Jian Xi suddenly furrowed her brows, “Ah.”

“What’s wrong?”

She pointed at her belly, “It kicked me.”

He Ran’s gaze dropped, and he carefully placed his palm over it.

Jian Xi softly said, “It’s fine, press closer.”

She grabbed He Ran’s hand and moved it up a bit; the little one inside was quite cooperative, nudging two or three times.

He Ran’s expression was full of surprise, “Such great strength!”

Jian Xi laughed, “Every time it’s mealtime, it moves non-stop. After eating, it settles down.”

He Ran always felt that women’s bodies were naturally soft, and with his rough brute strength, he was particularly afraid of not knowing his own strength, so he didn’t dare to touch her belly anymore, neatly withdrawing his hand.

He held Jian Xi’s hand, “What do you want to eat?”

“KFC.”

“No way.”

“Then I don’t feel like eating anything.” Jian Xi said indifferently.

He Ran glanced at her, “Don’t think I don’t know, you’re always craving fried chicken and burgers.”

“Lu Hanxiao, the tattletale.” Jian Xi’s interest dropped, “What’s wrong with eating a drumstick? I haven’t had one in such a long time.”

He Ran showed an uncompromising expression, “I’ll order some chicken soup for you later.”

Jian Xi reluctantly agreed. When they reached the restaurant, he really ordered a whole stewed chicken.

“Both drumsticks are yours,” He Ran said.

Jian Xi wasn’t very interested. She turned her eyes, coughed twice, and said, “I’m going to the restroom.”

Their seats were on the side of the restaurant entrance. Jian Xi turned a corner and disappeared from sight. He Ran didn’t pay attention, continuing to look at the menu.

Jian Xi slipped out, heading straight for the KFC across the way.

“Two pairs of roasted wings, one pair of spicy wings, and a small cup of cola, no ice.” Jian Xi had been yearning for this string of names for a long time, reciting them more fluently than studying.

The smell of meat made Jian Xi almost unable to resist.

The little rascal inside kicked five or six times in succession. Jian Xi looked down and smiled, “You’re craving too? Mom will eat first, then you can eat.”

In the middle of the mall were elevators and railings. Jian Xi leaned against the railing, drinking cola and biting into the drumstick, thoroughly enjoying herself.

When her phone rang, she almost squeezed the cola cap off.

It was He Ran calling.

Jian Xi’s heart nearly leapt to her throat. She quickly swallowed the chicken wing in her mouth and answered.

“Why so long? Is everything okay? Do you need me to come over?” He Ran asked directly.

Jian Xi quickly replied, “No need, no need. There’s a long queue. I’ll be done soon.”

He Ran: “Still queuing?”

“Mm! A lot of people.” Jian Xi licked her lips, not wasting any flavor.

He Ran’s voice slowed, dragging out a meaningful—”Is that so?”

Jian Xi nodded frantically, regardless of whether he could see her, “Yes!”

“How many people are in front of you?” He Ran suddenly asked.

“Two, two people!”

“Men or women?”

“There are both men and women.” Jian Xi solemnly lied, then immediately regretted it and corrected, “What am I saying, of course, it’s all women in the women’s restroom.”

“Ho ho.”

“…” What did this mean? Jian Xi found this laughter somewhat creepy, with a live broadcast effect.

“Ho ho.”

He laughed again. Jian Xi felt as if facing a great enemy, a chill running down her back. She slowly turned around, looked up to see who it was, and almost burst into tears.

He Ran held his phone next to his ear, slowly lowering it, smirking as he stared at her... and the chicken wings and cola in her hand.

He asked, “Delicious?”

Jian Xi wrinkled her face, shaking her head, “Not delicious.”

He Ran slightly raised his chin, extending his palm upwards, curling his fingers.

Jian Xi, knowing she was in the wrong, reluctantly handed everything over but regretted it halfway through. She retracted her hand, lowered her head to take another sip of cola, but before her teeth touched the drumstick, He Ran blocked it.

Damn, how frustrating!

Jian Xi felt so wronged, “I really wanted to eat a drumstick, desperately wanted to. Just one bite, one bite is enough.”

He Ran looked at her, torn between laughter and tears, “Pretending to be pitiful, huh?”

