After Wang Qiqi and Han Tao completed their wedding formalities, having children immediately moved to the forefront of their agenda. Luo Hongjuan had also stated previously that once Wang Qiqi had a baby, she would let go of her idea of constantly looking after Qiqi. To be honest, Wang Qiqi wasn't overly eager for her to come; perhaps her relationship with her mother-in-law would remain amicable, but with a child involved, Luo Hongjuan and she might inevitably clash, leaving Wang Qiqi unsure how to navigate their relationship dynamics. Wang Qiqi had tried not to dwell on these worries, but the arrival of her expected relative—which was always prompt—was late, and even though she hadn't conceived before, Wang Qiqi knew what that sudden absence implied.

Han Tao looked up when he heard Wang Qiqi’s soft sigh. Although she hadn't spoken, as her husband, how could he not notice subtle changes in her body? "What is it?" Han Tao still hoped to hear her voice confirm whatever it was.

Wang Qiqi's expression wasn't great, but although someone else might have controlled it perfectly, her smile betrayed her. Wang Qiqi pouted, "I think... I might be pregnant." She planned to ask the workaholic to take the next day off to accompany her to the hospital. Otherwise, Wang Qiqi genuinely wouldn't dare go; mainly because she absolutely loathed the smell of disinfectant, and besides, pregnancy was such monumental news that Han Tao deserved to be there in person when she found out, not just hear it over the phone or afterwards.

"I'll go with you," Han Tao immediately offered, genuinely concerned that Qiqi might suggest asking Lu Qiaowei to accompany her to spare him from missing work.

"Okay," Wang Qiqi replied, feeling quite happy about Han Tao's proactive offer to go to the hospital with her.

After a series of examinations, the doctor looked at the eagerly waiting Wang Qiqi and Han Tao. "Congratulations. Although it’s still early, less than four weeks."

Even though the couple had held a strong suspicion, receiving official confirmation brought overwhelming joy. Calculating from the timing, Han Tao and Wang Qiqi were certain this must be a honeymoon baby. "Thank you." Barring any major complications, Wang Qiqi knew this doctor would be overseeing her entire pregnancy.

The doctor was long past being surprised by the myriad of reactions new parents exhibited upon hearing the news. After an initial burst of excitement, Wang Qiqi and Han Tao remembered they were in a clinic and profusely apologized. "Sorry, sorry, we got a bit carried away."

Han Tao knew that compared to foreigners, their display of emotion had been rather restrained. He shifted the focus, inquiring about the necessary precautions moving forward and when the next check-up should be. The doctor then detailed specific care Wang Qiqi needed to take regarding her health and scheduled the follow-up appointment. After thanking the doctor again, Han Tao moved to scoop up Xiao Rourou to head toward the door.

Xiao Rourou was certainly not letting him pick her up, especially not now. If she were alone, that would be one thing, but she wasn't alone now. What if the young man wasn't agile enough and dropped her? That would be a disaster beyond tears. Last time, during the wedding, amid the teasing from Pangzi and others, Han Tao had tried to lift her, and even then, Xiao Rourou felt he struggled. That incident had truly frightened Wang Qiqi. How dared he try again now? "The doctor said walking more is good for labor."

Although Wang Qiqi offered that reason to save Han Tao's pride, Han Tao knew his wife actually found him lacking in strength. While Han Tao did make an effort to exercise generally, he vehemently avoided any muscle-building routines. Not only did he dislike it personally, but Qiqi also didn't care for it, finding overly muscular men akin to bodyguards. Thus, Han Tao happily skipped that kind of training. However, after Qiqi’s subtle critique today, Han Tao began questioning his choices. If he had trained diligently, he could certainly lift Wang Qiqi up in a princess carry. "I'll practice hard when I get back."

