Chapter 88 Actually, I wanted to have a molten lava cake, but in the end, I gave up.

After signing the contract, Jiang Zao spent half the day playing a game. It truly was an exceptionally pleasant experience—requiring no excessive focus or money, beautifully composed music, exquisitely drawn characters. Reviews all agreed it was a rare gem among mobile games in recent years.

It deserved its reputation.

Having spent most of the day glued to her phone, Jiang Zao finally put it down with a groan, her back and waist aching.

“Hui, I’m so bored. I want to go out and have some fun…”

Hui glanced outside. “Hmm… The sun’s out. Where would you like to go, Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Zao sat up. “The exhibition hall! There’s a spring-themed show, and I saw a college friend post about participating.”

Hui set aside her knitting. “Alright, then I’ll go with you? Sir already sent the car over yesterday, so it’ll be much easier to get around.”

Jiang Zao climbed up, grinning. “Let’s go, quick, I can’t wait.”

Zhou Lichuan had sent over a top-of-the-line minivan, with the sofa seats upgraded to the most comfortable, plush models. Jiang Zao sank into them, enveloped in softness.

“Ah—rich people really know how to live,” she murmured, patting her slightly rounded belly. “Baby, you’re not even born yet and your mother’s already enjoying your good fortune.”

Hui started the car, smiling. “It’s not just the child’s luck—it’s because Sir is worried about you. And to be honest, hailing taxis isn’t convenient for you now. With this car, at least it’s much safer.”

Jiang Zao leaned lazily against the seat. “Yes, it’s much easier.”

To her surprise, Hui drove with remarkable steadiness, maintaining an even speed the whole way, never once jolting Jiang Zao.

At the exhibition hall entrance, Jiang Zao looked at the long queue and sighed dramatically. “Ugh—suddenly I don’t want to go anymore.”

Hui laughed. “It’s the weekend, lots of people. Shall we try somewhere else?”

Jiang Zao hesitated, her attention caught by a nearby promotional banner.

“Anniversary celebration: buy one, get one free on all drinks, cakes 12% off!”

She pointed with slender fingers. “I want to go there.”

Parking near the exhibition hall, Jiang Zao made her way to the shop.

Sweets.

Just the word sparked joy.

“Hello, welcome!” A tall, handsome young man stood behind the register, greeting her as she entered.

Jiang Zao was caught off guard. “Li Baixiu? What are you doing here?”

Li Baixiu was equally surprised. “Miss Jiang… out for a walk?”

She pointed at the store’s poster. “Cakes on sale. I’m here to indulge. Any recommendations?”

Li Baixiu glanced at the cake display. “We’ve got tiramisu, strawberry mousse, cheesecake, mango pudding…”

Jiang Zao followed his gaze, pointing at the pink strawberry mousse. “That one. And something matcha-flavored, anything’s fine. For drinks, a hot fruit tea and a hazelnut cappuccino.”

Li Baixiu tapped quickly at the register, tore off the receipt, and handed it to her. “My treat. Just find a seat and wait.”

Jiang Zao didn’t stand on ceremony, thanked him, and found a free spot by the window.

By the time Hui came in, Jiang Zao was already eating strawberry mousse, gazing dreamily outside.

No sooner had Hui sat down than Jiang Zao pushed the matcha cake and hazelnut cappuccino toward her.

“Someone’s treating us. Try the anniversary specials.”

Hui smiled, sitting down. “Thank you, Miss Jiang. I got you a ticket to the exhibition—anytime you want to go, just use the VIP entrance, no waiting.”

A hint of resignation flashed in Jiang Zao’s eyes. “Even this Zhou Lichuan has to manage?”

Hui replied, “Sir’s instructions—whatever Miss Jiang needs, never scrimp. Whether for leisure or business, if there’s a way to make it easier, we do it.”

Jiang Zao shrugged. “Different attitudes about spending. I hate waste, but to Zhou Lichuan, this is just the norm. Never mind.”

Li Baixiu arrived, setting a cup of sweet milk before her. “Fresh from the dairy this morning, pasteurized, wonderfully creamy—give it a try.”

Jiang Zao shook her head. “Lactose intolerant, sorry, but thank you anyway.”

Li Baixiu looked puzzled. “But last time I saw you, you were drinking sweet milk.”

Hui’s eyes shot over. “So you had an upset stomach before because you drank sweet milk outside.”

Jiang Zao blushed, turning to Li Baixiu. “Why bring that up? See, I’ve been found out.”

Hui moved her coffee farther from Jiang Zao, then, still uneasy, picked up her coffee and half-eaten cake. “I’ll sit at the next table, just in case you get tempted and want a sip.”

Jiang Zao was utterly helpless. Ever since her morning sickness faded, she’d developed a craving for milk-flavored things, naively thinking her intolerance had disappeared. Clearly, fate was just teasing her—letting her crave what she couldn’t have.

It was more torturous than before.

Li Baixiu laughed at their exchange. “So Miss Jiang can be mischievous too. Never mind the milk, I’ll get you some juice. We just got fresh oranges in—fresh-squeezed juice is delicious.”

He signaled to the counter, and the staff began juicing fresh oranges.

With Hui gone, the seat across from her was empty, and Li Baixiu slid into it, studying Jiang Zao’s face in a daze.

“I never noticed before, but you… you’re pregnant.”

Jiang Zao was unconcerned. “Last time we met, I was bundled up—you couldn’t have seen. But what about you? Why are you working here? Is the Li family business sorted out?”

Li Baixiu straightened his tie, smiling. “This is my shop—I opened it two years ago. Things have calmed down, so I’m helping out for the anniversary. The Li family gave me a project to try my hand at, so I’ve been going through the documents lately.”

Jiang Zao frowned. “You’re reading them yourself? No one’s helping?”

He shook his head. “No one. I don’t have my own people in the company. I don’t trust the assistant they assigned me, and it’s too soon to bring in outsiders.”

Jiang Zao gazed out the window thoughtfully, her voice gentle and distant. “Anyone they assign you should be experienced secretaries. You might as well give it a try. With Li Mingyi’s reputation so poor now, they won’t dare try anything on you at this moment. You can familiarize yourself with the work first, and once your own team is ready in a few months, you can easily sideline or replace them.”

Comprehension dawned on Li Baixiu. “You’re right. I know nothing about the company yet. Instead of struggling alone, I might as well accept the secretary they send, learn the ropes, and take my time with the details. It’ll be much faster than stumbling on my own.”