RIRW – Chapter 193

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On the way there, Shen Yiming calmly asked her how things had gone today. Zuo Dan said everything was okay. Still, she couldn’t help thinking—both she and Shen Yiming had always been top students and student leaders, yet their first visit to the Disciplinary Office was because of a pregnancy.

No matter how she looked at it, it felt embarrassing.

Once at the office, the two were questioned separately. A female teacher specifically asked Zuo Dan when she got pregnant—was it intentional or not?

Zuo Dan responded emotionally, “Teacher, whether it was intentional or not, every new life is something to be cherished. So, I cannot abandon my child. I can’t be an unfit mother. But as a student, I respect the school’s rules, and I’m willing to accept any punishment.”

The female teacher awkwardly said, “…We won’t be forcing anything about the child.”

Zuo Dan had thought the school might demand she take a leave of absence, but in the end, they were just asked a few questions and then left the office.

“They didn’t make things hard for you, right?” Shen Yiming asked.

Zuo Dan shook her head. “No, they just asked a few questions. What do you think will happen to us? I talked to Professor Qin before, but I’m not sure if she can help. It doesn’t matter though—I’m prepared to take a leave of absence.”

Shen Yiming smiled. “Don’t worry, maybe we won’t need to.”

Because of their situation, the leaders of both departments, along with the disciplinary office, held a meeting. None of the department heads wanted to punish their own students, but the school did have regulations. So no one made a move, and the disciplinary office couldn’t get a clear read on the situation either.

Professor Gao, seeing the hesitation, smiled and said, “I think this situation should be handled as a special case. From what I know, they already have a child. This wasn’t out of urgency, so it likely happened unintentionally. I suggest a disciplinary action, but nothing too harsh.”

Professor Qin added, “I agree. Even though my student is pregnant, her academics haven’t slipped. She still ranked first in last semester’s finals, and she submitted several essays to me over the break. Her attitude towards learning is exemplary. Everyone knows how well she usually performs.”

The director of the disciplinary office said, “If we don’t issue a punishment, it’ll be hard to explain to the school leadership, and the students might have opinions too.”

“The school is currently discussing plans for a new building,” Professor Gao said, “and I heard the donor knows these two students.”

Professor Qin said, “As for addressing the students, I propose we revoke Zuo Dan’s position as a teaching assistant.”

But Professor Gao, who had been entrusted by his student, immediately objected. “Professor Qin, Zuo Dan is already under a lot of pressure in this situation. I believe the man should shoulder the responsibility. Shen Yiming is my assistant, and he has undeniable responsibility in this matter. I intend to revoke his position instead.”

Professor Zhang raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Great, I agree. Shen Yiming as the department assistant might not be the best fit right now. How about this—he steps down, and I’ll take him as my own teaching assistant.”

“…” Was this a disciplinary meeting or a talent poaching session?

The school soon announced its decision.

According to the official notice, the two students also held part-time positions at the school, so they weren’t purely students, and technically didn’t violate school regulations. However, in the spirit of fairness and discipline, the school still issued a serious penalty: Shen Yiming was removed from his role as department assistant.

Zuo Dan’s name, however, was not mentioned at all.

When she heard the news, she went to find Shen Yiming with her big belly. The two met in an open area downstairs.

“What’s going on? Why did they revoke your position?”

Shen Yiming smiled. “Why not me? I’m the father of the child. Without me, could you have gotten pregnant on your own? Besides, you’re already dealing with enough during your pregnancy. Of course the school would take that into consideration and not let you bear everything alone. Punishing me, the father, makes sense.”

Zuo Dan thought his words made sense. When a woman is pregnant, the man should take responsibility.

She gently touched his face in encouragement. “Comrade Yiming, don’t worry. I’ll save money to raise the baby.”

Shen Yiming couldn’t help but smile with his lips pressed together. If they weren’t still on campus, he would have definitely hugged and kissed her. This woman—no matter the time—always made his heart feel light.

He tugged on her braid and said, “Professor Zhang approached me today. He said he wants me as his teaching assistant. So I’ll still be earning a salary.”

