Chapter 59 Going to the Hospital with Me

Xia Li and Jian Guo fell silent.

After a long while, the two of them reached out and touched each other's foreheads to check their temperature, and said in unison, "I don't have a fever."

He pinched the other person's ear again: "It hurts, it's not a dream."

After a long while, Xia Li laughed awkwardly a few times: "Lu Shangyan, you're not suited to making jokes like this."

If Lu Shangyan hadn't just lifted his shirt and shown them his belly, she would have burst out laughing on the spot. Because when Lu Shangyan was in front of them, his facial expressions rarely changed, just like an old cadre. Now that he was suddenly making this kind of "joke," she would definitely laugh herself crazy!

But that belly... prevented her from smiling.

Lu Shangyan looked at them and said firmly, "It's true."

Jian Guo took a deep breath, until she couldn't breathe anymore, her eyes rolled back, and she almost fainted: "No, you're a woman dressed as a man?"

Lu Shangyan shook his head: "I don't know why this happened, but it has already happened."

Jian Guo lowered his head, unsure of what to do. He picked up the chopsticks from the table and put them down again, his hands trembling violently for no apparent reason. "How could you have a child? You're only finding out now? Why did you choose to stay?"

"Did you not know you were pregnant at first, so you treated it as an 'illness' and that's why it's been dragging on until now? If so, I have to advise you, after so much treatment, the baby might not be healthy. Although you're quite far along in your pregnancy, if you have an abortion, it should be... Damn it, I don't know if it'll be too late!"

Lu Shangyan opened his mouth, knowing that he might look strange in front of outsiders, but there were some things he didn't need to explain too clearly: "I want to stay."

With red eyes, Jian Guo looked at Pei Yumin beside him and asked, "Did he force you to give birth?"

"No." Lu Shangyan denied it quickly, then slowly and carefully added, "I forced him to make me stay."

Pei Yumin was also puzzled. He turned to look at him, and was about to say something when Lu Shangyan squeezed his palm, so he pursed his lips and remained silent.

Jian Guo's breathing quickened, and after a long while, she slowly nodded: "Since it's your decision, then I support you."

"Don't take what I just said to heart. I was just worried that you weren't doing it willingly. After all, if a man gets pregnant, and word gets out..." wouldn't that make him a monster in other people's eyes?

“I don’t want you to be looked at differently by others. Besides, you and Pei Yumin haven’t known each other for very long. You’re taking such a big risk to have a child. I’m afraid you’ll suffer.”

At first, Pei Yumin thought that Jian Guo would turn against him on the spot after he said these words, but he didn't expect Jian Guo to accept them so quickly. He looked at Jian Guo and understood that everything Jian Guo did and said was for Lu Shangyan's good.

Even though he might unconsciously attack everyone around him, he was indeed the one who stood completely behind Lu Shangyan and unconditionally spoke up for him.

No wonder Lu Shangyan would risk telling him the truth, and even though he was always so "direct," Lu Shangyan wasn't angry at all. It turns out that Lu Shangyan knew in his heart that Jian Guo was someone he could trust from beginning to end.

Pei Yumin looked at Jian Guo and said with certainty, "Don't worry, I will do everything I can to find the best doctors and use the most advanced technology to ensure that nothing happens to him."

Jian Guo glared at him through gritted teeth: "You better keep your word!"

After he finished speaking, he took a tissue and covered his face. In that instant, he had deeply considered how helpless and scared he would be if he were pregnant.

He felt sorry for Lu Shangyan.

Xia Li remained frozen in place, listening to their conversation, her gaze fixed on Lu Shangyan's stomach, never wavering, as if she were completely isolated from the world, sitting there in a daze.

After Lu Shangyan zipped up his clothes again, she blinked several times and turned her gaze back to Lu Shangyan's face.

In those few short minutes, her worldview underwent its largest restructuring in twenty years.

"Depend on!"

This was the first time she had ever sworn so emotionally.

Lu Shangyan was startled by her sudden roar.

Xia Li rubbed her face: "Lu Shangyan, you're keeping a low profile and doing big things!"

“You should have told us sooner. These past few months at school must have been very difficult for you, trying to avoid being discovered. If you had told us sooner, we could have helped cover for you.”

She cursed several more times, almost wanting to jump up and spin around on the spot, but finally she put her hands on the table and forced herself to hold back.

"I just remembered the time I asked you to help me set up my stall, and you were so slow. I really regret it now, having a pregnant woman... a pregnant man help me with the work!"

Lu Shangyan was also stunned. Xia Li usually seemed quite lively and well-behaved, but now she was completely different.

Xia Li gulped down two glasses of cold water and let out a heavy sigh: "Lu Shangyan, you're fucking awesome!"

