The Cannon Fodder Alpha Who Made the Heroine Pregnant - Chapter 21

21:

Zhou Lan swept through the Chu mansion like a typhoon—chin tilted imperiously, grip firm around Chu Zhao’s wrist.

Chu Zhao instinctively tensed to withdraw, then remembered: this was performance art.

Observing their clasped hands, she noted with clinical detachment:

Hatred Level Adjustment
– Previous: -1000 (Disgust)
– Current: -900 (Loathing)

Zhou Lan nearly choked at the mental scoring system. So this is how Tsunderes quantify feelings?

Her amusement died when a saccharine voice intruded:

“Little Zhou! Had we known you were coming, we’d have prepared your favorites!”

Liu Qing—the plump “Second Mother”, oozed false warmth.

Zhou Lan ignored her completely, patting the sofa. “Wife, sit.”

The term still grated, but Chu Zhao complied.

“Where’s Mother?” Zhou Lan continued brightly. “I wanted her to pick her own gifts, but came empty-handed since you’re injured. My fault entirely.”

Liu Qing’s smile froze.

Zhou Lan’s strategy was simple:

1. Selective Deafness: Pretend Liu Qing didn’t exist.
2. Sugar Offensive: Overwhelm with saccharine spousal devotion.

“Excuse me?” Liu Qing tried again.

Zhou Lan finally acknowledged her with theatrical confusion. “Ah, the maid speaks?”

“Maid? I’m Chu Zhao’s Second—”

“Second uncle’s wife?” Zhou Lan cut in. “How odd to see in-laws hosting guests. Terribly improper.”

Her lyrical tongue could weave verses—or eviscerate with precision.

Liu Qing’s face turned purple. Chu Zhao bit back unexpected satisfaction. Normally she endured these slights to protect her mother, but consequences loomed.

Will Mother suffer after we leave?

Zhou Lan caught the thought. Liu Qing’s pettiness guaranteed retaliation. Solution? Extract Chu’s mother—if not from Jiangning, at least from this viper’s nest.

“Actually,” Zhou Lan declared, “we’re taking Mother traveling.”

Chu Zhao’s pulse spiked.

If she truly manages this… I’ll ensure her safety when the Zhou’s fall.

The vow—equal parts touching and heartbreaking—made Zhou Lan’s chest tighten.

Liu Qing sputtered excuses about Chu Meng’s permission and the late hour.

Zhou Lan countered with outrageous demands: “We’re touring mother abroad! Really, such filial piety is rare these days.”

The gambit worked, Liu Qing scurried to call Chu Meng.

Alone momentarily, Zhou Lan whispered, “I’ll get her out.”

Chu Zhao’s suspicion flared. How does she know Mother’s my weakness?

Memories resurfaced:

– Early Days: Zhou Lan’s month-long “perfect spouse” act.
– The Trap: Letting her guard down, then that night.
– Aftermath: The spoiled heir persona emerging.

Now this? Calculated help?

Zhou Lan monitored the internal turmoil silently. The novel omitted the original Zhou Lan’s cunning courtship. Had she arrived earlier, perhaps…

No use dwelling.

—

Chu Meng arrived posthaste, a dissipated fifty-something clinging to faded charm.

Zhou Lan greeted him with a teacup slam. “Where’s Mother-in-law? ill or imprisoned?”

Liu Qing blanched. Losing housekeeper privileges meant losing everything.

“Of course you may see her!” she backpedaled.

The victory was small but vital.

As they navigated labyrinthine corridors toward the secluded wing, Chu Zhao spoke unexpectedly:

“You’re tired.”

Zhou Lan blinked. After hours of mental eavesdropping, actual dialogue startled her.

First voluntary words!

“Somewhat,” she admitted.

Silence reclaimed Chu Zhao.

“Busy day,” Zhou Lan said awkwardly.

More silence.

Well then. Lovely evening. She studied the darkening sky.