To Marry My Little Chestnut - Chapter 21

“Tingyang, could you please help me with my button?” Yu Yan let go of the button on his jeans, feeling both grumpy and defeated.

Sunlight slipped in through the edge of the curtains. He sat on the edge of the bed, exposing his round little belly with his jeans unbuttoned. He was wearing a white turtleneck sweater on his upper body, and the struggle of trying to button his pants for so long had left him almost breaking a sweat.

Refusing to accept defeat, he even dragged his unbuttoned pants over to the scale in the corner to weigh himself. He clearly had not gained any weight! How was the baby growing so fast? The jeans he wore just last week were fine, but now they would not fit.

Zheng Tingyang was currently checking where to place the fetal heart monitor in the suitcase while holding a bottle of stretch mark oil in his hand. “What is wrong, Xiao Yu?”

As soon as he entered the bedroom, he saw someone repeatedly stepping on and off the scale. Yu Yan turned around with a look of grievance, and what came into view was that pregnant belly protruding from under the sweater.

“I cannot button them. I do not have any jeans I can wear anymore.”

“Why are you wearing these? Do you not have overalls?” Zheng Tingyang listened to him anyway, squatting down to try and help him button them. It did not work. His belly was soft and his waist was thin, but the curve of his lower abdomen had truly exceeded the maximum elasticity of the denim. Forcing them closed would squeeze the belly, so Zheng Tingyang told him to give up on the idea.

Turning around, he found a few nice outfits in the closet. “Wear this. Beijing is warmer than Haicheng; if you wear too much, you will sweat.”

“It is too childish. I wanted to go out with you,” Yu Yan sat on the edge of the bed, creating a deep indent in the mattress. He refused to take off the jeans, sitting there and looking down unhappily at his little belly, which was growing much faster than he had anticipated. He poked it with his fingertip, creating a little dimple. “Why is it growing so fast?”

Only then did Zheng Tingyang understand Yu Yan’s concern. The people they would meet at the meetings would surely be dressed in suits, just like on TV. It was one thing to be pregnant, but if he wore overalls on top of that, he would look like a stuffed doll. He felt like he would not look like he belonged in that world.

Yu Yan did not want to embarrass Zheng Tingyang, so he had tried to find an outfit he considered mature. Zheng Tingyang said, “No one will say anything when you are with me. Besides, if you do not like it, you can just sleep in the hotel the whole time.”

That had been his original plan. Yu Yan had spent too much time moving only between home, the flower shop, and the hospital.

As Zheng Tingyang helped him back into his overalls, Yu Yan could not help but say, “But this is my first time traveling far away.” He was excited and happy. Watching Zheng Tingyang squatting before him to do up his buttons, he asked, “Before, my father never let me go out. I have never been to Beijing. When you are busy, can I go play by myself?”

Zheng Tingyang gave a firm, selfless denial: “No. However, after things are finished, we can stay in Beijing for a while.”

Yu Yan replied, “That will not work. The flower shop owner said the renovations only take a week. I have to go to work.”

Zheng Tingyang never said things to him like “you do not really need to work a job that pays 3,500”; instead, he was very respectful of his job. “Who knows, maybe the renovations will not be finished in a week?” Zheng Tingyang said with a smile.

Yu Yan asked, “Are you a prophet?”

Zheng Tingyang acted mysterious. “You never know.”

The driver had been waiting outside for a long time. Secretary Lin was also going along this time, but he had taken an early flight, while they were taking the highway for a steady, low-stress trip. Since it was Yu Yan’s first trip, he spent a long time happily leaning against the car window, watching the scenery as they drove out of the neighborhood. He was someone who had grown up in Haicheng, but today everything felt different.

However, this novelty lasted less than ten minutes before Yu Yan became carsick. He had not been eating much lately, having only had two bites of millet porridge before getting in the car. Combined with pregnancy-related nausea, he felt very drained of energy.

Behind the front seat was a screen for a small computer. Zheng Tingyang tapped on the keyboard or his phone from time to time to arrange matters. Drowsy, Yu Yan slumped onto his lap and fell fast asleep. Zheng Tingyang had instructed the driver not to take the far-left fast lane. A three-hour journey took five hours. Midway, the driver got out to eat. Zheng Tingyang held Yu Yan’s sleeping face and asked if he wanted to eat anything, but it was as if someone had pressed Yu Yan’s “power off” button; he made no sound at all.

