Chapter 6
1032 Words
Su Cheng glanced at the name tag on the elderly doctor's chest, his tone gaining a touch of respect. "Dr. Zhang, he mentioned he's been overly sleepy and has had a poor appetite lately. These days, it's not uncommon for young people to encounter serious health issues. Is it something serious?"
"Yes, it is something serious." Dr. Zhang gestured towards a nearby office. "Follow me inside."
Chen Nuo, pulled behind Su Cheng, remained silent, stunned by the protective gesture. Such actions were typically reserved for women, and as a man, Chen Nuo believed he didn't need protection. Still, he was surprised, glancing up at the man half a head taller than himself before subtly moving aside. After this half-day together, Chen Nuo sensed that Su Cheng was more reliable than Hu Shao, provided Su Cheng wasn't just pretending.
In the office, Dr. Zhang asked Chen Nuo to extend his hand again for a pulse check. The doctor's frown deepened as he continued.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-two."
"Student?"
"Yes, a junior."
Dr. Zhang glanced between Chen Nuo and Su Cheng. "He's pregnant."
Four simple words left Su Cheng silent for a moment. He then addressed the doctor, "Are you serious? Chen Nuo doesn't look like a woman."
"I'm old, but my eyes aren't failing. You're fortunate I took an interest today; otherwise, this would be in the news tomorrow." This was directed at Chen Nuo, whose face had turned pale. His lips trembled, showing genuine fear. The doctor sighed, "You must be aware of your own physical condition."
Chen Nuo's forehead was damp with cold sweat as he clutched his stomach, bending over in distress.
Without a word from Chen Nuo, Su Cheng had to ask, "How long?"
Dr. Zhang chuckled, shaking his head. "He's weak and a bit frail. I'm a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, not an ultrasound machine."
That silenced Su Cheng.
"Excessive sleepiness, poor appetite, general physical instability, anxiety, weak legs, frequent back sweating—your recent physical decline is partly due to your stomach and partly your own issues."
Dr. Zhang's assessment was spot on, and Chen Nuo, despite his distress, could only nod. "I've been working extra hours lately, a bit anxious."
"Stop working extra hours and take care of your health first. Why didn't you have surgery when you were younger?" Although the specifics weren't clear, such conditions often stemmed from issues in the womb that could be corrected with early surgery.
Seeing the young patient filled with shame and fear, Dr. Zhang didn't press further. "Go see a reliable doctor for a full examination."
"Um..." Chen Nuo was terrified, wondering how this could happen...
"Can it be taken care of?"
Chen Nuo asked cautiously, and while Dr. Zhang anticipated this, he still shook his head. "This isn't something that can be determined with just a pulse check."
Su Cheng, hesitant, finally supported the young man, turning to say, "Thank you."
Outside, the secretary had been waiting a long time. "Our turn has come."
"Cancel it."
"What?"
Chen Nuo tried to leave the office, but Su Cheng firmly held his arm. "Let me go."
"We're not finished here," Su Cheng commanded, "Come with me."
"I won't go with you!" Chen Nuo struggled, looking at Su Cheng as if he were a demon. After days of mental strain, the shocking news left him utterly bewildered. Why always him?
Ignoring Chen Nuo's resistance, Su Cheng pressed the elevator button, his usual composure gone. Even his long-time secretary was wary of speaking up.
"Contact Zhao Rui and schedule a time for the day after tomorrow. I'll bring someone for an examination."
"Understood."
"Chen Nuo, if you make a scene now, I won't stop you. But remember, you'll end up in the news." Su Cheng's calm statement seemed to quiet Chen Nuo. He then instructed the secretary, "Prepare a light dinner for the hotel."
Su Cheng took Chen Nuo to his hotel. The secretary now understood the cause of her typically composed boss's sudden change. The boy sitting rigidly on the couch was pregnant?
"Mr. Su, is the child...?"
"It's mine." From the timing of the incident to the reaction of the old doctor and Chen Nuo's ignorance of his condition, there was a high probability the child was his. That night, both had been reckless, with no thought of protection. Su Cheng clearly remembered not using any.
Su Cheng wasn't one to shirk responsibility. Chen Nuo's troubles with Hu Xuewen and his current miserable state were indirectly his fault. Now, with a serious physical issue, Su Cheng sighed, needing time to process as well.
That night, with Chen Nuo crying about the pain, he had known he was inexperienced.
"Mr. Su." The secretary approached cautiously. "The old master called, inquiring about your availability for a matchmaking dinner. He wants to arrange a date for you." She hinted subtly.
Su Cheng frowned. "What do you mean?"
The secretary placed Chen Nuo's file on the table. "You have no interest in matchmaking, but the old master wants a great-grandchild. Chen Nuo is a poor student. During my investigation, I found a complaint from a professor accusing him of being involved with his future son-in-law, Li Haozhe. They were once a couple and bought a house together, but Li is getting married and kicked Chen Nuo out. The club manager mentioned Chen Nuo asked for an advance payment days before the incident."
With Su Cheng silent, she continued, "Chen Nuo's reputation at school is ruined. We could negotiate for the child—solve the old master's issue, and Chen Nuo could receive compensation and study abroad. To him, this child might be a shame. He might not have the heart to raise it, and he doesn't seem like one to waste his talent."
People in high positions often met individuals motivated by money, driven by a desire to change their fate.
"But there's another possibility—the child isn't yours but his ex-boyfriend's."
Su Cheng quickly dismissed this. That night, Chen Nuo had pleaded, "I can do this," "Don't abandon me," and even asked, "What if there's a baby?"
What Su Cheng had thought was pillow talk turned out to be prophetic.
- Writer
