them so much as got close, it would prompt a scolding from her, fearing they might "get up to mischief."

Not only that, but every visit to the Baosheng Medical Hall for a checkup, Dr. Xing would repeatedly stress his advice, and on encountering Hua Xiaomai casually, he would invariably whisper a few words of caution... With so many people murmuring in one’s ear day in and day out, their words buzzed in the mind like mosquitoes, ceaselessly nagging. Even if one truly wished to do something, to avoid the endless chiding, restraint was the only option, wasn’t it?

Meng Yuhuai was a very restrained man, adept at controlling his emotions, and had seemed more stable and solid than his peers since his teenage years, except when it came to marital relations.

It’s no wonder, after all—a man in his twenties, brimming with vigor, not even a year into his marriage, his wife lying beside him every night, yet even a touch was forbidden, suffering this for nearly four months, how could he endure it?

"Stop it!" Hua Xiaomai firmly pressed down his hand, feeling the heat from his palm scalding her skin, setting her heart to skip a beat. The drowsiness that had enveloped her vanished instantaneously, and she hastily said, "Have you forgotten what Dr. Xing said?"

"The first three months are crucial, and those have passed," Meng Yuhuai mumbled in response while persistently continuing his actions.

His kiss, carrying a moist warmth, lingered on her earlobe and neck. As his rough, callused hand slid over her skin, it tickled uncomfortably, strangely hot, causing her body to immediately break out in gooseflesh.

Feeling both frustrated and amused, Hua Xiaomai shrank back into the bed, unceremoniously kicking at him. Unfortunately, her strength was no match for his, and she was quickly subdued. Panicking, she glared at him with wide eyes.

She did somewhat understand that after three months, a one or two times exception might be okay, but... she still had some reservations.

In an era with backward medical conditions, a single careless mistake could be beyond regret!

"Wait a minute, just wait a minute!" She rallied all her strength, clutching his arm tightly, frowning and pleading, "Will you listen to me, please?"

Meng Yuhuai was finally persuaded and stopped his advances, though his expression showed a slight irritation.

"It’s not that I’m unwilling," Hua Xiaomai cautiously tugged at his sleeve, "but... let’s wait until things are a bit more secure, I’m a little scared... The child is yours too, and if something goes wrong, we will truly regret it."

Meng Yuhuai propped himself up on his elbow above her, staring at her face for a long while before eventually rolling back onto his pillow with a long sigh.

Hua Xiaomai also sighed in relief, leaning on his shoulder and playfully rocking his arm, "Um... I know you’re suffering, and I’ve always been accommodating before, but this is a special situation, isn’t it? So if you’re angry, I’ll just have to make it up to you, all right?"

She couldn’t help but laugh quietly to herself, "Getting upset now? Let’s see if you keep talking about having a whole bunch of kids in the future!"

Meng Yuhuai glanced back at her, grasped her hand, and gently pushed her aside, whispering, "Keep some distance from me, don’t lean on me."

...What an attitude?!

As if splashed with cold water, Hua Xiaomai suddenly felt displeased and, too lazy to cajole him, turned over sulkily, planning to sleep off the frustration on her own.

However, after a short while, he moved closer again, his hand sneaking under the blanket and slowly landing on her.

"Why are you..."

She started to speak but abruptly stopped, realizing he wasn’t continuing his mischief but simply resting his hand on her belly, very gently.

Okay then, that was acceptable.

In the darkness, Hua Xiaomai smiled, placed her hand over his, and closed her eyes to drift peacefully to sleep.

...

Meng Yuhuai wasn’t in a hurry to meet with Dong Deyou and Lv Bin. The next day, as usual, he went early to the Escort Agency in the city to take care of business.

Hua Xiaomai and Mother Meng took their time having breakfast at home before heading together to Daoxiang Garden. They happened to run into Xu Ershun delivering fish and Hua Xiaomai stood at the door chatting with him. As she checked the fish in the bucket one by one and thought of the autumn when carp and crabs are at their fattest, she asked him to deliver more if convenient.