Possibly, the pregnancy has lengthened the reflex arc.
After several days, An Wuyang finally paid attention to the incident where Little Chubby almost got into trouble with a gay man.
“Oh, you said a gay guy was interested in you, and nothing happened in the end, right?”
Little Chubby was quite smart; rejecting a few admirers should be a piece of cake.
“Nothing my a**! I haven’t been sleeping well lately…”
Xue Jiyang, feeling sleepy in class, replied to his friend’s messages while trying to catch up on some rest.
An Wuyang’s eyes widened in surprise, looking like an inflated pufferfish. “So, you mean to say Little Chubby has also stepped halfway into the gay circle?”
His emotions were complicated. In his memory, Little Chubby was a straight steel guy, only interested in girls.
“Sympathize with you. So, what’s your take on this?”
“He acted as if nothing happened the next day. What else can I think?”
Later, Xue Jiyang thought that Xie Ran, his classmate, needed treatment for his condition.
Considering the situation, he also figured out that currently, it’s not illegal for someone with mental illness to commit murder. Do you fear that?
“If he doesn’t admit it? Damn, his character is so bad. But isn’t he interested in you?”
An Wuyang’s thoughts were getting tangled, and he couldn’t sort out this logic.
Unless the person interested in Little Chubby is a scumbag who only wants passion without responsibility. However, judging from Little Chubby’s words, he seemed to want the other person to take responsibility. So, things got a bit messy.
“Sigh, maybe he’s not really interested. Anyway, I’m annoyed. I won’t talk about it anymore; I need to catch some sleep.”
Xue Jiyang replied, planning to consult a doctor after waking up.
In the editing column, An Wuyang typed, “What’s your opinion on homosexuality?” but didn’t send it. He deleted it and edited a new one: “Okay, we’ll talk about it when you have time.”
The problem he faced wasn’t just about homosexuality, and asking wouldn’t make any difference.
The baby is over three months old, and it’s time for another prenatal checkup.
On the day of the outing, it was evident that An Wuyang couldn’t wear loungewear. He found the loosest outfit in the wardrobe. However, because the clothes Huo Yunchuan bought for him were all slim-fit, his belly still looked a bit prominent when he put them on.
“An Wuyang, come and weigh yourself,” Huo Yunchuan found an electronic scale and placed it on the floor.
An Wuyang pursed his lips, took off the slim-fit top, and changed into casual wear. “I think I need to buy some loose clothes,” he said while stepping onto the electronic scale. He wore white cotton socks for warmth.
Huo Yunchuan knelt on one knee. “Buy,” he said, focusing his eyes on the tips of his feet. He then glanced at the digital display and earnestly noted down the numbers.
“Did I gain weight today?” the little angel asked.
“A little,” Huo Yunchuan said, helping him down and putting away the electronic scale and notebook.
“The clothes you bought for me before don’t fit anymore. I’m wearing casual clothes today,” An Wuyang said, suddenly remembering. “By the way, Huo Mama is coming too. I contacted her last night.”
Since the long holiday, their relationship had gradually become more familiar. Initially, An Wuyang would wonder whether the acceptance was for the sake of the baby or himself. Now, he was too lazy to think about it, enjoying each day with good food and drinks.
Huo Yunchuan glanced at him and packed things into the nanny bag. “If you don’t want to socialize, you don’t have to force yourself,” he said.
“No problem,” the little angel tilted his head and said. “I like Huo Mama; she’s very nice to me.”
Huo Yunchuan suppressed a smile, once again feeling dissatisfied with the native family of the little angel. If An Wuyang had enough people caring for him, he wouldn’t appreciate the concern of others so much.
Today, Zhang Ayi hadn’t arrived yet, and the doorbell rang. An Wuyang stood up and went to open the door. “It must be Huo Mama,” he said.
Zhang Ruoxi came in with large and small bags, all for her daughter-in-law. “Good morning, An.” An Wuyang immediately reached out to help. “Good morning, I’ll help you.”
“No need for you to carry,” Zhang Ruoxi was very nervous about him, pointing to the sofa and asking him to sit down. “Just sit obediently; don’t move around. I worry when I see you fidget.”
An Wuyang said, “Then I’ll pour you a glass of water.”
Zhang Ruoxi replied, “I’ll do it myself. Have you had your drink? I’ll pour you one.”
Huo Yunchuan came out after packing up, seeing his mother there. He greeted her lightly, “Mom.”
The lady he once had a cold war with nodded and smiled, “What time is the hospital appointment? Is everything ready for the outing?”
Huo Yunchuan answered, “At half-past ten. We’ll leave after you have a drink.”
Zhang Ruoxi turned to look at An Wuyang, “Then, Wuyang, go change your clothes.”
An Wuyang embarrassedly said, “I won’t change; I’ll just wear this.”
Huo Yunchuan chuckled and explained for the little angel, “Wuyang’s belly has gotten bigger, and the old clothes don’t cover it anymore.” Then he added, “If you have time, help him choose two loose styles of clothes.”
