CHAPTER 273: CHAPTER 273 TENSION

Jiang Zhixun turned his body, his towering figure blocking Yu Wei’s line of sight.

He didn’t like others scrutinizing his wife with inquisitive eyes.

Yu Wei paused, understanding Jiang Zhixun’s intention.

Embarrassment crept across her cheeks.

Turning back, she saw Zhou Hansheng’s displeased look, and felt a jolt in her heart.

She stammered in explanation, "I, I thought they were your friends, so I..."

In Shen Qingqing’s presence, Zhou Hansheng made a great effort to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor.

He responded with a sound, "They are friends, here for a check-up."

Not wanting Yu Wei to overthink, suspecting he had lingering connections with Shen Qingqing.

Zhou Hansheng paused, "They’re expecting a new family member, which is great news."

New member?

Yu Wei realized they must be expecting a child.

She touched her belly, her eyes full of envy.

It would be wonderful if she were pregnant too.

Both to keep Zhou Hansheng close and to report to her mother-in-law.

Shen Qingqing was Zhou Hansheng’s ex-girlfriend, something Yu Wei couldn’t help but mind.

Now her rival even had a child.

Uncontrollable jealousy welled up inside Yu Wei.

Could she have nothing that could surpass Shen Qingqing?

Knowing Zhou Hansheng wanted to leave, she still stood rooted to the spot.

She forced a smile, "Congratulations, Miss Shen."

Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow.

She hadn’t expected Zhou Hansheng’s partner to know her last name.

Upon reflection, it seemed likely Mother Zhou had complained about her in front of her daughter-in-law.

Shen Qingqing had no issue with Zhou Hansheng’s partner and didn’t care to investigate further.

Whatever kind of woman she was didn’t matter to her.

After all, they weren’t living their lives together.

She was only Zhou Hansheng’s ex.

As an ex, she knew she had to keep her distance and completely exit each other’s lives.

Shen Qingqing understood this well.

She nodded at Yu Wei, "Thank you."

Her voice was gentle; she wasn’t as unapproachable as she seemed.

Yu Wei’s cheeks began to burn.

She felt sorry for her own petty jealousy.

Miss Shen was already married and had a child, it was inappropriate to keep dwelling on her in her mind.

Nodding to Shen Qingqing, she left with Zhou Hansheng.

After they had walked far away, Jiang Zhixun said, "Looks like Doctor Zhou is planning for a child too, good for him."

Shen Qingqing glanced at him, "Act normal."

Jiang Zhixun shut his mouth immediately, gently supporting Shen Qingqing as they walked outside.

He kept his eyes on her feet, afraid she might trip.

He also had to remain alert to the surroundings, fearing someone might accidentally bump into them and hurt Shen Qingqing.

He was terribly nervous.

Shen Qingqing was too.

Being beginners at this, neither of them could relax.

As they walked, they ended up in lockstep.

Even though the doctor had assured them Shen Qingqing was in great health and told them to relax.

But the tension inside them couldn’t be eased.

With Jiang Zhixun’s support, Shen Qingqing walked very slowly.

"Take it slow, no need to rush."

Shen Qingqing hadn’t been rushing earlier, but his comment made her more anxious, "Could you stop talking?"

Jiang Zhixun closed his mouth, yet in a few seconds started murmuring again.

"Take it slow, watch your step..."

Shen Qingqing found it amusing, suddenly feeling more at ease.

"Relax."

Jiang Zhixun: "I am relaxed."

Shen Qingqing was skeptical, "Then why are you sweating?"

Jiang Zhixun freed a hand to touch his forehead, indeed there was a layer of sweat.

Not wanting to lose face in front of his wife.

He worded it stubbornly, "I’m just hot."

Shen Qingqing burst into laughter, feeling increasingly relaxed.

She joked, "You better get used to this quickly, or on the day of delivery, will you faint?"

Jiang Zhixun had never given birth, but he wasn’t stupid; he knew how difficult it could be.

He tightened his grip on Shen Qingqing’s hand, "Wife, it’s going to be hard on you."

The pregnancy was still long; he couldn’t be of much help.

Just like today’s morning sickness, no matter how unwell his wife felt, she had to bear it alone.

He couldn’t transfer the child into his own belly, he could only care for Shen Qingqing in other ways.

Jiang Zhixun crouched down in front of Shen Qingqing, "Get on."

Shen Qingqing scolded him, "What for?"

"I’ll carry you."

Walking less would relieve his wife.

Shen Qingqing refused, "What if you drop me because you’re so tense?"

"I won’t."

Shen Qingqing still refused, "Just hold my hand."

Walking hand in hand was much safer than being carried.

Shen Qingqing was always attentive, and now with a child, she was even more meticulous.

She planned to eliminate any risky behavior.

Patting Jiang Zhixun’s shoulder, "Come on, I really don’t need you to carry me."

People around them were starting to look.

Shen Qingqing felt a bit embarrassed.

Jiang Zhixun turned around, "Really don’t want me to carry you?"

"Yes."

"Then let me hold you."

The man rolled up his sleeves, genuinely intending to do it.

Shen Qingqing glared at him jokingly, "I’m just pregnant, not disabled. By your logic, should I not go to work tomorrow?"

Going to work was indeed a big issue.

Jiang Zhixun wanted his wife to take good rest, but didn’t want her to be delayed from work.

Frowning in frustration, "Should have chosen a better time to conceive."

Shen Qingqing chuckled lightly, "I’m fine, don’t be nervous. Since we’ve prepared for this, whenever it comes, it’s the right time."

"Do you want to take a few days off to rest at home?"

Shen Qingqing shook her head, "No impact on work. Whatever needs to be done, shall still be done."

But she had to inform the leaders in advance; adjustments should be made for work during maternity leave.

Shen Qingqing mentally calculated the time, her projects should be finished by the late stage of pregnancy.

Otherwise, she wasn’t sure if she could make it until the end of the semester.

If not, the school would have to arrange for substitute teachers.

She initiated holding Jiang Zhixun’s hand, "Let’s go home and tell the elders about this."

"Okay." Jiang Zhixun tightly clasped Shen Qingqing’s hand.

Clasping very tightly.

The mansion.

Madam Jiang was a bit surprised to see the couple.

"What’s prompted your sudden return? Zhixun brought food to the school; I thought you wouldn’t return today."

"Work is done, so we came home."

Shen Qingqing nudged Jiang Zhixun’s waist, prompting him to inform the elders about the pregnancy.

Jiang Zhixun’s ears reddened.

Feeling inexplicably shy.

When Shen Qingqing poked him again, he pinched her slender finger.

Then, in one go, he announced, "Mom, you’re going to be a grandma."

Shen Qingqing blushed too, quickly lowering her head, not daring to meet Madam Jiang’s eyes.

Her heart raced, inexplicably feeling like she’d been caught doing something wrong.

Madam Jiang paused.

It took her a while to react, Qingqing was pregnant!

She was going to hold her grandchild!

Her mouth curled up quickly, she immediately pushed Jiang Zhixun aside, supporting Shen Qingqing’s arm.

"Did you have a hospital check-up? If not, let’s go now."

Shen Qingqing nodded, "We checked, the doctor said everything’s fine."

Madam Jiang then asked, "How long has it been?"

Shen Qingqing coughed lightly, "More than two months."

That was around when Zhixun returned from the Northwest?

Madam Jiang’s face nearly split apart from smiling.

How wonderful her advice was, suggesting the couple stay at a hotel, enjoy their world.

See, once the atmosphere was right.

The child came!