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The feeling of life sprouting within her was so concrete and overwhelming, it redefined Lin Xiaoning's world in a gentle yet undeniable way. The days of pregnancy felt like being immersed in a highly concentrated, slow-flowing amber liquid. All the noise, calculations, and disputes of the outside world were isolated by this thick, physiologically magical filter, becoming blurred and distant. Her entire mind, as if drawn by an invisible thread, was firmly tied to her ever-growing belly.
Every prenatal checkup felt like a sacred pilgrimage. Listening to the rapid, horse-like heartbeat beneath the ultrasound probe, watching the tiny figure gradually emerge on the screen, sometimes curled up, sometimes stretched out, Lin Xiaoning always felt a surge of emotion, almost trembling. It was a primal, direct connection with life, transcending all language and rational analysis. When the doctor pointed to a spot on the image and gently informed her, "Baby's healthy, just a little naughty. The umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, not a big deal, but you should pay attention to counting the fetal movements," her heart, just filled with happiness, was instantly gripped by a subtle yet sharp worry.
Umbilical cord around neck. These four words, like a small incantation, woke her up suddenly in the middle of the night, her palms breaking into a cold sweat. She would instinctively touch her belly, holding her breath, sensing the movement within. The little one seemed to sense her anxiety and became more active. Often, in the dead of night, he would suddenly launch into a "punch and kick" routine within her belly, one after another, the force clearly transmitted to her palms. This strange interaction, with a touch of playful provocation yet filled with undeniable vitality, strangely soothed her. She began to learn to communicate with this tiny life she had yet to meet, gently soothing its mischief and reminding her of the vastness and promise of the world outside. Wang Shumin, even more nervous, like a sentry on call, would listen to the fetal heartbeat every night, confirming the strong, steady beat before daring to close his eyes. This sense of closeness, as a couple, protecting a tiny life together, was something Lin Xiaoning had never experienced before. It was simple, yet deeply moving.
Just as she was almost completely immersed in this microcosm of a future mother, Zhao Qing's visit, like a small pebble, briefly shattered this amber tranquility. Zhao Qing still looked as shrewd and capable as ever, his gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses as calm as usual, but his tone was a little more formal and gentle than usual.
"Mr. Lin, are you feeling well?" she greeted, her gaze sweeping across Lin Xiaoning's swollen belly without any emotion. "Regarding the situation at the film and television company, the board of directors has made new considerations. In view of your current health and the fact that you will need to focus on raising children for at least the next year, the company has decided to integrate all of 'Daystar Pictures' projects and personnel under the unified management of the Group Public Relations Department. You will remain the general manager in name only and receive the corresponding benefits, while specific matters will be coordinated by Mr. Liu. This will also facilitate resource integration and improve efficiency."
Zhao Qing's words were steady and clear, without any hint of personal influence. It was entirely the optimal solution from the perspective of company operations. Lin Xiaoning listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously resting on her belly, feeling the gentle pushes of the little one inside. She knew in her heart that this was just Xu Wu's way of seizing power. Ever since she neglected management during her pregnancy, her subordinates had become restless, especially after the "loyalty" drama at the annual meeting. "Morning Star" had long been dead in name only. Lately, no one had come to her for instructions or reports on any work. A faint sense of loss, like falling autumn leaves, passed through her heart, but it was quickly replaced by a stronger fetal movement in her abdomen. It was a more concrete and urgent practical need.
She raised her head, a calm, even slightly relieved smile on her face. "Okay, Mr. Zhao. I understand the company's decision and agree with this arrangement. At this stage, the child is truly more important." She didn't hesitate, as if she had unloaded a burden that had long weighed heavy on her. Zhao Qing seemed a little surprised by her straightforwardness. He pushed his glasses, gave a few formal instructions about resting and taking care of the baby, and then stood up to take his leave. The whole process was brief and efficient, without a trace of unnecessary warmth, but neither was it cold or callous, like dealing with an expired contract.
This tiny ripple was quickly drowned out by the more mundane gossip brought by Sister Wang. Sister Wang was now a frequent visitor to the villa, and the news she brought was like a dish of sour and spicy pickles, adding a touch of excitement to Lin Xiaoning's bland pregnancy life.
"Oh my God, Mr. Lin, you have no idea!" Sister Wang slapped her thigh and said in a loud voice, "After your film and television company was merged with us, wow, it really was like a duck in water! Mr. Liu used those handsome men and beautiful women to perfection! Now our PR department, wow, the scene is almost as good as a high-end club! The only thing missing is the price tags!"
She winked and described it vividly, "Those little starlets, each relying on their looks and the aura of a star, are so reckless! Drinking companionship? That's basic skill! These days, when discussing projects, especially with banks and those government officials who hold the power of approval, you can't even get through the door without some 'lively' presentation! I heard that in order to secure a huge loan for that new factory in Africa, Liu Feng personally led the team, bringing his most capable 'Heng Ha' generals—Lisa and Xiaoya—to entertain the bank's president, Hu. That scene...tsk tsk, I heard there were so many tricks, it was almost unbearable to watch! But the effect was really great, such a large loan amount was approved!"
