After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

These past few days have been the most carefree days Lin Hao has had in recent years. She doesn't have to worry about meals, nor does she have to be driven to despair by students and superiors. Every day, all she has to do is greet the old lady, chat with her, and occasionally bicker with her younger siblings, enjoying the sight of her face turning red with anger, yet unable to utter a word. Then she can return to her courtyard to play with her little one, enjoying this unexpected precious parent-child time.

It seemed even the heavens couldn't bear to see her living such a carefree life any longer, and dropped a bombshell on her—Gu Liunian was coming back. The moment Lin Hao heard this news, the hairs on her body stood on end.

Based on what she had seen and heard during this period, this Gu Liunian was not someone to be easily fooled. At such a young age, he was already capable of handling things on his own. When the old man passed away due to illness and the clansmen wanted to take advantage of his youth and interfere with the family property, he decisively dealt with several collateral relatives with swift and decisive measures, making an example of them.

He stunned everyone instantly. No one had expected that this thirteen-year-old boy, who was just a good student when the old man was alive, would possess such methods and courage. Even today, though he doesn't usually use harsh methods, people around him still speak of him with a sense of dread!

This really scared Lin Hao. If she were to slip up in front of him, the consequences would be unimaginable! This also caused her to be restless from the moment she heard the news. Even her little boy noticed that she was acting strangely, unlike usual!

"Mom, what's wrong? Are you sick?" the little boy asked with concern, his innocent face filled with anxiety, his eyes fixed on Lin Haokan.

Lin Hao naturally couldn't reveal the reason, so she could only gloat. "No, Mother is perfectly fine, I'm just wondering what to make for you tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, the little boy, without a second thought, exclaimed happily, "I love everything Mommy makes! Anything Mommy makes is the best! I love Mommy the most!" As he finished speaking, his little face flushed red with embarrassment, making him all the more endearing.

Lin Hao was overjoyed, hugging him tightly and kissing him repeatedly. The room was filled with the silvery laughter of children, their joyful voices making everyone who heard them feel happy as well.

The others naturally noticed Lin Hao's unusual behavior, but they all assumed it was because she was looking forward to her husband's long-awaited return home, and they even teased her about it behind her back!

Luckily, Lin Hao didn't know what they were thinking. If she did, she would definitely say, "You're the one who's looking forward to it? Your whole family is looking forward to it!"

Despite Lin Hao's great worry, the day for Gu Liunian to return home finally arrived. That evening, Lin Hao was having dinner with Xiao Baozi when a servant came to report: "Master is back. He's currently in the old lady's courtyard, having dinner with her! He said he'll be back after dinner."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hao paused in her hand as she was putting food on Xiao Baozi's plate. She then tried to calm herself down and casually instructed, "Prepare more hot water. Master must be very tired after his long journey. He needs to wash up properly."

Hearing this, the little boy asked pitifully, "Mommy, is Father very tired? Should I let Father rest and not bother him? But I really miss him!"

Lin Hao couldn't bear to see him like this, so she affectionately patted his head and said, "It's okay, your father won't mind. He likes you! You can sleep with your father tonight and stay by his side all night, okay?"

"Really? Is it possible?" The little boy jumped up excitedly, his voice filled with undisguised joy.

"Of course," Lin Hao replied. He was secretly pleased; "It would be best if I wasn't included, hmph!"

Unfortunately, the little dumpling shattered her fantasy the next second: "I can sleep with my father and mother tonight, I'll sleep between them."

“Uh…” Lin Hao was at a loss for words; she didn’t know how to refuse the little bun’s request.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Immediately afterwards, a tall figure stood beside the mother and son. The little boy excitedly stood up, wanting to rush over, but then stopped himself for some reason and respectfully bowed, saying, "Father."

Lin Hao's eyelids twitched as she watched, secretly thinking, "How does Gu Liunian usually raise children? How come he's so rigid and inflexible? He's only two years old! Shouldn't he be letting his natural instincts run wild?"

She glanced at the man beside her again. Tall and slender, with a strong physique, sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and well-defined features—yes, he was definitely her type! "Stop, hold on, Lin Hao, what are you thinking? You're risking your life for looks, aren't you?" "But he's really handsome! With that physique and those looks, he could easily make it in the entertainment industry!"

Just as Lin Hao was lost in thought, Gu Liunian responded to his son and then glanced at his wife, who was motionless beside him, seemingly lost in thought. In that single glance, he noticed something different. The person before him had the same face and the same clothes, but something was different. Yes, her eyes had gained a new sparkle and liveliness; her clear black and white pupils darted about mischievously, clearly indicating she was plotting something wicked!

This did give his weary spirits a little something to do. But what had happened in just one month? How could her eyes have changed so much?