Chapter 1299

"Is he leaving? Where is he headed?" Abigail asked with a calm voice, smiling at Johann. "You usually say we shouldn't talk about him. What made you mention him today?" She paused, then added, "We're not together anymore. His life has nothing to do with me now." Johann could not tell if Abigail was truly confused or just acting. He studied her expression, then offered her his smartphone. "Why don't you check out the news on the phone?" he said gently. But Abigail did not even glance at the phone, nor did she take it from him. "I'm really hungry. Can we have lunch first?" she said, changing the subject. Johann noticed her evasion, her reluctance to deal with the news. He felt a growing concern for her. Abigail sat at the dining table and started on a plate of pork belly stir-fry mashed potatoes. "Grandpa, this German delicacy, pork belly stir-fry, from Ms. Mosby is so good. It's just as tender as Grandma's was. Give it a try," she said with a smile. Ms. Mosby, their neighbor Lydia Mosby, is known for her delicious home-cooked meals. Johann sat across from her, watching her with a caring eye. "If something's bothering you or you're feeling blue, you know you can talk to me, right?" he said in a comforting tone. "Holding it in isn't good for you." Abigail scooped up another forkful of spicy chicken and mixed it with her mashed potatoes. She said with a smile, "This spicy chicken is really yummy. You better start eating or I'll finish it all!" Johann, unsure of what to do, picked up his fork to join Abigail. "Okay, I'll eat with you." Quickly, Abigail pointed to the pork belly stir-fry on the table. "You should try this. This pork belly stir-fry tastes just like the one my grandma made. It has a unique blend of fragrance and tenderness that's hard to replicate." Johann picked up a piece of pork belly and ate it. He said, "I remember eating your grandma's pork belly stir-fry years ago. It's been so long that I just remember it tasted really good, but I can't remember the exact taste." Abigail smiled and gestured toward the pork belly stir-fry. "This is just like how Grandma made it. You should get some more!" Johann turned to Abigail, speaking gently, "Abigail, remember, no matter what, you're not alone. You've got your baby with you." Abigail nodded, her voice a soft murmur. "Yes, I know. With my baby, you, Mel, and Fee, I've always had company." As she ate heartily, contrasting many who experience reduced appetite during pregnancy, it was evident that her appetite had only increased. Finishing her meal, she gently placed her utensils down and tenderly touched her belly, feeling the life within. "Grandpa, my baby is already over three months old." Johann replied, "Ah, three months, that means the baby is taking shape now." Abigail asked, "Do you have a preference for a boy or a girl?" Johann's smile was gentle. "Whether it's a boy or a girl, it makes no difference to me. If it's your child, I'll love them just the same." "I'm hoping for a boy." "Why is that?" Abigail chuckled. "People often say girls look like their dads, and boys their moms. I'd like a child who resembles me." Johann said, "Who the child resembles can be quite unpredictable. It all depends on the parents' genes. Vincent's boys, for instance, are the spitting image of their dad. And if you have a boy, he might end up looking like Xander." Speaking of Xander, Johann's gaze shifted to Abigail, his expression tinged with worry.