After the first fetal movement, it gradually became more frequent.
The baby seemed to be more active at night, moving nearly ten times within an hour.
Sometimes, Wen Mingyu would fall asleep first, but if he was only sleeping lightly, the movements would still startle him up.
After two more instances, Mu Zhan began to stay up with him and only went to sleep once the little one had settled down.
Mu Zhan squinted his eyes as he watched, his pheromones emanating. The scent seemed to carry a bit of danger.
Wen Mingyu couldn’t help asking, “Are you angry?”
Mu Zhan nodded coolly without denying it. “A little.”
Wen Mingyu proposed, “How about we sleep separately?”
Mu Zhan’s gaze, which had been fixed on his belly, froze. He immediately looked up at him, frowning. Even though he hadn’t spoken yet, there was already an inexplicable tinge of shock and grievance in his face—You’re rejecting me.
Wen Mingyu let out a chuckle. “I just think it’s getting late at night and you have to wake up early for the court session. You won’t get enough rest.”
Mu Zhan replied coldly, “I’m fine.”
“But isn’t your lack of sleep the reason you’re angry?”
“No, it’s because you’re having trouble sleeping.”
Wen Mingyu’s eyes widened. “Angry because of me?”
Mu Zhan nodded frankly. “Mn.”
After a moment of shock, Wen Mingyu smiled broadly and reached out to wrap his arms around Mu Zhan’s neck, nestling into his arms. “It’s actually not so bad. The kicks aren’t that strong, so let’s sleep together.”
Mu Zhan placed his hand on his lower back and stroked it soothingly. His soft way of soothing had a calming effect, just like a lullaby. Surrounded by the familiar scent of his pheromones, Wen Mingyu felt very at ease. Slowly, his eyelids drooped, and he slipped into dreamland.
Mu Zhan’s hand slid along his waist and rested on his belly. Just at that moment, the baby kicked right against his palm, full of energy.
Wen Mingyu, who had fallen asleep, also seemed to be aware of it and muttered something incoherently.
Mu Zhan frowned and peered at Wen Mingyu’s belly, a little displeased.
But how could the little one understand things? Before long, another kick landed with more vigor. Mu Zhan’s visage grew even more unsightly, and a warning glint flashed into his eyes.
The movement jolted Wen Mingyu awake. He groggily opened his eyes but was swiftly soothed back to sleep again by Mu Zhan.
In the end, whether it was because Mu Zhan’s dark face had some sort of effect or the little one in the belly finally got weary and decided to rest, the movements stopped.
Mu Zhan hugged the person in his arms and quietly fell asleep as well.
The next day, he went off to work as usual, the ancient equivalent of modern office life.
Since he now had a job, Wen Mingyu’s story updates had slowed down, but he still wrote whenever he could. After all, writing was considered a means for him to unwind, and it made money, too.
In his new story this time, Wen Mingyu mischievously used Wei Chen as an inspiration for a character, turning him into a smart yet very infuriating little troublemaker. The average readers often found themselves wanting to smack him sometimes.
Wen Mingyu was curious at how Wei Chen would react once he saw it.
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WJf kCJy IOLJoyLe yOzzJz, “vm’I tJNLLe qOOz.”
“WCNm NgODm mCJ RtOmNqOyfIm’I gtOmCJt? dOE zO eOD AJJL NgODm Cfo?”
A sudden realization flashed in Wei Chen’s mind as he went on. His face lit up with excitement as he said, “Wait, this character seems a lot like me—no wonder I’d like him so much. How could someone as genius as me not be so likeable? Oh right, don’t you know Yu Mu, is it possible that he modelled this character after me?”
Wen Mingyu: “…”
You, in fact, were the reincarnation of Narcissus, right?
Wen Mingyu’s belly became increasingly noticeable over time. Coincidentally, it just so happened that the temperature steadily dropped, and the robes he wore became thicker, providing a good disguise that made it difficult to tell.
But as he progressed into the later stages of his pregnancy, his belly was expanding like a bloated balloon.
Of course, Wen Mingyu would undoubtedly be exposed if he kept showing up in front of his colleagues. So, while his belly was still manageable to conceal, he made preparations to take his sick leave.
He made subtle hints of his declining health over time, setting the stage for his eventual departure. Then, at just the right moment, he formally submitted his leave application.
Wen Mingyu was well-liked among his colleagues, and with Mu Zhan backing him, his request was approved without delay.
He would leave his post temporarily and return after giving birth.
