Chapter 23

Shu Pan was awakened by the pain. The dull ache in her lower abdomen escalated to a sharp twisting sensation, making it impossible for her to sleep. She broke into a cold sweat, soaking the sheets.

Hunching over, Shu Pan clutched her stomach tightly. She had intended to endure the pain, but as time passed, the agony intensified…

She struggled to get up, stumbling into the living room and gazing at the open door to the master bedroom. Gu Shaoting had already left, and she wasn’t sure when.

Suppressing her discomfort, she hailed a taxi and headed to the nearest hospital.

In the emergency room, after the female doctor examined Shu Pan, her expression immediately turned serious. “You’re five weeks pregnant with slight signs of miscarriage…”

Upon hearing the word “miscarriage,” Shu Pan was dumbfounded. “I… I’m pregnant?” She could hardly believe her ears.

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“You didn’t know you were pregnant?” The doctor frowned. She had never seen such a careless expectant mother before, and her tone inadvertently became stern. “You’re five weeks pregnant, but the fetus is unstable, showing slight signs of miscarriage. I’ve administered a progesterone shot to help support the pregnancy, but you must be careful. Avoid exhaustion and refrain from sexual intercourse for now. Get plenty of rest.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Shu Pan expressed her deep gratitude. Although Gu Shaoting didn’t anticipate the arrival of a child, Shu Pan loved children, and she loved Gu Shaoting so much. She had always wanted to have a child who resembled him, and now her wish had come true. It gave her a renewed sense of hope in life.

Shu Pan gently touched her belly, her eyes filled with tender affection.

“Come in for a regular check-up when you are pregnant for three months. Next time, you can bring your husband along. If you experience any discomfort, come to the hospital immediately. Your condition is rather unique,” the doctor reiterated repeatedly.

“Alright, thank you, doctor,” Shu Pan expressed her immense gratitude. She packed her things carefully and walked out of the hospital with utmost caution.

The lazy sunlight enveloped her figure, casting a gentle glow.

When her phone rang, Shu Pan felt a bit annoyed. At this moment, she just wanted to be left alone and found it inconvenient for someone to contact her. She picked up her phone and glanced at it. It was an unfamiliar number. Slightly puzzled, she answered the call.

“Is this Shu Pan?” A soft but cold voice sounded in her ear.

“Yes, who is this?” Shu Pan replied calmly, though she was quite perplexed. Her mind was constantly trying to recall if she had heard this voice before.

After a brief silence on the phone, the person spoke again.

“Shu Pan, it’s Tong Fei. Are you genuinely unaware or pretending to be?” The tone suddenly turned somewhat forceful.

Shu Pan fell silent, her gaze fixed ahead, somewhat lost.

“Don’t tell me you have no idea about the past between me and Shaoting? Don’t you mind? Do you really think Shaoting loves you? Our affair is all over the media, making headlines. You don’t have any thoughts about it?” Tong Fei finally shed her usual elegance and nobility, confronting Shu Pan with a cold tone.

Shu Pan gazed at the tall phoenix trees by the roadside, their leaves all fallen, leaving only bare branches, a sense of desolation pervading. She placed her right hand on her belly, gently stroking it, gathering her courage.

“Miss Tong, I am Gu Shaoting’s legal wife.”

“Oh… Aren’t you curious why Gu Shaoting married you?” Tong Fei could really strike at someone, hitting the nail on the head with every word. Even over the phone, one could sense the chill in her voice.

Tong Fei’s nonchalant tone frustrated Shu Pan. Why should she care? “Because Shaoting hated your father. It was your father who drove Uncle Gu to his death. He married you to seek revenge on your father!” Each word she spoke felt like a malicious curse.

Although she had known the answer for a long time, having it revealed once again felt like rubbing salt on a wound.

A chilling breeze seemed to engulf Shu Pan, and she felt a coldness seeping in.

Silence lingered for a long time.

“Do you think there’s a need for your marriage to continue?” Tong Fei continued.

Shu Pan’s face turned pale, and she bit her lip. “This is a matter between us as a married couple. If I want a divorce, I need Gu Shaoting’s agreement. Why don’t you talk to him about it?”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. Tong Fei hadn’t expected Shu Pan to respond this way.

Suddenly feeling stifled, Shu Pan hung up the phone.