Chapter 9 Half a Story
After learning I'm pregnant, quite a few high school classmates send congratulations.
Eventually, they even organize a class reunion using it as an excuse.
All people I used to be close with.
I agree to go.
Of course, I bring Xie Nanchen along.
The private room is lively.
Everyone drinks__SEMI__ I have juice. No one thinks it's a buzzkill.
Xie Nanchen seems even more nervous about my stomach than I am.
He sits beside me, passing fruit plates one moment, peeling shrimp the next.
Afraid I'll go hungry.
When I'm mostly done eating, he goes out to pay the bill on his own.
Everyone looks at me with teasing eyes.
They sigh, "You two really have such good chemistry as a couple. So envious."
One male classmate, a bit drunk and flushed, says,
"Yeah, back when they got married everyone was shocked. No one expected them to end up together."
"But I saw it early on—President Xie always had a thing for Shen Ying."
My eyes light up. I'm interested.
Someone is surprised. "No way. They weren't even in the same class, barely any interaction. How could you tell?"
The guy grins smugly.
"I sat in the last row. I remember everyone who passed by."
"Every time President Xie walked past, his eyes were glued to Shen Ying. He couldn't look away. One look and you could—"
Xie Nanchen pushes the door open.
His gaze lands on the guy, heavy with pressure.
The classmate shuts up, laughs awkwardly, and changes the subject.
"Ah, I drank too much. Don't take it seriously, don't take it seriously."
The story gets cut off halfway.
I'm a little annoyed.
Xie Nanchen picks up my bag and catches up to me helplessly.
"You're pregnant. Don't walk so fast."
"He was drunk. What he said was nonsense. Don't take it to heart. No credibility at all."
I stop, looking at him coldly.
"Are you that afraid people will misunderstand and think you like me?"
He lowers his lashes and says nothing.
Right now I seriously doubt the barrage.
He doesn't act like someone who secretly likes me at all—he seems desperate to distance himself.
Anger rises in my chest, but my face stays calm.
"Don't worry. I'm clearer than anyone that we're just a contractual couple."
Stubborn streak activated.
The more he refuses to say it, the more I want him to say it himself.
After turning the corner, we run straight into Chen Xiao, one of Gu Yu's close friends.
He lights up. "Shen Ying, are you here to pick up Gu Yu?"
"He's drunk and keeps calling your name. Won't go home without seeing you. We're all at our wits' end—good thing you're here!"
The moment he finishes, I clearly hear Xie Nanchen's breath catch behind me.
Xie Nanchen's face stiffens, his knuckles showing white.
I deliberately lace our fingers together tightly and look at Chen Xiao.
"I'm here today with my Husband for the class reunion. What does it have to do with Gu Yu?"
"Talking nonsense in front of us—you really don't take the Shen or Xie families seriously, do you?"
Chen Xiao's expression shifts. He forces a smile through gritted teeth.
"I thought we were all friends. No other meaning."
I give a half-smile.
"Friends? No. But you covered for him before and clean up his messes now. You're a very loyal dog to Gu Yu."
"Still, I hope you remind him—when walking a dog, keep it on a leash. Don't let it bite people randomly."
Chen Xiao snaps, "Shen Ying, you—"
He notices Xie Nanchen's icy stare and immediately shuts up.