Chapter 643: Now That She's a Mother

After chatting for a long while, he finally soothed Xu Liyun, though tonight she was destined not to sleep.

Even after hanging up the phone, she paced back and forth in the room, her heart racing, her mind wondering whether it would be a boy or a girl.

What should they name the baby? She thought back to her own son's childhood, thought about the future, thought about her husband—all sorts of random things.

After thinking for ages, she suddenly went "Oh!" as if remembering something, and hurried off to pack her bags.

She planned to head to her son and daughter-in-law's place the next day.

Meanwhile, after hanging up, Fang Hong quickly held Liu Tianxian by the shoulders, gesturing for her to sit on the bed, and said with concern, "Don't tire yourself out, sit down."

"I'm not that delicate," Liu Tianxian said.

"Right now you're the most precious thing—always be careful, no bumps, no knocks." Fang Hong was cautious as he helped her sit back against the bed.

"Oh? Why aren't you usually this nice to me?" Liu Tianxian teased, thoroughly enjoying his service.

"Who says so? Don't I usually listen to you too?" Fang Hong sat on the edge of the bed facing her, reaching out to feel her belly through her clothes.

His hand was very light, very gentle, very careful, afraid of hurting her!

Mainly because it was his first time being a dad in this life and the previous one, his heart was full of excitement—the kind of joy of becoming a father that ordinary people couldn't really understand.

Liu Tianxian's heart was also full of gratitude and anticipation, looking forward to that little life.

"Can I listen?" Fang Hong's voice was soft.

"It hasn't formed yet, there's no movement," Liu Tianxian also said softly.

"Then I still want to listen." Fang Hong was deeply moved; just thinking about becoming a father made his heart inexplicably excited.

"Mm!"

Liu Tianxian nodded lightly, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm.

Fang Hong lifted her shirt, revealing her flat, smooth belly, bent down, and pressed one ear against her stomach.

He just listened quietly to the sounds in her belly. He actually heard nothing, but Fang Hong still listened with great gusto, as if he really could hear something.

"Wife, you're really amazing," he said.

"What did you hear to say I'm amazing?" Liu Tianxian said.

"Didn't hear anything, I just feel like you're amazing—you actually formed a Nascent Soul." Fang Hong sighed with feeling.

Liu Tianxian laughed, still remembering the joke between them, and said, "You're amazing too. My forming a Nascent Soul still relied on your nonstop output."

"That's true. You always said I wasn't accurate—well, wasn't I? Very accurate." Fang Hong was proud.

Liu Tianxian patted his head and laughed "hehe." Before, when she couldn't get pregnant, she had teased this man by saying he wasn't accurate, asking if he was crooked.

The two of them had launched into this out-of-nowhere dirty talk with deadpan seriousness. Liu Tianxian gently stroked his head, her manner tender: "Hubby, will you protect our child well?"

"Of course. I'll protect you, and our child, and our family." Fang Hong said it very firmly.

"About my pregnancy, don't tell anyone outside, don't let people know. I want him to grow up without being disturbed." Liu Tianxian ran her fingers through his hair, combing it back.

"I'll protect him well," Fang Hong understood.

This matter couldn't be known by too many people outside; if loose-lipped, it could easily leak, and if it leaked, the media would be another pile of trouble.

During the child's growth stages, there would surely be all kinds of harassment.

"Don't tell the crew either. If the crew finds out, they'll definitely be uncomfortable, and the drama won't film well." Liu Tianxian added.

If everyone in the crew knew she was pregnant, they'd definitely be overly careful, afraid of tiring her, afraid of hurting her, unable to treat her naturally as usual.

That would delay filming, delay the schedule.

"If my mom comes, she'll definitely let them know—can't hide it." Fang Hong kept listening quietly, not getting up.

His mom coming to the set every day, so attentive, so meticulous—the crew would surely guess Liu Tianxian was pregnant.

Otherwise, the Principal's birth mother showing up would be too suspicious!

"Mm!"

Liu Tianxian knew this too, but this was the goodwill of close family—they couldn't refuse. They could only try to lock down the news as much as possible when the time came.

This matter was most afraid of leaking; if it leaked, public opinion would surely explode.

Fang Hong got up, looked at her seriously and said, "Have you thought about filming after you give birth?"

"Film after I give birth?" Liu Tianxian didn't understand.

"Yeah, shelve the shoot, wait until you've had the baby and recovered, then film." Fang Hong said.