Jian Guo crumpled up a wet tissue and threw it at her: "Can you keep your voice down? Don't let the people outside hear us!"

Xia Li then covered her mouth and whispered, "Yes, yes, I was too excited."

After saying that, he gave Lu Shangyan two thumbs up and said, "Awesome, awesome, awesome."

Awesome ×N.

Lu Shangyan was a little embarrassed. He laughed awkwardly a few times and started looking around.

Jian Guo finally calmed down: "Don't worry, we will definitely keep this a secret for you."

Lu Shangyan finally found an opportunity to get down to business: "I can only tell you two about this for now, because Tuntun is due to be born soon, and she has an exam next week. The doctor also said that there is a high risk of unexpected complications."

“I’m afraid that if something happens… I won’t be able to handle it on my own at school, so I hope you can help me.”

Xia Li immediately said, "What else is there to say?! Help! Of course we'll help!"

Jian Guo pouted, on the verge of tears again: "Don't worry, I will definitely take good care of you two."

Xia Li rolled up her sleeves: "Um, there's something I'm not sure if I should ask."

Lu Shangyan looked at her with a puzzled expression, gesturing for her to continue. Xia Li reached out her hand across the entire table: "Can I touch him?"

Before Lu Shangyan could speak, Pei Yumin quickly refused: "No."

Xia Li awkwardly withdrew her hand: "If you don't want to touch me, then don't."

When he's not around, she'll have plenty of opportunities to sneak around.

Jian Guo originally wanted to touch it too, but when she saw Lu Shangyan release his hand from Pei Yumin's stomach after hearing Pei Yumin's refusal, she knew that it was impossible.

But he was so curious about the child that he couldn't help but ask, "Is his name Tun Tun?"

Lu Shangyan nodded, and Pei Yumin gradually relaxed: "Shangyan gave me the chance to choose this nickname, what do you think? Isn't it nice?"

Pei Yumin had been very anxious lately, but now his shoulders were no longer tense and he looked a little more relaxed.

Lu Shangyan knew that this "confession" had not been in vain.

Jian Guo still looked at him with disdain: "It doesn't sound good." After saying that, she looked at Lu Shangyan again, but after less than a second, her gaze began to gradually move downwards. Ever since she found out that Lu Shangyan was pregnant, she couldn't help but want to look at his belly.

“It would sound even better if Lu Shangyan came to fetch it himself.”

Pei Yumin didn't argue about that: "Of course, that's why I'm really looking forward to Tun Tun's name."

Jian Guo glanced at him sideways: "Tuntun's surname is Lu, right?"

Lu Shangyan had been considering this matter. Originally, he was quite certain that Tun Tun would take his surname, but since he realized that if Tun Tun had the surname Pei, his future path might be much smoother, he began to hesitate.

After much deliberation, he was still afraid that Tun Tun would be bullied in the future, so he tried his best to choose the best path for Tun Tun.

But Pei Yumin remained steadfast on this matter: "Of course, he should be named Lu Tuntun. He was born after Lu Shangyan risked his life, so of course he should take his surname."

Jian Guo's gaze softened a little as she looked at him: "That's more like it."

"But don't think that just because Tun Tun has the surname Lu, you can shirk your responsibility as another father. You have to let everyone know that Tun Tun is also your precious baby, and you must protect him."

Pei Yumin readily agreed: "Of course. Although I cannot admit in front of the media that I am also another biological father of Tun Tun, I can announce that Tun Tun is the next generation of the Pei family."

Jian Guo was stunned for a moment, then gradually realized what he meant: "Your family does have a 'throne' to inherit. If you dare to declare that he is your family's next generation, it is equivalent to acknowledging that he is the heir of the Pei family. In the future, Tun Tun will be able to rely on a powerful backer for support."

After he finished speaking, a smile finally appeared on his face: "Now I find you much more pleasing to the eye. I hope you and Lu Shangyan can always be happy together."

Lu Shangyan hadn't expected Pei Yumin to do this; he remembered clearly what Yuan Qingwan had said when she came to his house last time.

Since Yuan Qingwan saw that Pei Yumin's marriage partner was a man and realized that they wouldn't have children, even someone who looked down on Yuan Qingyu came to her house and forced a child on Pei Yumin.

Not to mention other relatives; many may have already probed or openly spoken to him without his knowledge.

If Pei Yumin were to actually admit to Tun Tun, the pressure he would face would be immense, given the hardships he has endured with his relatives over the years.

After seeing Xia Li and Jian Guo off, Lu Shangyan finally had a chance to ask him, "Do your relatives agree to what you're doing?"

Pei Yumin was very puzzled: "He didn't have any objections?" After saying that, seeing Lu Shangyan's worried eyes, he finally realized that he hadn't explained to Lu Shangyan that, apart from Yuan Qingwan, all his elders actually doted on him!

