Chapter 62
Zhen Bao graduated, and Fu Ming Shi immediately took her to fly around Europe.
The two would hold their wedding in a castle in the UK. Before that, Fu Ming Shi first accompanied Zhen Bao to Rome to try on wedding dresses.
Zhen Bao's wedding dress was very fairy-like, with a long white romantic train flowing behind her like lake water. Looking at herself in the mirror, even Zhen Bao felt as if she had become a different person. Thinking of her groom-to-be waiting outside, Zhen Bao suddenly had an urge for him to see her, for him to see her in a wedding dress as soon as possible.
It is said that a woman is most beautiful when wearing a wedding dress. Zhen Bao couldn't wait to see the look of amazement in his eyes. Fu Ming Shi was quite patient. When Zhen Bao finished trying on the wedding dress and came out, Fu Ming Shi walked over with a smile and held out his arm for her. Looking at her flushed face, he asked, "Does it fit well?"
Zhen Bao nodded. It fit very well, making her chest appear even more full. She was too shy to even look at herself.
"It must look beautiful," Fu Ming Shi said softly next to her ear.
Zhen Bao shook her phone teasingly, "I took pictures, do you want to see them first?"
Fu Ming Shi held her hand and brought it to his face, lightly pecking it. His dark eyes looked at her affectionately, "Wait a little longer."
After trying on the wedding dress, Fu Ming Shi took Zhen Bao for a stroll around Rome. Zhen Bao loved taking pictures. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Piazza di Spagna - she was like a village girl coming to the city for the first time, curious about everything, tirelessly shuttling between attractions. When she saw buildings or reliefs she liked, she would turn around with a smile, looking at Fu Ming Shi with her pure, limpid eyes, a hint of shyness in them.
After taking so many pictures, would Fu Ming Shi find her too narcissistic?
How could Fu Ming Shi think that? Gazing at the girl who belonged to him through the lens, Fu Ming Shi only felt that she was beautiful.
On the way to the Trevi Fountain at dusk, it suddenly started drizzling, with signs that it would get heavier. Some people hurriedly started running, while others chose to stroll leisurely in the rain. Zhen Bao really wanted to make it to the fountain, but she was worried that Fu Ming Shi would get sick. Unlike her, Fu Ming Shi was a pampered young master. If he got sick...
"Let's head back too?" Tilting her head up, Zhen Bao suggested in a small voice.
The fine raindrops fell on her fair face, like peach blossoms in the rain. Her pink lips were telling him to go back to the hotel, but her misty eyes were full of longing for the fountain. Fu Ming Shi stroked her forehead and asked temptingly, "Don't you think this rain is very romantic?"
Zhen Bao laughed happily, standing on her tiptoes.
Fu Ming Shi skillfully put his arm around her waist and brought her into his embrace, lowering his head to kiss her deeply. The soft rain kept falling on their faces, a little bit cool, but the kiss was hot. As the raindrops fell on them, it unintentionally created a halo of mist, automatically blocking the passersby.
Without an umbrella, the two held hands and walked to the Trevi Fountain.
Zhen Bao looked at what others were doing, then took the coin Fu Ming Shi handed to her. She turned around, back facing the fountain, closed her eyes and threw her coin into the water, silently making a wish. At this moment, she was the most devout believer of the gods. Fu Ming Shi forgot to take out his camera to take a photo of her, but watched her intently, imprinting this in his memory.
Her wish fulfilled, worried that Zhen Bao would catch a cold, Fu Ming Shi pulled her and ran towards their hotel.
Zhen Bao kept smiling the entire time, even when they got back to the hotel, both drenched. Fu Ming Shi took off his shirt and draped it over Zhen Bao to cover up her impressive figure, while also blocking the amazed gazes of other men. Realizing she had unintentionally revealed herself, Zhen Bao's face turned an even deeper red. She awkwardly leaned into Fu Ming Shi's embrace as he supported her into the elevator.
The light rain had turned into heavy rain, the pattering sounding cozy compared to the tranquil guest room.
But Fu Ming Shi's heart was exceptionally restless. As soon as they entered the room, he pressed the thoroughly drenched Zhen Bao against the door, showering her face and neck with scorching kisses while hurriedly tearing off her rain-soaked clothes along with his own. Though Zhen Bao had felt a little cold earlier, Fu Ming Shi heated her up in less than a minute.
