Chapter 317: True Good Friends

Yang Tao opened her eyes, saw the big red wedding characters pasted on the window, and the crimson quilt covering her body; she took a deep, satisfied breath, her big eyes brimming with joy.

Looking at the man sleeping beside her, she stuck out her tongue, chuckled, and tugged a strand of her hair to tickle his skin.

Wang Yan had long been awake, just hadn't gotten up; feeling Yang Tao's mischief, he opened his eyes, pulled her close, and kissed her.

After a while, nearly suffocated, Yang Tao gasped for air and slapped Wang Yan irritably: "Do you even know how stinky you are? So annoying…"

"You're already complaining I smell after just getting married?"

Yang Tao smiled seductively: "Don't misunderstand—I've always complained."

"Don't go looking for trouble, or don't blame me if you can't get out of bed all day."

"So annoying…" she said, but her sultry gaze was pure provocation.

He slapped her little butt once and grumbled: "Enough. You're pregnant now—it's not safe. Wait a while."

Yang Tao didn't understand: "How are you so sure?"

Wang Yan got out of bed and headed for the bathroom: "Just count it yourself—haven't your periods come yet?"

Yang Tao's eyes widened; she sat up abruptly, speechless. The past month had been so joyful she'd completely ignored these signs—but now that Wang Yan mentioned it, it was very likely she was pregnant. Her mind was a mess: go with the flow, sure, but actually being pregnant? She felt utterly unprepared.

She wanted to talk to Wang Yan, but the bathroom was already gushing water; she angrily smacked the crimson quilt, got up, put on her pajamas, went out, poured herself a glass of water, and sat on the sofa drinking it. Her bare legs swung back and forth, revealing her inner restlessness.

Suddenly, a mechanical sound came from the front door lock, then it clicked open; Xue Sumei walked in, bag over her shoulder, holding breakfast: "I thought you two hadn't woken up yet. Hey, Taozi, did Wang Yan not get up today?"

Yang Tao nodded toward the bathroom: "We just got up—he's washing up."

"I figured with all that drinking yesterday, he wouldn't be able to rise. Here, Taozi, eat first—I bought buns, tofu brain, and pickled vegetables." Xue Sumei chuckled, changed her shoes by the door, and carried the food to the dining table: "Taozi, you've got to admit—this smart door lock is really convenient. Just tap it, and it goes ding-ding-ding, opens right up."

"Right? Maybe we should get one for you too," Yang Tao dragged her slippers, shuffled slowly to the table and sat down, opening the breakfast her mom brought.

"Hey, Taozi…"

"Hmm? What is it, Mom?"

"You came back late, only returned the day before yesterday, then rushed around preparing for the wedding—I never got a chance to ask." Xue Sumei said: "Didn't you say this month you'd see results? How's it going? You've been gone a month—what's the outcome?"

"Mom, we were just talking about this," Yang Tao said carefully while eating a bun: "My period hasn't come in a long time—he says I'm pregnant. I have no experience—what do you think?"

"Really?" Before Yang Tao could confirm, Xue Sumei slapped the table excitedly: "Then what's there to discuss? Let's go to the hospital and check! Hurry up, get dressed—I'm coming with you."

Yang Tao sighed: "Oh come on, we've got to eat first."

"I'm just anxious—I think you're pregnant. If we don't check, how can I be sure?"

Wang Yan finished brushing his teeth, stepped out in his loose shorts and half-sleeve shirt, tousling his damp hair: "Hey, Mom."

Xue Sumei nodded: "Wang Yan, hurry up and eat. Then we're going to the hospital to check if Taozi's really pregnant."

"Fine. If you're all uneasy, we'll go to the hospital after breakfast." Wang Yan sat beside the table, grabbed a bun, and stuffed it in his mouth: "Mom, don't get too excited—just stay calm."

"How can I not be excited?" Xue Sumei grinned broadly: "Before, I just prayed Taozi would marry soon. Now she's married, all I need is a grandchild to complete my life. Once I raise the baby for you, I'll be happy even if I close my eyes and kick the bucket."

"Mom, why say such things? 'Close your eyes and kick the bucket'? Won't you still be helping raise your grandchild's kids later?" Yang Tao's eyes welled up—she was deeply emotional, knew how hard life had been for her and her mom over the years; hearing such heavy words, she couldn't feel happy.

"Alright, alright," Wang Yan waved his hands quickly—these two crying was exhausting: "This is good news—why cry? Taozi, eat fast, wash up, we're leaving right away. And Mom—I've got to say this: don't go thinking gloomy thoughts. Our lives still need your care, right?"

Xue Sumei smiled and waved: "I just spoke from the heart—seeing you two thrive, now with pregnancy… I'm so happy, I feel truly blessed."

Wang Yan ate breakfast, listened to his mother-in-law's rambling, and soothed her overexcited emotions.

After Yang Tao finished eating, washed up, and changed clothes, the three drove to a nearby hospital for a checkup. The result was inevitable—Yang Tao was definitely pregnant.

Though expected, upon confirmation, Yang Tao and her mother Xue Sumei hugged and cried together, overwhelmed with emotion.

