Chapter 51: ...I'm Pregnant

Wen Zhixia paused for a moment. “Who are you looking for?”

As she looked at him, Zhang Zhanrong was also studying her. His gaze was sharp, giving Wen Zhixia the distinct feeling of being scrutinized and evaluated, which made her instinctively uncomfortable.

Before she could speak again, Zhang Zhanrong said, “I am Pingsheng’s father.”

Two minutes later, Wen Zhixia made a cup of tea for the man sitting on the sofa and placed it on the table.

Zhang Zhanrong took in the décor and arrangement of the Lanhu Residence. “Your home is very warm and inviting.”

Wen Zhixia gave a slight smile, sitting in the seat beside him, holding a cup of warm spring water. “The design and decoration of the house were decided together with Pingsheng. We spent quite a bit of time on it.”

Both of them had placed great importance on their home after marriage, starting from the location and going through several rounds of selection.

Zhang Zhanrong sipped his tea. “I heard that after you left Guxia Group two years ago, you’ve been staying at home ever since? Why haven’t you had a child?”

He adopted the demeanor of an elder—it was, after all, his right as Pingsheng’s father. However…

“You just said you’re Pingsheng’s father?” Wen Zhixia asked.

Zhang Zhanrong replied, “He never mentioned me to you?”

Wen Zhixia’s voice was calm. “He mentioned it in the past, said his parents had passed away.”

Thus, Wen Zhixia had hardly ever inquired about his family, not wishing to bring up painful memories.

But today, someone claimed to be his father and came in person.

If not for the man’s attire and manner, Wen Zhixia would have thought Zhang Zhanrong was a dubious fraud.

Her words made Zhang Zhanrong pause. “Dead... After all these years, he’s still so sharp-edged.”

“Since you claim to be Pingsheng’s father, why have you never shown up all these years?” Wen Zhixia asked.

Zhang Zhanrong turned the ring on his finger. “There were misunderstandings between father and son. That’s the reason I came to see you today.”

Hearing this, Wen Zhixia surmised he had deliberately waited for Gu Pingsheng to go to the company before coming.

“I’m listening,” Wen Zhixia said.

Zhang Zhanrong continued, “I’m getting old now. He’s been rebellious for too many years, always opposing Zhang Group and his own brother at every turn. This kind of life should come to an end. I hope you’ll persuade him to return to the Zhang family.”

Zhang Group. The Zhang family.

These words made Wen Zhixia’s eyelashes tremble slightly. She raised her eyes. “Zhang Group—are you Zhang Zhiyan’s father?”

The flash of surprise in her eyes did not escape Zhang Zhanrong’s notice. It was clear she truly had no knowledge of the connection between Gu Pingsheng and the Zhang family.

“Yes. Zhiyan has mentioned you to me.” There was a hint of admiration in his tone, but that only made Zhang Zhanrong like Wen Zhixia less.

No father would want both his sons to care for the same woman—especially with Gu Pingsheng harboring resentment toward the Zhang family.

Zhang Zhanrong, Zhang Zhiyan, Gu Pingsheng...

Wen Zhixia had not expected them to be related.

“Why did Pingsheng move out of the Zhang family? Why did he change his surname to Gu?” Wen Zhixia asked.

Zhang Zhanrong seemed unwilling to discuss it. “He’s had his mother’s surname since birth. In a few days, it’s the Zhang Group’s anniversary. I hope you’ll persuade him to attend.”

His tone was less a request, more a command.

Wen Zhixia didn’t know what had happened between Gu Pingsheng and his biological father, but she sensed their relationship could not be easily mended. Zhang Zhanrong’s manner of simply issuing orders to her as an elder was pushing the problem onto her.

“Chairman Zhang, have you never wondered how Pingsheng has lived all these years? Sifang City is both large and small; the social circle is limited. As his wife, I’ve never met you nor visited your home. I suppose that’s my failing.”

Her words were mild, seemingly taking the blame herself, but every sentence questioned where Zhang Zhanrong had been all these years. He hadn’t been there when Gu Pingsheng was struggling in his early days, but now he wanted to reclaim him as an executive.

He truly knew how to pick the good moments in life.

Of course, Zhang Zhanrong heard the irony in her words. “You’re unwilling?”

Wen Zhixia picked up the kitten that had somehow appeared at her feet and gently stroked it in her arms. “I won’t force him to do what he doesn’t want to do.”

She would not interfere.

When Zhang Zhanrong left, his expression was hardly pleasant, and the two parted on sour terms.

Wen Zhixia distractedly fed the kitten. She hadn’t expected Gu Pingsheng and Zhang Zhiyan to be half-brothers.

Since neither had ever mentioned it, she had assumed Gu Pingsheng’s animosity toward Zhang Zhiyan was because of her.

Sitting in the car, Zhang Zhanrong glanced toward Lanhu Residence. “To the company,” he instructed.

Midway, Zhang Zhanrong received a call from Zhang Zhiyan. They spoke for a few minutes; Zhang Zhanrong did not mention visiting Wen Zhixia.

Partway through the call, Zhang Zhanrong caught sight of a scene outside the car window and suddenly ordered the driver to stop.

