Looking at Du Juan's noticeably haggard and thinner cheeks, Shen Hongmei, as a woman herself, couldn't help but feel a touch of sorrow.
"In a situation like this, why didn't Brother Chaobei come with you?"
Smiling wryly at the mirror as she tidied her somewhat disheveled hair, Du Juan said, "You know what he's like. He can't hold his liquor and he's not good at mingling. His presence would just add to the chaos, so I'm better off on my own."
Shen Hongmei nodded in understanding, then began to express concern about Du Juan's factory.
"Will you be able to start work before New Year's?"
"I don't know," her tone permeated with confusion and fatigue.
Although Shen Hongmei wanted to press for the reason, Du Juan deflected by smiling and changing the subject, showing concern for the child in her belly instead.
