Ning Yunhuan was only eighteen this year. Although this Chinese law differed slightly from the one before she transmigrated, the regulations still stipulated that a girl could not marry before the age of twenty.

When Lan Lingyan heard her reason, he let out a cold laugh. “Do you think I lack the capability to adjust your registered age by a few years?” As he spoke and saw Ning Yunhuan looking as if she’d been struck by lightning several times, he gently smoothed her hair again and leisurely continued, “Or, we could go to Italy; we can register there.” He seemed to offer two choices, and in her panic, having been hit by his barrage of statements, Ning Yunhuan chose without thinking, “Then I’ll go to Italy.”

No woman willingly adds years to her age, not even the most rational one, as no woman wants to be told she looks old. After Ning Yunhuan spoke, she saw Lan Lingyan nod with satisfaction. “Since it’s decided, we leave tomorrow. I’ll go prepare. Food has already been made for you in the kitchen; rest well, and it will be ready when you wake up.” Saying this, he finally stood up, his tall figure slowly exiting the room. Only then did Ning Yunhuan realize: why did she have to choose? She could have firmly insisted on delaying the marriage. When had Lan Lingyan managed to maneuver her into making a choice according to his will?

Lan Lingyan was far too cunning; this man specialized in manipulating people, making them fall into his traps like his prey, dizzy and unaware of how thoroughly he was playing them!

It was likely that going to Italy was his original intention; he just needed to force her to say it aloud. Although she didn't know why they had to go to Italy, Ning Yunhuan’s face was stiff. After Lan Lingyan had been gone for a while, she couldn’t help but let out a low moan and pounded the bed.

In the first few days of being pregnant, once she vomited, Ning Yunhuan felt distinctly unwell. Although she didn't know what Lan Lingyan had instructed the kitchen to prepare, after eating what they made, the nausea subsided. However, she became listless and dizzy all day, wanting only to collapse onto the bed to sleep. Naturally, she couldn't go to school; with this level of morning sickness, her classmates would surely guess something was up.

Lan Lingyan arranged for her to get the paperwork to be an exchange student in England for one year. By now, the little sprout in Ning Yunhuan’s belly was over a month old, and she would give birth in about half a year. Including the confinement period, a year would be ample time for her to deliver the child!

When she received the documents, Ning Yunhuan’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. She refused to believe Lan Lingyan hadn't planned this long ago. Seeing how decisive he was, Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but feel a grim premonition that she might never escape the bleak prospects of the rest of her life.

Using the excuse of being an exchange student, Lan Lingyan effortlessly obtained all of Ning Yunhuan’s documentation. With everything under his control, the master of the Ninth Lan household, pleased with himself, waved his hand and granted her permission for a day out, letting her return to the Ning family home.

Upon arriving at the familiar Ning residence, Ning Yunhuan was so overcome with joy she almost wept. Perhaps it was because she had called ahead yesterday, but today, not only Madam Ning was present, but also the usually industrious Father Ning, who should have been at the company at this hour, and the conspicuous Ning Yuncheng, languidly dozing on the sofa. Hearing the sound of the housekeeper unlocking the door first, and then seeing Ning Yunhuan enter the villa carrying things, Ning Yuncheng couldn't help but sneer, “Well, look who’s back! Our highly accomplished British exchange student!”

Ning Yuncheng had earned his Master’s degree in England, but for a second-generation heir like him, as long as the family business stood and Father Ning was alive, he would never lack for comfort. He never needed to exert himself in his studies; going to England was merely for show. Initially, he even brought his own translator, but after spending over six years there, his greatest gain, apart from befriending other pleasure-seeking heirs, was speaking fluent English.

Since Ning Yunhuan had set him up last time, Father Ning had cut off his platinum card. Now, he toiled like a dog at the company, earning a meager salary comparable to office workers, barely enough to take out a woman, which was humiliating. This had bred deep resentment in him. However, Father Ning held the purse strings, and he had been thoroughly disciplined into submission lately. Seeing Ning Yunhuan now unleashed a surge of both old and new grudges:

“Did some old pervert take a liking to you and sleep with you to arrange this whole thing? You can’t even speak English, yet you’re going to study in Britain?” Ning Yuncheng burst into laughter, quickly muttered something under his breath, and then looked back at Ning Yunhuan with mockery, “Do you even understand what I just said?”

Ning Yunhuan wasn't foolish. Having lived two lives and attended university twice, even if her English wasn't excellent, she should be able to grasp basic, simple conversation. However, hearing Ning Yuncheng’s rapid mutterings, she understood not a single word and immediately suspected he was deliberately insulting her. She was already in a foul mood upon returning today, and since Ning Yuncheng had chosen to cross her path, she felt obligated to deal with him. Furthermore, although Ning Yuncheng had spoken carelessly, he had accidentally hit upon a truth, which only soured Ning Yunhuan’s mood further.

“Big Brother, you needed a translator when you went to England; why can’t I go? Besides, after staying in Britain for so many years, is all Brother managed to learn just a few simple phrases?” Ning Yunhuan rolled her eyes, appearing outwardly calm, and even offered a smile as she exchanged a few words with Ning Yuncheng.

Ning Yuncheng knew this girl had been at odds with him since he returned. Just as he sensed something was amiss in her tone, Ning Yunhuan seemed to lower her head sadly and murmured softly, “Since you weren't an exchange student, now you’re just envious of others.”

Before Ning Yuncheng could get angry at that remark, Father Ning snapped. Having kept his son close recently, he was fully aware of how dissolute Ning Yuncheng's former life had been. Not only did the young scoundrel constantly scheme to extort money from him, but he had affairs with nearly every female celebrity associated with the company! The little bastard couldn't even follow the basic principle of not messing with the grass near his own nest, yet he targeted those closest to him. Father Ning was already furious, and seeing his son nitpick the moment his daughter finally returned only worsened his mood. His face darkened as he roared:

“If you can’t speak civilly, then get out! Your sister is finally back for a short visit, and she’s leaving for a year abroad; if you don't want to see her, I do!” Father Ning suddenly found his son unbearable, grabbed the cup he was holding, and hurled it at him: “Profligate! You’re a mess yourself, yet you dare criticize others. Sort yourself out first!”

Roughly two to three chapters of transition will follow; the detailed description of having a baby is not the focus, as the main highlight is still our Gu Bai-lian, Gu Green Tea... C