Chapter 43: Truly Pregnant

That night, Zhou Liuchuan simply couldn’t fall asleep no matter what he tried. The restless tossing and turning woke Jiang Zao, and in their drowsy haze, intimacy blossomed. Zhou Liuchuan mentioned that he’d have to return to the old family home early the next morning.

As promised, he took Jiang Zao back to the ancestral house after dawn. The elderly couple was eating breakfast and hastily added bowls and chopsticks, inviting Zhou Liuchuan and Jiang Zao to join them at the table.

Throughout the meal, Jiang Zao remained attentive and considerate, caring for Zhou Liuchuan as she always did.

Such gentle, obedient behavior caught Zhou Huai’s eye, leaving him unable to utter anything about family lineage or background.

After breakfast, Shen Xiaonan took Jiang Zao to the courtyard to tend to the flowers, patiently explaining the habits and characteristics of each blossom—how to appreciate them, how to cultivate them.

Smiling, Shen Xiaonan asked, “You don’t often get a chance to learn about these, do you?”

Jiang Zao nodded. “I can tell you a bit about their shapes and colors, but I don’t really know much about planting or cultivation.”

Shen Xiaonan spoke with a hint of melancholy, “Flowers are like people; if you pamper them, they’ll bloom for you. But sometimes it’s different, because people aren’t like flowers—they don’t always grow according to your wishes.”

Her words were shrouded in mystery, and Jiang Zao struggled to understand, ultimately just offering a polite smile.

“The flowers you raise must be the most radiant and beautiful. I should learn from you and improve.”

Shen Xiaonan, as if she hadn’t spoken a moment ago, returned to her usual gentle and amiable demeanor. “There’s no rush; there’ll be plenty of chances in the future. But I noticed you didn’t eat much just now—was breakfast not to your liking?”

Jiang Zao quickly shook her head. “No, no. My stomach’s been a bit off lately, and it’s worse in the mornings, so I ate less.”

Shen Xiaonan looked up at her, then shifted her gaze back to the flowerpots. “Have you seen a doctor? Don’t let youth keep you from seeking treatment—small problems can become big ones if neglected.”

Jiang Zao replied with a smile, “I’ve been busy these days, but I’ll go when things settle down.”

Shen Xiaonan nodded. “As long as you know what you’re doing. We elders have little to worry about—just take good care of yourself.”

As they chatted, Zhou Liuchuan emerged, supported by the housekeeper. “Mom, Zaozao, what are you two talking about so happily?”

Jiang Zao answered, “Your mother is teaching me how to care for flowers.”

Zhou Liuchuan affectionately wrapped his arm around Jiang Zao’s waist. “Have you learned? When we’re home, I’ll carve out a little garden for you. The backyard still has plenty of space—whatever you like, we’ll plant it.”

Jiang Zao smiled and remained silent; in front of Shen Xiaonan, she couldn’t easily ask Zhou Liuchuan for anything.

Shen Xiaonan seemed to sense Jiang Zao’s unease and thoughtfully changed the subject. “Have you finished talking with your father?”

Zhou Liuchuan nodded. “Yes, we’re done.”

“He’s agreed to your relationship?”

Zhou Liuchuan scratched his head shyly, as if caught off guard. “You’re amazing, Mom—nothing escapes your eyes.”

Shen Xiaonan sighed, as if relieved. “It’s good he agrees. Now you both can feel more secure. I’ve never gotten involved in the company’s affairs, but your father, though retired, still has some influence. You should listen to him when you can.”

Zhou Liuchuan’s smug expression faded. “Of course.”

Setting aside her small trowel, Shen Xiaonan wiped her hands and stood. “Alright, I think Zaozao’s still feeling unwell. You two should head home early. If it gets worse, take some stomach medicine—it’s not good to stay uncomfortable.”

They rose to take their leave. On the way, Zhou Liuchuan pressed Jiang Zao with questions until he learned about her stomach troubles and insisted they go to the hospital immediately.

Jiang Zao only managed to stop Du Bin’s car after much reassurance that she was fine.

Shen Xiaonan’s attitude that morning was strange—her demeanor before and after Zhou Liuchuan appeared had changed so much that Jiang Zao couldn’t quite figure her out. She decided it was best not to act rashly.

Back at home, Jiang Zao remembered Zhou Liuchuan’s reason for visiting the old house.

“By the way, how did your conversation with your father go?”

Zhou Liuchuan handed his coat to Hui, who was waiting nearby. “I spoke honestly with him about Meng Qiaoyuan and you. He thinks very highly of you now and won’t try to break us up anymore.”

Jiang Zao wasn’t surprised. Zhou Huai’s attitude had shifted noticeably during their recent meetings. If he were still unwilling, he wouldn’t have allowed her painting to be hung in such a prominent place.

“Anything else? Is there something more?”

“Let’s talk upstairs.”

Taking the elevator, they returned to their bedroom. Zhou Liuchuan lay languidly on the bed.

“I haven’t slept enough. Let’s nap together.”

Jiang Zao brushed aside his mischievous hand. “I’m asking you questions—answer honestly.”

“My dad said that if Zhou Kuan can probe into our family’s affairs, either one of the staff is his plant, or Meng Qiaoyuan is playing double agent. He wants me to let you handle the household staff arrangements, to investigate.”

Jiang Zao hesitated. “Me? Can I really do it?”

Zhou Liuchuan propped himself up, smiling. “Why not? Didn’t I just tell you you’re clever? Even if you learn as you go, you’ll manage. Now you’re scared?”

Jiang Zao leaned into his arms. “I’m afraid I’ll mess up and embarrass you.”

Zhou Liuchuan hugged and kissed her, finally pulling back to say, “My delicate wife can only make me proud wherever she goes. You’ll never embarrass me.”

They played around for a while, nearly losing control in broad daylight; if Jiang Zao hadn’t dodged quickly, that elusive seed might truly have been lost.

...

The next day, Jiang Zao tidied herself up and went to meet Meng Qiaoyuan.

Du Bin had been sent out on errands, and the new driver assumed Jiang Zao was picking up medicine for Zhou Liuchuan at the hospital. He waited in the parking lot, not prying.

Meng Qiaoyuan greeted Jiang Zao on the first floor and led her straight to the fifth-floor maternity ward.

“Dr. Hou is my senior—she supervised me briefly in graduate school. She’s reliable, and I’ve arranged everything. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Zao thanked her, then entered the consulting room.

An hour later, Jiang Zao sat outside the maternity ward, staring blankly at the ultrasound report.

...She was actually pregnant...

Meng Qiaoyuan had changed out of her white coat and walked over, picking up the report from Jiang Zao’s hands.

“Wow, it’s really there. Congratulations!”

Jiang Zao managed a faint smile. “My feelings are complicated right now—I don’t know what to do.”

Meng Qiaoyuan gathered all the documents into an empty file folder and took Jiang Zao’s hand, leading her out for lunch.

“There’s a chicken casserole place next to the hospital—it’s delicious. Come on, my treat.”