I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 42

The blogger behind “Gourmet Chronicles” is a thirty-year-old man named Huo Lianghan. He graduated from the Directing Department of Nanzhou University and had a passion for filming short videos during his college years. Back then, Huo Lianghan was a diligent student who worked part-time to support himself. He rented a small apartment, cooked his own meals, and enjoyed a carefree single life.

After graduation, Huo Lianghan struggled to find significant opportunities and made a few short films that didn’t gain much attention. When social media started booming, he saw an opportunity. He began filming and editing videos of himself cooking, and to his surprise, they received some positive feedback on Weibo. He planned different dishes every day and posted a video every other day, gradually building a fanbase.

In just two years, the “Gourmet Chronicles” account amassed over three million followers. Huo Lianghan became a popular food blogger by editing cooking videos, and his followers eventually grew to ten million. However, with the increasing number of food bloggers, those like “Gourmet Chronicles,” who relied solely on cooking as a selling point, began to fade. Despite having many followers on Weibo, the actual engagement was low.

Huo Lianghan had previously signed with a company, but the contract ended this year, and he parted ways with them. Now, he was back to managing the “Gourmet Chronicles” account independently. During his peak, he saved some money, bought a house, a car, and had some savings. Currently, he lives comfortably by taking on some promotional work and relying on his past earnings.

Being a thirty-year-old man, Huo Lianghan didn’t want to drift aimlessly through life, so he was actively seeking new opportunities. Capturing a beautiful photo of Zhou Youling was an accident. He remembered that while doing a food review that day, he hadn’t intended to photograph the boss of the Food and Color restaurant. Zhou Youling happened to enter his frame, and he snapped a few shots.

Zhou Youling noticed she was being photographed but didn’t shy away. Instead, she smiled naturally at Huo Lianghan’s camera, resulting in the photo that went viral. In the picture, Zhou Youling’s smile was bright, her head slightly tilted, exuding both innocence and charm.

The night Zhou Youling’s photo went viral, Bai Lingxue excitedly came over to congratulate her. At that moment, Zhou Youling had just finished a long day at the restaurant and was too exhausted to care about trending topics. Her mind was preoccupied with whether Old Master Fu had made it home safely, so she quickly called him.

Old Master Fu had stayed at Food and Color after dining there that evening. Having stepped down from the Fu Group a few years ago, he still had a wealth of business experience and couldn’t resist offering Zhou Youling some advice. It was her first entrepreneurial venture, and she lacked business acumen. To her surprise, Old Master Fu didn’t criticize her but patiently guided her.

Having lived to his age, Old Master Fu had gained a lot of wisdom. He told Zhou Youling that making money was secondary; what mattered most was her happiness.

On the other end of the line, Old Master Fu chuckled warmly, “Just got home, just got home. Don’t stay too late at the restaurant, make sure you get some rest.”

Zhou Youling replied, “You too. What would you like to eat tomorrow? I’ll prepare it for you in advance.”

Old Master Fu didn’t hesitate for a moment and immediately started listing dishes.

Bai Lingxue, leaning against the table, listened to the conversation. After Zhou Youling hung up, she frowned deeply.

Zhou Youling noticed Bai Lingxue’s expression and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Is it that old man from the Fu Family?” Bai Lingxue inquired.

Zhou Youling nodded.

Bai Lingxue’s frown deepened. “I mean, who exactly is this Old Master Fu? Back when you were being bullied by his daughter at the Fu Family, he didn’t speak up for you. Now he’s clinging to you, treating you like a cook?”

Zhou Youling laughed at this and said, “Not really.”

“How is it not?”

“Old Master Fu is actually quite kind to me,” Zhou Youling had to admit.

Though it seemed like Zhou Youling was bullied by Fu Zhiqing and that Second Aunt in front of others, behind the scenes, Old Master Fu’s care and affection for her were evident.

Surviving in a large family isn’t just about appearances. Old Master Fu might have acted indifferent, but he always thought of her first when it came to good things.

Bai Lingxue couldn’t understand and couldn’t help but ask, “What is Old Master Fu up to?”

