Fake Pregnancy? Oops, It’s Real — and So Is the Husband - Chapter 67

Shen Lai’s body stiffened abruptly.

Noticing her reaction, Pei Jingyan lifted his eyelids to glance at her. “What’s wrong?”

Shen Lai stared at the overlapping bite marks on the grilled fish and whispered, “Why did you bite where I bit?”

Pei Jingyan glanced at the fish in her hand and replied nonchalantly, “Didn’t notice.”

After a pause, he added, “The fish is quite tasty.”

Seeing how unfazed Pei Jingyan was, Shen Lai felt that making a big deal out of it would only make her seem overly sensitive.

She consoled herself, after all, they’d already slept together. What was so strange about sharing the same spot on a grilled fish?

However, the scene took on a completely different meaning in Huo Chilin’s eyes. Watching the two eat so intimately, he nearly snapped the fish he was grilling in half.

Bai Hansui had just finished talking with Tong Miaoling and turned to ask Huo Chilin how the fish was coming along when she noticed him staring intently in one direction, his jaw clenched tightly.

Following his gaze, Bai Hansui saw Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan chatting. Her expression froze momentarily, her fingers digging so hard into her palms that her nails left marks.

Forcing a casual tone, Bai Hansui asked, “Chilin, is the fish ready?”

Huo Chilin snapped out of his thoughts and finally looked away, his voice low. “It’s done. You can have it.”

Bai Hansui had expected Huo Chilin to feed her and instinctively opened her mouth, only for him to simply hand her the grilled fish instead.

Her movement froze mid-air.

She had hoped to flaunt their affection, but Huo Chilin showed no intention of playing along.

Perhaps noticing her hesitation, Huo Chilin turned to her. “What’s wrong?”

Bai Hansui forced a stiff smile and took the fish from him. “Nothing.”

[Did Bai Hansui just expect Huo Chilin to feed her?]

[I saw it too, she even opened her mouth, but Huo Chilin didn’t react at all.]

[LOL, is Huo Chilin just that clueless?]

[It’s not about being clueless. Their dynamic has felt off since the show started this time.]

After finishing the grilled fish, everyone returned to their tents. As the lights went out, the beach fell into silence.

This was the first time the two had slept together since the show went on hiatus. Perhaps because she’d grown numb to it, Shen Lai didn’t feel awkward this time.

Besides, in such a desolate place, having Pei Jingyan nearby was somewhat reassuring.

The surroundings were so quiet that even the sound of waves outside could be heard.

Shen Lai lay in the dark, staring blankly at the tent ceiling, when Pei Jingyan suddenly spoke. “Still awake?”

Startled out of her thoughts, Shen Lai turned to him. “You’re not asleep either?”

Without missing a beat, Pei Jingyan replied, “Not used to the change in environment.”

Shen Lai supposed that made sense, someone like Pei Jingyan had probably never slept in a tent before.

Hesitantly, she asked, “Why did you agree to come on this show again? Your family already believes we’re together, right?”

Pei Jingyan answered leisurely, “Consider it free publicity for the company.”

Shen Lai recalled that Pei Jingyan had mentioned the successor selection was next month. Given how much time had passed, she wondered how things had turned out.

Curious, she asked, “By the way, did you secure the successor position?”

Pei Jingyan’s brow twitched slightly before he replied slowly, “Not yet.”

Shen Lai frowned slightly. “Didn’t you say the heir position would be announced next month?”

Pei Jingyan replied nonchalantly, “My grandfather said he won’t formally pass the heir position to me until after you’ve given birth.”

Shen Lai nearly choked.

Didn’t that mean Pei Jingyan would have to wait six more months to secure the heir position?

Perhaps reacting too strongly, Pei Jingyan glanced at her. “What? Can’t wait to divorce me already?”

That wasn’t what Shen Lai had in mind. Whether Pei Jingyan secured the heir position or not, divorce wasn’t happening anytime soon.

Softly, she said, “I was just worried you might grow impatient.”

Pei Jingyan studied her intently. “Why would I be impatient?”

“Aren’t you afraid something might go wrong? What if you don’t get the heir position and still end up married to me? Wouldn’t that be a loss for you?”

Pei Jingyan remained calm. “I never regret my decisions.”

Though Shen Lai knew he didn’t mean it that way, for a fleeting moment, she felt a pang of uncertainty.

If that day ever came, Pei Jingyan might not feel the same.

Silence settled between them, neither speaking further.

Gazing up at the tent ceiling, Shen Lai suddenly felt a dull ache in her chest. Pressing a hand to her heart, she curled up slightly.

The next morning, the production crew roused everyone early. Director Miao, megaphone in hand, announced the day’s first challenge.

“This morning’s task is a paired challenge. One partner will give directions while the other, blindfolded, crosses the river to retrieve rare plant specimens from the opposite bank.”

“If the safety rope snaps or the specimen is damaged, the task fails.”

“The winning team receives a special medical supply kit from the production team!”

[This prize is probably coveted by every guest here, it’d be incredibly useful on an island like this.]

[Forget the guests, even I want that kit.]

[But isn’t this task a bit risky? One wrong move could lead to trouble.]

[Relax, the crew cares more about safety than anyone. With heavyweights like Pei Jingyan and Huo Chilin involved, accidents aren’t an option.]

After discussion, all four teams decided the men would cross while the women guided from shore.

As Pei Jingyan secured his harness, Shen Lai suddenly called out, “Wait.”

He turned to look at her.

Biting her lip, she said, “Be careful. Don’t slip.”

A faint smile touched Pei Jingyan’s lips. “Got it.”

Only after speaking did Shen Lai feel a flush of embarrassment. Handing him the specimen jar, she retreated to the shore.

Soon, all four men were ready. Huo Chilin, standing beside Pei Jingyan, sneered, “Better watch your step, President Pei. Wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself.”

Pei Jingyan replied leisurely, “Save your concern for yourself, Young Master Huo. Another fall like yesterday’s would be truly humiliating.”