In a daze, her legs were suddenly lifted up. Due to their great height difference, he could only lift her up to get his way.
"Um..." Zhen Bao put her arms around his neck and softly reminded him, her cheeks flushed.
"No need." Fu Ming Shi's eyes were dark as he deeply thrust in before she could finish speaking.
Zhen Bao held on tightly to his shoulders.
He was like the most robust gladiator in the Colosseum, just as intense with her as he would be with a beast. His one-sided suppression continued from the hallway to the living room, then from the living room to the bedroom. The sound of rain was clear. Carrying her, he came to the floor-to-ceiling window. The luxurious curtains blocked the heavy rain outside, also hiding the raging fire within the guest room.
With the final thrust, Zhen Bao heard Fu Ming Shi let out a heavy muffled groan, like an emperor staking his claim over her.
Utterly charming.
Zhen Bao invited three roommates to be her bridesmaids. Their plane tickets and meals were sponsored by Fu Ming Shi.
To Zhen Bao, her roommates were like family seeing her off as a bride. Hearing Jia Xiao Yu and the other two chattering excitedly, she felt both thrilled and reassured. After putting on the wedding dress and veil, Zhen Bao's face was rosy, her eyes like water.
"Zhen Bao, you and Mr. Fu must find happiness! I already love the dog food between you two and want to keep eating it for a lifetime!" Jia Xiao Yu was the first to come over and hug her.
Zhen Bao smiled.
Qian LeLe was next, hugging her tightly, "Zhen Bao you look so beautiful! I wish you and Mr. Fu a hundred years of happiness. Ah, I forgot the words, anyway, you must be happy! Have a little bun soon!"
Zhen Bao nodded vigorously.
Fan Xuan came over last, also hugging Zhen Bao. Her voice was mature and calm as always, "Zhen Bao, remember you are the pride of our dorm. Mr. Fu is fortunate to be able to marry you. In the future if he dares mistreat you, just tell us three and we'll back you up."
Zhen Bao's eyes turned moist. She gave a nasal uh-huh.
The bride was about to make her entrance.
In the church, on the red carpet, Fu Ming Shi finally saw his bride walking towards him step by step in her pure white wedding dress. Those slow steps were like they were stepping on his heart - thump thump, beating faster and faster. His whole body's blood was clamoring. The exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, and finally he could kiss the bride. Fu Ming Shi stared at Zhen Bao through the diaphanous veil until it was completely moved to the back of her head. Looking into Zhen Bao's moist, vibrant eyes, Fu Ming Shi could wait no longer. He stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and eagerly kissed her crimson lips.
He kissed her for a very, very long time, and the applause of friends and family also lasted a very, very long time.
From now on, he was Mr. Fu, and she was Mrs. Fu.
After the wedding was the honeymoon. Fu Ming Shi handed company matters to his dad and had a full month to spend with his new wife after already taking half a month off before the wedding.
Zhen Bao thoroughly learned what "fiery passion" meant, with Fu Ming Shi paying the "taxes" at least once a day on average throughout the honeymoon - business he conducted whether she was willing or not. The honeymoon was ending tomorrow and they would be returning to Beijing. After boating on the river tonight, Fu Ming Shi pressed her onto the bed again.
Zhen Bao did not oppose, she welcomed it in fact, but her chest felt uncomfortable tonight. It hurt when Fu Ming Shi touched her there.
She pushed away his hand that unconsciously caressed her again.
Fu Ming Shi also noticed something off. Seeing his wife single-handedly protecting her chest, he suddenly thought of a question. Perfectly masking the nervousness and anticipation in his eyes with desire, he asked, "Is your monthly period late?"
Zhen Bao was startled. Her mind started recounting - the last one came at the end of May before graduation. June was spent preparing for the wedding and honeymoon, and she had been too blissfully happy that she forgot about her monthly visitor. But it was already July 25th. Her period which normally came at the end of June was nearly a month late.
"Wait here." Fu Ming Shi kissed her face and swiftly left the big bed, got dressed, and went out.
Zhen Bao vaguely guessed what Fu Ming Shi was going to do. She felt a little blank. Could it really be so fast?
But Fu Ming Shi had stopped using protection before the wedding. It was possible...
