Starting a new chapter in life

Chapter 131 Another Production

Watching the female teacher accept the candy with a smile, Jingyan leaned closer to her grandmother and asked, "Is Xiaoli's interpersonal intelligence high or low?"

Grandma looked at her with a puzzled expression. Jingyan continued, "The gift was given, and the words were correct, but I feel that this doesn't sound like a student thanking a teacher. Instead, it feels like a buyer thanking a seller. Do you think Xiaoli will get beaten up when she grows up with this way of speaking?"

Grandma smiled when she heard this: "It's alright, boys are good to be honest and reliable."

Well, Jingyan forgot that in this day and age, honest and down-to-earth people are more popular, unlike twenty years later when people who don't know the art of speaking can't navigate the workplace. Oh well, the child is still young, let's take it one step at a time.

After spending some time with He Chaoli and waiting for the other children to return to their seats, Jingyan prepared to take her grandmother and An'an home. Before leaving, she only left the milk candy she had bought for He Chaoli: "Xiaoli, you can have the soda and canned food when you get home tonight. It's not convenient to eat them here because they'll be sticky."

He Chaoli nodded sensibly: "Okay, Auntie, I haven't eaten the meat you brought me yet. I have enough to eat, so you don't need to save this for me."

Jingyan ruffled his short hair, took out some coins in pennies and counted out a dollar, handing it to him: "It's too hot, it's inconvenient for you to carry the soda bottle around. If you want a soda or an ice pop, you can take the money to buy it. Auntie won't accompany you anymore. After the sports meet, remember to take your backpack home, don't forget it."

He Chaoli obediently agreed, took the money, and carefully stuffed it into his pocket. After giving his instructions, the two adults and one child left with peace of mind. As soon as they left, the other children started to chatter: "He Chaoli, who is that? Is it your mother? She even gives you money to buy food. My mother never gives me money."

Rarely feeling surrounded by classmates, Ho Chiu-lai proudly said, "That's my aunt, my brother's mother. My aunt is so good to me. She would cook me a bowl of milk every day, milk that she herself would never drink. She also taught me to read. She's just so good to me, and I like her very much."

"Then why are you at your aunt's house, your own house, and your mother's house?" Children's curiosity can be really strong sometimes.

“My mother lives in Yangzhou. She and my father have to work, so there’s no one at home to keep me company or take care of me. That’s why they sent me here. My great-grandmother and aunt live with me. There’s someone at home every day, so I’m not lonely,” He Chaoli explained.

A little girl with sharp eyes said, "Is your aunt pregnant? Her belly looks so big, yet she still came to see you. She's so kind to you."

He Chaoli was especially happy, feeling that his classmates here were all very nice and not xenophobic at all.

Grandma led An'an home, while Jingyan carried a basket. As soon as they entered the house, Jingyan lay down. She was about six months pregnant, and her belly had grown quite a bit. She had walked a lot that day and felt quite tired.

Grandma could tell she was tired. After watching her lie down, she helped draw the curtains, closed the door, and took An'an back to her room to rest for a while. No one noticed that the cats had grown up and had even learned to open doors.

While Jingyan was fast asleep, the two kittens stealthily pushed open the door, jumped onto the kang (a heated brick bed), and lay down on either side of Jingyan, looking at first glance like guards protecting their owner.

Normally, the family only needs to feed and water them, and they don't usually pay attention to where they hide. They are rarely seen during the day. But since Jingyan became pregnant, they always like to surround her. Looking at their lazy and cute appearance, it really melts my heart.

Jingyan had a good sleep, but was still a little dazed when she woke up. Just as she was about to turn over, she felt something furry on her hand. She looked down and saw that the kitten was sleeping right next to her, its sprawled-out sleeping posture really melting hearts.

Unable to resist the kitten's cuteness, she reached out and stroked its belly a couple of times. The kitten opened its eyes, saw that it was her, rolled over, stretched, and went back to sleep. After stroking the cat a couple of times, Jing Yan was truly awake; He Chaoli had already returned.

The little child was so excited for the first time, chattering about the sports meet that day. Although there was nothing important, Grandma still gave it a lot of emotional value. This was the scene Jingyan saw when she came out of the house.

After that, life returned to normal. In July, He Zhijun's university summer vacation began. This time, he did not choose to stay on campus to study. Instead, he stayed home to tutor He Chaoli and play with An'an.

