Chapter 7

Wen Yi had just finished a meeting. A new official brings three fires. The new leader carried tasks on his back. In this anti-corruption campaign, Nu’an was not allowed a single piece of negative news.

The higher-ups only needed to hear one result. Those who toiled to death were the people below. Pressure from above pushed her, and she pushed those below. Self-inspection, self-correction, organizing materials for reports. Even small matters like chatting a few words with a passing doctor years ago had to be written into the records.

After a week of frantic busyness, she finally saw the end.

She had seen the messages and calls from Qin Nanshan. She had not decided yet. She dared not answer or reply.

Her mother’s reaction was bigger than imagined. Wen Yi forgot to take the new key. Later, she could not even get back home. It was past eight in the evening before someone returned. Yet Ms. Wen acted as if she were invisible.

Wen Yi felt some worry and fear. The decision she had made wavered.

After a week of entanglement, with no more excuse of work busyness, she finally had to give an answer and make a resolution.

Wen Yi picked up the ringing phone and left the office, walking to the large terrace at the end of the floor.

As soon as she answered, the other side said, “My mom wants to talk to you. Is it convenient?”

Before she could respond, the phone was taken over by a gentle female voice. Xuan Ying greeted warmly. “Yiyi, right? I’m Nanshan’s mother. Hello.”

Wen Yi froze for a few seconds before reacting. “Hello, Auntie.”

Xuan Ying asked if she had plans tomorrow. After Wen Yi said no, she invited her to come home for dinner. Wen Yi had always been unable to refuse elders. As she hesitated, Xuan Ying asked a few more questions that led her astray. By the time she circled back, the weekend dinner was already set.

Wen Yi was dazed, not understanding how the time and place for meeting the parents had been decided just like that.

The phone returned to its owner. A few footsteps sounded. The man’s voice became more spacious, likely having walked away. “I’ll pick you up this weekend?”

“No need.” Wen Yi came back to her senses. For the first time in days, a smile appeared. “Qin Nanshan, are you adopted?”

Qin Nanshan frowned. “No.”

“I feel like you’re not very much like your mother’s son.”

Qin Nanshan understood what she meant. “Everyone says that. My younger sister takes after my parents more.”

Wen Yi’s gaze drifted far, looking at the vehicles coming and going on the elevated road outside the terrace. Still. She had started the topic herself but had no desire to continue it.

Lately, she often did this. In the middle of doing something, she would zone out. Once started, it lasted ten minutes, half an hour at minimum.

Online sources said pregnant women easily fatigue and their minds wander. Zoning out and daydreaming was not an illness. But she was afraid. The saying “one pregnancy makes you stupid for three years.” She was only a little over a month along and already showing signs. By delivery, would she become a fool?

Yet the most terrifying part was that when she fell silent, the man on the other end did not remind her. He accompanied her in zoning out. Wen Yi realized this. In a daze, she seemed to glimpse their future elderly life, sitting together on small stools on the balcony, staring blankly.

Truly horrifying! Wen Yi quickly snapped awake. “Sorry. I’ve been quite busy these days and not feeling well. I couldn’t contact you.”

Qin Nanshan paused before replying. “It’s okay. Is the morning sickness very severe?”

“Better these past two days. For the furniture, you decide. I have no opinions.”

“Okay.” Another silence followed. Qin Nanshan asked, “Are you preparing for a prenatal checkup?”

Wen Yi looked out the window again. She remembered when she first became a pharmaceutical representative. It was an unfamiliar field, not work she loved, and it went against Ms. Wen’s wishes. Yet deep down, she had secretly vowed to make a name for herself. She did it for six years and reached middle management.

The answer came from experience. No one could walk a smooth path forever. Perhaps she was never destined for one from the start.

Wen Yi answered him, “Tomorrow.”

He said, “I’ll go with you.”

Wen Yi thought for a moment and did not refuse. With a father accompanying the mother, why should she go to the prenatal checkup alone.

After hanging up, she stood on the terrace for a long while until movement sounded behind her. Wen Yi turned and saw her new leader, the surprise Tian Jia had mentioned, her ex-boyfriend from four years ago whom she had broken up with, Wei Yuan.

When she had just entered the industry, she was young. Wei Yuan was a few years older, the very embodiment of humorous, witty, bold, and spirited. With many tricks up his sleeve, it was inevitable for a young girl to fall for him.

After a year together, Wei Yuan’s astonishing performance caught the attention of headquarters. They sent him abroad for a position. Anyone with eyes could see it was a chance to soar.

Wei Yuan said he loved her and wanted a future with her on one hand, while urging her to go abroad with him on the other. Back then, Wen Yi was just a junior representative, not even a specialist. If she followed him, at best she could only be an assistant, forever dependent on him. She was clear-headed and refused.

