Chapter 29: The Scientific Expert × The Glamorous Actress 9

“Look at this country, look at the millions of people — how can you say ‘it doesn’t matter’ with those words?”

“I…”

“You? Do you have even a shred of the dignity of a ruler?”

“Cut. Okay, Xiaoxi, take a break first. Let’s continue filming the new emperor’s scenes. Quick, touch up Zhao Jue’s makeup.”

Xi Nian, dressed in her costume, walked unsteadily toward the chair, her face pale. Sister Wu, a bit worried, walked over and helped her sit down.

“What’s wrong? Why do you look so bad? Are you feeling unwell?”

“I don’t know. I feel a bit nauseous.” Xi Nian took a sip of hot water handed by her assistant, looking wilted. “Maybe the shooting schedule has been too intense lately. It’s nothing, we’ll finish filming soon. Then I can rest properly.”

“Don’t lie to me. Your husband told me again and again to inform him immediately if anything happens. I just called him, and he happens to be nearby. He’ll be here soon.”

“Ah, he’s always overreacting and making a fuss!” Xi Nian pouted.

“Who’s making a fuss?” Gu Yin walked over with long legs, touching her forehead. “The ones who are sick and refuse to go to the hospital are the ones making a fuss!”

“You’re the one making a fuss.” Xi Nian ignored him. “I have scenes to shoot tonight. I’m not going to the hospital with you.”

“Why are you acting like a child now?” Gu Yin squatted down, looking at her pale face with concern. Ignoring her protests, he picked her up in a princess carry and headed for the dressing room.

“Sister Wu, please ask Director Zheng for leave. Once she changes, I’ll take her straight to the hospital.”

“Don’t worry, contact me anytime if there’s anything.” Sister Wu had been with Xi Nian since her debut and cared for her like her own daughter.

“Okay.” Just as they finished speaking, Xi Nian came out of the dressing room with an annoyed expression, leaning against Gu Yin and whining, “I’m so tired. Gu Yin, I’m sleepy. Can we go back to the hotel and sleep?”

Xi Nian had been afraid of injections since she was little. Her memories of hospitals were all about doctors coming at her with big needles. When she was young, she would open her mouth and cry loudly, refusing to get any shots — photos of that were even posted in her fan community.

“We’re going to the hospital. No discussion.” Gu Yin didn’t waste words. He carried her out.

At the hospital, Xi Nian obediently held onto Gu Yin’s arm, pitifully emphasizing that she absolutely would not get an injection.

“You’re a good girl. Let your cousin have a look at you.” Gu Yin had contacted his cousin earlier and had been teased by her for a while.

Li Yue gave Xi Nian a preliminary check-up and smiled when she saw how nervous Xi Nian was. “Congratulations, you’re pregnant.”

“Pregnant?” They both froze. After a moment, Xi Nian reacted and jumped up, but Gu Yin quickly steadied her. “Careful.”

“Gu Yin, we have a baby!” Xi Nian’s originally pale cheeks flushed slightly with excitement.

“You’re amazing, wife!” Gu Yin was also very happy, smiling brightly, completely losing his usual cold and serious demeanor.

“Let’s do another test. I’ll write you the referral.”

“Okay, okay!” Both nodded eagerly.

After the check-up, Li Yue looked at the report. “Nothing wrong. But you should be careful in the first three months. Keep the pregnant woman’s emotions stable and comfortable later on.”

“Sis, she was pale and nauseous just now. Is everything really fine?”

“That’s normal. No need to worry too much. She’s an actress, so she must rest well, avoid overwork, and watch her diet…” Gu Yin listened carefully and took notes.

Back in the car, after sitting quietly for a while to calm their excited emotions, both called their families one after another.

“Mom, I/Nian Nian am pregnant!”

“Yes, two months along.”

“We’ve had tests. The doctor/cousin said everything is normal and very healthy.”

“I know. I’ll communicate with the crew, okay.”

“We have a baby!” Xi Nian touched her belly. It was only two months, so no baby bump yet. “It’s amazing. It’s so tiny, not even as big as my finger.”

“He’ll grow slowly.” Gu Yin hugged her. “And be as beautiful and cute as you.”

“Or as handsome as you!”

Gu Yin, together with Wang Mian, approached Director Zheng to ask for extra care for Xi Nian. For this, Xinyue invested an additional 20 million. Since the filming was near the end and Xi Nian’s scenes were almost done, Director Zheng agreed.

During the following period, both families unanimously decided Gu Yin would shuttle back and forth daily to pick up and drop off Xi Nian, while the only retired parent, Xi’s mother, took care of Xi Nian on site. The other three provided financial and emotional support.

