Just as the two were enjoying delicious food while happily discussing what name to give their child, the landline in the living room rang.
Few people called the home number. Shen Yu thought it might be someone from the old residence, so he didn’t let the servant answer it and went over himself.
“Hello…” Shen Yu had barely spoken when he was interrupted by the caller—it was Wang Zihui.
Wang Zihui: “Brother Yu, is everything alright over there? Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
Shen Yu then remembered the call he had hung up in the car. He had intended to call his friend back after returning home, but from the moment he heard Yao Yao was pregnant until now, that was the only thing occupying his mind.
Shen Yu replied naturally, “I was busy earlier and couldn’t answer. What’s up?”
Wang Zihui: “…”
“Brother, have you forgotten? I told you yesterday morning—today is Zhao Yan’s last big party before his wedding, hosted by Zhao Yan and Chen Ke together. You promised Zhao Yan you’d come to show your support!”
Shen Yu: “…” He had truly forgotten about it.
Zhao Yan had personally called to invite Shen Yu yesterday, and Shen Yu naturally hadn’t refused. Now, however, Shen Yu felt like going back on his word.
“Got it. I’ll head over in a bit. You all have fun first.” With that, Shen Yu hung up directly.
Yao Yao looked up at Shen Yu as he walked back over and asked curiously, “Who was that?”
Shen Yu repeated the conversation, then also recounted his discussion with Zhao Yan from the previous day, explaining that he had agreed to go yesterday.
“I’ll head over for a bit later. I won’t stay long—half an hour at most, then I’ll come home.” Shen Yu was worried Yao Yao might be unhappy.
To his surprise, upon hearing this, Yao Yao immediately declared she wanted to go too.
As soon as Yao Yao heard it was a party hosted by the male lead and female lead together, she knew both sides’ close friends would be invited. She wanted to see what the female lead’s best friend looked like and check whether the female lead still had any intention of setting her husband up with someone!
Most importantly, Yao Yao wanted to see if Shen Yu was truly as principled as the system claimed. If he had any ulterior motives, she certainly wouldn’t let it slide.
Shen Yu outright refused: “No.”
Hearing Shen Yu’s response, Yao Yao’s heart sank. She glared at him angrily and retorted, “Why not!”
Seeing Yao Yao’s furious expression, Shen Yu realized he had been too forceful and quickly explained: “There might be smoking at the party. You’re pregnant—you shouldn’t be around smoke.”
Yao Yao accepted the explanation but then fell silent for a moment. She looked up at Shen Yu and said plaintively, “I don’t care, I’m going! Hubby, figure something out!”
“Oh, and I heard from Dan Dan that you’re not supposed to reveal a pregnancy during the first three months. Hubby, you can’t go around telling people.”
Shen Yu: “…”
Before Shen Yu could respond, Yao Yao continued making demands: “Don’t tell your friends you’re bringing me. Once we’re there, don’t introduce me either—I want to see if they can recognize me!”
Shen Yu was momentarily at a loss for words. He knew arguing was pointless and could only go along with his wife’s whims.
Shen Yu directly called Zhao Yan, the host of the party, and instructed him to notify all attendees that smoking was prohibited that evening.
Zhao Yan was baffled: “What’s going on, Brother Yu? Is something wrong?”
Shen Yu looked at his wife’s triumphant smile across from him, his expression helpless but his eyes filled with adoration. The couple exchanged affectionate glances for a few seconds. When Zhao Yan received no response, he assumed the signal was poor and repeated his question.
Shen Yu: “Yeah, I haven’t been feeling well lately. The smell of smoke makes me uncomfortable.”
Zhao Yan: “…Don’t worry, Brother Yu. I’ll make sure everyone gets the message.”
Shen Yu: “Thanks.”
Zhao Yan: “You’re being too polite, Brother Yu.”
*
Around six o’clock, Shen Yu drove Yao Yao out.
This time, Yao Yao had carefully chosen an avocado-green maxi dress. Her delicate skin appeared even fairer against the dress, creating a striking visual contrast. Her jet-black hair was casually twisted into a bun secured with a diamond hairpin, with wispy strands loosely framing her temples, exuding an effortless beauty.