Zhou Youling smiled, “This is probably what they mean by ‘the deeper the family, the deeper the sea.’ Old Master Fu handed the business over to Xunzhou with some reluctance. If he openly showed favoritism towards me, how would the rest of the Fu Family react?”

Bai Lingxue replied, “So he lets you get bullied?”

Zhou Youling said, “It’s just minor squabbles. Do you think I can really be bullied? The Fu Family members always try to stir up trouble to make Old Master Fu dislike me, but they’ve miscalculated. Old Master Fu’s already on my side.”

“You’ve won over his stomach?” Bai Lingxue raised an eyebrow. “Wow, you had me fooled. I thought you were really suffering at the Fu Family.”

“It’s not like I haven’t suffered,” Zhou Youling sighed softly.

While she understood Old Master Fu’s intentions, she could never quite figure out Fu Xunzhou’s. If Old Master Fu didn’t show favoritism in front of everyone, why did Fu Xunzhou always remain indifferent?

What truly disheartened Zhou Youling was Fu Xunzhou’s attitude.

“Alright, let’s not talk about this,” Zhou Youling changed the subject and asked Bai Lingxue, “What was that about trending on social media?”

“Oh! I almost forgot,” Bai Lingxue quickly opened her phone and showed Zhou Youling the photo taken by “Gourmet Chronicles” today.

Zhou Youling glanced at the photo and nodded, “It’s well taken.”

Bai Lingxue said, “It’s more than just well taken. You’re a minor celebrity now.”

Zhou Youling replied, “I wouldn’t go that far.”

…

The next day at noon, Huo Lianghan visited Food and Color again.

His Weibo account, “Gourmet Chronicles,” had gone viral once more after posting Zhou Youling’s photo, with the post reaching over a billion views. Naturally, he wanted to capitalize on this momentum, fulfilling his fans’ expectations and aiming for another surge in viewership.

Fans were buzzing with the usual chatter: eager to meet the boss of Food and Color, curious if the dishes were truly as delicious as rumored. Yet, Huo Lianghan wasn’t keen on revealing everything at once. He planned to tease out the fans’ anticipation bit by bit.

As luck would have it, just as Huo Lianghan was about to enter Food and Color with his camera in tow, he bumped into Zhou Youling.

Recognizing him instantly, Zhou Youling greeted him warmly, “Hello, it was you who took my photo yesterday, right?”

Huo Lianghan was a bit surprised, “You remember me?”

“With such a great shot, of course I do,” Zhou Youling gestured invitingly for Huo Lianghan to enter the restaurant first.

Huo Lianghan’s appearance was rather ordinary, sporting black-rimmed glasses, the kind of look that wouldn’t stand out in a crowd. However, his tall stature and well-toned physique from regular workouts were noteworthy.

Zhou Youling’s friendly demeanor brought a touch of warmth to Huo Lianghan, who had spent much of his time wandering alone.

With the chill in the air, Zhou Youling offered Huo Lianghan a cup of hot water, smiling as she asked, “I gather you’re a food blogger. Is there anything about our Food and Color restaurant that you find lacking?”

Huo Lianghan chuckled, “No worries, I’m completely satisfied with everything at Food and Color.”

“That’s a relief,” Zhou Youling feigned relaxation, “Otherwise, I’d have to worry about winning hearts.”

Just a few words exchanged, and the rapport was instantly established, keeping Huo Lianghan’s gaze fixed on Zhou Youling.

Some people seem to naturally draw attention, much like Zhou Youling.

After attending to Huo Lianghan, Zhou Youling didn’t speak to him again, yet a small seed seemed to have been planted in Huo Lianghan’s heart.

As he prepared to leave, Huo Lianghan handed Zhou Youling his business card, saying, “Actually, I’d like to collaborate with Miss Zhou on a short film. It shouldn’t take much of your time. I want to capture how you cook and introduce Food and Color. Of course, if you have any ideas, we can discuss them in detail.”

After speaking, Huo Lianghan sighed inwardly. Used to staying at home, he had carefully crafted his words, only to find himself stumbling in front of Zhou Youling.

