Chapter 41

Chapter 41

The light in Pei Qingji's eyes slowly faded. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and after a long pause, he said in a low voice.

"Okay."

Downstairs, Assistant Lin was dozing off in the Maybach, his head bobbing down every now and then.

Suddenly, a ringtone came from his phone. He jolted awake, so startled he almost jumped out of his skin.

He grabbed the phone right away, answering in a panic.

"Boss, what's going on now? Should I call an ambulance?"

Pei Qingji frowned deeply.

"What are you rambling about now? Who needs an ambulance?"

As he thought about what he was about to say, his tone turned a bit excited.

"Get me a moving company."

Assistant Lin: "Huh? Boss, you're moving out?"

Pei Qingji's brow furrowed involuntarily. "What are you talking about? He agreed to move in with me."

Hearing the excitement in his boss's voice, Assistant Lin paused, then it clicked, and he offered his congratulations.

"Congrats, boss! Wishing you and Mrs. Cheng a happy marriage and a kid soon!"

Pei Qingji narrowed his eyes and nodded, looking pleased.

"Not bad. You're getting a bonus this month."

"And tell the moving company to get here ASAP."

He was scared Cheng Yuan might back out.

About ten or fifteen minutes later, the moving crew showed up. They hauled everything downstairs and loaded it into the truck.

When the landlord heard they were leaving, he hurried over to try and talk them out of it.

"Are you really leaving? Can't you reconsider?"

"I can knock a bit more off the rent for another month. The electrical problem's already fixed—no need to worry about safety."

Pei Qingji glanced at Cheng Yuan's face. Seeing no reaction, he quickly stepped up.

"Sorry, we're not going to reconsider."

The landlord had no choice. "Ah, fine then, okay."

"Sir, should we move this mattress too?" A worker suddenly cut in.

Cheng Yuan paused, then noticed Pei Qingji looking at him.

He nodded. "Mm."

"Let's go say bye to Pingping."

Cheng Yuan knocked on the neighbor's door, and it opened pretty quickly.

"Mom, it's big brother!"

Pingping shouted happily, calling for his mom to come over.

The mom quickly dried her hands and hurried over.

"Mr. Cheng, what brings you here..."

Cheng Yuan explained, "I'm moving out, so I wanted to come say goodbye."

He glanced at Pei Qingji, who passed the items over.

"I got you some stuff—a little gift. I think you'll find it useful."

"Oh, I can't, this is too much. I'm embarrassed. I can't take it. You've already done so much for us. I..."

Pei Qingji said, "Take it. It's his way of showing gratitude."

"Thank you so much. Take care on the road, then."

"Big brother, will I not see you anymore?" Pingping looked a little sad, his eyes downcast.

Cheng Yuan tousled his hair and smiled.

"Here's my number. If you ever miss me, just call."

Pingping's eyes lit up, and he nodded hard.

Watching them walk away, he waved enthusiastically.

"Bye, big brother!"

The two headed downstairs and got into the Maybach parked on the street.

Assistant Lin glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled.

"Mr. Cheng, it's been a while."

Cheng Yuan pursed his lips and nodded.

"It's been a while, Assistant Lin."

The ride was a bit awkward, with only Pei Qingji's voice breaking the silence now and then.

"You thirsty? Want some water?"

"You feeling sick?" He quickly rolled down the window. "How's that? Better?"

Cheng Yuan frowned slightly.

Pei Qingji said quickly, "Slow down."

Assistant Lin was suffering. He could only slow down even more. The Maybach, which could usually race like a sports car, had already dropped to thirty clicks per hour.

Even people on e-bikes next to them were passing him.

He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. "Boss, is this speed alright?"

Pei Qingji frowned, still looking dissatisfied: "Can't you go any slower?"

"Still dizzy? Feeling nauseous? Drink some more water."

Cheng Yuan closed his eyes, barely managing to hold the cup and take a few sips.

When they finally arrived at the villa, Pei Qingji helped him out of the car, and he suddenly stopped short.

The villa's courtyard, once barren, was now bursting with flowers.

Including his favorite limelight hydrangeas, too.

It was spring, and butterflies fluttered around them.

A gentle breeze set the wind chimes hanging on the villa ringing with a pleasant sound.

The flowers Pei Qingji had planted with his own hands just over half a month ago were now in full bloom. In that time, he'd occasionally go back to water them and see how they were doing.

He looked at Cheng Yuan and gave a smile.

"Let's go inside."

Cheng Yuan suppressed the complex emotions in his eyes and nodded.

The two walked inside, and the place had completely changed.

Every sharp edge and corner was wrapped in soft padding, as if they'd known he'd come back one day.

There were even stacks of pregnancy and baby supplies scattered all over the house.

In the kitchen, several chefs were plating dishes.

In the center of the dining room, a rectangular table with dark gold embroidery held silver plates of various dishes, all light and mild, suitable for a pregnant woman—clearly prepared in advance.

