Cecilia Gu had no idea that after just one night's sleep, the world outside had changed.
With the help of her assistant, Cecilia measured her abdominal circumference and fetal heart rate, then sent the data to the Yun family—and also to Madam Yin.
This was something she had promised Madam Yin.
She sent her health data at regular intervals every day to reassure Madam Yin.
"Miss, you're already five months along, but you haven’t gained any weight at all. After you give birth, you’ll get your figure back quickly," the assistant said to Cecilia with a smile. "Madam says as long as you eat these specially prepared pastries on time, all the nutrition will go to the baby, and you won’t get fat."
Cecilia smiled and nodded, then sat up in bed.
As the months passed, her belly became more and more noticeable.
Just a few days ago, her bump was barely visible. Now, the outline was clearly protruding.
Looking in the mirror, Cecilia could see her belly sticking out like a little pot.
But from behind, Cecilia’s waist was still so slender and graceful. If you didn’t know she was five months pregnant, you’d think she was just a young girl.
The assistant picked out a brand-new linen dress for Cecilia and loosely braided her long hair into a centipede plait that hung down her back.
The dress had been sent by Janice Xiao early on.
Yesterday, she’d gone shopping with Maren. She didn’t buy much for herself, but she picked up plenty of clothes and comfy shoes for Cecilia.
As soon as Cecilia opened her eyes, she saw the clothes Janice had bought for her, and a warm feeling filled her heart.
"Where are Rona and Zixuan?" Cecilia finished the porridge the assistant handed her and asked softly, "Have they gotten up yet?"
She still needed to give them another dose of medicine today. Their wounds would be fine after this.
"President Mu and Miss Mo got up very early. They’re waiting for you outside now!" The assistant finally tucked a hairpin behind Cecilia’s ear, gathering up her loose hair.
Right now, Cecilia looked just like a freshman college student, her face pure and untouched by time.
"Waiting for me? Oh, I’d better hurry!" Only then did Cecilia remember that last night, when the two left, they’d agreed to go see the aquarium together this morning.
Cecilia quickly stood up, grabbed her handbag, and said to the two assistants, "You two should have some fun today, too. You can go down to the bottom of the boat and see the tropical fish. That’s something you’ll never see up north!"
The two assistants exchanged happy glances.
"Let’s go." Cecilia hurried toward the door.
As soon as she opened the door, sure enough, she saw Rona Muir and Zixuan Mo both dressed in light, loose clothing.
Rona wore linen woven pants and a fitted black T-shirt, which really showed off her G-cup figure.
Zixuan, on the other hand, wore a white gauzy long dress with a denim jacket over it.
Hmm, the morning wind really was pretty strong.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Are your wounds any better? Do you want me to put some more medicine on them?" Cecilia asked.
Zixuan smiled and shook her head. "It’s fine. My brother sent someone to take care of me yesterday! We’ve already had our medicine. Let’s go, we’d better hurry or we won’t get good seats!"
Zixuan and Rona each took one of Cecilia’s hands and headed down to the bottom of the boat.
Cecilia couldn’t help but feel the atmosphere between them had really changed.
It was as if the two had reached some kind of agreement—there was no trace of rivalry anymore.
So strange.
But it was a good thing for her if they got along!
After all, they were both her friends!
The three of them happily headed to the bottom of the boat.
By the time they reached the viewing room, it was already packed with people.
The bottom of the boat was designed with a 270-degree panoramic glass window, offering a real-time view of everything beneath the sea.
Even the floor was completely transparent.
Walking on it, you could look down and see schools of fish swimming right underneath your feet.
That feeling was simply incredible.
The captain had taken Cecilia to a room with a similar design before.
But it wasn’t nearly as big as this one.
Watching with a crowd is always more fun!
"Wow! It’s really beautiful!" Rona exclaimed, reaching out to touch the wall.
When she saw a shark slam fiercely toward her, Rona instinctively let go and stepped back in fright.
Cecilia and Zixuan burst out laughing, teasing Rona together.
Rona finally snapped out of it and laughed along with them.
Just then, a figure suddenly rushed out of the crowd and stood next to Rona, grabbing her shoulder and shouting sternly, "You dare to quit!"
Cecilia and Rona turned at the same time and saw Shang Ke, face dark with rage, glaring at Rona.
Rona said to Cecilia and Zixuan, "You two go enjoy the show. I'll talk to him for a minute and then join you."