Jingyan noticed that he hadn't brought back many books. "Zhijun, why did you only bring back these few books this summer vacation? Aren't you busy with schoolwork?"

He Zhijun nodded: "Most of the professional courses have been completed, and I have read most of the relevant professional books in the library, so I am not really that busy now. You are more pregnant now. I didn't have time to accompany you when you were pregnant with An'an. Now that I have time, I should do my best to fulfill my responsibilities as a husband."

Seeing that he understood, Jingyan said nothing more: "The weather is too hot in July, August and September. We don't make braised meat during this period every year. It's the same this year. There's nothing much going on at home. You can tutor Xiaoli more. This child especially likes reading. He should be a college prospect in the future."

“Your due date is in mid-to-late September. How about I write a notice and post it outside the door saying that our braised meat business is temporarily suspended and will not reopen until December? What do you think?” He Zhijun suggested.

Jing Yan frowned and thought for a moment: "November should be about right, why delay it for another month?"

“I asked Dr. Qin, and he said that since our two pregnancies are a bit close together, it would be best for you to have a double postpartum period. I think his suggestion is good, so let’s take good care of ourselves,” He Zhijun explained.

Jingyan recalled that after giving birth to her daughter in her previous life, she probably didn't take proper care of herself during postpartum recovery, and was later diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, which ultimately led to her premature death from this illness.

It's been a year and a half since I gave birth to An'an, and my body is still in pretty good shape. I want to cherish this healthy body even more, so I didn't insist anymore and agreed to He Zhijun's plan.

He Zhijun acted immediately, quickly writing the notice and posting it outside the courtyard wall. Neighbors would often ask about it when they visited, and Grandma, patient and kind, would explain with a smile:

“We don’t usually make meat in July, August, and September. It’s hot, and the meat won’t keep well. If someone gets sick from eating it, it’s not worth it. My granddaughter-in-law’s due date is in late September.”

The doctor said that since these two pregnancies are so close together, it would be better for her health to have a double postpartum period. We'll listen to the doctor, so we'll start making braised meat in December.

If any neighbors see this, please mention it. This will save everyone the trouble of not having to consider braised meat when giving gifts to relatives or friends later. Thank you all.

It was just a matter of a word, and everyone had no problem with it. In early September, He Zhijun returned to school. Because he was worried about Jingyan, who was in the late stages of pregnancy and was getting up more often at night, and whose legs were always swollen, he applied to the school to stay on campus this semester.

However, the school was quite far from home, making it impractical to ride a bicycle. He Zhijun, shameless as ever, simply called his father to borrow a car. He Jiaoxu, equally carefree, wasn't worried at all about whether his youngest son was a reliable driver and simply drove over in his Jeep.

After teaching him for only half a day, she waved goodbye and took a bus back to Yangzhou. The speed of this handover was so rushed that even the worldly-wise grandmother, let alone the inexperienced Jingyan, felt it was far too hasty.

The father was carefree, but He Zhijun still valued his life. After practicing his driving skills at home all day, he finally drove to school. Fortunately, cars were a rarity these days, and the school did have parking. He could also park in his yard, which was quite convenient.

From then on, He Zhijun went to and from the house by himself every day, and the house became lively again. Jingyan felt more at ease with her husband by her side every night, and her sleep quality was much better than when she was pregnant with An'an.

Having had the experience of childbirth, everyone was much calmer this time. Since He Zhijun was at home, they didn't go to the hospital in advance. On September 13th, Jingyan felt her stomach getting heavy in the afternoon and knew that it was almost time. She quickly asked He Zhijun to take her to the hospital.

When He Zhijun first heard this, he was stunned for a moment. Fortunately, his grandmother and Sister Wang were reliable. They quickly moved the pre-prepared maternity supplies and Jingyan's change of clothes into the car. He Zhijun then came to his senses and quickly went out to drive the car to the gate.

When he entered the house, he wanted to hug Jingyan, but she pushed him away: "I'm not light to begin with, and with the baby, don't carry me. I can walk by myself. If you can't carry me or it's too strenuous and you drop me, it's better for me to do it myself. Just support me."

He Zhijun wanted to argue, but seeing Jingyan's forehead covered in sweat, he swallowed his words and obediently helped her slowly walk towards the door. Once they were in the car, Grandma and Sister Wang hurriedly tried to follow.

