Mrs. Jiang fawned over Fu Yumo with a smile: “Yumo, your father said you’ve secured quite a few projects recently, making him look good in front of his old friends.” Fu Yumo didn’t respond, just walked inside. Jiang Nuan kept her head down, feeling utterly ashamed. The living room was already filled with people, all Fu’s illegitimate children. When Fu Yumo entered, the air quieted. Fu’s father, sitting on the sofa, looked up and asked: “On this Mid-Autumn Festival, why didn’t you bring Lin Bei back?” Fu Yumo replied indifferently: “I will visit the Lin family tonight.” Jiang Nuan’s steps faltered upon entering the living room, a sudden bitterness in her heart. During the meal, Mrs. Jiang pulled Jiang Nuan into the kitchen: “Stay here, wait until we’re done eating before you come out.” Jiang Nuan suppressed her emotions and didn’t speak. Fu’s mother had passed away early, and Fu’s father never remarried, but he didn’t lack female company. On holidays, several mistresses would gather with their children. She was the unwanted stepchild of Mrs. Jiang and her former husband, and Mrs. Jiang never allowed her to sit at the table for meals. Mrs. Jiang poked Jiang Nuan’s forehead: “Stop with that dead look. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be here celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Fu’s.” After saying this, Mrs. Jiang left the kitchen, and soon, Jiang Nuan heard her forced laughter. Jiang Nuan leaned against the clean stove, feeling a chill. An hour later, Mrs. Jiang called her out. Fu Yumo and Fu’s father were gone. Mrs. Jiang pointed to the dining table: “There are some leftovers if you’re hungry, go help yourself.” Then she went to the living room. Jiang Nuan glanced at the mess on the table and felt nauseous. At that moment, a mocking voice sounded: “Jiang Nuan, your mom keeps the old man company, and you keep the young man, you really don’t let go of either.” Jiang Nuan looked over; it was Fu Jiao, Fu’s illegitimate daughter. Jiang Nuan said calmly: “Instead of mocking me, think about your own status.” Fu Jiao’s face changed instantly, and she slapped Jiang Nuan hard across the face! “I’m a Fu, what are you? Just a leech clinging to Fu Yumo.” Everyone who had been watching burst into laughter. Jiang Nuan looked towards her mother, who appeared indifferent. She lowered her head, a sense of inexplicable sadness rising within her. Not long after, Fu Yumo came downstairs. He saw the clear handprint on Jiang Nuan’s face, his expression unchanged: “Let’s go.” In the car, Jiang Nuan sat in the back with him, head bowed. Fu Yumo suddenly spoke: “We’re going to the mall. Buy some gifts for the Lin family.” Jiang Nuan’s voice was hoarse: “Just in case, I’ve already prepared them.” Fu Yumo was momentarily stunned, then his eyes turned cold: “Stop the car.” The car slowed to a stop by the roadside. Fu Yumo looked at her with disgust: “You think you know me well? Who gave you the right to make decisions? Get out.” Jiang Nuan was stunned, then instinctively followed his order. The car moved forward, and watching her slender figure in the rearview mirror, Fu Yumo felt irritated. He made a call: “The guy who hit her today, I don’t want to see him at the Fu’s ever again.” On the roadside, Jiang Nuan watched as the car drove away, a bitter smile playing on her lips. She was used to Fu Yumo’s unpredictable moods, yet each time it hurt. She hailed a taxi, giving the address: “To the South City Cemetery.” Jiang Nuan stood before a tombstone, and as she looked at the figure ahead, she froze. Lin Bei turned at the sound, her expression instantly turning cold. After a moment of silence. Jiang Nuan asked awkwardly: “Today’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, why aren’t you celebrating at home?” Lin Bei ignored her question, her tone sarcastic: “Aren’t you busy pleasing Fu Yumo? Yet you remember Zhao Yu?” Jiang Nuan’s face turned pale. In college, she and Lin Bei were once inseparable friends. Back then, Lin Bei had always had feelings for her childhood sweetheart, the student council president, Zhao Yu. Suddenly, rumors spread that Jiang Nuan was involved with Zhao Yu. Jiang Nuan had explained, but Lin Bei didn’t believe her. Later, in an accident, Zhao Yu died saving Jiang Nuan in a fire… There was no chance to clear up the misunderstanding. Lin Bei said harshly: “Good people die young, right? Otherwise, why would you be the one to survive?” Jiang Nuan stepped back. She saw the hatred in Lin Bei’s eyes, her heart aching to the point of suffocation. “I’m sorry.” Jiang Nuan couldn’t bear to stay a second longer, turned, and left in a hurry. She knew that no matter how much she explained now, Lin Bei wouldn’t listen. Because Lin Bei resented her ‘betrayal’ and blamed her for the death of her loved one. Back home, Jiang Nuan felt completely drained. She swallowed a few pills. As the tablets slid down her throat, Jiang Nuan felt an overwhelming nausea this time. She rushed to the bathroom, leaned over the toilet, and vomited for half a day. Apart from those two pills and some sour liquid, there was nothing else. The nausea lingered, and Jiang Nuan thought of something, her expression tightening. She picked up her bag and went straight to the hospital. Two hours later. The doctor placed the report in front of her: “Ms. Jiang, congratulations, you’re pregnant.”
Chapter 6