Wang Qiqi thought her gesture had clearly conveyed her stance, but she hadn't expected this man to actually intend to train harder. "No need. I think I'm fine like this. I should walk myself, and besides, my body feels heavier every day." Wang Qiqi was secretly calculating how she could attend Zhu Lina's wedding while visibly pregnant.

Wang Qiqi’s sudden shift from excitement to unhappiness startled Han Tao. "What is it? Did something happen?" Had she thought of something upsetting? He suddenly recalled Qiqi and Lu Qiaowei chatting two days prior, seemingly discussing childbirth. At that time, Qiqi’s face had turned pale while mentioning how painful giving birth was. Now, just two days later, she was pregnant. Could it be that thought? "It’s fine. I’ll be with you. If you don't want to give birth naturally, we can opt for a C-section."

A C-section? Wang Qiqi hadn't expected Comrade Han Tao to bring up surgical delivery. "Why are you suddenly suggesting cutting me open? I plan to deliver naturally unless my stamina gives out." Abroad, doctors favored natural birth unless there were medical issues, but domestically, many women chose surgical means. Song Yao and Yang Jing had both opted for C-sections. For Qiqi, natural birth was physically better for recovery, and better for the baby too. Though she couldn't exactly push that suggestion onto Song Yao and the others back then, Wang Qiqi was firm about delivering naturally. "I was just wondering if I can still attend Zhu Lina's wedding?" Out of her small circle of friends, Nana and Manman, in particular, had been with her since Wang Qiqi’s rebirth. They were indispensable in Qiqi’s journey. If it had been Bai Ge’s wedding, Wang Qiqi could easily skip it.

Ah, so she was worried about missing Zhu Lina’s wedding. Han Tao realized his brain simply couldn't keep up with Qiqi's thought process. "It’s alright. You'll be stabilized by then. But do you really want to go?" Although Han Tao knew flying might be possible, a long-haul flight was no joke; even as a man, he found the round trip exhausting. "We'll ask the doctor then, but you know foreigners; they think everything is fine, even skipping the confinement period (Zuo Yuezi)." Western medicine had its merits, but when it came to women skipping the confinement period, Han Tao strongly felt it was inappropriate.

Wang Qiqi knew foreigners didn't observe the confinement period, but she was Chinese, raised since childhood eating traditional fare. She couldn't compare herself to foreigners. "Let's go inform Mom." She wasn't sure if Luo Hongjuan would arrive soon, but having someone at home would bring Wang Qiqi considerable peace of mind, especially since the company had become busy again, forcing Han Tao to work overtime frequently. Although Wang Qiqi was quite independent, the circumstances were different now; she did crave someone’s presence.

Han Tao hummed in agreement. "Mom’s visa hasn’t expired; she can easily come over again." Han Tao planned to wait until his mother settled in for this visit before considering options; if she adapted well to life in the US, he would contemplate facilitating her immigration.

Upon returning home, Han Tao made an international call to Luo Hongjuan to share the news of Wang Qiqi’s pregnancy. Before Han Tao could even ask if she was available to travel, he heard Luo Hongjuan excitedly shouting on the other end that she was booking a flight immediately to care for Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi’s face slightly fell when she heard her mother-in-law was definitely coming. Still, she took the phone to update Luo Hongjuan on her physical condition and asked who would accompany her. When she heard Luo Hongjuan planned to come with Wang Damei, Wang Qiqi froze. She had expected Song Yao to accompany Luo Hongjuan; hadn’t Song Yao mentioned her immigration paperwork was sorted? Why was Wang Damei coming instead? Weren't Wang Damei and Luo Hongjuan the same in that regard? Both had poor English. Even if they took a domestic flight from China, they’d have to switch to a US carrier once they landed.