Zhang Ruoxi was slightly stunned and then understood; her son was talking to her. “Sure, I can do that.” She replied to her son, feeling a mixture of emotions afterward.
Zhang Ruoxi turned to look at An Wuyang, saying, “Wuyang, go change your clothes.”
An Wuyang, feeling embarrassed, said, “No need, I’ll just wear this.” His voice was small.
Huo Yunchuan chuckled and explained for the little angel, “Wuyang’s belly has gotten bigger, and the old clothes don’t cover it anymore.” Then he added, “If you have time, help him choose two loose styles of clothes.”
Zhang Ruoxi was slightly stunned, then later understood that her son was talking to her. “Sure, I can do that,” she replied to her son, feeling a mixture of emotions afterward.
Thinking to herself, this is the atmosphere of a family, isn’t it?
During the four-dimensional color ultrasound after more than three months, they could clearly see the features of the fetus, even the little hands and feet.
An Wuyang sat there with people on both sides.
After everyone received the photos, they carefully looked at them several times before showing them to him. “Wuyang, take a look at the baby.”
An Wuyang took the photos, gently browsing them with a soft expression, and then said, “The baby looks really cute, round-headed and chubby.”
Huo Yunchuan directly bent down and kissed him several times, his voice sounding a bit unsteady, “He looks like you.”
Jiang Shaofei had a smiling expression, then took the opportunity to secretly pull Huo Yunchuan outside, saying, “Your baby is about to enter the fourth month, and things are stable now.”
Huo Yunchuan’s gaze softened, sincerely saying, “Thanks for everything regarding Wuyang.”
Jiang Shaofei responded, “Tsk tsk, why say these things?” Changing the topic, he put his arm around Huo Yunchuan’s shoulder and leaned in, “Between four to six months, you can resume intimacy.”
Huo Yunchuan looked at him sideways, “…”
That wolf-like gaze somehow made Jiang Shaofei regret. He touched his nose and said, “But don’t go too wild; be gentle.”
Huo Yunchuan nodded, “I’m worried about holding him too tightly, and he might fly away, or if I kiss him, he might melt. Do you think I’m willing?”
Jiang Shaofei thought about it and felt reassured.
Back at the entrance, Huo Yunchuan didn’t rush to go inside.
Jiang Shaofei’s words echoed in his ears, causing his blood to surge, making his breathing erratic.
An Wuyang and Zhang Ruoxi were still looking at the color ultrasound. When they noticed the man standing at the door, he greeted them with a warm, pure smile.
“…” President Huo hooked his lips, finding the scene quite beautiful.
“Well, then I won’t go back with you guys,” interrupted Zhang Ruoxi, breaking the eye contact between her son and daughter-in-law. “I’ll take a car back; Yun Chuan, take care of Wuyang, drive safely.”
Huo Yunchuan replied, “Okay.”
An Wuyang shifted his gaze away from the handsome guy and awkwardly said, “Goodbye, Auntie Huo.”
“Rest well when you get back,” Zhang Ruoxi said without controlling her hand and casually touched An Wuyang’s hair before leaving.
Huo Yunchuan didn’t say much on the surface, just repeatedly touched the area of his head that his mother had touched. “Wuyang, give me a kiss.”
He pointed to his own lips, and if this didn’t ease the tension, he felt like he would explode.
“Sure.” An Wuyang didn’t resist, lifting his head to kiss Huo Yunchuan’s lips.
The sparse eyebrows and light smile made him look very pleasant.
Huo Yunchuan buried his head in his neck, took a deep breath, then adjusted his arms around Wuyang’s waist, saying, “Let’s go.”
After Zhang Ruoxi returned home, she shared the ultrasound pictures of the baby.
Huo’s grandfather and Huo Xiao both took a look, and the atmosphere at home was full of joy.
“To my sister-in-law, take some time to talk to her,” Huo Xiao said to his wife.
“Okay.” Zhang Ruoxi had already planned for this.
Huo’s grandfather was more meticulous, inquiring with his daughter-in-law, “How is the child’s complexion, Wuyang?”
“He’s doing well,” Zhang Ruoxi replied.
Huo’s grandfather asked, “When do you plan to come home again?”
Huo Xiao commented, “Wuyang is pregnant; it’s best not to go out too much.”
Zhang Ruoxi looked at her husband and father-in-law staring at each other and suddenly found it amusing.
She suddenly realized that this family had undergone significant changes since An Wuyang’s arrival.
“Oh right,” Zhang Ruoxi said, “Wuyang has gained weight, and the clothes bought earlier don’t fit. Yun Chuan asked me to choose two loose sets for the child.” She looked at everyone, “Any suggestions?”
Huo’s grandfather and Huo Xiao both looked at her, “…,” feeling a subtle sense of vanity.
Buying clothes for an eighteen or nineteen-year-old young man and consulting these older gentlemen is not a wise move.
In the end, Zhang Ruoxi made the decision herself, selecting some that seemed suitable and sending pictures to An Wuyang.
However, the latter only chose two sets and said, “I can’t wear that much; two sets are enough.”
