Marriage First, True Love Later-Chapter 76

She looked at the information in her hand absentmindedly. It was the information on some manor buildings for foreign activities that Huang Dexing had given her the other day. After reading for an entire morning, he didn’t manage to get into any substantial content. Her mind was filled with the scene she saw in the car last night!

He threw the documents in his hand on the table in frustration and took the phone on the table to call Lin Li.

It took a while for Lin Li to pick up the phone. It was a little noisy on her side, and there seemed to be a lot of people around her. It was so noisy that she almost couldn’t hear what she was saying.

“Where are you? why is it so noisy?” Anran held her phone and asked in a slightly higher voice.

&Quot; I’m at the hospital. An Zi, I have some morning matters to attend to. I’ll call you later. &Quot; Lin Li said directly while holding her phone.

The hospital! When Anran heard the word ” hospital, ” she instinctively realized that something bad had happened. She sat up straight and asked nervously and worriedly, ” “What are you doing in the hospital? She’s in that hospital. I’ll go over to find you.”

“It’s fine. I’m just here for a prenatal examination. It’s no big deal. Don’t worry.” Lin Li said in a relaxed manner.

“Is Chengxiang by your side? did he accompany you?” An ran asked.

“He has a big client coming to discuss an investment today, so he doesn’t have time to accompany me.” Lin Li said truthfully.

Anran’s heart turned cold. &Quot; which hospital are you at? ” she asked. &Quot; I’ll go over to find you. &Quot;

“Aiya, there’s no need. It’s just a prenatal examination, not a baby. You don’t have to accompany me. I can do it alone. Don’t worry. It’s not my first time here. I know what to do.” Lin Li didn’t want to trouble her, because she knew that she was still at work. How could she ask her to take leave for her?

“I told you to tell me the address, so just say it. Cut the crap.” Anran said unhappily, ” besides, I’m the godmother of the child in your stomach. What’s wrong with accompanying him for a prenatal examination? isn’t it my duty? ”

Lin Li couldn’t argue with her and had to give her the address of the hospital.

Anran packed up her things, took her bag, and left. Because of work, she often had to go out to the construction site when she was working, so her working hours were relatively flexible. Therefore, she didn’t need to take leave if she wanted to go out, which was quite convenient.

When Anran arrived at Jiangcheng Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Lin Li was still sitting on a plastic bench in the corridor, waiting for a number. There were several young couples sitting next to her. Some of them were about the same size as Lin Li, and it was hard to tell what was going on. Some of them had bulging stomachs, like an inflated balloon that could explode at any time, and they looked a little scary.

However, it seemed that other than Lin Li, the others all had their husbands accompanying them, or their mothers or mother-in-law by their side. None of them were alone. Seeing this scene, Anran felt even more that Lin Li wasn’t worth it, and her heart ached for her even more.

Seeing Anran rush in from outside, Lin Li frowned in slight disagreement. &Quot; I told you not to come over, but you still insisted on coming. &Quot; She could really do it alone. She was not that pampered. Besides, the child was only two months old. Her stomach was not big, and it was easy to move around. There was nothing to worry about.

Anran sat down next to her indifferently and said, ” I still have a part to play in your pregnancy. What’s wrong with me accompanying you for a prenatal examination? ”

Lin Li was a little defeated by her. Her words were too hardcore. People who didn’t know better would think that she had some kind of relationship with her. Just as she was about to say something, the door of the outpatient office behind her opened. A young couple with bulging bellies came out first, followed by an intern dressed in white who called out, ” “Number twenty-nine, number twenty-nine, please come in!”

Lin Li didn’t react for a moment. She subconsciously turned her head to look for the number twenty-nine that the nurse had mentioned, but she couldn’t find a certain person standing up for a long time.

Seeing that she didn’t come out for a long time, the nurse shouted again, ” number 29, number 29’s Lin Li. Did Lin Li come over? ”

Only then did Lin Li realize that the number on the registration list in her hand was 29!

“Number 29! Number twenty-nine!” The young nurse shouted again, ” didn’t Lin Li come over? Before he could say the ‘thirty’, Lin Jing had already stood up and said, ” &Quot; I am, I am, twenty-nine. I’m number twenty-nine, Lin Li. &Quot; With that, he quickly handed her his registration form.