Before leaving, though, he couldn’t help but playfully mess with Wei Chen.
He gave Wei Chen the latest volume of his book, in which he added a character who was even more intelligent than Wei Chen. The character was inspired after Wei Chen kept getting outwitted, lost, and so frustrated that he could hardly eat or sleep. Every day, he only considered how to beat the other person.
After reading the volume, Wei Chen was so engrossed in the story that he became just as frustrated as his fictional counterpart. At that moment, Wen Mingyu reached out and patted his head, saying, “There’s always someone better out there. Sooner or later you will come across someone who is better than you; it’s normal. But that doesn’t mean you’re any less competent. Just do your best to work hard and live a life you don’t regret. You’re already better than a lot of people. That’s good enough.”
Wei Chen was stunned and opened his mouth. But before he could speak, Wen Mingyu grinned with mischievously curved eyes and added, “Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you. I’m Yu Mu.”
After dropping this bombshell, Wen Mingyu sashayed away.
Wei Chen stood frozen for a long time. Then, finally snapping back to reality, he nearly ran after him to throw a sack over his head and beat him up.
The dog author that he couldn’t wait to bring a knife to his door to urge for updates was actually Wen Mingyu?
Wei Chen had always wanted to know Yu Mu and get to know him. And now, he had finally gotten his wish, only to realize they had known each other for so long, though he was not happy at all… so what could he do now? Could he still demand more updates or endings to be changed by putting a knife on the empress’s neck?
No, he couldn’t.
And that made it even worse.
Wei Chen almost dropped to his knees and wailed on the spot.
Then, Chu Shuli and the others noticed something off and asked him what was wrong.
Wei Chen looked up with a swish. No, he couldn’t suffer alone. Everyone else had to suffer with him.
Thus, he told them about Wen Mingyu being Yu Mu.
As expected, Chu Shuli and the others had cracks in their expressions, but again, they were powerless to do anything about the empress.
Seeing their shocked and devastated expressions, Wei Chen suddenly felt a strange but wonderful sense of relief.
While they were busy debating whether or not to “accidentally assassinate” Yu Mu, Wen Mingyu had already made his way back to Taiji Hall and officially embraced his rightful, shameless, salted fish life.
With his belly growing larger, even basic things became hard to accomplish. He could no longer see his own feet when he looked down, and bending over was totally out of the question.
Naturally, that meant many things had to be done by others for Wen Mingyu. He had now reached that stage where he was being served from head down to his feet. It was at the point where he had clothes come when his hands were stretched, and food delivered when his mouth opened. He felt like he had become useless.
But he must admit it felt pretty refreshing.
Sprawled out on the beauty couch, Wen Mingyu lazily flipped through a book while nibbling on some freshly cut fruits.
Back when he was working, the sense of accomplishment from hard-earned success was definitely fulfilling, but lying just like this was also pleasurable, ah.
Wen Mingyu had completely been corrupted by this way of life, falling hopelessly into its embrace. He was overflowing with happiness.
However, there were times where he would also be frustrated by the weight of his body. Some originally basic tasks became impossible to do, and his mood would become low.
Bathing, for instance. Wen Mingyu could do it himself, but if he were to slip on a wet spot and fall, the consequences would be unimaginable.
That being said, he had never been used to being served by palace servants. And naturally, Mu Zhan wouldn’t allow anything but himself to see Wen Mingyu in such a way. So, bathing duty became Mu Zhan’s personal responsibility.
Every day, Wen Mingyu would be carried to the bathing pool by Mu Zhan, serving him with gentle care, not letting a spot pass. Once done, he would dry him off, dress him in his bed dress, and carry him back to the bedchamber and lay him down on the dragon bed.
By then, Wen Mingyu’s face had become red from the steam, looking just like a ripe peach, asking people to take a bite.
Mu Zhan followed his thoughts and really bit his cheek. The bite was light, only leaving a shallow mark that would fade before long.
Wen Mingyu was unprepared and was bitten in his daze. Dumbfounded, his hand went to his face, feeling a little unbelievable as he stared at Mu Zhan. His eyes were full of shock and resentment, and his face seemed to scream, “How could you bite me.”
Mu Zhan couldn’t contain his laughter. “Didn’t you bite me like this before, I’m merely returning the favor.”
Wen Mingyu froze for a second before finally remembering that… that time on the dragon throne.
