Chapter 59: The J-Type Mother-in-Law
Jiang Rong was walking alone along the campus paths. Roads he had walked countless times before suddenly felt different today.
The bare trees of winter had transformed overnight, all sprouting tender green leaves. The campus crabapple trees were blooming in dazzling profusion, and when the wind blew, pale pink petals rained down, covering people’s heads.
Two girls stood beneath the crabapple trees taking photos, adding a touch of playful charm to the spring day.
He picked up a few crabapple blossoms from the ground and tucked them into his notebook, leaving behind proof that spring had passed through. The first person he wanted to give them to was He Siming.
It had been more than half a year since he transmigrated to this world.
He had adapted to campus life, made quite a few friends, and lived a fulfilling day-to-day life—something he had never enjoyed even in his original ABO world. Changing worlds seemed to mean changing the way he lived, as if he had been reborn.
It was hard to imagine that just five months ago, he had been so anxious over his studies and his differentiation into an Omega that he was in so much pain he wanted to cry, even once considering jumping into the lake to try to return to his original world.
But now, he was fully integrated into life here—a completely new beginning.
Looking back, the twenty years he had lived in his original world didn’t compare to the joy and interest he’d found in these few months here.
From late autumn last year, he had trudged through a despairing winter, and from winter stepped into spring. Even though spring evenings were still cold, the lengthening daylight felt like his hope for the future was slowly stretching longer as well.
He Siming had spent the entire day in the laboratory. He had originally wanted Ding Yan to drive him home, but the doctor had advised that during pregnancy he shouldn’t sit for long periods—walking more would help blood circulation, prevent swelling in the legs, and be healthier for the baby.
So Jiang Rong chose to walk home himself. Just over half an hour—hardly too long.
Of course, whenever he saw something interesting, he’d wander in for a look, like snack shops. But remembering He Siming’s repeated warnings, he gave up on most snacks. Once the baby was born, he was determined to try pickled pepper chicken feet. For now, he compromised and bought a small bag of shrimp chips—something he could eat while watching a movie in the evening. Only three hundred grams. He Siming would allow that.
Before coming to this world, he’d never imagined he could be this gluttonous.
He Siming seemed to know he’d dawdle outside and not come home to eat on time. Just as Jiang Rong finished buying snacks, a video call came through, urging him home.
He Siming saw the snack shop behind him. “What snacks did you buy this time?”
Jiang Rong laughed awkwardly. “Just a bag of shrimp chips.”
He Siming said seriously, “Don’t finish them. When I get back tonight, I’m going to measure how much is left.”
Jiang Rong muttered softly, “I shouldn’t have told you.” He Siming was so meticulous he really would measure it.
“Be good and go home to eat,” He Siming said. “Just cook something simple. The vegetables and meat were delivered this morning—everything’s fresh.”
Jiang Rong could only agree. “Got it, I’ll do it.” If he didn’t agree, he’d be “punished”—and not in a wholesome way.
“Send me a photo once it’s cooked.”
Jiang Rong nodded repeatedly. “Mm, mm, mm.”
To keep him from overeating snacks, He Siming really racked his brains to keep a close eye on him. The moment He Siming couldn’t see him, Jiang Rong would lose control and eat more—especially fragrant, spicy, and fried foods.
Once, Jiang Rong had pitifully told him that he hadn’t eaten much before and wanted to indulge now. He Siming softened and let him eat freely for a while. But after not paying attention for a bit, Jiang Rong ate too much and got internal heat—three days of ulcers and swollen gums. Being pregnant, he couldn’t take medicine and could only rely on fruits and vegetables to reduce the heat. He suffered for several days, and He Siming felt pain just watching him. Since then, he had to keep a close watch and strictly control Jiang Rong’s snack intake.
Besides snacks, Jiang Rong also bought flowers—this time, a bouquet of baby’s breath and a bouquet of carnations.
After getting home, he arranged the flowers. The house instantly felt refreshed and lively.
He Siming wasn’t home, so dinner was simple—but still nutritious.
At eight in the evening, Jiang Rong sat down on schedule and started writing code.
He had already mastered one programming language and picked it up quickly. Soon, he could ask He Siming to teach him a second one.