The driver, puzzled, pressed the brakes.

Zhang Zhanrong squinted at the two people outside.

At the entrance of a shopping mall, Zhao Fuhe walked beside Gu Pingsheng. An oncoming deliveryman bumped into her shoulder, and Gu Pingsheng held her steady.

The deliveryman bowed repeatedly. “I’m so sorry, I was in a hurry and didn’t see you. Are you all right?”

Zhao Fuhe leaned against Gu Pingsheng. “Go on, I’m fine.”

But as soon as the deliveryman left, she stumbled and clung to Gu Pingsheng, whispering, “Senior, I think I twisted my ankle.”

Gu Pingsheng looked down at her.

“I said I was fine because I didn’t want him to feel guilty. It’s not easy being a deliveryman, running around in this heat,” she said softly.

Gu Pingsheng supported her toward the parking lot, half her body pressed against him.

From a distance, Zhang Zhanrong watched the woman Gu Pingsheng was supporting. If he hadn’t known Wen Zhixia wouldn’t be here, he might have mistaken her.

“Father, what is it?” Zhang Zhiyan asked, noticing the sudden silence.

“Does Pingsheng’s wife have any sisters?” Zhang Zhanrong said.

“She only has a younger brother... but I have seen a woman at Gu Pingsheng’s side who resembles Zhixia,” Zhang Zhiyan replied.

“What’s her name?”

“Zhao Fuhe.”

That evening, Gu Pingsheng returned home.

Wen Zhixia was cooking in the kitchen. After setting down his car keys and washing his hands, he rolled up his sleeves and was about to head into the kitchen when he noticed an invitation on the table.

He picked it up and opened it. Seeing the words “Zhang Group,” his expression darkened, and he tossed it into the trash.

Wen Zhixia came out with a dish and caught the action. “It was delivered this morning. The sender said... your father.”

Gu Pingsheng turned abruptly. “Zhang Zhanrong was here?”

Wen Zhixia nodded. “Yes, he stayed a short while, left the invitation, and asked me to persuade you to attend the banquet. But...” She paused, “I refused.”

The anger on Gu Pingsheng’s face faded, replaced by a sudden laugh. “Next time, you don’t need to let him in.”

She met his eyes and nodded. “All right.”

He hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, watching her prepare the meal for him. His lips pressed a kiss to the side of her neck. “You always understand me best.”

His desire flared unexpectedly. Wen Zhixia pressed against his chest, feigning annoyance. “Are you going to eat or not?”

Usually, at moments like this, he would tease, “Let me eat you first.” But today, he took a deep breath, calmed himself, and after biting her neck, ground out, “Let’s eat first.”

She raised her delicate brows and glanced at him.

Though it was a mere glance, with no real meaning, to Gu Pingsheng it was as if she were seducing him.

“I’m going to shower,” he said, standing up. Before leaving, he added, “Eat quickly.”

Wen Zhixia was speechless.

Late at night, Wen Zhixia, exhausted, fell asleep by his side. The marks on her pale shoulder blades bore witness to his earlier lack of restraint.

Gu Pingsheng propped himself up, gazing at her peaceful sleeping face. After a few seconds, he got up, took his phone, and left the bedroom.

Zhang Zhanrong wasn’t surprised to receive his call. Having visited Wen Zhixia that day, he’d expected it. He just hadn’t thought Gu Pingsheng would wait until this late.

In the past, Gu Pingsheng would have erupted immediately upon hearing of his visit. Over the years, he’d tempered his temper considerably.

“Don’t harass her again, or I’ll have no qualms about charging you with trespassing.”

“I’m your father. Is this how you speak to your own father?” Zhang Zhanrong rebuked.

Gu Pingsheng sneered coldly. “My father has long been dead. Chairman Zhang, unless the underworld is short on paper offerings, you should mind your tongue.”

“You ungrateful brat, you—”

“Don’t harass her, or I won’t show mercy.” He had not called to reconcile.

At Junyue Club—

Sister Zhang looked at Zhao Fuhe, who was sipping tea before her. “You’re really pregnant?”

Zhao Fuhe smiled. “I tested with two pregnancy sticks. How could it be wrong?”

Sister Zhang eyed the test stick Zhao Fuhe pulled from her bag. After a few seconds, she said, “Then I must congratulate you. You got what you wanted.”

Zhao Fuhe checked her hair in the mirror. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Sister Zhang. I came today to let you know I may not have time to come again. You know, I just got pregnant, and the baby is fragile. After the birth... I’ll need to be attentive.”

She used the word “inform,” positioning herself as the mistress, condescendingly notifying her superior.

Sister Zhang smiled at her smugness. “You’re right. Such a precious child—you must take good care of yourself.”

Zhao Fuhe nodded nonchalantly and left with her bag.

After Zhao Fuhe left, Sister Zhang poured herself a drink.

“Look at how arrogant she is, just because she’s pregnant. If she really rises in station, she won’t respect you at all,” someone nearby remarked.

Sister Zhang sneered. “If I could lift her up, she’ll never escape my grasp.”

Her grooming of Zhao Fuhe to please men was never out of kindness.

