Fake Pregnancy? Oops, It’s Real — and So Is the Husband - Chapter 4

The moment this Weibo post went live, it instantly propelled the heated discussion to new heights.

[Holy shit! Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Shen Lai and the CEO of the Pei Group are married?!]

[LMAO, what kind of fake account is this? Even daring to forge a marriage certificate between Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan, better watch out for a lawsuit from the Pei Group.]

[Hey, upstairs, take a closer look. This is an officially verified V-account, and it was posted by the Pei Group. How could it possibly be photoshopped?]

[Am I the only one who noticed the key point here? Doesn’t this mean they’re admitting Shen Lai is pregnant?]

[They mentioned a husband and child, how could that be fake?]

[Who was it that said Shen Lai was leeching off Huo Chilin? LMAO, isn’t Pei Jingyan way more impressive?]

This plot twist slapped the faces of the antis who had been screaming about Shen Lai sleeping her way to the top just moments ago. The online sentiment flipped in an instant.

[So the guy Shen Lai was hugging at the hotel two months ago was Pei Jingyan?]

[No wonder that scoop got deleted the next day… turns out the Pei Group stepped in.]

[If it really was Pei Jingyan that night, why didn’t Shen Lai clarify it?]

[Why should a married couple have to explain themselves to the public?]

[Exactly. For all we know, Shen Lai might have actually spoken up, but people still accused her of riding Pei Jingyan’s coattails.]

The comments section was in complete chaos, and even Shen Lai’s phone was blown up with calls from Chen Hong.

“Shen Lai, is the Pei Group’s announcement real? Are you and CEO Pei really married?”

“How could you keep something this important from me?”

Not just her manager, even Shen Lai thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw the Weibo post.

Had Pei Jingyan just publicly revealed their relationship?

She had imagined countless ways Pei Jingyan might handle this, but never this one.

Just as Shen Lai was reeling, Pei Jingyan’s name lit up on her phone screen.

Staring at the caller ID that read “Arch-Nemesis,” her throat tightened. It took her several seconds before she finally answered.

“Saw the Weibo post?” Pei Jingyan’s deep, magnetic voice came through the phone.

Shen Lai’s throat felt dry. “Why did you post our marriage certificate?”

As if he had anticipated her question, Pei Jingyan replied calmly, “I didn’t just post it for outsiders to see, it was also for the family.”

Only then did Shen Lai realize that letting the Pei family know about their relationship was Pei Jingyan’s real goal.

This way, the Pei family wouldn’t suspect they were putting on an act.

The weight in Shen Lai’s chest seemed to grow heavier. She tightened her grip on the phone. “So you got the marriage certificate today just to use it at this moment?”

Pei Jingyan didn’t deny it outright. “Only with the certificate would no one doubt us.”

As for when they had actually gotten together, only they knew the truth.

Shen Lai thought to herself, Pei Jingyan really had thought of everything. If it were her, she’d never have considered so much.

After a few seconds of silence, she asked, “Aren’t you afraid everyone will find out once we divorce?”

Pei Jingyan’s voice carried a hint of mockery. “Miss Shen is already thinking about post-divorce matters so soon?”

Shen Lai pressed her lips together. “I’m just giving you a friendly reminder.”

If they had kept their marriage secret, only the Pei family would have known even after a divorce.

But now that it was public, things were different.

The corner of Pei Jingyan’s lips curled into a smirk. “Are you worried no one will want you once you’re a divorced woman, or are you afraid I’ll scare off your admirers?”

Shen Lai lowered her gaze, her eyelashes casting a faint shadow beneath her eyes, and murmured softly, “In my current state, no one would want me anyway…”

Who would want a woman whose family had gone bankrupt, whose father was in prison, whose mother was hospitalized, and who was covered in scandals?

Otherwise, Huo Chilin wouldn’t have broken up with her.

The phone call suddenly fell into silence. Shen Lai steadied her emotions and forced a lighthearted tone, “Since President Pei doesn’t mind, of course I don’t either. Either way, I’m the one benefiting. Actually, I should thank you for helping me solve this problem.”

Pei Jingyan narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression unreadable.

After hanging up, Shen Lai glanced at Weibo. Unsurprisingly, the announcement Pei Group had just posted was already trending, with her and Pei Jingyan’s names glaring prominently on the list.

#Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan Married#
#Shen Lai Confirms Pregnancy#
#Shen Lai Secret Marriage#
#Pei Jingyan Calls Himself Shen Lai’s Husband#

Looking at the word “husband” on the screen, Shen Lai felt an odd discomfort and quickly turned off her phone, distracting herself with other tasks.

Meanwhile, in the Huo family study.

Huo Chilin clenched his phone tightly as he read Pei Group’s latest Weibo post, his knuckles cracking under the pressure.

Pei Jingyan was the father of Shen Lai’s child?

Impossible!

Weren’t the two of them sworn enemies?

Huo Chilin couldn’t believe they were together. Others might not know, but he was well aware… since childhood, the two had always been at odds, clashing whenever they met. The idea of them dating, let alone marrying, was absurd.

