“No, it’s not like that. Both Connie and I are happy to help. Xia, it was helping others find their relatives that changed Connie’s mind about having children. Now that our baby is about to be born, and this search for relatives is reaching its conclusion – don’t you think it’s a wonderful coincidence?”

Well, who knew that Klaus, a surgeon, could be so romantic? Approaching middle age and about to welcome a new life, Dr. Klaus had become particularly gentle.

Whether it was truly a wonderful coincidence would depend on the DNA test results. If Tina wasn’t Xu Zhongyi’s daughter, then Cui Yiru was truly despicable… one instance of infidelity wasn’t enough; she was practically wholesale distributing green hats.

After hanging up the phone, Xia Xiaolan pondered what gift to prepare for Wen Manni’s child. She didn’t need to go to America herself; she could ask Zhou Yi to deliver it. Since Qi Wei was working as Wen Manni’s assistant, having Zhou Yi deliver the gift would be perfect. Zhou Yi had departed just two days before Xu Zhongyi’s group and should have resumed classes in New York by now.

In New York, Qi Wei wasn’t sure whether to offer words of comfort. Zhou Yi had received photos of infidelity from China and immediately booked the earliest flight back to catch her spouse in the act. As for the results – Zhou Yi had suffered greatly. While there were stories of wives beating up mistresses, no one had heard of the reverse… Zhou Yi must have experienced something extremely unpleasant in China.

Qi Wei didn’t dare ask, but Zhou Yi spoke frankly: “I got divorced in China. My ex-husband Yuan Han will probably go to prison. My friend Joan was deceiving me all along – she was Yuan Han’s ex-wife who deliberately concealed her identity to get close to me for revenge. Now she’s succeeded! My parents have been affected by my impulsive marriage, and my daughter will even have trouble passing political background checks!”

Damn, Young Miss, I wasn’t planning to ask for such details, yet you spilled everything at once.

Joan had ill intentions! Only Young Miss Zhou would believe in such a sudden friendship. Qi Wei had always thought Joan’s way of looking at Zhou Yi was strange. Wait – if Joan approached Zhou Yi for revenge, then her close relationship with Zhou Yi wasn’t purely intentional either. Did Zhou Yi understand this?

Qi Wei couldn’t tell, and she didn’t know what to say. Perhaps feeling sympathy for Zhou Yi’s terrible experience back home, Qi Wei asked, “…So what are your plans now?”

“Of course, I’ll continue working on passing the language requirements. My daughter won’t pass political background checks, so will good jobs be waiting for her when she grows up? I’d better earn more money and save it.”

Well, that was quite an ambition. Not wanting to discourage her, Qi Wei changed the subject: “So what school and major are you planning to apply for? Isn’t it time to decide?”

Zhou Yi had given this some thought and linked arms with Qi Wei: “How about I apply to law school with you?”

“…!”

Qi Wei wanted to say no. Zhou Yi applying to law school to become a lawyer. Qi Wei wasn’t planning to return to China; she wanted to put down roots in America. Was Zhou Yi also planning to live in America long-term? Study at an American law school to work in China? Qi Wei found this strategy questionable. Moreover, law school wasn’t easy to get into. Qi Wei herself wasn’t confident about getting admitted and planned to spend another year preparing before applying. As for Zhou Yi… even three years might not be enough.

It wasn’t that Qi Wei looked down on Zhou Yi, but Qi Wei had fought through fierce competition to get into university in China. Did Zhou Yi have such an experience? After conquering the language barrier, Zhou Yi would still need to catch up on many fundamentals.

Qi Wei’s thousand thoughts could only become one phrase: “Whatever makes you happy!”

She didn’t know how Zhou Yi got the idea to apply to law school or if it was just a passing fancy, but Zhou Yi was now enthusiastically asking about Qi Wei’s internship at the law firm.

Qi Wei felt overwhelmed: “It’s busy, extremely busy! I’m Connie’s assistant, and she’s already an advanced-age mother who can’t completely let go of her clients during pregnancy. If she dared to go home and rest to have the baby, her hard-earned position would be instantly compromised. Connie is Asian-American, and it’s particularly difficult for Asian-Americans to succeed in America. Honestly, I admire her!”

It was truly impressive – she reduced her workload during pregnancy but didn’t completely step away. By keeping her clients, Wen Manni’s position at the firm remained secure.

As Wen Manni’s assistant, Qi Wei naturally prioritized Wen Manni’s interests. If Wen Manni hadn’t been willing to hire her, Qi Wei wouldn’t have found such a perfect part-time position that allowed her to work and learn simultaneously.

Qi Wei had heard rumors in the break room that Wen Manni might become a partner after having her baby! With Wen Manni’s abilities, she would have already been a senior partner if she were at a smaller firm.

Zhou Yi listened with delight, amazed by both Wen Manni’s capabilities and her naivety! Accomplished career women like Wen Manni would only be friends with someone like Xia Xiaolan, never with a weakling studying at language school. Similarly, if Joan was so capable, why would she become “instant friends” with her?

Without common ground, friendship was impossible. Joan had merely been deliberately accommodating her.

Zhou Yi laughed at her foolishness – such a simple truth had taken her so long to understand.

Qi Wei checked her watch: “We’ll discuss your law school plans later. I need to drive Connie to the hospital now. Connie’s husband is busy these days, so I’m responsible for taking care of her.”

Zhou Yi held her back, “Can I come with you?”

Hm? What was she up to?

Qi Wei was puzzled.

Zhou Yi said sheepishly, “Isn’t she Xiaolan’s friend? It’s such a big event having a baby, and since Xiaolan can’t come to America, I could go with you and maybe help out.”

The logic made sense, but was Zhou Yi someone who would think of such things? What dramatic events had occurred during her trip back to catch her spouse that caused such a change in Zhou Yi? Just hearing the outline made it hard to imagine the details!

What was meant to be a routine hospital check-up turned into an admission – Wen Manni was kept at the hospital. A few days before her due date, Wen Manni’s contractions indicated she would deliver soon.

At this time, Professor Wen and his wife were still in Ithaca and hadn’t arrived, while Klaus was at Professor Emerson’s laboratory waiting for the paternity test results.

Zhou Yi’s casual offer to help had proved useful. No matter how capable Qi Wei was as an assistant, she had never given birth. But Zhou Yi had.

Zhou Yi had also overcome the language barrier and could communicate with doctors.

Wen Manni herself appeared very calm. Zhou Yi’s stumbling words of encouragement helped alleviate some of Wen Manni’s anxiety and tension.

Yes, Wen Manni was anxious and tense.

Qi Wei had described her as remarkable, and she truly was. But being accomplished in her career couldn’t change the fact that she was an advanced-age mother. Pregnancy hormones wouldn’t spare Wen Manni; they still affected her emotions, and then there were the painful contractions… Could she deliver the baby naturally?