They parted naturally. She heard that just two months after he left, he found a foreign girl and lived quite comfortably.

Four years apart, Wei Yuan made a glamorous return as her superior.

On Monday when starting work, Tian Jia winked and hinted at her, saying they had met at the peak.

Tian Jia fantasized about them rekindling and him giving her a boost. Wen Yi did not have the heart to burst the bubble. She had told no one at the company about the pregnancy. Her regional manager position was not yet secure. Announcing it now would be equivalent to handing it over.

Now Wei Yuan sought her out alone, ambiguity in his eyes. Wen Yi inwardly thought this was bad. He would not really want to rekindle with her, would he?

There was no lingering web between them. They had parted amicably. Seeing each other again, eyes did not redden, hearts did not race.

Moreover, even if she agreed, the tenant in her belly would not.

Wen Yi smiled appropriately. “Hello, Director Wei.”

As expected, the man opened with concern. “Your complexion doesn’t look good. Are you too tired?”

Wen Yi replied, “Not tired. Normal work.”

“Dinner together this weekend?”

“I’m afraid not. This weekend I’m going to my boyfriend’s house for dinner.”

Seeing the astonishment on his face as desired, Wen Yi thought she had succeeded in retreating. Who knew the man could be shameless in an amusing way. “Wen Yi, I know you’re still angry, but there’s no need for such excuses. We can give each other another chance.”

Wen Yi looked utterly innocent. Right in front of him, she dialed a number on speaker. It connected. She called out sweetly, “Darling~ What do your parents like? I’ll buy some this weekend.”

Mr. Qin on the other end was probably startled, but fortunately he reacted slowly and steadily. His answer showed no trace of forced cooperation. “No need to buy anything. Just come yourself.”

“Got it.”

Wei Yuan’s face turned half black, half green. He stormed off in rage. Wen Yi sighed, patted her small belly, and muttered to herself, “Your mom is in for tough days ahead.”

At the eastern suburbs villa, Qin Nanshan put away his phone. His usually calm and unruffled expression cracked.

Wen Yi’s voice was not soft. Xuan Ying and Qin Heng heard everything clearly. The couple exchanged glances and suddenly understood. So their son liked this type! They had been trying in the wrong direction before!

……

The next morning at half past seven, Qin Nanshan arrived at the entrance of Yuting Fu and called her. Wen Yi rejected the first two calls. On the third, she finally answered. Like a bristling little lion, her temper flared. “Who is it so early in the morning!”

Qin Nanshan cleared his throat lightly. “It’s me. Prenatal checkup today.”

The voice on the phone seemed tinged with the chill of a winter morning, making Wen Yi shiver and complain aggrievedly. “It’s all your fault. I vomited until two in the morning last night and barely slept. It was awful.”

Qin Nanshan paused stiffly and turned off the engine. “Which building? I’ll come up.”

“Don’t come up. Wait half an hour for me.”

Wen Yi struggled out of bed. She dared not wear makeup or high heels. She needed a B-ultrasound and did not wear a skirt. Before leaving, she looked in the mirror and sighed deeply.

The refined image she had maintained for years was quietly slipping away. Truly heartbreaking.

She put on a hat and mask, wrapped herself tightly, and did not remove them even after getting in the car.

As soon as she got in, Wen Yi said sadly, “I’m so hungry.”

“You need to fast. Can’t eat breakfast yet.”

Wen Yi felt even sadder. “I know.”

Weekday rush hour brought heavy traffic. The car moved slowly. Wen Yi felt bored and talked to him. “Don’t you have work today?”

“I took leave.”

“So easy to get leave?”

The man kept his eyes ahead. “Not easy. I postponed many things.”

“……” Wen Yi was speechless. She continued asking, “Do you have any hobbies?”

“What do you mean?”

“Hobbies. Things you like to do.”

“Researching mathematics.”

“……”

“What about weekends? What do you do on weekends?”

“Read papers or work on projects.”

“……”

Qin Nanshan then heard a very soft sigh. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Pregnant women are like this. Easily sentimental. You’ll have to get used to it.”

She said it casually, but he nodded seriously. “Yes. I read online that it’s like that.”

“……And then?”

“Rest well. Keep a relaxed mindset.”

“That’s it?”

He thought for a moment and said, “That’s it. Those are the most important.”

At this point, a more skilled man would have long coaxed the woman into blooming with joy, saying things like “I’ll be with you” or “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” Even if not everyone could follow through, at least in that moment, it would give her a sense of security. But Qin Nanshan’s thinking stopped there. She even suspected his claim of having dated before was a lie.

