Chapter 426 - Viper (1/2)
Li Manni rested her hand on the doorknob and turned it gently. She had the impression that Chu Lui was not in there. He might have gone to the bathroom or was even asleep. However, she had not expected to meet his somber eyes the instant she opened the door. The look in his eyes was so intense that it shook her small frame. It was as if she was a young sapling with her leaves scattered everywhere in the thunderous storm.
”Oh. Lui, you are here,” she blurted out in embarrassment. His stare unsettled her. She approached him cautiously and placed the coffee on his desk. ”I made you some coffee. It's still hot.”
Chu Lui took it and placed the cup at his lips. He could smell the pure black coffee fragrant from under his nose.
”You didn't add anything special in there?”
He asked indifferently.
”Huh?” Li Manni's heart started thumping. ”Add anything special? Like what?” She lowered her eyes. At this moment, she dared not let her thoughts wandered. Instead, she used her confused expression to hide the guilt perfectly.
”Nothing.” Chu Lui put the coffee cup down. He hadn't taken a sip at all. Now, he hated this.
”I…”
Li Manni was going to continue talking, but Chu Lui cut her off curtly. ”I have work to do. If you have nothing to do, go to bed early.” His voice was monotonous as though he wasn't speaking to his wife but one of his subordinates or employees.
Li Manni did not feel good inside. However, she chose not to argue with him. Lately, he was obviously in a bad mood. She wasn't a stupid woman, and she knew it was not the time to argue with him.
”Okay, I'll leave you to work,” she said considerately. ”Drink your coffee soon. It won't taste good once it turns cold. Also, try not to work too late. You must take care of your health.” She rambled on and on, but Chu Lui's eyes remained glued on his computer screen. He did not bother to spare her a second of his attention. Her hands were clenched tightly by her sides as she tried to stifle the rising annoyance within her chest.
She forced a smile and felt it was for nothing because that man didn't even bother to look at her.
”Is there anything else?” an emotionless voice asked. Li Manni realized pathetically that this might very well be the way they would be spending the rest of their lives this way. They were husband and wife and the closest ones. Very soon, they would be welcoming a child into their lives together.
She tried her best to restrain her wandering thoughts, to focus on making herself sound like her usual self—that nothing was different.
”My parents want us to go back for dinner this weekend.”
”Okay.” Finally, this time, Chu Lui agreed. Li Manni breathed a sigh of relief. She thought she was going to have a mental breakdown. When she remembered her father's constant complaints, she could feel a headache coming.