Volume One, Chapter 55: Pregnancy

A few examination reports lay scattered on the floor. The last blue-grey ultrasound form was half-covered by other papers, but the words visible at the bottom struck Jiang Wan’s eyes with unmistakable clarity.

[Ultrasound Description: The uterus is anteverted, slightly enlarged, with clear contours and a smooth, intact capsule. Within the uterus, a gestational sac echo is visible, approximately...]

[Ultrasound Suggestion: Early intrauterine pregnancy, embryo alive. Size corresponds to 5 weeks and 3 days; no obvious abnormal echoes detected in either adnexal region.]

It was certain this wasn’t her own medical report.

Before Jiang Wan could move her gaze upwards to see the patient’s name, the medical staff swiftly gathered and organized the papers.

Meanwhile, another man dressed in the city’s courier uniform approached her.

“Deliver this to the Deputy Manager’s office in the Business Department of Lin Group. It involves personal privacy, so please ensure it reaches her directly.”

She placed the documents into a standard sealed envelope and informed him with solemn care.

Jiang Wan sat frozen in place, her mind suddenly blank.

Lin Group, Deputy Manager of the Business Department.

Wasn’t that Lin Zhi?

The report belonged to her—Lin Zhi was pregnant.

As this realization surfaced, Jiang Wan felt as if her windpipe were blocked by something.

She struggled to breathe, as if something were stuck in her throat.

Last night, during their conversation, Lin Zhi had warned her that the woman who dared to give birth to Lu Wenzhou’s child would never succeed, and today she was pregnant?

No, wait.

Already more than five weeks...

Doing the math, Lin Zhi must have conceived around the time Jiang Wan had graduated and returned to the country.

Was it Lu Wenzhou’s child?

She could think of no other possibility.

When did Lin Zhi discover this? Did Lu Wenzhou know?

Jiang Wan’s mind was instantly overwhelmed with countless questions.

She thought back to everything she had experienced recently—Lin Zhi had wished to see her dead, Lu Wenzhou had urged her to stay away from Lin Zhi.

His protection and warnings...

Perhaps they already knew but had not made it public.

No wonder, since their relationship became known, Lin Zhi’s hostility had intensified; it turned out the reality between them had progressed even further.

Jiang Wan, who had unexpectedly uncovered this secret, could not calm her heart for a long time.

It was only when her attendant called her repeatedly—

“Madam Gu? Madam Gu.”

Jiang Wan finally responded, feeling unfamiliar with the title.

She collected herself and followed the guidance back to the doctor’s office.

“All your test results are in. It’s just acute gastroenteritis, nothing too serious. I’ll prescribe you some medication for your digestive health; remember to take it when you get home.”

Jiang Wan nodded.

Before leaving, she didn’t forget to ask, “All my test results today will be shared with Mrs. Gu, correct?”

The doctor was taken aback at first, then gave an awkward smile and nodded.

“Then I won’t tell her separately. Thank you.”

Jiang Wan rose, bid the doctor goodbye, and left.

Renxin Medical was not far from Jiang Design.

Jiang Wan decided to return to the office to handle some work.

But before she arrived, she received a call from an unfamiliar number.

An overseas number; the caller spoke in French: “Miss Jiang? Today is Saturday. I wonder if you have time to meet me?”

Jiang Wan recognized the voice—it was the representative from the jewelry brand she had met at last night’s conference.

Andrew wanted to meet her to discuss the store design they’d mentioned the previous day.

The location had already been chosen.

It was at the intersection between the old and new districts of Rong City, on the edge of the scenic and commercial residential areas, near a three-way junction with enormous foot traffic.

“Since it’s the first store, we want it to be seen by as many people as possible,” Andrew explained the brand’s intentions. “The purpose of this store is mainly to showcase; sales are secondary. Its appearance must be exceptionally unique.”

“Agreed,” Jiang Wan nodded in approval, surveying the surrounding environment.

There were no tall buildings blocking the view, and the V-shaped intersection enjoyed superb lighting all day long.

“If it were built as a glass structure, it might be very suitable—like a jewel resting by the lakeside, sparkling all day,” Jiang Wan shared her thoughts. “Just like the jewelry displayed in the store.”

As soon as she finished, Andrew immediately nodded in agreement.

“That idea—our boss actually mentioned it before. What a coincidence.”

His mood soared, and he chatted with Jiang Wan as they walked.

They talked about the jewelry brand’s founder, its design philosophy, and various styles.

Seeing that Jiang Wan could respond smoothly to everything, Andrew sighed, “Women really have a natural advantage in this field; your sensitivity rivals that of us professionals.”

Jiang Wan smiled softly.

“My mother loved jewelry, and I grew up surrounded by it.”

“No wonder. Would you be interested in visiting with me?”

Andrew told her that his friend had a jewelry studio in Rong City, specializing in unique custom pieces, each one entirely individual.

He wanted to see it, but language barriers made it difficult to go alone. He also hoped Jiang Wan could learn more about the industry for future design inspiration.

“Of course,” Jiang Wan gladly accepted.

Andrew showed her the studio’s location on a map—it was less than a kilometer away, in the commercial district.

Jiang Wan suggested they walk there and chat along the way.

Rong City was already in winter.

The afternoon sun was gentle, filtering through colorful fallen leaves and the gaps in the branches onto the ground.

Jiang Wan and Andrew followed the sidewalk together.

Their conversation was lively.

Until—

Two familiar figures entered their sight.

Across the street, Lin Zhi and Lu Wenzhou appeared, one after the other, stepping into a shop in the commercial district.

At the store’s entrance stood a huge inflatable balloon shaped like a baby bottle.

Jiang Wan’s gaze moved upward—on a green signboard, cartoon bubble letters spelled out:

[Baby’s Nest Mother & Child Lifestyle Experience Center]

The moment she read the words, Jiang Wan’s vision blurred and her steps halted.

“What’s wrong?” Andrew noticed her discomfort and looked at Jiang Wan with concern. “You don’t look well—are you feeling unwell?”

Jiang Wan wanted to shake her head, but her body wouldn’t obey.

Her lips felt sewn shut; every movement hurt, and she couldn’t force a smile.

“Should we rest for a bit?” Andrew’s voice seemed to come from behind layers of glass, from a distant place.

Jiang Wan couldn’t hear him clearly.

Her body moved like a marionette, reacting instinctively as she kept walking.

Until she stood directly opposite the mother-and-child store.

Across the street, Jiang Wan looked at it...

Through the clean, oversized glass window, the two disappeared figures reappeared in her view, standing side by side at the shelf, facing her direction.

Lin Zhi, on the outer side, picked up a piece of baby clothing.

She smiled gently and handed it to Lu Wenzhou, as if seeking his opinion.

Jiang Wan forced herself to look away, quickening her pace.

The sunlight remained warm.

But no matter how it shone on her, it could never reach her heart.