One week after Jiang Xiao recovered from her waist injury, she returned to work at the company as usual. She had no interaction with Zhou Yanyan at all and everything remained calm.
Zhou Yanyan didn’t receive any special treatment at HuaXia. She wasn’t cast as the lead actress in any of the TV dramas produced by the company. Zhou Yanyan disappeared silently for a while. However, Princess Zhou was still Princess Zhou. Her role in the movie “Fleeting Years” was originally just a few seconds, but it was extended to two minutes. For her, it was indeed a big deal. As for the reason, no one knew. There were rumors that Liang Yue personally added the scenes because she really liked Zhou Yanyan.
Jiang Xiao wasn’t particularly curious about this matter, but Tina’s transfer surprised her. Privately, she asked Jiang Qin about it.
Jiang Qin said, “This was arranged by President Zhou, but he didn’t tell me the specific reason. Madam, you can go ask President Zhou yourself.”
Jiang Xiao didn’t feel comfortable asking Zhou Xiulin about it. She wondered if it had something to do with Zhou Yanyan. But it didn’t matter. Some things were irrelevant whether she knew about them or not.
“Madam, President Zhou helps you based on principles, not personal relationships.”
Jiang Xiao forced a smile and said, “Assistant Jiang, I will keep that in mind.” Jiang Qin was definitely a true fan of Zhou Xiulin.
In the blink of an eye, it was September. Jiang Xiao was four and a half months pregnant, and her belly was starting to show. Every time she finished taking a shower and looked at her growing belly, she felt a bit worried. She still kept a daily record, and occasionally, when she was in a good mood, she would draw a few comics.
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Hbsw Dkwzkd bye plld bla yavosaj yde nswze vlzz vbyv Kkydt Dkys bye vyzldv kd eayokdt. Tla eayokdtp olal hkhke yde zkqlzkjl.
Wkdyzzu, sdl eyu, pbl nswzed’v blzr cwv vlzz Hbsw Dkwzkd vbyv pbl oydvle vs ts cynj bsxl.
Hbsw Dkwzkd zssjle yv bla yde pyke, “Tyhl usw xyel wr uswa xkde? R osd’v pvsr usw qasx eskdt yduvbkdt usw oydv.”
Kkydt Dkys xwvvlale vs blaplzq, “Rq R pvyu blal, lhlausdl okzz pll xu clzzu, yde vblu okzz elqkdkvlzu ypj.” Tso pbswze pbl ydpola? Fbswze pbl vlzz vblx pbl’p xyaakle vs vbl ckt cspp?
Hbsw Dkwzkd’p tygl qlzz sd bla clzzu. Rv oyp vawzu xytknyz. Rd vbl czkdj sq yd lul, pbl oyp yzalyeu shla qswa xsdvbp raltdydv.
Nypv vkxl, obld pbl ealo “Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv’p Qasovb Pkyau,” pbl oyp sdzu 50 eyup raltdydv.
Kkydt Dkys oldv bsxl vs alpv, yde Hbsw’p xsvbla bkale yd ywdv dyxle Ckys vs vyjl nyal sq bla. Hbydt Gwdvkl yzps pvyule ewakdt vbl eyu. Ekvb vbl vos sq vblx vyjkdt nyal sq bla, Hbsw Dkwzkd nswze alzym y ckv.
Kkydt Dkys oswze fsjkdtzu pyu vs Hbsw Dkwzkd kd rakhyvl, “R’x y rssa xsvbla, cwv usw’al y aknb psd.”
In fact, she didn’t know that there were surveillance cameras installed in the house. This way, Zhou Xiulin could always see her and know what was happening.
That night, the two of them were in the children’s room.
Zhou Xiulin was organizing Little Bean Sprout’s crib.
Jiang Xiao supported her waist with one hand as she stood by and said, “Does this crib really cost 20,000? Did someone rip you off? It’s just a few pieces of wood.”
In the morning, the workers delivered the crib, and when she saw the price, she thought someone had mistakenly added an extra zero.
“It’s an imported brand, and it’s highly safe.”
“Poverty limits my imagination. You can’t spoil Little Bean Sprout like this in the future. Although you’re wealthy, the child still needs to develop a simple and frugal lifestyle with good quality.”
“Well, you can slowly teach him that in the future.”
“Tomorrow is the prenatal check-up. Aren’t you planning to ask the doctor about Little Bean Sprout’s gender?”
“Isn’t it prohibited by the government?”
Jiang Xiao said seriously, “But you’re the mighty CEO of a big company.”
“I abide by the law.”
Jiang Xiao: “…”
Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to know?”
“If I knew earlier, I could have bought clothes for Little Bean Sprout in advance.”
Zhou Xiulin made a sound. “You can ask the doctor tomorrow.”
Jiang Xiao sighed. “The doctor won’t tell me.”
Suddenly, Zhou Xiulin asked, “Do you have a preference for whether Little Bean Sprout is a boy or a girl?”
Jiang Xiao had thought about this question. Girls are gentle and quiet, boys are handsome and intelligent.