Such great news called for a family meal to celebrate. So they had a simple lunch out, then after returning home and rejoicing over the results, bought a pile of groceries to cook a big feast.

"Cheers!"

Wang Yan and Duan Xifeng sipped small glasses of liquor; the three women drank juice.

Su Qing smiled at her cheerful aunt: "Auntie, now that Taozi's pregnant, you can finally relax."

"Relax? She's only just pregnant—there's still nine months left. Everything must be handled with extreme care." Xue Sumei waved her hand: "Besides, you got pregnant two months before her, but the timing's nearly the same. None of you know how to raise kids—won't it all fall on me? Just thinking about it gives me a headache. But then I think again, and I can't help being happy—aren't I just born to be a laborer?"

Duan Xifeng chuckled: "That's why we need you, Auntie. We younger ones couldn't manage without you. Here, Auntie, I toast you—you've helped us so much, and it'll only get harder later. I've got nothing else to offer but to honor you properly."

"Enough with all that flattery."

Xue Sumei drank her juice with a smile: "Su Qing's parents passed away early—you've got no close family left. Who else is going to step in? Besides, I treat Su Qing like my own daughter—it's only natural. Eat, eat. Don't waste words. Especially you two, Su Qing and Taozi—you're not eating just for yourselves now, you're eating for the babies inside you. Eat more—don't let my two grandkids go hungry. If they turn out malnourished, just see if I don't scold you both."

The family ate happily, chatting about pregnancy precautions. Wang Yan and Duan Xifeng sipped their liquor, listened to the advice, and felt it was warm and comforting.

But Duan Xifeng was acting odd—he'd received a call earlier, glanced at it, hung up, and awkwardly explained it was spam. Wang Yan knew the truth—he felt exhausted for him. By now, Deng Jiajia must have contacted him, chosen not to abort, and insisted on keeping the baby, saying she wanted to be a mother. So lately, Duan Xifeng had been busy—Deng Jiajia was slowly lowering his boundaries, and he was worn out from managing her.

He kept quiet, deciding to handle it in a couple days—right now, he and Yang Tao had just married, and she'd just gotten pregnant; things were still fresh.

After dinner, they kept celebrating until past nine, then, under their mother-in-law's worried exhortations, Yang Tao drove Wang Yan home, chatting and laughing all the way.

Following the principle of early sleep and early rising—good for health and the fetus—they washed up in turn and got into bed.

Yang Tao murmured: "After I get pregnant, I won't be able to work anymore."

"So what? I'm happy to spend money on you."

"Why don't I sell my car? It's been driven for years, but well-maintained—it's still worth something. And I won't be driving anymore anyway, so I'll save the monthly payments."

Wang Yan said: "Sure, sell it. I'll buy you a new one later."

"Nah, better leave it. You'd buy something way more expensive. A car's just transportation—what's the difference? I don't get rich people's thinking."

"Wait, are we dividing into classes now? Don't create class conflict. Besides, you're a multi-millionaire too—why do you say 'we rich people'?"

Yang Tao chuckled: "That's not mine. Have you ever seen a multi-millionaire with less than ten thousand in her account?"

"You are." Wang Yan said: "I give you money and you refuse it—I don't get your thinking."

"I have nowhere to spend it. Everything's paid for by you—I just enjoy it. If I have money and nowhere to use it, why keep it?"

"Then why complain about not being able to work?"

"It's just… boring staying home all day…"

Wang Yan reached out and stroked her belly: "Don't worry—you won't be bored. Have you seen the renovation plans for our house? Shouldn't you pay attention? If there are problems, fix them. And didn't we say we'd open a wedding dress shop? We haven't found a storefront yet—shouldn't we go look? After that, won't we need to renovate? All these are things—you'll be in charge. How will you ever be idle?"

Yang Tao blinked her big eyes: "Then let's go look tomorrow?" Before, she hadn't cared much—but now that Wang Yan kept bringing it up, she was truly eager about the wedding dress shop.

"Go ahead, anyway, you've got nothing else to do."

Yang Tao took a bite: "Oh right, tomorrow's Saturday—I'll go see Weiwei and see if I can get a refund for the yoga fees. Now that I'm pregnant, I can't practice anymore, so I can't let all that money go to waste—it's several thousand yuan."

"Whatever, whatever," Wang Yan agreed readily. "Shouldn't we spend some time deepening our bond?" As he spoke, he pressed his hips against her.

Feeling the heat, Yang Tao felt a shiver, but she shoved him away: "Are you crazy? I just got pregnant—what if something happens?"

Wang Yan leaned close to her ear and whispered softly.

After hearing it, Yang Tao's face instantly flushed red as she shook her head frantically: "No, that's too…"

"Come on, sweetheart, we're old married couple now—don't be so formal. Hurry up, I'm really struggling here." Without hesitation, Wang Yan pushed her head down…

The next day, after his usual morning exercise and breakfast, Wang Yan kept busily at work, waiting for Yang Tao to wake up.

At just after nine, Yang Tao stumbled out, still half-asleep, drinking water and glaring at Wang Yan with obvious resentment.