Zhen Bao was nervous and also felt completely lost. Sitting up in bed waiting for Fu Ming Shi to return, she started searching for related information. Just as she was utterly confused by what she read, Fu Ming Shi swiftly came back holding a shopping bag that looked to contain at least ten boxes.
"Go try them." Fu Ming Shi sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze even more gentle, even hugging her more carefully than before.
Zhen Bao had complicated feelings as she took out a box and opened the packaging.
Fu Ming Shi had already studied how to use them on the way back. He taught her what to do.
Zhen Bao didn't want to discuss this with him. She pursed her lips and went to the bathroom after tearing open three packages.
Fu Ming Shi instinctively followed her to the door. His left hand leaned against the door she had closed, while his right hand alternately clenched and relaxed into a fist. The faint sound of water could be heard from inside. Fu Ming Shi clenched his fist even tighter, but Zhen Bao felt extremely awkward, guessing that Fu Ming Shi must be standing guard outside the door.
After getting ready, Zhen Bao followed the instructions, but before she could drip the second pregnancy test strip after dropping the first one, two red lines had already appeared on the first one, and the color was getting darker and darker. Zhen Bao was at a loss, her heart racing. Unwilling to give up, she dripped the other two brands of pregnancy test strips, but they both showed two lines!
Zhen Bao lowered her head and looked at the total of six lines. She couldn't believe it as she touched her belly.
She got pregnant right after her honeymoon?
"Feng Bao, open the door." Hearing no sound, Fu Ming Shi's prided patience collapsed with a rumble, and he called out impatiently as he knocked on the door.
Zhen Bao glanced at those six lines again, complex emotions on her face. She went to open the door.
There was probably a new life in her belly now. It couldn't be described by just simple joy, especially since the pregnant woman had just graduated and had no psychological preparation at all, let alone any specific plans regarding children.
The door opened. Fu Ming Shi looked at Zhen Bao first. "Is it positive?"
When she met his expectant eyes, Zhen Bao's heart suddenly beat faster and her face turned red too.
Fu Ming Shi was no longer a little girl just out of campus. His feelings for her had been mature from the start. He liked her and wanted to be with her, to kiss her, sleep with her, marry her and have children. The old master had been urging him to have a child. Even without the urging of his elders, Fu Ming Shi had long looked forward to having a child with Zhen Bao. Therefore, when Zhen Bao showed a shy appearance, Fu Ming Shi immediately hugged her excitedly!
The man was too happy. Zhen Bao's mood also soared, but she still leaned against his chest and said, "Let's go back and get it checked at the hospital. The test may not be accurate."
Fu Ming Shi didn't know what to say. He just kept kissing her. They were joyful kisses, pure beyond compare.
The two returned to the bed. The father-to-be's elation had swept away Fu Ming Shi's previous desires. He let Zhen Bao lie down, and he knelt by her side. He would touch Zhen Bao's still flat belly from time to time, and at other times he would lower his head to kiss her. Even ancestors wouldn't get this kind of treatment. Zhen Bao saw Fu Ming Shi reveal such a childish side for the first time. She couldn't help but laugh, "You want to be a dad so much?"
Fu Ming Shi tilted his head to look at her, then put her nightgown back down, and hugged his wife back into his arms. He kissed her little face and said, "I only want to be the father of your child."
He and Zhen Bao had been living together for a long time. Apart from the legal and nominal relationship, getting married didn’t make much difference to their lives. But now that Zhen Bao was carrying their child, Fu Ming Shi suddenly had a sense of settled assurance, as if only now could he be certain that Zhen Bao had really married him, and there would no longer be any uncertain factors.
Warmth filled his entire body. Fu Ming Shi kissed Zhen Bao again, and praised her softly, "You're so capable."
Zhen Bao's ears turned red. Who's the capable one? It was obviously because he had been so diligent in providing.
After returning home, Fu Ming Shi took Zhen Bao to the hospital for an examination. Indeed, she was pregnant, already six weeks along.
After getting in the car, the driver drove while Fu Ming Shi held Zhen Bao's hand with one hand and held up his phone in the other to call his elders and give them the good news. Fu Ming Shi was already thirty-three this year. Having his first child at this age was not too late, but it was definitely not considered early either. Compared to when Fu's father became a father at nineteen and Fu Zheng at twenty-five, Fu Ming Shi was naturally the last.
