Chapter 51 She Wants to Have a Baby and Take a Break; Working Hard Every Day Is Killing Her

Chapter 51 She Wants to Have a Baby and Take a Break; Working Hard Every Day Is Killing Her

These past two days, the Zhao family estate has been busy with preparations for Wang Junyao's birthday.

According to the plan, relatives are invited for a luncheon at home to celebrate her birthday on the day, and in the evening, friends and relatives are invited to a soirée.

The luncheon is a traditional Chinese family feast, while the evening features a fusion of Chinese and Western buffet and cocktail party.

Zhao Zhiao meticulously finalized the guest list for the invitations.

Sun Jingxi came to help a day early, bringing Xiao Qing to stay at the Zhao family, making the house unusually bustling.

In the evening, Sun Jingxi and Xiao Qing chatted with Lin Yufan in her living room. Sun Jingxi said, "Why did you decide to throw such a lavish birthday bash for your mother-in-law? Throwing a big birthday celebration before fifty would be laughable back home."

Lin Yufan whispered, "She insisted on it herself, probably to network more within the circle. We wrote on the invitation that gifts and money are not required, treating it like a Western-style birthday soirée."

He Xiaoqing, flipping through a novel, said, "Is it like those debutante balls in foreign novels where wealthy families introduce their children into the social circle, making it easier for them to find suitable matches later?"

Lin Yufan praised her for her association, "It really is somewhat similar."

Sun Jingxi suddenly understood, "Your mother-in-law is looking for a match for your family's second son, right?"

"Probably."

"Didn't we hear before that she fancied the third young lady of the Ji family?"

Lin Yufan could only tell the truth to her cousin, "She’s no longer interested in her."

Sun Jingxi seemed to understand a bit, "The Ji family are nouveau riche; their ancestors were all farmers. After Ji Shukuan died, the Ji family lost its backing, so it’s understandable to look down on them."

Lin Yufan laughed, "The Qing dynasty has been gone for so many years, who cares if one’s ancestors were scholars or bureaucrats. It mainly depends on the person, the potential spouse, and her family."

However, they just didn't like Ji Shuping's family.

He Xiaoqing went out to the bathroom, and seeing her daughter leave, Sun Jingxi said, "Last time your second son helped us move, I saw him chatting well with Xiao Qing. Who would have thought your mother-in-law has such high standards, it seems our family is out of her league."

Lin Yufan wasn’t fond of this so-called family matchmaking, making the relationship too complicated.

"Xiao Qing is still young, Xi Gu, don’t just see a man and think of setting her up with him."

Sun Jingxi, peeling melon seeds, was amused by her, "That’s just how it is being a parent, always worrying."

Then Xi Gu stared at her slightly bulging belly and exclaimed, "Eh."

"What’s wrong?"

"What’s with your belly..."

Lin Yufan immediately sucked in her breath, and her slightly bulging belly instantly flattened.

Xi Gu laughed, "Are you performing magic?"

Lin Yufan complained with a smile, "Can’t I just relax after eating?"

"Logically speaking, there should be some movement by now?"

Lin Yufan had also thought about this issue, "This matter can only be left to nature."

Sun Jingxi quietly pointed upstairs, "His three concubines, after so many years, haven't had a child, that's not normal. Do you think there might be something wrong with him?"

He used to have some problems, but she fixed him!

And those three concubines are just decoys; it would be strange if they got pregnant.

Lin Yufan really didn’t like discussing marital matters with others. She said, "He should be okay now."

Sun Jingxi was surprised, "He’s okay now? So he had problems before?"

Lin Yufan had to confess, "I had an old Chinese doctor prescribe him some medicine."

"Did it work?"

"Yes, it did."

It worked too well; she felt like crying and rolling out of bed every night.

Sun Jingxi gently nudged her, "Since you fixed him, there’s no reason for others to enjoy the benefits. Find a way to keep him tied to you, don’t let him near those concubines, and get pregnant first."

In wealthy families, having a son is your security.

Lin Yufan hadn’t been so eager to have a child before, but now she thought, if she got pregnant, she could at least rest for a year or so.

Who could handle working overtime in bed every day?

Sun Jingxi shared her experience, "After doing it, don’t rush to get up, don’t rush to wash. Prop a pillow under your hips and lie flat—you might get pregnant faster."

Hearing this, Lin Yufan wondered if her not getting pregnant had something to do with washing up right after.

"Did you hear me?"

Lin Yufan quickly nodded, "I got it."

"Have a son early, and secure your future early." Sun Jingxi shared a few more secrets for having a son, "I’ll give them to Gui Xiang later, let her get the medicine for you."