"You mean, don't film for now, let everyone and the whole team wait for me, wait until I've had the baby and finished my confinement month, then film?" Liu Tianxian repeated his words, trying to understand.

"Right, that's what I mean." Fang Hong nodded.

"We've prepared for so long—what about everyone's pay?" Liu Tianxian felt it was a bit impractical.

So much manpower and resources, the coordinated filming locations plus actors—saying not to film and just not filming, that was too willful.

This wait would be over a year. Many things wouldn't wait for you, like actors.

"It's fine, I'll pay them as usual. When you're better and we film again, I'll just pay them their fees one more time." Fang Hong discussed.

Equivalent to paying fees for one drama twice.

If they don't film and film next time, getting the actors again next time would also require paying again.

Because they'd already cleared their schedules for this drama—in other words, you film for two months, those two months they had no income anyway.

Whether you film or not, the pay has to be delivered in full.

Filming next time would be equivalent to paying fees for a new drama.

This was just for the actors; the behind-the-scenes crew was the same situation, including the coordinated supplies and locations.

In other words, if they didn't film this time, out of a budget of 100 million dollars, at least 50 million would be thrown down the drain.

To film next time, they'd have to reorganize manpower and resources.

But with Fang Hong's current strength, he could afford to play this way; only the higher-ups would be somewhat displeased.

Losing a few hundred million for no reason—who would feel comfortable about that? Their share of the profits would shrink.

"This won't do. We've prepared for so long, so many people are looking forward to us finishing the shoot. How can it be like this?" Liu Tianxian shook her head.

"It's fine, I can handle it." Fang Hong said.

Liu Tianxian stepped forward, placed both hands on his shoulders, and said: "I know you're good to me, but you can't do this. Doing this is too willful, you know?"

Fang Hong was silent. Actually, he had already guessed that Liu Tianxian wouldn't agree.

She was just like his mother — she had the mindset that children are important, and she also had the traditional attachment to children.

"I'm fine. Let me finish filming this drama. As long as we don't tell anyone, it'll be okay." Liu Tianxian thought he was afraid of people finding out.

"I'm afraid you'll get hurt, that something unexpected will happen." Fang Hong said.

"I won't. I'll give birth properly, don't worry." Liu Tianxian stroked her belly, a maternal glow about her.

Then she said again: "Some pregnant women still do heavy work and exercise. Some even do the splits. I'm not that delicate."

"The splits? Who does the splits while pregnant?" Fang Hong was puzzled.

"I don't know her. I've seen pregnant women bouncing around full of energy, doing the splits in the gym, bellies already that big, so full of vitality. I'm just filming a drama, not doing any heavy work. What's the big deal?" Liu Tianxian said.

"Oh!" Fang Hong nodded.

He had thought she was talking about Zhao Xiaodao, but Zhao Xiaodao was still far from that.

"Alright, stop overthinking. I'm perfectly fine. Give my mom a call, tell her too." Seeing he was no longer hesitating, Liu Tianxian handed him the phone.

She also knew it was to discuss it with him.

Fang Hong didn't bring up that topic again, just tried to discuss it. He took the phone and dialed Liu Xiaoli.

At this time, Liu Xiaoli was practicing dance in the rehearsal room, light-footed, figure graceful. When she had nothing to do, she would practice dance and attend some dance parties.

So she had many wealthy lady friends, unlike Xu Liyun who liked watching TV.

Hearing the phone ring, Liu Xiaoli walked over, picked it up, and said: "Hello, Xiao Fang, have you finished filming?"

Actually, this time wasn't that late — just past nine.

"Finished filming. We're all fine."

Fang Hong paused, then said: "Mom, I have some news to tell you."

"Go ahead, I'm listening." Liu Xiaoli wiped her sweat.

"Xixi is pregnant." Fang Hong said.

Hearing this, Liu Xiaoli's hand wiping sweat paused. With some delight she said: "Really?"

"Really, just confirmed." Fang Hong said.

"Have you seen a doctor?" Liu Xiaoli was still relatively rational.

"Not yet." Fang Hong said.

"Then you need to see a doctor. This... leave this to me. I'll come to you tomorrow. You big man don't really understand these things." Liu Xiaoli felt Fang Hong didn't understand, and it would be better if she went to take care of things.

After all, she'd been through it herself — she was an experienced person.

