Chapter Forty-Five: Perhaps He Is a Good Father

The rules in the Fu family dictate silence at the table and in the bedroom; one must not speak while eating or sleeping, and even the slightest sound during meals is forbidden. The entire hall is eerily silent—so much so that the drop of a pin would be audible.

Even the choice of dishes is arranged by the servants. The variety is impressive, but every dish is bland and understated in flavor. Only now does Shen Huaijing truly understand what it means to eat without savoring; she misses the lively flavors of Aunt Feng’s cooking at home. The Fu family, despite their wealth, has established such oppressive customs—they clearly know nothing of enjoying life. With food like this, where is the joy?

Of course, Shen Huaijing dared not utter a word of complaint; she could only vent her dissatisfaction by biting hard into each mouthful.

At last, the main meal came to an end. Dessert followed, and now conversation was permitted.

Fu Heniang never touched Western sweets, preferring simple traditional pastries.

“Chen, is there something you wish to say today?” Fu Heniang glanced at Fu Chen, his tone calm.

Fu Chen set down his knife and fork, casting a tender look at Shen Huaijing before turning to face Fu Heniang with grave sincerity: “Dad, Huaijing is pregnant.”

As expected, Fu Heniang showed little reaction, but Ke Jing’s knife and fork clattered suddenly onto the marble tiles.

Fu Heniang frowned at Ke Jing, his gaze full of reproach, remarking lightly, “See, your mother is so excited by the news that she can’t hold her utensils steady.”

Yet Shen Huaijing saw through it all; Ke Jing’s demeanor was anything but joyful or excited—it was anxious, panicked, perhaps even fearful.

Smiling, Shen Huaijing bent to pick up Ke Jing’s fallen utensils, cleaned them, and placed them before her, saying with a gentle smile, “Mom, you should hold these carefully. Carelessness can hurt yourself—or others.”

Ke Jing met Shen Huaijing's smiling eyes, but for no apparent reason, beads of sweat appeared on her brow.

Only now did Ke Jing realize how formidable this woman was—her gentle words laced with hidden barbs.

“Yes, I just didn’t expect you and Chen to have a child so soon. I was surprised,” Ke Jing explained, a wan smile on her lips.

“Have you been to the hospital?” Fu Heniang asked with concern.

Fu Chen nodded silently, taking out his phone and placing it before Fu Heniang. “Dad, here’s the medical report.”

Fu Heniang took the glasses handed to him by a servant, put them on, and examined the report carefully. When he finished, he nodded solemnly.

---

“Tomorrow, I’ll have someone take Huaijing to Jinghua Hospital. This is the eldest grandson of the Fu family; nothing can go wrong.”

Fu Heniang looked at Shen Huaijing with paternal affection, making her uneasy at heart.

“Dad, the hospital Chen chose is reputable. There’s really no need to trouble you,” Shen Huaijing replied, smiling though feeling uncertain inside.

“It’s fine. Since your father is concerned, we’ll do as he says,” Fu Chen gave Shen Huaijing a reassuring glance.

If Fu Chen was willing for her to go, it meant he had a plan. Shen Huaijing’s heart finally settled. At times like these, she instinctively relied on Fu Chen.

After a long silence, Ke Jing suddenly spoke, “Let me take Huaijing tomorrow. We’re both women; it’s more convenient for me to look after her.”

Fu Heniang echoed, “Yes, Chen, let your mother go with her. That way, your work won’t be delayed.”

Fu Chen’s smile faded, his gaze deep and cold as he replied, “Dad, Mom, this is my first child. I must be at Huaijing’s side. Only then am I at ease.”

Shen Huaijing looked at his profile—half-shadowed by the lamplight, his sharp, handsome features, long dark lashes, straight nose, and thin lips. His voice was low and magnetic, as if smoothed by sandpaper.

Perhaps, he might become a good father? Shen Huaijing subconsciously caressed her abdomen, her gentleness radiating the unique charm of a woman.

Ke Jing saw her gesture and grew even more anxious, hastily saying, “Fine, I’ll go with both of you. Let your father rest at home.”

Fu Chen nodded in agreement.

“Well, now that everything’s been said, your mother and I will go upstairs to rest. You two can take a stroll or head home as you wish.” Fu Heniang wiped his hands with a warm towel, tossed it aside with a flourish, and rose to leave.

Ke Jing quickly followed, supporting him. She turned back and added, “I’ll let you know the exact time tomorrow.”

Fu Chen took Shen Huaijing by the hand. Both bowed respectfully and said in a deep voice, “Goodbye, Dad, Mom.” They watched the elders ascend the stairs before Shen Huaijing finally relaxed.

“Don’t let anything slip. There are eyes everywhere in this house,” Fu Chen murmured quietly.

Shen Huaijing instantly grew alert, scanning the hall. Most of the servants kept their heads down, busy with tasks—surely they couldn’t be watching her all the time?

She looked at Fu Chen skeptically, scoffing, “Who could be watching us?”

---

Fu Chen couldn’t help but rap Shen Huaijing on the head. “How can you be so foolish sometimes?” Then he led her out of the mansion.

Fu Chen got into a silver-grey sports car. Shen Huaijing stood frozen nearby.

“Shen Huaijing! Sometimes you really are hopeless!” Fu Chen said, exasperated, rubbing his forehead.

Shen Huaijing stared at the family van, confused. Wasn’t Fu Chen heading to Lin Yiqing’s place? Was that why they were taking separate cars?

Uncle Liu, seated at the driver’s seat, smiled awkwardly, “Young Madam, aren’t you going over to Young Master? That’s his own car.”

What? He’s driving himself?

After months of marriage, this was the first time Shen Huaijing had seen Fu Chen drive his own car.

She hurried over. “Why didn’t you say so? I thought you were going to Lin Yiqing’s place.”

Fu Chen unceremoniously shoved Shen Huaijing into the passenger seat, braced his hands on the door frame, and spoke down to her, “Don’t mention her.” Then slammed the car door shut.

Fine, she wouldn’t mention her. Who was he trying to intimidate anyway?

“Hey, Fu Chen, we’re partners now—don’t act so high and mighty,” Shen Huaijing protested.

“Put on your seatbelt,” Fu Chen shot her a sidelong glance, his voice cold.

Shen Huaijing didn’t respond well to force, so she just snorted, ignored him, folded her arms, and looked away.

Seeing her stubbornness, Fu Chen decided to show no mercy.

With a roar, Fu Chen floored the accelerator—the car shot forward, hurtling hundreds of meters in an instant.

Without her seatbelt, Shen Huaijing was thrown forward by inertia, slamming her head against the windshield.

“Fu Chen!!!!”