Lin Yufan was speechless, "Whether you have a son or daughter isn’t up to medicine; it’s natural. Thank goodness you’re not my mother-in-law..."

Sun Jingxi wasn’t afraid of Lin Yufan’s criticism, "It’s not that I have a bad opinion of others, but I think your mother-in-law would be delighted if you had a daughter. If Zhao Zhiao doesn’t have a son, wouldn’t the family fortune go to Zhao Lixiang instead?"

Lin Yufan picked up the teacup on the table, "Why? If I have a daughter, the family fortune won’t go to her, but to his brother? If he dares to write such a will, I’ll tear him to pieces!"

Sun Jingxi always knew Lin Yufan was a tough nut, but Zhao Zhiao was definitely not a henpecked husband.

"I’m afraid you can’t tear him apart. Men are all the same—on the surface, they love both boys and girls, but when it comes to money, they only care about sons. Your uncle is a perfect example. He dotes on Xiao Qing, but in the end, he said his inheritance would only go to the two younger boys. As for Xiao Qing’s dowry, it depends on the groom’s family’s betrothal gifts—as long as they’re decent."

Lin Yufan didn’t expect her usually doting uncle to completely disregard his daughter’s interests when it came to property.

"I always thought my uncle was progressive."

Sun Jingxi shook her head, "Progressiveness is just a label; when it comes to money, they’re all relics from the past. If you confront him, he has all sorts of justifications, like how it’s been the tradition for thousands of years. He even claims that women do have a stake—just not in their maiden family, but in their husband’s family! No matter how you argue, he has a point. My maiden family didn’t give me any advantages, so I can’t stand my ground either."

Lin Yufan thought about what benefits she had in her husband’s family in her previous life.

She sneered, "You could say we women have no home of our own. We’re tied to a man our whole lives—our father when we’re young, our husband when we’re married, and our son in our old age."

Sun Jingxi suddenly teared up, "Who could argue with that?"

Changing the subject, Lin Yufan said, "That’s why women need to have money. With money in hand, we’re untouchable."

Sun Jingxi, who had just been on the verge of tears, chuckled, "Then you’ve got to find a way to get your hands on his money."

"I'm also looking for ways to make some money."

Sun Jingxi knew about Lin Yufan's property dealings and nodded, "You're on the right track. With money, everyone respects you."

He Xiaoqing came back from the bathroom, still clutching the novel. Lin Yufan asked her, "Xiaoqing, how's your job search going?"

Xiaoqing sat down next to Sun Jingxi, "I got a job as a ticket seller at a movie theater a while back, but my mom wouldn’t let me take it."

Lin Yufan said to Xi Gu, "Xiaoqing’s 18, isn’t she? You can’t keep her cooped up at home forever."

Sun Jingxi slightly shook her head, "Selling tickets at a movie theater? How much can you really make? It’s not exactly prestigious. It’s beneath you."

He Xiaoqing: "At least I get to watch movies for free."

Sun Jingxi: "Do we not have enough money for you to watch movies?"

The mother and daughter bickered back and forth. Lin Yufan thought for a moment and said, "What if Xiaoqing comes to work with me?"

Sun Jingxi looked up, "To do what with you?"

Lin Yufan explained, "I just bought a publishing house and want to run it well. I need a secretary or clerk. Xi Gu, how about letting Xiaoqing give it a shot?"

He Xiaoqing, upon hearing this, quickly came over and took Lin Yufan's arm, "Sis Fan, I can handle the clerk job at the publishing house! Take me on, please."

Sun Jingxi didn’t object. Working with Lin Yufan is reliable, and it’s working for Mrs. Zhao—definitely nothing to be ashamed of.

Lin Yufan: "The publishing house is being renovated. Xiaoqing, go learn how to use a typewriter first."

He Xiaoqing's mind was racing, "I’ll learn at my dad’s office."

It was settled right away, and He Xiaoqing was thrilled. She wished she’d visited her cousin more often.

Xi Gu and Xiaoqing stayed up late chatting at Lin Yufan’s place. They didn’t head back to their rooms until Zhao Zhiao showed up.

Lin Yufan was getting ready to shower. Zhao Zhiao, who’d already showered in his room, came over and asked, "What were you all talking about so happily?"

"Xiaoqing wants a job, so I’m making her my assistant."

Zhao Zhiao slightly frowned, "Her? As your assistant? She doesn’t know a thing—you’ll have to teach her everything. Is that really a good idea?"

Lin Yufan: "She’s my sister—I don’t mind teaching her."

