Discussion 02

"Auntie Mei, is there anything I should be particularly careful about?"

After calming down, Fu Nanzhi quickly turned back to ask Consort Mei.

Though Fu Nanzhi had plenty of experience caring for children, this was her first time being pregnant herself, so she treasured it all the more.

How could she not be cautious? After so many twists and turns, she had secretly given up hope long ago.

No matter how adorable or lovable other children were, they could never compare to having one of her own.

At her words, a pang of sorrow struck each of them differently. Shen Yi quietly reached over and held Fu Nanzhi’s hand.

Consort Mei chuckled in response:

"It’s still early days—there’s not much to worry about yet. You’re only in the early stages."

But she still added,

"Just make sure to rest well after going home, keep your meals light, and avoid taking any random medications."

"And one last thing—common sense, really, but I’ll say it anyway—you two can’t be intimate for the first three months."

She didn’t fully grasp Fu Nanzhi’s caution, assuming it was just first-time motherly excitement, so she gave a simple rundown with a smile.

Fu Nanzhi nodded. Having cared for pregnant women before, she was already familiar with these basics. Still, she thanked Consort Mei earnestly:

"Thank you so much, Auntie Mei. I really appreciate it."

Shen Yi also hurried to express his gratitude. Without her, they might not have realized Fu Nanzhi was pregnant until weeks later when symptoms appeared.

And in the meantime, there could have been risks. Their thanks were well-deserved.

Consort Mei shook her head with a laugh, her short, salt-and-pepper hair swaying softly.

"Oh, come on, silly girl. No need for thanks!"

"Just keep an eye on things at home and come in for regular check-ups."

"Got it," Fu Nanzhi replied.

"In a couple of days, when the other test results come in, I’ll have someone send them to you. Or if you don’t mind the trouble, you can come pick them up yourself."

With that, Consort Mei slid the report toward Fu Nanzhi and said,

"Alright, off you go now."

"Go share the good news with your parents..."

Fu Nanzhi took the report and nodded firmly.

"Mm."

Then she and Shen Yi bid farewell and left the office.

Once outside the medical center, Fu Nanzhi’s face still glowed with joy. Clinging to Shen Yi’s arm, she cooed,

"Honey, I feel like I’m dreaming."

"Pinch me, quick."

Shen Yi laughed and tweaked her nose instead.

"Pinch you? I’d never dare."

"Stop overthinking it. Even if this were a dream, it’s one that’s come true."

Fu Nanzhi scrunched her nose, her voice muffled.

"How did it just happen all of a sudden? After so many times before with no luck..."

"I thought..."

Her voice caught. Decades of life—past and present—flashed through her mind. She had long since resigned herself to disappointment, never expecting this miraculous turn of events.

Shen Yi offered the prepared reassurance:

"That was the past. This is reality—of course it’s different."

"If the tests couldn’t find anything wrong, then there’s nothing wrong. See? You’re pregnant now, so just relax."

Fu Nanzhi considered this and found it reasonable. Over time, the events of her past life had increasingly diverged from reality.

With such a major shift, it made sense that some things wouldn’t align.

Now, with this joyous news, she didn’t dwell on it and quickly accepted his words.

"This way—watch your step."

Shen Yi guided Fu Nanzhi into the parking lot, treating her with the care of escorting a princess.

"Pfft, you’re being so dramatic."

Fu Nanzhi couldn’t suppress her smile. Though she found his attentiveness exaggerated, she secretly reveled in it.

Glancing down at her still-flat stomach, she murmured,

"It’s not like it’s noticeable yet..."

Shen Yi circled to the passenger side, opening the door with a flourish.

"Doesn’t matter. We should start practicing now..."

"After you, my princess."

"Oh ho, Xiao Shenzi, you know just how to please me."

Fu Nanzhi’s eyes sparkled as she lifted her chin and settled into the seat.

Shen Yi couldn’t resist teasing,

"That’s ‘little eunuch’ to you."

"Same difference."

Fu Nanzhi huffed, buckling her seatbelt before adding sweetly,

"I want some fruit."

"Done."

"Let’s go right now."

Shen Yi agreed without hesitation, tucking the report into the center console.

"Off we go!"

The car pulled away, heading straight for the nearest fruit shop.

On the way, Fu Nanzhi set down her phone, recalling Consort Mei’s last words. Hesitantly, she asked,

"Honey, should we tell Mom and Dad about this?"

Of course, she wanted to share the happy news—but this wasn’t just about them. They had to consider Cheng Jun and Shu Yunyi’s feelings too.

Since they’d only recently come together, and with emotions still fresh, it was best to discuss things first.

Shen Yi felt a warmth in his chest. He knew Fu Nanzhi was thinking of him, but he replied,

"We have to tell them. Even if we don’t, Auntie Mei will spill the beans once you start going for check-ups."

"Hiding it would only make things worse."

"You’re right."

Fu Nanzhi saw the logic in that.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Yi proposed a compromise:

"How about this—we wait a few weeks before saying anything."

"Once the pregnancy stabilizes, we’ll share the news. That way, even if they find out earlier, we’ll have some wiggle room."

This gave them a buffer of a month or so—though they couldn’t delay until her bump showed.

If Ji Shulan found out, she might not throw a fit, but she’d undoubtedly rush them into marriage at lightning speed.

"Alright. If Mom doesn’t ask, we’ll leave it at that. If she does, I’ll explain it just like this."

Fu Nanzhi nodded in agreement.

"As for Yunyi and Cheng Jun, we’ll tell them tonight when we have time."

"Yeah."

"We’re all family now. It’s best to discuss things together."

These two were the last people they could keep this from. Fortunately, they’d navigated similar scenarios in their past experiences.

They knew each other inside out—there were no real secrets between them. The only difference was that this time, Fu Nanzhi was the one expecting.

But for now, the most important thing was taking care of Fu Nanzhi.

Her mind was wholly preoccupied with the pregnancy. Shen Yi had noticed how often she’d unconsciously touched her stomach during the drive.

This was her deepest concern, so Shen Yi remained vigilant.

"Here we are—the fruit shop."

"What do you feel like having?"

Shen Yi unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to her.

Fu Nanzhi pursed her lips, thinking hard.

"Hmm... cherries."

"Anything else?"

"Can’t think of anything else. Let’s see once we’re inside."

"Let’s go!"

With that, Shen Yi led her into the shop.

They’d come for Fu Nanzhi, but as they browsed, they decided to pick up some treats for Yunyi and Cheng Jun too. Before long, their haul grew—Shen Yi ended up carrying two hefty bags back to the car.

Fu Nanzhi, of course, trailed behind with her hands clasped behind her back, strolling leisurely like an old man.

After loading the fruit into the trunk, they headed home.