Yao Yao opted not to wear makeup, only applying some skincare products. Yet her exquisite features remained so captivating it was hard to look away.
“When we arrive, I’ll go to the restroom first. You go inside and check if there’s any smoke smell. If not, text me and I’ll come in.” Upon arrival, Shen Yu handed the car keys to the valet and moved to take Yao Yao’s hand, but she grasped his first and spoke calmly.
Shen Yu nodded: “Right, for safety, I’ll go in first. Once I confirm there’s no smoke, I’ll come out to bring you in.”
Yao Yao firmly refused: “Don’t come out. I’ll have a server escort me when the time comes. Just give me the private room number.”
Though they had spent less than two months together total, Shen Yu could read Yao Yao’s intentions from her tone and expression. At this moment, he sensed she might be planning something, so he didn’t insist on escorting her personally.
They returned to the sixth floor of Blazing Flames club. Shen Yu first accompanied Yao Yao to the restroom, then arranged for a female server to wait outside and escort her to the Celestial private room afterward.
The moment Shen Yu entered the private room, he was met with resentful glares from the male guests.
The room smelled fresh with no trace of smoke. A quick scan revealed many guests chewing gum.
Wang Zihui naturally didn’t dare speak loudly to Shen Yu, his complaining tone carefully measured: “Brother Yu, since when have you become so fragile that you can’t even stand the smell of smoke?”
Shen Yu ignored Wang Zihui’s remark, first typing a message on his phone before scanning the room for a suitable spot. The crowded private room had clusters of people, many with unfamiliar faces. Shen Yu wanted to find a quieter location.
Noticing Shen Yu searching, Zhang Jiaojiao mustered her courage and called out, “President Shen, there’s space over here if you’d like to sit.”
Without even glancing her way, Shen Yu declined: “No need.”
He had already spotted an ideal location – a two-seater sofa by the window in the southeast corner, surrounded by valuable and beautiful flower arrangements, perfect for Yao Yao to rest.
Seeing Shen Yu ignore him, Wang Zihui adopted a provoking tone: “Brother Yu, are you ditching friends for beauty now? How come you only talk to attractive women? Does your wife know about this?”
As soon as the words fell, Wang Zihui received a double dose of pain—one from the violent hit by his recently reconciled childhood sweetheart girlfriend beside him, and the other from Shen Yu’s sharp, murderous glare.
“Ouch…” Wang Zihui dared to feel angry but not speak out.
No one paid attention to Zhang Jiaojiao’s faint blush. Only Chen Ke subtly nudged Zhang Jiaojiao’s arm nearby, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.
The atmosphere grew tense, so Li Jiacheng quickly stood up to lighten the mood.
“Zihui, are you stupid? If Brother Yu isn’t answering your question, don’t you get the hint? Brother Yu definitely doesn’t want the smell of smoke clinging to him, or else his wife wouldn’t let him through the door!”
Wang Zihui caught on and hurriedly agreed, “Right, right! My bad for running my mouth!”
His girlfriend shot him a sidelong glance and said word by word, “If your mouth has no filter next time, I’ll sew it shut for you!”
Wang Zihui pinched his lips shut and nodded repeatedly.
Chen Ke, watching Wang Zihui’s aggrieved expression, said gently, “Yunduo, you’re overreacting a bit. Zihui was just joking. Brother Yu’s wife isn’t that petty, would she really get angry over one comment? Besides, she’s still enjoying herself abroad right now—no time to keep tabs on Brother Yu.”
Zhang Jiaojiao quickly chimed in, “Yeah, we’re all friends here; joking around is normal. I don’t even mind.”
Chen Ke smiled and pulled Zhang Jiaojiao beside her into a hug. “Our Jiaojiao is so magnanimous—whoever marries you will be blessed.” After saying this, she glanced teasingly at Shen Yu.
Wang Zihui’s girlfriend, Jin Yunduo, started, “What the f—”
But before she could finish, Wang Zihui swiftly covered her mouth.
Just as Shen Yu was about to speak, the door suddenly swung open. Yao Yao, who had overheard the entire conversation, leaned against the doorframe with a faint, ambiguous smile. “I haven’t even stepped inside or said a word, and you’re already labeling me as petty?”