I Have It
After Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter arrived, Shen Liqing and Qin Lanfang found an excuse to leave. After all, it was the family members of the other party, so they wanted to avoid causing any suspicion.
Zhu Jiaorong said, “How can we just take a quick look at the child and leave? I am the child’s grandmother, and her grandfather thinks about her every day. The woman’s postpartum period must be well taken care of. There are many customs to observe. You young people don’t take it seriously.”
Zhu Jiaorong kept chattering away. She had thick skin and a smile on her face. The expression on Zhan Mingzhao’s face wasn’t good-looking. He glanced at his stepmother and thought to himself that he wouldn’t turn hostile against someone smiling, but he wanted them to leave. However, there was no way.
As soon as Zhan Aijia entered the room, she immediately smelled the enticing aroma of stewed pig’s trotters. Stewed pig’s trotters with soybeans. The smell of the soup was too strong, and it was only when the pig’s trotters were stewed soft and tender that they emitted such a tantalizing aroma.
There was also a bowl of fish soup that Qin Lanfang had just brought over in the living room. Zhan Aiping drank a small bowl of it, leaving most of it untouched, with hardly any fish eaten.
On the cabinet were several bags of powdered milk, malted milk, White Rabbit milk candy, canned sugar water, bird’s nests, dried shrimp… Zhan Aijia’s eyes lit up as she looked at them. Zhu Jiaorong couldn’t help but say, “Wow, there are so many good things.”
Gu Xiangyi said, “They were sent by my eldest brother.”
With five older brothers, there was only one younger sister-in-law now. When Sister-in-law Ping gave birth, several brothers sent over many things, especially the eldest brother, who was a member of the city committee and had many good things. He himself was a bachelor who didn’t spend money on food and lodging. Now that he had nephews and nieces, he sent over a lot of things with gusto. He had sent several batches already.
Zhu Jiaorong said, “Why are they placed outside? It looks so conspicuous.”
Gu Xiangyi honestly said, “Because there’s no more room inside.”
Zhu Jiaorong choked for a moment.
Zhan Mingzhao ignored her reaction and turned to bring the things into the house one by one. Zhan Aijia couldn’t help but peek inside. There were several bags of powdered milk.
She swallowed her saliva.
Zhan Aiping had just given birth to a child, and she received so many good things? She had seen it just now. In addition to these foods, there were also many pieces of cotton cloth, brand new floral fabric, and several pairs of brand new women’s leather shoes.
Zhan Mingzhao said, “Stop peeking. Those are all for my sister.”
Zhan Aijia said, “So many, how can she finish them all?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“It is my concern. Your sister is still my sister. With so many good things, all with expiration dates, it’s a waste if they go bad. Just Sister Ping eating, how can she finish them all?”
Zhan Aijia was extremely envious. With so many Snow Creams for Zhan Aiping in winter, now that she had given birth to a child, that pile of supplements, desserts, and meat, she simply couldn’t finish them all.
Zhan Mingzhao sneered, “Even if she can’t finish them, you won’t get to eat them. They are all for my sister and the child.”
Zhan Aijia snorted, “I didn’t say I want to eat them.”
Although she said so, Zhan Aijia was thinking about getting something to fill her stomach. With so much food, who would notice if one bag was missing and another was added?
Zhan Aiping was like a pig, eating so much.
Zhu Jiaorong saw her stepson taking away the items and noticed the clothes that were originally pressed down. Gu Xiangyi saw it too and hugged the clothes to her chest. “My mom found a tailor to make a few sets of dresses for my sister-in-law, just sent them over, and they haven’t been washed yet.”
“My mom said it’s fortunate there’s no winter here. With all this fabric, we could make several sets of dresses. There are also several sets of children’s clothes.”
“My brothers are soldiers, they save money and don’t need to make clothes. They keep them for my sister-in-law to wear.”
“Yes, yes.” The smile on Zhu Jiaorong’s face stiffened. When she and Zhan Aijia came over, they also brought some things, such as powdered milk, malted milk, and fruit candies.
But on this side, everything was piled up.
“Ping Ping is really lucky.” Zhu Jiaorong secretly thought that Gu Sheng was indeed a good son-in-law. Whoever marries him is lucky. Zhan Aiping really married well. His parents hold high positions and have money. Several older brothers still haven’t married, but all the good things are sent to Zhan Aiping now that she has given birth.
