Volume One, Chapter 18: Could It Be That You’re... Pregnant?

Duan Yixiao pushed the door open, and just as he was about to step in with Chen Nianke, a stern reprimand rang out: "Get out! Who let you in? We are conducting postnatal recovery treatments here. Do you have any concept of respecting patient privacy?"

The doctor rushed toward them, fuming, and promptly ushered them out before slamming the door shut and locking it without a shred of politeness.

Duan Yixiao and Chen Nianke were left standing there, humiliated and sheepish. Could they have really seen it wrong?

Chen Nianke was not about to give up. She had clearly seen Jiang Yunmiao go in; why would she be afraid to come out? She quickly formulated a plan, grabbed Duan Yixiao, and went to the front desk to inquire. "Excuse me, is Jiang Yunmiao here?"

The receptionist looked up. "Ms. Jiang?"

A glint of excitement flashed in Chen Nianke’s eyes. "Yes! Could you please help us get in touch with her?"

The receptionist cast a suspicious glance at the pair. "May I ask what business you have with her? Ms. Jiang is one of our VIP clients and a close friend of our boss; we cannot disclose our clients' private information."

"So, Jiang Yunmiao really is here?" Chen Nianke pressed urgently.

"Is it not perfectly normal for Yunmiao to be here? She is about to give birth, so she’s here for prenatal yoga and to learn parenting skills at our infant care classes. Is there a problem with that? Unlike you, who spends all day entangled with another woman’s husband—have you been discarded from the market of golden bachelors?"

Lu Shenshen appeared out of nowhere, delivering her biting, sarcastic remarks without mercy.

"Lu Shenshen, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Chen Nianke, stung by the insult, felt her carefully made-up face flush a deep red with rage.

Lu Shenshen gave her a dismissive once-over, her gaze cold and mocking. "And you, why have you come to my place? Could it be..." She deliberately stared at Chen Nianke’s midsection with malicious intent, "Could it be that you want to check into my center for your own postpartum confinement?"

Lu Shenshen shifted into business mode. "If so, you’ve picked the right place. This is the best confinement center in the city, with top-tier amenities. Would you like me to introduce you to our packages? Since we’ve been arch-rivals since childhood, I might even offer you a one-percent discount..."

"I am here to visit someone; stop running your mouth," Chen Nianke interrupted, her face dark as she cut through the mockery. Recalling something, she softened her tone slightly. "Do you know which room Shen Jingzhu is staying in?"

Lu Shenshen raised an eyebrow and glanced at her receptionist. The young woman checked the registry and shook her head.

"I’m sorry, we haven’t received any visitor notifications for that client, and we cannot disclose her privacy to you," Lu Shenshen said with a professional, detached tone.

Chen Nianke was so angry her mouth twitched, but with Duan Yixiao present, she could not afford to lose her temper.

"Lu Shenshen, we have very important business with Shen Jingzhu. I hope you can do us a favor; I will remember this as a personal favor to me," Duan Yixiao said, his voice steady and controlled, as if every word had been carefully calibrated.

Seeing him only fueled Lu Shenshen’s irritation. He ignored his own wife, yet spent his days hovering around this calculating "white lotus" like Chen Nianke—he was truly hopeless.

"You?" Lu Shenshen let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Mr. Duan might have forgotten the name of the person on his marriage certificate, but I haven’t. My best friend is Jiang Yunmiao, not the woman standing next to you. My loyalties don't bend that way, so, unfortunately, I can’t help you."

"You!" Duan Yixiao was rendered speechless, completely choked by her retort.

Just then, Du Junshan walked out, supporting Shen Jingzhu as they went for a stroll. Chen Nianke hurriedly tugged on Duan Yixiao’s sleeve. Their expressions shifted as if they were wearing masks, and they approached the couple.

"Mr. Du, hello! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. This is a small token of my appreciation for your little one; please do accept it." Chen Nianke offered her gift with a charming, practiced smile.

"And you are?" Seeing two strangers, Du Junshan’s expression turned guarded.

"I am the founder of Yi Jiang Shan, Duan Yixiao, and I also serve as a Vice President at the Duan Group. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Du. Please forgive our intrusion," Duan Yixiao introduced himself with a humble demeanor.

"So, it’s Mr. Duan!" Du Junshan’s expression softened. The Duan Group was a leading enterprise in Qingcheng, and Yi Jiang Shan was a promising startup. He had heard rumors about the elite families and actually admired Duan Yixiao, who had earned his standing through his own merit and become a strong contender for the family succession. He hadn't expected Duan Yixiao to seek him out, which surprised him.

"And this must be your right-hand woman, the renowned 'Iron Rose,' Ms. Jiang?" He had heard many tales of Jiang Yunmiao and greatly admired her vision, insight, and conduct. He turned his attention toward Chen Nianke, his gaze now far warmer than it had been a moment ago.

Chen Nianke’s gentle smile stiffened and froze. Was Jiang Yunmiao really that famous? She bit her lip and clenched her fingers, seething with hidden hatred. Jiang Yunmiao was nothing but a nanny’s daughter; even Zhou Manhua looked down on her. What kind of success could she possibly have?

"That’s not me. Forgive my lack of introduction—I am Chen Nianke. My father is the chairman of the Chenxing Group," Chen Nianke said, desperately trying to polish her own image.

Du Junshan paused, then gave a casual, dismissive smile. "I see. My apologies, Ms. Chen." Having come from humble beginnings, he had no patience for second-generation heirs who flaunted their family status at every turn. Besides, as far as he knew, the Chenxing Group was already on the decline. "Now, Mr. Duan, what brings you to me?"

Duan Yixiao and Chen Nianke exchanged a look. "I’ll be direct: we are looking to secure a storefront in the Jade Plaza."

"That shouldn't be a problem! Is Yi Jiang Shan launching a new product? Setting up an offline experience center in our plaza would certainly attract many young users. I’ll speak to the investment department shortly and have them contact you with the relevant shop details," Du Junshan replied readily.

Duan Yixiao looked awkward. "Mr. Du, there’s been a misunderstanding. It’s not Yi Jiang Shan looking for a space, but rather Ms. Chen’s original brand that wishes to move into the Jade Plaza."

Du Junshan looked back and forth between the two, then replied thoughtfully, "I see. I’m currently on vacation, so... Ms. Chen, please submit your relevant documentation to the investment department for review. They will provide you with feedback within a week."

Chen Nianke’s expression was indescribable. Du Junshan’s double standard could not have been more obvious. She turned to Duan Yixiao with a look of pleading, seeking his assistance.

Duan Yixiao gave her a reassuring look before diving into his usual corporate maneuvering to handle Du Junshan.

Standing to the side and watching the scene, Lu Shenshen felt nothing but disgust. So, Duan Yixiao had come here just to pave the way for Chen Nianke’s career. And Chen Nianke was laughable—did she have any idea what level she was operating at? She was actually targeting a consumer base meant for top-tier luxury brands!

The Jade Plaza would never let her in—that was for sure.