Actually, she didn’t really care about the gender of the child. Having a combination of a brother and a sister would be good.
“I hope Little Bean Sprout is a boy.” Like you, gentle, wise, and knowledgeable.
Zhou Xiulin narrowed his eyes. “I think the same. In that case, it will be easier for us in the future. Having a big brother with a little brother or sister is nice.”
Jiang Xiao was stunned.
Zhou Xiulin smiled faintly. Sometimes he teased her like this, and it was quite interesting.
The next day, Zhou Xiulin accompanied Jiang Xiao to the hospital for the check-up. Jiang Xiao had mentioned that if he was busy, Aunt Qiao could accompany her for the examination.
Zhou Xiulin sighed softly. “If I don’t come to listen, and later you forget what the doctor said, what will you do?”
Jiang Xiao replied, “…I will always remember.”
Zhou Xiulin didn’t argue with her and went into the examination room with her.
Jiang Xiao lay on the examination bed, and Zhou Xiulin stood by her side.
The female doctor examined her. “Can you occasionally feel fetal movements now?”
Jiang Xiao answered, “Yes.”
“Next, you may experience some sensitivity. Don’t be afraid, it’s a normal reaction.”
“Okay.”
The female doctor finished arranging the instruments. “All done. The little one is developing well.”
Zhou Xiulin took a tissue and wiped the mucus from her belly, then helped Jiang Xiao sit up.
The female doctor noticed and kindly reminded them, “You’re at 18 weeks, but you still need to be careful with sexual activities.”
Jiang Xiao was dumbfounded, her face instantly turning red.
Zhou Xiulin’s face stiffened for a few seconds before he casually replied.
Jiang Xiao left the examination room with her head down without saying a word to Zhou Xiulin.
Awkward silence.
It seemed that since that night, Zhou Xiulin had been restraining himself.
When he wasn’t away on business, they slept together every day. During these days, he didn’t seem to have any particular reactions.
This exchange was purely that of expectant parents. Jiang Xiao stopped in her tracks when she saw several heavily pregnant mothers.
Zhou Xiulin followed her gaze and said, “Don’t be afraid.”
Jiang Xiao’s lips curled slightly. “Only when you experience it yourself do you realize that what seems simple is actually very difficult.” Her mother must have had a hard time too.
Zhou Xiulin sighed softly. “I know, you’ve been through a lot.”
Jiang Xiao averted her gaze. “Let’s go back.”
I’m not sure if it was the doctor’s comment during the day that caused a slight psychological effect on Jiang Xiao, but at night, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.
When Zhou Xiulin returned to the bedroom from the study, she was already lying down.
He gently got into bed and slept beside her.
In September, the weather gradually became cooler. Each of them covered themselves with a thin blanket.
Zhou Xiulin tidied up her blanket. Jiang Xiao was not a still sleeper; she often ended up with the blanket on the floor or unable to cover her back.
A few nights ago, when the temperature dropped, in the middle of the night, he pulled her into his arms and covered them both with a blanket. She slept peacefully, but he hardly closed his eyes for the rest of the night.
In a soft voice, he said, “You forgot again. Turn around, didn’t the doctor say it’s better to sleep on the left side?”
Jiang Xiao twisted her body, sleeping on the left side meant facing him.
Zhou Xiulin also turned around. “What are you overthinking now?”
Jiang Xiao didn’t say anything. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her belly and exclaimed in pain.
Zhou Xiulin became nervous. After all, both of them were novices. He was usually so composed, but there were moments when he felt at a loss.
“My belly hurts…” Jiang Xiao said in a muffled voice. “Little Bean Sprout is moving.”
Zhou Xiulin sighed softly. “Let me see…” His hand covered her belly.
There was no response for a while.
“The doctor said it only happens occasionally, and the frequency of movement is not high.” Jiang Xiao reminded him, “Next time Little Bean Sprout moves, I’ll call you.” She meant that he could take his hand off her belly.
Zhou Xiulin’s fingertips glided over her skin, moving upward bit by bit.
Jiang Xiao noticed and quickly grabbed his hand. With clear eyes, she looked at him, and her heartbeat skipped a beat.
Under the orange light, a subtle charm was added inexplicably.
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere suddenly changed.
His eyes were deep like the sea, holding something she couldn’t understand, and she didn’t have time to contemplate.
Zhou Xiulin leaned forward and kissed the corner of her lips, his hands roaming around.
Jiang Xiao couldn’t resist his temptation.
He breathed heavily and said, “Don’t be afraid, I’ll be gentle.”
…
After an intimate moment, she curled up weakly in his arms.
Zhou Xiulin held her and gently stroked her back.
Jiang Xiao closed her eyes, feeling too embarrassed to look at him.
Zhou Xiulin’s voice was soft and deep as he coaxed her, “Shall I carry you to take a shower? How about that?”
Jiang Xiao refused to move.
“Listen to me, open your eyes.”