“Who needs to pretend, I’m genuinely pitiful.” Jian Xi frowned, “Occasionally eating junk food doesn’t mean I’ll turn into junk.”

He Ran suppressed a laugh, pretending to be stern.

Jian Xi glanced at him, then lowered her head, muttering discontentedly, “Even with your glaring eyes, they’re not bigger than mine. If you won’t eat, then don’t.”

This woman… never mind. He Ran softened, returning the remaining pair of spicy wings to her, speaking seriously, “You’re not allowed to drink cola.”

Jian Xi immediately beamed, looking at him with admiration. “Brother Ran, I love you to death!”

Jian Xi hooked her arm around his neck, quickly pecking him.

“Shit, your mouth is full of oil!”

After dinner, they went to check out the new house.

On the sixteenth floor, four-bedroom layout, simple European decoration style, grand and enduring.

Jian Xi estimated the price and couldn’t help but have doubts. She asked He Ran, “In such a short time, could you earn so much money?”

He Ran: “I borrowed a bit from Lu Hanxiao. Since we’re buying it, let’s do the renovation together. This house has been aired out for two months. By the time the baby is born, moving in will be just right.”

Jian Xi: “Actually, there’s no need to buy so urgently. Your company has just started, and there will be many expenses in the future.”

He Ran turned around, gently placing his hands on her shoulders, “I earn money for you. Besides, the baby is about to be born. You and the baby need a home. Rest assured, I can afford it.”

Jian Xi looked into his eyes, serious and charming, filled with her image.

She smiled, “Brother Ran, today you’re so mighty.”

“When am I not mighty?” He Ran bent slightly, forehead touching hers, “If I weren’t mighty, how would we have this little one? Hmm?”

Jian Xi: “...”

Unable to refute.

A week later, He Ran went to Shenzhen to handle some matters and completely shifted his business focus to this city. The short-haul freight in Shenzhen was his stepping stone, which he managed very steadily. After he left, he handed over the routes to Lao Li and Qin Sheng, taking a commission.

Here was the provincial capital, seemingly a vast market, but in reality, the competition was fierce. In these few days, He Ran obtained information that a state-owned enterprise dealing in smelting was outsourcing bids for the transportation of raw materials.

Businessmen were keen on collaborating with state-backed enterprises, as funds were guaranteed, procedures were complete and official, and the level subtly improved.

He Ran was a smart person. With just one connection given by Lu Hanxiao, he could follow the vine, go upstream, and tear open a larger network of relationships.

Once down and out, it was merely because the ravine was hard to fill. Now making a comeback, it was simply because he had someone to cherish.

He Ran knew the tricks well. He leased over twenty 10-ton trucks under the company’s name. This scale of data submitted was formal and impressive. But just as everything was proceeding smoothly and entering the data review phase, a problem arose.

This state-owned enterprise entrusted a professional auditing company to handle the preliminary review work. When He Ran saw the name of the general manager of this auditing company, he cursed inwardly.

Chen Qing.

The beautiful CEO who failed to seduce He Ran but was instead photographed by him during an affair and threatened.

Damn, what a narrow escape.

Thus, at the first audit meeting, these two enemies met unexpectedly.

As the direct person in charge of the company, Chen Qing had absolute veto power. After the meeting, Chen Qing deliberately asked He Ran to stay behind.

“Half a year without seeing you, Mr. He, you’re doing well.” Chen Qing smiled, pretending nothing happened, “Isn’t the world small, fortunes rotate, and now we’re all acquaintances.”

He Ran politely responded, “Ms. Chen’s business is flourishing. No matter where you go, you’re always a character.”

Chen Qing smiled, not saying anything, her eyes lingering on him with lingering interest.

Later, several bidding companies had dinner together, all competitors, talking explosively, always on guard.

He Ran was adept at this kind of banquet culture. Life’s trials highlighted his innate bosslike demeanor. He spoke three parts truth, kept three parts hidden, feigned three parts, and revealed one part, handling things with ease.

Chen Qing didn’t make things difficult. Looking at such a fine man, it would be a pity not to sleep with him.

He Ran went to the restroom midway, and upon exiting, he encountered her.

He faintly greeted, “Ms. Chen.”

Chen Qing handed him a bottle of water, “I see you’ve been drinking quite a lot. Sober up.”