Pei Yumin took a deep breath and said slowly, "Anyway, I'm all grown up now, and they can't control what I want to do. As long as my parents support me, their opinions don't matter at all."

Lu Shangyan was still a little worried: "Really?"

"But didn't you say they would do everything in their power to deal with you? What if they don't approve of Tun Tun in the future? Won't they also do everything in their power to deal with him?"

Pei Yumin quickly replied, "No, I am completely different now than before. They need to rely on my family for a living, so they wouldn't dare to cause trouble and make me angry."

Lu Shangyan didn't understand what the feuds between wealthy families were all about. He only knew that in Chongxian, a small county town, he couldn't even handle his family's trivial matters because of a few hundred thousand yuan.

If things escalate again, it might really turn into a bloodbath.

He sighed and finally settled the matter of whose surname Tun Tun should take once again: "Let Tun Tun take the surname Lu with me. That way, if something unpredictable happens in the future, there might still be room for maneuver."

Pei Yumin paused while driving, and he began to regret making up a persona for himself in front of Lu Shangyan.

And now he has a new goal: to make Lu Shangyan understand that his elders and siblings will not cause him any trouble.

They have "changed" now and are a loving family.

Pei Yumin thought about it and decided to wait until Tun Tun was born before slowly telling Lu Shangyan, so as not to let Lu Shangyan give birth to Tun Tun on the spot in a fit of emotion.

—

On the day of the exam, it started snowing heavily again.

The journey from home to school has taken nearly half an hour longer than before, but fortunately, Lu Shangyan's classes are usually scheduled in the afternoon, so it hasn't had a significant impact on him.

But during exam week, he had to get up very early every day and stay up late to study, so he looked much more tired than usual.

To let him sleep a little longer, Pei Yumin would get up early every day to dress him and quickly carry him to the car while he was still drowsy, so that he could sleep a little longer in the car.

At first, Lu Shangyan refused, because that would leave him with no chance to wash up.

Pei Yumin immediately offered to drive him in a motorhome so that Lu Shangyan could have a bed to lie on on the road and sleep more soundly. However, Lu Shangyan felt that this was too ostentatious and that it would be too strange to drive a motorhome directly into the campus.

Pei Yumin started by filling a thermos with diluted warm water, placing a small bucket in the car, and preparing a set of toiletries. He woke him up when they were almost at school, and then he washed up in the car.

Lu Shangyan struggled for only one day before being won over by Pei Yumin's attentive service.

From the time he finished his exams until the end, Pei Yumin would wait outside the teaching building after each of his drop-offs, fearing that if any unexpected situation occurred, he wouldn't be able to get to Lu Shangyan's side immediately. He didn't want Lu Shangyan to be afraid for too long.

If circumstances allowed, he really wanted to sit next to Lu Shangyan and take the exam with him.

After each exam, Jian Guo would wait for Lu Shangyan. His legs were swollen, making it very inconvenient for him to walk. Jian Guo was known to everyone as "love to act cute," and he liked to stick close to both boys and girls.

He now sticks close to Lu Shangyan every day, holding his arm and letting him put all his weight on him. Since there is no elevator in the school, Lu Shangyan has great difficulty climbing the stairs every time.

For the first exam, the classroom was on the fifth floor. When he was halfway up the stairs, he was panting heavily and his stomach was also very upset. He leaned against the wall at the corner of the stairs for a long time to recover.

He started to regret it again... Ever since his pregnancy progressed, he would always regret things over the smallest things.

This time, he regretted that he shouldn't have been so stubborn and insisted on taking the exam. If he had, perhaps he wouldn't have had to travel in such an odd posture and spend the entire exam in fear.

He also had to trouble Xia Li and Jian Guo to take care of him at all times, and Pei Yumin had to wait outside all the time, even though it was snowing outside.

But there was no use in regretting it. His mind had indeed become exceptionally sensitive, but he shouldn't have shed tears at this moment. He could only wait until no one was around before slowly helping Jian Guo or Pei Yumin up.

Fortunately, the exam time wasn't too long. After Lu Shangyan handed in his last exam paper, he relaxed completely, and the thing he was worried about didn't happen.

When Pei Yumin saw him emerge safely, his lips trembled. Perhaps Lu Shangyan's sensitive emotions had transferred to him, and he inexplicably felt like crying.

That very evening, Pei Yumin packed his bags, not daring to linger for a moment, intending to take Lu Shangyan directly to the hospital.

But Lu Shangyan said, "I don't want to go to the hospital." He patted Tuntun on the shoulder and said, "There's still no sign of anything. It'll probably be a while before we know it."

"Uncle Wu also said that it will be after the New Year in February, which is still half a month away."

