As soon as Ning Rui was seen, Lin Mei went to ask her, "Why do you look so unwell?" After speaking, she looked at Li Xun, clearly suspecting him of not taking good care of Ning Rui.
Li Xun naturally understood and told her, "She's been suffering from severe morning sickness."
Despite having changed nutritionists several times, she still couldn't eat much, relying on nutritional supplements daily. The doctors were helpless, only saying she would get better after the first three months.
Hearing this, Lin Mei understood. Her own pregnancy reaction was very severe the first time, and her complexion was probably much like Ning Rui's now. However, she hadn't made it past three months back then...
In the evening, the birthday banquet began. On the lawn of the manor, a solid wood dining table was set, laden with red wine, candles, and a bouquet of Bulgarian roses. Balloons floated all around, creating a dreamlike and romantic atmosphere.
When Lin Mei walked over, she was astonished by the scene. It wasn't that she hadn't seen such things before, but she hadn't expected that one day, such a scenario would unfold for her.
Xiao Yue was also very surprised. She said to Lin Zhengde, "Xing Zheng's design is quite thoughtful."
Lin Zhengde managed a reluctant "Mm." Though it was only one word, it was an affirmation of Xing Zheng.
Xiao Yue smiled and asked, "Are you willing to give him a chance now?"
"Does it make a difference whether I give it or not?" Lin Zhengde became awkward. Now, he was the only one at home "holding out."
As for Lin Mei, it went without saying. In the past month or two, Xiao Yue had been completely "won over" by Xing Zheng, always speaking up for him. Lin Zhengde knew that his opposition was no longer effective. He was still holding out simply to give Xing Zheng a sense of urgency; things that are too easily obtained are often not cherished.
"Of course, there's a difference. If you're willing to give it, Mei Mei will be happy!" Xiao Yue said.
Before Lin Zhengde could say anything, Xing Zheng came up to greet them and invited them to sit, "Teacher Lin, Teacher Xiao, please sit here."
Xiao Yue smiled, took Lin Zhengde's arm, and walked with Xing Zheng. Xing Zheng arranged them at the head of the table. After they were seated, everyone else sat down.
Li Xun handed Lin Mei the gift he had prepared, "This is from Ning Rui and me. I hope you like it." Li Xun and Ning Rui had given her a limited edition bag. Ning Rui knew Lin Mei's preferences very well, choosing her favorite brand.
"I love it, thank you. It's very thoughtful," Lin Mei expressed her gratitude.
Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue also prepared gifts for Lin Mei with great ceremony, a necklace and a bracelet. This was a habit they had had since she was young. Lin Mei accepted them, with two gifts placed beside her. Only Xing Zheng had yet to make any gesture.
Lin Mei glanced to the side and saw his demeanor, as if he had no intention of giving a gift. Disappointment arose in her heart. Xiao Yue immediately noticed Lin Mei's mood but didn't feel it appropriate to ask Xing Zheng for a gift. Lin Zhengde, however, furrowed his brows, his expression turning very displeased. On such an important day, he didn't even prepare a gift, yet he dared to say he cared about Lin Mei!
Li Xun, being adept at reading people, quickly asked Xing Zheng, "Xing Zheng, where's your gift? Let us see it."
"After dinner," Xing Zheng teased, keeping them in suspense. Although he hadn't produced the gift, his words suggested he had prepared something, so Lin Mei's mood eased.
The dinner was exquisitely prepared. Lin Mei had a good appetite in her later pregnancy, but Ning Rui could barely eat anything. After a few bites, she listlessly put down her chopsticks and drank some water. Li Xun then began to feed her himself, his attentiveness surprising both Xiao Yue and Lin Zhengde.
Previously, when Lin Mei spoke of Ning Rui, she always said her relationship with her husband was average, leading them to form that impression. However, seeing Li Xun so skillfully feeding Ning Rui now, it was clear this wasn't the first time. They must have misunderstood something earlier.
Xiao Yue asked with concern, "Is Ning Rui suffering from severe morning sickness?"
Ning Rui nodded, "It's been like this all along. I can't eat much."
"You'll feel better once you get through this period. Having someone considerate by your side helps," Xiao Yue's words conveyed her admiration for Li Xun. "How many weeks is it now?"
"A little over eight weeks." This time, Li Xun answered. He offered a piece of tofu to Xiao Yue's mouth. "Just over twenty more days, and it'll be fine."
"Yes, pregnancy is hard work. Spend more time with her," Xiao Yue said.
Li Xun nodded, "Teacher Xiao is right."
Xing Zheng also wasn't idle, constantly picking up dishes for Lin Mei. Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue exchanged glances. Xiao Yue smiled, while Lin Zhengde had an expression of "At least he has some conscience."
As dinner was about to conclude, a waiter brought over a cake trolley. The cake was also personally prepared by Xing Zheng. It was Lin Mei's favorite chocolate flavor, with her name written on a card, exquisitely done.
The waiter lit the candles and started playing the birthday song. At this moment, video messages from Lan Lan and Feng Feng arrived. Although they couldn't be there in person, they sang her a birthday song via video. Listening to the familiar melody, Lin Mei's eyes welled up. This was likely the most special birthday she had ever had.
The baby in her belly seemed to sense that today was a special day, moving lively. The movement was visible through her clothes.
Xiao Yue smiled and said, "The baby is celebrating your birthday too. Look how excited he is."
Lin Mei touched her belly and smiled. This was likely the most genuine smile she had had since the kidnapping incident.
Her birthday wish was naturally related to her child: she wished for the baby to be born safely and grow up happily. She clasped her hands together, silently making her wish, then blew out the candles. As she cut the cake, Xing Zheng suddenly disappeared.
Lin Mei didn't notice. After serving everyone cake, she sat down to eat. After just one bite, she saw a car approaching. Lin Mei's gaze flickered as she watched the car stop not far away. Xing Zheng opened the car door, walked up to her, and handed her the keys.
Lin Mei recognized it instantly. It was a car she had always liked, priced at over five million yuan. She had mentioned it to Xing Zheng once or twice, and he had remembered it and bought it for her!
"Want to try it out?" Xing Zheng asked her.
Xing Zheng took Lin Mei to the car. The sports car was spacious, and even with her large belly, her range of motion was not restricted.
Xing Zheng opened the sunroof. Lin Mei stepped on the accelerator, holding the steering wheel with one hand and reaching for the gear shift with the other. It had been a while since she drove a manual, and her movements were a bit clumsy. After driving around for a bit, she stopped. Xing Zheng asked, "Do you like it?"
"When did you prepare it?" Lin Mei was more curious about this. The possibility of getting this car as a spot delivery was extremely low, and even pre-ordering would mean waiting for months, or even a year or more.
"Around Chinese New Year this year," Xing Zheng replied.
"You still remember?" Lin Mei's question seemed random, but Xing Zheng understood. He smiled, "Do you believe me? I remember every word you say."
His sudden warmth made Lin Mei fall silent. In a moment, he hugged her, "Happy birthday."