Bai Maning also found it unbelievable and was filled with doubt. “There must be some mistake. Zhong Yi is Jin Chen’s secretary. How could she possibly marry him?”
Zhong Qing couldn’t hold back her anger. “Mom, how could it be a mistake? Didn’t you see how intimately Old Madam Jin held her hand and bought her so many clothes? Are the Jin family blind? How could they even consider someone like Zhong Yi, a bastard child?”
“What do we do? If she manages to cling to the Jin family, she’ll definitely seek revenge on us.”
Zhong Yi had been falsely accused of dating a delinquent in high school, slandered on a large scale in college for her questionable background, and had her scholarship secretly taken away through underhanded means—all of it orchestrated by the Bai family behind the scenes.
It was all because Bai Maning couldn’t bear Zhong Beishan’s deception. She didn’t dare retaliate against Zhong Beishan directly, so she took her anger out on Zhong Yi and Cao Chufen instead.
Bai Maning calmly reassured her daughter. “Don’t worry. The Jin family must have been deceived by Zhong Yi and don’t know about her background. Once her identity is exposed, the Jin family would never accept a bastard child as their daughter-in-law.”
“Mom, you have to find a way to help me. I absolutely cannot stand the thought of a bastard child rising above me.”
Zhong Qing grew more resentful the more she thought about it. “Just like her mother, she has the face of a vixen, only good at seducing men. First, it was Brother Jiang Yi, and now even Jin Chen has been bewitched by her. What kind of magic does this woman possess?”
Bai Maning patted her daughter’s hand. “Alright, Qingqing, don’t be angry. Don’t worry, once I step in, Zhong Yi will definitely be kicked out.”
Only then was Zhong Qing satisfied. She handed the dress she had tried on to the shop assistant. “This dress is too big. Please exchange it for a smaller size for me.”
The shop assistant apologized. “I’m sorry, Miss Zhong. This dress has been purchased by Old Madam Jin.”
Zhong Qing was furious. “What? I’ve been waiting for this dress for three months, and now it’s just gone?”
The shop assistant replied, “I’m truly sorry. We only made one piece of this dress in each size.”
…
After the family had lunch outside, Zhong Yi was taken back to the Jin family’s old mansion in the afternoon.
When Old Madam Jin learned that Zhong Yi was pregnant, she couldn’t stop smiling. The entire family gathered around Zhong Yi, showering her with care and concern.
Meanwhile, Jin Chen was forgotten on the sidelines and could only play with the dog.
This dog was the offspring of Jin Chen’s former beloved pet. After the golden retriever passed away, Jin Chen was too busy to raise a dog, so the puppy was left with Old Madam Jin.
The golden retriever suddenly appeared from some corner, circling around him excitedly.
“Woof, woof, woof!”
“What an adorable dog!”
Zhong Yi was instantly captivated by the cute golden retriever and couldn’t resist patting its adorable head.
The golden retriever sniffed Zhong Yi, seemingly fond of her scent, and playfully rested its head on her shoulder.
Zhong Yi couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s your name?”
Old Madam Jin answered with a smile. “His name is Pi Pi. He was mischievous and fearless as a puppy, so we named him Pi Pi. Don’t worry, Pi Pi is regularly dewormed.”
Zhong Yi rubbed the dog’s head. “So your name is Pi Pi.”
Pi Pi: “Woof!”
Zhong Yi was completely charmed. “Ah, Pi Pi, you’re just too adorable!”
Zhong Yi had always loved pets and had wanted to raise a dog or a cat, but her busy work schedule had forced her to give up on the idea.
Seeing how much she liked it, Jin Chen moved over to sit beside her. “If you like them, we can keep one too, a cat or a dog.”
“Really?” Zhong Yi looked at him with delight.
Her smile made Jin Chen want to give her the whole world.
“Really.”
“Then can we keep a cat?”
Zhong Yi’s eyes curved like the brightest stars in the night sky, shimmering with a captivating glow.
Jin Chen felt his throat go dry.
His wife was so adorable—he wanted to kiss her.