But Zhou Youling, with a composed demeanor, accepted Huo Lianghan’s card, examined it closely, then looked up at him, saying, “Let me think about it, okay?”

Huo Lianghan thought he saw stars twinkling in Zhou Youling’s eyes, and he nodded numbly, quickly responding, “Of course!”

…

Shortly after New Year’s Day, Zhou Youling went for her second prenatal check-up.

By now, Zhou Youling was unknowingly 14 weeks pregnant.

The life growing inside her was a fascinating experience for Zhou Youling. She hadn’t yet fully embraced the role of a mother, often forgetting there was a little life inside her.

It was during the check-ups that Zhou Youling found herself truly awed by the reality before her.

During this prenatal check-up, the doctor informed Zhou Youling, “The baby’s fingers are starting to develop fingerprints, a fine layer of fuzz is covering the skin, and hair is beginning to grow rapidly. The baby can do many things in your womb now, like frowning, making faces, rolling its eyes, and possibly even sucking its thumb.”

Listening to the doctor’s words, Zhou Youling couldn’t help but imagine the little one’s movements inside her. The feeling of becoming a mother seemed to grow stronger by the day, filling her with increasing anticipation.

The medical staff at this hospital were exceptionally kind, and after the check-up, they carefully informed Zhou Youling of her next appointment. Considering she had consumed alcohol before knowing she was pregnant, they recommended a Down syndrome screening, non-invasive genetic testing, or amniocentesis.

Zhou Youling had researched these terms online, so she understood them, but her mother, Rong Huiying, who accompanied her, was quite alarmed.

“Why so many tests? Is there something wrong?” Rong Huiying asked anxiously.

The doctor reassured her that these were just routine procedures, which finally put her at ease.

The place where Zhou Youling had her check-up was a private hospital, which Rong Huiying had carefully selected after much comparison. This hospital not only catered to many celebrities but was also the choice of many high-society women for prenatal care, with top-notch confidentiality.

After the check-up, Zhou Youling and Rong Huiying put on masks and took a car home, maintaining complete discretion.

Once in the car, Rong Huiying couldn’t help but suggest, “Why don’t you move back home with your dad and me? It would put my mind at ease, instead of worrying whether you’re eating well or staying warm.”

Zhou Youling burst into laughter at this, “Mom, I’m a grown woman now. Don’t worry about these things. I know how to take care of myself.”

“Look at how thin you are,” Rong Huiying frowned, holding her daughter’s hand.

Zhou Youling had a small frame, and with the early pregnancy affecting her appetite, even at 14 weeks pregnant, she didn’t look it. Her hands were slender, and her wrists seemed so delicate they could be easily broken.

“The doctor said my weight gain is normal, so stop worrying, Mom,” Zhou Youling reassured her.

Yet, Rong Huiying looked at her daughter with a face full of concern.

Having gone through ten months of pregnancy herself, Rong Huiying knew the ordeal all too well. Her own experience was harrowing, nearly resulting in a difficult birth. Fortunately, the Zhou Family’s good financial standing allowed her to deliver at the best maternity hospital in the country; otherwise, neither she nor Zhou Youling might be here today.

Thinking about it, the old saying that giving birth is like a walk through the gates of hell seemed not far from the truth.

Rong Huiying even regretted a little, wondering if she had been too selfish in letting her daughter keep the baby.

Seeing her mother’s expression, Zhou Youling knew what she was thinking. She held Rong Huiying’s hand and comforted her, “I promise, when I’m in the late stages of pregnancy, I’ll definitely move back home, stay put, and be a good daughter.”

Only then did Rong Huiying reluctantly agree.

Parents’ worries were understandable, and Zhou Youling fully appreciated them.

As Zhou Youling’s car slowly pulled away, Fu Ruxuan, who had accompanied a friend for a check-up, looked puzzled, “That person looked like my sister-in-law.”

“You must be mistaken. Probably a celebrity, all wrapped up like that,” her friend replied.

Fu Ruxuan nodded blankly, “Yeah, you’re right. My sister-in-law wouldn’t come here…”

No, she’s not my sister-in-law anymore.