The nurse looked at her strangely and took the form from her hand. After looking at it, she said calmly, ” come in. &Quot;

Lin Li quickly nodded, took her bag, and went in. Anran followed her in.

The doctor was a female doctor in her fifties. She pulled open the White curtain and let Lin Li lie on the bed. She reached out and touched her stomach. He asked Lin Li if she felt uncomfortable in her daily life.

Lin Li told the truth. Then, the doctor turned his head and gave a look to the nurse beside him. The nurse took a small instrument and placed it on Lin Li’s stomach. Then, she took something out. &Quot; Dong Dong Dong Dong … &Quot; it made a sound. It was the baby’s heartbeat.

Since she was not yet three months pregnant, the doctor did not recommend doing an ultrasound. So, after all the routine examinations were over and some questions were asked, the two left the office.

The two of them rushed out of the hospital, and Anran stared straight at Lin Li’s stomach. Life was really wonderful. In the next few months, her flat stomach would slowly bulge, and a cute little angel would live inside. It was a new life, the crystallization and continuation of their love.

“Hey, why are you staring at my stomach like that? do you have X-Ray Eyes?” Lin Li said in a bad mood. She gently protected her stomach with her hands and said jokingly, ” if you want one so much, then have one yourself. Aren’t you newly married now and deeply in love with your family’s rich su? ”

Anran ignored her and reached out to touch her stomach. It was strange. She didn’t feel anything, but she had clearly heard a strong heartbeat just now. Thump, thump, thump, it was like a drum.

“Hey, hey! Gu Anran, you’re so childish.” Lin Li couldn’t take it anymore and shouted.

Anran smiled and pointed at the cafe near the hospital. &Quot; “Come, let’s go and sit down. We have nothing to do anyway.”

Lin Li glanced at her and nodded without any objection.

The environment of this café was not bad. It was elegant and quiet, and low music was being played through the loudspeaker, echoing throughout the entire shop. It was a working day and it was still working hours. There was no one in the cafe, and they were all sitting around.

The two of them found a table by the window and sat down. The waiter thoughtfully served them water and a menu. Anran thanked him in a soft voice and then ordered a cup of hot milk for Lin Li, while she ordered a cup of black coffee.

The waiter smiled and kindly took the menu away. After the waiter left, Lin Li stared at Anran strangely and didn’t say anything for a long time.

Anran felt a little uncomfortable from being stared at. She picked up the glass of water that the cafe waiter had brought over and took a sip. &Quot; why are you looking at me like that? ”

“You hate bitter things the most. You only drink caramel Macchiato for coffee, but you ordered black coffee today!”

When she had just ordered, she had already felt that it was strange. She had known her for ten years. Ever since they entered University, they had been in the same dormitory, and they had always shared a bunk bed. The two of them knew more about each other than themselves. What they liked, what style they wore, and even the password to each other’s bank account were known to all. She naturally knew that Anran was most afraid of bitterness. In the beginning, she had even rejected her because of the bitter taste in her coffee. She was even more afraid of taking medicine than injections. He actually ordered black coffee without sugar today. There’s a problem, there’s a problem!

“Tell me, what happened to you recently? Did you have a conflict with your rich su?” Lin Li guessed. In the past few days, she had really felt that Anran was acting weird. Although she couldn’t tell what was wrong, her intuition told her that something must have happened.

An ran opened her eyes guiltily and said jokingly, ” &Quot; what’s wrong with me? we don’t have any conflicts. Su Yicheng has been very good to me. It’s just that my life has been too sweet recently, so I need bitter coffee to make it more balanced. It’s easy for people to lose their sense of direction if they don’t give in. &Quot;

“Pfft!” Lin Li almost choked on her water. She rolled her eyes at her. &Quot; are you tired of living and asking for a beating? ”

An ran glanced at her embarrassed look and handed her a tissue. Then, he couldn’t help but think of the scene he had seen last night. Looking at Lin Li, he felt a little uncomfortable for some reason. She was still pregnant, but Chengxiang had cheated on her at this time. Just thinking about it made her heart ache.