Now when they did group assignments, it was always the four of them from the dorm. The three of them worked first, and He Siming gave direction. Their efficiency skyrocketed, and they didn’t even need to work overtime on weekends.
Yao Shule also had time to recommend a new app.
“Come try this new app—it’s pretty fun. You can share lots of new stuff.”
Jiang Rong thought the app looked familiar. He felt like he’d seen it somewhere before.
Wasn’t this the new app from He Siming’s company? It was online already?
Following the link, Jiang Rong downloaded it. Is it fun?
Yao Shule replied: Lin Nana just posted a blind-box exchange and immediately got a match—super accurate. Lots of people are sharing fun stuff on there. The funniest part is that a ton of foreigners registered too. The app even has automatic translation—you can communicate with foreigners without barriers. With this thing, who needs to learn English anymore?
Jiang Rong felt oddly proud. Then I’ll register an account too.
Wasn’t this translation feature something he had suggested before?
Why hadn’t He Siming told him when the app went live?
Just as he was about to ask whether it was a beta test or the official launch, the rarely used doorbell rang.
He Siming usually just used face recognition to enter—why was someone ringing the doorbell?
Supporting his increasingly heavy belly, Jiang Rong stood up and went to open the door.
Through the smart lock’s display, he saw a well-dressed middle-aged woman standing outside. She had a straight, commanding posture. Behind her stood a middle-aged man holding gift boxes, positioned like a driver.
Before she rang the doorbell a second time, Jiang Rong opened the door.
He left only a narrow gap. “Hello, who are you looking for?”
Xu Mingqin glanced at the unit number, then at the unfamiliar yet delicate-looking young man in front of her, thinking she might have come to the wrong place.
This apartment had been chosen by He Siming himself and purchased by his assistant. She had only been here once, and the address had been sent to her back when He Siming was a freshman.
Keeping her composure, she asked calmly, “Does He Siming not live here?”
Jiang Rong noticed the strong, executive aura about her—very different from his own mother’s domineering nature. This was the confidence of someone in control, calm and composed, not someone driven by sheer possessiveness.
“Ah, he does live here. You are…?” Jiang Rong hesitated. He was fairly certain she was a relative—her features resembled He Siming’s.
Xu Mingqin introduced herself directly. “I’m his mother. May I come in?”
Jiang Rong froze on the spot.
Why hadn’t He Siming told him his mother was coming today?!
“P-please come in,” Jiang Rong stepped aside. Xu Mingqin gestured for the driver to bring the gifts inside. Jiang Rong stood there stiffly, not knowing what to say.
He—he wasn’t prepared to meet the parents at all. This was way too sudden!
His mind was in chaos. He remembered He Siming saying he had told his parents about the pregnancy. Uncle and Auntie had even sent nutritional support money, and given him a red envelope during the New Year.
What should he do?
What should he do now?!
His phone was still charging on the desk. He hadn’t brought it when he came to open the door!
The driver set down several gift boxes and then left.
Only Jiang Rong and Xu Mingqin remained in the apartment.
Jiang Rong tried to calm himself. “A-Auntie, I didn’t know you were coming. Would you like water or something else to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
He hurried to pour her a glass. “Hot or cold?”
“Cold.”
“Okay.”
After a few exchanges, Jiang Rong noticed her speech was very concise and distinctive.
While Jiang Rong poured water, Xu Mingqin surveyed her son’s home.
The last time she’d been here, it was all cold, hard lines—a style she liked. This time, it felt much warmer and more homey. As expected of someone about to become a father—he’d grown up.
Jiang Rong brought over the water with ice cubes.
She pointed at the flowers on the table. “What flowers are those?”
“Carnations.”
She nodded approvingly. “Very nice. Did He Siming buy them?”
“No, I did.”
“He’s not home?”
“He’s in the lab.”
“Where’s his girlfriend?”
Jiang Rong froze. “G-girlfriend?”
“The girlfriend who lives with him—and is pregnant.”
Xu Mingqin was suddenly uncertain. Could it be her son was in an open relationship? Was the pregnant girlfriend not here?
Had she come at a bad time?
What was He Siming doing?
Jiang Rong looked at her, clearly flustered. “…”
How was he supposed to explain that He Siming might not have a girlfriend, only a boyfriend who could get pregnant?
