The date turned to the eighth of the following month, which was also Laba Festival.
Xia Wantang woke up leisurely as usual, washed, and her belly was growing rapidly. She was already twenty-one weeks pregnant.
Besides her belly getting bigger, she had also gained quite a bit of weight, fearing she would become a big fatty after giving birth.
But if she was told not to eat, she couldn't help herself. Not only had she gotten fat, but Ling Yucheng had also put on weight with her.
Fortunately, it wasn't too late to realize it. Eating less and exercising more, and once the weather improved, they wouldn't be cooped up at home all day.
Today was a rare sunny day. The rain had been non-stop for nearly half a month.
Stepping out of the East Courtyard, the air was fresh. The water on the ground had not yet dried, but it was much better than before.
Without the patter of rain, the birdsong was exceptionally cheerful. Xia Wantang felt like she had finally seen the sun after the clouds cleared.
She strolled along, and before she knew it, she had arrived at the front hall.
Before even entering, she heard crisp laughter. She recognized it immediately as Wen Xuanyuan and Qiao Xinyue.
Her heart was filled with joy, but as she entered, she feigned annoyance, "The winter break has been over for half a month, and you two finally decided to come see me."
Wen Xuanyuan's eyes lit up. She quickly got up, but after taking a few steps forward, she stopped, her gaze falling on Xia Wantang's bulging belly.
She wanted to hug her tightly as usual, but she dared not now.
Xia Wantang knew what she was thinking and extended her arms to her.
The two embraced, but Wen Xuanyuan, afraid of touching her belly, kept her back hunched.
Ling Yucheng, standing nearby, watched the embracing pair with a dark gaze, also worried about Wen Xuanyuan touching Xia Wantang.
However, seeing that she was being careful, he felt a lot more at ease.
Wen Xuanyuan examined Xia Wantang's belly and sighed, "Your belly is already so big. I didn't dare to hug you just now, afraid I'd pop your belly."
"I'm not made of paper," Xia Wantang rolled her eyes, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Qiao Xinyue was much more reserved. She smiled and greeted Xia Wantang, then affectionately held her hand. The three of them sat together, their chatter endless.
Ling Yucheng and Li Bowen couldn't interject and could only watch from the side.
Xia Wantang asked Wen Xuanyuan, "Are you going to see your parents with Li Bowen this time?"
Wen Xuanyuan nodded, her demeanor bold and unashamed.
"Yes, my parents have agreed to our relationship. They've also agreed to us meeting their families this time."
"It seems good news is on the horizon. Your relationship is progressing so quickly!"
Xia Wantang was genuinely happy for Wen Xuanyuan to find her own happiness.
"It's still early. I'm still in university. And you, it hasn't been long, and you're already having a baby," Wen Xuanyuan said with mock disapproval in her eyes.
They were best friends, and only best friends would openly show such disapproval towards each other.
Xia Wantang was speechless, as it was indeed faster than Wen Xuanyuan.
They slept together without ever meeting face-to-face, got their marriage certificate just two days after confirming their relationship, and had a baby a few months into their courtship.
Qiao Xinyue propped her chin on her hand. She couldn't join this conversation, but she longed for a relationship too!
However, the person she liked had no opportunity, and those who liked her had ulterior motives.
Wen Xuanyuan noticed her expression and asked playfully, "What are you thinking about? Are you envious! I told you to find a boyfriend, but you wouldn't. Are you still pining over my brother?"
Qiao Xinyue's expression didn't change. She replied with a playful tone, "Yes, Brother Wen Yan is so outstanding. After meeting him, how could I possibly look at anyone else?"
Many truths are spoken under the guise of a joke.
Wen Xuanyuan didn't know what to say for a moment. She herself couldn't figure her brother out. He was kind to everyone but had never been in love with anyone.
Xia Wantang also saw that Qiao Xinyue still couldn't let go of Wen Yan.
When it comes to relationships, one knows best how it feels. In fact, Han Xiao and she were quite compatible.
Yet, she was fixated on someone who was almost impossible. Now, Han Xiao had a happy family, and he even heard that his wife was pregnant.
And Qiao Xinyue was still stubbornly persisting in an unrequited love that might never have a result.
But it was her own choice, and she would have to bear the consequences.
When the time was right, they went to the Jiang family together.
Along the way, Wen Xuanyuan complained incessantly. She really didn't want to see Xia Wanfu.
But Xia Wantang's advice also made sense. She couldn't let Li Bowen break off contact with his childhood friend, could she?
So, for now, she had to endure it.
Xia Wantang couldn't do anything about her. She could only hope she would listen. If she caused a scene, it would only be difficult for Li Bowen.
She didn't dare to tell Wen Xuanyuan that she had lent Xia Wanfu a million yuan.
Otherwise, with her temper, she would explode.
She knew Wen Xuanyuan meant well, but in reality, she herself wasn't sure what she was thinking.
Sometimes, she felt like she had a door slammed in her face or that her compassion was overflowing.
But as things had come to this, she would just let fate take its course!
The Jiang Residence.
Old Madam Jiang sat on the sofa with Xia Wanfu, her smile kind and amiable, clearly very happy.
Jiang Zexi's father, Jiang Shixun, and mother, Zhou Yuqing, were beaming with joy.
As long as their son was willing to marry, they were satisfied and wouldn't be picky. Moreover, this daughter-in-law was generous, dignified, and her manners and speech were all very proper.
It was just her family background that was not so satisfactory, which was the part they were unhappy about.
Although their family was in business, their personal history of imprisonment or criminal records didn't affect them directly. But what if their descendants wanted to pursue other paths?
However, since their son was finally willing to get married, they didn't dare to object.
When they first investigated this young lady's family background, they were truly frightened. Her father, mother, and brother were all in prison.
She had a younger sister who was accomplished and married to Ling Yucheng, but their relationship was not good.
Now that they met her formally, they felt she was quite good.
In fact, Xia Wanfu was very nervous. Fortunately, Jiang Zexi stayed with her, not leaving her alone with his family.
Old Madam Jiang, holding Xia Wanfu's hand, couldn't help but lecture her a bit.
"Wanfu, you are too thin. It will be difficult to give birth later. You must eat more to be healthy."
Xia Wanfu didn't know how to respond to this.
Jiang Zexi, holding her hand, said to Old Madam Jiang, "Grandmother, Wanfu and I don't plan to have children for the next few years. I've just taken over the group, and she's in a crucial period of her career."
Old Madam Jiang's expression immediately soured slightly, but she didn't say anything in the end.
After all, this was her grandson's personal matter, and interfering too much would only be bothersome.
Zhou Yuqing frowned slightly but quickly relaxed.
"I can take care of the children. If necessary, we can hire more nannies. You don't have to worry about anything.
Besides, your grandmother is old. We can't leave her with regrets. And it's only natural to marry and have children."
Xia Wanfu felt a little uncomfortable. She knew these words were directed at her.