Nanding District, Beijing

The area was flourishing, a scene of shimmering lights. Nanding District was a recently developed zone in Beijing. Following a sea route down from Houhai Port led straight to Haicheng. It was originally just a coastal town on the outskirts of Beijing, but four years ago, it was incorporated and leveled for redevelopment as a new shipping route. High-rises and skyscrapers had risen from the ground, and luxury cars moved back and forth in front of the Pearl Building throughout the night. It was only in the late hours that the crowds thinned.

Manager Shen of the lobby came out specifically to meet them, quickly moving to open the car door with a flattering air, about to offer his greetings. Zheng Tingyang carried someone out of the car. The person was sound asleep, his face even buried in the crook of Zheng Tingyang’s neck. He only woke up when he was picked up, but he was too dazed and lazy to move, letting himself be handled.

The manager was startled. He had indeed heard rumors lately that President Zheng of Haicheng’s Changhang Group had gotten married, though his spouse had not yet appeared before the media. “This way, please.” The manager sensibly lowered his voice and signaled the welcoming party behind him to keep things low-profile.

Secretary Lin had arrived early and arranged everything. In the elevator, Zheng Tingyang asked, “Have the people from Haoyang Group arrived?”

Secretary Lin replied, “They have. The one who came is the Junior CEO, Gao Wenjing.”

Zheng Tingyang understood the business world thoroughly. In this bidding process, the other groups were merely tag-alongs, waiting to see who would win so they could negotiate subsequent cooperation. The only one capable of competing with Changhang this time was likely Haoyang Group.

“I see. We will review the project proposal again tonight. You handle the rest.”

“There is one more thing,” Secretary Lin hesitated.

Zheng Tingyang said, “Speak.”

“Junior CEO Gao hopes to invite you and Young Master Yu to dinner tomorrow afternoon to discuss cooperation.”

Yu Yan let out a yawn. “Is the food good?”

Zheng Tingyang’s lips curled slightly. “Beijing cuisine is mostly sweet and savory; it is suitable for what you have been eating lately.”

Secretary Lin held the elevator door and escorted the two of them all the way to their room. He still felt the pressure. Cooperation meant giving up a large chunk of the profits. If they did not cooperate, the fact that Haoyang Group dared to bid meant they had confidence.

Haoyang Group was also an old enterprise rooted in Haicheng that had moved to Beijing for development ten years ago. Now, with the real estate industry’s prospects looking excellent, this project was of great importance. However, to Zheng Tingyang, it was optional. Much of his capital was in overseas stocks and futures; his liquid capital could match the new project. Taking this project now was simply to stabilize Changhang’s roots in Haicheng. Once roots were established, they would naturally sprout and grow into a lush, flourishing tree.

Rather than a dinner party, it was more appropriate to call it a pre-bidding salon. Yu Yan was woken up early by the little baby in his belly; the baby kicked him just enough that the slight urge to use the bathroom woke him up.

Zheng Tingyang was already up and had specifically asked the hotel chef to make some traditional Beijing snacks. Yu Yan did not have the energy to get out of bed; after using the bathroom, he wobbled over like a little feather and drifted into Zheng Tingyang’s arms. After eating the snacks, a tailor also came to make him custom-made pants. In the afternoon, a waiter came to knock on the door and ask if they were free to go downstairs for the banquet.

“Will I really not be an embarrassment dressed like this?” In the elevator, Yu Yan looked down at his overalls, feeling like something was strange. Looking down, he completely could not see his toes anymore! How was the baby growing so fast?

The Pearl Building had been booked for a week for this bidding event. Those entering and exiting were various bosses and their secretaries, every single one of them dressed in suits, except for him. Wearing a cashmere sweater and overalls, he looked as if he had stepped out of a manga for expectant fathers.

Zheng Tingyang took his hand. “I do not think so. In fact, you look very good.”

“You are just coaxing me again.” Yu Yan was not very confident, but he was happy because Zheng Tingyang said so. He did not understand business. Zheng Tingyang told him to make sure to taste the specialty dishes later; if there was anything he liked, they could bring a chef back to Haicheng to cook for him.

The elevator chimed as it reached the top floor. A waiter led them through a corridor where both walls were covered in peculiar paintings. The grand, heavy doors opened to reveal a transparent glass dome for a ceiling. Flowering vines climbed from the walls to the edges of the dome, like a scene from The Wizard of Oz. The venue was massive, with banquet tables scattered everywhere.

“President Zheng? It has been a long time. I heard you were transferred to Beijing and promoted to Executive Director. Rising so high at such a young age is impressive!” Someone in the crowd saw him arrive and approached with a smile to strike up a conversation.