Han Tao picked up the receiver only to hear the dial tone. He paused, deeply feeling his status had shifted. Previously, after a lengthy chat with Qiqi, his mother would always spend a few more minutes talking to him before hanging up. This time, she’d ended the call without saying a word to him. Although his mother was likely eager to book tickets, surely she didn't need to be that hasty? Couldn't she wait until tomorrow’s flight? And wasn't she supposed to be packing? Regardless, Luo Hongjuan’s affairs were settled. His wife’s expression was peculiar. "Qiqi, what’s wrong?" Had his mother said something on the phone that Qiqi disliked, perhaps telling her to eat more and get plump and fair? Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi hated hearing things like that.

"My aunt is coming with Mom, and they’re bringing Taotao," Wang Qiqi explained, realizing she hadn't contacted Song Yao in quite some time, which explained her lack of knowledge about the situation. "I thought my sister would be accompanying Mom." Ah, Wang Qiqi suddenly remembered that Song Yao was still living in her own house. Although Pangzi had bought a place in the same complex, they planned extensive renovations. Lu Qiaowei had been pouring all her attention into that renovation recently, even consulting Qiqi on design choices and furniture styles. Her seriousness made Wang Qiqi sweat; Qiqi’s own move-in had been rushed, with furniture bought hastily and minimal structural changes.

Han Tao listened and replied, "Then let Auntie and Taotao stay here. It will liven up the house. Do you really think Sister Yao Yao would let them stay in her empty house?"

Wang Qiqi immediately agreed. "You’re right. I’ll tell John tomorrow; I’m starting to work from home." Ha! The day came fast. Wang Qiqi could already picture John's crestfallen expression. Her supervisor would likely weep too. After all the effort invested in cultivating her, she was leaving to have a baby. Even though she’d remain an employee, working from home meant they couldn't rely on her as much.

Han Tao swallowed the retort that John and the others wouldn't let her go easily. He decided to let Qiqi enjoy her mood; otherwise, the girl might insist on resigning and running off with a bun in the oven. Han Tao knew that despite being married, Wang Qiqi craved freedom and always wanted to travel. He worried that without a job, once the child was older, she might take the baby on a world tour—a former dream of hers. Han Tao truly couldn't support that plan, which is why he fully endorsed John’s desire to keep Qiqi employed, even advising him behind the scenes.

Wang Qiqi remained oblivious to Han Tao's internal monologue; otherwise, she would surely be angered enough to quit immediately and run off with her pregnancy. For now, however, Wang Qiqi was focused on sharing the good news with Song Yao back home.

Wang Qiqi hadn't even finished her call with Song Yao when she heard her mother-in-law’s booming voice over the line detailing their arrival time and which US city they were landing in. Along the way, Wang Qiqi received even more surprising news: little Taotao would also be flying to the US with his grandmother and great-grandmother. He would begin his schooling there, starting with kindergarten to boost his English skills. Xiao Rourou’s immediate reaction upon hearing this was to wish for death. Taotao was such a destructive force, and with her own body growing increasingly cumbersome, how could she possibly manage to educate him effectively? Wang Qiqi could only manage a wry, helpless smile. After hanging up, she relayed the unfortunate news to Han Tao. "I have a feeling my sister set me up. Regardless of whether I was pregnant or not, Mom, Auntie, and Taotao were going to come anyway." Although Wang Qiqi had promised to help look after Taotao, now that she was pregnant, she felt overwhelmed at the prospect.

Seeing Wang Qiqi's sudden dip in mood, Han Tao immediately understood it was pregnancy-related. He swiftly put his arm around her shoulder and offered continuous comfort.

Lu Qiaowei, learning that Qiqi’s mother-in-law, aunt, and nephew were coming from overseas, came over to help pack things up. "I’ve spoken to Pangzi about the apartment; we will move out as soon as possible." Since they weren't charging rent and weren't planning to move in, it felt wrong for her to occupy the space now that the rightful owners were arriving; Lu Qiaowei felt quite embarrassed.

