By the time she arrived at the Fu family home, Fu Zhiyan had already finished his studies and returned from overseas.
If there was anything he needed to learn, private tutors would come to the house—in all this time, Chi Chi had never heard of him studying at S University.
She rarely inquired about Fu Zhiyan’s affairs; they were like the closest of strangers, living together day after day, but in truth she knew so little about him.
"Mm, not really. After coming back to China, I just stop by S University occasionally to ask Professor Liu some questions."
"A hundred-year anniversary celebration, huh? Are you going to attend?"
Back at Theodore Zane’s home, she’d gone to school too, but it was just one of those tiny neighborhood schools—and the the Zane family never really valued her education.
The only reason she could even attend was because it was free, and only so she could tag along with Theodore Zane. It was only after coming to the Fu family that she really managed to catch up academically.
"I’d like to go too. I bet the university is beautiful."
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Fu Zhiyan. Suddenly, Chi Chi wanted to see the school Fu Zhiyan had attended.
Fu Zhiyan’s brows knitted slightly, his usually cold gaze softening. "I’m just worried it’ll be too tiring for you—it’s at the end of June."
He glanced at the small, balloon-like bump she’d developed recently. Chi Chi touched her belly. She wasn’t worried about being worn out, but by then the baby would be even bigger, and with all the people on campus…she felt a little shy.
"If you really want to go, then let’s go. If not, I’ll stay home and keep you company. It’s not that important."
As he watched her torn between wanting to go and hesitating, Fu Zhiyan tried to reassure her. They could just make a quick appearance; no need to stay for long.
"I just want to see where you used to go. We hardly ever went out together before."
Chi Chi turned and hugged him, her little head nestled against his chest.
"Wherever you want to go in the future, I’ll go with you." He bent down and kissed the little one, then took her by the hand and stood up.
"Let’s eat; you must be hungry."
"Mm."
They sat together on the sofa, eating the lunch Aunt Whitney had lovingly prepared, and soon after Chi Chi began to feel drowsy.
These days she’d always nap in Fu Zhiyan’s lounge after lunch, and the two of them would skip work to go home together in the afternoons.
The lounge had all of Chi Chi’s things, and even the old gray bedsheets had been replaced with a soft lavender set.
After washing her face, Chi Chi curled up in bed. Fu Zhiyan came in quietly, unfinished paperwork in hand.
He sat by the bedside, and the person in the blankets nuzzled obediently against his leg.
"If it’s not convenient for you here, you can use the desk outside..."
Her voice was soft and muddled by sleep, and Fu Zhiyan looked down at the little "koala" hugging his leg, barely able to hold back a laugh.
Saying she doesn’t want him, but her body clearly says otherwise.
He held his paperwork in one hand, and with the other gently stroked her soft earlobe, patting her back in slow, soothing motions.
Within two minutes, her breathing had evened out; she was sound asleep.
Looking at her rosy little face, the documents in his hand suddenly lost all appeal. Fu Zhiyan tossed them aside, deciding to nap with his wife for a while.
---
By mid-June, Doctor Song Ying arrived like clockwork.
Everything at the old Fu mansion was prepared—two rooms specially set up for the check-up, with all the necessary equipment at hand for Chi Chi.
"Everything looks fine. The baby’s doing great—about two months to the due date. Your body will get heavier and you might feel some discomfort, but nothing to worry about."
Chi Chi nodded obediently. "Is the baby getting too chubby?"
Song Ying smiled. "A little, yes. You can watch your diet and take more walks."
She had a great impression of Chi Chi—so gentle and well-mannered. To the Fu family, Song Ying was just a visiting doctor, but Chi Chi was always polite.
"I go for walks every day. Thank you, Dr. Song."
Fu Zhiyan entered, carrying water—Chi Chi had just mentioned she was thirsty.
"All done?"
He bent down and held the glass for Chi Chi to drink. Chi Chi blushed, feeling self-conscious with Dr. Song right there. "I can do it myself..."
Song Ying smiled. She’d never imagined someone like Fu Zhiyan would one day dote on a little girl like this. This must be true love, she thought.
Suddenly recalling something, Fu Zhiyan turned to Song Ying. "By the way, Dr. Song, aren’t you an S University alum too? That just crossed my mind the other day."
"The anniversary is coming up, and Chi Chi wants to attend with me. Would there be any issues?"
Song Ying paused, suddenly reminded of Xu Ran, who had recently been pestering her for information about Fu Zhiyan—clearly, Xu Ran hadn’t given up.
"There shouldn’t be any problem," she replied, after hesitating a moment. "But the campus will be very crowded. Madam Fu should have someone with her at all times. Try to avoid heavy crowds and be careful not to get jostled."
Hearing that, Fu Zhiyan hesitated again. Chi Chi finished her water, set down the glass, and tugged at his sleeve. "Don’t say no—you promised me I could go. I want to see you give your speech."
Her deer-like eyes gazed at him, lashes fluttering; it was hard for Fu Zhiyan to refuse. "Alright, I’ll take you."
"Dr. Song, if you’re free that day, would you like to join us?"
Song Ying thought it over. She was planning to be at the university that day anyway. "Alright, I’ll wait for you by the gate."
She didn’t have any solid information about Xu Ran, so couldn’t say much, but accompanying Madam Fu might help her keep an eye on things.
Chi Chi turned and beamed at her. "Thank you, Dr. Song. You can just call me Chi Chi!"
Song Ying nodded, glanced at Mr. Fu (the big boss), got no reaction, and called out, "Chi Chi."
After seeing Dr. Song out, Chi Chi hugged Fu Zhiyan excitedly. "Yay! Dr. Song said I can go."
"Of course you can," Fu Zhiyan replied, full of affection as he watched her excitement.
---
The day of the school anniversary arrived quickly. By June, the weather was already fairly warm.
Fu Zhiyan dressed in a steel-gray suit jacket, the tailoring highlighting his tall, straight frame. Chi Chi helped him with his tie, then changed into her own clothes.
She wore a light green, soft dress, with a thin white cardigan that made her look both playful and relaxed—perfect for a day on campus.
Her long black hair flowed down her waist. She checked her reflection, touching her belly, then squeezing her cheeks. "Zhiyan, have I gotten fatter?"
He embraced her from behind, his head resting on her neck as he gazed at her radiant image in the mirror. "You’re not fat—the baby is."
It sounded perfectly reasonable to Chi Chi, and she nodded in agreement.
Even though she was pregnant, her limbs were as slender as before; all the weight seemed to go to her belly.
Taking her hand, they headed downstairs together.
With so many people at the university, Fu Zhiyan made sure Third Brother and some bodyguards went with them.
The car quickly arrived at S University. The late afternoon sun spilled across the campus boulevard, making everything look dreamlike.