RTAMEIN70s Chapter 47

Maternity Leave

As the due date approached, Zhan Aiping stopped going to work and stayed at home awaiting childbirth. Carrying a heavy belly every day made everything inconvenient, so she just walked around the yard.

Moving into a new home, she felt a bit uneasy suddenly. The surroundings had all changed, and some of the fruits and vegetables she had planted were still alive, while others looked lifeless and had long since withered.

Zhan Aiping sat in the yard for a while. Although it was already November, everything around was still lush green. Beyond the camp, the water continued to flow gently, with water buffaloes crossing the ridges with low calls.

As the sky darkened, streaks of red clouds appeared on the horizon, painting the sky crimson.

Gu Sheng came back, sweating profusely. It was obvious he had hurried back. He was like this every day, eager to be by her side immediately. Zhan Aiping greeted him with a smile. Gu Sheng wiped his sweat and said, “Wait a moment, my wife.”

He quickly took a shower and changed his clothes, then went to cook for her.

Zhan Aiping sat beside him and said softly, “Cook a bit more.”

She was about to give birth, and her appetite had increased these days. She felt the babies’ positions sinking down, and their movements had decreased. They must be sleeping in waves until Gu Sheng returned.

“Okay,” Gu Sheng responded. “How are you feeling today, dear? Do our babies feel like coming out?”

Zhan Aiping smiled, “They want to eat the dishes cooked by daddy.”

“How about I make you a soup?”

“Sure, that’s fine. Cook a little more. I feel like eating sour, spicy, and having hot and sour soup.”

Gu Sheng said, “Be careful not to overdo it. Have some light food.”

“You’re depriving pregnant women of advice and opinions,” Zhan Aiping teased.

“I really want to eat sour and spicy noodles now, I crave sour and spicy noodles…”

Gu Sheng said helplessly, “Alright, alright, I’ll cook it for you later. Eat less, so you won’t feel nauseous from eating too much.”

Zhan Aiping craved sour and spicy flavours, and once she started eating, she couldn’t stop. But then she would complain about feeling uncomfortable from overeating, which would worry Gu Sheng.

“You, a doctor yourself, don’t even watch what you eat. Your taste changes every day. One moment you want to eat this, the next moment you want to eat that.”

Zhan Aiping gently stroked her belly. “It’s not me who wants to eat, it’s your daughter.”

“Now I want to eat fish again. Tomorrow we’ll have fish at home. Your son wants fish, and your daughter wants sour and spicy noodles.”

Gu Sheng teased, “I think it’s you who wants to eat, you big glutton. You’re blaming it on the children.”

“I also want to eat tofu.”

“Alright, alright, what do you want to eat? Write it down, write it down. I’ll cook it for you tomorrow.”

Zhan Aiping refused, “It’s what I want to eat right now. I might not want it tomorrow.”

Gu Sheng suggested, “How about I draw it for you later? To satisfy your craving?”

“What a ridiculous idea. Just hurry up and cook.”

Gu Sheng prepared a table full of dishes. Zhan Aiping had a good appetite and happily picked up her chopsticks to eat. Gu Sheng, on the other hand, didn’t have much appetite and occasionally took a few bites.

“You haven’t been able to eat much lately?” Zhan Aiping asked.

“You eat,” Gu Sheng said, looking worriedly at her belly. Zhan Aiping was at full term, and although her belly wasn’t excessively large, her slender body made it look particularly prominent.

Seeing her carrying her belly, Gu Sheng was very anxious. “Your belly, it makes me nervous just looking at it. Are you tired? I’m afraid you’ll bump into something or fall down every day…”

Zhan Aiping said, “Am I that careless?”

“Don’t be stubborn. Right now, I wish I could stay at home and watch over you every day. It’s best for you to stay at home and not move around too much, just wait for me to come back.” Gu Sheng casually took a few bites of rice. Even the most delicious food didn’t taste good to him. He couldn’t muster up an appetite. “Lately, I can’t eat or sleep well. When will these two little rascals come out? Don’t torture their dad.”

Zhan Aiping sipped her soup gently. “Clearly, they’re torturing me.”

“Poor Aiping, when the children come out, let’s spank their little bottoms together.”

Zhan Aiping sipped her soup gracefully, unruffled by his words. “It’s not trendy to spank children nowadays.”

“The head of the Women’s Committee is watching in the yard.”