"It’s fine. You stay put," Wang Qiqi insisted. Since becoming pregnant, Han Tao handled all the strenuous chores, and Lu Qiaowei often stopped by to help out, which made Wang Qiqi feel guilty. "If you don't stay, my aunt and nephew won't stay there either. At most, they’ll visit during the day." Wang Damei, who loved company, wouldn't enjoy staying in a quiet place with just a boisterous young boy. Furthermore, if anything happened, she, an elderly woman, couldn't handle it. Her English was limited to basic phrases, and the only one who knew more English, Taotao, was still a child. "Just keep the place aired out until we sort things out there."

Despite Wang Qiqi's reassurance, Lu Qiaowei still intended to check on the apartment, hoping they could move in if possible. But she looked at Wang Qiqi’s belly with undisguised envy. Pangzi had become increasingly busy lately, and the company’s prospects were rapidly improving, which left Lu Qiaowei feeling quite insecure. Even her family was pressuring her to conceive soon, reasoning that if she had a child, Pangzi wouldn't dare stray, even if he had any fickle ideas. Lu Qiaowei felt deeply conflicted. She considered herself an educated woman, yet after years of study, her ultimate goal seemed to be becoming a full-time homemaker to secure a relationship. Although her life was comfortable and Pangzi was successful, Lu Qiaowei couldn't shake a feeling of unease. The temptations outside were immense, and for a wealthy man, infidelity might just be a numbers game. If Pangzi left her, he would undoubtedly live a carefree life, whereas she, having stayed home for so long, was defined only as a housewife. Most of her friends in the US were Pangzi's acquaintances, leading Lu Qiaowei into a spiral of conflicting thoughts.

Wang Qiqi noticed Lu Qiaowei staring intently at her stomach and found it strange. "What’s wrong? Do you want a child?" Hadn't Pangzi mentioned waiting until Lu Qiaowei finished her graduate studies before having children? While many women in the US pursued graduate studies and motherhood concurrently, Wang Qiqi knew Lu Qiaowei’s personality—if she had a child, she might dedicate all her energy to family. Would she still focus on her academics?

"What are your plans for the future?" Although she met Lu Qiaowei through Pangzi, Wang Qiqi considered her a friend. And after all, if Lu Qiaowei was well, it meant Pangzi would be well too.

Future plans? Lu Qiaowei's mouth fell open. After a long pause, she shook her head. "I don't know." She truly had no idea anymore. "But I am not willing to be just a housewife."

Well, Wang Qiqi had shared similar sentiments in the past. "Don't look down on being a homemaker; it’s actually a craft. Watching a child grow day by day brings immense satisfaction. But you should try to find a balance point between family and career, perhaps becoming a nutritionist or something similar. Although it strays from Lu Qiaowei’s major, or you could study finance and contribute to your small family's wealth growth."

Lu Qiaowei listened, slightly stunned. She had expected Wang Qiqi, given her personality, to fully support her own aspirations. But now, Qiqi seemed to suggest that being a housewife wasn't entirely negative. "I..."

"Being only a housewife isn't good. You’ll drift further and further from Pangzi, and catching up later will be exhausting. Perhaps you won't even have a future together. But if you also strive and find a good balance between family and career, then even if you and Pangzi don't work out, you won't be completely lost if life throws a curveball." Wang Qiqi could only offer this much advice. Honestly, she didn't know how to critique Lu Qiaowei or tell her exactly what to do. If Lu Qiaowei ended up happy, fine; but if she ended up miserable, it would become Wang Qiqi’s problem.

Seeing Lu Qiaowei deep in thought, Wang Qiqi turned to the kitchen to start baking pastries. Calculating the time, Han Tao and her in-laws should be back within two hours. She needed to prepare a delicious meal to welcome them; no matter how good airplane food was, it couldn't compare.

While baking, Wang Qiqi monitored Lu Qiaowei’s expressions, noticing the tension slowly ease from her face. She didn't know what conclusion the girl would ultimately reach, but she seemed to have found the best path forward, so Wang Qiqi let the matter rest. (To be continued)