Sister Wang's tone was a mixture of disdain, wonder, and a hint of excitement, just watching the fun unfold. "Also, these days, government officials, both big and small, love to come to our company for 'research and guidance'! Why? Because the PR department's beautiful women treat us so well! Serving tea and water is just the beginning; they also accompany us for meals, sing songs, and even... oh, I can't even begin to describe it! Anyway, our company's reputation is already well-known. They say the threshold of Changqing Chemical was built with beautiful women! Billions of dollars? Of course not! I heard the contract in Africa has been signed, and President Liu is about to lead the expedition to expand our territory! This money will really flow into our company like the Yangtze River!"
Lin Xiaoning listened to these vivid descriptions, but her expression was as if she were listening to an absurd story that had nothing to do with her. She occasionally took a sip of warm water or gently patted the restless little creature in her belly in response. The power struggles and unbearable unspoken rules that once exhausted her now sounded so distant and... boring. It was like watching a poorly written farce, the characters performing with all their might, but she lacked even the desire to comment. Nothing seemed more real, nothing made her heart beat faster, than the sudden swelling of a small bump under her palm or the rapid "punches and kicks" of the little creature. Her entire imagination was consumed by sketching out the appearance of this little person: Whose eyes would it resemble? Whose nose would it resemble? Would it be beautiful? What if... she encountered difficulties? These thoughts filled the blank spaces of her life.
Of course, pregnancy is not all perfect happiness. There is a small thing that occasionally makes her feel a little uncomfortable and confused. After the second trimester, the changes in hormones in the body sometimes make her have strong physical needs. She has read information and consulted doctors, and knows that as long as the body allows, moderate sexual life is safe and even beneficial. She even occasionally takes the initiative to hint or lightly tease Wang Shumin with a little shyness and expectation. However, Wang Shumin's reaction surprised her. This man who was obsessed with her body and spent nights with her, seemed to have suddenly slammed on the brakes since confirming the pregnancy, becoming unusually restrained and "serious". When she approaches, he will hug her gently but firmly, then gently kiss her forehead and say, "Beloved, not now, for the sake of the baby, we have to endure it." There is love and responsibility in his eyes, but the only thing missing is the fiery desire he had before.
Once or twice, Lin Xiaoning understood that he was considerate. But after so many times, she couldn't help feeling a subtle sense of melancholy and confusion. She believed that Wang Shumin would not go out and cheat, and his life trajectory was as simple and transparent as the blue sky of the plateau. But this sudden and complete abstinence formed a huge contrast with his previous behavior, which made her feel a little awkward, as if a certain intimate bond between the two of them had been silently severed. She could only attribute this to the overly tense sense of responsibility of the prospective father, or the stereotyped thinking brought about by his military background. Occasionally, in the dead of night, when desire was slightly surging, she couldn't help but secretly smile bitterly, self-deprecatingly thinking that this was probably one of the sweet burdens.
The days passed by in anticipation and some trivial worries. During the last prenatal checkup, the doctor looked at the B-ultrasound image and frowned slightly: "The fetus is a little big, estimated to be more than eight kilograms. Although the pelvic condition is good, the risk of natural birth is high, and a cesarean section is recommended." Lin Xiaoning, who had always insisted on wanting a natural birth and believed that it would be better for the child, was silent for a moment after hearing this conclusion. She stroked her bulging belly, and the little guy inside seemed to sense something and kicked her hard. She suddenly felt relieved, and even thought with a bit of humor: Well, a cesarean section may keep the birth canal tight, just think of it as... a little extra benefit for Wang Shumin in the future. This thought flashed through her mind, and she found it a little funny, but it also diluted her fear of the operation.
On the day of surgery, as the anesthetic took effect and she lost consciousness, her last feeling was a gentle pulling sensation as her abdomen was cut open. It wasn't painful, just a strange sense of emptiness. Then, a loud, almost ear-piercing cry. The voice was resonant and full of energy.
"A boy! Weighing 7.8 jins! Mother and child are safe!" The nurse's voice was steady.
"Look, this is a little penis, confirm it."
When the red, wrinkled little creature, wrapped in swaddling clothes, was brought before her, Lin Xiaoning's tears burst forth without warning. It wasn't sadness, nor was it grievance; it was a completely uncontrollable, surging feeling of happiness that washed over every nerve in her body. She couldn't even remember how many years it had been since she'd cried like this. The tears were scalding, burning her cheeks, yet they brought her a sense of unprecedented relief and cleansing. Looking at the tiny being, with its tiny nose and eyes, who seemed to combine all of her and Wang Shumin's characteristics, she felt that all the suffering, struggle, and confusion she had experienced in the past had finally been compensated and redeemed in this moment.
Throughout her pregnancy, she felt as if she were undergoing a long, effective memory rewriting. Those once unforgettable memories—Ye Yidong's affectionate eyes, Zhao Xianqi's wise and complex words, those chaotic nights and transactions—had become utterly blurred, like faded old photographs, stripped of their vivid details and emotional ties. They seemed completely overshadowed and washed away by the overwhelming presence of this new life, becoming irrelevant, as if they had never truly existed. Her world, with unprecedented clarity and simplicity, focused on this newly arrived, hungry baby.
Wang Shumin was so excited he was incoherent, and his parents wept with joy. The hospital room was filled with the joy of a new life and the warmth of family. Lin Xiaoning lay in bed, exhausted but incredibly content, looking at her son sleeping beside her. She felt her life had never been so complete and grounded. Outside the window, the sun shone brightly, and everything was filled with hope. It seemed that the time sealed in amber had finally borne the most precious fruit.
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