Coincidentally, Fu Zheng and Feng Ke were both in the capital city, so the five of them gathered for dinner that night.
Old Master Fu laughed gleefully. How wonderful! Next year would be his ninetieth birthday, and the fourth generation of his family would also have an addition.
“Rest at home and nurture the fetus first. If you’re bored next year after your confinement month, you can go back to work at the hospital.” Even though she didn’t show it like Old Master Fu, Feng Ke still expressed some concern to her daughter-in-law as a soon-to-be grandmother. Hospitals were too tiring, and this was Zhen Bao’s first pregnancy, so she had no experience at all. Feng Ke felt uneasy.
Zhen Bao nodded. Fu Ming Shi had said the same thing on the way back. Having just gotten pregnant, Zhen Bao did feel a little flustered. Fortunately, the hospital director had told her she could report to work whenever she wanted and to not worry. Zhen Bao wasn't stupid. She guessed the director was giving Fu Ming Shi face, and probably also assumed that she wouldn't go back to work in the future, but would instead focus on being a wealthy madame.
But Zhen Bao had confidence in her own professional skills. It wouldn't be too late to go back to work hard after giving birth.
And so Zhen Bao obediently stayed at the villa to nurture the fetus.
Fu Ming Shi had work, so to prevent his daughter-in-law from getting bored alone, Old Master Fu moved in to live there too, and he brought the black Labrador he had raised in America. Now there were Blackie the dog, Blackie the Lab, and Moon the cat in the villa, plus Old Master Fu and Auntie Wang to chat and play cards with during the day to entertain her. And at night she had Fu Ming Shi to whisper sweet nothings and be intimate. Her besties would also come over to accompany her on weekends. Zhen Bao spent her pregnancy days quite comfortably.
Her expected due date was March 16.
Zhen Bao went into labor two days late. It was still very cold in Beijing in March, but the delivery room was warm like spring. Old Master Fu, Feng Ke and Fu Zheng accompanied her for a bit before going outside to wait, leaving Fu Ming Shi to stay with his wife and talk to her. Zhen Bao's stomach ached in waves, sweat kept flowing down her face and being wiped away, only to flow again. Fu Ming Shi held her hand and looked at his wife's now rounded, chubby face. Although he was very nervous himself, he had to appear calm for her sake. "Scared?" He continued to wipe her sweat for her.
Zhen Bao had always been an honest good child. She nodded apprehensively.
"It's okay. We're all waiting for you outside. The doctors here are the best. It'll be over soon." Fu Ming Shi lowered his body sympathetically yet encouragingly. Pregnancy was arduous. Whenever he saw Zhen Bao walking around with her big belly, Fu Ming Shi would be extremely anxious, afraid she might have an accident. And he would never forget those few nights when Zhen Bao had cried in his arms about her fears.
"Actually, I prepared a gift for you. After your confinement month, I'll take you to see it." He tempted her alluringly, kissing the corner of her mouth.
"Tell me what it is first." Zhen Bao was extremely curious.
Fu Ming Shi stroked her cute little nose playfully and said in a teasing tone, "You give me a child first, then I'll give you the gift in return."
Zhen Bao was impatient. She pleaded in a small voice, "Can you at least give me a hint?"
Fu Ming Shi thought for a moment, then smiled. He kissed her lightly, then drew back. He indulgently stroked the corner of her eye. "Did you get the hint?"
Zhen Bao blinked blankly. Could it be a gift related to kissing?
While she was guessing, it was time.
Zhen Bao looked longingly at Fu Ming Shi, reluctant to see him leave, but Fu Ming Shi had no choice. He whispered three words into her ear before reluctantly leaving. Zhen Bao watched him go until he was out of sight, but her heart felt sweet, because of Fu Ming Shi's cheesy "I love you."
She loved him too, and their child.
Zhen Bao had arrived at the hospital in the morning, and at eight o'clock in the evening, she gave birth to a six-pound baby boy. Zhen Bao was as fair as snow, and Fu Ming Shi was also a handsome man with fair skin. Fu Baby had inherited the good genes of his parents. He was fair and clean, with alert big black eyes that were clearly inherited from Zhen Bao, clear and limpid.
Apart from the eyes, the other features resembled Fu Ming Shi more.
As for personality...