He Ran didn’t take it, “I don’t drink water.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing smiled, deliberately flicking her curls behind her shoulder, every move exuding charm.

“Mr. He, actually, your company isn’t very competitive among the others. I specially noticed your documents.”

He Ran raised his eyes, smirking, “Isn’t it just a word from the beautiful Ms. Chen?”

Chen Qing was captivated by his gaze, sensing the looseness in his tone, so she took a step forward, getting closer.

“Mr. He, there are some details. If perfected, the success rate will be higher. How about we find a place to have a drink alone later?” She lightly parted her lips, smiling and saying, “We can chat while drinking.”

He Ran slightly raised his eyebrows, “Alright.” He straightened his back, leaning closer, his voice falling near Chen Qing’s ear, “While we’re at it, let’s talk about your affair with the gigolo. Ah, I still have those photos, and I’m sure many people would like to see them.”

Chen Qing’s face changed abruptly, “You!”

He Ran’s tone was light and unhurried, “Yes, I’m a thug. I was one half a year ago, and now I’ve become an even better thug.”

He suddenly raised his voice, his ferocity pressing, “Got it yet? I’m threatening you—dare to settle personal scores and mess with my company, and I’ll ruin you!”

After saying this, He Ran coldly turned and walked away rigidly.

Chen Qing gnashed her teeth in anger, “Just you, thinking you can swallow this big deal? Let me tell you, even if you get into the final selection, the result has already been predetermined.”

He Ran stopped in his tracks.

“He Qin.” Chen Qing slowly pronounced the name, her tone victorious, “This person, Mr. He should be very familiar with. He has connections in the government; you can’t compete with him. Oh, speaking of which, both of you seem to share the surname He.”

He Ran didn’t respond further, walking away without looking back.

After the dinner party dispersed, He Ran didn’t go home immediately but went to the riverside to enjoy the breeze for a while.

He Qin.

This name was like a knife, its blade sharpened by He Ran’s own blood.

If it weren’t for his interference back then, He Ran would still be a wealthy young master.

But if the failure and downfall of that year were used to exchange for meeting Jian Xi,

He Ran asked himself, it truly was a priceless bargain.

Thinking of this, he flicked off the ash from his cigarette and smiled while lowering his head.

Enough. If fate really was like this, there was no use in running away from what couldn’t be escaped. For deals that couldn’t be won, doing one’s best was enough.

On the final decision day of the bidding, He Ran went into battle with ease.

At the venue, he and He Qin also crossed paths. Acting as strangers was expected; neither acknowledged the other.

The assistant following He Qin was Yao Yizhi. Seeing He Ran, her thoughts stirred, and her eyes betrayed her. Throughout, He Ran stared at the bidding documents, completely ignoring her.

He sat on the west side, He Qin on the east, with several enterprise representatives between them.

After completing the routine procedures one by one, they awaited the final review results from the relevant departments.

He Qin appeared very familiar with one of the responsible persons from the state-owned enterprise, their casual conversation highlighting his advantage. Yao Yizhi’s gaze relentlessly followed He Ran. Several times she wanted to come over and talk, but He Ran’s cold stares forced her back each time.

Half an hour later, they returned to the conference room to wait for the announcement of the results.

He Ran had a good sense of what to expect and didn’t hold much hope, so he wasn’t under much psychological pressure. He just waited to finish quickly and go home to cook for Jian Xi, who was already on maternity leave.

After a long-winded thank-you speech from the leader of the bidding department, finally:

“Now I announce, the winning company is—”

He Ran glanced at He Qin, whose expression showed certainty of victory.

“He Xi Freight Company!”

He Ran froze. Wasn’t this his company’s name?

With an “Are you reading it wrong, don’t joke with me” look, he stared at the short, chubby leader on stage.

Little Fatty gave him an affirmative look with warm, gentle eyes, “Mr. He, congratulations!”

Only then did He Ran snap out of it. This world was truly fucking exciting.

They won the bid!

He Ran went to the plump leader’s office and exchanged some ideas about the upcoming work. Finally, they scheduled to sign the contract the day after tomorrow. After wrapping up the busy tasks, He Ran probed cautiously, “Director Li, thank you for your favor.”

