Chapter 84: "Miss Jiang" or "Young Madam"?

Shen Mushi failed to deliver the flowers. Carrying the vibrant bouquet in his arms, he walked down the bustling street; the pairing of handsome man and beautiful woman was eye-catching enough, and with such a lively bundle of flowers as accompaniment, he drew even more attention.

Upon returning home, he placed the bouquet carefully in a vase. He inspected it from every angle, finding nothing wrong with it. He took a photo and sent it to the only person he could ask for advice.

“Why can’t I give away this bouquet?”

Jiang Zao was seated at her desk, scribbling notes while following a video on her tablet about pregnancy precautions. Seeing Shen Mushi’s message, she sent back a quick reply.

“Qiao Yuan doesn’t like lilies—next time, choose something else. Candied hawthorn would work too.”

Shen Mushi leapt up in protest: “I never said it was for her! Candied hawthorn isn’t a flower!”

Jiang Zao ignored him. She exited the chat and tapped into another conversation, where the other party was venting with passionate messages.

“A thirty-year-old man with nothing better to do on his break likes to stroll through parks—never seen that before.”

“I don’t mind receiving flowers, but couldn’t he just leave the lilies out? They smell so awful—why buy them for me?”

“What on earth is Shen Mushi up to? I don’t want his flowers, and he seems to wilt faster than they do. I endured the smell of lilies all the way, but I haven’t wilted yet…”

“Does he have feelings for me? Am I being too self-absorbed? What should I do? Say something!”

“…It’s over, Jiang Zao. I’ve decided I’ll keep my distance from him starting tomorrow. At my age, it’s easy to get carried away.”

Jiang Zao read Meng Qiao Yuan’s final message and silently wished Dr. Shen good luck.

Hang in there, Dr. Shen—the road ahead is long and winding.

She rose to fetch a glass of water and use the restroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a familiar black Bentley parked in its usual spot.

Hmm.

Some people’s path is even longer.

…

Recently, Zhou Lichuan had been unusually fatigued at work, often zoning out and standing motionless. Rumors swirled throughout the company, and a few seasoned managers discreetly asked Du Bin, only to be told that President Zhou simply hadn’t been able to rest well.

It wasn’t until the market department’s manager, her belly seven months pregnant, came to report work that President Zhou’s long-vacant gaze finally found a focal point, lingering on her belly without distraction.

The others in the conference room exchanged glances—what was wrong with the president?

Manager Yang felt uneasy under his scrutiny and glanced at Du Bin, who was taking notes beside her.

Receiving the silent plea for help, Du Bin quickly broke the president’s trance: “President Zhou, do you have any other comments regarding the market department’s report?”

Zhou Lichuan snapped back to reality. “No, everyone can get back to work. Manager Yang, please stay—I have something to ask you.”

The employees filed out of the meeting room, leaving Manager Yang standing uncertainly.

“President Zhou… Is there something you need?”

Zhou Lichuan rubbed his nose, gesturing for Manager Yang to sit. “Please, have a seat. Is the baby healthy? I’d like to consult you about matters concerning pregnant women and babies—if you mind, we can skip it.”

Manager Yang instantly relaxed. The current market climate was tough, and being pregnant, she feared any work-related upheaval might threaten her position. Hearing it wasn’t about her job, she felt relieved.

“President Zhou, you’re too courteous. Ask anything you like—I’ll answer truthfully.”

Du Bin stood outside the door, checking documents, but his ears were tuned to the conversation inside, growing more and more puzzled.

Was President Zhou asking these detailed questions on a whim, or was there another reason…?

He quickly whipped out his phone, scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was looking, and typed out a message.

The one lounging at home would surely know the truth. If his suspicions were correct, President Zhou might be in real trouble.

Soon his phone vibrated with a reply from Zhou Jiayan: “Who else could be pregnant? Of course it’s Jiang Zao—she’s already four months along, starting to show. Lately, she’s been eating a lot, making up for all she lost to morning sickness earlier. Poor thing.”

It’s over, it’s really over… President Zhou’s fate was sealed this time.

…

On the weekend of the first workweek after the New Year, Zhou Jiayan brought a nervous Du Bin to Jiang Zao’s home.

Jiang Zao was following a yoga tutorial on TV, gently exercising. Sister Hui watched anxiously from the side.

Du Bin stood at the doorway, so flustered he could barely speak. “Jiang… Jiang… Young Madam—no, I mean… um… Happy New Year.”

Jiang Zao smiled at him from where she stood. “Happy New Year. Your timing is perfect—soon it’ll be time to wish me a happy Lantern Festival.”

Du Bin scratched his head, not knowing what to say.

Zhou Jiayan changed her shoes and pulled Du Bin onto the sofa.

“Oh, Jiang Zao, don’t tease him! I specifically brought him to thank you for matchmaking us. We can be together openly now—all thanks to you.”

Du Bin had learned the full story of the Li Mingyi incident on their way, and only now realized that Jiang Zao had orchestrated everything behind the scenes.

Jiang Zao brought out her snacks to entertain the two, while Sister Hui went to brew tea.

“My plan never included bringing you two together—it’s just fate, really.”

She sat on the sofa, smiling as Zhou Jiayan clung tightly to Du Bin’s arm.

Du Bin immediately sensed something unusual. “It was Young Madam who made it happen. If Li Mingyi hadn’t caused trouble at the old family home, I’d never have had the courage to propose publicly. Your strategy… I understand.”

Jiang Zao shook her head in mild exasperation. “I appreciate your understanding, but could you please use another title? It’s giving me a headache.”

Du Bin grew flustered. “Then… Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Zao hurriedly replied, “Wouldn’t it be fine if you and Zhou Jiayan just call me by my name?”

Du Bin quickly refused. “That wouldn’t be appropriate—I’ll stick with Miss Jiang. Miss Jiang, I only learned a few days ago that you’re pregnant… I was truly careless.”

Jiang Zao was already accustomed to the little life growing inside her. She reached out to touch her slightly rounded belly and said, “It’s nothing—at first, even I didn’t notice. Besides, I intended to keep it secret, so naturally only a few people know.”

Zhou Jiayan chimed in, “Exactly, I didn’t know either—not until I visited last time.”

Sister Hui brought over freshly brewed tea. “Don’t worry, Miss Jiang and Mr. Du. Miss Jiang’s health is perfectly fine. The doctor recommends more exercise to keep weight gain in check for her health.”

Zhou Jiayan examined Jiang Zao closely. “Ah—she has gained a little, but she looks so much better than at home, radiant and lovely.”

Sister Hui returned to her room, leaving the three young people to chat.

After a brief conversation, Zhou Jiayan picked up her bag, saying she had something to deliver to Jiang Zao on behalf of someone else, and asked if she was willing to accept it. If not, she’d take it back herself.