Lin Li took the tissue and wiped her mouth. Then, she looked at her curiously and asked, ” how is it? you’re living a happy and harmonious life with your rich su. &Quot;

Anran glanced at her and smiled a little embarrassedly. Su Yicheng did treat her well, and that was undeniable.

Looking at her shy appearance, Lin Li felt that there was something amiss about her. The gossiping genes in her bones suddenly exploded and couldn’t be controlled. She looked at Anran suggestively and smiled.”Hey, do you get along well with your Mr. Su in that aspect?”

Anran didn’t think much of it and didn’t react for a moment. She asked, ” “Which aspect?” Then, she took a cup and drank some water.

“What other aspects are there? the bed. Can he satisfy you? Or, can you satisfy him?” Lin Li laughed and said straightforwardly.

&Quot; pfft, pfft, pfft. &Quot; Anran spat all her saliva on the table. Lin Li’s eyes were sharp, and she dodged quickly to avoid being hit by Anran.

“Oh, an Zi, aren’t you exaggerating!” Lin Li called out loudly as she hurriedly took a tissue to wipe the table. Fortunately, there weren’t many guests around their table, or they would have been laughed at.

Anran took a tissue and wiped her mouth. She rolled her eyes at Lin Li and said, ” “I’m exaggerating, but aren’t your questions a little too much?” Asking such a ridiculous question in public, she was exaggerating!

After wiping the table, Lin Li sat up straight and said, ” &Quot; Gu Anran, my question is very normal. You’re the one who’s out of date. Out of 10 married women who come out to chat and get to know each other, 11 topics can’t be separated from men, and out of these 11 topics, 12 topics can’t be separated from harmony. Don’t make such a big fuss! I’m just teaching you how to interact with married women in the future.”

“Why didn’t you say these things in the past, married woman!” An ran retorted.

&Quot; tsk, didn’t I see that you were alone and didn’t want to provoke you in the past? besides, if I tell this to an unmarried, good-for-nothing young woman, it’s poison. I’m an upright and good young man. I won’t do such an immoral thing. &Quot; Lin Li said matter-of-factly.

“I’d be a fool to believe you! And you call yourself a married woman? I think you’re a married ‘fujoshi’! ” An ran said unhappily.

Lin Li stuck out her tongue, her expression cute.

Anran was amused by her appearance, but she secretly thought that it would be great if she could be like this. She would never know about Chengxiang’s betrayal and could always smile happily without any worries.

The waiter came over with a tray and placed the coffee and milk in front of them. He then smiled and said, ” please enjoy. &Quot; Then, he retreated.

Anran stirred the coffee in the cup from time to time. The dark liquid spun in a regular circle with the small steel spoon, and then a small Whirlpool was formed in the cup.

Lin Li picked up the cup and took a sip of hot milk. In fact, she didn’t really like this kind of dairy product. Milk was too mild. She preferred coffee, which could stimulate the nerves. But now, for the sake of the baby in her stomach, she could endure it.

She picked up the coffee and took a small sip. The black and bitter taste made Anran frown. It was really bitter, even bitter than Chinese medicine. She didn’t understand why people liked to get rid of such a bitter taste. In that case, it would be better to just go with Chinese medicine. Coffee had caffeine, and Chinese medicine could adjust a person’s body. It was cheaper than coffee, so it wasn’t the best of both worlds.

Lin Li looked at her frowning brows, which were almost joined together. She put down the cup in her hand and said, ” “You’re a person who loves sweetness as much as your life. Why are you learning from other people’s deep and black coffee!”

Anran put down the coffee and let the bitterness in her mouth slowly fade away. She just smiled at her.

Her appearance made Lin Li a little worried, and she asked seriously, ” “An Zi, tell me the truth, did something happen?”

Anran looked at her and shook her head. &Quot; No. &Quot;

&Quot; then why don’t you … &Quot; Lin Li naturally didn’t believe her. She was about to ask her something when she was suddenly interrupted.

&Quot; how are you and Chengxiang? why didn’t he accompany you for the checkup today? he let you come here alone. That’s too irresponsible! &Quot; An ran said.

