"But whether it will work out or not depends on the final result," Fu Lian said in a calm tone.
All his current actions were simply breaking out of the pre - ordained path in this world and choosing an unknown one instead.
No one could predict whether this path would lead to a better or worse outcome.
But it was definitely better than an outcome that was foreseeable from the start.
Where there were variables, there were opportunities.
Wen Baozhu looked up and secretly sized up Fu Lian's face.
She used to think that Fu Lian knew everything and could do anything; he was confident in every matter, and the development of all things was within his decision - making.
However, it was only at this moment that she realized that Fu Lian's own life was also a game.
A game with no guarantee of success.
In this chess game, even someone as shrewd as him couldn't truly predict the outcome.
He wasn't as perfect as he seemed. Beneath his calm and in - control demeanor was a hesitant and vulnerable heart.
This Fu Lian was even more charming and real than the seemingly flawless one.
Wen Baozhu silently stretched out her arms and wrapped them around Fu Lian's waist again, sharing a bit of her warmth with him.
She said softly, "My mom knew I was going to be a girl when she was pregnant with me, but my dad didn't believe it. He insisted on waiting for me to be born."
"As a result, when he saw that I was a girl, he packed his bags and left Fucheng that very night."
Wen Baozhu stared into space, her voice soft. "Actually, I've always been curious. Why didn't he want his own flesh - and - blood daughter but insisted on a son that didn't even exist?"
Without waiting for Fu Lian to answer, she gave her own answer. "Later, I figured it out."
Fu Lian looked down at her. "What did you figure out?"
Wen Baozhu smiled. "It's because he's just unlucky."
"He didn't want a smart daughter like me. He abandoned his wife and child and went to another place to make a living. His life will only get worse."
Wen Baozhu's voice was brisk. "Maybe one day he'll come back and beg me and my mom to take care of him. But he never even fed me a single mouthful of food. If he comes back, I'll chase him out with a broom."
As she said this, Wen Baozhu waved her arms around, imitating the action of swinging a broom.
Fu Lian raised his eyebrows and laughed. "Our Baozhu is so feisty."
Wen Baozhu proudly lifted her chin. "Of course."
"Don't you feel sad?" Fu Lian stroked her head.
"Not sad. I've never thought being abandoned was unfortunate. His choice to abandon me and my mom was the biggest misfortune of his life."
She was such a positive and optimistic girl. Even if she fell while running, she could get up by herself, pat her chest in relief, and mutter to herself that it was lucky her pants didn't get a hole.
Just being with her, even without saying a word, one could draw endless confidence and strength.
Undoubtedly, her story had soothed Fu Lian's originally heavy and irritable heart.
"If that man ever comes back looking for you and your mom, Baozhu, remember to tell me."
Wen Baozhu looked up at him, smiling. "Okay. If I can't beat him, I'll ask Mr. Fu to help me."
Finally, the atmosphere became relaxed and harmonious.
The distance and relationship between the two got closer, and they got to know each other better.
They chatted for quite a while, and soon the sun was about to set.
Reluctantly, they got out of bed. Seeing that it was almost dinner time, Wen Baozhu said she would go to the kitchen to cook.
Fu Lian sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to grab her waist as she tried to leave. "In your eyes, am I so cruel as to let a pregnant woman cook for me?"
Wen Baozhu looked down at the big hand on her waist, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm not tired."
"You may not be tired, but I don't want to eat plain noodles." Fu Lian let go of her and turned to get the phone on the bedside table.
While calling the chef, he turned to ask Wen Baozhu what she wanted to eat.
It was just like the daily life of a young married couple.
Wen Baozhu was startled by her own thought. Blushing, she replied, "Anything is fine."
Her face was unusually flushed.
The man stared at her for a while and then smiled. "Okay, then I'll ask them to cook whatever they like."
Ten minutes later, the chef, along with the assistant chef and the ingredients, rang the doorbell.
...
Since she had a prenatal check - up the next day, Wen Baozhu ate very lightly and drank half a glass of water before going to bed.
Before getting into bed, Fu Lian saw Wen Baozhu taking folic acid. His eyes were filled with an unfathomable look, and his face darkened.
He really hadn't decided whether to keep this child or not.
But not wanting it was definitely his first instinct.
Before going to sleep, Wen Baozhu leaned in Fu Lian's arms and listened to him talk about financial knowledge for a while.
He told Wen Baozhu that after the Chinese New Year, the Fu Group would start a new batch of projects, and she would be involved.
Wen Baozhu's knowledge base was relatively weak. Besides the regular home - tutoring classes, Fu Lian would also give her private lessons and answer her questions.
She was already very sleepy, but Fu Lian's teaching was so interesting and vivid that she became more and more awake.
During the break after the talk, Wen Baozhu couldn't help but express her admiration. "Mr. Fu is so excellent. He can remember so much knowledge clearly."
"Otherwise, should I be a good - for - nothing?"
Wen Baozhu giggled. "No need. The excellent Mr. Fu is the most charming."
"Stop with the sweet talk."
"I really think so." Wen Baozhu sat up straight and clasped her hands together seriously. "I've already decided on my birthday wish this year in advance: Mr. Fu will surely achieve all his wishes."
It was the first time he'd heard someone make a wish for him.
Fu Lian paused for a moment, his emotions surging. "When is your birthday?"
Wen Baozhu tilted her head. "Will Mr. Fu accompany me on my birthday?"
Fu Lian said, "It depends on my mood. Maybe."
Wen Baozhu didn't really have high hopes. Fu Lian was always busy with business, and given his status, how could he possibly accompany her on her birthday?
Sending a gift would be like just amusing a little bird.
Under the man's intense gaze, Wen Baozhu still said, "It's on the 15th of the fifth lunar month. We in Fucheng follow the lunar calendar."
She was afraid that Fu Lian would be too lazy to check the calendar, so she was about to take out her phone to calculate it for him in advance.
"Got it." Fu Lian nodded. "I'll check my schedule then. If I'm not too busy, I'll try to make time to be with you."
Wen Baozhu was stunned, extremely surprised.
He had just said it depended on his mood, and now he was seriously saying he'd try to make time.
She was so delighted that she was speechless for a moment.
"What are you spacing out for?"
Wen Baozhu then realized that her reaction was too obvious. She gave an embarrassed smile. "It's nothing. I'm just afraid I'll disrupt Mr. Fu's schedule."
Fu Lian said, "If I can't even control my own time at this stage, it means the path I've chosen is indeed not very promising."
Wen Baozhu shook her head, looking determined. "Mr. Fu will surely have everything go smoothly and be happy."
The man's eyes were deep.
"What if I fail? Will you be afraid that you've followed the wrong person?" he asked casually.