Gu Xiangyi said, “It’s my brother who’s lucky to marry Sister Ping Ping.”
Zhu Jiaorong forced a smile.
Zhan Mingzhao said, “Brother-in-law is with my sister inside. If you want to see the child, wait a bit before going in. Don’t disturb them.”
“Alright.” Zhu Jiaorong nodded. She exchanged a glance with her daughter, Zhan Aijia. Her stepson was extremely cautious around them. Several rooms were locked, leaving only a small room with a bamboo bed.
Zhan Mingzhao said, “If you want to stay, you can only sleep here. Put your luggage on top.”
Zhan Aijia complained, “This room is too small. Aren’t there a few other rooms?”
Zhan Mingzhao replied coldly, “They’re all full of things. There’s no space to live.”
“Then how come you can stay? Are you and Gu’s sister going to share a room?”
“This is my real sister’s home, and also Gu Xiaomei’s real brother’s home. It’s only right for us to stay here. Who do you think you are? Were you invited here? Be grateful there’s a place for you to stay.” Zhan Mingzhao had no good feelings towards the mother and daughter in front of him. He just wanted to drive them away.
He spoke without any courtesy, no longer the young boy who used to be pushed around when he was younger.
Zhan Aijia was angry. “Zhan Mingzhao, you’re going too far. I am your sister.”
Zhan Mingzhao said, “I only have one real sister.”
“I’ll tell my dad about this!”
Zhan Mingzhao chuckled. “Go ahead and tell him. After you’re done, just leave.”
At this moment, Zhu Jiaorong spoke up, “Jiajia, how can you argue with your younger brother? You’re the older sister, you should be more considerate.”
Zhan Mingzhao’s voice turned cold, “Auntie Zhu, after you two finish looking, hurry up and leave. My sister doesn’t need you to take care of her during her postpartum period.”
“Azhao, I know you have animosity towards me. It’s not easy for me as a stepmother. You have too many misunderstandings about me. Auntie Zhu really considers you and Ping Ping as my own children.”
“Now that my daughter has given birth, how can I just take one look and leave?”
Zhan Mingzhao’s expressionless face said, “If you dare to make my sister even a little unhappy, I’ll use a broom to chase you away. Do you think you’re still in the Zhan Bo family? Don’t think too highly of yourselves.”
After being bluntly spoken to by him, Zhu Jiaorong’s complexion also turned unpleasant. She threatened, “The Gu family is still here. Do you want your brother-in-law to hear about our family’s troubles?”
“Are you picking a fight with me for the sake of your sister?”
“She finally married such a good husband. If Gu Sheng divorces her, her father will be furious.”
As soon as Zhan Mingzhao heard Zhan Bo’s name, he sneered several times. He had no interest in playing nice with his stepmother. Both he and his sister were adults now, and he had no intention of returning to the Zhan family.
Seeing Zhan Mingzhao stop talking, Zhu Jiaorong thought she had touched his sore spot. Even if Zhan Mingzhao and his sister caused trouble, they still needed to restrain themselves in front of the Gu family.
Gu Sheng pushed open the door and came out. Zhu Jiaorong immediately called out, “Good son-in-law, your sister-in-law and I came to see you. Are my two little grandsons awake?”
“I want to go in and see. Ping Ping’s brother, Azhao, won’t let me in. This child has had a peculiar and extreme personality since he was young. He’s hostile towards me, and it’s not easy for me as a stepmother. I hope you can understand and don’t misunderstand me,” Zhu Jiaorong said.
Gu Sheng replied calmly, “You two come in and see Ping Ping.”
“Alright, Jiajia, go in and see your two little nephews,” Zhu Jiaorong smiled and called out to Zhan Aijia.
Sitting on the bed, Zhang Aiping heard her stepmother’s voice and thought to herself how shameless this person was. Both she and her daughter had thick skins.
“Aiping, it’s been a long time since we last met. We separated at the beginning of the year, and now it’s almost the end of the year. You’re already the mother of two children,” Zhu Jiaorong and Zhan Aijia entered the room and saw Zhang Aiping.
She was sitting on the bed, covered in a soft blanket, and there was a faint herbal fragrance in the room, which was refreshing. Zhan Aijia stared at Zhang Aiping’s face in a daze.
