The Cannon Fodder Alpha Who Made the Heroine Pregnant - Chapter 57

57:

Once doubts take root, every little thing starts seeming suspicious.

The slightest clues become worthy of deep scrutiny.

Whenever Chu Zhao had a free moment, her mind would circle back to Zhou Lan’s recent changes.

Logically speaking, if Zhou Lan’s plan that night had succeeded, her subsequent actions should have aligned with it. But her behavior afterward clearly contradicted the original scheme.

She had designs on Chu Zhao, yet her later actions didn’t match the original Zhou Lan’s character at all.

Zhou Lan had driven away her lackeys and never contacted them again afterward.

In fact, after that incident, Zhou Lan became something of a lone wolf—coming and going alone, often disappearing for days at a time (probably to the capital city).

Then there was Zhou Lan’s strange behavior searching for suppressants by the pool.

According to the original plan, why would she actively look for suppressants? That would have been the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

And she hadn’t even marked her.

Zhou Lan had meticulously orchestrated the whole incident, only to abandon the crucial step of marking her—something was definitely off.

She’d heard that to become the Zhou family heir, Zhou Lan had put on an act, pretending to be a good girl for a while.

If that were true, then why later refuse to inherit the Zhou family altogether and actually donate all their assets? Her behavior was completely inconsistent.

It wasn’t just these things, Zhou Lan seemed like an entirely different person overall.

The most obvious change was in her demeanor. Her appearance was the same, but her aura was completely different.

Take flirting, for example. The old Zhou Lan would come on too strong, making people uncomfortable.

But Zhou Lan’s current pursuit or confessions were almost endearingly clumsy, genuine and more heart-fluttering.

There were many, many more examples. Chu Zhao had lived with the original for a month. She couldn’t claim to know her well, but some changes were glaringly obvious.

The original had spent years abroad, with parents who never visited—just a mandatory monthly call. How well could the Zhou family really know her?

In the few months since returning home, the original had barely interacted with her family except when they needed something from her.

The original had partied hard overseas. The Zhou family had people watching her, reporting back that “the young mistress was spending extravagantly at some nightclub again.”

The Zhou family’s only requirement was one million a month, just don’t cause trouble.

And the original had complied obediently, taking the money to party without a care in the world.

In truth, the original had been resentful, but never showed it.

She knew that if she revealed her dissatisfaction, she might lose even her allowance. So she drowned herself in debauchery instead.

Now that the Zhou family matter was settled, there was no point dwelling on what the original had really been like.

But the more Chu Zhao thought about it, the more convinced she became that the Zhou Lan she knew now was completely different from the one before.

Zhou Lan had no idea whether Chu Zhao would believe her. She’d outright said she wasn’t the Zhou Lan they used to know.

Would Chu Zhao believe her? Or would she misinterpret it? Zhou Lan was anxious, itching to find Chu Zhao and explain everything immediately.

But with Chu Yue’s headquarters relocating to Luoan and multiple projects underway simultaneously, Chu Zhao was swamped. Zhou Lan didn’t want to disturb her.

Returning to her apartment, Zhou Lan debated whether she should also move to Luoan.

But she worried Chu Zhao might dislike that. After much deliberation, she decided to stay in the capital city for now.

Her only concern was Chu Zhao skipping prenatal checkups.

Pregnancy took a tremendous toll on the body, with some damage being irreversible. Given the choice, she’d prefer Chu Zhao not have the baby at all to avoid harming her health.

But if Chu Zhao was determined to keep it, then at least minimize the physical damage as much as possible.

She worried about Chu Zhao, yet had no right to intervene. The thought made her slump down dejectedly.

This bittersweet mood led her to sit before her piano and play a random, improvised piece.

The entire composition was spontaneous, channeling her emotions into music.

Fortunately, she’d habitually turned on the recorder while playing. Just like that, a song about unrequited love was born.

Zhou Lan’s musical talent was undeniable. Before, she’d never been in love herself—just observed others’ relationships or drawn inspiration from stories to write songs.

Now that she was experiencing these feelings firsthand, it was like installing a perpetual motion machine on her creativity. The endless inspiration has made her incredibly productive lately.

These recent songs all centered on the bittersweetness of one-sided love. The songs flowed out, but Zhou Lan’s mood remained gloomy.

Until Chu Zhao’s message arrived:

Sorry, I’ve been busy today. Let’s meet this weekend.

Huh??? Zhou Lan froze. What did Chu Zhao mean? Was she actually suggesting they meet up?

Chu Zhao was… initiating plans with her?

Everything she’d said today, Chu Zhao hadn’t rejected it.

Instantly, Zhou Lan’s mood brightened, as if a personal sun had appeared over her head. Even her steps became lighter.