No matter how high she soared, as long as her weaknesses were in Sister Zhang’s hands, Zhao Fuhe would always be at her beck and call.

At Chengya Residence—

Gu Pingsheng sat with one leg propped up, gazing at the woman holding a pregnancy test with joy. He tapped his knee. “You’re pregnant?”

Zhao Fuhe was delighted. “I didn’t expect it either. My period was late these past two days, so I had a feeling. I bought a test at the pharmacy. Senior, we’re going to have a baby.”

Gu Pingsheng had been married for years without a child; this would be his first.

A man always has expectations for his firstborn. Why else would ancient families value the eldest son as much as the legitimate heir, or why would royal rules insist on the succession of the firstborn legitimate son?

“Senior, why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t you want the baby?” As his silence grew, Zhao Fuhe’s smile stiffened. “Is it because of Senior Sister?” She gripped his arm tightly. “This is our first child—my first pregnancy. No one can take away its right to live. I won’t fight Senior Sister for anything. I’m content just to see you occasionally. Please don’t be cruel to me...”

Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her still-flat belly. “I won’t use this child to threaten her. I only beg her not to kill my baby.”

Gu Pingsheng regarded her deeply for several seconds. “Go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow.”

Zhao Fuhe looked up, red-eyed, a mix of hope and fear in her gaze. “Senior?”

He caressed her cheek. “Just to check on the baby’s condition. I’ll arrange the best doctor for you.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fuhe hugged him tightly, choking back tears. “I knew you loved our child as much as I do. This is our first baby. I’ll bring him safely into the world and raise him healthy.”

Gu Pingsheng murmured his assent.

“You’re not feeling well. I’ll go home for now. I’ll visit after your check-up tomorrow.” After a moment, he stood and straightened his tie.

Zhao Fuhe also stood. “Senior, won’t you stay?”

“Rest well. Go for your check-up tomorrow.”

She stepped forward, holding his hand. “Senior, can’t you go with me? I have no experience and feel a bit scared alone.”

“There’s a meeting tomorrow. I can’t spare the time. I’ll have the driver take you.” He gently removed her hand.

Though disappointed, Zhao Fuhe couldn’t protest his arrangements.

That was the difference between the wife and the other woman.

Wen Zhixia stood beside him as an equal; if she was unhappy, Gu Pingsheng would do anything to console her. While she herself could only wait for his occasional scraps of affection.

After Gu Pingsheng left, Zhao Fuhe touched her still-flat belly, clenching her fists.

One day, she vowed, she would take Wen Zhixia’s place.

Although autumn had arrived, Sifang City’s weather showed no sign of cooling. After two brief showers, the heat had returned, oppressive as ever.

Hua Qianjiao had fallen down the stairs and injured her leg. Wen Zhixia hurried to the hospital to visit.

By coincidence, Zhao Fuhe entered the elevator at the same moment, holding a medical report.

“Senior Sister, what a coincidence,” Zhao Fuhe greeted her with a radiant smile.

Wen Zhixia nodded slightly and pressed the button for the fourth floor.

“Could you press three for me too? I’m getting off there,” Zhao Fuhe said politely.

It was a trivial favor, so Wen Zhixia said nothing more.

Once the elevator doors closed, Zhao Fuhe spoke again. “Senior Sister, are you not feeling well today?”

“I’m visiting a friend,” Wen Zhixia replied calmly.

Zhao Fuhe nodded, rubbing her belly and giving a gentle smile. “I’m glad you’re all right. If anything happened to you, Senior would be so worried.”

The elevator contained only the two of them. Zhao Fuhe’s gesture of cradling her belly was so obvious that Wen Zhixia couldn’t help but notice. “You... are you unwell?”

Zhao Fuhe looked up. “Me? I’m fine. It’s just... I’m pregnant. I just found out and got the results—one month along. Want to see?”

She handed the report toward Wen Zhixia.

Before Wen Zhixia could take it, Zhao Fuhe added, “I just found out I’m pregnant, so it’s not very safe to go out alone. Senior specifically sent his driver with me. I’m a bit reckless, afraid I might fall.”

Wen Zhixia’s hand, half-raised, froze. Her cool gaze shifted to Zhao Fuhe. “Pingsheng sent his driver with you?”

In the face of her questioning, Zhao Fuhe smiled. “Don’t misunderstand, Senior Sister. I just happened to run into Senior. He was worried since I was going alone, so he had his driver take me. I’m very grateful for his care.”

She hinted at the relationship, but when she sensed Wen Zhixia’s suspicion, she quickly covered for Gu Pingsheng.

Zhao Fuhe would never speak plainly, because before the baby was born, if she and Wen Zhixia fell out, Gu Pingsheng would undoubtedly side with Wen Zhixia.

Wen Zhixia’s gaze lingered on her belly.

“Ding—”

The elevator reached the third floor. The doors slid open, and just before stepping out, Zhao Fuhe turned and asked, “Senior Sister, do you know if Senior prefers boys or girls?”

Before Wen Zhixia could answer, Zhao Fuhe had already walked out.

As the elevator doors closed, Wen Zhixia saw the driver approach Zhao Fuhe and help her along.