Director Li waved his big hand, laughing heartily, “Oh, I can’t take the credit.” He quietly revealed, “If you want to thank someone, thank our Deputy Director Tan, who oversees operations.”

He Ran: “Deputy Director Tan?”

“Yes, Deputy Director Tan.”

He Ran listened, confused. Who exactly was this Deputy Director Tan?

When he walked out of the office, he saw a column introducing the enterprise leaders on the wall. He Ran stood still, looked up carefully. The first one was the chairman, the second was the general manager, Tan Zong.

And upon seeing the photo, He Ran suddenly realized.

It was him!

Back when He Ran was still a debt collector, he once showed mercy and let a debtor named Tan Zong go.

This world was truly magical. Doing wrong brought retribution, and similarly, doing good deeds brought rewards.

As He Ran drove out of the gate, he passed by He Qin and his group.

He Qin stared at the Audi, gritting his teeth and saying to Yao Yizhi in the passenger seat, “Do you want me to gouge out your eyeballs and throw them at him?”

Yao Yizhi shivered.

He Qin turned his head, his tone aggressive, “Don’t think I don’t know, you’ve been staring at him all afternoon! What? Thinking of reigniting old flames? Huh!”

He raised his hand, pulling her hair back forcefully, “You bitch!”

Yao Yizhi endured the pain, crying and begging for mercy, “Brother Qin, I won’t dare, I really won’t dare, it hurts, it hurts!”

He Qin pulled even harder, threatening fiercely, “What is he? A loser beneath my feet!”

Yao Yizhi was pushed around by him, her scalp nearly turning purple.

He Qin’s business hadn’t been smooth these years; he had become addicted to drugs, his nerves overexcited and terrifying.

Yao Yizhi deeply regretted her choices from back then, rejecting such a great man like He Ran and ending up with this kind of man.

She rubbed her aching head, unwilling, extremely unwilling.

———

The weather in July was like an oven.

Jian Xi officially started her maternity leave two days ago, and her due date was within these few days. The director told her to be prepared at any time.

In the late stages of pregnancy, the descent of the uterus caused pubic bone pain, making it hard for Jian Xi to sleep well. She tossed and turned at night, resulting in poor sleep quality. Since she started her leave, her grandmother also came over, fully focused on cooking and preparing.

He Ran had a business dinner today, so he didn’t come home for dinner. Just past seven, Jian Xi washed some strawberries as snacks.

When the doorbell rang, she thought it was her grandmother returning from the supermarket.

“Coming, coming.” Jian Xi, with her protruding belly, moved slowly towards the door.

“It’s so early, usually there are many people at the cashier at this time.” Jian Xi said while opening the door.

But halfway through her words, upon seeing the person, she stopped talking.

Jian Xi frowned, “What are you here for?”

Yao Yizhi, standing at the door, smirked faintly, “Is He Ran here?”

Jian Xi’s face hardened, without replying, she attempted to close the door.

But Yao Yizhi “bang!” put her hand against the door panel.

Jian Xi: “What are you doing?”

“I’m asking if He Ran is here,” Yao Yizhi’s gaze dropped, fixed on her belly.

Jian Xi took a step back, quickly said “No,” and tried to close the door again.

Yao Yizhi: “Is he doing business outside, and you’re okay with it?”

Jian Xi’s eyes grew cold, locking onto hers for one, two seconds.

Yao Yizhi swallowed, continuing to provoke, “Don’t be stupid, okay? Think about it, you’re pregnant. Of course, he has to find satisfaction elsewhere. Considering our acquaintance, I came to tell you. You need to keep an eye on He Ran; he’s not honest.”

After hearing this, Jian Xi sneered.

Yao Yizhi grew angry, “What are you laughing at?”

Jian Xi lazily replied, “Miss Yao, this is my and my husband’s home. You entered uninvited and spouted nonsense. I haven’t chased you out with a broom because of my manners — please respect yourself!”

Yao Yizhi’s face turned iron gray, “You!”

Jian Xi: “If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.”

As she spoke, she reached for her phone, pretending to dial.

Yao Yizhi angrily reached out to snatch it, “If it weren’t for you, He Ran would still be mine!”

Jian Xi protected her belly, letting her grab the phone, “You’re crazy, leave my house!”