Zhang Aiping didn’t look at all like a woman who had just given birth. Her complexion was very good, her lips were rosy, her eyes showed no signs of fatigue, and she looked radiant. Her eyes, like spring water, reflected the stars, captivating anyone who looked at them.
Zhu Jiaorong also looked stunned when she saw her. “Aiping, your complexion is really good.”
Zhan Aijia said, “She eats and drinks well all day long. How could her complexion not be good? Who else can eat as well as she does?”
“Our son-in-law really spoils you.” A woman’s state of health is reflected on her face. Zhang Aiping’s radiant appearance at the moment was not just from good food and drink; she was also being cherished and loved by someone.
Her man was probably going to spoil her rotten.
“I just saw Little Gu’s complexion wasn’t very good. Did he not sleep well last night? You should take care of him more and not tire him out too much. Taking care of children is something us women should do. Men are clumsy and will only get in the way if you let them take care of the children.”
Zhang Aiping said, “He’s the children’s father, so he should take care of them.”
At this moment, Gu Sheng was walking towards the room. Zhu Jiaorong instinctively tried to sow discord, “Little Gu, your wife doesn’t care about you at all. Look at your appearance. You haven’t slept well for several nights, right? No matter how good your health is, you can’t withstand such abuse. Look at Ping Ping. Most wives wouldn’t be like her during their postpartum period. She’s practically a saint.”
“Azhao and the others are young and don’t know any better. They’ve worn you out too much, and Ping Ping, you don’t care enough for your husband. You can’t let him suffer like this. Taking care of children at night is exhausting.”
“Here comes my turn. With me around, you two can relax. These two kids are so cute, aren’t they? Which one is the eldest?”
As Zhu Jiaorong approached and saw the two children by the bedside, she reached out to pick one up, but Gu Sheng stopped her. Zhu Jiaorong’s expression froze.
As Zhang Aiping was in her postpartum recovery, she didn’t want to see Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter anymore, nor did she have any interest in pretending to be friendly with them again. “Zhu, don’t be hypocritical in front of me. Don’t touch my children, and I don’t need you two to take care of them.”
“And you brought Zhang Aijia here? Did you bring her to steal my things?”
Protecting her two children, Zhang Aiping gave Gu Sheng a look and said, “Gu Sheng, don’t be polite to them. Get them out. I don’t want to see them.”
“These two have such audacity, barging in uninvited.”
“Zhang Aiping, how can you, as the elder sister, behave like this?”
Gu Sheng stood up with a cold expression. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms, and looked down at Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter with sharp eyes. “You two, get out. Don’t disturb my wife.”
His gaze was sharp, making Zhu Jiaorong feel uneasy, but she dared not admit her fear.
“I came to visit my own daughter and son-in-law, and yet I’m kicked out by them. Who’s embarrassing themselves, you or me, Zhang Aiping? Why are you suddenly treating me like a stranger? You were fine back in Shanghai.”
“Shut up! My wife needs rest. You keep talking nonsense. Who are you insinuating against?”
“Get lost!”
Zhu Jiaorong’s face turned pale. Seeing this, Zhang Aijia couldn’t hold back and said, “Gu Sheng, you’re a fool. Do you think Zhang Aiping married you for what? She married you out of spite, because I liked you. She married you to compete with me for the person I liked.”
“She likes those cultured and refined men; sooner or later, she’ll cheat on you.”
Gu Sheng was already furious because of the two of them. “Who the hell do you think you are? Do I know you? Crazy woman.”
Zhan Aijia was dumbfounded. Gu Sheng actually said he didn’t recognize her.
Gu Sheng directly threw them out, didn’t accept any of their things, and had someone escort them out of the camp.
**Nomad: A round of applause for our male lead. No questions, no hassle. He directly kicked them out.**
He even called Zhan Bo: “Pingping is now my wife. Show some respect to her. Are that mother and daughter here to help with the confinement or to cause trouble? She said my wife would eventually cheat on me. Is that what your family taught her?”
“As soon as they walked in, they wouldn’t shut up…”
On the other end of the line, Zhan Bo’s face turned various shades of purple, looking very displeased.
After driving Zhu Jiaorong and her daughter away, Zhan Aiping gently looked at the two children. When Gu Sheng walked into the room, she said, “Did you drive them out? I don’t want to see them at all, and they still wanted to hold my babies? Dream on.”