“He’s not being irresponsible. Our Xiangzi is a good man of the new era. He didn’t come because he wanted to earn money for me and our baby’s milk powder, so that we can have a better life in the future.” Lin Li was like this. When it came to Chengxiang, she didn’t want others to misunderstand him, so she quickly explained, ” &Quot; he had something to do today. A big client wanted to talk to him about an investment. We had an appointment with him tomorrow, but that person has to go abroad at the last minute, so we had to bring it forward. &Quot;

Anran nodded slightly and asked, ” “The wedding is in a few days. How are the preparations? Now that you’re pregnant, can you take it physically?”

“It’s fine. The Cheng family is in charge of the wedding, so we don’t have to worry about it. Do you know that the most common thing Chengxiang’s mother says to me on the phone is to eat well and sleep well? you don’t have to worry about anything else. You’re the Queen of our family now, and taking care of yourself is your biggest task at this stage!” Lin Li said and laughed.

“That’s good.” An ran replied indifferently.

&Quot; ha, it’s pretty good now. You don’t know when Chengxiang brought me home to meet his parents, his mother was a little unhappy. She thought that I was a foreigner and didn’t have a registered residence in Jiangcheng. Because of this, Chengxiang had a big fight with her, saying that she was old-fashioned and stubborn. His mother was so angry that she glared at him. &Quot; Lin Li smiled and said, ” you didn’t expect it, did you? Cheng Xiang was such a gentle person, and he was a model student for good children since he was young. But that time, for my sake, he reneged on his mother. In order to show his determination, he didn’t even go back home once for a few weeks. In the end, his mother had to give in and didn’t say anything or even object to our relationship. In fact, now that I think about it, perhaps it was because he protected me so much that I followed him so loyally all these years, even if I was never sure if we would get married or spend the rest of our lives together.”

Anran was surprised. She looked at her and asked in surprise, ” &Quot; why not? haven’t you two always been close? ” She had never even heard them fight or blush before. In the past ten years, not even once! But she was actually uncertain about a relationship!

Lin Li laughed. In fact, there was one thing that she didn’t even tell Anran. She knew that there was always a shadow in Chengxiang’s heart. Sometimes, he would touch her hair and look at her for a long time without saying a word. That week when he disappeared, she thought that he wouldn’t come back, but in the end, he did. He came back to her side. In fact, she had always been afraid that he would suddenly disappear one day. Even though they had been very happy all these years, she always felt that this happiness was stolen. She was always a little worried in her heart. She was worried that there was still such a figure hidden in his heart. She was worried that if that figure appeared one day, would he be the same as he was back then. Without a word, he disappeared again. That was why, all these years, he had never mentioned marriage, and she had never forced him to do so. Even when her parents and relatives called her time and time again to urge her to get married, she had taken it all on by herself and had never said a word to him. However, none of that was important anymore. She no longer had to worry about him disappearing or leaving because they had a child and they were about to get married. She knew that Chengxiang had always been a responsible man. He would never abandon his family and his child.

Lin Li gently placed her hand on her still-flat lower abdomen, and a faint smile hung on the corner of her mouth as she said, ” &Quot; nothing is important anymore. We’re getting married soon. Being able to marry him is something I’ve always wanted to do. &Quot; They all said that marriage was the grave of love, but she just wanted to be buried in this grave. She was willing to endure it!

Anran looked at her and felt the urge to tell her what she saw in the hospital last night. However, when she saw her happy and satisfied expression, she couldn’t bear to say it. It seemed that Lin Li loved Chengxiang even more than she had imagined.

He pretended to be relaxed and asked in a bad mood, ” “Do you like Chengxiang that much? you’ve been with him for 10 years, and now that you’re pregnant, you don’t even have time to accompany you for a prenatal checkup. It’s better to get rid of a man like this as soon as possible.”

“Hey, what’s wrong with you today? you seem to have a bad opinion of our little Xiangzi. Tell me, how did our little Xiangzi offend you to the point that you don’t like him at all!” Lin Li said jokingly.

Anran looked at her and tried to say, ” &Quot; aren’t you afraid that he’ll cheat on you while you’re pregnant? it’s said in TV and novels that men are most likely to cheat when their wife is pregnant. &Quot;

Lin Li rolled her eyes at him and asked, ” &Quot; you’ve known him for ten years. Do you think he’s the kind of person who would steal food from me when I’m pregnant? ”

Anran was at a loss for words. Looking at her, she couldn’t say a single word. If it was in the past, even if Lin Li personally told her that Chengxiang had an affair, she would still firmly refuse to believe it. But now, the truth was exactly what she had seen twice, so it was hard for her not to believe it.