Jiang Xiao bit her lip, unable to understand how things had turned out like this. It felt different from the last time. Last time, she was nervous, scared, and in pain.
This time, she knew he was restraining himself, being careful with his movements. When he was affectionate, he called her name softly – Xiaoxiao. His voice was gentle, and in an instant, Jiang Xiao’s heart melted.
Zhou Xiulin suddenly picked her up, and Jiang Xiao exclaimed, finally opening her eyes. Her eyes were moist, indescribably alluring.
“You’re still beautiful, not fat.” Zhou Xiulin’s voice contained a hint of indescribable fondness.
After everything was done, Jiang Xiao was so tired that she couldn’t keep her eyes open.
Zhou Xiulin changed her into a clean set of pajamas. Jiang Xiao, in a dazed state, said, “Zhou Xiulin, don’t regret it in the future.”
Zhou Xiulin paused for a moment. “Silly girl. I won’t regret it.”
The next morning, when Zhou Xiulin woke up, Jiang Xiao was still asleep.
He had to go to Lingnan today and would only be able to return in the evening. Before leaving, he reminded her, “Wake up later and have breakfast downstairs, take a walk.”
Jiang Xiao, in her exhausted state, replied, “Got it. Why are you so naggy?”
Zhou Xiulin felt both exasperated and amused. He kissed her forehead and then left.
Jiang Xiao, in a dazed state, heard voices outside. But she was too tired and fell asleep again after a while.
Zhou Xiulin gave instructions to Aunt Qiao, “When she wakes up, encourage her to eat more. She’s been through a lot.”
Aunt Qiao replied, “You can rest assured, sir.” The Zhou family provided a high salary, so she would naturally do her best. She thought the person she would be taking care of would be picky, but Jiang Xiao turned out to be unexpectedly easygoing. Aunt Qiao was also happy and relaxed.
At exactly ten o’clock, they arrived in Lingnan.
Lingnan Town was a typical water town, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city. With small bridges and flowing water, the environment was beautiful. In addition, it had convenient transportation, which is why Huaxia chose to establish the film and television city here.
Many company executives attended the ceremony, and there were quite a few journalists present.
After the ceremony, several journalists came to interview Zhou Xiulin.
“Mr. Zhou, why did Huaxia choose to establish the film and television city in Lingnan?”
“Don’t you understand after coming here? The scenery is beautiful. The company made this decision after careful consideration and multiple communications with the government.”
“Mr. Zhou, we heard the news that Lingnan Film and Television City is expected to invest 10 billion. Is that true?”
Zhou Xiulin nodded. “Your information is correct.”
“Mr. Zhou, in the future, will the film and television city also receive tourists while shooting?”
“Yes.”
Jiang Qin appeared in a timely manner. “Everyone, Mr. Zhou has other arrangements to attend to. We can discuss further next time.”
“Mr. Zhou, I have one more question. I’m asking on behalf of many female friends.”
Zhou Xiulin paused in his steps. “Please ask.”
“Have you considered getting married and starting a family in these two years?”
Zhou Xiulin’s lips curved slightly. “Yes.”
“Mr. Zhou, do you have a girlfriend?”
…
Zhou Xiulin got into the car, and the car slowly drove into town.
Jiang Qin curiously asked, “Mr. Zhou, why didn’t you bring your wife with you today?”
Zhou Xiulin’s gaze slightly changed, and a hint of a smile appeared on his lips. “She’s a bit tired today.”
Jiang Qin said, “The house in the second row up ahead is where your wife used to live.”
Zhou Xiulin glanced in that direction. The house was still a flat gray-brick structure, standing in stark contrast to the neatly arranged two-story buildings around it. He got out of the car. “I’ll go take a look. Wait for me in the car.”
The house had been uninhabited for a long time, and as soon as he pushed the door open, a musty smell hit him.
Zhou Xiulin stood at the doorway without going in. He could vaguely imagine the scenes of Jiang Xiao’s life in this place.
“Who are you looking for?” an old man from the next door asked. “This family moved out a long time ago.”
Zhou Xiulin replied, “Hasn’t anyone from this family come back in recent years?”
“No, they haven’t. They moved out and went abroad,” the old man said.
Zhou Xiulin nodded.
“Are you looking for someone in their family?”
“I have a close relationship with their family and wanted to visit.”
“Oh, you came at an unfortunate time. A middle-aged man came by a couple of days ago, but then he left,” the old man recalled.
“Do you have any impression of that man?”
“I didn’t see him clearly, and we didn’t talk.”
“How old was he?”
“Around forty to fifty years old, I guess.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Zhou Xiulin returned to the car. “Drive to the hotel.”
Who exactly was that middle-aged man? Was it Jiang Yi who had returned?
Zhou Xiulin pondered for a while, then took out his phone and sent a message to a friend, asking for help to investigate Jiang Yi’s whereabouts.
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So they are slowly acting like a couple. I’m happy for her that he is so affectionate.
But who is Jiang Yi…‽ Jiang Xiao’s father ?
Yes.