“Don’t be fooled by their smiles. Who knows what tricks they’re planning behind our backs? I know they want to drive a wedge between us and make me divorce you. Well, I’m not divorcing you, just to spite them.”
Gu Sheng, feeling a bit jealous, said, “So you’re only staying with me to spite them? Well, at least I have some security then.”
“Yes, and to spite them, I married you in the first place. You’re lucky, Comrade Gu.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “So they’re the reason a blind cat like me found a dead mouse. If I’d known, I would have invited them back for tea.”
“Stop it,” Zhan Aiping laughed. “Our marriage has nothing to do with them. They’re just jealous because I married a golden catch.”
“Now my dad’s favouritism has shifted towards you. She wants to ruin my marriage. Zhan Aijia’s hands aren’t clean. She wants to steal my things, and she might really like you. I’ve caught her looking at your photo before. She might have even stolen it.”
Gu Sheng asked, “She stole my photo? Did she succeed?”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Is that the point?”
“How could you not protect your husband’s photo? Letting another woman steal it?”
Zhan Aiping said, “Alright, alright, I was wrong. From now on, I’ll defend my husband’s photos with my life.”
“Carry my photo with you at all times. Make sure those new male doctors know that Dr. Zhan is a married woman.”
“Okay.” Zhan Aiping laughed and called Gu Sheng over. “Come here, rest against me. Look at you, you need a good rest, or people will think I’m mistreating you.”
“Thank you, Daddy Gu, for your hard work.”
The two babies were sleeping side by side at the far end. Zhan Aiping made space for Gu Sheng and invited him to lie down. Gu Sheng sat down without hesitation and rested his head on her shoulder. Zhan Aiping leaned down and kissed him.
A smile appeared on Gu Sheng’s lips, and he slid down, falling asleep on the pillow.
He was truly exhausted.
Someone always has to suffer during the confinement period. The babies had small stomachs and needed to be fed every three to four hours, meaning getting up several times a night. Gu Sheng prioritized her and the babies, neglecting his own needs. He ate poorly, slept poorly, and put all his effort into taking care of them, resulting in him losing weight.
Zhan Aiping gently traced his eyebrows and eyes with her hand, thinking how much she loved this man.
“If you take such good care of me, I might want to keep having your babies.”
“Then have them.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
“Your sleep is so light, Comrade Gu. You wake up at the slightest noise. You’re so sensitive.”
Gu Sheng replied, “I’m afraid you or the babies will need me.”
Zhan Aiping felt a warm sweetness in her heart. “You’re getting better at saying sweet things. Xiangyi and my brother are here, so you can sleep without worrying so much.”
Gu Sheng touched her face. “Some things can’t be left to others. If you need anything, just call me.”
“Okay.” Zhan Aiping gently nodded and patted his back. “You should sleep now. Rest well so you can take care of me and the babies.”
Gu Sheng closed his eyes and began to rest.
Zhan Mingzhao and Gu Xiangyi’s holidays were coming to an end, and they were reluctant to leave. They had spent their days playing with the babies, enjoying free meals, chatting, and joking around. By the time they parted ways, Zhan Mingzhao and Gu Xiangyi had formed a strong bond.
Zhan Mingzhao said to Gu Xiangyi, “There are a few handsome guys in the art troupe. I’ll send you their photos with my letters.”
Gu Xiangyi replied, “There are many pretty nurses at the military hospital, and they’re unmarried.”
Zhan Mingzhao waved his hand dismissively, “I’ve seen plenty of pretty women.”
“I never lack beautiful women around me.”
Gu Xiangyi was momentarily speechless. “You’re so annoying. Zhan Mingzhao, I remember you weren’t like this when you were a kid. How did you become such a show-off?”
“I’m worried that one day, you’ll get into trouble because of your relationships.”
“If that happens, my sister-in-law Pingping will be heartbroken.”
Zhan Mingzhao shook his head, “I won’t mess around. Gu Xiaomei, you should be careful. Don’t get deceived by some random guy.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Gu Xiangyi sighed. “I’m more worried I won’t find someone to marry. If that happens, I’ll blame my brother.”
“My brother treats my sister-in-law too well. Now I want a man who treats me the same way. I’d also like a childhood sweetheart.”
Zhan Mingzhao said, “Aren’t we childhood sweethearts too? You have plenty of childhood friends, Gu Xiaomei.”
Kids from the same compound always formed groups.