Seeing that she was silent, Lin Li said again, ” what’s wrong with you today? you’re so suspicious. Did something really happen between you and your family’s rich su? ”

&Quot; no, I’m just angry that Chengxiang didn’t accompany you to the prenatal examination. Just this point alone is enough for him to commit a capital crime. He doesn’t even think about who you’re pregnant with for. He’s not by your side at this time, so it’s his fault. &Quot; An ran said with an excuse.

&Quot; you’re being unreasonable. I already said that it’s a special situation. Besides, I’m not a big-bellied person who can’t move easily. You’re the only one who’s worried about me. &Quot; Lin Li said, unappreciative. Then, she picked up the milk and took another sip. Oh, she really didn’t like the taste of milk. She kept feeling that there was a smell, but she couldn’t not drink it. The doctor said that she should drink more milk. This was good for the baby and the mother. No matter how much she didn’t like it, she had to slowly learn to like it.

Anran watched as Lin Li drank her milk like she was drinking medicine. Of course, she knew that Lin Li had never liked dairy products, but no matter how much she didn’t like it now, she tried very hard to accept it.

Looking at this, Anran thought of the way Chengxiang had hugged that woman in the car yesterday, and her heart clenched even more tightly. However, she didn’t dare to tell her about it. She looked at her fixedly and could only pretend to be relaxed as she said, ” &Quot; Lin Li, look at how useless you are. If one day, Chengxiang doesn’t want you anymore, what will you do? you’ll be in a state where you want to die. &Quot;

Lin Li chuckled and said with a nonchalant look, ” &Quot; that’s right, that’s right. I’m just that useless. If our Chengxiang really doesn’t want me anymore, I might really want to die. &Quot;

The smile on an ran’s face froze, and she didn’t know what to say.

Lin Li didn’t notice Anran’s change. She suddenly felt a little hungry and said, ” &Quot; aiyaya, the baby said he’s hungry and wants to have afternoon tea. He even said that godmother is treating him. &Quot;

Anran reacted and looked at her, both angry and amused. However, she still pretended to be mean and said, ” “I don’t want to treat you. You and your son are working together to scam me.”

&Quot; woah, an Zi, you’re already with a rich man. What’s the big deal with me extorting you a little? hurry up, hurry up. I want the mousse cake and croissants here. It’d be best if I could add a blueberry egg tart at the end. &Quot; Lin Li ignored her and directly ordered.

Anran shook her head in amusement and pressed the service bell. She added seaweed sushi to the dishes she had just ordered.

The two of them had afternoon tea in the coffee shop. Just as they were about to get up and leave, Lin Li’s phone rang at this time. It was a call from Chengxiang, asking about the results of her prenatal examination and whether she was still in the hospital and whether he should go pick her up.

Lin Li raised her eyebrows at Anran as if she was showing off. She told Chengxiang that she was having afternoon tea with Anran at the cafe next to the hospital. She also deliberately said that he didn’t have to come and pick her up, but she actually wanted him to come and pick her up because she wanted to show off how sweet and loving they were in front of Anran.

Chengxiang smiled gently on the other side of the phone. He didn’t say anything and told them to wait in the cafe. He would be there in about 15 minutes.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Li proudly waved her phone at Anran and said, ” “See, see, our Xiang’s always thinking about me. He’s just finished work, and he wants to pick me up. How can I not marry a man like this?” As she spoke, the expression on her face was one of extreme happiness and satisfaction. It was hard to tell her that the truth might not be what she thought it was.

An ran’s lips twitched, but she didn’t smile or say anything.

The two of them sat in the café for another 14 minutes, and Chengxiang really did arrive on time on the 15th minute. The car stopped at the entrance of the café, and he opened the door and got out. Then, he stood outside the door, smiling gently and waving at them.

Lin Li happily waved back at him, then immediately picked up her things and turned her head to hurry Anran.

Anran packed her things and followed her out. Chengxiang looked at her and smiled faintly. &Quot; Anran, don’t you have work today? ”

&Quot; yes, but I’m worried about Lin Li coming to do the check-up alone. No matter how busy I am, it can’t be more important than her. &Quot; An ran said coldly, her tone indifferent.