Liu Tianxian was listening nearby too. Hearing her mom say she was coming over, feeling it was making a big fuss, she said: "You're coming too? Just now my mother-in-law also said she wanted to come. I think having one person come is enough!"

"It's so far, it wouldn't be convenient for her to go, and she doesn't know how to handle PR. If it leaks out and blows up, it won't be good for the crew or for you two." Liu Xiaoli was worried.

If it blew up right at the start, the impact would be huge. If the media broke it, they'd definitely write all sorts of nonsense.

"The child belongs to someone else?"

"The child isn't the Principal's?"

Another round of conspiracy theories, dark-side nonsense being written. It could affect her daughter's mood — a pregnant woman's mood is very important.

She had deeply experienced her daughter being harmed by public opinion, and didn't want her grandchild to go through the same thing.

"I was just discussing this with Fang Hong, also a bit worried about that." Liu Tianxian said.

Actually, her mom coming was the best option, and there was no fear of people finding out — after all, her mom used to frequently follow the crew.

Even if there was any discomfort, vomiting, nausea, or anything like that, her mom could help cover it up and handle sudden situations.

These things Xu Liyun couldn't deal with, and didn't have the awareness to deal with them, because she simply didn't understand the viciousness of the entertainment circle, didn't understand the situation in the entertainment circle.

"Then I'll go talk to her, tell her to stay home. I'll come over to take care of you. Don't worry too much." Liu Xiaoli took this matter upon herself.

"Can you talk her into it?" Liu Tianxian was doubtful.

"I can. When has your mom ever let you down?" Liu Xiaoli said with great confidence.

"Mom, you're the best." Liu Tianxian laughed.

"Film peacefully, take good care of your body. Don't be like usual, rushing around all energetic — you're going to be a mother now." Liu Xiaoli urged.

"What's wrong with being a mom? Aren't I still your little baby?" Liu Tianxian was much more relaxed and at ease with her mom.

The mother and daughter chatted for a while, and Liu Xiaoli hung up the phone. After hanging up, she held the phone and thought for a moment.

Then she went back to her room, changed clothes, and headed straight for Xu Liyun's place, afraid that if she waited until tomorrow, it would be too late.

Xu Liyun was still packing her luggage. Hearing that her future daughter-in-law's mother had arrived, she hurried out to greet her — just the person to talk to, to ease the pounding feeling in her heart.

At this time, her emotions still hadn't settled.

Liu Xiaoli was all smiles, having a heart-to-heart talk with her.

After the two of them had reported to their mothers, they lay down together. Fang Hong seemed to have not heard enough, and pressed his ear against Liu Tianxian's belly again to listen.

"There's nothing there yet. How many times a day do you need to listen?" Liu Tianxian lifted his head.

"I think I can hear sounds, gurgling, like it's calling me daddy." Fang Hong said.

"Nonsense, that's my stomach growling. Time to sleep, we have to get up early tomorrow." Liu Tianxian lifted his head and tucked the blanket over him.

That was the "gurgling" sound of her intestines蠕动.

Tomorrow they had to go to the crew for makeup and filming before dawn, and would keep filming until seven or eight in the evening — very exhausting.

Because it got dark late here, only getting dark around seven or eight.

Fang Hong also knew it hadn't taken shape yet — he was just curious, just looking forward to it.

He leaned close to Liu Tianxian's face. Liu Tianxian looked at him, stroking his cheeks with both hands.

"No, we can't do it." Fang Hong had just been about to kiss her, but stopped, lying beside her and gently stroking Liu Tianxian's belly.

"A kiss is still fine," Liu Tianxian said.

"What if the two of us can't control ourselves?" Fang Hong said.

"You're talking about yourself!" Liu Tianxian gave him a light smack.

"Hehehe, yes."

"."

The next day, the crew filmed as usual, Liu Tianxian reported to set as usual, everything as usual.

Only Fang Hong paid a little more attention, arranging a stunt double for Liu Tianxian. There had always been one available, but since this scene had no action, they hadn't planned to use one.

But Liu Tianxian had suddenly become pregnant, so they still arranged one. Liu Tianxian had no objection either; she would only act the non-action scenes.

What they were about to film was an explosion scene — successfully igniting the liquid water, the hydrazine triggering an explosion that blew the protagonist flying and crashing to the ground.

This segment definitely required a stunt double.