“The head can’t catch up with me.” Gu Sheng said, “I won’t bother to spank the kids in the future. If they make a mistake, I’ll just withhold their meals.”

Zhan Aiping said slowly, “Withholding meals is maltreatment of prisoners.”

“In that case,” Gu Sheng said, rolling up his sleeves, “if the children make a mistake, let them eat cafeteria food. I’ll cook delicious dishes for you to eat, and let them watch you enjoy it…”

Gu Sheng knew all too well which dishes were the least appetizing in the cafeteria.

Zhan Aiping chuckled, “Ah, you’re such a heartless dad. Can’t you stop trying to make me laugh while I’m drinking soup?”

“Our children are steadfast and unyielding. How could they be brought down by mere cafeteria food?”

“They would never bow down for a meal, would they, little rascals?” Zhan Aiping asked casually, lowering her head as if speaking to her belly. The children inside seemed to respond, moving their little arms and legs to touch her belly, as if agreeing with their mother’s words.

“Look, Gu Sheng, come feel it. Both of your children are agreeing with Mommy.”

“Really?” Gu Sheng couldn’t help but smile. He moved his chair aside, walked over to Zhan Aiping, and half-squatted in front of her. He gently placed his hand on her swollen belly. Zhan Aiping’s belly wasn’t thick, so he could clearly feel the movement of the children. Their little hands and feet waved, high-fiving with their dad.

Gu Sheng poked each of them and a gentle smile adorned his handsome face involuntarily. “Come out soon, pick a good day, pick a good time. Dad has consulted the almanac for you…”

Zhan Aiping was speechless, choking back her laughter. “Comrade Gu, remember that you’re a party member.”

“Don’t teach the kids bad habits through the belly.”

Zhan Aiping said, “Where did you dig up that old almanac?”

“Captain Jiang gave it to me.”

Zhan Aiping said, “…You’re both leaders, a captain and a staff officer. Can’t you two focus on something serious?”

“Don’t worry, when it’s time to be serious, we’ll definitely be serious.” Gu Sheng patted Zhan Aiping’s belly, comforting the two little ones. He stood up and kissed Zhan Aiping’s face.

Gu Sheng sat down but continued talking to the children, “Hurry up and come out, pick a good time, pick a time when dad is around, so dad can accompany mom…”

Zhan Aiping said, “Drink some water and take a break. Don’t keep chanting to the children.”

“If you chant to them too much, they’ll grow up to be noisy like you, talking like machine guns, annoying you to death.”

Gu Sheng chuckled, “Then they won’t be like me, they’ll be like you, growing up to be sharp-tongued like you, Zhan Da Ping Ping.”

After finishing her meal, Zhan Aiping instructed Gu Sheng to carry her to bed to rest. Gu Sheng dutifully obliged, holding her in his arms. Zhan Aiping felt very comfortable being held by him. After being alone at home for a long time, she had grown quite attached to Gu Sheng and enjoyed being held by him. “Just carry me around the house.”

“I train outside, and when I come home, I get trained by you.” Gu Sheng hugged her. “You’re getting lazier and lazier.”

Zhan Aiping said, “Hold me higher. I want to sit on your arm. Don’t let me lie down.”

“You have so many demands.” Gu Sheng sighed. “When Captain Jiang comes to learn from me, I’ll have to tell him this too: my wife likes to be carried around.”

“Don’t talk nonsense, it’s embarrassing. Can you two focus on something serious when you’re together?”

“Hiss—” Zhan Aiping suddenly felt a little uncomfortable. Gu Sheng became anxious. “What’s wrong? Are you about to give birth?”

Zhan Aiping replied, “It might be because I ate too much.”

Gu Sheng: “…”

After several false alarms, both husband and wife felt that the time was near, but it still didn’t happen. Zhan Aiping was admitted to the military hospital, and Gu Sheng asked his sister Gu Xiangyi to keep an eye on his wife.

Gu Xiangyi assured her brother, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of my sister-in-law.”

Zhan Aiping was placed in an empty ward. “Usually, we nurses rest on this bed. Sister-in-law, you can sit here and take a rest.”

Gu Xiangyi was even more excited than her own brother, visiting Zhan Aiping every few days. Zhan Aiping remained calm. “I feel like I’m going to give birth in the next couple of days.”

“Hurry up and give birth, sister-in-law. I’ve reserved pig trotters for you.”

Zhan Aiping replied, “That sounds too greasy.”

