Chapter 541: Encounter Between Two Women
Chapter 541: Encounter Between Two Women
The hospital Ye Dongyun arranged was in Lantian District, Chang'an, located at the foot of the picturesque Zhongnan Mountains, not far from the family's villa, making it convenient for future visits.
As the shuttle descended, the hospital director was already waiting with his team.
"Mr. Ye."
Ye Dongyun was the first to step out of the shuttle and exchanged a few brief words with the director before signaling for Ye Zheng and Jiang Nancai to join her.
The staff present reacted uniformly upon seeing Ye Zheng; despite serving countless billionaires and upper-class clients, whose spouses often boasted exceptional beauty, today's visitor far surpassed them all.
Ye Zheng, despite her pregnancy, moved with a light and energetic step, her spirit vibrant, devoid of the usual cautious and fragile demeanor common among expectant mothers.
Anyone could tell she was a powerful being.
"Be careful, Sister Zheng," Ye Dongyun said, glancing at Ji Xinghuo, who had altered his appearance to match his look during his time in the True Dragon Dynasty.
His features were cold and harsh, his irises a dark gold, and his perfect facial contours were akin to a sculpture, exuding an extraordinary aura that was unforgettable. Yet, he maintained an aloof posture, as if he were not a real human, warning others to keep their distance.
Anyone from the Titanium-Cobalt family present would instantly recognize him as the annihilated Jin.
In fact, this was Ji Xinghuo's true appearance.
To conceal his True Dragon identity during this trip to Earth, he had deliberately suppressed the characteristic features and details of a True Dragon.
While there were not many physical differences between Earthlings and True Dragons, their auras were worlds apart.
It would be impossible to mistake one for the other when standing side by side.
Earlier, when Ji Xinghuo had revealed his true appearance to Ye Zheng and Ye Dongyun, they had both felt a sense of strangeness. It would be even more challenging for those less familiar with him to recognize him now.
Indeed, the staff present were astonished by his appearance but failed to associate him with the Ji Xinghuo they knew.
Ji Xinghuo remained silent, following quietly.
The director led the group into a birthroom that resembled a private courtyard, fully equipped with medical, infant care, household, and entertainment facilities, along with a professional team of several dozen members.
Ye Dongyun had also dispatched most of the family's security personnel to take over security at the hospital.
One of Ji Xinghuo's shadow clones was also stationed here.
Ye Zheng was escorted to the luxurious master bedroom, where a gynecologist promptly examined her, registered her identity, and established her medical record.
"Hello, please verify your identity."
Dr. Lin, Chang'an's top gynecology expert with four decades of experience, held a high status in her field. She was well aware that any expectant mother staying here would either be wealthy or of noble birth, and thus, she maintained a friendly demeanor.
She held a scanner in front of Ye Zheng to collect her facial and iris information and plucked a strand of hair to verify her genetic information.
Beep! Beep!
Ye Zheng's identity appeared on the screen.
Dr. Lin carefully read through the information and was surprised to find that the expectant mother was several years older than herself. She truly couldn't tell by looking at her.
Then she saw the name and exclaimed in surprise, "Are you Ye Zheng?"
Ye Zheng nodded. "You know me?"
"Of course!"
Dr. Lin examined her intently and said happily, "Ms. Ye, you were my idol when I was younger. No wonder you looked so familiar! It's been over thirty years since you retired from the public eye, and I had almost forgotten your face. You haven't changed a bit, while I've grown old."
There was a hint of envy in her voice as she continued, "You're a Celestial King, with a lifespan several times that of a regular person. How wonderful!"
"Thank you, Doctor Lin. You look young, too," Ye Zheng said with a smile.
"I only look young on the outside. My body has deteriorated significantly, and I've spent a fortune on maintenance. You, on the other hand, look younger than my daughter," Dr. Lin said casually as she registered the information.
"Ms. Ye, how many weeks pregnant are you?"
"Forty-one weeks."
"Have there been any severe pregnancy reactions?"
"No."
Dr. Lin refrained from probing further into her privacy and simply asked according to the standard procedure. After combining the results of the previous examination, she made her diagnosis: "Ms. Ye, you and the triplets are all in excellent health. Congratulations!"
"Thank you," Ye Zheng said, feeling even more relieved, as she had been well aware of her condition but valued the doctor's confirmation.
Dr. Lin chose her words carefully before speaking softly, "Since your marital status is unmarried, you will soon become a single mother. However, you haven't obtained a Guardianship Certificate yet. According to the law, you must obtain the certificate within six months of the birth of your children. Alternatively, you can register the father's identity, and if he has a Guardianship Certificate, you won't need to take the exam."
As she spoke, Dr. Lin glanced at Ji Xinghuo, the only man in the room.
He was the only relative present, and despite his silence, she had guessed from his subtle expressions and gestures that he was the father of the children.
Ye Zheng's gaze also turned to him.
Ji Xinghuo promptly replied, "I don't have a Guardianship Certificate either, but I can pass the exam in half a day."
The Guardianship Certificate was a minor issue; the critical point was registering the father's name.
