Xia An truly didn't know how to handle Lu Qichen's relentless attitude. After a long negotiation, they finally reached an agreement: Xia An would prepare breakfast for Lu Qichen at eight every morning, and ensure his lunch and dinner were ready daily, but she could only leave after he fell asleep.
As for Xiao Xiao, Xia An could take her home to watch over her. Although it sounded like a one-sided deal, Xia An agreed anyway.
Xia An sent Lu Qichen back home, prepared dinner for him, and said, "I need to go now; I have to pick up Xiao Xiao."
"Alright, but remember to come early tomorrow," Lu Qichen said harshly. Xia An could only grit her teeth and say she understood.
After Xia An left, Lu Qichen collapsed on the sofa. To make Xia An feel better, he pretended nothing was wrong. However, his back ached as if it had been torn apart.
Zhang Sique saw how badly Lu Qichen was hurting; understandingly, she brought some ointment over and said to him, "Dad, take off your shirt, I'll apply this for you."
"I'm fine," Lu Qichen smiled and told Zhang Sique, "I'll just lie down for a bit. Go up and have a bath first."
Zhang Sique kept glancing back before finally going upstairs under her father's gaze.
When Old Man Lu saw Xia An return, he was momentarily taken aback. With Zhang Sique not there, he asked, "What did you and Xiao Qiu… really decide? Why does it look like she isn't happy?"
"It's nothing," Lu Qichen smiled.
She might be unhappy now because of his childish behavior, but her willingness to take care of him showed that he was still important in her heart. Therefore, Lu Qichen felt quite relieved.
"Grandpa, during this time… Xiao Qiu will come to look after me. Please don't call me by the wrong name," Lu Qichen said to Old Man Lu.
It was indeed amusing how they initially called Zhao Qixiu Gu Yanfei when she first married in; now, it had become Xia An.
"Don't worry; I'll remember that," Old Man Lu smiled and said, "Qichen, your relationship with Xiao Qiu… you should hurry. I think those two children really need each other, and Sique likes Xiao Qiu too. If the two of you can end up together, he will be happy."
"And another thing…" Old Man Lu paused before continuing, "Although Zhang Lu isn't coming anymore, you mustn't be careless. Sique is our child; we can't let Zhang Lu take her away."
"Don't worry," Lu Qichen sighed and said to his grandfather, "I have people following her whenever she goes out so that Zhang Lu won't get any chance. She has been taking care of the children alone, and I've prepared some money as a compensation for her."
"It's due." Money wasn't everything, but he didn't know what else he could give to Zhang Lu.
"You should rest early because you feel unwell," Old Man Lu said to Lu Qichen.
After leaving Jing Yuan, Xia An called Wang Shu. However, she was still at the Zhao family's house; thus, Xia An had to take a taxi over.