Ning Shu looked at him. “You still haven’t answered my question directly. The child is Fang Chen’s, and I’m willing to take care of it. But if I do, it’s out of my own free will. If I were the one proposing to bring Meng Xuan home to care for her, that would be my decision—something I’m willing to do. But now… it’s you who brought it up, and you’re forcing it on me, trying to persuade me when I’m unwilling. And when I still refuse, you call me unreasonable, troublesome, and inconsiderate of brotherhood!”
Fu Yanshen said, “I can’t be bothered to argue with you.”
With that, he got out of the car, slamming the door shut with a loud bang that startled Ning Shu.
Tears welled up uncontrollably in Ning Shu’s eyes. She immediately opened the car door and chased after him, blocking his path.
Fu Yanshen was tall, easily standing at 186 cm.
Though Ning Shu was 170 cm, she still seemed petite standing before him.
“Answer my question. Answer it directly!” Ning Shu looked up at him, her gaze unwavering as she demanded an answer.
Seeing the tension between them escalate to this point, Fu Yanshen finally gave his answer.
He said, “Even if you’re pregnant, you should still take care of Meng Xuan.”
Ning Shu suddenly laughed at the coldness in his eyes. Deep down, she had already known the answer, hadn’t she?
Yet she had stubbornly insisted on seeking humiliation.
She truly… had brought this upon herself.
“I understand,” Ning Shu nodded, her heart aching so much it felt like it was convulsing, tears streaming down her face without end.
Fu Yanshen frowned deeply and said, “Even if you’re pregnant, your husband is still here. Why compare yourself to her? Besides, you owe her, don’t you remember?”
Fu Yanshen’s words made Ning Shu gasp. She stared at him and said, “I’ve explained countless times… Didn’t you… believe me?”
Fu Yanshen cut her off. “If explanations were enough, what would we need the police for? Ning Shu, you owe her, and you should accept that. No matter how many reasons you have, no matter how innocent or wronged you feel, you still owe her. Owing her is owing her—no excuse can justify you shirking this responsibility.”
As he spoke, his expression and gaze grew colder.
Ning Shu was already drenched in tears.
Fu Yanshen looked at her and added, “Even if I believe you, one thing is one thing. Don’t you understand that?”
After saying this, he gave her a profound, inscrutable look, his face cold as he strode away, leaving behind only a distant, heartless silhouette.
It was autumn, and the weather was already chilly. Ning Shu shivered uncontrollably from the cold.
She owed Meng Xuan…
The “debt” Fu Yanshen spoke of was that, due to a messy accident, she had ended up sleeping in the same bed with Fu Yanshen.
At the time, Fu Yanshen and Meng Xuan hadn’t officially confirmed their relationship, but they were already in that ambiguous stage, just waiting for someone to take the initiative and make it clear.
So, when she and Fu Yanshen ended up together, it was equivalent to “stealing” him from Meng Xuan.
But it truly was an accident—not something she had planned, and she had no idea how it happened.
Later, Ning Shu explained many times. Based on their shared upbringing and understanding of each other’s personalities, Fu Yanshen eventually believed that she was “innocent.”
But now she understood: even if he believed her, it didn’t mean she didn’t owe Meng Xuan.
Yet Ning Shu still couldn’t accept this man’s attitude and choices.
Even if she was carrying his child, she was still expected to care for another pregnant woman.
But this care wasn’t necessary—it wasn’t as if only she could take care of Meng Xuan, while others were incapable.
Therefore…
What should have been an optional act of care became, in her husband’s choice, something that absolutely must be done by her personally, even while she was pregnant, with no room for change!
Ning Shu took a deep breath; the tears on her face had already turned cold.
She raised her eyes to look at the house.
From the yard, the lights inside were on, bright and warm.
Yet that orange glow couldn’t warm her at all—instead, it made her feel even colder.
This house was her and Fu Yanshen’s marital home, a standalone garden villa, spacious and luxurious.
Every detail had been meticulously designed and arranged by her, filled with her utmost affection for Fu Yanshen.
But now, standing here, she felt like a complete joke!
All her efforts and sacrifices couldn’t compare to the two words “Meng Xuan”!
Ning Shu’s heart ached with coldness. Standing in the yard, the temperature was low, and gusts of cold wind made her shiver.
Earlier in the car, the heater had kept her warm, but now Ning Shu’s nose was red from the cold.
Fu Yanshen had long since entered the main hall, leaving her alone outside.
In truth, he had probably never even thought of holding her hand and walking side by side with her.
Everything had been forced by her, nothing but her own wishful thinking.
Ning Shu placed a hand over her abdomen.
Just then, a figure suddenly rushed out of the main hall and hurried toward Ning Shu.
Through her tear-blurred vision, Ning Shu saw it was Wang Ma, the housekeeper, who was holding a coat.
It was Fu Yanshen’s coat—quite large, thick, and made of high-quality fabric with exquisite tailoring.
Wang Ma approached, concern in her voice, “Young Madam, quickly put this on. It’s so cold in the yard.”
With that, she helped Ning Shu drape the coat over her shoulders and wrapped it snugly around her.
The coat carried Fu Yanshen’s familiar scent—it was the one he had been wearing earlier.
Ning Shu looked at Wang Ma.
Wang Ma explained, “The young master asked me to bring it for you. He was worried you’d catch a chill.”
Ning Shu was taken aback, her emotions complicated.
Wang Ma gently tugged at her, “Young Madam, hurry inside. It’s cold out here. If you catch a cold, the young master will be heartbroken.”
Ning Shu almost laughed, knowing Wang Ma’s words were meant to comfort her.
He would be heartbroken?
Absolutely impossible!
He only cared for another woman, the one he held closest to his heart.
Ning Shu sniffled and said, “Wang Ma, don’t you find such words amusing?”
Wang Ma paused, then sighed softly, offering consolation, “A day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection. The young master must care for you in his heart. What couple doesn’t argue? But once you’re married, it’s a lifelong commitment. Walking through life’s ups and downs together isn’t any less meaningful than a passionate love.”
Ning Shu raised her eyebrows slowly, doubtfully asking, “Is… that so?”
Wang Ma replied, “Yes, it is. Look, the young master even specifically told me to bring you a coat. How could he not care for you at all? He definitely does.”
Ning Shu felt truly weak-willed—she seemed… somewhat convinced by Wang Ma’s words.
Entering the main hall, Fu Yanshen was already seated in the dining room.
He only picked up his chopsticks after she arrived.
Wang Ma said, “Young Madam, take a seat. Have a bowl of hot soup first to warm up.”
Wang Ma had been sent by He Lanqiu from the old residence specifically to serve Ning Shu.
As an old-timer by He Lanqiu’s side, Wang Ma naturally belonged to He Lanqiu’s camp—both of them were on Ning Shu’s side.
Aunt Wang ladled soup for Ning Shu, handing it to her with concern, “Drink slowly, be careful it’s hot.”
Thanks to Aunt Wang, Ning Shu indeed felt less upset inside.
As for Fu Yanshen, he remained silent, merely eating his meal quietly, appearing aloof, elegant, and dignified.
Just as Ning Shu lifted the soup bowl, Fu Yanshen suddenly spoke.