“Yunzhen, you’re not mad, are you?”
Su Ruo carefully looked at Zhou Yunzhen’s expression and asked cautiously.
Actually, the question was almost pointless—there was no way Zhou Yunzhen would say, Yes, I’m angry.
But Su Ruo could see the forced smile on her face, and in her heart, she silently cursed Feng Weijia. No wonder he was despised and disliked by He Wen—so incompetent, totally deserved it!
Sure enough, when Zhou Yunzhen heard Su Ruo’s question, she turned to her and shook her head. “No… what can I do if he doesn’t like me?”
After saying this, she seemed to recall something, and the sense of disappointment on her face deepened.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. Feng Weijia is just that annoying type. None of us like him, so don’t get upset,” Su Ruo said, patting Zhou Yunzhen’s hand, her voice gentle and comforting. “Miss Zhou, a beauty like you, is naturally admired by everyone. Such a perfect beauty must have countless admirers.”
Su Ruo teased with a mischievous smile. Zhou Yunzhen realized she was trying to change the subject, and she smiled lightly. “No one compares to you, the darling of everyone.”
Her words carried a hint of bitterness, though subtly. Su Ruo didn’t notice, or maybe she did but assumed it was still about Feng Weijia and didn’t think much of it.
At this moment, Zhou Yunzhen’s heart was full of mixed feelings. In front of her was Su Ruo’s smiling face, looking so happy and warm. She knew Su Ruo was genuinely happy—she had a caring family, loving friends, a powerful in-law family, and… a husband like Xi Yuechen.
Yes, such a perfect life—one that makes you smile even in your dreams.
“Child… you’ll be born in three months, right?” Zhou Yunzhen asked softly, her eyes on Su Ruo’s belly hidden under her clothes.
“Yes,” Su Ruo replied. Hearing someone mention her child, her face warmed almost as if it were glowing, and her eyes sparkled with joy. She placed her hand over her belly. “Less than three months to go.”
“When the time comes, come to our hospital. I’ll arrange for the best doctor for you,” Zhou Yunzhen said, as if she had already forgotten the earlier matter. Her gentle smile returned.
Su Ruo smiled gratefully. “No need, my mother-in-law has already made arrangements. I’ve been following everything since I got pregnant and I’m aware of the situation. Thank you, though.”
Shen Liang had already arranged everything for Su Ruo. With the delivery approaching, the hospital would not be negligent. It was still the hospital in Zhengjia Courtyard. A specialized obstetrician had been transferred from the general hospital, and more doctors would probably be assigned when the time came.
Though the Xi family hadn’t said much, the hospital leadership would naturally be extremely careful. After all, this was the golden grandson of Minister Xi. Of course, they would be cautious. Without anyone asking, the general hospital had sent an experienced obstetrician to specifically care for Su Ruo.
Shen Liang had also mentioned that the baby might even be delivered here. It was convenient, close to home, and the general hospital would definitely arrange personnel if needed.
Su Ruo thought this was a bit over the top. She wasn’t a princess or a royal concubine; did it really need to be so complicated? But Shen Liang didn’t say anything. After all, the local hospital served Zhengjia Courtyard, so transferring an experienced doctor wasn’t a big deal.
In this circle, such arrangements were a symbol of privilege. It wasn’t done frivolously, so it didn’t affect others or society. But small matters like these were simply taken care of without being asked. People just accepted it.
No one dared to treat it as a favor—it was simply expected.
Su Ruo had several times wanted to tell Shen Liang it was unnecessary. If needed, she could go to the general hospital herself. It wasn’t that big a deal.
But after thinking about it, she let it go. It wasn’t something they insisted on, and even though the hospital’s arrangement had to do with the Xi family’s status, it wasn’t abuse of power. Everyone in the courtyard had enjoyed similar conveniences.
Moreover, Su Ruo had personal reasons. Concerning her unborn child, she wanted the safest, most secure delivery possible.
Hearing Su Ruo decline, Zhou Yunzhen smiled knowingly. “Your in-laws treat you really well.”
“Yes, I’m very lucky,” Su Ruo said proudly. Her in-laws treated her like their own daughter, how could they not be good to her? Especially now, treating her like a delicate glass doll.
Zhou Yunzhen saw the near-overflowing happiness in Su Ruo’s eyes, and for a moment her expression darkened. “Yes… I see that you really are lucky.”