It had to be a sham, something Shen Lai concocted to quell the rumors. But why would Pei Jingyan agree to play along? And even publicly acknowledge their relationship?

Everyone knew Pei Jingyan never did anything against his will.

The thought gnawed at him until he finally pulled out his phone and dialed Shen Lai’s number.

But the moment the call went through, an emotionless automated voice responded, “Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later…”

Shen Lai had blocked him.

Huo Chilin’s expression darkened. He hadn’t contacted Shen Lai since their breakup and had no idea she’d blocked him long ago.

Was this her retaliation for him ending things?

Since when had she become so petty?

Gritting his teeth, he grabbed his jacket, ready to leave but then he remembered the paparazzi he’d seen outside Shen Lai’s building that night and froze mid-step.

If he were photographed meeting Shen Lai now, it would only stir up more trouble.

Besides, if Shen Lai was with Pei Jingyan, she wouldn’t be tied to him anymore. That was a good thing.

With that thought, Huo Chilin sat back down, though the restless irritation in his chest refused to fade.

Shen Lai must have done this on purpose to make him jealous.

Yes, that had to be it.

The next morning, Shen Lai woke up to find the paparazzi who had been camped outside her building gone.

After Pei Group’s announcement last night, she’d expected even more people to swarm her today.

Had they all gone to Pei Jingyan instead?

She didn’t dwell on it. Bundled up, she took a taxi to the hospital.

Familiar with the route, she headed straight to the inpatient ward, took the elevator up, and stopped outside a room.

Pushing the door open, she saw a frail woman lying on the hospital bed. Though pale and sickly, her delicate features hinted at the beauty she once was.

“Mom,” Shen Lai called softly.

Chang Suning slowly opened her eyes upon hearing the voice and, upon seeing Shen Lai, managed a pale smile. “Xiao Lai, you’re here.”

Shen Lai walked over and sat down by the hospital bed, asking with concern, “How have you been lately? Are you feeling any better?”

Chang Suning leaned weakly against the headboard and gave a faint smile. “Same as always, nothing new.”

Hearing this, Shen Lai felt a pang in her heart.

Chang Suning reached out and gently touched Shen Lai’s head. “You must be exhausted lately, you’ve lost weight.”

Shen Lai’s nose tingled with emotion as she nuzzled into her mother’s palm. “No, I’m fine. I’ve just been a bit tired from rehearsals for a new show I was invited to.”

“Even if you’re earning money, you still need to take care of your health,” Chang Suning said with worry. “I don’t want you ruining your body.”

Shen Lai forced a smile. “I know.”

Judging by her mother’s reaction, Shen Lai guessed she still didn’t know about the recent events outside. Since falling ill, Chang Suning had rarely used any electronic devices, spending her days either taking medication and undergoing treatment or sleeping.

Shen Lai quietly sighed in relief.

Thankfully, her mother was still unaware… otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to explain it to her.

Noticing Shen Lai’s troubled expression, Chang Suning sighed. “Xiao Lai, it’s all my fault. I’ve burdened you.”

Shen Lai had been raised like a treasure in their hands, but now, because of her mother’s illness, she had no choice but to work in the murky waters of the entertainment industry.

“Mom, don’t say that,” Shen Lai said, gripping her mother’s hand tightly. “As long as you’re okay, I’m willing to do anything.”

Chang Suning’s face clouded with sorrow. “If your father were still here, you wouldn’t have to suffer like this.”

The mention of her imprisoned father cast a heavy silence over the room.

Six months ago, Shen Lingzhen had been charged with multiple crimes, including fraudulent bond issuance, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds. He was ultimately sentenced to a heavy prison term. The Shen family not only went bankrupt but also faced massive compensation lawsuits and bank loan recalls.

Shen Lai took a quiet breath. “Mom, I’ve been looking for Han Xinjie. Once we find him, Dad will definitely be cleared of these false accusations.”

Back then, her father had vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but Han Xinjie, the company’s vice president, had served as a key witness, providing “critical evidence” that led to his conviction.

Han Xinjie had always been on good terms with the Shen family, and Shen Lai couldn’t understand why he would frame her father like this. But if she could find him, she might finally uncover the truth.

This was also why Shen Lai had entered the entertainment industry by leveraging her celebrity status, she hoped that one day she could help overturn her father’s case.

After ensuring her mother took her medication and fell asleep, Shen Lai finally left the hospital.

Just as she stepped outside, she received a message from Pei Jingyan, summoning her to his company.

Though unsure of his intentions, Shen Lai hailed a taxi and headed to the Pei Corporation.

A secretary escorted her to the office, where Pei Jingyan sat behind his desk, a man in a tailored suit standing beside him.

When Shen Lai entered, Pei Jingyan tilted his chin slightly. “This is Attorney Chen. He’s here to draft our prenuptial agreement.”

Attorney Chen promptly handed over a document. “Miss Shen, here’s the contract. Please review it.”

Shen Lai had already braced herself for this, so she wasn’t entirely surprised.

Wealthy people were shrewd, especially someone like Pei Jingyan, who stood at the very top of the pyramid.

Signing a prenuptial agreement in advance was simply to avoid complications in case of divorce and, more importantly, to ensure no outsider could take advantage.