Afraid that her daughter might not take good care of herself secretly, Xi’s mother was diligent and stayed by Xi Nian’s side all the time. The assistant even thought she was about to lose her job. Even Sister Wu came to the set less frequently.

“Mom, just one bite, only one bite.” Xi Nian looked at the dessert, saliva almost dripping. Recently, Xi’s mother cooked very bland meals, even the chicken soup was tasteless.

This small cake had been secretly brought by Gu Yin after Xi Nian begged him for a long time, but sharp-eyed Xi’s mother caught it.

“Mom made you pork rib soup. Don’t eat unhealthy things. Not to mention if the ingredients are clean, eating too much of this can cause diabetes in pregnant women.” Xi’s mother tirelessly lectured.

Xi Nian secretly winked at Gu Yin. Gu Yin looked up at the ceiling — please have mercy on him. Xi’s mother just scolded him earlier, and he was still being criticized in the family group chat. He didn’t dare say a word now.

Seeing her daughter not responding, Xi’s mother followed Xi Nian’s gaze and saw Gu Yin swaying nearby. She gave him a look. Gu Yin immediately understood, “I’ll go do the laundry.” Then he ran off, leaving the whimpering Xi Nian alone.

…

“Happy wrap-up!”

“Little Xi acted well. Let’s cooperate again next time!”

“Yes, yes, yes, I have a good script here. After you have the baby, take a look!”

“Okay, thanks Director Zheng, thanks Writer Mu, thanks everyone!” Xi Nian bowed. The assistant behind handed out pre-ordered desserts and milk teas to everyone.

[Bright Moon: The moon sometimes meets us, looking forward to seeing you next time, Xi Nian, happy wrap-up!]

The post included a picture of Xi Nian holding flowers.

[Happy wrap-up, Bright Moon! Can’t wait to watch.]

[Looking forward to Nian Bao, looking forward to Bright Moon!]

[By the way, has Nian Bao gained weight?]

[Her face is still small and sharp, but something still seems off?]

[Speaking of which, could Nian Bao be pregnant?]

[Her belly isn’t big, probably just ate a lot. After all, Nian Bao loves food.]

The netizens’ eyes were truly sharp. When Xi Nian returned home, she finally got rid of her mother’s constant care and could quietly enjoy the gossip.

“Gu Yin!!!!” The little empress looked at Gu Yin who hadn’t paid attention to her for a while, and started to get upset.

Gu Yin immediately ran over, carefully looking Xi Nian up and down before feeling relieved — he knew she was about to act up again. “What’s wrong?”

“What are you doing? You’re ignoring me.”

“I’m working. Do you want to join?”

“Yes!” She was truly bored alone and hadn’t had any new gossip to enjoy lately.

The two went to the study. Gu Yin moved a small chair for Xi Nian to sit beside him.

“What’s this?”

Xi Nian looked at Gu Yin’s latest research with surprise. Although she didn’t fully understand, she recognized the words about treating blood diseases in the paper.

“We found another active molecule in the late stages of the anti-cancer drug trial. Recently, we’ve been researching it. Preliminary results show it has a good therapeutic effect on basic blood diseases.”

“You’re amazing!” Xi Nian’s eyes sparkled. “I have such good taste!”

During this pregnancy, Xi Nian received the full attention of both families. Xi’s father and mother often came over to cook for her, fattening her up.

Gu’s parents bought lots of supplements for her and took her shopping, giving her many exquisite maternity clothes. As for Gu Yin, needless to say, even when Xi Nian said at midnight she wanted some Qing Wang fruit, he would run out to get it.

Finally, under the care of everyone, after ten months of pregnancy, Xi Nian gave birth to a lovely baby boy. Gu Yin named him Gu Jinghe — Chunming Jinghe — wishing him a smooth life and a bright future.

[Gu Yin: Both mother and son are safe. Thank you, wife @Xi Nian.]

[Ahhh congratulations Nian Bao, congratulations Mr. Gu!]

[The baby’s little hands are so tender!]

[Can’t wait to see the baby on variety shows!]

[Please arrange something for our baby.]

…

Three years later.

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“Gu Jinghe!” Hearing his full name called by Gu Yin while he was happily munching on a big sausage, the little guy immediately sensed something was wrong. His big round eyes rolled around anxiously, and using both his hands and feet, he quickly climbed up, his short legs moving fast as he ran to Xi Nian’s bedside, pulled back the covers, and slipped right under them.

“Can’t see me, can’t see me, Daddy can’t see me.”

“Did you make Daddy angry again, little one?” Xi Nian, still half asleep, heard the voice, squinted her eyes, and pulled Gu Jinghe into her arms, gently touching his fair cheek. She found his worried expression quite amusing.