Even though Ye Zheng had repeatedly stated that she could raise the children on her own and that Ji Xinghuo didn't need to take any responsibility, he still had to show his commitment at this moment. Otherwise, he would be less than a man if he dared not even acknowledge his children.
Dr. Lin suppressed her burning curiosity and, after creating the mother-infant file, left the room.
"You did well just now," Ye Zheng said with a smile.
Ji Xinghuo heaved a silent sigh of relief, but his tone remained nonchalant as he said, "I'm the father of the children. It's only right that I register my identity."
Ye Dongyun, however, was perplexed. "Sister Zheng, why didn't you register?"
If they had registered Ji Xinghuo's name, and he had agreed, even without a marital relationship, he and the children would have acquired legal ties. This would provide more security in the future regarding matters like inheritance and guardianship, avoiding a lot of potential troubles.
"It's meaningless," Ye Zheng hummed softly. "Winter Melody, do you think Earth's laws can constrain your brother?"
Only then did Ye Dongyun understand.
Although she was already an intermediate alien, she was accustomed to following the rules and had not truly grasped the mindset of those powerful beings who could disregard the law in their daily lives.
Whether Ji Xinghuo acknowledged these three children depended solely on him.
Legal relationships were insignificant.
Both Ye Zheng and Ji Xinghuo were well aware of this, so they tacitly avoided the topic, and Ye Zheng didn't insist on legal recognition, sparing Ji Xinghuo potential trouble.
"That Dr. Lin actually knew you," Ji Xinghuo changed the subject.
Ye Zheng lifted her chin proudly. "What's strange about her knowing me? You were born later and don't know how popular I was globally. The title of 'Global Goddess' is well-deserved!"
Ji Xinghuo laughed. "This is the generation gap."
"What? Do you think I'm old?"
"No, no..."
The atmosphere in the room was relaxed, as the professional team took care of everything. Ye Zheng only needed to wait to go into the delivery room, while Ji Xinghuo, Ye Dongyun, and Jiang Nancai could stay by her side and chat casually.
Xiao Qi also flew out from Ye Zheng's hair, exploring the unfamiliar surroundings.
In the evening, Ji Xinghuo received a message on his phone. After replying a few times, he looked up and said, "Sister Ren, Man Ying wants to come and see you."
The room fell silent as if everyone was holding their breath.
Ye Dongyun's face froze, and Jiang Nancai thought that Ji Xinghuo was too bold, not afraid of provoking his sister's anger.
"What is she coming for?" Ye Zheng frowned.
Ji Xinghuo had already prepared a reason. "I didn't hide the children's matter from Man Ying. I told her the day before yesterday. Man Ying isn't unreasonable. She's probably just concerned about your health and doesn't have any other intentions."
Ye Zheng considered for a few seconds. "If you think it's necessary, then let her come."
Of course, it's unnecessary! Ji Xinghuo was a hundred times unwilling to let the two women meet, but he was in the wrong here, and Man Ying's request was not excessive. She just wanted to see her, and he would be present to ensure the situation remained under control.
He sent the address to Zhao Manying.
Soon after.
Ji Xinghuo sensed that Zhao Manying had arrived outside the hospital. He hesitated but ultimately decided to go out to greet her. At the courtyard gate, he saw Zhao Manying, dressed casually, standing tall and graceful. Her black hair was simply tied back, accentuating her unparalleled, expressionless face.
Her eyes widened slightly as she took in his current appearance.
"What happened to you?"
Ji Xinghuo smiled. "This is actually my true appearance." He lowered his voice and whispered in True Dragon language, "I am Jin, the Annihilator."
Zhao Manying also knew True Dragon language and understood immediately that this was Ji Xinghuo's appearance in the True Dragon Dynasty.
She observed him for a moment, then shook her head. "I still prefer your Earthling looks."
"It's still me, either way."
Ji Xinghuo led Zhao Manying into the courtyard, and as they walked through the astonished gazes of the doctors, nurses, and bodyguards, they entered Ye Zheng's room. Ye Zheng, who had been half-reclining on the bed resting, stood up.
The two women's gazes collided, and they sized each other up.
From head to toe, and then back again.
They didn't speak, but the room was filled with an extremely tense atmosphere, as if a battle was about to erupt at any moment! Ye Dongyun and Jiang Nancai dared not make a sound, enjoying the show while also feeling a bit of schadenfreude.
After appraising each other, Zhao Manying's gaze fell on Ye Zheng's belly, and Ye Zheng deliberately accentuated her stomach, seemingly proud.
"Manying, Sister Ren..." Ji Xinghuo began, attempting to introduce them.
The two women turned to glare at him, and Ji Xinghuo's words died in his throat. He wisely closed his mouth, choosing to remain silent.
Finally, after a lengthy minute of staring at each other, Zhao Manying's expression softened, and Ye Zheng offered a slight smile. The two women seemed to have reached an unspoken agreement through their eye contact, deciding to set aside their differences.
"Ye..." Zhao Manying started, unsure how to address her.
