Although Si Ruohan had drunk some wine, he wasn’t drunk. As soon as they got to the room, he went straight to the shower to make sure the alcohol smell wouldn’t bother Pei Xi.
By the time he finished and came out, Pei Xi had already removed her makeup.
“Are you taking a bath tonight? If you want, I can run the water for you.”
It was late. Pei Xi shook her head.
“No, I want to rest early tonight.”
It was already past nine—why take a bath now? Better to just wash up and sleep.
After Pei Xi showered, Si Ruohan had already thoughtfully grabbed the hairdryer.
Pei Xi sat at the vanity, applying her skincare, letting him dry her hair.
“You drank so much today. Aren’t you sleepy yet?”
He was even waiting for her to come out just to help dry her hair!
Si Ruohan carefully dried her hair.
“Not sleepy. I can handle my alcohol.”
Seizing the moment, Pei Xi asked:
“Did Miss Guan like you before? She seems to have a big problem with me.”
Always making pointed remarks—what did that mean? Did she regret it? Or was she upset that someone she used to like now had someone else, and felt jealous?
Si Ruohan paused, then continued drying.
Just when Pei Xi thought he didn’t want to answer, he spoke:
“When I was in college, I did pursue her, but she liked Song Shaojin, so she rejected me.”
Pei Xi glanced in the mirror, curious to see his expression. She didn’t expect him to tell her so directly, and she showed a surprised look.
“What? You pursued her before?”
Si Ruohan said, “It’s all in the past. She already has a boyfriend, and I’m married to you now.”
Pei Xi asked quietly, almost hesitantly:
“So… you don’t like her anymore?”
She thought surely there must still be someone in his heart—otherwise, why would the book say he never married?
“I don’t. We’re just ordinary friends now, even less close than Ji Huaiyu and Bai Minglang. I don’t even take the initiative to meet them privately.”
“But she came to your office that day!”
Even ordinary friends wouldn’t just walk into the CEO’s office without notice, right?
Si Ruohan thought about that too.
“She came with Song Shaojin before, so the reception let them in. This time she came alone, and the receptionist assumed she had business with me, so they didn’t stop her. I’ll make sure the front desk is more careful next time—if she comes alone, she’ll wait on the first floor.”
Pei Xi quickly stopped him.
“No, no, just let things be like they were! No need to change things back and forth.”
Otherwise, Miss Guan might think it was Pei Xi’s doing—that she was meddling, trying to drive a wedge between them.
Si Ruohan replied calmly:
“The office is an important place. Letting someone in casually could cause problems. For the company’s safety, it’s better to follow rules.”
Pei Xi teased, “And me? You let me hang out in your office. Aren’t you afraid I might cause trouble?”
By now, Si Ruohan had helped dry Pei Xi’s hair a few times, had the technique down, and was almost done. He combed her hair smooth, smiled, and said:
“That’s different. You’re my wife, so of course you can stay in the office freely.”
Pei Xi stood up, turned to look into his eyes, and hesitated:
“You… you really don’t like Miss Guan anymore?”
Si Ruohan felt exasperated. Why did everyone think he still had feelings for Guan Xinyue? His parents thought so, his siblings thought so, and now his wife thought so too. Was he really the type to keep liking someone after being rejected? Was he that low? He truly wasn’t someone who couldn’t let go.
“I don’t. Really don’t. Trust me—right now, the one I like is you.”
Si Ruohan hugged Pei Xi’s waist, confessing. She rolled her eyes at him, freed herself, and went to the bed to sleep.
Still liking her? Wasn’t it only because of the pregnancy that they married? He’d known her for only a few days and already claimed he liked her? Right… she’d have to be naive to believe him. Men’s words were full of lies, and believing them would only lead to getting hurt.
Seeing Pei Xi lie down silently, Si Ruohan climbed onto the bed and held her:
“What? You don’t believe me?”
Pei Xi wiggled slightly to get comfortable, and said perfunctorily:
“I do, I trust you. Alright, it’s late. You have work tomorrow. Let’s rest.”
Knowing she didn’t fully trust him, Si Ruohan playfully teased her a bit before letting her sleep.
Time passed smoothly, and soon it was time for the prenatal checkup.
During this period, Pei Xi’s days were luxurious—meals served, errands done, a little shopping, visiting Si Ruohan’s office, or planning her next book.
Si Ruohan, knowing the checkup day, had arranged his work in advance so he could accompany her.
On the way, Pei Xi pointed out some signs:
“Are we going the wrong way? This isn’t the road to the hospital.”
Even if she had taken a taxi that day, she remembered some landmarks clearly and thought he was off course.
Si Ruohan said, “No, we’re going to a private hospital today.”
Pei Xi thought, okay, rich people always preferred private hospitals. She hadn’t expected it herself.
Indeed, the private hospital service was excellent. A guide led them everywhere, no searching or waiting, and results were delivered directly.
Si Ruohan said, “This hospital also has a postpartum center. After the baby’s born, we can stay here for recovery. Professional nurses will help, so you can rest properly.”
Since Si Ruohan had arranged everything, Pei Xi happily agreed.
Childbirth felt like stepping into danger—she wanted to take good care of herself.
For the first time, Si Ruohan saw their little one in Pei Xi’s belly. He had seen the last ultrasound results, but now he was watching on the computer. The baby had grown noticeably.
A wave of happiness surged in his heart—this was his child. He finally realized he was going to be a father.
The doctor said, “The baby is developing well. Early pregnancy is crucial for the neural tube development. The mother should supplement nutrients and folic acid, ensure intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, and eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meat, fish, and eggs. Come for the next checkup on time next month.”
Si Ruohan asked some follow-up questions, and satisfied, took Pei Xi home.
“The doctor said next time we’ll be able to see the baby’s hands and feet.”
During the ultrasound, he had asked why they couldn’t see the hands and feet yet. The doctor explained that at three months, the limbs develop with fingers and toes, and then they can be seen clearly.
Seeing him so happy, Pei Xi smiled gently:
“Then next time, you’ll come with me again.”
Si Ruohan nodded. “Of course. Such an important moment—I couldn’t miss it.”
He wanted to witness every step of the baby’s growth until birth. He would be part of every moment.