Zheng Tingyang knew he would not be able to avoid drinking later. He squeezed the back of Yu Yan’s hand. “Sit in the corner. If you want anything to eat, ask the waiter to get it for you. I will be there in a moment.”

“Okay,” Yu Yan stood out when he entered, but he went to the corner to grab a small cake and stayed quiet. He did not understand business; he just felt that today, Zheng Tingyang seemed to be the protagonist. The entire top-floor banquet hall was huge, with six long banquet tables.

“Is Daddy very impressive?” Yu Yan ate his little cake with a smile. Beijing cakes actually came in savory flavors; the cream had strawberry powder added to it, making it just right for his appetite. He quietly ate two of them.

Not far away, Zheng Tingyang was already surrounded by men and women, several of whom were Changhang’s actuaries and financial giants.

“Does President Pei intend to cooperate this time?” “The Haoyang Group family does seafood. I heard they have connections behind them. President Pei might give them some face, but who knows what President Zheng thinks?” “Junior CEO Gao’s invitation is very sincere. President Zheng will not refuse, will he?”

Toasts and social pleasantries were unavoidable. Zheng Tingyang took a few small sips; he had a high tolerance but did not want the smell on him, fearing it would bother Yu Yan. This cooperation was almost a done deal, a win-win for both sides. Junior CEO Gao had the ability to bid but had extended an olive branch first, showing that the man had a brain. Otherwise, if the two groups truly fought for it, it might end in a loss for both.

“President Zheng, where do you plan to source the construction materials from next?” “Hengxing Construction Materials seems good. President Zheng, this time…”

Yu Yan sat in the corner, holding a glass of grape juice handed to him by a waiter, sipping it slowly. He heard that drinking grape juice could make the baby’s skin fairer. Since he and Zheng Tingyang could not produce an Alpha baby, he liked to eat more fruit.

“Yu Yan?” While he was daydreaming, a man walked in through the door surrounded by followers. The man spotted him at a glance and smiled. “It really is you.”

Whether intentional or not, his voice was slightly loud, causing people nearby to look over. Yu Yan was stunned. Looking at the familiar yet strange face before him, someone he had not seen in a long time, he had not even swallowed his mouthful of grape juice.

“It is only right that you do not remember me. Your father let so many people visit the Yu household to see you every year.” He smiled, straightening his tie as his burning gaze swept over Yu Yan, finally landing on his protruding pregnant belly. “Time flies. In the blink of an eye, you really did get married.”

The secretary beside the man said, “Junior CEO Gao, President Zheng has arrived.”

Yu Yan frowned slightly, finally remembering who the person in front of him was: Gao Wenjing. Back in Haicheng, the Gao family’s status was quite high. Father Yu had intended to use Yu Yan for a marriage alliance, and the two families had a meal together before high school. However, Father Gao did not agree to the marriage alliance. Instead, after seeing Yu Yan, he intended to make Yu Yan a kept lover. Father Yu felt the deal was not worth it, and the matter was dropped.

Later, the two of them entered the same high school. Gao Wenjing was one grade above him and had once cornered him in the restroom, wanting to smell his pheromones, but Yu Yan was rescued by a tall, thin boy who hit hard. That person was named Zheng Tingyang.

Gao Wenjing sneered. “I thought it was just the same name. I did not expect this, President Zheng?”

Zheng Tingyang’s broad shoulders blocked Yu Yan behind him as he politely extended his hand. “Junior CEO Gao.”

“The two of you know each other?” Director Wang of Hengxing Construction Materials smiled. “Indeed, each generation is stronger than the last. We were just saying, Junior CEO Gao has great character in this cooperation. He has only been in charge of the company for so long, and yet he can handle such a large project!”

Gao Wenjing snapped his fingers, took a sip of red wine, and frowned slightly. “Where was this wine produced?” The waiter replied, “It is brewed from grapes grown in the Liaoguang Desert.”

“I thought so,” Gao Wenjing smiled. “A worthless grape, no matter where it grows or where it is brewed, the aftertaste is still so bitter. No matter how good the packaging is, it is still worthless. In the future, at my events, this kind of cheap stuff is not allowed to be served.”

The waiter was subservient, quickly arranging for all the wine in the hall to be replaced. “Would you not agree, President Zheng?” Gao Wenjing asked.

Zheng Tingyang raised his chin and met his gaze directly. “As long as I like it, I can send even the value of a single grape to the heavens.”

The atmosphere between the two was not quite right. A middleman quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Being able to gather today is a reunion of sorts. President Zheng, it is impressive that you could reach this position at such a young age without family support. And being a Beta, it is not easy.”

