Chapter 60: Mother and Child

She took full advantage under the pretext of Cheng Zhanya’s inconvenience.

Marks covered the area below Cheng Zhanya’s collarbone, and they showed no sign of fading after several days.

Fortunately, it was autumn now. An outer coat hid them almost completely.

After finishing her drafts, Cheng Zhanya slipped into the break room for a moment of leisure.

Steam rose from the plain hot water in her white porcelain cup. Cheng Zhanya sat by the window, where a misty drizzle fell outside.

It was not heavy rain, just enough fine mist to dampen her spirits for heading out. It made for a gloomy mood.

The weather had turned even chillier after the rain.

Lin Hanbing had bought her several new outfits. That very night, Lin Hanbing washed and dried them, afraid her wife might catch cold.

Cheng Zhanya had no way to resist Lin Hanbing’s domineering affection. The clothes felt wonderfully comfortable against her skin.

Xiao Xiao was exhausted. She sneaked into the break room as quietly as she could.

Spotting Cheng Zhanya, she crept to the other side of the table and sat down. “Sister Zhanya, are you hungry?”

“I’m fine,” Cheng Zhanya said with a chuckle.

As her pregnancy advanced, everyone around her grew even more attentive. They fretted over her getting tired or going hungry, asking her several times each afternoon if she needed a snack.

This exaggerated concern came not just from Fan Yaobai and Xiao Xiao, but also from Lin Hanbing.

Xiao Xiao ignored her answer and muttered to herself, “We can’t let Little Chengcheng go hungry.”

True to her word, once they settled on the baby’s nickname, Cheng Zhanya told Xiao Xiao about it the very next day when she returned to work.

Xiao Xiao had been over the moon upon learning she was the first to know the little one’s pet name. She nearly swept Cheng Zhanya into a hug, but her swollen belly made that impossible.

Xiao Xiao danced around in helpless delight.

An outsider might have mistaken the baby for hers.

Cheng Zhanya found Xiao Xiao’s reaction endlessly amusing and even pulled out her phone to record a video.

Every time she watched it back, a wave of pure happiness washed over her.

No one could fake that heartfelt joy for someone else’s good fortune. It touched Cheng Zhanya deeply.

Such mutual affection always stirred the soul.

Cheng Zhanya treasured it all and felt profound gratitude for the devotion of those around her.

Xiao Xiao had a habit of keeping snacks on hand. Her cabinet was always stocked.

She pulled out several soft loaves of bread wrapped in clear plastic bags. Thoughtfully, she unwrapped them, arranged them neatly with a small fork and paper liner, and slid them over to Cheng Zhanya.

It was all quite elegant—perfect for enjoying at the office.

“This one’s been on my wishlist lately. It’s amazing,” Xiao Xiao said proudly. “Sister Zhanya, you have to try it.”

Cheng Zhanya’s mouth watered at the sight. She took a bite.

It melted silkily on her tongue, filling her mouth with rich milky sweetness. No wonder Xiao Xiao kept them in stock.

Sipping afternoon tea in the break room during a midday lull was a delightful way to unwind.

“Is it good?” Xiao Xiao asked.

“Delicious,” Cheng Zhanya replied.

Lu Ting had just returned from a business trip. Far from being worn down by work, she looked radiant, as if some good fortune had come her way.

The sharp click of her black stiletto heels echoed crisply across the floor, rhythmic and oddly pleasing. As the sound drew nearer, Xiao Xiao’s eyes darted about guiltily. She clearly felt caught slacking off.

“Director,” Cheng Zhanya greeted her.

Lu Ting paused for a moment before walking over. Her expression was warm as she said, “Enjoying some afternoon tea?”

“Yes,” Cheng Zhanya replied with a smile.

Lu Ting never fussed over a little relaxation amid the workday. She gave a nod, her gaze shifting to Xiao Xiao.

Amused by the young woman’s unease, she couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

Was she really that intimidating?

Or had she been too strict lately?

After brewing her coffee, Lu Ting sat down at their table. Her eyes fell on the half-eaten loaf in front of Cheng Zhanya.

Xiao Xiao stole a glance and immediately understood. She offered one to Lu Ting as well.

The break room was spacious enough that three people didn’t feel crowded.

Cream filled the center of the little loaves. When the fork pierced it, a sweet milky aroma wafted up.

Lu Ting took a bite and asked Xiao Xiao where she had bought them.

“Online,” Xiao Xiao replied. “Director, should I send you the link?”

“Thank you.” Lu Ting took another bite. The tension of the workday eased for a precious moment.

“Delicious,” she pronounced.

Xiao Xiao’s eyes lit up. She beamed with pride at her boss’s approval. “Director, do you want another? I have more.”

Lu Ting shook her head with a smile. “No, thank you.”

The best treats were the ones savored lightly. They lingered on the palate and built anticipation for the next indulgence.

The director was truly so gentle.

Cheng Zhanya had been with the company for nearly four years now. In Xiao Xiao’s mind, Lu Ting had always embodied the archetype of a powerful career woman.

They were about the same age, yet Lu Ting’s decisiveness and composure dwarfed Xiao Xiao’s own abilities by a thousandfold. Some people were simply born to lead.

Lu Ting possessed that innate gift.

Beauty and talent, all in one.

Privately, Xiao Xiao rarely had the chance to chat face-to-face with her superior—and she had never even considered it.

Lu Ting felt distant from them, operating on a different level altogether. There was an invisible barrier between boss and subordinate, like a sheet of paper that could never quite be pierced.

Xiao Xiao finished her snack and excused herself to get back to work. Quitting time was approaching, and she still had tasks unfinished.

Now the break room held only Cheng Zhanya and Lu Ting. Colleagues came and went occasionally, but none lingered.

The two savored their tea.

