Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Boss and His Wife
From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, I stayed in bed. Even when I went to the toilet, Chu Zhen carried me. On the sixth day, he had to go to work, so we went back to the city. My parents also came with us to the city. Chu Zhen was worried about me at home, so my parents offered to take care of me here so that Chu Zhen could go to work with peace of mind.
While at home, I contacted my supervisor and applied for resignation. Ever since I learned that the car accident might have been caused by someone, I was worried about Chu Zhen. Since Chu Zhen had offered to work with him, I also had a reason to stay by his side. My supervisor didn't try to persuade me to stay. He said I was a thoughtful person and respected every decision I made. However, Ling Yiyi was particularly upset and tried to persuade me in various ways when she came to visit me, but she couldn't shake my determination to leave.
After resting at home for a while, all my indicators were normal when I went to the hospital for a prenatal checkup. We were all relieved. After much persuasion, Chu Zhen finally agreed to let me work at the radio station, and I officially became a member of the TV station.
"Lin Dang, that's great! I can finally work with you again." Xiao Ai was especially excited after helping me get my work permit.
"Just tell us what needs to be done, and we'll take care of it."
“As long as you’re here, Teacher Chu won’t have a stern face anymore. You have no idea how worried we were every day during the two years you went to teach in the rural area.”
"Yes, I remember when Lin Dang returned to City A, Teacher Chu's mood was also unpredictable."
"I really didn't expect that after going through so much, you two would finally be together and even have a child together."
......
Everyone surrounded me, chatting amongst themselves. It was clear that my return made them very happy, but it sounded more like an accusation against Chu Zhen.
"Alright, everyone get back to work. We have a department dinner tonight. Xiao Ai, see where everyone wants to go." After saying that, Chu Zhen grabbed my hand from the crowd and walked towards the office, leaving behind a chorus of envious whispers.
"Now we single people are going to have to eat dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection) every day!"
"Yes, a golden bachelor like Teacher Chu would absolutely spoil Lin Dang rotten once he's in a relationship, especially now that Lin Dang is pregnant. Good heavens, not only will he be physically exhausted from work, but he'll also be emotionally devastated by their public displays of affection. He can't take it!"
"It's not so bad, with Lin Dang around, Teacher Chu definitely won't exploit us like before, and we'll have more time to date~"
......
"Teacher Chu, it seems your temper hasn't changed at all!"
"So, do you think we should make changes?" Chu Zhen pressed me down into the seat, deliberately lowering his body.
"Lin Dang~"
"Yes, I'm sorry, please continue." Xiao Ai hurriedly tried to leave.
"Wait a minute, what are you doing?" Chu Zhen called out.
"Um, everyone wants to ask if Lin Dang has any dietary restrictions, since pregnant women need to be careful about their diet."
"It's okay, I don't have any dietary restrictions, I can eat anything, you guys choose what you like!"
After Xiao Ai left, I honestly had no idea how she would describe the scene that had just happened. I still remember that my relationship with Chu Zhen was exposed because Xiao Ai witnessed it.
Although I said I could eat anything, everyone still considered my preferences after seeing the location and chose a well-regarded local Shanghainese restaurant. When Chu Zhen and I arrived, the place was already full.
"Teacher Chu, do you want to say something?" everyone egged on.
After settling me in, Chu Zhen stood up and said, "Don't call me Teacher Chu outside. Just call me Chu Zhen."
“No way, you’re already the oldest among us, and you’re a leader.” As soon as Xiao Ai finished speaking, she realized something was wrong. She had actually said that Chu Zhen was old. Xiao Ai gave me a look of support, but to her surprise, Chu Zhen didn’t get angry.
"If you're older, just call me Brother Chu and Sister-in-law Lin Dang."
"Sister-in-law? Not bad, sister-in-law~ How about we call you boss?" Xiao Ai seemed to be too excited, and every word she said today felt like a landmine.
"Okay, from now on you don't need to call me Teacher Chu anymore. Boss? That's pretty good."
Chu Zhen's casual remark instantly elevated my seniority. In fact, many of my colleagues are older than me, and besides, we're only nominally senior to each other now.
During the meal, everyone toasted me, and I kept offering tea instead of wine, but I always felt it wasn't quite right.
"Sister-in-law, how did you two meet?" After a few rounds of drinks, everyone started gossiping.
"It must have been the boss who pursued her. I remember when she first joined the department, her looks completely outshone the top female hosts at the TV station!"
"What? Your sister-in-law is very beautiful now, but she has an added touch of maternal love." The speaker was Xiao Xiao, who was recruited by the department a couple of years ago. This was the first time I met her. She was quite eloquent, but the way Xiao Ai looked at Xiao Xiao made me feel like there was something going on between them.
"Hey boss, when are you planning to invite us to your wedding?" a colleague suddenly asked.
"Anytime, as long as Lin Dang is ready." Chu Zhen looked at me with eyes full of doting affection. I was almost melted by his gaze. This man is so charming.
"I'm available anytime!"
"Okay, let's get married tomorrow!"
"I think you've had too much to drink!" I patted Chu Zhen on the shoulder.
Chu Zhen was exceptionally happy today. He had almost never attended a department dinner before, and this was his first time. He even let others call him "boss" and was so relaxed and at ease with everyone. After dinner, everyone went to sing karaoke. Because of my health, Chu Zhen and I left first. The place wasn't far from home, and since Chu Zhen had been drinking, we walked back together.
"You didn't eat much tonight, are you hungry?"
"A little." I touched my belly. I don't know why, but my appetite has increased since I got pregnant, and most importantly, I'm not picky about food anymore.
"Would you like something spicy?"
"Okay~" This is the first time Chu Zhen has allowed me to eat spicy food. Before, he always made me all kinds of bland food, and I was getting tired of it. I had been thinking about that place's skewers.
As expected, Chu Zhen and I had the same idea, and he took me to that skewers shop.
I took the pork kidneys, lamb testicles, and lots of other meat dishes, which are my and Huang Yanyan's favorites.
"The taste is indeed good. In the years you were away, I often came here to eat, always hoping to run into you by chance." Chu Zhen had actually gotten used to the spicy hot pot. I still remember that time he ordered all mushroom dishes.
"Fool, knowing I'm in the mountains, what are you waiting for here for?"
"There will always be a time for vacation, and a time to come back, right?"
"Then why don't you come find me?"
"I went there and watched you from afar. I saw you playing happily with a group of children. I felt that you must have been very happy at that time, so I didn't go over to disturb you," Chu Zhen recalled.
"You've been there?" I was a little surprised; I had no idea.
"At first, I was full of resentment, but I gradually let it go. I wanted to know how you were doing, so I couldn't help but go. After that, I went to see you about once a month," Chu Zhen said casually.
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