Chapter 33: 33 Everybody Knows
"I heard you two even went car shopping and bought a luxury car, right? Other students have said they've seen that guy! He's from the same school as us!"
"With you not returning to school for such a long time, of course, you wouldn't know how much this has blown up! The confession wall and forums are all buzzing about you two! I heard both of you have taken a leave of absence from school!"
"At first, I didn't believe it, but then all signs began to point towards it being true! You haven't been back to school for so long – you couldn't possibly be showing with a big belly, ready to give birth, could you?"
Han Xuewei was listening to her best friend's complaints while washing up, soon joining Lin Yi at the dining table for breakfast.
Seeing his wife on the phone all morning, Lin Yi quietly asked, "Who is it?"
He was met with his wife's smile in response.
At this time, only Lin Yi and Han Xuewei sat at the dining table. Lin Yi's parents had stayed only a few days after helping their son with his school hiatus before returning home to prepare for handing the company over to him, planning to come back the month before the baby's due date.
Han Xuewei's dad also returned home due to related matters, while her mom stayed behind with Aunt Wang to take care of her, and the two were currently off to the market to shop for groceries.
Han Xuemei lowered her voice and then, with a smile, confessed to her friend on the phone, "They're right, I'm with Lin Yi, and I'm actually almost due to give birth."
Her admission left Qin Xiaoxu silent for a long while before he finally said over the phone, "You don't mean that time you said you were going out and then didn't come back in the evening..."
Han Xuewei blushed and whispered back, "Mhm."
With a heavy sigh, Qin Xiaoxu pressed on, "Why the sudden marriage? Didn't you guys have a wedding ceremony? Isn't something missing?"
Han Xuewei walked slowly to the living room and leaned against the sofa while patiently explaining, "It's not as you think. I have triplets in my tummy, so right now, I can't exert myself; we'll make up the wedding ceremony after the children are born. Lin Yi has promised me that we won't miss out on anything."
"Besides, we are very much in love. He really loves me a lot, so you don't need to worry! When have I ever been at a disadvantage? The husband I chose for myself is definitely without issue," Han Xuewei confidently assured her best friend while not forgetting to glance at Lin Yi.
After hearing this, Qin Xiaoxu couldn't help but exclaim, "What? You're carrying triplets? How are you so fertile, like a little guinea pig?!"
Han Xuewei, irritated by her friend's words, retorted, "Humph, you're the guinea pig! May all your future children be guinea pigs! My triplets are adorable! I will give birth to them no matter what!"
Qin Xiaoxu replied helplessly, "Alas, it's a shame, our beautiful flower has plunged into the cow dung! And you're about to have three babies for him!! From now on, don't hide anything from me like this again! I insist on being godmother to the three little ones!"
Laughing softly, Han Xuewei said, "Speaking so poorly of Lin Yi isn't right; I think he's quite handsome, and indeed the type I like. He'll make a handsome dad, and the kids will definitely be beautiful. And as for the godmother, you were always going to be it; I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Qin Xiaoxu laughed and asked, "Aren't you tired of staying at home for so long? Don't you want to go out and have some fun? It would be nice to chat with you. If it's inconvenient, I'll come over. By the way, did he buy you a marital home? You both are still students; surely you didn't struggle to buy a house, right?
Or did you just settle for a small place? Especially since I heard his family's business isn't doing well this year, almost like they're going bankrupt – it's not too dire, is it?"
Han Xuewei replied, "Actually, it's not really bankruptcy – some people are just spreading rumors. Lin Yi used the money he earned from stock investments to buy a house, in fragrant Osmanthus Garden's Building Nine."
"The house is pretty big, our parents from both sides can move in without a problem. His parents think highly of me, especially since Lin Yi is an only child. By the way, you should come over to keep me company. We can chat and catch up. I'm so bored being alone, and now with the baby growing, it's getting harder to get around."
Qin Xiaoxu was very surprised, "Xianggui Garden, Building Number Nine! Vivi, you're not living in a villa area, are you? I'll find time to visit you. Take good care of yourself. I want to see what a big villa is really like! And let me know if you need anything; I'll bring some stuff for you.
I will fulfill all your little wishes!"
"Hmm!"
"Alright, I have to get back to studying for an exam! Let's talk later. If you get bored or upset, just send me a WeChat message, don't let our expectant mother be alone and bored!"
After chatting briefly, the two girls went back to their busy lives.
After Han Xuewei hung up the phone, she looked up and noticed that Lin Yi was staring at her.
"Hmm? Husband, what's up?"
The latter replied helplessly, "I could hear every word of your conversation from all the way over here. Does the whole school know we're married by now?"
Han Xuewei nodded and answered, "I heard some students even saw us going for a prenatal checkup. And it seems like everyone is talking about us; opinions are all over the place."
Suddenly, Lin Yi asked, "So, wife, do you want everyone to know about this?"
Han Xuewei looked puzzled, "Why do you suddenly ask that?"
Lin Yi said, "You've always been the school belle, the focus of attention in our school. I've never had much presence there. The news about us being together is bound to have an impact on you. I'm a bit worried about you..."
"Lin Yi, I won't allow you to think like that! We're married now, and any problems we face, we face together. Besides, I feel that being with you was the right choice. I've been very happy with all the time we've spent together! I think you're the best choice for me!"
Han Xuewei had never confessed so boldly before. As soon as she finished speaking, even her cheeks became slightly red.
At that moment, the same thought crossed both their minds, and they made a deep and firm resolution...
Suddenly, Lin Yi's phone also received a message.
Upon checking, it was from the dormitory group he belonged to.
Lin Yi gently kissed Han Xuewei's forehead, then took out his phone to check the message.
"Lin Yi, do you guys already have a child? The whole school knows that the school belle is pregnant. You better not tell me this is just a rumor!"