Zuo Dan’s eyes lit up with joy. “Gold will always shine. Comrade Yiming, nothing in this world can block your brilliance now.” A good father, a good husband, a good man!

No one voiced objections to the couple’s punishments.

After all, both of them had their own loyal followings. Plus, their usual performance was outstanding. And with Shen Yiming’s good position gone, he had clearly been punished.

Of course, regular students wouldn’t dare follow their example. This couple had positions that could be revoked. If it had been other students, only their student status would be on the line…

Their classmates also breathed a sigh of relief for Zuo Dan.

Honestly, they had all been worried she’d have to take a leave of absence because of this, and wouldn’t be able to graduate with them.

Back when Zuo Dan said she hoped no one would be missing from their graduation, it would have been such a pity if she herself couldn’t be there. This class only had such strong cohesion because of her. Losing her would have been a real shame.

Now that she could stay and continue studying, everyone was genuinely happy. Though privately, they did discuss how a woman really needs to choose a man with a strong sense of responsibility. Pick the wrong man, and you get someone like Zhu Min. Pick someone reliable, and you get today’s Zuo Dan.

At six months pregnant, the baby finally started moving more frequently. But the baby seemed to know when and where to move—when Zuo Dan was in class, there was no movement at all. But once she got home and saw Shen Youyou, the baby would start exercising.

The first time Chen Zhisen saw the baby push out a little bump from Zuo Dan’s belly, he was actually startled.

Once they had fully understood the situation, all that remained was surprise and joy. They even brought home a music player so that Zuo Dan could listen to music in her free time, helping to cultivate the baby’s temperament.

As the weather gradually grew colder, the educational seminar that Professor Qin had mentioned last semester was finally about to be held, and the venue was at the Normal University.

Zuo Dan had originally been a key speaker, but her belly was now too big for her to appear on stage, so she could only attend as an observer. She wouldn’t be giving a speech this time.

Professor Qin consoled her, “There will be more opportunities. It’s good to take some time to settle and reflect.”

Zuo Dan said gratefully, “Professor, I’m already very happy that I can still attend classes. And given my current physical condition, I’m really not suited for high-intensity work anymore. Just being able to sit in on the seminar is more than enough. Thank you.”

Professor Qin nodded in satisfaction, “It’s good that you can see things clearly. I’ve always trusted your mindset.”

When Shen Yiming found out that Zuo Dan would be attending the seminar, he also made a point to go with her. On the day of the seminar, people were coming and going. Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming deliberately found a seat on the outskirts of the venue.

“Sigh, time waits for no one,” Zuo Dan sighed quietly to Shen Yiming.

Shen Yiming replied, “That’s why I say, after this baby is born, let’s not have any more. Two kids are enough. Let’s focus on fulfilling our dreams. If you’re worried about Dad Chen’s feelings… as long as he has a domestic household registration, I don’t care if both kids are registered under him.” As long as they don’t become foreigners, that was fine with him.

Zuo Dan chuckled, “Shen Yiming, don’t regret saying this later. My dad is capable of anything, you know.”

Shen Yiming laughed, “I figured that out a long time ago. I respect my elders and cherish the young. I don’t argue with him.”

Zuo Dan gave him a sideways glance, “Or is it just because you can’t win an argument against him?”

While the two were laughing and chatting, someone had already started their speech on stage. The speaker was brimming with confidence and charisma, and performed very well.

Zuo Dan took a serious look and then tugged on Shen Yiming’s sleeve, “Hey, doesn’t he look familiar?”

“Not just familiar—he is familiar. That’s Su Dai.”

“Yes! That’s who I was thinking of! It’s just that he’s changed so much I didn’t recognize him at first. He used to always be reading with his glasses on, never saying a word. Now he looks so energetic. I thought he’d fall into despair after what happened with Zuo Qing, but now he looks completely transformed.”

Zuo Dan looked at the stage with a smile.