“You’re so picky, sister-in-law. After you give birth, I’ll take a leave too and take care of you during your confinement. Don’t worry, I’ve recently learned how to take care of new mothers. I’ll make sure you’re well-fed and plump.”

Zhan Aiping said, “I’m afraid you’ll be overwhelmed by the cries of the two children. Let your brother handle it. He’s saved up his annual leave and has already arranged with his superiors. He’s preparing to take leave these days, so he’s eagerly waiting for the children to come out. He wants to stay by my side and accompany me during my confinement.”

“Then I’ll take leave too. My brother will take care of you during confinement, and I’ll be there to freeload and help take care of your children. I’m almost done with my leave application.”

“Little babies, it’s time to come out now. Auntie is already on vacation, and you haven’t arrived yet.”

“Sister-in-law, it’s a perfect time for you to give birth now. The weather is nice, there’s less rain, and the temperature is just right. It’s neither too cold nor too hot, making your confinement comfortable.”

Zhan Aiping nodded. There was no winter here. In December, it was actually the most comfortable time, neither too cold nor too hot. During the day, she could wear a dress, and at night, she would add a thin jacket. It was still a bit cold at night, so she needed to cover herself with a blanket.

“Little babies, come out quickly. Auntie wants to see you.”

Zhan Aiping said helplessly, “Don’t rush them. Their dad urges them every day, and their uncle calls me, saying that as soon as my child is born, he’ll take leave to visit and see his two little nephews.”

“Zhan Xiao’er, let him come.”

Zhan Aiping smiled. “I give birth to a child, and all of you take leave.”

Gu Xiangyi said, “Of course, if it weren’t for Commander Gu’s busy schedule, he would fly over here.”

“He told me that as soon as I give birth, I should quickly send him the baby’s photos.”

Zhan Aiping stayed in the military hospital for two days. On the third day, the two children finally decided to come out. Having assisted in countless deliveries for others, she wasn’t panicked now that it was her turn. She was pushed to the delivery room by the nurses.

Gu Sheng hurriedly ran into the hospital and sat outside the delivery room with his sister, anxiously waiting. The siblings eagerly awaited, and Gu Sheng wanted to go in to check, but was stopped and sent back.

Gu Xiangyi wanted to help, but her hands were shaking badly.

“Brother, brother, my sister-in-law is going into labour, she’s going into labour!”

“The baby’s clothes, blankets, everything we need is ready. Maybe I should go back and check if anything’s missing.”

“Brother, did you prepare enough eggs?”

“Brother…”

Gu Sheng’s mind was in chaos. He was anxious and glanced at his watch. “How long has she been in there? Why haven’t we heard anything?”

“Giving birth isn’t that fast, especially since it’s her first time, and she’s having twins. It will take some time.”

In the delivery room, Zhan Aiping was calm. The midwife next to her encouraged her, “Don’t worry, relax.”

Zhan Aiping replied, “I’m not worried. I want to eat an egg.”

After eating a bit, Zhan Aiping smoothly gave birth to the twins. She was still energetic. The nurse showed her the babies, saying, “Congratulations, you have a pair of twins. The older one is a boy, weighing 5.6 pounds. The little girl is lighter, at 4.8 pounds.”

Zhan Aiping smiled at the babies, feeling extremely excited to finally be rid of the heavy burden.

When she came out and saw Gu Sheng and his sister, she greeted them, “Gu Sheng, I’m hungry. I want to eat your cooking.”

The newly-made father, Gu Laowu, was stunned. “…You’re hungry?”

Gu Xiangyi said, “Sister-in-law, you can’t eat randomly. Rest for a while, and have some millet porridge later.”

Zhan Aiping replied, “I’m just craving something. I’m so hungry I could eat a whole elephant.”

Gu Sheng touched her face. “Stop exaggerating, rest and build up your strength.”

Although Zhan Aiping was still energetic, she didn’t look well. She seemed like she’d been fished out of water, her beautiful face completely pale, and her hair stuck to her temples.

Gu Sheng wasn’t in a hurry to see the babies. He focused on her, afraid to touch her, worried she might be in pain.

The girl he loved was always so stubborn, never admitting her pain to avoid worrying him.

“If you’re tired, don’t push yourself.”

The babies were born at 9 PM. Gu Sheng stayed in the hospital room, watching over his wife and the twins. Gu Xiangyi was also there, curiously looking at the two little babies.