Cecilia and Zixuan nodded, patted Rona’s hand, and walked away with the crowd.
Cecilia understood—this was between Rona and Shang Ke, and Rona didn’t want anyone else involved.
Once they were far enough away, Rona calmly looked up at Shang Ke and said, "I don’t see any reason to keep working for a boss who once kidnapped me."
Shang Ke’s eyes instantly reddened. "You know I never meant to treat you that way!"
"Right, you didn’t mean it—you did it on purpose! You’ll do anything for Sylvia Ran, even hurt me to help her! If that’s the case, I’ll step aside and let you be loyal to her." Rona looked at Shang Ke calmly, her gaze landing on his hand. "There are so many people here. Are you planning to kidnap me again and lock me in a cramped storeroom?"
Shang Ke was stunned; he hadn’t expected things to come to this.
He unconsciously let go, still looking utterly shocked.
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"You want to protect Sylvia Ran—I have nothing to say. You hurt me for her—I still have nothing to say. After all, you two grew up together, and I’m just your deputy. I understand, both emotionally and logically. So, Mr. Shang, please understand me too. I feel I’m no longer fit to be vice president of Audis Corporation, so I’ve formally submitted my resignation to the board. Please approve it."
"Mr. Shang, you’ve always looked after me for my father’s sake. I’m grateful for that. So, I’ll return the company-provided house and car. As for my personal things, I’ll come to the office another day to pack up." Rona looked at Shang Ke coldly and said, "From today on, there’s nothing between us. Please respect my privacy and my rights."
After saying this, Rona quietly stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Shang Ke.
Shang Ke stared at Rona. "Are you really this cold and resolute?"
Rona looked at Shang Ke with mockery. "Cold and resolute? Have I ever kidnapped you, Mr. Shang? Or locked you up?"
"You know I truly care about you..." Shang Ke said through gritted teeth. "I’ve never cared about any other woman."
"Sorry, I refuse." Rona replied calmly. "You have the right to love, and I have the right to refuse! I can’t accept your love."
Shang Ke swayed, surprised by how distant Rona sounded.
Rona glanced sideways and spotted Sylvia Ran watching from not far away, a cold smile appearing on her lips.
Sylvia Ran really was like a lingering ghost!
"Mr. Shang, you always bring your childhood sweetheart wherever you go. Such deep feelings! Since you two came here together, I won’t intrude on your space. I hope you’ll sign my resignation soon!" Rona’s smile was full of sarcasm.
Rona turned and walked away.
Behind her, Shang Ke roared, "Rona Muir, don’t even think about getting my signature! As long as you’re with Audis, you’ll never leave me!"
Rona’s heart sank bit by bit.
How long would this entanglement go on?
Sylvia Ran saw Rona leave and hurried over to Shang Ke, grabbing his arm and shaking it gently. Her eyes turned red, tears threatening to spill over.
Sylvia bit her lip, looking at Shang Ke with a pitiful expression, as if to say, 'I’m upset but I won’t say it.'
Shang Ke had been furious because of Rona, but when he saw Sylvia’s aggrieved face, his anger faded without him realizing it.
"Shang Ke, is it because of me that Rona wants to resign? Should I not have come back?" Sylvia looked at Shang Ke with tearful eyes. "I just couldn’t stop worrying, so I followed you! Are you mad at me?"
"Don’t say that!" Shang Ke comforted her as soon as he saw her crying. "This has nothing to do with you. It’s between me and Rona."
Sylvia watched Rona’s departing figure and said thoughtfully, "Rona’s a good girl—she wouldn’t misunderstand you for no reason! It must be Cecilia Gu whispering bad things about you in her ear. Oh, right! It’s because you stood up for me, and Cecilia told Rona things about you and me, so she misunderstood us!"
Shang Ke’s gaze sharpened as he looked at Cecilia in the distance.
Yes, that must be it!
Rona had followed him since college—she knew his temper better than anyone!
It was only recently that Rona started distancing herself.
It had to be Cecilia Gu stirring up trouble!
Not only did she want to steal Sylvia’s boyfriend, she was trying to break up me and Rona too!
This woman is absolutely infuriating!
Shang Ke looked darkly at Cecilia’s back and said to Sylvia, "Don’t worry, Sylvia. No matter what it costs, I won’t let Cecilia Gu stay by Charles Yin’s side! You’re right—a woman like her needs to be taught a lesson!"