Lin Zhiyuan could see the young woman was a little spooked. He rushed to explain. “He isn’t… yet. But he will be soon. Please, don’t be afraid,” he said, trying to soothe her. “We mean no harm. We just need to do a paternity test. But don’t get the wrong idea. We're just being cautious.” His words only angered Ye Shengsheng. She bristled with indignation. “Are you saying you think I'm trying to scam you for the procedure fee?” Lin Zhiyuan knew she had misunderstood. “That’s not what we meant at all,” he insisted. “This is Mr. Lu—Lu Shiyan. If the test proves the baby is his, we will absolutely take responsibility.” Ye Shengsheng’s furious gaze shifted to the other man. He remained silent, just sitting there, a stoic presence. She turned her eyes back to Lin Zhiyuan. “If it turns out this baby really is his, you have to pay for my procedure!” She wouldn't dare speak to Lu Shiyan like that. The cold set of his jaw told her he was not a man to be trifled with, and his very presence was intimidating. But with the ever-smiling Lin Zhiyuan, she could afford to be bold. Lin Zhiyuan fumbled for the right words. “What I mean is… if the baby is really Mr. Lu’s, he’ll take care of both of you. He won’t… he won't make you end the pregnancy.” Ye Shengsheng was stunned. She glanced from Lin Zhiyuan to Lu Shiyan. As it happened, Lu Shiyan lifted his gaze to meet hers at that very moment. Their eyes locked. Ye Shengsheng immediately dropped her head. A moment later, clenching her fists, she summoned her courage and looked up at Lu Shiyan. “I don’t want to have them.” “Get out,” Lu Shiyan said, his eyes on Lin Zhiyuan. Ye Shengsheng thought he meant her and was about to stand. “You two talk,” Lin Zhiyuan said to her quickly. “I’ll step out.” He turned and left. Lu Shiyan’s voice softened. “Why don’t you want to have them?” Ye Shengsheng felt a wave of dizziness. “I have to go to school. I have to finish my degree. I have my own life, and you have yours.” “I’ll take care of you,” Lu Shiyan said, his tone pleading. “Please, have them, won’t you?” “You’re not the one who’s pregnant! You haven't even considered how I feel. I have to go to school! You’re the one who lied and said you were sterile—that's the only reason I didn't take any precautions!” She had to finish her education, get a job, and build a good life for herself. A life that would take her as far away from that family as possible. But how could she go to school while pregnant? What would people say? His tone grew colder. “Take a few days to think about it. Alright?” They sat in a tense silence. The more Ye Shengsheng thought about it, the more wronged she felt, and tears began to fall as she stared at the floor. The sight of her tears made Lu Shiyan’s chest tighten. “Don’t cry. You can finish your studies after the babies are born. And I didn’t lie to you. The Lu family has struggled with fertility for generations, going all the way back to our ancestors. The fact that you’re carrying my children is a stroke of incredible luck. The future of the Lu bloodline rests with them. As their mother, I will take care of everything for you from now on. And that, of course, includes your education.” Ye Shengsheng didn’t answer, just kept her head down, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks as his words sank in. It was true she wanted money; a life free from financial worry was all she had ever dreamed of. But she never wanted to be someone who lived on handouts. Ye Shengsheng looked down at her flat stomach, her heart a tangle of emotions. These two children… they were innocent. Their arrival was an accident, but now she, their mother, was about to abandon them. If she could, she would never want to harm them. They carried her blood, after all. Wait. Did he just say *two*? She was carrying… “Two?” Ye Shengsheng finally processed his words, her head snapping up to look at Lu Shiyan. “Twins. You didn’t know? It’s on the ultrasound report.” “I…” Ye Shengsheng grabbed the report and stared at it. It was true. Twins. Yesterday, the shock of being pregnant had sent her mind into a tailspin; she hadn't heard a word the doctor said, nor had she really looked at the chart. Losing one had felt impossible enough, but two… These were her family, connected by her own blood. The only two family members she had in the entire world. If this man could truly keep his promises… then she… perhaps she could keep the babies. Her thoughts in turmoil, Ye Shengsheng met Lu Shiyan's gaze. “Were you telling the truth? About everything you just said?” Looking at her pure, youthful face, his own expression softened. “If you keep the babies, I will take full responsibility for you.” A bitter smile touched Ye Shengsheng's lips. “I’ll think about it. But if I do go through with this, I have conditions.” “Name them.” “If I give birth to the children… you can’t stop me from seeing them.” “Shengsheng, I told you I’ll be responsible for you. You will be their only mother. Please, consider it carefully. Alright?” “Mm,” Ye Shengsheng whispered. Silence descended upon the lounge as they waited. A short while later, Lin Zhiyuan returned with the hospital director in tow. “Mr. Lu,” he said respectfully, “the results are in.” An ecstatic Lin Zhiyuan snatched the report and flipped straight to the final page. In a flash, he leaped up with a whoop and plopped down right next to Lu Shiyan. “Mr. Lu, congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot—twins!” Only then did the director realize what a fool he’d almost made of himself. Thank God he hadn't congratulated Lin Zhiyuan. He'd have been a dead man. Wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, the director quickly offered his own congratulations. “Congratulations, Mr. Lu!” And yet… A complex mix of joy and something else flickered across Lu Shiyan’s face. He looked at Lin Zhiyuan. “Out.” Lin Zhiyuan understood immediately. Lu Shiyan still had things to discuss with Ye Shengsheng. Grinning, he led the director out, giving them their space. He had to go share the good news with the Old Madam! Ye Shengsheng stood up, intending to leave as well. The moment she was on her feet, Lu Shiyan caught her hand. “Shengsheng. Sit.” Ye Shengsheng froze. She understood. He had more to say. But his expression was unreadable, almost unhappy, and she didn't dare speak. Ye Shengsheng lowered her head, nervously picking at her fingers to ease the tension, waiting for him to break the silence. Lu Shiyan watched her, taking in her slight frame and fidgeting hands. In his eyes, Ye Shengsheng was just a girl, so thin it seemed a gust of wind could blow her away. But thinking of what he knew about her family and how they treated her, he knew she was a pitiable soul. If no one had ever been good to her, then he would be the one to change that. Lu Shiyan took a sip of his coffee. “Shengsheng, while you’re thinking it over, I want you to move in with me. I’ll take care of you.” “What?” Ye Shengsheng looked up, stunned, a puzzled, almost childlike frown creasing her brow as she asked, “Move… in with you?”