On Saturday morning, Chu Yang erged from Chi Yan's embrace, sat up, and hooked her foot around the nightgown Chi Yan had pulled off her the night before. As she prepared to get out of bed, Chi Yan swiftly pulled her back down. "Where are you going?"
Chu Yang patted his hand. "Let go, I have plans today."
Chi Yan nipped at her collarbone. "What plans? It's Saturday, aren't you staying ho with ?"
"I'll be back in the afternoon. I'm going to a won's gathering today," Chu Yang said, freeing herself from his grasp and getting out of bed. "You rest at ho, I'll be back in the afternoon."
Chu Yang went to freshen up, with the makeup artist already waiting for her outside.
Chi Yan, no longer in the mood to rest once she was up, followed her around. As Chu Yang sat for her makeup, he sat beside her, feeding her fruit. "Let drive you there, and I can pick you up when the party's over?"
"No need, the driver can take . You should rest at ho."
Chi Yan rested his head on her thigh. "I was hoping to spend the day out with you."
Chu Yang pushed him away. "Alright, alright, I'll be back as soon as I can."
Once her makeup was done, Chu Yang gave Chi Yan a quick kiss and left with Wen Yi.
Chu Yang soon arrived at a castle where a tent had been set up on the lawn, filled with various items prepared by the host. She quickly followed the hostess to her seat.
"Thank you all, sisters, for attending my flower arranging event. Today, we're just here to have so casual fun..." The hostess, Zhang Lingyun, the 26-year-old wife of the Zhang family, addressed the group. Most of the attendees were young wives from various families, close to Chu Yang's age.
As the activity began, everyone started arranging flowers. Chu Yang stood up with the lady next to her to select flowers. They had introduced themselves earlier when Chu Yang first sat down.
"How's Mrs. Chi's flower arranging skills?" soone asked.
Chu Yang replied while choosing flowers, "Haha, I'm still learning. I'm not very knowledgeable about it."
A lady on the other side laughed, "Perfect, we're all here to learn from each other. Mrs. Chi can take this opportunity to improve."
Chu Yang smiled at her.
"Mrs. Chi, is that dress you're wearing the new custom design from T brand? It's beautiful."
Chu Yang glanced at her outfit. In truth, she didn't know, as Wen Yi had chosen it for her, and she had simply put it on without objection. "Haha, yes it is. Mrs. Zhuang, your outfit is lovely too. It really suits you and shows off your figure beautifully. I noticed your bag is white, it matches perfectly."
"Haha, Mrs. Chi, you're too kind."
After the flower arranging was complete, everyone admired each other's work, finding ways to complint the artistic creations. Chu Yang maintained a constant smile.
At noon, the hostess naturally invited everyone to stay for lunch.
A long table was set with exquisite tableware, crystal stemware, and fragrant fresh flowers. The chefs placed bottles of aged red wine on the table, pouring for each guest, and delicious dishes were served.
"I've had such a wonderful morning, thank you all. Let's have a toast."
"Cheers, cheers."
The elegantly dressed ladies ate and drank, chatting and laughing, with chefs and servants standing by ready to attend to their needs.
Chu Yang also chatted and laughed with those around her, making plans to go shopping together next ti. Suddenly, she noticed a deathly aura surrounding Madam Zhuang across from her, growing stronger by the mont.
Chu Yang frowned briefly before pretending nothing had happened.
After the al and so more conversation, the gathering ca to an end, and everyone prepared to leave.
Chu Yang deliberately slowed her pace to walk beside Madam Zhuang. "Madam Zhuang."
Madam Zhuang looked at her. "Is Mrs. Chi heading ho too?"
Chu Yang nodded with a smile, then glanced down at Madam Zhuang's belly, where the deathly aura was even more intense. Wondering why it was so strong there, Chu Yang pondered for a mont before asking, "Madam Zhuang, are you pregnant?"
Madam Zhuang was montarily stunned, touching her belly. "How did Mrs. Chi know?" She was less than three months along and hadn't announced it yet.
Chu Yang smiled. "Ah, I noticed you didn't drink any alcohol earlier."
Madam Zhuang caressed her belly, her face radiating happiness. "I'm one and a half months pregnant. Our family has a tradition of not announcing until after three months, so..."
Chu Yang nodded. "I understand, I won't say anything. But... where are you headed? Let give you a ride ho."
Madam Zhuang was confused.
Chu Yang took her hand. "Madam Zhuang, if you want to keep the baby, I suggest you accept."
Although Madam Zhuang saw Chu Yang smiling, she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. "Mrs. Chi..."
"It's alright, let take you ho."
Sowhat bewildered, Madam Zhuang followed Chu Yang into the car. Chu Yang instructed the driver, "Please take Madam Zhuang ho first, to Lingshan Mansion."
"Yes, ma'am."
The journey was uneventful, save for a minor traffic jam due to a small accident. The car drove directly to Madam Zhuang's front door, and Chu Yang noticed flowers planted in the courtyard from the main gate.
Madam Zhuang invited Chu Yang in for a visit.
Chu Yang declined. "I'll definitely co next ti. I have sothing to attend to today, so I'll head back now. Oh, I noticed you seem to have lilies planted in your courtyard. The fragrance isn't good for pregnant won, I suggest you remove them. I'll be going now."
Madam Zhuang watched the car leave before entering. She then asked a servant, "Who planted the lilies in the courtyard?"
"The First Madam did, she said she wanted a change of flowers recently."
Madam Zhuang took a deep breath. "I see."
Unlike the Chi family, the Zhuang family was still headed by Chairman Zhuang, who had three sons, each with at least two sons of their own. Madam Zhuang was the wife of Chairman Zhuang's second son's eldest son: a granddaughter-in-law. This pregnancy would bring the Zhuang family's first great-grandchild.
Recalling Chu Yang's words, Madam Zhuang shuddered. When her husband, Zhuang Jin, returned that evening, she told him about the incident.
Zhuang Jin's expression turned serious as he caressed her belly. "I'll take you back to your parents' ho tomorrow. Stay there for a while, and I'll visit you every day. Let investigate this matter."
"Alright. About Mrs. Chi..."
Zhuang Jin replied, "I've only t Mr. Chi a few tis, but we're acquainted. I'll find an opportunity to thank him. As for Mrs. Chi's words, let's not delve too deeply." So things were better left unexamined. He had previously wondered why Chi Yan had married a woman reportedly from the countryside with farr parents, but now he might understand a little. So people who seed unremarkable could actually be the real powerhouses.
"Okay."
"Don't go out for a while. I'll arrange so people to protect you. After three months, when the pregnancy is more stable, I'll accompany you if you want to go out."
"Mm. Thank you, darling."
"Get so rest."
"Mm."
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