Chengxiang was taken aback, but he naturally understood the meaning behind her words. He only smiled at her, then turned his head to look at Lin Li. He reached out and gently tidied her hair, then asked, ” “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. What did the doctor say? Is everything normal with the baby?”

“Yes, everything is normal.” Lin Li replied with a smile.

“If there’s really something wrong with the child and you’re not by her side, it’s too late to ask now.” An ran said in a daze.

Chengxiang was taken aback. He turned his head to look at him, unable to say a single word for a moment.

Lin Li rolled her eyes at Anran and said with a smile, ” &Quot; Zian’s on her period today. Don’t lower yourself to her level. We need to understand how frustrated she is. &Quot; Then, she reached out to hold Chengxiang’s arm and said coyly, ” “Let’s go, hubby. Let’s go home together.”

Chengxiang nodded with a faint smile. Before he left, he nodded at Anran and then turned to leave.

“An Zi, you can go back by yourself. We’ll be leaving first.” After getting into the car, Lin Li stuck her head out and shouted at her.

An ran only nodded. The corners of her mouth twitched, but she didn’t smile at all.

After watching Chengxiang’s Black Mercedes disappear around the corner of the street, Anran retracted her gaze and walked back. After they got married, she didn’t have many opportunities to drive her Chery, which was still 8 minutes old. Su Yicheng usually drove her over in the morning, and if he had time after work at night, he would usually come to pick her up.

Anran didn’t immediately grab the car. She walked along the street aimlessly. She couldn’t tell Lin Li that Chengxiang had betrayed her because she was afraid that she would be sad. There were some things that she knew she should say, but she just couldn’t bring herself to say them.

&Quot; sigh … &Quot; Anran let out a long sigh. She stood on the street and watched the people and cars pass by. She couldn’t describe what she was feeling at the moment.

She didn’t know how long she had been walking and where she was. When she raised her hand to look at her watch again, it was almost five o ‘clock in the afternoon. She was afraid that su Yicheng would pick her up at the company after work, so she directly called him and told him that he didn’t have to pick her up at the company that night. She only said that she was outside and that she would take the bus back home later.

Su Yicheng was silent for a while, then he only told her to be careful on the road, and that he didn’t have any business to attend that night, so he would go home after work.

In fact, an ran knew that he was worried about her. He was worried that she would be unhappy if she pretended to be stubborn. In fact, she was glad to have someone who cared so much about her and thought of her as a happy thing.

He looked for a nearby bus stop and studied the route for a while at the stop sign. Then, he decided which bus to wait for and take home. He stood to the side and waited. He didn’t know where the traffic was, but after waiting for more than ten minutes, the car he was waiting for didn’t come. More and more people gathered around him, some of whom were people who had just finished work.

There was a chain coffee shop opposite the bus stop. The environment was not bad, and there were branches in several areas of Jiangcheng. There was one near her school before. At that time, she, Lin Li, Cheng Xiang, and Mo Fei often studied there. Sometimes, they would sit there from afternoon to night. Not only did they provide coffee, but they also served various business packages, so they didn’t lack food when they were hungry.

Time really passed very quickly. When I looked back, it was already several years ago. So many years had passed, and everyone was no longer the same as before. It was really amazing. Time changed, and so did people. It seemed that they could no longer find the innocence and childishness of the past.

A familiar figure quickly walked across the street. Anran froze for a moment and was about to call out to him when she saw another figure quickly follow behind him. The two of them seemed to be arguing about something.

Anran watched, then turned to look at the cars on both sides of the road. She carefully avoided them and walked toward the opposite Street.

“Don’t follow me. I have nothing to say to you!” Lin xiaofen coldly said.

“Xiaofen, listen to me. Back then, I was a coward.” That person wanted to say something, but she interrupted him.

“That’s enough, I don’t want to hear it. When you turned around and left, why didn’t you think about today? it’s useless to turn back now!” Lin xiaofen pointed at him, her emotions somewhat agitated.

The man explained, ” I did go back. I did go back to the village. I’m tired. &Quot;

“Mom,” she said. An ran called out from behind them.