A boy and a girl, two tiny wrinkled monkeys.

Gu Sheng looked at his son, then at his daughter, feeling a surge of joy and satisfaction. These two little ones had finally come out smoothly.

The two little ones in swaddling clothes were like two red pieces of meat, with tiny arms and legs, tiny fists, and tiny feet. Their fingers were even tinier, making them seem unbelievable.

They kept their eyes tightly shut, breathing softly, with a milky scent on them. Zhan Aiping had just fed them. New-borns can’t eat much, so they were full after a short while.

Under the light, Gu Sheng pinched the baby’s tiny hand. “Honey, our baby’s hands are so small.”

Zhan Aiping reassured him, “Do you think the babies are ugly? Didn’t expect our kids to look so ugly? Don’t worry, all new-borns look like this. Look, our kids have big eyes and double eyelids. Our daughter’s eyes look like yours.”

Gu Sheng was satisfied. “I don’t think our babies are ugly. Look, our son and daughter both look like you. Our daughter looks smart.”

Zhan Aiping joked, “I suspect you have an eight hundred times special filter.”

“What?”

Zhan Aiping said, “I think our daughter looks like you and our son looks like me. These two kids know how to grow well. I’ve always said your fifth sister is beautiful, so our daughter is definitely beautiful.”

“If our son looks like me, he must be handsome too.”

Whenever Gu Sheng heard about the fifth sister, he got a bit agitated. “Hmph, our daughter’s eyes look like mine, but her nose looks like yours, not quite as high.”

Zhan Aiping got angry, “What’s wrong with my nose? You’re blind as a bat.”

Gu Sheng pointed to his own nose. “Look at my nose, it’s straight and high. Can you compare?”

“Luckily, our son’s nose looks like mine. He’ll be a handsome guy.”

Zhan Aiping: “!”

“But my eyes are prettier than yours. My eyes are bigger. Look, look.”

Gu Sheng said, “I’ll get a mirror, and we’ll compare.”

“Fine, let’s compare.”

Gu Xiangyi, who was nearby, said, “Stop arguing. I think the nephew looks like the aunt. I think the niece’s mouth looks like mine, and the nephew’s eyes look like mine.”

Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping exchanged a glance. Gu Sheng unkindly said, “Shoo, this has nothing to do with you.”

Gu Xiangyi: “…”

“Brother, now that the nephew and niece are here, you should teach my little nephew how to love his sister.”

Gu Sheng said, “It looks like his sister takes after his mother.”

Zhan Aiping replied, “What’s wrong with that?”

“Just as long as she doesn’t boss her brother around in the future.”

Zhan Aiping said, “I boss you around??”

Gu Xiangyi: “Then I’ll just quietly watch from the side.”

Gu Sheng said, “The new mother should rest well and stay calm.”

“You two keep arguing. I’m going to call Mom and Dad.” Gu Xiangyi closed the door, leaving the room to the family of four.

After Gu Xiangyi left, Gu Sheng couldn’t help himself. He bent down and kissed Zhan Aiping’s face several times. Zhan Aiping laughed and pushed his face away. “Certain family members of the new mother should also stay calm.”

“How can I not be excited? My wife gave birth to our children.”

Zhan Aiping snorted, “What’s more important, the children or me?”

“Of course, you’re more important. Seeing you with a big belly, my heart ached.”

“You always know what to say,” Zhan Aiping smiled. “Keep talking, I love hearing it.”

“Keep talking? It’s late, wife. You should sleep a bit. I’ll keep watch, and when the babies wake up, I’ll hold them and feed them.”

Zhan Aiping nodded. She closed her eyes, expecting to have trouble sleeping, but she fell asleep instantly.

Zhan Aiping stayed in the military hospital for two days before going home. Gu Sheng and Gu Xiangyi both took leave to stay with her and take care of the two little ones. Gu Sheng took more than a month off to help her during her confinement.

“Our kids sure know how to pick their timing, arriving just when their dad is on leave.”

Zhan Aiping laughed, “It’s definitely because you’ve been talking about it all the time.”

Gu Sheng replied, “Well, my wishful thinking worked.”

Gu Sheng’s medical books were not read in vain. He had written most of a notebook on how to care for a postpartum mother and a new-born. During the day, Zhan Aiping breastfed the babies, and at night, Gu Sheng stayed up to watch over them. He ensured that she could lie down and feed the babies comfortably and sleep soundly, while he monitored the babies and burped them.