“Who wants to be childhood sweethearts with you? You’re too much of a show-off. Boys really do change as they grow. No wonder the art troupe picked you to act in plays.”
Zhan Mingzhao chuckled, “I’m still in touch with our old friends, Xiao Ma and Xiao Zheng. If you want a childhood sweetheart, I can get them to contact you.”
“No, thanks,” Gu Xiangyi waved her hand. “Who needs a childhood friend? Remembering the times we got scolded together isn’t exactly romantic.”
Zhan Mingzhao sighed, “Your brother and sister-in-law were just like that. They got scolded and beaten together back in the day, and now they’re a married couple raising kids together.”
Gu Xiangyi said, “I’ve seen how good my brother is. If I don’t find someone to marry, it’s because of that high standard. You’ve seen so many beautiful women. Just how pretty does someone have to be to catch your eye?”
Zhan Mingzhao replied, “I don’t like the pretty ones.”
Despite his ability to charm girls, Zhan Mingzhao wasn’t interested in the delicate, pretty girls who surrounded him. He preferred women who were strong and capable, much like his mother and sister in his memories.
Gu Xiangyi responded, “Who are you kidding? What man doesn’t love beautiful women?”
After Zhan Mingzhao and Gu Xiangyi left, the courtyard became noticeably quieter. Zhan Aiping actually felt a bit unaccustomed to the silence. With Gu Sheng’s vacation also ending, Zhan Aiping was left alone to take care of the babies at home.
Her body had long since recovered, full of energy and vigour. She could jump and move around freely. Each day, she did some simple exercises for health, played with the babies, and waited for Gu Sheng to come home at night.
The two babies were easy to take care of, perhaps because Gu Sheng’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies had rubbed off on them. They had regular eating and sleeping schedules, making things easier for their parents.
When Gu Sheng returned home, Zhan Aiping commented, “Our two kids have such regular habits. They eat well and seem like two little old men living a simple, peaceful life.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “Just like you, they don’t cry much.”
“They love to sleep, just like two little piglets.”
Gu Sheng had become more adept at handling the babies than Zhan Aiping. He didn’t let her carry them too much, worried about tiring her out. “Don’t bend over too much or lift heavy things.”
“I know,” Zhan Aiping replied. She was physically strong, but she listened to Gu Sheng and didn’t overexert herself.
After giving birth, Zhan Aiping took two months of leave, until the end of January, so she wasn’t in a hurry to return to work. Director Hao suggested she take even more rest, saying that since she had twins, a double confinement period would be better.
Zhan Aiping thanked Director Hao for his kindness and said over the phone, “Director Hao, you truly are a great director who cares for the medical staff.”
“You need to rest well, Dr. Zhan. Everyone at the hospital misses you, and the new operating room is ready, just waiting for you,” Director Hao continued over the phone. “But don’t rush. Rest well now, so you can work hard later.”
Zhan Aiping joked, “I just praised you as a great director, and now you’re sounding like a taskmaster.”
After her confinement, there were no other issues, except for one: she and her husband still hadn’t decided on names for the babies. They referred to them as Guobao and Tangyuan, but usually called them Youyou (brother) and Yuanyuan (sister).
“Little Guobao and Little Tangyuan sleep so soundly together.”
When Gu Sheng came home, Zhan Aiping grabbed him and asked, “Honey, what names should we give our two kids?”
Gu Sheng replied, “Today, Captain Jiang suggested that since you’re called Zhan Aiping, we could name the kids Aijun (Love Army) and Aimin (Love People).”
“Captain Jiang said he really likes your name, Aiping.”
Zhan Aiping said, “I hated being called Zhang Aiping (Love Duckweed) when I was a kid.”
“Aiping this, Aiping that, Zhang Aiping, I love Pingping,” Gu Sheng teased her.
“You deserve a beating. You were the one who called me Zhang Aiping the most,” Zhan Aiping said, rolling up her sleeves. “Do you want to fight?”
Gu Sheng laughed and picked her up, “I called you Zhang Aiping, and you kept singing ‘Gu Laowu (Old fifth), there’s a Gu Laowu in the village.’”
Zhan Aiping continued with a smile, “Wearing new pants to sell grain.”
“Sold the grain, bought fabric, and a bottle of aged vinegar.” After finishing, Zhan Aiping playfully pinched his cheek, “You’re still quite jealous now.”