"Not only is Manying incredibly beautiful and endowed with a stunning figure, but her innate talent surpasses all others globally, earning her the name of Sword Immortal. I've admired you for a long time as well," Ye Zheng praised with a smile.
"Sister Zheng, you flatter me," Zhao Manying replied.
"I'm only speaking the truth," Ye Zheng continued. "Physical appearance is the most negligible thing. If one only has beauty, it is insignificant. Innate talent and strength are what truly matter for us aliens."
"I agree with you," Zhao Manying sigantly said.
The two women seemed to hit it off instantly, as the earlier tension seemed to have been just an illusion. They exchanged compliments, but something still felt amiss.
"What's going on?" Ji Xinghuo couldn't quite wrap his head around the sudden change in atmosphere. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, and he was completely caught off guard by Zhao Manying's newfound ability to flatter and Ye Dongyun's treatment of Zhao Manying like her own younger sister.
He wanted to join the conversation but wasn't sure when to interject, so he could only watch as the two women sat down and took turns praising each other.
"At least they didn't fight," he thought to himself.
After a brief chat, Zhao Manying expressed concern for Ye Zheng's health.
Ye Zheng honestly shared her situation and that of the triplets but refrained from mentioning their father.
"Congratulations, Sister Zheng, on becoming a mother soon," Zhao Manying said.
"Thank you," Ye Zheng replied with a smile.
Ye Zheng's expression turned sentimental as she said, "I lost my parents at a young age and always envied those with a warm family. When I grew up, I couldn't start my own family due to various circumstances. However, a few years ago, I underwent a life-changing transformation and finally had the opportunity to make up for the regrets of my childhood and create a warm home for my children."
"As for the father of my children..." Ye Zheng glanced at Ji Xinghuo as she continued, "I don't value formalities much. As long as my children grow up healthy, that's all that matters."
Ji Xinghuo was left speechless.
It sounded like she was keeping the children but not the father, and he wondered how much of what she said in front of Zhao Manying was true.
Zhao Manying nodded gently and blessed her, "Sister Zheng will definitely be a wonderful mother, and your children will surely be very happy."
The two women shook hands, holding each other's hands for a few moments.
Ji Xinghuo watched this interaction thoughtfully.
"After the children are born, I will come to visit you again, Sister Zheng," Zhao Manying released Ye Zheng's hand and took her leave.
"Sure," Ye Zheng readily agreed.
Ji Xinghuo escorted Zhao Manying out of the courtyard and noticed that her expression had turned cold again, a stark contrast to how she had been in the room. "Manying, I'll accompany you home," he offered.
"You stay with her for the next few days. I'll focus on cultivating," Zhao Manying replied in a flat voice.
It was evident that she was not pleased.
Ji Xinghuo could tell, and he felt conflicted.
At that moment, he wished he had two of himself so he could be with both women simultaneously, as his shadow clone could not hide the fact that it wasn't his true body. But before he could say anything to appease her, Zhao Manying transformed into a sword light and flew into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
Using electromagnetic sensing, he tracked her as she sped through the high skies back home, and he shook his head, deciding to let her calm down first before trying to reason with her later.
"Manying is still angry. I'll wait for her to cool down before trying to guide her gently," he thought. "I can't leave Sister Zheng alone here either."
Ji Xinghuo turned back and also decided to recall one of his shadow clones from Africa to Chang'an, ensuring that it stayed by Zhao Manying's side at all times, keeping a close eye on her movements. If necessary, the clone could instantly switch places with him and appear before her.
The next day.
Ye Zheng voluntarily went into the delivery room, and after just over ten minutes, Dr. Lin came out to inform Ji Xinghuo that the children had been born.
Ji Xinghuo hadn't even had time to feel nervous, and when he entered the room, he saw Ye Zheng standing there with a flat stomach, a rosy complexion, and moving about with ease as if she hadn't just given birth. She stood in front of a transparent incubator, gazing lovingly at the three children inside.
"Well done, Sister Ren," Ji Xinghuo said as he took her hand.
Ye Zheng smiled at him and said, "Look at our children."
The three healthy infants lay side by side, their tiny faces wrinkled, eyes closed in peaceful sleep. Even though they were just born, one could already tell they would grow up to be exceptionally attractive. Invisible to the naked eye, etheric energy was slightly attracted to their bodies and gradually merged with them.
Despite the faint fluctuations, Ji Xinghuo was still amazed to see them on newborns, and he couldn't help but marvel at their incredible innate potential.
He could feel the vibrant life force within the children, a life force that was linked to his own bloodline.
This feeling of a blood connection left him immersed in a state of indescribable emotion.
Dr. Lin entered with a group of nurses.
"Ms. Ye, we will now register the identities of the children. If you haven't decided on their names yet, we can give them temporary nicknames for now to differentiate them," she said.
"I've already decided," Ye Zheng said without hesitation. "Dr. Lin, please register their names now. The eldest son is Ji Yehuang, the second son is Ji Yeweii, and the youngest daughter is Ji Yeling."
Dr. Lin looked surprised. She expected the children to take Ye Zheng's surname, but they were given the surname Ji instead.
(End of Chapter)
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