What kind of personality can you discern in a newborn? Fu Baby would eat until full then sleep, and upon waking continue to eat. When he was in a good mood he would move his little hands and feet on his own. Occasionally his black grape-like eyes would stare at you, and his little mouth would also open in a smile. Zhen Bao was overjoyed. On the other side, Feng Ke immediately poured cold water on that, saying a baby this young still couldn't see people.
But Zhen Bao still loved it. As long as the baby was spirited, she would have the nanny bring her son over to hold and kiss him.
On Fu Baby's one month celebration, the Fu family held a big banquet. Zhen Bao took a nice bath, then Fu Ming Shi carried their son while she held onto his arm as they went out to greet the guests. Zhen Bao had just given birth, so her face was still a little chubby, and her chest was more bulging. As the husband and wife walked side by side, Fu Ming Shi's elbow inadvertently bumped his wife several times.
Once or twice could be accidental, but when it happened many times...
Zhen Bao looked up at Fu Ming Shi.
Fu Ming Shi looked straight ahead, but the corners of his mouth contained a hint of a wicked smile.
However, for Zhen Bao's health, Fu Ming Shi waited another half month before pressing his wife onto the bed and ravishing her in various ways all night. A long drought meets sweet rain, Zhen Bao's body and heart were numb and tingling as she lay on Fu Ming Shi's chest, her ear against his heartbeat. She suddenly remembered and looked up to ask him, "Didn't you say you had a gift for me?"
Fu Ming Shi squeezed her shoulder and smiled, "I'll give it to you tomorrow."
Zhen Bao thought he was being mysterious, but still nestled in his arms and fell asleep.
Fu Ming Shi was true to his word. The next day he handed their son over to his grandfather and the nanny to look after. Fu Ming Shi then took Zhen Bao out in the car, driving for about fifteen minutes before stopping and taking out a blindfold he had prepared in advance to put on Zhen Bao, acting very mysteriously. Zhen Bao had no idea what was going on and could only be led along blindly by Fu Ming Shi.
After walking about a hundred meters, Fu Ming Shi moved behind her and took off her blindfold.
Zhen Bao opened her eyes. Once they had adjusted to the brightness outside, the first thing she saw right in front of her was a shop front. The exterior was decorated in a fresh apple green theme, and the interior was spacious, bright and cozily furnished - clearly a newly opened pet hospital. The doors were locked, and Zhen Bao instinctively looked up, surprised to see that this pet hospital was called "Zhen Bao".
"Do you like it?" Fu Ming Shi hugged her from behind, and slipped the key to the shop into her hand.
His gift was this entire pet hospital?
Zhen Bao was shocked speechless.
Fu Ming Shi rested his chin on the top of her head, looking at the hospital, "The vice president, doctors, nurses and other staff have all signed contracts. They're all elites I poached from other big hospitals. Starting tomorrow, the hospital can officially open for business. When you get bored as the president, you can come help out at the hospital anytime. If you want to spend more time with our child and me, you can also ask for time off anytime without worrying what anyone thinks."
He hoped she could live a carefree life, and do whatever she wished. Giving her a pet hospital was the best arrangement.
"Do you like it?" Fu Ming Shi moved in front of her, searching her expression.
Zhen Bao did like the gift, but her professional skills were still only at a beginner level. How was she qualified to be the president?
She told Fu Ming Shi the truth.
Fu Ming Shi heaved a long sigh of relief. If Zhen Bao was still wary of his money at this point, he really would have been angry.
"You're not qualified now, but with your learning ability, you could be in your own right by the time you're thirty," Fu Ming Shi said with a smile.
Zhen Bao understood. Fu Ming Shi had given her the hospital, but how to run the hospital, improving her own experience, gaining the trust of employees and public opinion - that would be up to her own efforts. He had only given her a ladder; how high she climbed would depend on herself from now on.
"Thank you, I really like it." Hooking her arms around Fu Ming Shi's neck, Zhen Bao beamed brightly.
He wanted to provide for her, but also respected her interests - this was Fu Ming Shi, always thoughtful and considerate.
The man curled his lips in a roguish smile, "I'm more interested in how you'll repay me."
Zhen Bao gave him a light smack, but was caught by Fu Ming Shi who pulled her in for a kiss.
(End of novel excerpt)
The author has a message: Ah ah ah, it's finally finished! So happy!