Zheng Tingyang narrowed his eyes slightly. Alpha pheromones spread silently. Yu Yan had not encountered Alpha pheromones for a long time during his pregnancy; suddenly suppressed, the pheromones drifted wildly through the hall. Yu Yan instinctively backed away, touching the back of his neck. A thin sweat had broken out, and without a suppression patch, his head felt dizzy.

The scent of sweet chestnuts scattered in the air, and other Alphas followed the scent to look over. Gao Wenjing took a step forward. “So it is a chestnut scent. I did not get to smell it back then, but smelling it today is not a waste, is it?”

“Whose Omega pheromones are leaking?” “How can they go out without wearing a patch?”

Zheng Tingyang’s gaze suddenly turned cold. He pulled Yu Yan into his arms, shielding his gland. “Do not be afraid. I will take you back.”

It was a very embarrassing and private thing for an Omega’s pheromones to be smelled by others. Gao Wenjing’s pheromones were overwhelming; besides Yu Yan, a few other Omegas in the room were also forced to leak their scents. However, only Yu Yan had never been marked, making his scent stronger and more attractive.

Gao Wenjing asked, “President Zheng, leaving before the business is even discussed?” He was publicly putting Zheng Tingyang in an impossible position.

Yu Yan was led out of the banquet hall, his fingertips shaking slightly. “Tingyang, I am sorry, I…”

“It is okay. Is your gland alright? It is my fault for not sensing that his pheromones were targeting you.” Zheng Tingyang intimately caressed the back of his neck. “Is the smell strong now?”

A waiter quickly brought a disposable patch and applied it to Yu Yan. Secretary Lin chased out from the hall and whispered a few words in Zheng Tingyang’s ear. Zheng Tingyang had Yu Yan sit on a sofa outside the corridor, squatting down to pat his head. “I will be right back. One minute. It is fine, do not be afraid.”

As Zheng Tingyang stood up, Yu Yan anxiously grabbed him. “Do not do anything because of me. He had some grievances with my father in the past. It is my problem. Do not let it interfere with your business, okay?”

“Okay,” Zheng Tingyang knelt down on one knee, pressing his forehead against Yu Yan’s. “Rest assured. Secretary Lin, watch over him. Also, have them deliver every kind of cake from the hall to the room.”

The doors to the hall were pulled open once again. The scattered discussions came to an abrupt halt as everyone looked over.

“Look, President Zheng is listening to Chairman Pei after all. He is definitely going to apologize in a moment.” “Junior CEO Gao is being a bit too aggressive.”

Gao Wenjing was laughing and talking with several Changhang executives. Director Wang took Zheng Tingyang aside and said, “The cooperation is a done deal. Junior CEO Gao did not do it on purpose. Besides, you cannot smell anything anyway, so just pretend you do not know and let this matter pass!”

Zheng Tingyang’s lowered hand curled into a fist as he took the wine glass handed to him. “Yes.”

Gao Wenjing leisurely enjoyed the flattery of the masses. “President Zheng, next time your Omega is pregnant, do not bring him out to show him off. My pheromone level is very high. As soon as he smelled me, his scent started drifting everywhere; one might think something was going on between us. Would you not agree?”

Gao Wenjing raised his glass to clink it against Zheng Tingyang’s.

Zheng Tingyang narrowed his eyes with a cold sneer. “I cannot smell his pheromones.”

Gao Wenjing replied, “Exactly. It is because you cannot smell them.”

Zheng Tingyang stared at him intently, the expression on his face gradually changing like a cold, angry lion lying in wait. Finally, he returned to an expressionless state, but his eyes were colder and deeper than before. Gao Wenjing knew he had crossed the other man’s line, but feeling pleased, he offered an out. “President Zheng, I like your personality. Let bygones be bygones. To a happy cooperation?”

Zheng Tingyang let out a soft laugh and clinked his glass against the other’s. Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the cooperation was settled.

However, Zheng Tingyang did not drink the wine. Instead, he said with a chilling yet calm voice: “From this day forward, if Haoyang Group’s stock can still go up, then I, Zheng Tingyang, am useless. Changhang will not cooperate on the Haicheng cultural tourism project.”

Immediately, he downed the red wine in one gulp and smashed the glass onto the floor with a loud bang. The music and the sound of people talking in the hall came to a sudden halt.

Gao Wenjing narrowed his eyes, dissatisfied. “What did you say?”

“Junior CEO Gao, I have got you right where I want you.”

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