While Zhan Aiping rested in bed, Gu Sheng carefully took care of her, personally wiping her body without delegating the task to anyone else, making her feel comfortable and happy. Leaning against the pillow and looking at his handsome face, Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but say, “After the confinement period, don’t let me end up plump while you become thin. Look at you, not getting enough sleep at night, you seem quite drained.”

Gu Sheng replied, “I’ll show you if I’m drained or not.”

“Let me feel, is there any stubble?”

With a smile, Gu Sheng leaned in, letting his chin brush against her cheek. Zhan Aiping hugged his face, “It really is prickly, not properly shaved.”

“If you’re tired, sleep beside me for a while.”

Gu Sheng sat by the bed, “Won’t you let me sleep on the bed?”

“Of course, you can. The four of us can all sleep on the bed. Luckily, it’s big enough.”

Gu Sheng lay down beside Zhan Aiping, “I’ll sleep for a bit then, you keep an eye on the babies.”

“Got it, you’re becoming more and more nagging, Daddy Gu.” In just a few days, Zhan Aiping felt he was becoming a more qualified dad. Gu Sheng closed his eyes and fell asleep beside her.

Zhan Aiping glanced at the sleeping faces of the babies, then her gaze settled on Gu Sheng’s face. She stared at him, recalling his boasting about his straight nose. Studying him for a while, she realized both his nose and eyes were indeed good-looking, with his nose being especially straight and prominent, particularly in profile.

She couldn’t resist kissing his face.

Unexpectedly, Gu Sheng opened his eyes, “Caught you stealing a kiss.”

Zhan Aiping pinched his face and kissed him again without hesitation, “You’ve stolen so many kisses from me that I can’t even count. This is nothing.”

Gu Sheng replied, “Shall we see who can kiss more?”

Zhan Aiping chuckled, “I’m not that silly to compete with you in that. You rest well first, and then think about names for our two children, Daddy Silly.”

Gu Sheng, eyes half-closed, relaxedly said, “We can take our time thinking of names. If needed, we can just call them Eldest and Second, Brother and Sister.”

“I already came up with their nicknames when I was giving birth.”

“Really? Why didn’t you say?”

“Pregnancy makes you forgetful. I just remembered now.” She poked his face, “I’ll tell you their names now.”

“Our son’s nickname is Guobaorou (Sweet and Sour Pork), and our daughter is called Xiaotangyuan (Little Rice Dumpling), with pet names Youyou and Yuanyuan.”

Gu Sheng laughed, “Were you hungry when giving birth?”

“Yes, and from now on, little Guobaorou will take care of his dad.” Zhan Aiping continued, “Guobaorou sounds solid, just like you.”

Gu Sheng said, “Xiaotangyuan sounds warm and soft, a mother’s warm coat and sticky rice skin, just like you.”

Zhan Aiping said, “…Why do you always have to compare everything with me? Gu Sheng, let me tell you, when I was little, I secretly called you Guobaorou (Sweet and Sour Pork). You looked really delicious.”

“Just like the Guobaorou my mom used to make.” Aside from Guobaorou, her mom didn’t cook much else.

Gu Sheng replied, “I used to think you were like a candied hawthorn, red and sweet, with your little face turning red in the cold winter.”

“A little candied hawthorn gave birth to a little rice dumpling, both very sweet.”

As they talked, Zhan Aiping began to feel hungry. “The little candied hawthorn also gave birth to a little Guobaorou.”

“A little candied hawthorn and a big Guobaorou gave birth to a little Guobaorou and a little rice dumpling.” Gu Sheng yawned, feeling a bit hungry too.

“Why are we getting hungrier the more we talk?”

Zhan Aiping said, “Stop with the tongue twisters. Weren’t you going to sleep?”

Gu Sheng got up. “I’ll cook something. I’m a bit hungry.”

Zhan Aiping: “…”

On the third day after Zhan Aiping gave birth, Zhan Mingzhao appeared at the hospital gate, carrying four chickens. Gu Xiangyi was stunned, not just because he had four chickens, but because he also had a fertilizer bag full of various mountain goods, snacks, and supplements.

“You, you brought four chickens?” Gu Xiangyi counted and found that two of them were black-boned chickens.

Zhan Mingzhao replied, “I brought them to nourish my sister.”

“If I could have carried more, I would have brought six chickens.”

“I also brought pig trotters. Gu Xiaomei, come and help.”

