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Then she touched her belly, her face full of a happy smile, and murmured to herself, "Baby, we're going back to Shanghai with Daddy, aren't you happy?"
Chapter 341 Returning to the Villa
Su Chang led Jiang Lai, Guan Juer, Guan Xiaodi, Cui Tianqi and their group out of the airport and directly into the business car driven by Ma Li, who had been waiting for a long time.
The car sped along, passing through the bustling city center of Shanghai, and finally entered the Dongshan villa area.
The car slowly came to a stop in front of the villa. Su Chang got out first, then turned around and carefully helped Jiang Lai out of the car. Jiang Lai's belly was already slightly protruding. Although she was not very far along in her pregnancy, her temperament was gentler than before, and her eyes and brows radiated a maternal glow.
Guan Juer and Guan Xiaodi followed closely behind, while Cui Tianqi and Ma Li carried the luggage at the very back.
As soon as the villa's gate opened, it was already bustling with activity. Andy, Xu Li, Song Nuan, Gao Wenruohan, Xu Hongdou, Chen Nanxing, Tong Wei, Song Xingchen, Han Xiaoli, Zheng Shuyi, Bi Ruoshan, and even Fang Zhiheng, who had missed the trip due to work, were all there. Seeing Su Chang return with Jiang Lai and the others, the women rushed to greet them.
"Lai Lai, you're finally back!" Andy was the first to step forward and give Jiang Lai a gentle hug, his voice full of concern.
"Yes, Lai Lai, your belly looks so full." Xu Li also came over and touched Jiang Lai's belly with a smile.
Jiang Lai smiled and responded to everyone's greetings, but her eyes involuntarily drifted towards Su Chang. She glared at him, annoyed, and muttered under her breath, "Look at you, you've got so many women now, really..."
Su Chang awkwardly touched his nose and chuckled, "It was just something I couldn't help myself to do."
The women had different feelings when they saw Jiang Lai was pregnant.
Xu Li, Chen Nanxing, Gao Wenruohan, and Fang Zhiheng, four women who weren't particularly career-driven, looked at Su Chang with a hint of hostility, even a touch of jealousy. Their eyes seemed to gleam with a greenish light, as if they desperately wanted to "take up arms" and get pregnant with Su Chang's child.
However, this delicate atmosphere was quickly broken.
Andy clapped his hands and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, everyone, stop standing there! Let's get ready to begin the welcome ceremony for Lai Lai!"
"Yes, yes, yes, start! Start!" The women echoed, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively again.
The villa's living room had already been decorated warmly and romantically. The table was laden with various delicious foods and drinks, the walls were adorned with ribbons and balloons, and there was even a banner that read "Welcome Lai Lai Home." It was clear that everyone had put a lot of thought into this welcome ceremony.
Jiang Lai was surrounded by the women and sat down on the sofa, while Su Chang was pushed to the side. He smiled helplessly and simply stood aside, watching the group of women bustling around.
"Lai Lai, this is a cake that Ruo Han and I made together. Try it." Xu Li walked over with a delicate cake in her hand, a hopeful smile on her face.
Jiang Lai took the cake, took a small bite, and her eyes lit up immediately: "Mmm, delicious! You guys are so thoughtful."
"Of course, we learned it especially for you!" Gao Wenruohan proudly raised her chin.
"Sister Jiang Lai, this is a gift that Hongdou and I prepared for you." Chen Nanxing also came over, holding an exquisite gift box in her hands.
Jiang Lai took the gift box, opened it, and found a hand-knitted scarf inside, its color soft and its texture supple. She said, touched, "Nanxing, Hongdou, thank you so much, this scarf is so beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it." Xu Hongdou smiled slightly, but her eyes held a complex emotion.
Next, the women presented their gifts and blessings.
Song Nuan gave a pregnancy nutrition cookbook, Tong Wei gave a pair of adorable baby shoes, and Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli jointly gave a hand-drawn nursery design. Even the usually aloof Fang Zhiheng gave an exquisite necklace, saying it was a gift for their future baby.
Jiang Lai was so touched by everyone's enthusiasm and kindness that her eyes welled up with tears. She stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you everyone, thank you so much."
"Oh dear, Lai Lai, what are you doing?" Andy quickly helped her up, smiling as he said, "We're all family, don't be so formal."