Wen Yi could not expect comforting words from him. She said directly, “You’re so busy and have no specialties. How will you take care of the child later? Have him solve problems with you?”

Qin Nanshan had never considered this. He turned to look and saw her with eyes closed, hands raised in fists, muttering unclearly.

Curious, he asked, “What are you doing?”

“Making a wish. Wishing the child gets your IQ and my EQ.”

Qin Nanshan’s brows furrowed slightly. Wen Yi noticed and panicked inwardly. “It’s over. If the IQ follows me and EQ follows you, what then.”

The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He said helplessly, “My parents and grandmother are all research-oriented talents. Our child won’t fall short anywhere. As for emotional intelligence and personality, we don’t need to rely too much on genetics. Personality is mostly shaped by family education and environment. The child will take after you.”

Wen Yi instantly felt relieved. Then she blurted out, “In yesterday’s call, your mom seemed so cheerful and enthusiastic. How come you…” She stopped midway, realizing her slip. She apologized. “I didn’t mean anything else. Don’t overthink it.”

Qin Nanshan was quiet for a moment before saying calmly, “When my parents had me, it was during their career ascent. They often worked overtime and had little time at home. They probably noticed my mathematical talent early and bought many math workbooks. I would solve problems all day.”

“I do like solving problems, but it also made me neglect socializing. However, I think your concern shouldn’t be an issue. I still understand the necessary social rules.”

Wen Yi felt a twinge of guilt. She recalled her own childhood and fell silent.

Ms. Wen had been busy too back then, busy making a living and providing for her. But Wen Yi’s choice differed from his. He processed emotions through problems. She felt unhappier alone, so she went out to make friends, balancing her inner unease and loneliness that way.

But as she grew older, she increasingly envied those who could be alone, possessing the ability to self-soothe and live harmoniously with themselves. It was so difficult.

Wen Yi said, “Then I hope he can be like you, with rich inner resources and independence.”

Red light. Qin Nanshan turned his head again. This time, his gaze lingered long enough.

Nearing the hospital, Wen Yi clenched her fists and asked the final question. “Qin Nanshan, if I didn’t want this child, what would you do?”

He did not respond.

Turning the corner, scanning the code to enter, reaching the hospital. Before getting out, he finally answered. “I respect your opinion.”

“What about your opinion?”

Qin Nanshan looked over, his gaze deepening slightly. “I want it.”

He had already overturned all previous calculations, starting anew to build new formulas and new order. The early stages might involve poor adaptation or setbacks, but one thing was certain: there was no returning to the origin.

Wen Yi looked at him deeply for a moment. Then she pressed the door handle and got out.

At the outpatient building entrance, they ran into Zhao Ling. Zhao Ling’s eyes never left Qin Nanshan. Only after he turned away did she clear her throat. “Professor Qin, I’ll talk to Wen Yi for a bit.”

Once Qin Nanshan left, Zhao Ling sighed directly. “Haven’t seen him in years. That top student from back then has gotten even more handsome. Wen Yi, you’re impressive. Landing someone like that.”

Wen Yi urged. “Say what you have to say quickly. We’re in a hurry.”

“Why the rush?” Zhao Ling asked knowingly. “Not here for an abortion, right?”

Wen Yi ignored her with a look.

Zhao Ling continued. “Why not abort then?”

The woman’s anxious expression gradually eased. She looked up at the sky.

The weather was nice today. Mostly cloudy with occasional bursts of sunlight. The air is no longer damp. It seemed a good omen.

After a pause, she smiled at Zhao Ling. “Would you abort yourself?”

Zhao Ling did not understand and pressed further. Wen Yi said no more. Zhao Ling had to ask again. “When’s the wedding?”

“We’ll see. Not decided yet.”

“Better hurry. You only get one chance in life to wear a wedding dress. Once the belly grows, it won’t look good.”

Wen Yi glanced at her, utterly unconcerned. “Who says you only get one chance in life?”

By the time Zhao Ling reacted, Wen Yi had already called the man beside her and entered the outpatient building.

Wen Yi in flat shoes still carried the poise of a career woman. The man in the black coat exuded refined elegance. The two looked mismatched at first glance, yet they shared an aura that outsiders could not penetrate.

Zhao Ling pursed her lips. She did not believe for a second that Wen Yi would remarry.

It was true there was no blood for Wen Yi in the bank. But “aborting this one makes it hard to conceive next time” was a common line in gynecology. And with Director Zhang handling so many surgeries, the chance of complications was minuscule.

But doctors would not take such risks. After Wen Yi told her, Zhao Ling contacted colleagues in Sucheng. They said no problem. She had told Wen Yi early on it was fine and to just book in advance if needed.

Yet the next day, Wen Yi messaged saying no need. Look now. She was here for a prenatal checkup.

