Laugh Last

The sound of the doorbell rang, and soon the door swung open.

"Mom~ I'm home~"

As soon as the door opened, Cheng Jun called out in a voice so sweet it could rot teeth.

Wen Ya's face appeared, her gaze sweeping past Shen Yi before settling on Cheng Jun, her smile gentle:

"You're here. Come on in."

Then she reached out to steady Cheng Jun, not forgetting to greet Shen Yi as well,

"Xiao Shen, you're too polite bringing gifts. Don’t just stand there—hand them to Auntie and come inside."

Wen Ya was naturally well-acquainted with Shen Yi, as Cheng Tianwei had thoroughly investigated him when the pregnancy came to light.

Not only did she know about him, but she was also aware of his occasional interactions with Old Fu’s daughter.

His frivolous attitude toward relationships left her with unspoken reservations about her daughter’s infatuated boyfriend, though her manners kept her from voicing them outright.

"Ah, yes, Auntie."

Shen Yi responded, handing the gifts to the housekeeper nearby before slipping into the offered slippers.

Following the mother and daughter inside, they arrived in the living room.

Cheng Jun glanced around before turning to Wen Ya,

"Hey, Mom, where’s Dad?"

Wen Ya replied,

"Your father’s upstairs in the study, wrapping up a video conference. He’ll be down soon."

Then she turned back to Shen Yi,

"Xiao Shen, make yourself at home. Have a seat."

Shen Yi acknowledged with a nod and settled onto the sofa.

Cheng Jun, meanwhile, nestled close to her mother. Whether it was due to the surge of estrogen from her pregnancy or not, her emotions had been fluctuating lately.

Now, leaning against Wen Ya, she began whispering little complaints, her tone soft and intimate.

"Yeah, I’ve been feeling nauseous a lot lately... This morning, I was retching, but nothing came up."

Wen Ya patted her daughter’s shoulder sympathetically.

"And I’ve been craving sour stuff lately... slurp..."

Cheng Jun didn’t know what was happening to her—just the mention of sourness made her mouth water uncontrollably.

"Right, she usually eats apples, blueberries, or cherries, but yesterday she made me buy lemons," Shen Yi chimed in from the side.

The lemons Cheng Jun would’ve normally ignored were devoured—three in one go—leaving Shen Yi utterly stunned.

At this, Wen Ya covered her mouth and laughed. "That’s how it is."

"Don’t even get me started. When I was pregnant with Zhu Yun, I kept craving spicy food."

"But I could barely handle spice back then. I’d be in tears from the heat and still shoveling it in."

She rolled her eyes at the memory and added,

"And your father, bless him, was clueless. Called me crazy for it."

"Hahaha! In today’s terms, Dad was a total ‘straight man’!"

Cheng Jun giggled, unable to imagine her composed and wise father as a clueless, blunt young man.

Wen Ya laughed along, ruffling Cheng Jun’s hair affectionately.

Just then, the housekeeper arrived with tea. Shen Yi accepted a cup.

"Xiao Shen, are you hungry?"

Wen Ya set her teacup on a coaster and turned to Shen Yi.

"Ah, I’m fine, but Zhu Yun didn’t eat much at lunch. She’s probably hungry," Shen Yi replied, lifting his cup.

Wen Ya glanced at Cheng Jun, who shook her head, so she smiled and said,

"No worries. Have some tea first. Dinner will be ready soon."

It was just past 5:30—too early for real hunger—so there was no rush to eat.

Cheng Jun clung to Wen Ya’s arm, murmuring about her recent troubles.

"I’ve been feeling so emotional lately..."

"Not like angry, just... off. And my period’s late."

"Mom, my chest has been sore too. It hurts when I press on it."

With Wen Ya, Cheng Jun had no reservations, pouring out every little concern.

Wen Ya, having been through it all before, rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"That’s normal. Everyone goes through it."

"Some have it worse, some have it easier—just depends on your body."

"You’re still early on. Just be careful. If anything feels wrong, go straight to the hospital. Stay active, don’t stay up too late, and don’t overthink it."

Then she couldn’t resist adding,

"I told you to come stay with us. Between me and Auntie, you’d be better taken care of than on your own."

Cheng Jun brushed it off with a playful grin.

"I don’t like crowded places."

"Besides, Shen Yi’s looking after me. I’m barely pregnant—I’ll ask for help when I can’t move around as easily."

Her eyes curved mischievously as she teased,

"Your daughter’s a grown woman. I know to eat when I’m hungry and hide when it rains. Relax, I’ll be fine."

After two cups of tea, Cheng Tianwei still hadn’t appeared—clearly, the company meeting was running long.

Shen Yi excused himself to use the restroom.

Wen Ya pointed the way, waiting until he was out of earshot before turning back to Cheng Jun, her expression serious.

"Zhu Yun, you and Xiao Shen haven’t... you know, lately, right?"

Cheng Jun froze, then flushed crimson, ducking her head.

"Of course not. I know the risks."

Wen Ya relaxed. She hadn’t wanted to ask in front of Shen Yi, but now she pressed on,

"Good. The first three months are critical. If something happens, it’d be a tragedy."

Cheng Jun nodded vigorously.

"I know. Shen Yi said it’s bad for my health too."

Lately, Shen Yi had been teaching her all about pregnancy dos and don’ts, and she’d absorbed every word.

She didn’t know where he’d picked up the knowledge, assuming he’d researched it just for her. Though she didn’t say it aloud, the thought warmed her heart.

Effort spoke volumes. Shen Yi’s attentiveness reassured her more than anything.

As for Cousin and Shu Yunyi? They’re just sore losers.

Let them squabble. Cheng Jun had always kept a level head—in this game, the early bird got the worm.

What was the point of infighting? In the end, she was the one who came out on top.

Shen Yi returned, drying his hands, oblivious to their conversation as he took his seat again.

Then came the sound of footsteps—Cheng Tianwei descending the stairs.

His expression was calm, the meeting clearly concluded. His face softened as he looked at his wife and daughter.

"You’re back. What were you two talking about?"

Wen Ya waved him off.

"Women’s matters. None of your business."

The word women made Cheng Tianwei’s heart ache, but he’d known this day would come. He could accept it.

Shen Yi quickly stood to greet him.

"Hello, Uncle."

Cheng Tianwei turned and saw the culprit himself. His mood soured, but his composure was unshaken. He smiled politely.

"Xiao Shen, you’re here. Make yourself at home."

When Shen Yi nodded, Cheng Tianwei turned to Wen Ya.

"Is dinner ready?"

Wen Ya stood, sighing.

"Long ready. We were waiting for you."

"Ah, my fault. The meeting dragged on."

Cheng Tianwei apologized to the women before clapping his hands.

"Enough talk. Let’s eat."