Chapter 593: New Year

As the frail silhouette vanished into the stairwell, Li Heng dashed to the sofa and picked up the red receiver.

He dialed the number with practiced ease, guided by memory.

"Ding ling ling…"

"Ding ling ling…"

Just as the second ring faded, the call was answered.

"Happy New Year! Who's calling?" A woman's voice came through.

He was surprised—it wasn't Huang Zhaoyi.

Li Heng glanced at the receiver in his hand, then said: "Happy New Year. I'd like to speak with Huang Zhaoyi."

There was a pause, then an exclamation: "Li Heng?"

This time, Li Heng was stunned—but since the moment had come, he gritted his teeth and replied: "It's me."

"I'm her second sister. Zhaoyi's in the bath. Wait a moment," Huang Zhiyun said.

Li Heng was puzzled—why was her second sister in Yangpu on the third day of the New Year?

Hadn't he dialed the number for Yangpu's new apartment?

While he was distracted, a familiar voice came through the receiver: "Li Heng, Happy New Year."

Li Heng snapped back and asked: "Huh, is it convenient to talk now?"

Huang Zhaoyi glanced at her sister, who had already left, then whispered: "Yes."

Hearing this, Li Heng spoke bluntly: "I called you before the New Year and you didn't answer. It's been nearly two weeks—have you gotten pregnant yet?"

Huang Zhaoyi fell silent. After a long while, she replied: "No."

Li Heng frowned: "Still not pregnant?"

In his past life, he was known as a fertility prodigy—when he didn't take precautions, Zijin got pregnant the moment she graduated, and Xiao Han followed soon after.

Even Song Yu, who was so laid-back, became pregnant within five times.

And Huang Zhaoyi, who had fought for three days and nights in Changshi, her legs too sore to walk properly, had been thoroughly exhausted—yet still no pregnancy?

Hearing this, Huang Zhaoyi felt dazed.

After this failure, she secretly traveled to Hong Kong, used connections to find a reputable doctor, and underwent a full medical evaluation.

When the results came, the doctor told her: her luteal function was insufficient, making conception difficult.

In other words, her intense career focus and emotional anxiety had caused long-term physical and mental tension, leading to endocrine imbalance.

In metaphysical terms: the more you desire something, the more it slips away. Mental insecurity creates inner imbalance.

Currently, she was adjusting her work and lifestyle according to medical advice, while also undergoing drug treatment and traditional Chinese medicine support.

Hearing his low, stunned tone, Huang Zhaoyi explained carefully: "I saw a doctor. He said there's a problem with my body."

"A problem with your body? Where? Is it serious?" Li Heng asked urgently.

Seeing his genuine concern, a warm current flowed through Huang Zhaoyi's heart: "It's a luteal issue…"

She then explained the entire story in the clearest, most concise terms possible.

After listening patiently, Li Heng exhaled inwardly and comforted her: "Good—it's not serious.

You're young. Don't stress yourself over this. Once your body is restored, we'll try again. I guarantee you'll conceive."

Though Huang Zhaoyi was now over thirty, every time she recalled their wild three days in Changshi, her cheeks flushed.

It had been utterly absurd.

His reassurance lifted her spirits and eased her worries. They talked at length before hanging up.

As soon as the call ended, Huang Zhiyun, who had been watching, stepped forward curiously: "What did Li Heng want?"

Huang Zhaoyi said: "Just exchanging New Year greetings."

Huang Zhiyun asked: "Li Heng's hometown has no phone. How come he called you at this hour? Where is he?"

Huang Zhaoyi knew she couldn't hide it, so she said plainly: "He's in Shanghai."