So Wen Yi had never intended to abort this child. This woman was the outstanding representative of saying one thing and meaning another. Divorce? Even ghosts would not believe it.

Zhao Ling shoved her hands in her pockets and tsked a few times. Looked like she would have to bleed money again. Wedding gift, then full-moon celebration for the baby.

……

Last time, the fetal heartbeat could not be detected. This visit was mainly to check the heartbeat and gestational sac, plus routine exams and filing the record.

Still booked with Director Zhang. Director Zhang recognized Wen Yi and glanced at the man beside her. She said nothing extra and told Wen Yi to lie on the bed.

Director Zhang put on gloves and applied coupling gel to the probe. “Lift your clothes.”

Qin Nanshan was still there. Wen Yi felt uncomfortable. Her hand pressed on her shirt hem. “Doctor, does he need to be here?”

Director Zhang turned directly and instructed. “Help her lift her clothes.”

Qin Nanshan was also somewhat ill at ease but helplessly followed the doctor’s orders and stepped forward. Wen Yi’s brows knitted. Her hands gripped tightly. When Qin Nanshan approached, he dared not move further.

They had shared the most intimate relations. Now, just looking at her belly, both grew awkward. He cleared his throat. “Doctor, do I need to be here?”

Director Zhang was quite impatient. “You married couple, why so hesitant? If you want to see the child, stay.”

Qin Nanshan pondered briefly, reached out. Wen Yi reacted instinctively and quickly said. “I’ll do it myself.”

The clothes only needed lifting below the chest. Yet when his gaze focused on her belly in her peripheral vision, she felt extremely awkward, as if exposed naked.

That night, only the floor lamp was on. Vision dim. In the chaotic and urgent atmosphere, she had not noticed if he looked at her. Her attention was entirely on the sensations.

Now, skin exposed to air, though untimely, inappropriate images flashed in her mind. The muffled hums swallowed in his throat from restraint. Emotions at peak yet insisting on maintaining decorum. But when he finally covered her, the low roar vibrating through his entire chest revealed everything.

A man who practices self-restraint and returns to propriety has fallen from his pedestal. Wen Yi feels satisfaction in both body and heart, experiencing an unprecedented pleasure that sends a tingling numbness up her tailbone.

Her ear tips flush slightly red. She turns her gaze away. The cool coupling gel spreads slickly across her fair belly as the probe moves. The heat within her body eases a little.

Beside them, the fetal heart monitor emits a “thump thump” heartbeat, rapid and rhythmic, like the soft sound of drumming.

Wen Yi cannot see the screen. She asks anxiously for confirmation. “Director Zhang, is this the baby’s heartbeat?”

“Yes. A bit fast.”

“Ah?”

“Normal fetal heart rate is 120 to 160 beats per minute. The baby is now around 180 beats per minute.”

Director Zhang is already a serious person. Now frowning silently, she truly inspires fear.

Wen Yi touches her own chest. Her heart is racing too right now. It could not be…

She steals a glance at the man beside her, his face full of worry as he stares at the screen, then quickly looks away. She takes a deep breath.

After several passes, Director Zhang says, “No major issues. Gestational sac, embryo bud, and fetal heart are all normal.”

Both let out a sigh of relief.

They take the report and leave. Until getting back in the car, Wen Yi does not exchange a single word with Qin Nanshan. She pinches the paper and looks at it. It is a clearer small embryo than last time, like a dark Kyoho grape.

After staring for who knows how long, she asks dazedly, “Did you hear the baby’s heartbeat just now?”

“I did.”

“Isn’t it magical?”

The baby living in her belly has his own breathing and heartbeat, growing little by little. On her last visit it was still a small soybean. Now it has become a small grape.

Qin Nanshan’s lips curve slightly. “I recorded it. Do you want to listen again?”

Wen Yi is delighted. “Really?”

He takes out his phone and plays the audio. It is not as loud as in the hospital, but still clearly audible. “Thump thump thump,” like a dance tune with a distinct melody, joyful rhythm.

The rate is indeed fast. Wen Yi knows why. Her smile grows wider. The baby connected to her as one, the only baby who shares her blood and can sense her emotions. This is their first secret.

The car interior falls quiet. The two young people, not yet very familiar, unconsciously lighten their breathing, afraid of disturbing the existence of another life in the small space.

Listening and listening, Wen Yi’s eyes grow hot. “Send it to me.”

“Yes.” Qin Nanshan forwards it. After putting away his phone, he says solemnly, “From now on, I’ll choose the prenatal music. Yours are too fast-paced.”

Wen Yi does not argue over these small matters. She listens to the ten-second audio two more times. After finishing, she sends it to Ms. Wen.