Chapter 95: Due Date

As Ruan Li’s body grew heavier, Fu Huaizhou began to limit her outings not to restrict her freedom but to bring everything she wanted into Yuyuan Villa.

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Ruan Li asked, munching on fruit.

“It’s too easy to get jostled outside,” Fu Huaizhou replied, worried that although the baby had been quiet throughout the pregnancy, a sudden surprise might occur if they were caught off guard in public, leading to an urgent delivery.

When it was time for the due date, Ruan Li was supposed to be admitted to the hospital, but she resisted, feeling she’d spent too much time there recently. Fu Huaizhou respected her wishes completely.

Before getting their marriage license, they had already visited the family estate once. Fu Huaizhou’s main purpose was just to notify his family. His sudden trip abroad to drop everything at Fu Corporation had been shocking enough for the family, as if he had entered a late rebellion phase after thirty years of adhering to the rules.

Although the old master had initially hoped for an arranged marriage, Fu Huaizhou’s firm attitude, coupled with the old lady’s persistent scolding and the news of Ruan Li’s pregnancy, softened him.

After all, the old man had initially thought they were from different generations, but since the couple didn’t mind, he realized he had no say in it.

“People from the estate will come over later,” Fu Huaizhou said, pulling out some clothes from the closet and gesturing for the dazed Ruan Li to raise her arms.

Ruan Li, still sleepy, followed his instructions and raised her arms to put on the clothes. “Isn’t it inappropriate to have the elders come see me? Shouldn’t we be visiting them?”

“Makes no difference,” Fu Huaizhou replied while buttoning her shirt, “Think of it as a workout for the elderly.”

Ruan Li stared at him, dumbfounded. What a “dutiful son.”

When they went downstairs, the old lady and the old master were already seated on the living room couch.

“We’re going to have a private chat, you two find something to do,” the old lady declared mercilessly, leaving the two men to head obediently to the study.

The old lady looked at Ruan Li’s belly, now in the final stage, and whispered, “Li darling, tell me honestly, do you two sleep in the same room?”

Ruan Li was puzzled and slowly nodded.

Aren’t married couples supposed to sleep in the same room? She had never heard otherwise.

The old lady shook her head quickly. “You should have the third son sleep in a separate room. Men are clumsy what if he rolls over onto your belly at night?”

Ruan Li almost couldn’t contain her laughter. Fu Huaizhou had never rolled over onto her, and she was about to speak in his defense when the old lady’s voice lowered even further.

“Especially that third son of mine he may look reserved, but he’s full of sly ideas. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks back into your room at night.”

Later that evening, when the old lady and the old master had left, Ruan Li and Fu Huaizhou took a stroll in the back garden. The doctor had advised that light exercise would help with delivery, but Ruan Li always felt exhausted after just a few steps, and coming back to the room often involved sweet talking her way into not having to walk.

Every night, she would walk out herself, but Fu Huaizhou would carry her back.

After being placed back on the bed, Ruan Li looked down at Fu Huaizhou, who was massaging her calves and feet, and brought up the conversation from earlier.

“Today, the old lady suggested we sleep in separate rooms. She’s worried you might roll onto my belly at night.”

Fu Huaizhou looked up at her, his voice calm, “I’ve never done that her concern is unnecessary.”

Ruan Li thought so too. Fu Huaizhou’s sleep habits were impeccable he always slept in the same position he fell asleep in, unlike her.

Every night before bed, she would complain about how hot he felt and demand distance, only to wake up clinging to him every morning.

Ruan Li teased, “Maybe you can control your sleep posture, but I doubt you can control other things.”

Their eyes met, and there was no need for further explanation.

Fu Huaizhou’s expression didn’t falter, instead, he pushed the blame onto her with a straight face.

“Someone wraps around me every night, eager to touch every inch of my body. Even a gentleman would find it hard to resist.”

Ruan Li, shocked at his insinuation that she touched him, kicked his thigh lightly. “I don’t believe you! You probably move my hands onto you while I’m sleeping.”

Fu Huaizhou didn’t get angry. He pulled her foot back to massage it gently. Late in her pregnancy, her feet were swollen, so he had studied massage techniques in traditional Chinese medicine to help her feel better.

He checked the time and switched off the bedside lamp Ruan Li’s schedule was strictly managed now.

Throughout Ruan Li’s pregnancy, Fu Huaizhou slept lightly. In the middle of the night, he woke up to the sound of faint sobbing from beside him.

He jolted awake.

Lifting the blanket, he checked her feet and asked softly, “Is it another cramp?”

These cramps had become a nighttime occurrence. After consulting with the doctor, Fu Huaizhou had been reassured it was normal. He would gently massage her until the cramps eased, often relaxing as her breathing steadied.

But before he could touch her foot, his hand met a wet patch on the sheets, and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly turned on the bedroom light to find the bed soaked her water had broken.

Fu Huaizhou woke Ruan Li and grabbed his phone, dialing for help. He had long prepared for this situation, ensuring she would be rushed to the hospital promptly.

As she was wheeled into the operating room, sweat dotted Ruan Li’s brow from the pain. Even the usually composed Fu Huaizhou had trembling hands as he wiped her face.

“I’ll be right there with you,” he reassured her.

He had already called the Shi family on the way, so he didn’t have to worry about anything outside the delivery room being there for her was his priority.

Ruan Li clutched his hand, overwhelmed by the bright lights, cold instruments, and strong smell of blood. Fear of the unknown and the overwhelming pain swirled within her. As she slipped in and out of consciousness, the warmth of his hand remained her only anchor. Her body finally relaxed as if something was slipping away, and she thought the worst was over.

“Why isn’t the baby crying?”

Ruan Li barely heard the doctor’s voice through her haze. Her weak body broke into a cold sweat.

“Fu Huaizhou…” she whispered, gripping his hand desperately. Tears blurred her vision until she could no longer make out his face.

“I’m here, it’s alright,” Fu Huaizhou’s heart sank, but he kept his voice soothing, eyes glued to the medical team. Then, he saw the doctor pat the small bundle gently, and a cry pierced the silence of the room.

Ruan Li exhaled sharply and passed out.