Because Gu Jinghe was a boy, Gu Yin had always been very strict with his education, hoping he would grow into a responsible man who could contribute to the country.

Gu Jinghe was clever and knew that his scary daddy was most afraid of his mommy. Whenever he got into trouble, he would run to Xi Nian to cozy up.

Many times when Xi Nian was filming locally, she would suddenly receive a little cutie. The little one behaved perfectly on set, not causing trouble, quietly drinking the milk the assistant gave him.

When Xi Nian finished filming, he would jump down from his small stool, holding a cup about his size, and happily run over to his mother, diligently reminding her to drink water.

Everyone on set adored this little guy. Whenever Xi Nian went to shoot, several staff members would entertain Gu Jinghe. He was sweet-tongued and called every girl “Sister,” which made many female staff members quite happy. He had become the most charming little guy on the set!

“Little one, be good. Don’t make Daddy angry again.” The little guy furrowed his brows seriously, emphasizing, “Daddy’s in menopause; he gets angry easily!”

“Hahahahaha!” Xi Nian laughed uncontrollably at Gu Jinghe’s antics. She glanced at Gu Yin, who was striding in with his long legs, curious what their son had done this time to upset usually mild-tempered Gu Yin so much.

“Gu Jinghe, come here! Hiding behind your mom, what kind of manly man is that?”

“Little one’s small; little one is not a manly man!” Gu Jinghe tilted his head, thinking his dad was wrong.

“When you hit chubby, why didn’t you say you weren’t a man?”

“Chubby bullied Weiwei, little one did nothing wrong!”

“But you still can’t hit others. Hitting people is wrong, right?”

“Wait.” Xi Nian stopped their argument and asked her son, “Who is Weiwei?”

Gu Jinghe blushed, looking at his fingers shyly in a cute voice, “She’s my girlfriend.”

“Gu Jinghe!” Gu Yin was shocked. He was only three years old! Not only was he the boss in kindergarten, but now he even had a girlfriend!

“Honey, watch your image!” Xi Nian laughed at the two of them and put Gu Jinghe on her lap. “Gu Jinghe, has Mommy ever told you not to hit people casually?”

“Mommy said boys should protect girls!” Gu Jinghe pouted, feeling like he was just following what Mommy said, so why was he being scolded?

“Well, Mommy also said that if something happens, you should tell an adult right away, right?” Xi Nian patiently reasoned. This little guy was just like Gu Yin — he only listened when Xi Nian spoke.

“Right. But…” Gu Jinghe was young and didn’t know how to argue with Mommy, so he irritably brushed his hair.

“Little one is still small. If you fight and get hurt, Mommy will feel sad and cry…”

“No crying, no crying!” Gu Jinghe hurriedly said, “Little one won’t fight anymore. Mommy, don’t cry.”

Hearing that, Xi Nian’s heart softened. Holding her son, she continued, “So if something happens, you must tell Mommy and Daddy right away, okay? You know how to use your little watch, right?”

“Right! Little one listens to Mommy!” The little guy nodded seriously.

Watching Xi Nian once again successfully handle Gu Jinghe, Gu Yin was helpless. These two were always in perfect harmony, and he just couldn’t manage them.

“Wu Jie has booked a variety show for Gu Jinghe and me,” Xi Nian suddenly mentioned.

“‘Baby Go Forward’?” Gu Yin had heard of it before. Wang Mian once asked him to let Xi Nian and their son participate, but Gu Yin thought Gu Jinghe was too young at the time and declined. Now Gu Jinghe was three and could take care of himself and his mom. “When is it?”

“Next Monday. The show team wants to film at home first.”

“Alright, then I’ll ask for leave for Gu Jinghe.”

Hearing about the leave request, Gu Jinghe wasn’t happy. “No leave! No leave!”

“Mommy wants to take you out to play. Don’t you want to be with Mommy?”

“Yes! Little one wants to.” Of course, Mommy was the best.

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[‘Baby Go Forward’: Life is like a journey, sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy… Experience it, harvest it, grow, and become the best version of ourselves. Keep moving forward, babies! @Xi Nian @Xiao Yan @Cheng Xue @Ou Wei]

[Finally, we can see Gu Jinghe!]

[Look, moving Gu Jinghe, give Auntie a kiss.]

[Stop making your big face, let me kiss him.]

[Hurry and air it. Xinyue, what’s your speed?]

[Dare to question my boss Wang’s speed? Film it tomorrow!]

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This variety show is broadcast live throughout. To let the audience see the most authentic star life, the crew arrived at the stars’ homes without prior notice.

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