Gu Xiangyi was momentarily speechless. “Zhan Xiao’er, you really amaze me. Didn’t you become a cultural soldier? Where did you get all this stuff? And how did you get so tanned?”

She noticed that the familiar Zhan Xiao’er was now darker but more handsome, exuding a charming aura that made people want to keep looking at his face and feel a pleasant sense of admiration.

Zhan Mingzhao explained, “I got tanned after coming here.”

He had initially gone to the countryside as an educated youth, working in the fields every day, naturally getting tanned. Not only did he get darker, but his once frail body also became lean and strong. Later, he was selected to drive a tractor, which was easier work, but he never reverted to his former appearance.

Gu Xiangyi commented, “You’ve tanned, but you’ve also gotten more handsome.”

Tanned Zhan Mingzhao had a unique appeal.

Zhan Mingzhao retorted, “You’re tanned and not any prettier.”

“Can’t you speak nicely? Let my sister-in-law Zhan manage you. You and my fifth brother are birds of a feather, nothing good comes out of your mouths.”

“Gu Xiaomei, I won’t argue with you. I’m here to see my sister and my nephew and niece.” Zhan Mingzhao was visibly excited. He was an uncle now, two little children.

Before seeing his sister, Zhan Mingzhao went to take a shower, as he had chicken feathers on him and felt it was inappropriate to meet people like that.

While Zhan Mingzhao was showering, Gu Xiangyi was washing clothes in the yard. Soon, several sister-in-law’s from the family quarters came over and asked, “Gu family’s little sister, who was that man just now?”

“Which family’s young man is he? He’s so handsome.”

“Yes, he’s very handsome, and he was carrying four chickens.”

“He even greeted me. His voice is so pleasant.”

Gu Xiangyi was at a loss for words. “That’s my sister-in-law Pingping’s younger brother, Zhan Mingzhao, the second son of the Zhan family.”

“Oh…” The sisters-in-law suddenly understood. “So he’s Dr. Zhan’s younger brother. No wonder they look so alike.”

“Gu little sister, has your sister-in-law’s brother found a partner yet? Where does he work?”

Gu Xiangyi replied, “He’s a cultural soldier, acts in plays.”

“Really, really!” The sisters-in-law were excited. “Which performing arts troupe? Can we watch his performances?”

Gu Xiangyi said, “I don’t know.”

Not getting much more information, the sisters-in-law left regretfully. Gu Xiangyi mused, “Zhan Xiao’er carrying a fertilizer bag and four chickens still managed to attract so many sisters-in-law. Such a charming guy.”

“A charming disaster.”

“Did he trick those chickens out of people?”

Gu Xiangyi doubted he could steal chickens, but she was sure he could talk his way into getting them.

After his shower, Zhan Mingzhao changed into clean and fresh clothes. The chicken feathers were gone. He wore an artistic white shirt and black pants, with the top button undone, revealing a bit of his collarbone.

When Zhan Aiping saw her brother Zhan Mingzhao, she thought he looked overly stylish, in an artsy way.

With his showy harmonica and guitar, he was the kind of guy who could captivate women easily.

Gu Sheng had a handsome and neat soldier’s look, while Zhan Mingzhao had an exotic charm. Though he wasn’t always like this, since going to the countryside, he had gained an intriguing allure.

An oddly attractive quality, like a friend to women, made Zhan Aiping find him more pleasant to look at.

“Sis, you look even prettier than the last time I saw you.”

Zhan Aiping laughed, “You sure know how to sweet-talk.”

She thought, ‘Brother, you should be a salesman after the reforms. You’d be the sales king.’

“Let me see my little nephews. They say nephews look like their uncles, so they must resemble me.”

**Nomad: There isn’t really one word for nephews and nieces except for “niblings.” Since I don’t want to use that, I’ll just use “nephews.” So, when talking about Zhan Aiping’s kids, don’t mind the use of “nephews” even though they are both a girl and a boy.**

Zhan Aiping showed him the babies. “Little Guobaorou looks like me, and Tangyuan looks more like his father.”

“Guobaorou?” Zhan Mingzhao asked.

“Your elder nephew,” Zhan Aiping explained.

Zhan Mingzhao said, “That sounds a bit appetizing.”

“Sis, I think little Guobaorou looks like me.” He was delighted, seeing a resemblance.

Zhan Aiping replied, “Why don’t you say you look like me?”