Shen Lai took the contract and opened it, her eyes immediately landing on the bold heading: “Prenuptial Agreement.”

She flipped through the pages one by one, scrutinizing them more carefully than she had ever studied in school.

After all, Pei Jingyan was her sworn enemy, and she had no idea what kind of trap he might have set for her. She had to be cautious.

The terms of the contract matched what Pei Jingyan had told her that night: he would provide resources for her career, and the Pei family would fully cover Chang Suning’s medical expenses until she recovered. In exchange, Shen Lai would become Pei Jingyan’s legal wife and carry their child to term.

After their divorce, the child would belong to the Pei family, while Shen Lai would receive a suburban villa, a luxury car, and a monthly child support payment of 100,000 yuan.

The conditions were far better than Shen Lai had expected. She had assumed Pei Jingyan would force her to leave with nothing not a single penny to her name.

Just then, her gaze suddenly froze on a particular clause.

She slowly looked up and couldn’t help but ask, “We can’t divorce until the old master passes away?”

Pei Jingyan remained silent, glancing at Attorney Chen instead.

Attorney Chen explained, “This is based on practical considerations. The prerequisite for Mr. Pei to secure his inheritance is marriage and having a child. If you two divorce abruptly, the old master might suspect something and revoke the inheritance. To ensure your relationship with Mr. Pei remains undisclosed, you cannot divorce before the old master’s passing.”

Shen Lai had assumed their marriage would last only a few years at most. But if the old Pei master remained in robust health, would she be bound to Pei Jingyan forever?

As if sensing her thoughts, the lawyer smiled reassuringly. “Ms. Shen, given the considerable benefits Mr. Pei is providing you, maintaining a long-term marital relationship wouldn’t be a loss for you.”

Shen Lai caught the underlying implication.

Pei Jingyan was offering her resources and covering her mother’s exorbitant medical bills. If she kept insisting on ending the marriage quickly, she would come across as ungrateful.

After all, countless women outside would kill to marry Pei Jingyan.

Shen Lai took a quiet breath, picked up the pen, and signed her name, silently thinking to herself: But I don’t want to marry Pei Jingyan at all.

At that moment, the lawyer kindly reminded her, “Ms. Shen, if you wish to terminate the contract early, you will not only have to repay all your mother’s medical expenses but also compensate ten times the breach penalty.”

Shen Lai nodded. “I understand.”

The lawyer closed the file, stood up, and said to Pei Jingyan, “Mr. Pei, I’ll take my leave now.”

Pei Jingyan gave a slight nod.

After the lawyer left, Pei Jingyan turned to Shen Lai, who was still staring at the contract, lost in thought.

“You’re currently signed with Hongda Entertainment?”

Pei Jingyan’s voice snapped Shen Lai back to reality. Unsure why he was asking, she nodded.

After the Shen family’s downfall, no company had dared to sign her. In the end, only Hongda Entertainment had taken her in and that was only out of past ties between their families.

However, due to the massive scandal surrounding Shen Lai’s father, she had faced public backlash the moment she debuted. Coupled with the company’s limited resources, she had spent most of her time idle. During her poorest days, she had even resorted to wearing mascot costumes to hand out flyers on the streets.

Pei Jingyan said coolly, “From now on, you’ll be an artist under Polai Entertainment.”

Shen Lai was taken aback. “Polai Entertainment?”

Pei Jingyan tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “Polai Entertainment is a subsidiary of the Pei Group.”

Shen Lai had never heard that the Pei family owned an entertainment company, especially when she learned that Pei Jingyan intended to sign her under his own company. She couldn’t help but show a surprised expression.

Pei Jingyan took in her reaction and said, “Didn’t I promise you yesterday that I’d provide you with resources?”

Shen Lai had initially thought that Pei Jingyan’s offer of resources meant giving her a few advertisements or opportunities to appear on shows. She never expected he would directly sign her under his company.

Shen Lai swallowed hard. “But my current contract hasn’t expired yet.”

Pei Jingyan replied nonchalantly, “The company has already paid the penalty for breach of contract on your behalf.”

Shen Lai was stunned.

Pei Jingyan continued, “After you sign with Polai Entertainment, a top-tier agent will be assigned to you. All your resources will be provided by the company, and you’ll receive a guaranteed base salary every month.”

The benefits were far better than what Shen Lai’s previous company had offered. At other agencies, if artists had no work, not only would they struggle to afford meals, but they might even end up owing the company money during settlements.

Yet Pei Jingyan’s company offered a base salary.

That meant even if Shen Lai had no work for a month, she would still have money to live on.

Shen Lai thought to herself that this was a good deal for her. If she signed with Polai Entertainment, her opportunities would likely increase significantly in the future.

At the very least, she wouldn’t have to worry about food and shelter like before.

For a moment, Shen Lai didn’t know whether to feel relieved or regretful. She steadied her emotions and said, “Since the contract is already signed, can I leave now?”

“Wait.” Pei Jingyan suddenly stopped her. Under her bewildered gaze, he enunciated each word clearly, “Move into my house tonight.”