He would have preferred to erase that from memory. Hearing him bring it up, Wen Mingyu immediately bristled and scowled at him. “That’s only because you said…”
Halfway through, he halted abruptly. The remaining words lingered on the tip of his tongue before he swallowed them back.
Mu Zhan naturally feigned puzzlement. He tilted his head and asked with a smile, “Oh? What was it that I said?”
Wen Mingyu kicked him right away, but because his body was heavily pregnant, he couldn’t exert much force. By the time his foot actually landed on Mu Zhan’s leg, it was more like a lazy prod than an attack. Instead of hurting him, it ended up like he was teasing him.
Mu Zhan’s expression subtly shifted. His gaze darkened, and he caught Wen Mingyu’s ankle, gently laying them down on the soft mattress. His voice was hoarse as he warned, “Don’t move carelessly. Unless you’re inviting me to join you in bed.”
Wen Mingyu was scandalized by his sheer shamelessness. He burrowed under the quilt without hesitation, not hitching a ride with him.
Though, in his mind, he pictured himself to be swift and imposing, but in reality, he moved so sluggishly that all Mu Zhan saw was nothing but pure adorableness.
Wen Mingyu looked down and saw his very visible protruding belly and ran a hand over it. He felt a bit complicated.
Along with the joy of a new life, there was also the feeling of discomfort, frustration, and creeping thoughts where he felt his belly to be a little too big and ugly that it was almost frightening.
There were even times when he startled himself after catching his reflection in the bronze mirror.
Mu Zhan noticed him frowning and leaned over. He gently cupped his face, brushing his fingertips against his skin to make him look at himself. He asked in a soft voice, “What’s wrong? In a bad mood?”
Wen Mingyu felt that it was just a minor matter and a bit too self-indulgent to dwell on. So he shook his head and remained silent.
But Mu Zhan didn’t let it go so easily and instead said, “But I want to cheer you up. What should I do?”
Suddenly, Wen Mingyu’s heart melted into a pool of water.
He let out a small laugh, unable to resist saying, “You already have.”
Mu Zhan blinked, showing a rare trace of confusion; he hadn’t even taken an action yet.
Wen Mingyu nuzzled against him like a small animal. “Just by saying that, you’ve already lifted my spirits.”
Mu Zan understood then that it wasn’t about the grandest gestures or elaborate efforts. The simple fact that he had acutely noticed Wen Mingyu being unhappy and sincerely wanted to cheer him up had already put Wen Mingyu in a better mood.
He still frowned. “That’s far too easy.”
Wen Mingyu laughed, amused. “Isn’t it a good thing? Or would you rather rack your brains trying to think of ways to make me feel better?”
Mu Zhan honestly expressed his thoughts, “Being difficult to cheer up means that you are well-pampered, a little proud, and can’t be wronged. I don’t think it’s good if you’re digesting everything on your own. I’d prefer you to be the former. “
Wen Mingyu felt that perhaps pregnancy did make people more sentimental. He felt a lump in his throat hearing his words, and he couldn’t help but blink a few times. He smiled and said, “But clearly, the latter is the strong one. And those who are loved dearly can still be independent.”
Mu Zhan nodded. “That’s true. You can be strong out there, however, and when you come back home, confide to me whatever grievances you have; I’ll share the load and cheer you up.”
His warm palm caressed Wen Mingyu’s cheek, as though he were holding a delicate gem.
Wen Mingyu’s eyes curved. “I have done that.”
Mu Zhan gazed intently at him. “Could have relied on me a little more.”
Wen Mingyu’s scalp was a little numb from this blunt and penetrating gaze. It felt like he had fallen into a trap from which he had no way out. So with a helpless sigh, he finally confessed, “… I just think it’s a little ugly with a big belly.“
Mu Zhan looked genuinely surprised. “How come?”
Wen Mingyu: “Don’t you find it ugly?”
After all, everyone loved to be beautiful, and no one wanted to be unattractive.
Mu Zhan abruptly lowered his head, leaning in till his lips brushed against Wen Mingyu’s ear. He spoke huskily, his throat bobbling slightly, “If I thought you were ugly, then why would I want to make love with you every minute of every day?”
Grabbing his hand, Mu Zhan led it downwards towards himself. Wen Mingyu shortly stiffened, his ears turning red.
At that time, Wen Mingyu had no space in his heart to worry whether he was unattractive or not. His attention was completely diverted.
ChiFu: happy reading! thank you for the kofi, supporters! this helps ChiFu a lot ~
aaaand, it’s already a new semester. pray for me, I hope I survive TT