They were siblings and naturally looked alike. The saying “nephews look like their uncles” felt paradoxical.

“Sure enough, nephews do look like their uncles. This little Guobaorou will be just like his uncle. Who doesn’t love Guobaorou? Our little Guobaorou, isn’t that right, little Guobaorou?”

Zhan Aiping suddenly had a bad feeling. “…”

“Guobao—you,” Zhan Mingzhao repeated a few times before realizing that his nephew’s nickname was quite a mouthful.

“Guobao looks like me.” Zhan Aiping pinched her baby’s cheek, feeling that her little Guobao wouldn’t grow up to be a heartthrob.

“Look at Little Tangyuan. She looks like her father.”

Zhan Aiping said, “Yes, I think so too. Little Tangyuan looks like her dad.”

Zhan Mingzhao added, “And she’ll have a personality like her mom.”

Zhan Aiping said indifferently, “My kids, they should all be like me.”

“Congratulations, Sis, on becoming a mother.”

“And congratulations to you on becoming an uncle.”

Zhan Mingzhao took a long leave to visit his family. For him, the Zhan family home no longer felt like home, so he could only visit his sister and brother-in-law. In less than a day at the family quarters, many people knew about him.

Gu Sheng personally cooked meals for the whole family. After tasting his brother-in-law’s cooking, Zhan Mingzhao gave a thumbs-up and said, “My sister made the right choice marrying you.”

“Otherwise, she’d have to eat cafeteria food for the rest of her life.”

Gu Sheng said, “Your sister taught me how to cook.”

“Really?” Zhan Mingzhao joked, “Aren’t you afraid of ending up in the hospital, Brother Gu?”

Gu Sheng shook his head. “Your sister’s cooking skills have improved a lot.”

“Of course, you won’t get to taste it. Now she only cooks for me.”

Zhan Mingzhao smirked. “I’m not interested in eating my sister’s cooking anyway.”

Zhan Mingzhao and Gu Xiangyi both moved in. Gu Xiangyi stayed in another bedroom, while Zhan Mingzhao squeezed into the study. There was also a narrow little room that could only fit a bamboo bed.

Gu Xiangyi claimed she came to help her sister-in-law during the confinement period, but in reality, there wasn’t much for her to do. Her brother took care of most things himself. She and Zhan Mingzhao helped watch the babies and enjoyed the food.

Feeling a bit guilty, Gu Xiangyi and Zhan Mingzhao helped with cleaning, chores, and laundry.

Before Zhan Aiping gave birth, Qin Lanfang had planned to come and help. She and Qin Yanfang were worried that Zhan Aiping, expecting twins with her in-laws far away, might need assistance during her confinement. However, with her siblings-in-law there and Commander Gu personally taking care of his wife, there was no need for Qin Lanfang’s help. Nevertheless, Qin Lanfang, grateful to Zhan Aiping for treating her illness, came twice to bring fish soup.

Shen Liqing also thought about helping during Zhan Aiping’s confinement. Not having experienced pregnancy and childbirth herself, she wanted to learn. But with so many people already there, she couldn’t find a place to step in. So, she spent her days chatting with Zhan Aiping and playing with the babies.

“Little Guobao, come, look at Auntie.”

“Little Tangyuan, give us a smile.”

…

Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter got off the train and, after a bumpy mountain road journey, finally arrived. The long trip left Zhan Aijia feeling exhausted.

As she got off, she took a deep breath. “The air here is so refreshing.”

Heading south and arriving here, they shed their winter clothes for lighter garments. Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant life, it felt like spring had returned.

“Zhan Aiping gave birth to a pair of twins. She really had children for Gu Sheng?”

When Zhan Aijia heard about Zhan Aiping’s pregnancy, she couldn’t believe it. She found it hard to imagine Zhan Aiping pregnant, especially with Gu Sheng’s child.

Zhan Aijia hoped it was a lie, but now there were twins. It wasn’t like Zhan Aiping could have stolen two babies.

Zhu Jiaorong said, “Your sister is beautiful. It’s no wonder Gu’s fifth son likes her. Just like your father said, your sister Pingping may have a bad temper, but her looks are undeniable.”

“Marrying such a beautiful wife, what man could resist?”

“No matter how much they used to be enemies, her beauty trumps all.”

“That’s something you can’t compare to your sister.”

Zhan Aijia replied, “Who told me not to have a pretty mother?”