Fortunately, He Zhijun noticed He Chaoli and An'an, who had been standing to the side as if they were in the way, and bent down to say gently to He Chaoli, "Xiaoli, you're a big kid now. Can you stay home and take care of your younger brother?"

Uncle will lock the front door. You two stay home. If you get hungry, there are biscuits and pastries in the cupboard. Don't cook for yourselves at home. After your aunt gives birth, Uncle will bring Grandma back, and then you'll have something to eat, okay?

He Chaoli nodded sensibly: "Uncle, don't worry. I'll stay home with my little brother and wait for you to bring my sister back. I know where the snacks are. I won't let my little brother go hungry, so don't worry."

He Zhijun's heart eased slightly. Jing Yan leaned out of the car window and instructed in a hoarse voice, "Xiao Li, there's a spare key on the dressing table. You and your brother can unlock it yourselves if you need to go out."

Zhijun, leave some money and tickets for Xiaoli. If you can't make it back in time, have Xiaoli take An'an to a state-run restaurant for a meal, don't let the child go hungry.

He Zhijun patted his head in frustration, took out five yuan and a few grain coupons from his pocket and handed them to He Chaoli: "I'm leaving the house to you, little man. Remember to lock the main gate and the house doors tonight."

After giving his instructions, he drove off, heading straight for the city hospital. After watching the car leave, He Chaoli took An'an's hand, looked down at him, and said with a smile, "Auntie is going to bring our little sister back. Are you and your brother scared at home?"

An'an shook her head: "I'll stay with my brother, An'an isn't afraid."

He Zhijun was driving quite fast, but the road was a bit bumpy. Jingyan was holding her belly and was feeling really uncomfortable, but she held back and didn't say anything. Getting to the hospital sooner would put her mind at ease. She felt that this pregnancy would be delivered relatively quickly, and she was afraid she wouldn't be able to hold on until she got to the hospital.

Grandma tried to keep Jingyan quiet on the way, diverting her attention: "Jingyan, why did Xiaoli say he was taking his little sister home? Did you check the baby's gender?"

Jing Yan gritted her teeth, took a breath, and said, "We didn't check. Ever since my belly got bigger, both An'an and Xiao Li have been convinced that I'm having a girl. Let them say what they want. We'll know whether it's a boy or a girl when the baby is born."

He Zhijun chimed in, "I do hope it's a daughter, then we'll have a perfect family with a son and a daughter."

Grandma snapped at him, "Alright, just focus on driving."

He Zhijun fell silent for a moment, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and watched the road conditions more carefully. Fortunately, he was a fast driver, and soon they arrived at the hospital.

The registration and ward arrangement were completed quickly. After placing Jingyan on the hospital bed, He Zhijun hurriedly went to find Dr. Qin, who followed him over to take Jingyan's pulse.

"The pulse indicates it's about time, but the obstetrician will have to make a final diagnosis. Do you still have the prescription I gave you for the lochia discharge?"

Jingyan, wheezing and slightly out of breath, said, "It's still there, at home."

Dr. Qin thought for a moment and said, "Never mind, I'll just get the medicine for you at the hospital. You can use it for foot baths after you give birth. It's too much trouble to go home and get it again." After saying that, he left the ward.

Sister Wang said goodbye to her grandmother and left the hospital, heading straight to the house where she had previously rented a stove. Fortunately, the family was still hardworking and had two old hens. When she said she wanted to buy them, they readily sold them to her.

When Sister Wang returned to the ward with the chicken, there was no one there. She quickly put down the chicken with its legs tied, washed her hands, and rushed out of the ward to the delivery room.

Sure enough, Grandma and He Zhijun were anxiously waiting at the door of the delivery room. Sister Wang went over and said, "Has Jingyan gone in? I just went out and bought two old hens. After Jingyan gives birth, Zhijun will take me home, and I'll cook the chicken soup and then bring it over. We need to give Jingyan some nourishment."

He Zhijun responded mechanically, but whether he actually listened or not, who knows? The second pregnancy was indeed quick; An'an gave birth in one night, but this time it only took about two hours after entering the delivery room.

The midwife wrapped the baby up and brought her out, beaming with joy as she congratulated her: "You've given birth to a girl, weighing exactly seven pounds."

She looked at the three people outside the door and didn't know who to hand the child to. Fortunately, the grandmother reacted quickly, stepped forward to take the child, and thanked her.