It’s her decision, and there was nothing he could do about it.

After her shower, since the weather had been dry lately, Lin Yufan grabbed a bottle of lotion and rang for Gui Xiang to come help her put it on.

Zhao Zhiao put down the book in his hand and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you ringing the bell this late?"

"To have Gui Xiang help me with the lotion."

"Why can’t I help you?"

"It’s the middle of the night, and you’re still calling someone?"

"No, I’ve already called her. She’ll be here soon."

She headed to the wardrobe to wait for Gui Xiang.

But he pulled her back and undid her bathrobe, saying, "Let me help." Lin Yufan was stuck and couldn’t get away.

He took the lotion from her hand, unscrewed the cap, and asked, "Where do you need it?"

She had no choice but to say, "My shoulders and back..."

He understood, as these were the areas she couldn't reach herself: "And your hips too, huh? Turn over and lie down."

He put her robe on the couch, her fair, delicate body giving off a tempting fragrance.

She avoided his gaze and quickly lay face down on the bed, "Begin at the neck."

Holding back his feelings, he scooped a bit of lotion, wondering how to do this right, starting from the neck and moving down along the shoulders.

He was too gentle, causing Lin Yufan to break out in goosebumps.

"Use more pressure."

"Harder, huh?" Zhao Zhiao increased the pressure, from her shoulders to her waist, then her hips, his hands coated with lotion, rubbing firmly back and forth.

Lin Yufan was dissatisfied, "Are you making bread or something?"

"You said to use more pressure."

"Just don’t overdo it."

Knock, knock, knock!

There were a few knocks at the door, and Gui Xiang called out, "Miss, did you need me?"

Lin Yufan, in her position, couldn’t let Gui Xiang in. As she started to speak, Zhao Zhiao’s hand slipped in, and she couldn't help but let out a sound.

"Did you get lotion in there?"

Zhao Zhiao's fingers moved quickly in and out, "No, it’s fine."

Distracted, she couldn’t respond, and Gui Xiang outside seemed to hear the noise and tactfully said, "If you don’t need me, I’ll head downstairs. If you need anything, Miss, just ring the bell."

Hearing the door close outside, Zhao Zhiao leaned over her, replacing his fingers with something firmer, slipping through the gap.

Hot and restless, like a playful intruder, moving around without any order.

She felt as if she was suspended in mid-air and couldn't help but scold him, "Are you messing with me?"

"You’re holding me tight; I can’t help but move." He reached for the lotion.

"Stop playing around." If you're going to do it, go straight to the point, don't torment her on the edge.

Hearing her, Zhao Zhiao held her waist with one hand, while the other continued to apply lotion.

At the same time, the troublemaker didn't get lost this time, hitting the mark with every move.

She lay on the pillow, surrounded by the fresh scent of lotion, feeling as if she was in the undulating sea, with waves crashing one after another, each time thinking the Qiantang River tide was about to come, but the next moment, the tide receded, and the big wave was still on its way.

Suddenly remembering Xi Gu's recent advice, she thought lying like this might not be good for conceiving, but then she thought, let nature take its course.

Just as she was thinking, he flipped her over, the thrilling rotation causing both of them to pause for a moment.

His lotion-covered hand brushed over her collarbone, sending electric currents downward, causing the tassels on the mosquito net to sway violently again.

"Do you want it here too?"

No need. She had already moisturized herself. After a while, she bit her lip, her forehead glistening with sweat, but she remained silent.

He figured this part needed cream too, a task he loved, handling it like a priceless gem, not missing an inch, applying it everywhere he could.

His hands moved with a nimbleness he’d never known.

Time dragged on endlessly, yet it also flew by in a flash. Her hand, tucked under her forehead, strained from the pressure, slowly went numb.

Suddenly, she felt like she was drowning in a suffocating sea, crushed and gasping for air, as the tidal bore of the Qiantang River finally rolled in with its towering waves.

When she finally settled and wanted to rest, she found him still working as hard as a kid cramming for exams.

She couldn’t leave it to chance; she wanted to conceive and rest, as working every day was killing her.

Meanwhile, the real worker toiled under the sun, plowing the lush rice fields, water bubbling and the scent of rice in the air.

He had a strange fascination with how things tangled together, like the chaos of creation.

Each look brought back his primal energy, until he was completely spent.

They finally lay down to rest, though it felt like forever. She wasn’t rushing to wash up today; lying still, she thought conceiving would give her a year’s break.

"Do you want a boy or a girl?" she suddenly asked.

Zhao Zhiao figured the publishing house scandals had gotten to her. He tucked her in and answered right away, "I love you, so tell me—are you a boy or a girl?"