Gu Sheng said, “That’s because your vinegar is the best.”
“What should we name our children?”
The couple pondered for a month, thinking of many names. Eventually, they named their son Gu Chen and their daughter Gu Yuan. At that time, many people chose names like Haiyan, Haiping, Yaping, or Yajun. Zhan Aiping, having suffered from being called “Aiping,” decided to give their children single-character names with good meanings.
“Our little Guobao’s formal name is Gu Chen (Treasure), and our little Tangyuan is named Gu Yuan (Graceful). I hope you both grow up to be graceful and refined.”
Gu Sheng smiled slightly, “I’m afraid our son and daughter might disappoint your expectations.”
Zhan Aiping said, “Our kids are very well-behaved. Look, they eat, drink, sleep well, and don’t fuss or cry during the day. They’re so easy to take care of, aren’t they, our little Guobao and little Tangyuan?”
Gu Sheng replied, “My mom says this is the easiest time to take care of them. Wait until they’re two or three years old and running around, causing trouble.”
Zhan Aiping teased him, “Are you losing your physical training? You can’t outrun two little rascals?”
“I’m just worried they’ll cling to their mom and not to their dad.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “You’re jealous now? Competing with me for the kids’ affection?”
“Competing for affection? I’m afraid they’ll stick to you. My wife is mine. I want to cuddle with you, and the siblings can sleep on their own.”
With the names Gu Chen and Gu Yuan settled, good news came from Qin Lanfang’s side—she was also pregnant, which made Captain Jiang grin from ear to ear.
Qin Lanfang’s health wasn’t great, and she had a weak constitution, so her pregnancy came with severe morning sickness, making Captain Jiang anxious.
“Gu Sheng, how did you take care of your wife back then?”
Gu Sheng replied, “By reading medical books.”
“Trying to cram now won’t help me. Who would’ve thought a bachelor like me would end up with a kid? Commander Gu, I need to learn from you. Didn’t you write a big notebook? Let me borrow it to copy.”
“Captain, you’re good at taking things for yourself.” Gu Sheng handed over his old notebook. “Copy it yourself and return it when you’re done.”
Captain Jiang opened Gu Sheng’s notebook and was stunned by the dense writing, “You… you… this is making my head spin. There’s so much to keep in mind.”
“Taking care of a pregnant woman is an art,” Captain Jiang said, scratching his head in frustration.
Qin Lanfang’s belly wasn’t showing yet, but she came to the Gu household to play with Zhan Aiping’s two children. Having just become pregnant herself, she was overflowing with maternal love, which only made her adore the little ones more.
“Dr. Zhan, I really am pregnant, truly pregnant…” Qin Lanfang had never thought she could have children. The village doctor had told her she was infertile, and she had resigned herself to never having her own child. Now, not only had she married the man she loved, but she was also expecting his child.
Zhan Aiping teased her, “With such strong pregnancy symptoms, how can you not believe it? Your Captain Jiang is overjoyed and pesters our Commander Gu every day.”
“They’re always together, studying how to take care of children.”
Qin Lanfang couldn’t stop smiling, “Military Doctor Sun said whenever he sees those two, he jokes that with such a captain and commander, their regiment is doomed.”
“They’re just joking,” Zhan Aiping shook her head.
Zhan Aiping checked her over, “Be careful these next few months. Don’t do any heavy lifting or overwork yourself. I’ll prescribe some medicine to help stabilize the pregnancy. If the nausea gets too bad, I can give you acupuncture.”
“Okay,” Qin Lanfang nodded, “With a doctor like you, I feel much more at ease.”
“Dr. Zhan, I’m… I’m still a bit worried,” Qin Lanfang bit her lip, hesitating. “I’m afraid the baby might inherit my weak constitution.”
“Don’t worry, Captain Jiang is in great shape. I heard that when he was younger, he could drag three people at once, running as if he was flying.” During the camp competitions, the final score was based on the last participant’s performance, so they had to help each other out, with the faster runners assisting the slower ones.
“He’s exaggerating,” Qin Lanfang laughed, “If he could really drag three people, they would all end up falling.”
“Your Commander Gu is the one in great shape. Our Old Jiang turned grey and started balding at twenty.” Qin Lanfang hesitated for a moment. “I just hope it’s a boy, not a girl.”
