Chapter 19 : Accompany

The car stopped in front of the main building of the private hospital.

Jiang Yunshu and Fu Chengze got out, and two reception staff greeted them. “Mr. Fu, Mrs. Fu, this way, please.”

The check-up process went smoothly. They began with some basic tests, followed by a blood draw.

Fu Chengze stood beside Jiang Yunshu, lowering his gaze as the nurse prepared to draw her blood.

Jiang Yunshu had been afraid of needles since she was a child. With one arm resting on the blood collection pad and the tourniquet just tied, she turned her head away.

Fu Chengze’s eyes fell on her face, noticing her visible nervousness.

Just as he was about to reach out to her, Aunt Luo stepped in first, taking Jiang Yunshu’s hand and patting her shoulder comfortingly.

“Xiaoshu, don’t be nervous. It’s not that painful, and it’ll be over quickly. If you’re really tense, just squeeze Aunt Luo’s hand. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Yunshu nodded.

Fu Chengze watched as the nurse drew four vials of blood from Jiang Yunshu. She kept her head turned the entire time, frowning only slightly when the needle pierced her vein.

When the blood draw was done, Jiang Yunshu exhaled in relief. “Finally, it’s over. Let’s move on to the next test.”

Fu Chengze lowered his gaze, his expression guilt-ridden as he thought of that night when he had taken a gamble. “You had to go through this because of me. This child shouldn’t have—”

Before he could finish, Jiang Yunshu hurriedly raised her hand to cover his mouth, a bit flustered. “Don’t say things like that.”

Fu Chengze nodded and took her hand.

“When I was young, I was often sick and had to visit the hospital nearly every week. Back then, I was scared of pain because I was just a kid. Now, I’m no longer afraid of blood tests or injections. I just feel a little uneasy when I see the needle.”

After explaining, Jiang Yunshu looked up at him. “You’re not allowed to say things like that ever again.”

“Alright,” Fu Chengze replied. “Let’s go to the next test.”

The private hospital’s service was excellent. After completing most of the process, only the ultrasound was left.

Jiang Yunshu lay on the bed, staring at the screen where the image of a tiny, adorable baby appeared. The little round figure melted her heart.

She turned her head to see Fu Chengze’s reaction. He was standing behind the doctor, his eyes fixed on the ultrasound screen.

Jiang Yunshu wondered if she was imagining it, but she felt that his gaze was as warm and gentle as sunlight.

“The fetus is very healthy, and its size is consistent with the gestational week. All indicators are normal,” the doctor said as they operated the machine. “The baby is greeting Mom and Dad. Can you see?”

Jiang Yunshu watched as the little baby inside her waved a tiny hand. A smile curved her lips, and her eyes grew misty.

Fu Chengze glanced at the baby on the screen, then turned to look at Jiang Yunshu.

Walking around to the head of the bed, he took her hand.

Seeing the baby move, Jiang Yunshu couldn’t help but say, “The baby is so cute.”

“Mm,” Fu Chengze nodded.

After all the tests were completed, Fu Chengze asked, “Are you hungry?”

“A little,” Jiang Yunshu replied. “Let Uncle Li take you to the company first.”

“No rush. I’ll take you home first. After lunch, I’ll go to the company.”

“Isn’t work busy?” Jiang Yunshu asked. During the check-up, she had noticed him answering three or four phone calls.

“It’s not,” Fu Chengze said as he opened the car door for her, shielding her head. “Get in.”

The two hospital staff who had been assisting them watched as the couple got into the car and whispered to each other.

“Last time Mrs. Fu came for a check-up, only the housekeeper was with her. Didn’t someone say the couple isn’t close, and being a wealthy wife is tough? But I think Mr. Fu really cares for his wife, it doesn’t seem like he’s just putting on a show.”

“Why are we gossiping about this? Mrs. Fu herself comes from a wealthy family and has plenty of support. Besides, only the people involved know the truth about their relationship. Let’s head back inside and keep our mouths shut, or we might lose our jobs.”

—

That evening, Fu Chengze stayed late at the office. Xu Shuping went shopping with Mrs. Lu, leaving only Jiang Yunshu and Grandma Fu at the dinner table.

Halfway through their meal, Xu Shuping returned with several shopping bags.

“Mom, Yunshu, are you having dinner?” she asked cheerfully.

Grandma Fu looked up. “Have you eaten?”

“I have,” Xu Shuping replied. “Mom, I bought you a scarf. See if you like it later.”

Then she turned to Jiang Yunshu. “Yunshu, how was the check-up today? What did the doctor say?”

“It went well,” Jiang Yunshu replied. “The doctor said all the indicators are normal, and the baby is healthy.”

“That’s good.” Xu Shuping smiled. “I went shopping with Mrs. Lu today, and she bought lots of clothes and toys for her grandson. I couldn’t resist and picked up a few baby outfits myself.”

Looking at the luxury brand logo on the packaging, Jiang Yunshu said, “Mom, it’s still too early to buy clothes. We don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl yet. You shouldn’t spend too much, buy more things you like instead.”

Xu Shuping beamed. “Don’t worry. I bought one set each for a boy and a girl. The baby can use them after birth. It’s not a waste. You two finish eating, I’ll go upstairs to change.”

When she came back downstairs, Jiang Yunshu and Grandma Fu had finished their meal.

On the sofa, Xu Shuping opened a delicately packaged white box. As she untied the ribbon, she said, “I fell in love with this set at first sight. It’s a simple, pure white design, clean and soft to the touch.”

Jiang Yunshu was drawn in by Xu Shuping’s excitement, a smile forming on her face.

“Thank you, Mom. These clothes are lovely. Thank you from me and the baby.”

This acknowledgment delighted Xu Shuping, who lightly touched Jiang Yunshu’s belly before quickly picking up another box.

“Yunshu, this is pregnancy oil I bought for you.”

Jiang Yunshu was surprised. She glanced at the box, it wasn’t the brand she was currently using.

“When Mrs. Lu’s eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant, she used this oil. Mrs. Lu said it worked wonders, no stretch marks at all. I consulted several doctors about the ingredients, and it’s safe for pregnant women. Keep it and use it with confidence.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Jiang Yunshu replied.

“When I was pregnant with Chengze, I didn’t pay attention and ended up with a lot of stretch marks. It affected my mood during pregnancy. Later, I had to undergo treatment to remove them. Of course, pregnancy oil isn’t a miracle cure, it doesn’t guarantee no stretch marks. It also depends on weight control, exercise, and genetics. But using it certainly doesn’t hurt.”

Aunt Luo chuckled. “Madam, you’re very thoughtful.”

Xu Shuping held Jiang Yunshu’s hand. “I also saw some other maternity and baby products today. Next time, let’s go shopping together.”

“Okay,” Jiang Yunshu agreed.

Later, as Jiang Yunshu was about to take a shower, she received a call from her father, Jiang Zhengguo.