Xu Mingqin had likely assumed Jiang Rong was male and therefore couldn’t be pregnant, so she hadn’t paid attention to his belly at all.
Left with no choice, Jiang Rong said, “I’ll call He Siming and ask him to come back first.”
“Alright.”
She hadn’t intended to expose He Siming’s secret the moment she arrived.
But He Siming seemed busy. When Jiang Rong called, he didn’t answer. They’d just spoken earlier, so He Siming probably didn’t expect him to be calling again so soon.
Jiang Rong sat facing He Siming’s mother, feeling utterly uncomfortable.
He set his phone down. “He might be busy—he didn’t pick up.”
“Oh. Are you his classmate, then?”
“Yes. We’re classmates—and roommates. I’m currently living here.”
He was confused now too. Why did He Siming’s mother seem to know nothing?
Maybe she was a traditional parent who opposed homosexuality. With He Siming not here, perhaps it was better not to mention their relationship yet.
She said, “Then you know his girlfriend, right? She’s also his classmate—named Jiang Rong.”
“…”
Just a second ago he’d been worried that He Siming hadn’t told his parents the truth, and now his heart relaxed a little.
So Auntie didn’t know he was male? Didn’t He Siming’s uncle mention it either?
Gripping the loose fabric of his pants nervously, Jiang Rong said, “Auntie, I—I am Jiang Rong.”
For a brief moment, Xu Mingqin’s composed expression cracked. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were a girl.”
He hurried to explain. “Auntie, I—I’m a man. Not a woman.”
Xu Mingqin reacted quickly. She froze for two seconds, then raised a hand.
“Wait. Your name is Jiang Rong, and you’re a man? Then who’s pregnant—you or He Siming?”
Only now did she look properly at Jiang Rong’s belly. She had thought it was just a “beer belly”!
Jiang Rong felt her gaze on his stomach and tugged self-consciously at his shirt.
At home he wore loose clothes, but it was always warm inside, so the fabric was thin. At nearly six months, his belly was clearly visible.
He nodded, embarrassed. “Auntie, I’m Jiang Rong. I’m the one who’s pregnant—not He Siming.”
She confirmed again, “You’re a man—and you can get pregnant?”
“Yes.”
Countless huge question marks popped up in Xu Mingqin’s mind.
That little brat He Siming hadn’t told her Jiang Rong was a man—or that he could get pregnant!
No wonder he wasn’t getting married—so it was stuck on the gender issue!
Wait—He Siming liked men?
Wait—men could get pregnant now? Had she been living under a rock?
She didn’t say anything aloud, but her composure was completely gone. He Siming had given her a massive shock—and she couldn’t even scold him.
After He Siming told them there was a child, she and her husband hadn’t asked many questions. If they’d asked even one more question back then, this farce wouldn’t have happened.
Now she didn’t know which was more shocking—that her son liked men, or that his boyfriend could get pregnant.
Either way, the beneficiaries seemed to be He Siming and their family.
After a few seconds of shock, Xu Mingqin made her judgment. Then her stomach growled loudly, and her face paled slightly.
“Have you… not eaten yet?” Jiang Rong asked.
Her schedule today had been packed. She’d rushed over straight after a meeting and hadn’t eaten—normally she just grabbed a few bites to get by.
“Auntie, I’m a bit hungry too. Would you like to eat something together?”
“Alright.” If she didn’t eat now, she’d have to take stomach medicine as dinner.
Having something to do would also keep Jiang Rong from feeling so awkward.
Xu Mingqin also needed some time to accept the fact that she now had a son-in-law who was male—and pregnant.
Looking at the obvious curve of Jiang Rong’s belly, she confirmed it was real. Five or six months—yes, that looked about right.
“Noodles are easy to digest and quick. Is that okay?” Jiang Rong asked.
“That’s fine.”
“My cooking isn’t as good as He Siming’s—please don’t mind.”
He didn’t cook noodles often; he’d learned from He Siming.
She looked surprised. “He Siming can cook?”
Jiang Rong stared at her for a second. “…Yes.” She really didn’t seem to know much about her son at all. No wonder she didn’t know he was male.
“That’s good.” She deliberately looked away, observing the kitchen.