“That’s right, Lai Lai, don’t get too touched, or you’ll upset your baby.” Xu Li teased.
The women all laughed, and the atmosphere became even more relaxed and pleasant.
After the welcoming ceremony, everyone sat together and began to chat. The conversation naturally revolved around Jiang Lai's pregnancy and her unborn baby.
"Sister Jiang Lai, have you thought of a name for the baby yet?" Song Nuan asked curiously.
"Not yet, Su Chang and I are still discussing it," Jiang Lai replied with a smile.
"Why don't we all help each other think of something?" Gao Wenruohan suggested.
"Great! Great!" the women chimed in, and they began to discuss it animatedly.
"If it's a boy, you can name him Su Zixuan; it sounds very classy."
"If it's a girl, how about Su Wanli? It's gentle and elegant."
"I think Su Tianyou is also good, his name has a good meaning."
"Su Tianyou? That sounds like a name from a martial arts novel."
"Haha, what about Su Xiaolai? She just takes her mother's name."
"Su Xiaolai? That's way too casual!"
The women chatted animatedly, each offering their own thoughts. Su Chang stood to the side, listening to their wildly imaginative ideas, and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"You guys are even more anxious than I am," he said, shaking his head helplessly.
"Of course, this is our family's first baby, so of course we have to take it seriously!" Xu Li said confidently.
“That’s right, Su Chang, you can’t be lazy, you have to think about it carefully,” Chen Nanxing chimed in.
Su Chang smiled and nodded: "Okay, okay, I will definitely think about it carefully."
After chatting for a while, as dusk approached, the women gradually got up and went upstairs. Although they all lived in the villa, they each had their own rooms, and it was usually difficult for them to get together because they were all busy with their own things. Today, they had gathered together to welcome Jiang Lai.
After seeing everyone off, Su Chang helped Jiang Lai back to the bedroom. Jiang Lai sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her belly, a happy smile on her face.
"Are you happy today?" Su Chang asked softly as she sat down beside her.
"Yes, I'm very happy." Jiang Lai nodded, then sighed, "However, seeing the way they looked at me, I always felt a little guilty."
"Guilt? Why?" Su Chang asked, puzzled.
“They…they really want a child, don’t they?” Jiang Lai said in a low voice. “Especially Xu Li, Nan Xing, Ruo Han, and Lucy, I understand the way they look at me.”
Su Chang was silent for a moment, then gently took Jiang Lai's hand: "Lai Lai, don't overthink it. They are all adults, with their own choices and pursuits. Your pregnancy is our destiny, and they will have children in the future too."
Jiang Lai nodded, leaned on Su Chang's shoulder, and said softly, "Then you should try your best. I can tell they can't wait. The Su family is currently dominated by women, so having more children will help the family continue to grow."
The two sat quietly for a while, then Su Chang suddenly laughed and said, "However, they were quite lively discussing the baby's name today."
“Yes, their ideas are really wildly imaginative.” Jiang Lai laughed as well. “However, I think Su Xiaolai is actually not bad either.”
"Su Xiaolai?" Su Chang raised an eyebrow. "You really like this name?"
"Hmm, it's simple and easy to remember, and it comes with my name, isn't that great?" Jiang Lai blinked and said playfully.
Su Chang shook her head helplessly: "Alright, since you like it, I'll do as you say."
Jiang Lai smiled and nodded, then yawned: "I'm a little tired and want to rest early."
"Okay, you go to sleep first. I'll go get you a glass of warm milk." Su Chang stood up, gently kissed Jiang Lai's forehead, and then left the room.
Standing in the corridor, Su Chang looked at the bright moonlight outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that his life had become richer and more colorful because of these women, but it was also full of challenges. However, no matter what, he would do his best to protect this happiness.
"Su Chang, what are you standing here daydreaming about?" Xu Li's voice suddenly came from behind.
Su Chang turned around and saw Xu Li leaning against the door, looking at him with a half-smile.
"It's nothing, I just think the moon is especially beautiful tonight," Su Chang said with a smile.
Xu Li walked to his side, looked up at the sky, and said softly, "Yes, the moon is beautiful, but some people are even more beautiful."
