Chapter 823: The Xiao Xiao Laoyezi

Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao ultimately didn't voice his suspicions in front of his daughter-in-law, since she was pregnant, and frightening her would be disastrous.

He only said it was an accidental fall, and the child hadn't been saved, but he specifically told his second daughter-in-law that after dark, she shouldn't go out—everything must revolve around the baby in her womb.

He resolved to uncover the shadowy hand behind this, otherwise the Xiao family would never know peace again.

Chunxiao may have sensed Grandpa's low spirits and stopped pretending to be sweet and obedient, returning early to her own room.

Liu Chuxue saw that Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao looked worn out: "Grandpa, go rest early, we have to go to the hospital tomorrow."

Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao, fearing he'd disturb his daughter-in-law's rest, nodded: "Alright."

Liu Chuxue led Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao to the room prepared for him: "Grandpa, don't overthink it. Sleep well tonight—maybe good news will come tomorrow."

Thinking of what his son had told him earlier, Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao suddenly asked: "Chuxue, have you ever thought about joining the military?"

Hearing the question, Liu Chuxue was surprised but understood his intent; still, she had no desire to join the military: "Grandpa, I'm quite satisfied with my current job."

Her uncle, Xiao Changjiang, had once served in the military, but after his old injuries flared up, he couldn't remain—though regrettable, there was no alternative.

Among the grandchildren, only her eldest cousin, Xiao Wancheng, had served, but after being injured and unable to keep up with intense training, he transferred to railway public security; the only other one still serving is her cousin-in-law, so Grandpa's wish for her to join the military was understandable.

Hearing his granddaughter's reply, Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao wasn't overly disappointed—after all, her current job truly suited a girl.

At that moment, Xiao Changsheng brought in water: "Dad, wash your face, then soak your feet—it'll help you sleep better."

Seeing there was nothing more for her to do, Liu Chuxue bid farewell and left the room.

She didn't return directly to her room but went into her parents' room: "Mom, don't prepare breakfast for Aunt tomorrow—her place is close to the hospital, her mother-in-law will definitely bring it. I'll wake up early, go to Houhai, and try to catch a fish. You can use it to replenish yourself. I'll come back by mid-morning and take some over to Aunt."

Zhao Lamai heard her daughter's words: "You don't have to work tomorrow—I'll go instead. It's not too far."

Liu Chuxue couldn't let her go—she couldn't risk Jiang Huiwen's hidden people targeting her own mother: "You've just moved to the city, you don't know anyone here—I'll go. Besides, your top priority now is nurturing the baby."

Not only was the family anxious about this pregnancy, she knew well that advanced maternal age carried high risk, so she didn't argue: "Alright. What time do you think you'll be back?"

Seeing her agree, Liu Chuxue relaxed: "I'll be home around ten."

The two women chatted for a while: "Go to sleep early. I'm going back to my room."

Returning to the main house at the far west, she closed the doors and windows, then entered the space—Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao had coughed several times today. Though not severe, she feared neglecting it amid the coming chaos.

There was a loquat tree in the space, and plenty of loquats stored in the warehouse; she thought to make loquat paste. With autumn cooling down and a pregnant woman at home, it was wise to prepare some, just in case.

She had previously stored some rock sugar in the space—perfect timing.