“Hey, remember how many of the educated youths we used to know back in the village? I wonder how they’re all doing now. I remember Li Chenliang joined the army. I wonder how he’s doing…”

Suddenly, she felt a chill beside her. Zuo Dan offered a flattering smile, her chubby cheeks making her dimples more pronounced. “Why worry about others? What matters is that we’re doing well. As long as my dear Comrade Yiming is happy, isn’t that right, Comrade Yiming?”

Shen Yiming snorted with laughter and reached out to ruffle her hair. He always said that Shen Youyou took after her mother in some ways—even if her mother refused to admit it.

Not long after the seminar ended, the semester also came to a close. After final exams, Zuo Dan started her maternity leave at home. She also called home to say they wouldn’t be returning for the New Year this year. Chen Pingping and Zuo Cong wouldn’t be going back to Nanjing either. As Zuo Cong was about to enter his junior year, Chen Zhisen still placed a lot of importance on his studies. Taking advantage of the winter break, he had Chen Pingping bring Zuo Cong to observe and study in a physics lab in the U.S.

The second son of the Chen family was a researcher and had his own lab. Zuo Cong would have access to many resources there.

Li Hui said with a smile, “You two just take care of yourselves. Don’t worry about us. We’re spending the New Year here in the provincial capital with your grandfather and the rest. Your grandmother is here too now. Dandan, everything’s fine at home. Don’t worry.”

Zuo Dan was relieved to hear everyone was together in the provincial capital. “Mom, after the New Year, if you have time, come visit us. I miss you all so much.”

“Okay, I’ll check your dad’s schedule. He’s still undergoing training at school, and the commune work is also keeping him busy.”

Just as they were about to hang up, Li Hui said, “It’s cold now—tell your dad to take care of his legs. He can’t let them get cold.”

Zuo Dan laughed, “Okay, I’ll tell him.”

She didn’t really need to—her dad was sitting right next to her. Maybe in his heart, this moment already counted as a little family reunion of three. But Zuo Dan didn’t expose him.

After relaying Li Hui’s message, Chen Zhisen smiled and said, “I’ll take care. I’ve gotten used to it over the years. Next time she calls, just tell her not to worry.”

Zuo Dan nodded.

After the winter break started, Beijing was hit by heavy snow for several days.

Since Chen Zhisen was living with them, they’d installed heating, so the house remained warm even in winter.

Shen Youyou was the happiest of all—no longer bundled up like a dumpling, he could stay inside and enjoy puzzles and model-building. His skills had improved a lot, and he could now complete 30×30 cm puzzles on his own without help.

After working on puzzles in the morning, he’d drag Chen Zhisen outside in the afternoon to build snowmen.

But in this freezing weather, Chen Zhisen couldn’t go out—his legs ached in the cold. It wasn’t a big deal in the past, but now he took great care of his health. He didn’t want to worry his daughter or hold her back.

Not understanding this, Shen Youyou remembered his grandpa’s usual teachings and pulled out a lollipop from his pocket, offering it to Chen Zhisen. “Grandpa, Grandpa, snowman!”

Seeing this, Zuo Dan’s expression froze—this little guy had already learned how to use sweet bribes!

Zuo Dan explained to Shen Youyou that Grandpa’s legs hurt and he couldn’t go outside. Youyou could now understand a lot, and upon hearing this, he ran over to Grandpa and started blowing on his legs. “Grandpa doesn’t hurt, I blow-blow, then it won’t hurt.”

“Youlin is growing up,” Chen Zhisen said with a smile, patting his head. Shen Youyou looked up and grinned at Grandpa—a very heartwarming scene. Then Grandpa ruined the moment by saying, “It’s time to find a private tutor for Youlin. Chinese, foreign languages, other subjects… he needs them all.”

Shen Youyou didn’t understand but still beamed up at Grandpa.

Chen Zhisen asked, “Youlin, do you want a teacher?”

Every time Grandpa asked if he wanted something, all he had to do was say yes, and he’d get it. So he loudly and confidently replied, “Yes! Want teacher!”

Chen Zhisen smiled in satisfaction.

Zuo Dan touched her belly and once again apologized to Shen Youyou: “Sorry, baby. Mommy didn’t make you a little girl. That’s Mommy’s fault.”