Then they all looked toward the front door at once.

"Madam, you're back."

Cheng Yuan was a little taken aback, standing there frozen.

Pei Qingji shot him a cautious glance, and seeing he didn't seem to mind, quickly stepped forward, pulled out a chair, and said softly.

"Let's eat first."

After the meal, Cheng Yuan wanted to step outside for a bit.

"I'm going out to get some sun."

He walked to the back of the villa, where a bamboo-woven hanging basket sat.

Behind the villa was a beautiful lake, shimmering, with fish occasionally leaping out of the water.

He used to sit here sometimes, taking in the view.

The sunlight was perfect now, warm and cozy, and the breeze felt nice.

Cheng Yuan sat down in the hanging basket, lips pressed tightly, hiding the turmoil in his eyes.

Pei Qingji, who'd let him go, quickly ran over, then slowed to a stop, watching Cheng Yuan.

Footsteps sounded as someone approached.

Cheng Yuan looked over—it was a servant.

She smiled and asked, "Madam, what are you looking at?"

"Are you looking at these flowers?"

"I heard you like limelight hydrangeas—these were all planted by Young Master Pei himself."

Cheng Yuan said flatly, "Oh, really?"

The breeze blew his hair as he lowered his head, holding his belly, eyes down, lips pressed tight.

"Sir, you've come."

"You may go now."

Pei Qingji sent the servant away, stepped forward, and stopped behind Cheng Yuan, speaking gently.

"What are you looking at?"

"Do you like it? I'll buy more and plant them."

A flicker of admiration flashed through Cheng Yuan's eyes.

It was indeed beautiful.

But he didn't answer, just quietly gazing at the flowers.

The sunlight was warm, casting a cozy glow over him.

Cheng Yuan's thick, long lashes drooped, casting shadows.

Pei Qingji's smile slowly faded, and he lowered his eyes, hiding his disappointment.

Bathed in the sunlight, Cheng Yuan grew drowsy, and before he knew it, he'd drifted off to sleep.

In his hazy state, he felt someone approach, pick him up, and carry him back to the room.

Pei Qingji tucked the blanket around him, watched him for a long moment, then carefully closed the door.

When he woke up again, it was already dark.

Cheng Yuan instinctively assumed he was in the rental apartment, forcing himself up to reach for the water cup on the nightstand.

Just then, the door opened, and Pei Qingji walked in, handing him the cup from the nightstand.

After he took a few sips, he was about to go back to sleep.

Pei Qingji grabbed a pillow and came over, lying down beside him.

"Sleep."

Cheng Yuan frowned slightly, his tone firm.

Didn't he usually sleep in his own room?

"This is my room."

Pei Qingji's fingertips curled slightly, and he explained in a low voice: "I know, but you... it's not safe for you to be alone at night."

Cheng Yuan pursed his lips tightly, his brows furrowed, as if he really wasn't okay with this.

"You..."

Pei Qingji hid the disappointment in his eyes and murmured.

"I won't do anything more, okay?"

Cheng Yuan was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke.

He lay down without another word.

"Suit yourself."

Even though they shared a bed, they each had their own blanket, and that's how they slept until morning.

_

That morning, Brother Zhou called him.

"What's up?"

Cheng Yuan explained: "Brother Zhou, I... I went back."

Brother Zhou's voice went up, his brow furrowed: "You went back to Pei Qingji's place?"

Cheng Yuan explained what happened yesterday when the circuit breaker tripped and sparks flew out of the electrical box.

Brother Zhou asked, sounding worried: "How did that happen? How are you feeling? Any discomfort? It's all my fault—I didn't check my phone yesterday."

He'd been too busy last night, washed up, and went straight to bed. He only saw the message in the morning and called right away.

Cheng Yuan said, "I'm fine."

There was a long silence on the other end before he spoke.

"It's good you went back. That place really isn't safe for the pregnancy—too many hazards."

"I really don't like him, but I have to admit, having him by your side is better than me trying to take care of you."

Brother Zhou said apologetically, "I always say I'll take care of you, but work always gets in the way."

Cheng Yuan understood that Brother Zhou had it hard too—he had to support both him and Xiao Ling, so there was no way he could quit his job for him.

"So, you two are...?"

"He never signed the divorce papers."

Brother Zhou was taken aback.

Cheng Yuan waited through the long silence on the other end, then added, "I won't stay there long."

"Once the baby's born, I'll leave. It's just that this place is more convenient for the pregnancy."

_

At breakfast, Pei Qingji, sitting across from him, suddenly spoke up.

"The baby's four months along now. We should schedule a prenatal check-up in the next few days."

Cheng Yuan nodded coolly.

Pei Qingji asked hesitantly, "I... can I come with you?"

The newly hired servants nearby exchanged glances, never expecting Young Master Pei to be so humble.

Cheng Yuan paused, looked up at Pei Qingji, and after a long moment said, "Mm."

Author's note:

None