The year was drawing to a close.
The little one had stayed within Zhuo Ran's belly for a full ten months before reluctantly agreeing to emerge. It seemed the child sensed Zhuo Ran's dislike and had diligently absorbed spiritual energy, hoping to gain some leverage.
Thus, it wasn't until the very last day of her due date that Zhuo Ran went into labor.
Zhu Zhongyan had read extensively about pregnancy and childbirth, which left him quite unnerved. He anxiously escorted Zhuo Ran to the "delivery room," bombarding the doctors with questions.
Then, the doctor went in and discovered that Zhuo Ran had already given birth to the baby.
She appeared remarkably at ease. The two experienced obstetricians were momentarily astonished. Without dwelling on her less-than-an-hour labor, they took the newborn for cleaning.
It was a baby girl.
Having spent a considerable time in Zhuo Ran's womb and continuously absorbing spiritual energy for nourishment, her skin was several shades fairer than that of a typical infant. Though somewhat wrinkled, she looked even more beautiful. Her eyes were half-open, gazing at the world with a hint of curiosity.
After a cursory examination, the doctor swaddled her and placed her beside Zhuo Ran.
"She's a little girl, and very cute. Miss Gu, look, she's already opened her eyes. Most babies take many days to open their eyes."
Zhuo Ran reached out and gently touched the baby's head, smiling. "Little one."
She certainly had an observant nature.
Zhu Zhongyan entered nervously, his voice hushed as he looked at the person on the bed. "Are you… are you alright?"
Zhuo Ran's face was flushed and her eyes held a smile, showing no signs of having just given birth. "I'm fine. Did I scare you?"
Zhu Zhongyan moved to her side, examining her closely, his eyes not daring to waver, fearing it was all a dream.
Zhuo Ran extended her hand to him. "Don't be afraid, we're both fine."
Only then did Zhu Zhongyan remember the baby. He lifted the covers and saw the infant lying beside Zhuo Ran, his heart melting instantly.
His child.
His wife and his child!
Watching his tender gaze, Zhuo Ran felt no jealousy, only a surge of sweetness.
Perhaps this wasn't so bad after all.
Zhuo Ran's labor was exceptionally smooth, causing virtually no physical strain. Even the obstetricians marveled at it. They had initially planned for her to stay for observation, but seeing her swift recovery, they left after two days with some post-natal instructions.
The security at the villa was doubled.
The vast majority of the world's population lived in the Northern Hemisphere, deep in winter. Their country had largely achieved a state of relative prosperity, at least ensuring people wouldn't starve or freeze to death.
However, in the slums of certain nations, countless ordinary citizens still suffered from hunger and lack of adequate clothing. While they might have harbored resentment and dissatisfaction in the past, they could only endure the harsh winter. Now, any surge of negative emotion could transform them into monstrous, powerful beings.
Many even deliberately induced their transformation into monsters, brazenly attacking others to seize food.
Amidst such chaos, many countries desired their weaponry. They, in turn, maintained strict control, only selling to friendly nations. Those unable to acquire the weapons, or incapable of manufacturing them, inevitably harbored ill intentions.
For the sake of merit points, Zhuo Ran had never considered concealing her abilities. Being targeted was only a matter of time. In the past month alone, at least four or five groups had attempted to infiltrate the villa.
"Future Stars" had even been attacked in broad daylight. Fortunately, they were well-prepared, with energy shields protecting vital data storage. The attackers, unable to breach the shields, had to retreat empty-handed.
"Future Stars" was accelerating research into personal protective shields. Through continuous experimentation and testing, they had developed a preliminary prototype. They created two specialized magnetic discs that could be affixed directly to a person. These discs possessed the ability to automatically identify their surroundings and could activate spontaneously or manually during emergencies.
However, this was still too vulnerable to targeted attacks. Therefore, they planned to integrate personal genetic data, binding each magnetic disc to an individual. It would be unusable by anyone else, thereby enhancing its protective capabilities.
Of course, all of this was still under development.
To protect Zhuo Ran, a key figure, the area surrounding the villa was now cleared of ordinary citizens. Instead, covert personnel were stationed to respond to crises.
Although Zhuo Ran didn't require such measures, they remained uneasy. Zhuo Ran, for her part, was too lazy to intervene.
Sheng Jiangchen had taken leave for his wedding, and the company was temporarily managed by the Vice President, Qin Yuerong.
Zhuo Ran found it peculiar, suspecting they might be plotting something in secret. Otherwise, how did the person in charge of business negotiations become the Vice President?
She stayed at home for half a month, completely healthy and active. The company had numerous meetings towards the end of the year, many of which required her attendance. After confirming with the doctor multiple times, Zhu Zhongyan agreed to let her resume her duties.
Qin Yuerong observed her for a long time, seeming hesitant to speak.
Annoyed by his gaze, Zhuo Ran finally looked up and said, "If you have something to say, then say it."
Qin Yuerong smiled awkwardly. After a moment, he asked, "Are you… are you doing well recently?"
"I've always been well."
"That's good," Qin Yuerong replied. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"It was Sheng Jiangchen who gave it to me."
She had never been involved in this matter. She only learned that Qin Yuerong had become the company's Vice President when Sheng Jiangchen requested leave.
Qin Yuerong felt she didn't exactly welcome him, lacking the natural closeness Gu Ran had shown when they were betrothed. Her tone was that of addressing an ordinary person.
"You are the chairman. Regardless, thank you."
"Mm."
Zhuo Ran first reviewed the financial department's reports. Numbers didn't evoke much feeling in her, so she quickly put them aside and moved on to other matters.
After a while, Qin Yuerong suddenly said, "Oh, right. Minister Zhou from the Research and Development department heard you were coming and wishes to meet you."
Zhuo Ran frowned. "I'll head over shortly."
The Research and Development department of "Future Stars" was the company's most crucial division. Their products were unique; once developed, they were guaranteed to sell. Other departments had it easy, while this one was constantly busy.
The more they interacted with information from the future, the more these individuals felt they were destined to change the world and propel its progress. They worked with infectious enthusiasm, their minds brimming with innovative ideas.
Zhuo Ran soon made her way there.
Compared to the conventional atmosphere of other departments, R&D felt like a futuristic scientific laboratory. The glass panels were bulletproof. Upon entering, the spacious research center was filled only with the sounds of machinery. Adjacent to it were several small, private rooms where they convened for discussions, ensuring they didn't disturb others.
Upon seeing her arrival, the staff members quickly emerged, calling for their minister, along with people from the research institute.
They were all wearing white protective suits, their expressions solemn, the atmosphere somewhat heavy.
"What's wrong?"
A researcher handed her several images. "Recent discoveries of mutated creatures."