Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
It was Yun Nanâs first time driving after recovering from her injuries. That morning, a still-worried Shi Nian begged her to let the chauffeur drive her around for a while longer, but Yun Nan firmly refused. She preferred doing things by herself, even if it was a small matter like driving.
Shi Nian then insisted on driving her to the studio himself and only allowed her to drive herself after work. Yun Nan found it funny; Shi Nian could sometimes be as childish as a three-year-old, and the way he expressed his feelings was also quite strange. Yun Nan found it amusing and hilarious, but let him have his wayâthis was a little romantic byplay between them.
Yun Nan thought of Shi Nian as she drove, and she couldnât help but smile. Her car had just turned out of the studioâs courtyard when a figure suddenly dashed out before it from the sidewalk. Yun Nan subconsciously stepped on the brakes, so frightened she closed her eyes. Her heart pounded. Yun Nan was sure she didnât hit that person, but she didnât see anyone before her through the windshield. She collected herself and got out of the car to check.
A woman was crouched in front of the car, trembling like Yun Nan was. She had her eyes tightly shut and was carefully hugging her stomachâthe woman was pregnant.
âAre you alright?â Yun Nan hurriedly asked.
The pregnant woman raised her head and stared at Yun Nan. Yun Nan froze. The woman looked familiar, but Yun Nan couldnât recall where sheâd seen her before.
âSave me, please, save me,â the pregnant woman cried and pleaded, holding her stomach as she kneeled.
Yun Nan was shocked and quickly went to help her up. âGet up; itâs cold on the ground. Who are you? Why do I feel like Iâve met you before?â
The pregnant woman stood up with Yun Nanâs help. She grabbed Yun Nanâs hand tightly and panickedly looked around, imploring, âSave me. Please, take me away from here. Please, I know youâre a good person.â
Yun Nan followed her gaze and glanced around. This place was connected to the outside by a small alley. It was very secluded, and few people would walk around here. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âDid something happen? Do we need to call the police?â Yun Nan asked. The pregnant woman clutched her hand and refused to let go.
âNo! Donât call the police. Iâm dead if you call the police,â the pregnant woman cried, terrified.
Yun Nan felt a little helpless. âThen, are you okay? How about we go to the hospital?â
The pregnant woman desperately shook her head. âNo, thereâs no need to go to the hospital. Iâm fine. I justâI just want to hide; I want to hide somewhere safe. Please, help me! Please! I know youâre a good person!â
Yun Nan tried to free her arm but failed. She didnât dare use too much strength; the other party was a pregnant woman, after all. The pregnant woman wiped her tears and said, âMy name is Du Juan. IâIâm the one who begged Miss Shi to return Gu Fei to me at the fan meeting.â
Yun Nanâs mind jolted, and she took a closer look at the woman. âItâs her. No wonder she seems familiar,â Yun Nan thought.
Yun Nan was stunned. âItâs you! Why are you⦠Your child..
Du Juan sobbed, âThe child is Gu Feiâs. The Gu family had me imprisoned all this time, and it wasnât easy for me to escape. Iâm close to giving birth, but I overheard them discussing that theyâll take the child away after I give birth and leave me to die, creating the illusion that Iâd died in childbirth. They only want the child. Theyâll kill me because Iâm not fit to be the mother of Gu Feiâs childâ¦â Du Juanâs words trailed into sobs, but she didnât dare to make too much noise and could only gasp heavily.
Yun Nan looked at Du Juanâs extended belly. It was already quite large; indeed, she seemed like she could give birth any day now. Yun Nan felt pity for her, thinking, âNo matter what, thereâs oneâno, two livesâbefore me that needs saving. I should let bygones be bygones and help her out.â
âThen, where do you plan to go? Where do you live? I can send you home,â Yun
Nan offered.
However, Du Juan shook her head. âI donât have a home. I grew up in an orphanage. I have no place to go.â
Yun Nan felt troubled. Du Juan wept, âI know Iâve wronged you guys and Miss Shi, but youâre all good people. I have no one to ask for help, so I can only come to you.â
Resigned, Yun Nan calmed herself down and uttered, âGet in the car. Iâll see if I can find a place for you to settle down.â
Surprised, Du Juan stared at her with tears all over her face. âReally? Youâ youâre willing to help me? Yâyouâre really willing to help me?â
Yun Nan frowned. âArenât you here for my help?â
âYes, yes!â Du Juan happily responded. âShe turned around, went straight to Yun Nanâs car, opened the door, and climbed in. Looking at her nimble movements, Yun Nan truly didnât know what to say.
Yun Nan made a call to Chen Yao. Before she could speak, Chen Yao surprisedly asked, âYun Nan, are you calling to tell me youâre coming to Grandmaâs house? Shi Nian said youâre driving alone after work today. He was worried and made me worry, too. Where are you? Come over to Grandmaâs.. Grandma will get someone to make you something delicious!â