Lu Ting broke the silence. “Almost six months along now? How are you feeling?”

“Pretty good,” Cheng Zhanya said. Grateful for her boss’s understanding, she offered a faint smile. As she spoke softly, her hand drifted to her belly.

She was deeply thankful for Lu Ting’s leniency. Getting pregnant so soon after starting at the company would have raised eyebrows anywhere. Most places would have pushed her out. Instead, Lu Ting granted her leave and lightened her workload, helping her through those grueling early months.

How many companies would do that?

Probably few.

If any.

Fortunately, her output had been strong enough to keep the pressure off.

In the second trimester now, she figured her pace would falter in about two more months.

These days, she had been churning out drafts, setting small goals for herself.

Stockpiling work to avoid hiatuses after delivery. It would minimize the hit to the company.

A little payback, and a way to ease her own guilt.

Cheng Zhanya thought.

Since Lin Hanbing had joined Anwo, the two of them had rarely chatted like this. Lu Ting had grown even busier.

Each with her own little loaf, they talked slowly.

“Can you still manage the workload?”

Lu Ting asked, “When does maternity leave start? Has she… said anything?”

The “she” in question was naturally Lin Hanbing, the baby’s other mother. Now that she knew, she would have to step up.

Life had been so comfortable lately that Cheng Zhanya hadn’t given it a thought.

She felt fine physically.

Whether Lin Hanbing had planned for maternity leave, Cheng Zhanya didn’t know. She hadn’t asked.

Given Lin Hanbing’s thoroughness, though, she was sure preparations were in place.

Cheng Zhanya shook her head. “She hasn’t mentioned it.”

Someone entered the room. She paused until they left before continuing softly, “But she will handle it.”

Her tone brimmed with unwavering trust.

So resolute.

Not a hint of doubt.

Lu Ting looked down, her smile faint and tinged with pallor.

Even divorced, there was no space for a third person between them.

That was good.

She had seen how well Lin Hanbing treated Cheng Zhanya.

She often wondered how two people so deeply in love had ended up divorced.

They couldn’t be pried apart.

They suited each other perfectly.

She couldn’t make sense of it.

Lu Ting had no interest in prying into others’ private lives. If Cheng Zhanya shared, she listened. Otherwise, she simply observed.

The rain outside had stopped unnoticed. Dusk was settling in.

Early winter already.

She tugged at her coat. The afternoon had grown colder.

A movement stirred in her belly—not strong, but forceful.

When Cheng Zhanya placed her hand there, it quieted.

She lifted her hand, and it wriggled again.

Such a little mischief-maker!

Laughter sparkled in Cheng Zhanya’s eyes.

The child wasn’t even born yet, impossible to scold or swat, yet it seemed to understand her every word. Any extra chatter set it squirming happily.

She could already picture life after the baby arrived.

After chatting a while longer, Lu Ting left first.

Cheng Zhanya felt she had lingered long enough too. She tidied the table, topped off her cup with hot water, and hurried back to work.

Better to show some self-awareness before her colleagues started grumbling.

She had been gone too long; her computer had gone to sleep.

The screen was black.

Cheng Zhanya sat down and tapped a key. It lit up instantly.

The canvas was unchanged; she had saved her progress.

She reopened the file and picked up where she left off.

The sky hung overcast.

By quitting time, night had fallen.

Neon lights flickered to life along the wet streets. No more rain, and the roads buzzed with energy.

Another day of dining out.

After the meal, Cheng Zhanya and Lin Hanbing naturally wandered into a mall.

Cheng Zhanya slowed as they approached the maternity and baby store.

Lin Hanbing noticed and smiled, pulling her inside.

The baby was six months along.

The perfect time to shop for infant essentials.

At first, Cheng Zhanya felt a bit awkward. But soon she was eyeing this and coveting that as they browsed.

Were all baby things this adorable?

She couldn’t help marveling.

A cherry-pink princess dress caught her eye. She picked it up and examined it lovingly, utterly smitten.

“It’s too big. Our Chengcheng can’t wear it yet,” Lin Hanbing said, her tone helpless yet tender.

Cheng Zhanya frowned, displeased. “She can wear it once she grows into it.”

“By then, it’ll be out of style.”

Cheng Zhanya: “…”

The logic was sound, but she hated to let it go.

“Princess dresses are just so cute,” she sighed, stroking the hem before hanging it back up.

Yu Shujing carried a handbag and wore a white silk dress. She strolled with her friend, while the driver trailed behind lugging her purchases.

Her friend’s family had just welcomed a new grandson. The ninth-day celebration was approaching, and tradition called for hosting relatives and friends at home.

A simple red envelope lacked sincerity.

After much thought, she decided to shop in person.

She met up with another close friend, and the two discussed gifts the whole way.

Her friend was a year younger and already doting on grandchildren. As for her…

Her own child was divorced. Grandchildren seemed a distant dream. The thought filled her with helpless frustration.

Yu Shujing sighed and shook her head.

No use dwelling; it only gave her a headache.

“Sister Jing… isn’t that Lele?”

Ye Fei’s words pulled her back. Yu Shujing followed her gaze and spotted Lin Hanbing at once.

A plump woman was standing beside her as well.

The two walked along with intimate gestures, locked in an embrace. Lin Hanbing showed only the slightest hint of her profile, while the woman with her arm snugly around her waist had her face completely obscured.

Yu Shujing caught sight of nothing more than the woman’s short hair.

It was utterly unlike the quiet and gentle Cheng Zhanya.

She had never quite figured out the reason behind Cheng Zhanya and Lin Hanbing’s divorce. Now, though, it seemed her daughter had cheated, which was what had driven them apart?

Absurd!

Yu Shujing shoved her bag into Ye Fei’s arms, gathered up the hem of her skirt, and chased after them.