It wasn’t that she was being overly sensitive, trying to put on an act or pretend.
Rather, these past few days, she had been trapped in a state of emotional suppression from multiple directions.
Fang Chen’s unfortunate passing, Fu Yanshen’s insistence on bringing Meng Xuan home, and the unresolved matters between her and Fu Yanshen—none of these could possibly put her in a good mood.
So, her lower abdomen had been feeling uncomfortable from time to time.
The discomfort in her lower abdomen only added to her anxiety and worry, and just now, Wen Hui’s crying had made her feel even more upset.
Wen Hui noticed her unusual state and quickly wiped her tears, asking, “Is your stomach bothering you?”
Ning Shu immediately let go of her hand. “No.”
After saying that, she stood up, forcing herself to rein in her emotions. Without even glancing at Fu Yanshen, she said, “Let’s go.”
If they stayed any longer, she was truly afraid Wen Hui might notice something, especially since Wen Hui had been through it all before.
Fu Yanshen seemed to dislike her attitude quite a bit, his handsome face noticeably cooling by a degree. Still, he stood up and bid farewell to Wen Hui.
“Mom, we’ll be leaving now. You and Dad should come visit when you have time.”
His tone was steady, polite, and carried the proper respect expected of him.
This was how he treated elders—flawless, elegant, dignified, with impeccable manners and upbringing.
Besides, the Ning and Fu families had always been on good terms.
Wen Hui and Fu Yanshen’s mother, He Lanqiu, were close friends, their relationship particularly intimate.
He Lanqiu adored Ning Shu, and her efforts had played a significant role in Ning Shu ultimately marrying Fu Yanshen.
So, naturally, Fu Yanshen had to maintain his respect in front of Wen Hui.
Seeing him like this, Ning Shu paid him no mind and didn’t even look at him.
Wen Hui nodded. “Alright.”
Fu Yanshen gave a slight nod and strode off without acknowledging Ning Shu.
Ning Shu thought to herself, perhaps he couldn’t even be bothered to put on an act anymore.
Or perhaps… was he already… starting to think about… how to marry Meng Xuan?
“Wait a moment.” Wen Hui’s voice suddenly rang out, halting Fu Yanshen’s steps and snapping Ning Shu out of her thoughts.
Both of them turned back.
Wen Hui said, “Yanshen, I’d like to have a few words with you alone.”
This caught Fu Yanshen off guard.
Wen Hui had never asked to speak with him alone before.
After a brief moment of surprise, Fu Yanshen remained courteous. “Of course, Mom.”
Wen Hui looked at Ning Shu and said, “Xiao Shu, please sit and wait for a bit.”
Ning Shu felt inexplicably nervous. “Mom, what are you…”
Wen Hui cut her off. “Be good, it’ll only take Yanshen a few minutes.”
Ning Shu couldn’t say anything more.
It was clear Wen Hui didn’t want her to know.
But this only made Ning Shu even more anxious. She thought for a moment, still wanting to say something.
Wen Hui, however, turned to Fu Yanshen. “Let’s go.”
With that, she turned and walked away, and Fu Yanshen followed.
Ning Shu had no choice but to let it go. Though worried, she could only comfort herself not to overthink it.
Wen Hui led Fu Yanshen through the main hall corridor to the side garden.
The garden was beautifully and exquisitely designed, a stunning sight bathed in the evening glow of the setting sun, making one feel relaxed and at ease.
Wen Hui stopped, and Fu Yanshen followed suit, looking at his mother-in-law.
This middle-aged woman, nearing fifty, was well-maintained, elegant, and composed.
Wen Hui looked back at him and said straightforwardly, “Did you know Xiao Shu is unwell?”
Fu Yanshen was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head. “I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with work, and she hasn’t mentioned it to me.”
Wen Hui wasn’t surprised by his response, nor did she blame him. Calmly, she said, “She’s been in low spirits, with little appetite. These past couple of days, she’s eaten very little and has been avoiding oily foods.”
Wen Hui kept her gaze fixed on Fu Yanshen.
Fu Yanshen slightly furrowed his brow. Wen Hui continued, “She was nauseous and dry-heaving just the other day. She said it was a stomach issue, but she refused to take any medicine.”
Fu Yanshen nodded. “I understand.”
Wen Hui said, “Perhaps… it’s because of Fang Chen.”
Fu Yanshen truly hadn’t expected Wen Hui to be so direct.
Normally, as a mother-in-law, she should have avoided this topic.
Fu Yanshen remained silent.
Wen Hui added, “Everyone knows the twists and turns in between; there’s no need to hide anything. Fang Chen liked Xiao Shu very much—that’s common knowledge.”
Fu Yanshen lowered his gaze, his emotions hidden.
“However,” Wen Hui spoke again, “Xiao Shu is your wife. The one she has loved from beginning to end is only you—that’s also common knowledge. But she and Fang Chen shared a deep bond. If we had to define it, they could certainly be called close friends or childhood companions. When a close friend passes away unexpectedly in their prime, no one can remain calm. Right?”
Wen Hui tossed the question to him.
Fu Yanshen instantly understood the underlying meaning behind her words.
He nodded. “Yes, Mom is absolutely right.”
Wen Hui was undoubtedly afraid that he and Ning Shu would argue or drift apart because of Fang Chen’s death.
But this was never the core issue, so Fu Yanshen didn’t mind.
He thought Wen Hui had finished expressing herself, but unexpectedly, she added, “If Xiao Shu’s emotional state because of Fang Chen upsets you, then remember—Meng Xuan is also Fang Chen’s wife, isn’t she?”
Fu Yanshen was taken aback again, but then he smiled slightly.
The smile… was quite something, somewhat meaningful.
He had never known his mother-in-law possessed such “tact.”
Or perhaps he knew but never paid attention.
Or maybe he never imagined that his mother-in-law, who had always maintained an appropriate distance, would suddenly use “this approach” with him.
These words not only helped “clarify” things for Ning Shu but also reminded and cautioned him—you’re not exactly “clean” either.
Fu Yanshen didn’t say much, simply nodding. “Understood.”
Wen Hui fell silent. His response seemed obedient, but it was more like he didn’t want to waste words.
“Alright.” Wen Hui nodded, not elaborating further. “Let’s go.”
Fu Yanshen politely inclined his head, letting Wen Hui walk ahead.
Wen Hui took a step, and as she walked, she spoke again, unhurriedly. “But if it’s not a stomach issue, I think there’s another possibility.”
Fu Yanshen wasn’t really listening attentively to Wen Hui, just nodding out of habit.
Wen Hui continued, “That would be pregnancy.”
“Hmm, I know—” Fu Yanshen replied automatically, still following the routine, but his words suddenly halted.
“What did you say?” Fu Yanshen’s steps abruptly stopped as he looked at Wen Hui with suspicion and a hint of shock.
Wen Hui knew he hadn’t been paying attention and was just going through the motions.
She turned to face him, her lips slightly pursed. “When a woman experiences nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and aversion to oily foods, aside from stomach issues, isn’t pregnancy the only other possibility?”
Wen Hui dropped a “bomb.”
Indeed, the word “pregnancy” seemed to leave Fu Yanshen stunned.
It took several seconds before he uttered in disbelief, “Pre… gnancy?”
Wen Hui looked at him calmly. “Are you not expecting it, or do you not want it?”
These words brought the slightly flustered Fu Yanshen back to his senses. He lowered his eyelids, concealing his emotions, and replied in an unruffled tone, “Mother, you jest.”