After settling her mother, Ning Su made a call to He Chengyu.
"Senior, I've told my mom about our decision to get married." Her voice was light, somewhat ethereal.
"Alright." He Chengyu's voice was the same.
Neither felt real in their conversation.
"Could you... come over tomorrow?" Ning Su asked, her worry clear in case he might refuse.
The marriage was her proposition; there was admittedly an element of opportunism.
Surprisingly, He Chengyu agreed willingly and even went to the extent of understanding the preferences of Ning Su's mother.
The next day, He Chengyu came to Ning Su's house bearing gifts.
Ning Su went downstairs to welcome him. She had indeed harbored an unrequited love for him during their university days, but they barely interacted. It was unimaginable that they finally came together in such a way.
He Chengyu was very gentle. As they ascended the stairs, he reached out to support Ning Su several times, but was declined each time.
"I don't need any special care. It's only been two months." she said.
He Chengyu asked, "Do you not plan to tell your mother about your pregnancy?"
Ning Su shook her head, saying, "One little lie is enough. Too many, and I fear she might end up hating me."
He Chengyu gave a small laugh, not saying another word.
As they entered the house, Mother Ning stood up to greet them. Whether it was due to elation or otherwise, she looked radiant that day.
He Chengyu greeted the auntie and presented the gifts.
The first time they met, Ning's mother had quite a good impression of He Chengyu. After a few years, her satisfaction towards him had grown. However, after hearing about his family's situation, she worried whether He Chengyu's family would look down on Ning Su.
This was because He Chengyu's mother was a notable actress with a bit of fame in the film and television circle.
He Chengyu noticed Ning's mother's worries and said, "My mother has always hoped that I would get married and have children sooner. She would be overjoyed if I were to get married."
He glanced at Ning Su, providing her the answer as well.
Ning Su wanted to laugh but couldn't. She was unsure if He Chengyu's mother would be upset when she found out the truth.
He Chengyu stayed for a meal and when he was leaving, he arranged a time with Ning Su.
"When will you be free to meet my mother?"
"I'm free any day, I've already resigned from my job."
"That was quick."
"Well, I don't really have any attachment to the company."
He Chengyu glanced at her belly, "The baby's father..."
"I can't disclose that."
"I wasn't asking who he is. Both Yuan Qian and I are eagerly awaiting the baby's arrival. I don't want this hope to be shattered."
"It won't be," Ning Su gave a definite answer, "He's a bachelor, a man who doesn't want to get married would not want a child who appeared unexpectedly."
He Chengyu nodded contentedly, finally thanking Ning Su solemnly.
“The one should say thank you is me. You not only fulfilled my mother's wish, but also gave my child a complete home. You're my lifesaver.”
“Then let's work together with our secrets.”
A week later, their parents met.
Considering her mother’s health, Ning Su wanted to find a restaurant nearby, but her mother insisted on going to a major hotel.
“Chengyu’s mother is a celebrity, she can't dine at a local restaurant near us.”
Ning Su had to make a reservation at the Jade Palace.
Ning Su was not fully aware of He Chengyu's financial status, and she didn't have much money to flaunt, so she only booked a table for four in the lobby.
At seven in the evening, the two families were seated. He Chengyu’s mother was even younger and more beautiful than she appeared on TV, and her demeanor was excellent. She was very warm to Ning Su and her mother.
The worry lifted slightly from Ning Su's heart.
Then it was about discussing the marriage. Holding Ning Su’s hand, He Chengyu said that he wanted to get married as soon as possible, preferably next month.
His mother, understanding the situation, still commented on the haste, mentioning that the bridal dowry and housing had not yet been prepared.
Ning Su sat quietly, having already discussed these matters with He Chengyu privately and knowing these were just formalities.
She picked up her tea cup and took a sip, and inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure.
It was Sheng Xunfeng.