After dinner at the old mansion, Old Madam Jin still wanted to chat with Zhong Yi and even hoped she would stay the night.
Jin Chen, of course, wasn’t having it. He placed his hand on Zhong Yi’s waist and gently stroked it. “Grandma, Zhong Yi and I have something to attend to. We’ll come back another day to keep you company.”
Something to attend to?
How come she didn’t know about it?
Zhong Yi blinked and turned to look at him. “What is it?”
Her innocent, clueless expression only fueled Jin Chen’s mischievous thoughts. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Go home and make love, to make up for last night’s wedding night.”
…Wedding night.
How could they make up for it when she was already pregnant?
Zhong Yi’s already flushed cheeks grew even more bashful, like a plump, juicy peach, tempting and irresistible.
Jin Chen averted his gaze, trying to distract himself.
Otherwise, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to wait until they got home and would take her right there.
Watching the young couple nestled together, the elders all wore knowing, amused smiles.
Old Madam Jin chuckled and said, “Alright, alright, there’s plenty of time ahead. Whatever you have to say can wait. We’ll take care of the wedding preparations, so don’t worry about it. Yiyi, you and A’Chen should head back now. We won’t disturb you any longer.”
By the time they returned to Jin Chen’s spacious apartment, all of Zhong Yi’s belongings from her rented place had been packed and delivered.
Zhong Yi had discarded many things, only asking for some books and electronics to be packed.
Oh, and there was also a safe.
“You had a safe in your slum? Weren’t you afraid someone would just take the whole thing?” Jin Chen asked incredulously.
“I bought this a long time ago. I’d even forgotten what was inside.”
As she spoke, Zhong Yi fumbled to unlock it. When she saw the contents, distant memories suddenly flooded back. She lowered her eyes, pursed her lips, closed the safe door again, and pretended nothing had happened.
“Why not take a look?” Jin Chen asked curiously.
“It’s just some junk, no need to look.”
“What kind of junk needs to be kept in a safe? Let me see.”
Jin Chen could tell this woman was hiding something from him again. He forced the safe open.
Inside, aside from a few pieces of jewelry and lipsticks, there were some letters—colorful envelopes, each exuding a touch of romantic charm.
It was obvious at a glance that they were love letters.
Jin Chen’s face darkened. “Did Lin Hengchuan write these to you?”
Zhong Yi didn’t answer.
Jin Chen directly opened one of the envelopes. The letter paper inside was printed with rose patterns, and the handwriting was elegant—clearly written by a patient and gentle man.
Every line was filled with subtle affection, making Jin Chen’s heart ache. His gaze fell directly on the last line.
Jiang Yi.
A name that wasn’t unfamiliar.
He was also a well-known figure in the financial world.
This letter was written to Zhong Yi during their university days. Even after all this time, Zhong Yi had carefully preserved it. It seemed these things held a certain importance in her heart.
Jin Chen’s voice grew low and heavy. “Did you two date?”
“Not really.”
For a moment, Zhong Yi seemed lost in thought.
During her university years, when she was attacked by rumors and gossip, he was the only one who steadfastly stood by her side, supporting and encouraging her.
He pursued her for a year. Zhong Yi wasn’t sure whether her feelings for him stemmed from gratitude or genuine affection, but just as she was about to agree to be with him, he suddenly disappeared.
The seed of love withered before it could even sprout.
A sudden sharp pain on her lips pulled Zhong Yi back from the bitter memories.
Jin Chen held her tightly in his arms, leaned down, and sucked hard on her lips, his tone as domineering and forceful as ever: “I don’t care how long he was with you. Forget him. I’m the only man allowed in your heart!”
“Mr. Jin…” Zhong Yi stared at him blankly, her face flushing uncontrollably.
Damn it!
Jin Chen stroked the delicate skin of her chin: “Don’t call me Mr. Jin. Call me husband!”
Zhong Yi bit her lip and whispered softly, “…Husband.”
Jin Chen’s breath hitched. He picked Zhong Yi up directly, kicked open the bedroom door, laid her on the bed, and began pulling at her clothes.