Flash Marriage

Chapter 11: This Was His Child!

After three days of enforced mealtimes, Gu Xixi found herself growing strangely accustomed to Yin Sichen's presence.

Unbeknownst to her, Yin Sichen, too, had shifted from initial reluctance to a grudging routine. Today, he arrived earlier than usual, well before dinner.

Stepping out of his car, his gaze was drawn to the figure visible through the large glass windows. Gu Xixi stood amidst potted plants, a serene smile gracing her lips as she carefully pruned a camellia bush.

He realized with a start that this was the first time he'd seen her smile. Not the blank resignation or silent tears he was used to, but genuine, quiet contentment.

It was… unexpectedly lovely. She was utterly different from Dina. Dina was bold, sensually beautiful, demanding attention. Gu Xixi, however, possessed a quieter kind of beauty, unfolding softly like the camellia in her hands – fragrant, enduring, worthy of appreciation.

She spoke gently to the cluster of nurses hovering nearby. "Camellias thrive in shade and humidity. Too much direct sun actually harms them."

"Young Madam, you know so much about flowers!" one nurse ventured, the atmosphere having relaxed slightly over the past days.

"My grandmother loved gardening too. If the plants didn't do well, my mother would…" Gu Xixi's voice faltered. "Never mind. You just learn after caring for them for a while."

The sudden chorus of "Good afternoon, President!" snapped her out of the moment. She turned, surprised. So early?

Yin Sichen approached, his gaze falling on the meticulously pruned camellia. An unreadable emotion flickered in his sharp eyes.

"You like flowers?" His voice was neutral. "Have fresh flowers arranged in her room regularly." Without waiting for a response, he strode past her towards the suite.

Gu Xixi stared after him, bewildered. What was that about?

Once he was out of earshot, a young nurse whispered excitedly, "The President is so thoughtful towards Young Madam!"

Gu Xixi stifled a bitter laugh. Thoughtful towards her? No. His concern began and ended with the child she carried.

The head physician arrived then, smiling. "Young Madam, time for today's routine check-up."

Gu Xixi nodded, following him back inside. The daily examinations were now part of her routine.

But for Yin Sichen, it was a first.

As the doctor placed the Doppler probe on Gu Xixi's abdomen, a distinct, rapid thump-thump-thump filled the room.

Yin Sichen's eyes suddenly brightened. "What is that sound? Is that… the baby's heartbeat?"

"Indeed, President," the doctor confirmed, beaming. "Listen to how strong and steady it is! The baby is very healthy. Young Madam's recuperation is clearly yielding excellent results."

A strange, warm sensation blossomed in Gu Xixi's chest at the doctor's words. That feeling of connection, of shared lifeblood, grew stronger, more tangible. The tiny being inside her was growing, forming. The initial aversion she'd felt towards this unexpected pregnancy seemed to melt away, replaced by a surprising swell of anticipation and joy as she listened to the rhythmic pulse of life.

Beside her, Yin Sichen's eyes flickered rapidly. He remained silent, but the barely containable excitement shining in his gaze was impossible to miss.

This child was his!

The thought slammed into him with primal force.

After the examination, the usual harsh lines of Yin Sichen's expression seemed subtly softer.

Dinner arrived. To the astonishment of the assembled chefs, Yin Sichen didn't signal for them to serve individual portions as usual. Instead, he picked up his own chopsticks and placed a piece of carefully prepared spare rib onto Gu Xixi's plate. "Eat more. You're too thin."

Eyes widened around the room. The President was serving her food? This defied belief! Everyone knew of his near-pathological hygiene concerns; sharing utensils or serving food directly was anathema to him!

Gu Xixi felt a wave of nausea at the sight of the meat, but she dared not refuse Yin Sichen's gesture. She took a small bite, forcing it down.

"Not fond of meat?" Yin Sichen observed immediately. He then deftly transferred a floret of steamed broccoli to her plate. "Then eat more vegetables."

Gu Xixi's eyes darted to his face, utterly confused. What had gotten into him today? Remembering his words from days prior – "I care little about your hunger, but I will not tolerate the Yin heir being starved" – the answer washed over her, cold and clear. It was only for the baby. She meant nothing; the vegetables were merely nutrients for his heir.

Swallowing her bitterness, she obediently ate the broccoli. She had resolved to nourish herself properly for the baby's sake after hearing that heartbeat.

Seeing her compliance, a flicker of satisfaction, almost like pleasure, sparked in Yin Sichen's eyes.

The next afternoon, Chairwoman Yin herself graced the suite with her presence. Witnessing Yin Sichen dutifully sharing the lunch table with Gu Xixi, she nodded with evident approval.

After the meal, the head physician arrived to present the week's medical observations.