She needed to buy nutritional supplements for Chu Zhao, pregnancy nutrition was crucial.

First, she researched online what supplements were best for pregnant women, focusing on maternal health benefits.

Then she found a reputable store and bought a variety of supplements.

Come weekend, she’d deliver them all to Chu Zhao’s place.

Also, pregnant women’s bellies would grow. Chu Zhao’s wardrobe was all formal wear.

During pregnancy, comfort was key. She visited the largest, highest-end maternity store in the capital, selecting everything a pregnant woman might need.

(Though she bought nothing for the baby itself.)

Her small rented apartment’s living room became piled high with purchases for Chu Zhao.

Folic acid—imported, reportedly the world’s best brand.

Vitamin supplements, calcium, iron—anything beneficial for pregnancy, she bought.

Clothes specially selected for looseness, breathability, and skin-friendliness. Anti-radiation gear too.

Noticing Chu Zhao’s preference for high heels, she bought stylish yet soft, comfortable flats.

The maternity store staff said special pillows helped pregnant women sleep, so she bought several (though online reviews said they might be useless).

A dedicated organizer for prenatal documents and test results. Multiple water bottles.

Even a folding chair, in case the hospital had no seating during checkups.

All sorts of daily necessities specifically for pregnant women—expensive, but worth it if they helped Chu Zhao.

Oh, and pregnancy meal plans.

She created a document on her laptop, researching optimal pregnancy diets online.

There were pre-designed healthy meal plans, but she wanted more options.

Even with ten rotating dishes, eating the same meals would get tedious.

She compiled as many recipes as possible, aiming for a weekly rotation without repeats.

Of course, she’d just create the menus—hiring a cook for the actual preparation.

Professional maternity chefs existed. Once Chu Zhao moved to Luoan, she’d definitely hire one. But just in case, having menus prepared was wise.

Just these preparations took two full days.

By the time everything was ready, it was already the weekend. Zhou Lan was eagerly anticipating today’s… date?

(Though Chu Zhao probably didn’t consider it a date.)

Wait, she didn’t even know why Chu Zhao wanted to meet. She’d agreed immediately without asking the purpose.

But it didn’t matter. As long as Chu Zhao wanted to see her, the reason was irrelevant. How could she possibly refuse?

Early Saturday morning, Zhou Lan packed all the purchases into her newly bought commuter car.

A modest 100,000 yuan vehicle—just for getting around, mainly to chauffeur Chu Zhao.

For things like prenatal checkups with all the gear, having your own car was far more convenient than taxis.

She’d picked the model online, bought it straight from the dealership.

The purchases filled not just the trunk but also the back seats.

After loading up, she rested in the passenger seat for five minutes before setting off.

Early October brought cool weather. Zhou Lan dressed casually today—straight-leg black pants emphasizing her long legs, white long-sleeve tee, and a loose knit cardigan. Comfortable yet effortlessly stylish.

She still remembered Chu Zhao’s address. They’d agreed she’d pick her up at home.

At the residential complex, Chu Zhao had notified security in advance. Zhou Lan drove straight to her building.

Then began the unloading process, this time hauling everything upstairs.

Seeing her pristine living room overrun with miscellaneous items gave Chu Zhao a throbbing headache.

Her beautiful space had been… violated.

Suppressing irritation, she asked, “What is all this?”

Beaming, Zhou Lan began presenting each item: “Folic acid—one daily. Calcium, vitamins—also daily.”

“Bird’s nest, simmer a bowl each day, great for health.”

“Maternity-specific shower gel and shampoo. I got fruit scents—here’s orange, your favorite.”

“Oh! These clothes are all pre-washed. No more uncomfortable suits and dress shirts when your belly grows.”

“And these are meal plans. Should I hire a cook? Or have them prepare meals at my place and deliver them?”

Zhou Lan blinked, mentally checking if she’d forgotten anything.

Chu Zhao: “……”

Had it occurred to her that Chu Zhao might want to terminate the pregnancy?

“Just deliver them.”

Zhou Lan paused. “You mean… I should bring you meals?”

“Mm.”

Chu Zhao wanted to observe whether Zhou Lan was truly different from before.

Was she overthinking things, or had Zhou Lan genuinely changed?

Hearing Chu Zhao’s internal thoughts about suspecting she wasn’t the original filled Zhou Lan with anticipation for Chu Zhao to discover the truth herself.

Her own explanations couldn’t compare to Chu Zhao’s firsthand realization.

No matter how much she said, Chu Zhao would trust her own judgment. Over-explaining might backfire.

Better to let Chu Zhao take the initiative to uncover and ask.

Plus, delivering meals daily meant more chances to see Chu Zhao—this was perfect!