"No, I mean the child, do you want a boy or a girl?"

"I want both, I like both."

Clearly, this wishy-washy answer wasn’t what Lin Yufan wanted. She pressed on, "Assuming there's only one child, would you choose a boy or a girl?"

Zhao Zhiao thought for a moment, "A boy."

Lin Yufan’s face fell—men were all the same.

When pushed, they’d always pick one.

She asked, "Why?"

"A boy stays with us, but a girl marries off, and we’d barely see her."

Lin Yufan thought of her mother—as a daughter, she rarely visited after marrying, and when her mother was ill, she couldn’t stay by her side to care for her. If she had been a son, would her mother's fate have been different?

This society is so harsh on women.

"What if I only have a daughter? What then?"

Zhao Zhiao had never thought about such questions before. He pondered seriously, "We’ll figure out how to keep her close—if she’s willing, we’ll get a live-in son-in-law."

This answer somewhat satisfied Lin Yufan, but then she thought again and asked, "Wouldn’t you find a concubine to bear you a son?"

In Hong Kong, rich men taking concubines is practically the norm.

"If I got a concubine, you’d be so jealous, you’d kill me. I’m not that foolish."

Lin Yufan denied being jealous, "When have I ever been jealous? Last time it was my period, and you insisted on provoking me!"

Satiated, Zhao Zhiao quickly admitted his fault, "It’s my fault, I provoked you. Even if you’re not jealous, I wouldn’t do it. How do you know that taking a concubine would guarantee a son? Besides, whether a boy or a girl is born is mostly determined by the man."

Is it the man who determines the gender of the child?

Lin Yufan, who had lived two lives without ever coming across such knowledge, was puzzled: "Why did people in the past always force women to take medicine to have a boy?"

"Your girls' school probably never covered this kind of stuff. The gender of the child is determined by the father. Those who try to control the gender of the child by altering the acidity or alkalinity in a woman's body are unscientific and going against nature. They’re just trying to blame women. Did Xi Gu pressure you to take medicine for a boy?" Zhao Zhiao immediately wondered if his wife's confusion tonight was brought on by Sun Jingxi.

Lin Yufan denied it: "No."

Zhao Zhiao: "Don’t pay her any mind. Just let things happen naturally. If it's a boy, then it's a boy; if it's a girl, then it's a girl. They are all our children. Even if it’s a girl, I’ll make sure she stays close to us. As long as we’re committed, it’s doable."

Why are we talking about kids all of a sudden?

Actually, if his mother were still alive, she might have been urging him for a long time. Wang Junyao’s just a stepmom, after all. She might nag now and then, but she doesn’t really care if he has kids. He knows that well enough.

After saying a few more things, he wanted to pick her up to go take a bath, but found that she was already asleep.

He just cleaned her up with a wet towel.

*

The Zhao family garden was decked out with tons of flowers and colorful balloons. With the garden’s own sea of pink kapok flowers, it looked like a floral ocean.

Relatives started showing up one by one in the morning, gathering in the garden to take photos, eat, and chat.

The three concubines stayed inside to entertain guests instead of coming out for photos.

The birthday lunch was all about Wang Junyao’s favorite Shanghai dishes. Zhao Zhiao and Lin Yufan led the toast, and Zhao Lixiang was on his best behavior, sticking by Wang Junyao’s side all day.

After lunch, the concubines accompanied Wang Junyao and the guests in playing mahjong.

They set up three mahjong tables, and the place was buzzing.

Lin Yufan hung out in the living room, chatting with the non-mahjong players.

Lin Yuwu came in from outside and called his sixth sister aside to say a few words.

"Boss Xie’s up to his old tricks again."

Lin Yufan seemed to be used to it, "He’s backing out again?"

Lin Yuwu nodded: "This guy, he made such a solid promise before. Now that someone else is inquiring, he’s getting cold feet, meaning, 190,000 per building, and he won't sell for less than that."

Lin Yufan was somewhat angry: "Forget it, it’s not worth the hassle. I’m not wasting my time on him."

Although Lin Yuwu thought it was a pity, he didn't want to waste time with someone like Boss Xie: "Then let's take the paper mill? Boss Yu from Gangxing Paper Mill finally agreed to give it to us for 38,000. I had someone estimate it, and we won't lose money if we take it. If we hold onto it, we should be able to make a profit. Besides, you've bought the publishing house now, and we can use the paper ourselves."

"Alright, let's take the paper mill then."

Lin Yuwu was a decisive person: "I’ll take care of it. I won’t bother with Boss Xie anymore."