Su Ruo didn’t understand what she meant, thinking she was just agreeing, and she bit her lip slightly out of embarrassment. “I’m just saying casually, don’t laugh at me.”
“Not at all. I’m envious, really,” Zhou Yunzhen said softly, a hint of longing on her face. After a pause, she asked, “Is your husband… good to you?”
Su Ruo smiled, resting her chin on her hand. “Very good. Though he’s a bit serious, he treats people well.”
Zhou Yunzhen’s curiosity deepened. “Are you close? I heard the eldest son of the Xi family is in the military, away from home most of the year.”
Su Ruo’s face clouded a little. “Yes, being in the military, he’s away often. We hardly see each other. But… that’s his job. Worst case, I’ll follow him after the baby is born.”
It was clear from her words that Su Ruo and Xi Yuechen had a strong bond. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have mentioned following him. When speaking of Xi Yuechen, her eyes shone.
Zhou Yunzhen stared, slightly stunned by Su Ruo’s expression, but her own smile gradually brightened. Suddenly, the dazzling smile… seemed almost blinding.
“How did you two meet?” Zhou Yunzhen interrupted.
“Our families were close. I often visited their home as a child, and then… our parents arranged things,” Su Ruo said with a playful wink.
Zhou Yunzhen felt a pang of jealousy—yes, jealousy. In her life, she had always worked for what she wanted, never experienced this heart-stabbing helplessness.
Was their relationship really that perfect? Childhood sweethearts, naturally paired.
“Does he… love you?” Zhou Yunzhen struggled but asked, forcing a smile that seemed a little stiff.
Love? Su Ruo was stunned.
It had been a long time since she’d thought about this. Before, she constantly wanted to know his feelings—though she liked him, she also wondered about his thoughts. But honestly, it stemmed from insecurity.
After all this time, after talking with Xi Yuechen and with a child now, Su Ruo had matured. Xi Yuechen had promised her a lifetime, and if he said so, she believed him.
Though she hadn’t heard him say “I love you,” she was certain she mattered to him—the most important woman in his life besides his mother.
Thinking of this, Su Ruo felt proud. Love was a sweet, flowery word for Xi Yuechen—he probably would never say it. But it didn’t matter. Over time, his care and concern naturally became love.
Moreover, just growing old hand-in-hand with Xi Yuechen made her happy.
Zhou Yunzhen watched Su Ruo lost in thought, her expression shifting from dazed to relaxed, eyes still smiling.
“That question, only he knows the answer,” Su Ruo said with a shrug, half-joking.
Zhou Yunzhen persisted, “He’s never said?”
Su Ruo looked at her curiously. Why was she so determined to know? She wasn’t even worried.
“No, how could he ever say such a thing?” Su Ruo smiled, turning her head to look at Zhou Yunzhen. “But why are you so nosy about us?”
Su Ruo’s clear eyes seemed to look into Zhou Yunzhen’s heart. Flustered, she quickly smiled to hide her agitation.
“I’m just curious. I’ve heard Xi Yuechen is cold and distant, so I wanted to see how you two get along.”
Zhou Yunzhen’s tone was curious, teasing even. Su Ruo relaxed, dismissing the strange feeling rising in her chest.
Yes, the leader was seen as icy to everyone, so curiosity about their marriage was understandable. Zhou Yunzhen herself was a bit nosy.
“We get along like any normal couple. Nothing special,” Su Ruo joked.
Seeing Su Ruo not suspicious, Zhou Yunzhen quietly relaxed, looking down at her cup.
Xi Yuechen had never said he loved Su Ruo. Did that mean their relationship wasn’t based on love? Perhaps it was just arranged by their parents?
If so… if Xi Yuechen didn’t have feelings for Su Ruo… then…
Zhou Yunzhen felt her fingers tremble slightly.
“By the way, Yunzhen, why are you still single? With your looks, admirers must be lining up to the Great Wall!”
Su Ruo suddenly remembered Zhou Yunzhen was single and asked out of curiosity.
Zhou Yunzhen hadn’t expected the question and was momentarily stunned. After thinking, she smiled bitterly. “But I don’t like them. If I’m to find someone, it has to be someone I like.”
“That’s true,” Su Ruo tilted her head with a smile. “Then you better act fast—go all out if you find someone you like.”
Zhou Yunzhen bit her lip, looking at Su Ruo with a conflicted expression.
“Actually… I have someone I like,” she admitted.
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