Chapter 75 Mistress

Upon learning this, Xie's mother was overjoyed and eagerly got involved, personally selecting wallpaper, furniture (bed), and toys to create an incredibly cozy atmosphere. The old lady even thought that "good news was on the horizon," secretly buying a large amount of pregnancy supplements and slipping them to Xie Shiyan, her eyes full of knowing, mischievous smiles.

It wasn't until later that she realized it was a beautiful misunderstanding, and she blushed deeply. Jiang Yining hugged her mother-in-law and laughed so hard she almost fell over, explaining, "Mom, don't rush, I want to stabilize my career a bit more first, and then we'll make plans in a couple of years."

Although Xie's mother was a little disappointed, she patted her hand understandingly and said, "Good, good, it's good that you young people have plans. Mom will wait, no rush."

The end of the year is fast approaching. Xiao Xiao is still recuperating at the postpartum care center. Jiang Yining and Shen Nian'an went to visit Xiao Xiao together. The December sun bathed the corridor of the postpartum care center in a warm golden light.

Jiang Yining and Shen Nian'an carried gift bags through a thickly carpeted corridor. Warm-hearted oil paintings of mothers and babies hung on the walls on both sides, and a faint scent of lavender filled the air.

"This way." Shen Nian'an turned a corner with practiced ease. "Xiao Xiao is staying in a VIP suite with a private garden."

As Jiang Yining passed by the baby swimming area, she couldn't help but stop. Inside the transparent glass wall, several five- or six-month-old babies, wearing colorful swimming rings, were splashing their little arms and legs under the guidance of professional caregivers.

One of the chubby little ones was particularly lively, and the splashes of water he made drew bursts of laughter from the parents watching.

"So cute." Jiang Yining's face was almost pressed against the glass. "Like a flock of little ducks."

Shen Nian'an smiled and pulled her along, saying, "Later, you can hold Xiao Xiao's 'little duck.'"

Xiao Xiao's suite is at the end of the rooftop corridor. Pushing open the door, the first thing that catches the eye is a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a meticulously maintained small garden, where several winter cherry trees are in full bloom. The suite's interior is divided into a reception area, a relaxation area, and a baby care area.

The decor is simple and warm, with off-white furniture paired with light blue soft furnishings, exuding professionalism and comfort throughout.

"Ningning, Nian'an." Xiao Xiao was leaning against the headboard, holding the swaddled baby in her arms. Compared to her haggard appearance before giving birth, her complexion was now rosy, and even her hair had a healthy sheen.

On the bedside table sat a half-eaten nutritious meal, its presentation as exquisite as if it were from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Jiang Yining placed the gift on the coffee table and joked:

"Mr. Xiao, are you here on vacation? You look better than me."

"That's right." Xiao Xiao smiled and adjusted the pillow. "Six postpartum meals a day, three postpartum recovery sessions, and the rest of the time is spent sleeping and playing with the baby."

She bent down and kissed the baby in her arms. "This little darling is quite easy to take care of. Although I don't need to look after him/her, he/she doesn't cause any trouble or make me worry."

Shen Nian'an skillfully took the child, her movements as gentle as if she were holding a precious treasure: "Come on, let godmother see if it's too heavy." She turned to Jiang Yining, "Want to try it on?"

Jiang Yining nervously rubbed her hands together: "I...I've never held such a tiny baby before..."

"It's very simple," Shen Nian'an demonstrated, "one hand supports the neck and head, the other hand supports the little bottom..."

When the soft, milky-scented little life was placed in her arms, Jiang Yining froze completely. The baby was surprisingly light, yet weighed heavily on her heart. Those big, dark, grape-like eyes stared at her curiously, and the little mouth moved unconsciously, releasing a bubble of milk.

"He...he's looking at me..." Jiang Yining's voice changed, and her arms were as stiff as two wooden sticks.

Xiao Xiao and Shen Nian'an burst into laughter. Xiao Xiao wiped away her tears of laughter: "Relax, you're acting like you're defusing a bomb."

In the midst of their laughter, Xiao Xiao suddenly lowered her voice and said, "By the way, guess who I ran into here? Qin Qing."

"Qin Qing?" Shen Nian'an frowned. "That guy from before, Mr. Xie..."

"Yes, that's the secretary who got fired for trying to sleep with someone." Xiao Xiao's eyes gleamed with gossip. "She actually snagged a rich husband, though he's a bit too old; he could be her father."

Jiang Yining carefully adjusted her holding position while listening intently to the gossip. The baby yawned in her arms, rubbing its little fist against her cheek, so soft it melted her heart.

Xiao Xiao continued, "That man was originally a live-in son-in-law who made his fortune through his wife's family. Qin Qing gave birth to a son for him, and he became arrogant and haughty. But a few days ago, his first wife brought her family to their door to cause trouble."

The story is even more dramatic than a TV series. The wife acted swiftly and decisively, filing for divorce, taking back all the assets, and even demanding the return of the gifts she had given Qin Qing.

Even more dramatically, the man, enraged, beat Qin Qing in public, while her mother-in-law, who had once protected her, immediately took the child and returned to her hometown.

"I heard Qin Qing left the hospital overnight and ran away." Xiao Xiao curled her lips. "Now that man has lost everything, and his ex-wife has taken back all his company shares."