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Lin Yue's slender fingers trembled slightly as she closed the front door behind her.
The biting cold clung to her skin, penetrating even through the thin layers of her clothes.
Cold bit at her toes, and she rubbed her arms instinctively.
She hurriedly placed the umbrella on the porch rack, the soft tapping of raindrops outside a distant murmur now.
The chill seemed to seep deep into her bones, and she knew she couldn't risk getting sick—not now, not ever. She had her baby to take care of.
Without pausing to turn on the heater or even take off her shoes, she rushed toward the bathroom.
The faucet knobs turned with a squeak, and warm steam soon began filling the air.
Lin Yue undressed slowly, her limbs stiff from the cold.
As she slipped into the hot water, a deep sigh escaped her lips. Her head leaned back against the ceramic edge of the tub, her dark lashes fluttering shut. The warmth soaked into her bones, calming her nerves.
She placed her hand gently on the small almost flat bump on her belly.
She rubbed it gently, feeling the reassuring life inside her.
She stayed in the bath for several minutes, letting the warmth chase away the lingering cold.
The house was silent except for the faint dripping of water and the rain outside.
When her body finally felt warm again, she slowly climbed out, wrapping herself in a soft towel drying herself, getting dressed in a comfy oversized nightdress.
The cotton fabric was soft against her skin, the sleeves hiding her small hands as she moved to the kitchen.
—
Her stomach let out an audible growl.
She rubbed it as she opened the fridge, scanning its sparse contents.
With a small sigh, she decided on something simple—an omelet with a few slices of tomato and toast.
As she cooked, the rhythmic chopping and sizzling filled the room, grounding her.
The sound of sizzling onions filled the room, mixing with the savory aroma of soy sauce.
Sitting down to eat, she thought of calling uncle Song.
She stood, wiping her hands on a napkin, and walked to the entrance. She lifted her damp hoodie hanging by the door. She reached into its pocket and pulled out her phone.
"Please don't be wet," she murmured. Relief filled her as the screen lit up.
She then unzipped her soaked bag, pulled out her laptop, and tapped the power button. It turned on.
A soft smile appeared on her face. "Lucky me."
After hanging the wet bag and hoodie, she returned to the dining table, finishing her food quickly before dialing Uncle Song's number.
The call barely rang once before the familiar voice answered.
"Xiao Yue! You finally remembered to call your old uncle?" he teased.
Lin Yue chuckled. "Uncle Song, I'm sorry. Things have been busy since I got to the Capital."
"If someone didn't know better, they'd think I am the gallery owner and not you," he grumbled in mock offense.
"I really am sorry," she repeated with a soft laugh. "But I was thinking of sending some more paintings soon."
"Ah, finally some good news. We're running short here. Customers have been asking for your work every single day!"
She smiled. "I'll send some this week... Also, I've been thinking. What if we open another branch here in the capital?"
There was a pause.
"That's... actually a brilliant idea," he said. "I've been telling everyone you're out of town because so many people are asking. You're popular now, little girl."
Lin Yue rubbed her neck, a little embarrassed. "It's not that serious..."
"Oh, but it is. Also, a company called Xu Group contacted us. They're looking for you too."
Lin Yue blinked. "Xu Group?"
She quickly connected the dots. "It must be related to the Chunhua Cultural Centre renovation project."
She mumbled.
"Tell them I'm not available until next year." she told him." She instructed him.
"Will do."
They chatted briefly about the gallery staff, and Lin Yue felt relieved to know the two assistants were still doing well.
"I'll call again soon and let you know when I find a shop space," she promised.
"You'd better! At least call sometimes and ask how your poor uncle is doing!"
She laughed, heart warmed. "I will, Uncle Song. Promise."
After hanging up, she washed her dishes and stretched her limbs with a yawn.
—
As she walked toward her room, her phone buzzed with a video call.
Mo Yuwei.
A smile tugged at her lips as she answered.
On the screen, Mo Yuwei's bright face filled the frame. "Hey, Yueyue."
A smile lit up Lin Yue's face. "Yuwei."
"Is the company keeping you busy? Has Liang Yexuan been difficult?" Mo Yuwei asked, eyes narrowing playfully.
Lin Yue's heart tightened briefly, recalling the cold tone he'd used in the office.
She leaned against the doorframe, feeling the fatigue in her limbs. "I'm okay. The company is managing. And no, Liang Yexuan hasn't done anything to me."
Mo Yuwei's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone shifting to protectiveness. "Are you sure? You don't have to push yourself." she said, catching the pause.
"I'm sure," Lin Yue insisted.
"Well, if he does anything—just call me. Okay? Don't overwork yourself. I heard the project deadline was pushed back?"
"Yeah. It's now in a month."
"Good. Don't forget, your baby comes first."
Lin Yue nodded slowly. "I know."
After a pause, she remembered something.
"I'm thinking about opening another gallery in the capital." she said.
"Really?" Mo Yuwei leaned closer. "I think opening a gallery branch in the capital is a great idea. I've been meaning to tell you that too."
"Really?"
"You don't realize how popular you are. The Xu Group approached me recently asking about you. I guess we were seen together in a photo and they made some connections."
"You didn't tell them?"
"Of course not. I said you're not available."
"Thank you," Lin Yue said sincerely.
"I'll help you find a shop in the capital when you're ready," Mo Yuwei promised.
Lin Yue's throat tightened with emotion. "Why do you always help me so much?"
Mo Yuwei's smile deepened, a glint of mystery in her eyes. "You'll find out soon enough."
Lin Yue's brow furrowed. "Are you hiding something?"
"No," Mo Yuwei laughed, "Friends help each other... and I had told you that I just like you."
Lin Yue's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Thank you."
They talked quietly for a while longer, the soft sound of rain tapping against the window mingling with their laughter as Lin Yue got on bed covering herself.
Mo Yuwei then asked, "How are you feeling? Any morning sickness yet?"
Lin Yue tilted her head. "Now that you mention it... not really. Only when I found out when I was pregnant. But nothing since."
"Is that normal?"
She looked down, hand on her stomach. "I don't know. The doctor said the baby was healthy. But shouldn't I feel something?"
Mo Yuwei noticed her worried expression. "Don't overthink it. Every woman's pregnancy is different. Some don't get morning sickness at all."
"Maybe," Lin Yue said quietly. "As long as my baby is okay..."
"It's fine," Mo Yuwei reassured. "Just take care of yourself. And if you ever feel off, go get checked."
They talked for a while longer, until a sleepy voice chimed in from Mo Yuwei's side.
"Yuwei, come to bed already. Let Lin Yue sleep so I can too."
Chen Linfei appeared on the screen in a hoodie, his hair tousled.
"Good night, Lin Yue. Let my wife sleep now." he called with a small smile.
"Okay. Good night," Lin Yue giggled.
Mo Yuwei blushed and waved. "Sleep tight, Yueyue."
After they hung up, Lin Yue reached for her laptop and began searching through pregnancy books the doctor had recommended.
She spent the next hour reading through articles about different pregnancy experiences, watching videos of soft-spoken doctors explaining each trimester.
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