It was an open-plan kitchen, fully equipped.
When Jiang Rong opened the fridge to take out eggs, Xu Mingqin saw it packed full of ingredients. She herself never cooked—there were always nannies at home, and outside she just had her assistant order food. But even she could tell this fridge had far more signs of life than their perpetually empty one.
She continued processing the fact that her son liked men.
Taking advantage of the moment when she wasn’t in the kitchen, Jiang Rong quickly sent He Siming a message.
He usually replied so promptly—why was he suddenly busy at a moment like this?
Making a bowl of noodles wasn’t difficult.
Noticing that Xu Mingqin had taken medicine with the water he’d given her, Jiang Rong kept it simple and made chicken broth noodles.
He set the bowl on the table. Xu Mingqin was using voice messages to arrange the next day’s work with her assistant.
He Siming’s mother gave him the impression of a female Alpha.
“Auntie, would you like anything else? There are some side dishes,” Jiang Rong asked.
She wasn’t picky. Picking up her chopsticks, she began eating. “Sure.”
She was genuinely hungry.
Earlier, she’d distracted herself with work to process the fact that He Siming liked men and could make men pregnant.
Anyway, she wasn’t the last to know—He Zhixian still didn’t know yet. A faint sense of schadenfreude rose in her heart.
Once she accepted the premise of a pregnant son-in-law, she stopped dwelling on it. After all, aside from the partner’s gender, He Siming had been very clear about everything else.
After finishing a bowl of noodles, Jiang Rong brought over a plate of sliced oranges. “Auntie, have some fruit.”
“Thank you.”
The child was well-behaved, considerate, and well-mannered. Though she devoted herself to her career, she knew how to read people—she’d met too many to be fooled. Any ulterior motives were obvious at a glance.
After spending time together, she found Jiang Rong very pure. Eyes didn’t lie. No wonder He Siming had wanted to hide this from them.
She felt she should say something. “Are you still in school?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “I can’t really give you advice about pregnancy, but I still remember how I scheduled my time back then.”
Jiang Rong grew curious about a female executive’s pregnancy routine. “How did you arrange your time?”
He wasn’t great at dealing with parents, but going along with the conversation should be fine.
Xu Mingqin was very familiar with her own schedule.
She spoke smoothly. “Up at 6:30 a.m., forty minutes of prenatal yoga starting at 7:00, breakfast at 8:00 sharp, work at 8:30…”
Jiang Rong: “…” Recently, he’d been studying psychology and came across a new personality test—J-types. Auntie was definitely J-type. Even during pregnancy, her schedule was precise down to the minute.
She finished listing her timetable in one breath. “You’re still a student—you should be able to use it as reference.”
Jiang Rong smiled politely. “It should be useful.”
Auntie was surprisingly easygoing, highly accepting, quick to react, and emotionally stable. Was this what an independent career woman was like? Even more driven than Betas—a born female Alpha.
Bang!
The door was shoved open—and then quickly closed.
Both Jiang Rong and Xu Mingqin jumped.
He Siming kicked off his shoes and rushed in without even changing into slippers.
“Mom!”
The moment he saw Jiang Rong’s message, he’d rushed straight back, forgetting to reply.
At first, he hadn’t told them Jiang Rong was male to protect him. Also, he felt his parents didn’t really care about him anyway, so whether he said it or not didn’t matter.
He hadn’t expected his mother to come in person.
The two people at the dining table, chatting about daily schedules, both turned to look at him.
Facing Xu Mingqin, Jiang Rong felt pressure again. Seeing He Siming return, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Xu Mingqin met her son’s reproachful, panicked gaze. For some reason, she felt a bit guilty—but still looked back calmly.
“You should’ve called me ahead of time.” He Siming walked over to Jiang Rong and asked, “Did she give you money to make you leave me?”
Xu Mingqin was speechless. “Have you been watching too many CEO dramas?”
Jiang Rong whispered, “What’s a CEO drama?”
He Siming, however, noticed the bowls and chopsticks on the table and frowned. “Mom, why did you let Jiang Rong cook for you? He’ll get tired.”
Jiang Rong & Xu Mingqin: “…”
Throughout history, the root of mother-in-law conflicts has always been the son.