“He Ran used to love me very much, we were so happy together.” Yao Yizhi began to lose control, tears filling her eyes.

Jian Xi was furious, “You need to understand, He Ran and I are legally married!”

“You give him to me, and I’ll give you everything.” Yao Yizhi grabbed Jian Xi’s hand, sobbing uncontrollably.

Jian Xi struggled, “Let go of me!”

“I regret it, I regret it.” Yao Yizhi, seemingly deranged, pulled harder.

Jian Xi stumbled, holding onto the doorframe to steady herself.

“You’re insane, you’re crazy! Stop pulling me, I’m pregnant!”

Yao Yizhi, with great strength, screamed, “Ah!”

Jian Xi fearfully shouted, “Grandma! Grandma!”

At the same time, she tried to pry Yao Yizhi’s hands off. The two women tangled, neither giving in, until eventually, one of them let go.

Jian Xi lost balance and fell directly to the floor!

Pain.

Too much pain.

Jian Xi couldn’t recover for a long time, lying on the floor, protecting her belly with her hands.

Her tears immediately streamed down, fear and pain overwhelming her emotions. Jian Xi clearly felt sharp pains starting from the top of her abdomen.

Then, her thigh warmed, and liquid trickled down.

Jian Xi touched it with her hand; her water broke.

She steadied herself, enduring the pain, taking deep breaths. But soon, professional breathing techniques could no longer suppress the dense, intense pain.

Jian Xi finally collapsed in tears, screaming loudly, “Grandma, Grandma!”

Yao Yizhi seemed to wake from a dream, trembling as she witnessed the scene. “I didn’t mean it, I didn’t mean it.” She backed away, lips quivering, then fled through the door.

Jian Xi, voice hoarse, watched as amniotic fluid flowed down her knees to her calves, clear transparency turning pale red.

Her grandmother had just stepped out of the elevator when she heard the cries.

She dropped the groceries in her hands, her short, stout figure rushing out.

“Xixi!”

———

City First Hospital, Obstetrics Operating Room.

The director, sweating profusely, personally delivered the baby.

“Little Jian, breathe out with your mouth, breathe deeply!”

Jian Xi bit a towel, her eyes bloodshot. She gathered her strength, veins prominently bulging on her hands.

Trying again and again.

The head nurse encouraged her next to her ear, “Little Jian, drink some sugar water, keep going, you must keep going.”

The young nurse held a cup near her, squeezing the straw for her to sip.

Jian Xi forced herself to drink half a cup, abdominal contractions making her cry as she drank.

The director adjusted her position, “Again!”

Jian Xi bit the towel again, groaning with effort. It was excruciating, as if her internal organs were knotted, like a massive stone dragging downwards.

“Little Jian, exhale! Yes!”

The assisting colleagues anxiously urged, “Dr. Jian, don’t close your eyes, the baby’s head is already visible!”

After an hour of labor, Jian Xi felt like she was dying.

“Little Jian.” The director moved to the front, speaking into her ear, “Listen carefully, just one more push, for the baby, hang in there! Let’s try one more time, okay?”

Jian Xi painfully opened her eyes, mouthing, “Okay.”

The director brushed her sweat-drenched hair aside, eyes wet as she instructed the midwife, “Again.”

Jian Xi rallied her spirit, gripping the bedsheet tightly, following instructions to exhale, inhale.

“3, 2, 1…” She silently counted in her mind, coordinating with the abdominal pain, putting forth every ounce of strength. In this final push, she cried out loud, her throat breaking.

Inside, it felt like a flood swept through.

After the tumultuous waves —

The world quieted.

Jian Xi tightly closed her eyes, hearing the heavenly sound.

———

Outside the operating room, it was crowded with people.

The door opened, and the head nurse emerged with a joyful expression.

“Congratulations, a girl, 7 jin 2 liang (about 7.4 pounds)!”

“How’s my daughter?”

“How’s my granddaughter-in-law?”

“Did my sister hurt?”

Tao Xihong, grandmother, and Tao Xinglai almost simultaneously asked.

The head nurse smiled and said, “Mother and daughter are safe.”

With these words spoken,

The man who had been leaning against the wall, silent like wood, suddenly collapsed to his knees, “Plop” hitting the ground.

His entire body felt like it regained vitality, and He Ran instantly burst into tears.