“That won’t do either.” Pei Yumin refused decisively: “You promised me you’d go to the hospital after the exams. You can’t go back on your word.”

Lu Shangyan popped a grape into his mouth, slowly chewed it, and then said with a lack of confidence, "But I don't really like hospitals. I get nervous when I go there."

Pei Yumin squatted down and looked at him: "But if you're at home, a doctor can't get to you within a minute."

Lu Shangyan said, "This is the first year we've spent together, and I don't want to spend it in the hospital."

He hadn't celebrated the New Year since his parents passed away, and this was the first time in all these years that he had his family with him for the New Year.

Pei Yumin was particularly insistent on this matter: "Then I'll have my parents stay in the hospital as well. Anyway, most of the VIP rooms are empty. I'll negotiate with the hospital if I have oxygen deficiency."

Startled, Lu Shangyan quickly grabbed his hand: "Forget it, let's just have the two of us."

Pei Yumin was finally satisfied: "I'll take a shower with you later, and then we'll go to the hospital to complete the formalities first thing tomorrow morning."

Lu Shangyan had no choice but to agree.

After Pei Yumin left, he started talking in the small group.

[S: When are you planning to go home?]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: I've been home the whole time, what's up?]

[Roasted chestnuts (Godmother's version: Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask.)]

[Roasted chestnuts (Godmother version: I have some things to do at school, I'll be back in about five days. Is there anything I can help you with? @s]

[Jian Fugui (prospective godfather version): I have a train ticket for the day after tomorrow. I'm free anyway, do you want me to come keep you company and help you pass the time? @s]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: What are you two talking about so mysteriously?]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: Also, what's with your usernames? What's with these godparents and couple usernames?]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: Wait a minute, Jian Guo, aren't you a straight guy? What's wrong? Have you become straight like me after just a few days?]

[Jian Fugui (prospective godfather version: I already told you to stop asking questions!)]

[Jian Fugui (prospective godfather version: There are some things you shouldn't know, so don't ask!]]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: I feel like I'm being isolated by you guys, but I can't find any evidence.]

[Roasted chestnuts (Godmother's version: Isn't the evidence obvious? Stop pretending you can't see it!)]

Lu Shangyan couldn't hold back any longer and slowly typed out.

[P.S.: I'll send you my location after I arrive tomorrow. If you're free, you can come visit me, because I'll be quite bored for a long time to come.]

He could already imagine Pei Yumin's attitude after he entered the hospital; he would definitely prevent him from leaving the hospital!

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: Are you really isolating me? If this continues, I'm leaving the group!]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: So before I leave the group, you'd better tell me everything! This is my last chance for you!]

[Jian Fugui (prospective godfather version: Hurry up and leave the group! I told you long ago, you shouldn't be in this group!]]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: Who are you insulting?!]

[S: Stop arguing. I'm pregnant and will be forced to be hospitalized tomorrow. I'm bored alone in the hospital and want someone to keep me company.]

[Xiao Fu is not Xiao Jian: If you don't want to tell me, don't make up these kinds of stories! Who would believe that?!]

[Jian Fugui (prospective godfather version: I told you but you wouldn't believe me anyway, fine! Just leave the group!]]

Lu Shangyan was both amused and exasperated. He knew that Jian Guo and Zhao Jian liked to bicker in the group chat all the time, and sometimes when they met, they would dislike each other. Although they disliked each other, they never actually had a fight.

After looking at it for a while, he noticed that the bowl of grapes was empty, so he quickly left a message:

[S: It's true. If you don't believe me, come to the hospital tomorrow and have a look too.]

After saying that, he sneaked back to the kitchen, intending to eat another bunch of grapes.

But as soon as he opened the refrigerator, before he could even touch the grapes, Pei Yumin rushed downstairs: "Don't eat them!"

He didn't make a sound, so he didn't know how Pei Yumin found out.

He saw Pei Yumin stand in front of him and close the refrigerator. He couldn't help but ask, "Did you install surveillance cameras all over this house? Otherwise, how come you know exactly what I do right away?"

A hint of unease flashed in Pei Yumin's eyes, but since he had his back to Lu Shangyan, Lu Shangyan did not notice.

When he turned around, his expression had already composed itself: "No, how could I do such a thing?"

"It's because I like you so much that we have a telepathic connection."

Lu Shangyan looked puzzled: "Really? Then why don't I have it?"

Pei Yumin was at a loss for words, but luckily his phone rang immediately; it was Tang Suichen.

He didn't want to accept it at first, but fearing that Lu Shangyan would keep asking him to explain, he had no choice but to accept it.

Before he could even speak after the call connected, Tang Suichen yelled, "Lu Shangyan is pregnant?! He's a man, how could he be pregnant?!"