The crew set up the scene, like a greenhouse vegetable setup, since as the protagonist's efforts progressed, the scene kept changing.

Shen Ao brought over a girl and pointed: "Principal, do you think she's okay? She was the champion of a cheerleading performance competition before, but she's never acted before, no experience."

He had received the Principal's instructions to find a stunt double last night, and didn't suspect anything. For an actress like Liu Tianxian, not finding a stunt double would be what needed suspecting.

The girl pressed her lips together, looking very ill at ease, her heart full of anxiety.

Fang Hong sized the girl up and down. Her figure was similar to Liu Tianxian's, and her looks bore some resemblance to hers.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Ceng Yi!" Ceng Yi's voice trembled slightly, as if a little afraid of the person before her.

"Alright then, it's you." Fang Hong made the call.

They couldn't find any other stunt double on such short notice; finding this one was already pretty good. It wasn't like her face would be shown, so as long as the figure was similar, that was enough.

Hearing she had been accepted, Ceng Yi also breathed a sigh of relief!

By now the crew's set was ready. Fang Hong led Ceng Yi to Liu Tianxian and said: "After the ignition succeeds later, you step back two paces and cheer, then take her place."

"Okay!" Liu Tianxian glanced at the girl and smiled gently.

Ceng Yi seemed to feel the warmth and couldn't help but be somewhat moved by it.

"In a bit this will go 'boom' and explode. You twist your body this way, back to the camera, understand?" Fang Hong pointed at the equipment setup, then pointed at the camera.

"Understood!" Ceng Yi nodded.

"Props, the explosion isn't dangerous, right!" Fang Hong said to the props team.

"Cold fireworks aren't dangerous, they won't burn anyone," the props team replied.

"Good, get ready." Fang Hong gave the order.

Under the direction of the on-site staff, Ceng Yi changed into her costume — the same one Liu Tianxian wore — and they also rigged a small wire-work setup on her body.

After all, she had to fly a little later. The spot where she would land had also been treated so it wouldn't really hurt anyone.

Meanwhile, Liu Tianxian had already started acting. In front of the liquid-water-making device, she stepped back two paces, raised both arms high and cheered: "Oh!"

"Cut! Stunt double on." Fang Hong called out.

Ceng Yi hurried onto the set, taking the spot where Liu Tianxian had just stood, mimicking Liu Tianxian's movements.

But she was still a little scared inside, her body trembling slightly.

"Don't be afraid, it won't hurt. You just need to do a blown-back motion, don't face the camera." Fang Hong offered a word of comfort.

He signaled the prop master to set off the explosion directly.

Before Ceng Yi could react, she heard a "Boom!" — flames shot up, and her body was dragged backward by instinct, and she quickly "crashed" into the designated spot.

But she didn't feel any pain, only that the ground was soft, not very hard, though her heart was pounding "thump thump."

Fang Hong, Liu Tianxian and others rushed over and helped her up. Liu Tianxian asked: "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Ceng Yi stood up, feeling no pain in her body.

Just now she had been completely passive; she hadn't done anything.

"It's very simple. The motion you just did is fine. You just need to do a blown-back motion, turn over with your back to the camera, that's all." Fang Hong twisted his body to demonstrate.

He had just been letting this person get used to it, after all, she had never acted before.

"I understand, I can do it." Having tried it once, Ceng Yi felt it wasn't so scary anymore.

She had only been afraid because she didn't know what she was facing; now she wasn't afraid anymore.

"Good, one more time."

"."

This scene was wrapped after seven or eight takes; it wasn't a very difficult scene.

The explosion in the plot just now was caused by the oxygen Liu Tianxian exhaled. As long as you put on a helmet and go fully geared, the experiment succeeds and liquid water is produced.

While the crew was filming normally, in the afternoon when Liu Tianxian and Fang Hong were sitting together eating, Liu Xiaoli hurried over.

She first took a plane — the Beijing to Hami flight had opened the year before last — and then rode in an off-road vehicle to get here.

Liu Xiaoli wore sunglasses, slung a bag over her shoulder, dressed in a floral midi dress, her bearing still elegant and gentle, with a feminine softness.

Her face always carried that gentle smile; the moment she arrived, she became a beautiful sight on set.

Her arrival didn't surprise anyone much, because everyone knew her — she used to follow the crew from time to time.

If it were the Principal's mother arriving, that would be what felt surprising, would feel sudden.

(End of chapter)