Zhu Jiaorong laughed, “Zhan Aiping takes after her mother. Beautiful but not necessarily loved by men.”

“Men prefer gentle women who can take care of them. No matter how pretty a face is, it gets old.”

Zhan Aijia said, “Mom, you’re right. Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping must argue every day at home.”

“More than that,” Zhu Jiaorong laughed. “She won’t have an easy confinement. Do you think having twins is a blessing? Two babies are a handful. Most men don’t help with babies. With two kids needing feeding every few hours, she’ll be worn out and look haggard.”

Zhan Aijia suggested, “Should we go help?”

“Of course, we’ll help. But don’t deliberately provoke your sister. We need to take good care of her.” Zhu Jiaorong continued, “Women are most vulnerable during confinement. If I’m kind to her, she’ll trust me. Then we can hint at how bad Gu Sheng is.”

“In front of Gu Sheng, we’ll criticize your sister. The best outcome is they divorce quickly.”

Zhu Jiaorong couldn’t stand how her husband favoured Zhan Aiping. With Gu Sheng as a son-in-law, Zhan Bo’s focus was entirely on his good son-in-law, even wanting to give her a lot of things for her health after childbirth.

“So pretentious. I didn’t have so many good things during my confinement.”

Zhan Aijia said, “Mom, Gu Sheng and my sister will definitely divorce.”

Zhu Jiaorong replied, “While you’re here, find a promising young man.”

Zhan Aijia responded, “Alright, alright. Don’t worry.”

Secretly, Zhan Aijia was still thinking about Gu Sheng, but she kept it from Zhu Jiaorong, knowing her mother wouldn’t approve.

Zhu Jiaorong hoped her daughter would find a promising young cadre and ruin Zhan Aiping’s marriage. That was her goal for this visit.

They entered the family quarters and found Gu Sheng’s home. Instead of Gu Sheng and his wife, they found Zhan Mingzhao, Gu Xiangyi, Qin Lanfang, and Shen Liqing.

Zhan Mingzhao frowned at the sight of Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter. “You… Why are you here?”

Gu Xiangyi wasn’t familiar with Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter. “This is…”

Zhu Jiaorong paused before showing a gentle smile. “We heard from your father that your sister gave birth. Her in-laws are busy, so as her mother, I came to help during her confinement.”

Zhan Aijia added, “I also came to help. My sister had twins, she must be overwhelmed.”

Zhu Jiaorong and Zhan Aijia were taken aback by Zhan Mingzhao’s appearance. This handsome, tanned young man was Zhan Mingzhao? The once frail and timid Zhan Mingzhao?

Qin Lanfang and Shen Liqing exchanged puzzled looks, not recognizing Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter.

Hearing Zhu Jiaorong’s words, both Qin Lanfang and Shen Liqing were surprised—two more people had come to help with the confinement.

Zhan Mingzhao said, “My sister didn’t ask you to come.”

Zhu Jiaorong smiled, “Your father was concerned about your sister and insisted I come to check on her.”

Zhan Mingzhao replied, “You can check on her and then leave. There’s no need for you to stay and help.”

“Nonsense, I’m older and experienced,” Zhu Jiaorong said. “You young ones haven’t raised children. I’ve raised three and know how to take care of babies.”

“Why are all of you standing here at the door?” Zhu Jiaorong and Zhan Aijia were surprised to see so many people at the entrance.

Shen Liqing said, “We’re all here to help with the confinement.”

Qin Lanfang added, “Since Dr. Zhan gave birth, we came to see her and offer a hand.”

Zhu Jiaorong asked, “Then why are you standing at the door? Doesn’t Pingping need someone to take care of her? Xiao Gu is busy. When I gave birth to Xiaokang, your father—”

Gu Xiangyi interrupted, “My brother is inside taking care of my sister-in-law.”

The couple was having a private moment in their room while the four helpers were waiting outside.

They had finished the laundry and housework and had nothing else to do. Once the couple was done, they would go in to chat with Zhan Aiping and the babies.

Zhan Aijia was surprised. “Gu Sheng, I mean… my brother-in-law is inside?”

Zhu Jiaorong was also taken aback.

Zhan Mingzhao said, “Brother-in-law is on leave to help my sister with her confinement.”

“This place is too crowded. Aunt Zhu, you two should just check on the babies and leave,” he suggested.

**Nomad: I’ll leave it to Mingzhao and Xiangyi to tag team the troublemakers and make them leave.