Hospital —
Nan Sheng was pregnant.
It was discovered after she fainted.
Exactly one month.
She lay on the hospital bed, her face pale as she listened to the doctor’s instructions.
Old Madam Fu was also there, occasionally asking the doctor a few questions.
The door was slightly ajar, and Old Master Fu’s voice scolding Fu Moyan was loud and clear, with the faint sound of a cane tapping the floor.
“You’ve really outdone yourself! Going to her home to threaten a young woman—is this what I taught you?!”
“Xiao Sheng is pregnant with a child. If something happens because you frightened her, how will you face her and the child?!”
Fu Moyan: “…”
After the doctor left, Old Madam Fu spoke kindly, “Xiao Sheng, the doctor said the baby is doing well, so don’t worry.”
“Your most important task now is to take good care of your health.”
“The doctor said you have a weak constitution and must avoid getting upset easily. If you’re dissatisfied with that brat, just tell Grandma, and Grandma will have someone teach him a lesson!”
“He was out of his mind today and scared you. Please don’t be afraid!”
Nan Sheng had an elegant, classical charm, with jet-black hair, dark eyes, picturesque brows, and snow-white skin.
Lying weakly on the bed like this, she evoked a sense of pity in anyone who saw her.
Hearing Old Madam’s words, she only smiled weakly and said nothing.
Fu Moyan followed Old Master into the room, his face dark and gloomy, clearly having been severely reprimanded.
Old Madam tapped her cane lightly on the floor, “Aren’t you going to come over and apologize properly to Xiao Sheng?”
“Apologize?!”
Fu Moyan’s eyes held suppressed anger as he said in a low voice, “Grandma, the matter from that day hasn’t been cleared up yet. Who knows whose child she’s carrying?!”
Nan Sheng lowered her eyes, the smile vanishing from her lips.
Old Madam immediately struck him with her cane, “You foolish boy, shut your mouth!”
“The child is exactly one month old—if it’s not yours, whose is it? Do you enjoy wearing a green hat that much?!”
The thick, arm-sized cane landed on Fu Moyan, making him flinch in pain.
Old Madam was so angry her chest heaved, “If you want to anger me to death, just say it outright!”
“Apologize right now!”
Nan Sheng thought that, given Second Master Fu’s temperament, he would surely storm off in a rage.
To her surprise, Fu Moyan clenched his fists, remained silent for a long moment, and then uttered tersely, “Sorry!”
But his eyes were sinister, as if he wanted to have Nan Sheng dismembered by five horses.
Old Madam Fu’s expression finally softened upon hearing this apology.
She smiled warmly at Nan Sheng, “Xiao Sheng, now that you’re pregnant, shouldn’t we move up the wedding? If we stick to the original plan, it won’t be good for your reputation or the child’s.”
If they waited until six months later to marry, Nan Sheng would have to walk down the aisle with a visible baby bump.
By then, rumors would be flying everywhere, which wouldn’t be good for either family.
“Grandma, I’d like some time alone to think. As for the wedding, I need to discuss it with my family.”
Even lying sickly in bed, Nan Sheng’s classical, graceful demeanor made it hard for anyone to refuse her.
The Fu elders had initially taken a liking to Nan Sheng precisely because of her gentle beauty, intelligence, and dignified presence—she seemed like the kind of virtuous wife who could build a stable life. That was why they had proactively proposed the marriage to the Nan Family.
Now that Nan Sheng was pregnant, Old Madam Fu couldn’t be more pleased with her.
Old Madam Fu affectionately patted her hand and nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, of course! You should definitely discuss it with your family. Rest for now. I’ll go back and have Zhang Ma prepare some soup for you.”
Old Mrs. Fu, fearing Fu Moyan’s sharp tongue might say something to upset Nan Sheng, immediately stood up and shooed him away.
“Hurry up and get out! Don’t just stand there being intimidating! What Xiao Sheng needs most right now is rest—no one is allowed to disturb her!”
Just as Fu Moyan was about to speak, Old Madam shot him a glare, making him promptly shut his mouth and turn to leave without another word.
Once the hospital room door closed, Nan Sheng pressed a hand to her throbbing head.
There were too many messy situations piling up one after another, leaving her somewhat unprepared.
She had actually sensed something off about that day’s incident and had arranged for someone to investigate. It was only today that they managed to retrieve the surveillance footage from that night.
While she was still pondering over it, Fu Moyan showed up with Lin Mei, ready to pin the blame on her.
There was no way Nan Sheng would admit to such accusations.
Even if she were to scheme against someone, she would never resort to such a foolish method.
But the fact that Fu Moyan actually believed Lin Mei’s one-sided account made her worry about their future child’s intelligence.
The familiar ringtone of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts, and her mood inexplicably sank.
“Hello, Mom.”
“Xiao Sheng, I heard you’re pregnant!”
Chen Lei’s voice was brimming with barely contained excitement. “How many months along are you? When is the baby due? Should I… come see you?”
Nan Sheng had no idea who had leaked the news to Chen Lei, who was all the way in Australia.
She rubbed her temples wearily. “Mom, have you taken your medication today?”
The other end of the line fell into deathly silence.
Chen Lei suffered from a mental illness that caused her to lose control unpredictably. At times, she didn’t even recognize her own daughter, Nan Sheng; other times, she seemed perfectly normal.
Three years ago, Nan Sheng had sent her to Australia for treatment, but her condition showed no signs of improvement. Instead, she grew increasingly obsessive.
Nan Sheng wasn’t surprised by her mother’s reaction, her eyes remaining calm and unreadable. “Mom, the doctors said you’ve been doing much better lately. How do you feel?”
The excitement in Chen Lei’s voice vanished, replaced by a hoarse, somber tone. “Xiao Sheng, I don’t think I’m doing well at all. Not at all.”
“Lately, I keep dreaming about your father…”
Nan Sheng covered her eyes with her hand, feeling utterly drained. “Mom, just tell me directly what you want me to do.”
“I want to see you get married and have children.”
“After you’re married, bring your husband and child to visit me in Australia. Then I can die without regrets.”
“Before I die, I want to see your life fulfilled. Even if it’s just an illusion, I can close my eyes in peace.”
A suffocating feeling tightened around Nan Sheng’s chest. “So in your eyes, marriage and children equal fulfillment? Even if my husband is a stranger? Even if my child wasn’t born out of love and anticipation?”
“Yes!” Chen Lei’s voice was icy and stubborn.
Nan Sheng’s eyes turned cold. “Are you trying to make me follow in your footsteps? Make my child relive my life?”
Chen Lei’s voice trembled. “Xiao Sheng, are you blaming Mom?”
Suddenly, there was no sound from the other end of the line.
A moment later, chaotic noises erupted.
The nurse taking care of Chen Lei hurriedly called, “Miss Nan, it’s terrible! Mrs. Chen has jumped off the building!”