Quick Wear: Child Bearing System

Chapter 13

Night had settled quietly over the mansion, wrapping the halls in a calm, dim stillness. The lights along the corridor were soft, casting long shadows against the polished floor. Harriet had just stepped out of her room, intending to head to the dining hall, when a figure approached her from the opposite end.

It was a middle-aged man dressed in a neat butler’s uniform. He stopped a respectful distance away and bowed slightly.

“You must be Miss Harriet,” he said politely. “I am Butler Wu.” His voice was steady, carrying a tone of quiet authority that came from years of service. Harriet studied him briefly. His posture was straight, his expression composed, but there was a trace of sincerity in his eyes that did not go unnoticed.

“I have just returned from the Old Master’s residence,” he continued. “I regret not being here sooner.”He lowered his head slightly again. “And… thank you. For taking care of my master in my absence.”

The gratitude in his words was genuine.

Harriet gave a small nod. “It’s nothing,” she replied simply.

Butler Wu gestured toward the dining hall. “Dinner is ready let me guide you Miss Harriet. Master Shen is already inside.” He then walked ahead, guiding her.

When they entered, Shen Wenyu was already seated at the table.

The atmosphere inside was quiet. The dishes were neatly arranged, steam still rising faintly from them. Shen Wenyu sat upright, his expression calm as usual, though his face looked slightly pale under the light.

Harriet took her seat across from him. She picked up her chopsticks, her movements natural and unhurried. For a while, the only sound in the room was the faint clink of porcelain and the soft movement of utensils.

Then she noticed Shen Wenyu’s hand. The way his fingers tightened slightly around the chopsticks. The subtle stiffness in his movement, he was struggling. Not enough for others to easily point out, but enough for her to see.

Harriet's gaze lingered for a second longer than usual. Then, without thinking further, she set her chopsticks down. She stood and took the seat beside him.

Butler Wu, who had been standing quietly to the side, immediately stiffened.

“Miss—” he began, his voice lowering in alarm.

He knew his master’s temperament. This kind of sudden closeness, this interference he expected a cold rejection or worse.

But Harriet had already picked up her chopsticks again. She reached for a dish and placed some food onto Shen Wenyu’s plate. Her movements were calm, natural, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Butler Wu’s heart nearly jumped. He stepped forward slightly, ready to intervene yet he stopped.

Shen Wenyu did not react the way he expected. Instead, Shen Wenyu simply looked at her. His gaze lowered briefly to her hand, then back to her face.

“I can still manage,” he said coldly. His voice carried its usual distance.

But he did not push her and  Harriet did not seem affected. Seeing his usual action but still let her close to him, it was a little change but she guess all her efforts for these days getting close to him are worth it.

She reached out, took hold of his chopsticks, and gently set them aside. Then she picked up a piece of food and lifted it toward him.

“You wouldn’t want to worsen your hands,” she said calmly. “They’re already bleeding again.”

Her eyes flicked briefly to his fingers. There was indeed a faint trace of red seeping through the bandage.

Butler Wu inhaled sharply.