Around three o'clock, Third Concubine Zhang Aiming went upstairs. Not long after, Lin Yufan saw Zhao Zhiao also go upstairs.

Lin Yufan thought Zhao Zhiao was in the study on the second floor, but when she went up, she found he wasn't in the study or the bedroom.

Then he might be on the third floor, busy with Zhang Aiming, who knows what they were doing.

In the evening, some guests arrived early. Although the invitation stated no gifts or money, some still brought presents.

Lin Yufan didn't know many of the guests, mainly Kang Nian and Zhao Lixiang were handling the reception.

When asked where Zhao Zhiao was, Lin Yufan could only say: "He's on the phone upstairs, he'll be down soon."

As more people inquired, she had no choice but to go upstairs to look for him.

Arriving on the third floor, it was quiet, with only a white cat curled up on the sofa by the door. The cat meowed at Lin Yufan upon seeing her.

"*Zhi Ao! Zhi Ao!*" Lin Yufan called softly twice, then walked towards the Third Concubine's room.

Standing at the door of the Third Concubine's room, she hesitated, then knocked. It was silent inside.

She knocked a few more times, but still, no one came to open the door.

Lin Yufan had to search elsewhere, but after looking around, she found nothing.

Just as she stood by the window, puzzled and about to go back to the second floor to search again, she looked out the window and saw Zhao Zhiao standing at the garden entrance chatting with newly arrived guests.

She sighed in relief and hurried downstairs.

When she reached the downstairs, she found that the Third Concubine had already returned to the mahjong table, still playing with the guests.

Walking to the garden entrance, she stood beside Zhao Zhiao, greeting the guests, and asked softly, "Where were you just now?"

Zhao Zhiao replied, "I was making a call."

It was the same excuse she had used to brush off others, so Lin Yufan didn’t pursue it.

At that moment, Sir Luo and his wife, along with Director Peng and Mrs. Peng, arrived. Lin Yufan knew these guests well and quickly went to welcome them.

The evening cocktail party featured a buffet with both Chinese and Western dishes, and the drinks included imported wines, red wines, and baijiu.

The entertainment included piano performances and a specially invited, renowned Pingtan performance.

Of course, the center of attention was Lin Yufan. Although it was Wang Junyao's birthday party, it seemed more like a cocktail party where Zhao Zhiao introduced his wife to the social circle.

Everyone knew that Zhao Zhiao had married a widow from the same clan, and there were rumors that Mrs. Zhao was quite attractive.

But seeing her in person was far more impressive than hearing about her.

When they actually saw her, they were captivated by Mrs. Zhao's snow-white, smooth skin, delicate and gentle features, and graceful demeanor.

Most notably, Mrs. Zhao seemed warm and approachable, and it was clear at a glance that she was much easier to deal with than Zhao Zhiao.

In the future, if anyone needed to ask Zhao Zhiao for something and couldn’t get through to him, they might try approaching his wife.

So, all the wealthy ladies exchanged phone numbers eagerly with Lin Yufan.

"Let’s have tea together sometime, or go to the opera."

"If you don’t like the opera, we could go to a Pingtan performance instead."

"Next time there’s a charity auction, I’ll invite you. Mrs. Zhao, please join us."

"If you ever want to play mahjong, just call me. We’re only a few minutes away by car."

...

What surprised everyone even more was that the notoriously difficult concubines stood behind Lin Yufan, each one as docile as a cat.

Perhaps because Lin Yufan had drawn the guests' attention, when it came to Zhao Zhiao's three concubines, the only impression people had was of them as background figures behind Mrs. Zhao, or blurry silhouettes playing cards with guests in the room.

Moreover, they all wore identical cheongsams and had the same hairstyle, so no one could accurately describe what they actually looked like.

I only remember that one was fat, one was tall, and one was lively.

Although Lin Yufan stole her spotlight, Wang Junyao was still quite pleased today. After all, she met many wealthy ladies, and some even offered to set Zhao Lixiang up with potential girlfriends. So, her birthday party was not in vain.

Of course, this party was worth every penny.

That evening, Director Gao and others were also honored guests.

While Zhao Zhiao, Director Gao, Sir Luo, and Director Peng were playing mahjong, a warehouse leased by the Hong Kong East District Office was robbed by a group of unidentified bandits.

Half of the special task force was assigned to protect Director Gao, and the other half was on a rotating shift. Only three people were present, with the rest being guards from a security company.

Just as the guards were changing shifts, the bandits stormed in, catching them completely off guard.

After the robbery, the bandits set the warehouse on fire, and in an instant, the flames lit up half the sky.