"What's that look for?" Wang Yan pulled her onto his lap. "You're pregnant now—you can't really expect me to become a monk."

Remembering her cramped hand and numb mouth from last night, Yang Tao slapped him: "Can you just stop talking? You're so annoying."

"Alright, alright. Breakfast's ready, but it's a bit cold—want me to warm it up for you?"

"Do you think I can even eat now? You eat it all. Eat yourself to death."

Wang Yan shrugged and patted her little butt. "Fine, I'll eat myself to death. Go freshen up. Then we'll go check on how the house renovation's coming, and after that, see if any of my shops are suitable. We'll eat lunch out, then head to Lan Weiwei in the afternoon—deal?"

Yang Tao gave him an approving look, ruffled his shoulder-length hair with both hands: "It's settled." Then she hummed a tune off-key as she turned and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.

"Spring warmth brings flowers, carrying away winter's sorrow."

"A gentle breeze carries a romantic scent."

"Every love song suddenly gains meaning."

"I suddenly saw you right here, right now."

Hearing the familiar melody, looking at the large wedding photo on the wall—both of them beaming brightly—Wang Yan wondered: what had marriage given him? Perhaps only a memory that would soon fade, just one more woman tucked into a corner of his heart, rarely thought of.

What it gave Yang Tao, however, was countless springs.

Thank the Living Father, yet also hate the Living Father. He thanked him for the countless brilliant experiences, and hated him for the countless beautiful things he was forced to forget.

I'm no good. I'm no decent person.

Wang Yan warned himself once again.

Shaking his head, he rose and sat at the dining table, finishing the breakfast he'd saved for Yang Tao—no point wasting it.

By the time Yang Tao finished freshening up, applying makeup, and choosing clothes, it was already past ten. They drove to their newly under-construction home to check progress.

His renovation wasn't particularly complex or high-end—he'd always preferred simplicity—but he'd added a few small touches to accommodate Yang Tao's tastes. So it wasn't the flashy European style you'd expect, more like new Chinese style—not lavish, just using higher-end materials.

Thus, the renovation was progressing quickly: over a month had passed, and about a third was done. Another two months should finish it. After letting the smell fade and selecting soft furnishings, by the time the baby was born, they'd be ready to move in.

Yang Tao, who knew nothing about renovation, earnestly instructed the workers with some random knowledge she'd picked up somewhere—it was amusing, but at least she felt involved.

The workers were utterly baffled, but after seeing Wang Yan's amused expression, they just nodded and murmured in agreement. One of them understanding was enough—he wouldn't bother teaching them.

Having exercised her rights as the mistress of the house and felt involved, Yang Tao happily left with Wang Yan.

Due to time constraints, they didn't visit the shops. After lunch, they went to a mall and wandered through a maternity store, then, estimating the time was right, drove to the fitness club where Lan Weiwei worked as a coach.

When they arrived, Lan Weiwei was just finishing class. Seeing Yang Tao and Wang Yan arrive together, she smiled warmly and approached: "What brings you two heavenly couple here? Something up, Taozi?"

Yang Tao smiled: "Actually, I want to quit yoga. I just got this membership and it hasn't been long—I was wondering if you could talk to your manager and get the remaining balance refunded."

Lan Weiwei glanced at Wang Yan, then turned back: "Why quit? You're newlyweds—practicing yoga keeps your body energetic. Besides, Wang Yan's a rich guy—he doesn't need to get the money back."

Before Wang Yan could speak, Yang Tao beamed sweetly: "Weiwei, I'm pregnant."

"What?" Lan Weiwei stared at Yang Tao in shock. "That's fast! You've only known each other for two months—aren't you going to enjoy your couple time first?"

"My mom's been pushing me hard, and Wang Yan didn't object. You know I'm not getting any younger—so I figured, just have a baby first. If needed, my mom can take care of the kid—we won't be held back." Yang Tao smiled. "So I won't be able to do yoga anymore—I'll have to wait until after I recover. That's why I came to ask you for help."

"Sure, no problem—I'll tell the manager right away to refund you." Lan Weiwei teased Wang Yan: "You must be thinking, money shouldn't be wasted like this, right?"

Wang Yan raised an eyebrow: "Of course—money isn't meant to be squandered."

"Congratulations! You'll be parents next year—how wonderful." Lan Weiwei looked longingly at Yang Tao's belly. "Wait a moment—I'll go talk to the manager now."

"Thank you, Weiwei."

"Hey, what's there to thank for? We're friends."

At that moment, the loudspeaker crackled: "Coach Lan Weiwei, Coach Lan Weiwei, someone is waiting for you in the reception area."

Lan Weiwei paused, then said: "You two browse around—I'll go check."

She turned and walked away to the so-called reception area, located near the entrance.

Yang Tao watched Lan Weiwei leave: "Weiwei's really good—she didn't even hesitate to help me…"

Wang Yan, tall enough to see over the crowd, had already spotted through the gap the face he hadn't expected—but somehow, still made sense. Hearing Yang Tao's heartfelt remark, he smiled politely—true friends indeed.