The affluent Mrs. Zhang insisted, “No, we should choose five sets.” She added, “It’s my negligence; I should have prepared for you earlier.”
Although Huo Yunchuan cared for An Wuyang, he was still a big man, and his attentiveness had its limits.
Fortunately, An Wuyang eventually picked five sets and said, “Thank you, Auntie Huo. These will be enough for me until the baby is born.” After all, during pregnancy, there aren’t many opportunities to go out.
Zhang Ruoxi understood that five sets were indeed sufficient.
However, the more she interacted with An Wuyang, the more she felt sorry for this young teenager under twenty.
Receiving these clothes, An Wuyang felt warm inside. He handed them to Auntie Zhang to wash, so he could wear them next time he went out.
~
Today, the headquarters held its quarterly meeting, attended by various high-ranking executives.
Over two months ago, after the departure of the CEO who used to be a constant presence in the company, many speculated that the Huo Corporation might be undergoing changes.
Now, just over two months later, everything at Huo Corporation remained unchanged.
Having enjoyed the freedom of not being under the CEO’s supervision for a quarter, the high-ranking executives were a bit worried about losing their power at this quarterly meeting.
Huo Yunchuan, who was not very concerned about the stable operation of the old company, focused on the development of the new company, Huarui, during the meeting.
Gao Yan stood up to present the report, confidently discussing the management measures he implemented in the new company within three months, achieved goals, and planned objectives.
After listening to Gao Yan’s report, which included details on the new company’s management, achieved goals, and planned objectives within three months, Huo Yunchuan applauded.
The people in the meeting room followed suit, showing their approval. Few knew that he was Huo Yunchuan’s cousin, so there were inevitably doubts about how such a young man earned Huo Yunchuan’s appreciation.
In the end, the attendees readily gave face to the applause.
“Thank you, everyone,” Gao Yan bowed before sitting down.
Other company leaders spoke next, following prepared scripts, briefly explaining the completion of economic indicators for the third quarter, work exchanges between departments, energy consumption in the company, and so on.
Detailed reports lay in Huo Yunchuan’s inbox, sometimes he would read them, sometimes he was too busy.
With the addition of the new company, he found it increasingly challenging to manage everything. After the baby was born, he feared he might not even have time for quarterly meetings.
“Gao Yan, come with me,” Huo Yunchuan pointed to Gao Yan after the meeting.
“Sure.” Gao Yan followed, and only when they were in a secluded area did he call out, “Cousin.”
Huo Yunchuan nodded, leading him into a private elevator. “Huarui has been operating for three months now. As the work is gradually stabilizing, do you plan to continue expanding?”
Surprised, Gao Yan asked, “Why? Are you eyeing another company?”
Shaking his head, Huo Yunchuan replied, “Not really, I just feel you have the capability.”
Gao Yan laughed, “By the way, I want to propose a salary increase for outstanding employees. I’ll send you the list later, alright?”
Salary increases for company employees required Huo Yunchuan’s signature. Formal documentation was needed before the finance department could proceed.
“Salary increase? Who’s on the list?” Huo Yunchuan raised an eyebrow, directly asking, “Is An Cheng included?”
Gao Yan nodded, recalling that this was not the first time Huo Yunchuan had shown interest in An Cheng. “His performance at work has been good. Is there something wrong with him?”
“No,” Huo Yunchuan denied, then changed the topic, “My grandfather heard that you’re working at Huo Corporation. He mentioned you should visit him when you have time.”
Gao Yan agreed, “Sure, I’ve been wanting to go, but I’ve been too busy lately.”
Huo Yunchuan made a noise of agreement. Just when Gao Yan thought they might go out for a meal together, Huo Yunchuan ruthlessly said, “I’m going home for dinner. You can go as you please.”
Gao Yan chuckled, resigned to ordering takeout.
The next morning, the fax machine at home beeped.
Lately, An Wuyang had been handling various tasks for the family’s chairman, and sending and receiving faxes was one of them.
He couldn’t understand the detailed company documents.
After receiving a fax in the corner of the living room, An Wuyang took it into the bedroom. “Yunchuan, there’s a document for you.”
Huo Yunchuan extended his long arm, bringing both An Wuyang and the document onto his lap. “Let me see.” He took the document, pecked An Wuyang’s cheek, and looked through it.
When he saw the mention of Huarui, he focused, scrolling down through a list of names until he found An Wuyang’s father’s name.
Huo Yunchuan glanced at the oblivious teenager in his arms, picked up a pen, made a modification on the document, and signed his name.
On Gao Yan’s end, upon receiving the modified document, his eyes widened significantly. However, without asking many questions, he followed through with the instructions.
Nevertheless, he seized the opportunity to secretly observe An Cheng, wondering what made this person so special.
Thinking about it, An Wuyang’s appearance wasn’t particularly memorable.
However, when he appeared alongside Huo Yunchuan in front of Gao Yan, the latter made a mental note of his face.
When Gao Yan saw the photos on An Cheng’s desktop, everything clicked into place.
So, the handsome young man wasn’t Huo Yunchuan’s illegitimate child but rather his sweet little lover…
1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ❤️”