Su Chang was taken aback for a moment, then understood what she meant. He sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Xu Li, I..."
“You don’t need to explain.” Xu Li interrupted him, smiling slightly. “I know your choice, and I respect it. It’s just… sometimes, I’m a little envious.”
Su Chang was silent for a moment, then gently took Xu Li's hand: "Thank you, Xu Li."
Xu Li smiled, withdrew her hand, and turned to walk towards her room: "Goodnight, Su Chang."
"Good night." Su Chang watched her retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
He knew that he owed these women not only emotionally, but also in terms of responsibility. But no matter what, he would do his best to balance things and protect this hard-won happiness.
Back in his room, Su Chang gently closed the door, walked to the bedside, and looked at Jiang Lai, who was already fast asleep, his heart softening. He gently kissed her forehead and whispered, "Lai Lai, goodnight."
Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in tranquility and warmth. Su Chang knew that the road ahead was long, but as long as they were together, there was no obstacle they couldn't overcome.
The next morning, Su Chang got up early and tiptoed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the women. He knew that although everyone was usually busy, breakfast was a rare time for them to get together.
He skillfully fried eggs, toasted bread, and cooked a pot of fragrant porridge. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of food, and Su Chang's mood lightened considerably.
Soon after, the women got up one after another and smiled when they saw the sumptuous breakfast on the table.
"Wow, Su Chang, I get to enjoy your cooking again today!" Xu Li teased as she sat down.
"Yes, Brother Su Chang, it's been so long since I've had your cooking," Gao Wenruohan chimed in with a smile.
Su Chang smiled and placed the last fried egg on the table: "Alright, as long as I'm at the villa, I'll cook for you all, okay?"
The women sat down and began to enjoy breakfast. At the table, they chatted about their work and lives in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Jiang Lai sat next to Su Chang. Although she hadn't had a good appetite since becoming pregnant, she still managed to eat some food thanks to Su Chang's attentive care.
After breakfast, the women left for work one after another. Andy, Xu Li, Song Nuan, Gao Wenruohan, Xu Hongdou, Chen Nanxing, Tong Wei, and others said their goodbyes, and the villa gradually quieted down. In the end, only Su Chang, Jiang Lai, Song Xingchen, Han Xiaoli, and Fang Zhiheng remained.
Su Chang helped Jiang Lai back to her room to rest and said softly, "Lai Lai, you should rest first. Call me if you need anything."
Jiang Lai nodded, leaned against the bed, gently stroking her belly, a tender smile on her face: "Okay, you go ahead and do your work, I'm fine."
Su Chang walked out of the room and saw Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli sitting on the sofa in the living room, seemingly discussing something.
He walked over and asked with a smile, "Xingchen, Xiaoli, what are you two talking about?"
Song Xingchen looked up and said with a smile, "Su Chang, we were just about to discuss something with you."
"Oh? What's the matter?" Su Chang asked curiously as she sat opposite them.
Han Xiaoli picked up the conversation and said seriously, "We plan to start a business and open a women's products store."
"A women's products store?" Su Chang raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "Why did you suddenly have this idea?"
Song Xingchen explained, "We believe that the female consumer market is huge, especially the high-end women's products market, which has great potential for development. We want to create a high-quality, stylish store that specializes in providing women with excellent products and services."
Su Chang nodded. Although he felt the business might not be particularly profitable and would be very busy, he still supported their idea. After all, Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli were both capable and insightful people, and he believed they could do a good job. The main problem was that having them constantly by his side meant he'd lost his freedom.
“(Qian Nuo Zhao) Alright, since you have this idea, I support you.” Su Chang said with a smile, “However, starting a business is not an easy thing, you should be mentally prepared.”
“We know that a lot of preliminary research and planning has been done,” Han Xiaoli said confidently.
Su Chang thought for a moment, took out her phone, and found a number: "This is Zheng Fangxiu's phone number. She is the general manager of Longteng Group. You can go to her. You can ask her for help if you need anything."
Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes: "That's great, thank you, Su Chang!"
"You're welcome. Keep up the good work, and feel free to contact me if you encounter any difficulties," Su Chang said with a smile.
The two women took the phone and excitedly discussed their next plans. Not long after, they got up to say goodbye, preparing to go and talk to Zheng Fangxiu in detail.