Because Namu Zhong fainted, Lu Taobao almost overturned the entire amusement park. Given that Lu Taobao was in no state to drive, Zheng Wei took over the task.
The atmosphere in the car was tense. Bao Bei sat obediently in Shen Xiaoyan's arms. She was usually talkative, but she could sense the adults' emotions, especially when she saw the unconscious Namu Zhong.
"Has she been feeling unwell recently?" Zheng Wei asked, glancing at Lu Taobao, who was holding Namu Zhong with tightly pursed lips, through the rearview mirror.
Lu Taobao shook his head. "No."
"Has she been working overtime often lately?" Zheng Wei asked.
Lu Taobao shook his head again. Namu Zhong had been punctual with her work hours lately. He had lectured her once before about taking care of herself and minimizing late nights.
After Lu Taobao shook his head twice, Zheng Wei was about to ask something else, but everyone could feel that Lu Taobao's mood was worsening, especially after Zheng Wei's questions.
Zheng Wei, who was about to ask more, was stopped by Shen Xiaoyan.
Shen Xiaoyan, holding Bao Bei, turned back and asked Lu Taobao in a gentle and soothing tone, "Do you remember how long it's been since Namu Zhong's last period? Has she been sleeping a lot lately?"
Men and women think differently. Shen Xiaoyan wouldn't have thought of this initially, but given her own past experiences, she asked the question in this direction.
After Shen Xiaoyan finished speaking, the two men seemed to realize what she meant.
Seeing Lu Taobao still dazed, Zheng Wei asked directly, "Did you take precautions during this time? Are there any pregnancy symptoms for Namu Zhong lately? Xiaoyan means that Namu Zhong's condition isn't a serious illness like you might fear. It's very likely due to... her being pregnant."
...
Namu Zhong was indeed pregnant. When the doctor delivered the test results to Lu Taobao, he would have fallen if Zheng Wei hadn't held him up.
"Doesn't Taobao like children very much?" Shen Xiaoyan asked, holding Bao Bei's hand, with some surprise. She was unsure if Lu Taobao's reaction was due to shock or some other emotion.
Lu Taobao was suddenly jolted awake by Shen Xiaoyan's words. He shook his head and said to Shen Xiaoyan, "Sister-in-law, I love them very much."
Shen Xiaoyan breathed a sigh of relief. She guessed that was the case. Men's expressions could be hard to decipher; who knew what they were thinking.
"Mommy, does Auntie Lanlan have a baby in her tummy?" Bao Bei curiously reached out and tugged on Shen Xiaoyan's hand.
Shen Xiaoyan nodded and, looking down, explained to Bao Bei with great care and gentleness, "Yes, Auntie Lanlan has a baby in her tummy."
"Then why don't I have one in Mommy's tummy?" A child's thought process could also be puzzling.
Shen Xiaoyan: "..."
In front of Bao Bei, Shen Xiaoyan, unsure how to answer, always looked at Zheng Wei.
Zheng Wei reached out and picked up Bao Bei. "Maybe not."
Zheng Wei's family was overjoyed, but for Lu Taobao, it was a completely different matter. Even though the doctor had clearly told him that Namu Zhong's condition was not an illness but a pregnancy, he still hadn't recovered. He was in a daze, and despite Bao Bei's cheers in the hallway, he stood there quietly. His stern face showed no emotion, making one wonder if the momentary surprise he had shown earlier was an illusion.
Bao Bei was still circling Shen Xiaoyan with joy. Zheng Wei looked up and saw Lu Taobao still standing there in a daze. He glanced at his wife and daughter, who were playing, and after a moment's thought, walked towards Lu Taobao.
"What's wrong? Have you told your family?" Mother Lu had been eagerly waiting for Lu Taobao to get married for years. She had paid attention to Namu Zhong's situation in secret, but she hadn't found a suitable opportunity, so the matter had never been put on the agenda. Everyone understood that a child was the best solution to their problem, but Lu Taobao was unwilling to scheme against Namu Zhong for this reason. It wasn't his style; he hoped their union would be one of natural affection, not a bargaining chip involving a child.
Even though things had been stalled before, they had now reached this point. After the initial joy, he was somewhat uncertain about Namu Zhong's decision regarding the child once she woke up.
"Yes, just informed them." Hearing Zheng Wei's question, Lu Taobao replied somewhat slowly.
"What are you thinking? What are you worried about?" They had grown up together, and their friendship had lasted as long as they had been alive. Therefore, Zheng Wei could easily tell from Lu Taobao's expression if something was bothering him.
"What if she doesn't want to keep the child? If we decide to keep the child, marriage will inevitably be put on the agenda. But if she doesn't want to be tied down by this, then the child will be lost. I don't know what to do," Lu Taobao rubbed his forehead. When he heard the doctor's words, he was initially overjoyed, but this did not change his rational nature. Once the irrational emotions subsided, he began to consider all possible subsequent developments.
"She really hates being threatened. I'm not sure if she'll want this child." After immense joy came immense hesitation and difficulty. His heart was now hanging in the air, neither here nor there, as if awaiting sentencing.
"You seem to be overthinking this." In fact, Zheng Wei wasn't good at comforting people, so when he said something that sounded comforting, it was more often than not because such an outcome was bound to happen.
Lu Taobao knew this very well.
As expected, after Zheng Wei spoke, Lu Taobao immediately looked up, his gaze deep as he looked at him.
Zheng Wei turned his body, his eyes falling on Bao Bei, who was being surrounded by several nurses. He said in a calm tone, "Namu Zhong often buys things for Bao Bei. She either likes something or she doesn't. So, do you think she would be heartless enough to give up a child?"
"Taobao, don't underestimate her love because of her temper."
Zheng Wei's words made Lu Taobao lost in thought. He looked at the hospital room and said, "Is that so?"
"Don't say speculative things in front of her. Just tell her the facts truthfully," Zheng Wei and Namu Zhong got along well. Due to their years of superior-subordinate relationship, they actually understood each other's personalities quite well.
"Okay." Lu Taobao nodded, his expression seeming a little more spirited than before.