Lin Mei handled the shipping procedures for Jiaozi that evening. Jiaozi had not seen her for a long time and slept with her in the room at night.
It was familiar with them, and within a day, it had established a good relationship with Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue. Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue already liked pets, and Jiaozi was lively and endearing, so how could they not like it.
In a blink of an eye, it was time to leave. During these days, the family of three tacitly avoided mentioning Xing Zheng's name, as if returning to their usual harmonious coexistence. However, all three knew that this was merely a superficial peace, and this outward calm was shattered when Xing Zheng came to see them off.
After Lin Mei finished the shipping procedures for Jiaozi, she saw Xing Zheng. He pulled her into an embrace, and Lin Mei forgot to struggle. This scene was precisely what Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue saw. Lin Zhengde stepped forward and pulled Lin Mei back, "Time for security check."
Lin Mei was thus pulled to security by Lin Zhengde. She looked back at Xing Zheng. He was still standing in place, his posture upright. Their gazes met, but the distance between them grew further and further apart until she entered the security area and could no longer see his figure.
While waiting for her flight, Lin Zhengde sternly told Lin Mei, "If you want to go with him, go now. Don't ever recognize me as your father again!"
Judging by his voice, he was extremely angered. Xiao Yue quickly intervened, "Don't lose your temper. Don't you know your own condition!"
Lin Mei remained silent, not saying a word. Xiao Yue continued, "He came by himself. Hua Mei didn't say anything. Don't always try to pin the blame on her."
Only then did Lin Zhengde quiet down. He was angry but couldn't help but sigh. Finally, he got up and went to the restroom.
After he left, Xiao Yue sat next to Lin Mei and took her hand. "Don't listen to his angry words. He's just worried about you."
Lin Mei nodded slightly. How could she not know that all his scolding stemmed from his concern?
"You were always so proud since you were little. For a man, you've disregarded everything. He's worried about you and is disappointed in your lack of progress..." Xiao Yue's feelings were not much different from Lin Zhengde's. "Is he really that good?"
Just now, Lin Mei had leaned into Xing Zheng's embrace, reluctant to part. Even without exchanging a single word, one could sense her feelings from their eyes. On the way to security, after being pulled by Lin Zhengde, she had kept looking back at Xing Zheng.
Xiao Yue knew that some things could not be stopped. She had a premonition that even if Lin Mei returned with them, she would still have feelings for Xing Zheng.
"Mom, no, I won't let Dad get angry." Lin Mei assured Xiao Yue, which made Xiao Yue feel heartache. She wouldn't let Lin Zhengde get angry, but what about her? How was she supposed to handle her own feelings?
Upon returning to Xiangxi, Lin Mei settled into her home to rest and recuperate. With Jiaozi's company, the days were not so difficult to bear. However, during prenatal check-ups, she still had to endure the curious glances of others when dealing with unfamiliar doctors.
The scar on her face was too conspicuous. Lin Mei didn't have many friends in Xiangxi, and the only one who knew her situation was Ning Rui. Since Lin Mei couldn't go out conveniently, Ning Rui visited her frequently.
The news of Lin Mei's return to Xiangxi with a pregnant belly reached the ears of many relatives. Lin Mei was the most accomplished among the younger generation, and there was bound to be comparison among relatives. Now that Lin Mei had such a "scandal," some people came to mock her.
By then, it had been over three months since Lin Mei returned to Xiangxi. She was already seven months pregnant, and her belly was very noticeable. As soon as the relatives saw her, they began to make sarcastic remarks.
The former pride of the family had suddenly lost her job, was disfigured, and was pregnant, returning to her hometown. Those who had been jealous of her now secretly rejoiced.
"Oh my, Hua Mei, your belly has gotten so big!"
The relative was Lin Mei's distant cousin. She had a daughter of the same age as Lin Mei. This cousin had always liked to compare her daughter with Lin Mei since childhood. Lin Mei also knew what kind of person she was, and today, she definitely wasn't here to care about her.
Before Lin Mei could respond, Xiao Yue stepped forward. What mother would stand by and watch others bully her daughter? "Do you need something from our Hua Mei? She's pregnant and needs rest. If you're here to visit, please go back first."
"Sister-in-law, that's not right. I heard that Lin Mei came back alone with a big belly, so I came to check on her. Why isn't the child's father with her?" The cousin pretended to be concerned and asked, "Did Hua Mei encounter a scumbag?"
"Has Miao Miao found a boyfriend?" Lin Zhengde also couldn't listen anymore and retorted.
The cousin's expression froze for a moment, then she smiled again. "Not yet. This matter can't be rushed. What if, like Hua Mei, she encounters an unreliable person and gets pregnant first? What then? Our family doesn't have that much money to raise a child for her."
Every word was a taunt towards Lin Mei, as if she had already concluded that the child in her belly had no father.
Xiao Yue and Lin Zhengde's expressions turned grim. Facing the cousin's cold sarcasm, Lin Mei also chose to remain silent.
Unexpectedly, Jiaozi suddenly barked at the cousin. Its usually innocent face revealed a hint of ferocity. It bared its teeth and growled, startling the cousin!
"Oh my, why is your dog biting people!" she shouted, only to be met with Jiaozi's more ferocious barks.
Seeing Jiaozi, who was usually dull-witted, defending her like this, Lin Mei felt a surge of warmth. She beckoned to Jiaozi, and Jiaozi jumped to her side and sat down.
At this moment, the doorbell rang. Xiao Yue went to open the door and froze when she saw the person. Xing Zheng... Why had he come at this time?
The cousin also looked over. After seeing Xing Zheng's face clearly, she looked puzzled.
Xiao Yue thought of what had just happened and became angry. As if out of spite, she called Xing Zheng in. Xing Zheng naturally sat down beside Lin Mei.
Jiaozi, upon seeing him, became excited and nestled into his arms. Lin Mei blurted out, "Why are you here?"
"If I don't come soon, I'm afraid I'll be considered a scumbag who got you pregnant and refused to take responsibility," Xing Zheng said, tidying Lin Mei's hair and his gaze shifted to her bulging belly. "It's gotten bigger since I last saw you."
Lin Mei was still in a daze. She had waited for three months, thinking that he had completely given up and would never look for her again.
After finishing his conversation with Lin Mei, Xing Zheng went to greet Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue. Although Lin Zhengde didn't respond, he didn't show any displeasure towards him.
"Who is this?" Xing Zheng asked, looking at the cousin.
"She's Lin Mei's cousin," Xiao Yue introduced Xing Zheng.
Xing Zheng smiled and politely greeted her. "So it's Cousin. Thank you, Cousin, for your concern for her."
Xing Zheng's demeanor was extraordinary. Looking at his attire and bearing, the cousin knew that his background was unusual. Could Lin Mei have found such an excellent man?
"Oh, my niece, it's only right that I care! You're an irresponsible father, child. People are already saying Hua Mei was deceived!" the cousin said.
Xing Zheng nodded. "Cousin is right to educate me. That's why I will stay with her until she gives birth, and there will be no more gossip."