“If the daughter takes after her father, I… I’d feel sorry for her.” Qin Lanfang’s pregnancy brought many worries, and this was one of her biggest concerns.
“Boys can manage baldness, but what about a girl?”
“Pfft—” Zhan Aiping laughed, “Isn’t that why I’m here? Your Commander Jiang’s condition has improved now.”
“He’s better, but I’ve noticed he’s been losing more hair lately,” Qin Lanfang sighed.
“Who doesn’t lose some hair? It’s normal to lose a few strands every day.”
Qin Lanfang was distressed, ” I… I also lost a lot of it. What if I keep losing a lot? Should I take some supplements?”
Qin Lanfang naturally had thin, fine hair, and even though Commander Jiang’s condition had improved with treatment, his hair was still sparse.
“Don’t worry so much. You’re just stressing yourself out,” Zhan Aiping said, having seen many patients like Qin Lanfang who worried constantly.
“Don’t fret. If your daughter takes after you, she’ll be a delicate and refined little darling. If she takes after Commander Jiang, she’ll be a sturdy, dependable girl. Both are good.”
Qin Lanfang nodded, “You’re right. I’ll love my child, boy or girl.”
Zhan Aiping and Qin Lanfang played with the two little ones. The babies, having just been fed, lay there with their eyes wide open, melting the hearts of everyone who looked at them.
Qin Lanfang shook a rattle, “Your little Guobao really looks like you.”
Zhan Aiping said, “His nose looks like his dad’s.”
“And little Tangyuan looks more like Commander Gu. Those double eyelids are beautiful.” Seeing the beautiful baby girl, Qin Lanfang worried again about her own child resembling her husband.
Zhan Aiping was also a bit worried, “I hope our little Guobao doesn’t end up looking like his uncle.”
Zhan Aiping touched her own face, wondering if it really was as charming as everyone said. Back when she was a soldier, she was quite popular, despite her short stature.
Qin Lanfang said, “Your little Guobao will surely be a hit with the girls. Old Jiang said if we have a son, his nickname will be ‘Big Plate Chicken.’”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Big Plate Chicken?”
“Yes, Big Plate Chicken,” Qin Lanfang chuckled, “I’ve never even had Big Plate Chicken, but it sounds delicious.”
Zhan Aiping sighed, “Our little Guobao sounds delicious too.”
“In the future, our Guobao will take your Big Plate Chicken out to play—” Zhan Aiping trailed off, suddenly regretting the food-related nickname for her son.
Imagine a bunch of kids running around with food names.
“What if it’s a girl?” Zhan Aiping asked.
“Then she’ll be called ‘Little Sweet Bean,’” Qin Lanfang said.
“Little Sweet Bean? That sounds really sweet,” Zhan Aiping smiled.
“Our Old Jiang is very competitive. He says he’s older, and your Commander Gu is younger but became a father first. So our son’s nickname must be Big Plate Chicken to sound more significant.”
Zhan Aiping was speechless. “What about Little Sweet Bean?”
Qin Lanfang laughed helplessly, “Sweeter than your little Tangyuan.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “That’s not certain. Our little Tangyuan is filled with sesame paste, so sweet it’s almost cloying.”
Qin Lanfang said, “Talking about it is making me hungry. Let’s have some Tangyuan together during the Lantern Festival.”
Zhan Aiping gave Qin Lanfang a couple of acupuncture treatments, which reduced her morning sickness. She also sent over some home-cooked dishes and extra formula.
After Qin Lanfang got pregnant, Shen Liqing came to visit Zhan Aiping and seemed quite distressed.
“How come everyone around me is getting pregnant and having kids? It’s making me anxious.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “What are you anxious about? You and Old Wang can wait another couple of years.”
Shen Liqing said, “Seeing all of you with kids makes me want to join in.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “That’s just following the trend. You should prepare more before considering having a child.”
“It’s not that I’m in a rush to have a baby, but Old Wang can’t stand it anymore. He and Director Li keep telling me that I neither work nor take care of children, just stay home all day.”
Zhan Aiping asked, “What do you want to do?”
“I’ve been idle at home for too long. I want to work but can’t find a good job. I could be a teacher or a nurse, but I’m scared of needles and don’t want to be a teacher.”
“I’m really troubled. Should I find a job or have a child first?”
Zhan Aiping suggested, “It’s more difficult to start working after having a baby. Why not try working first?”
Shen Liqing said, “I don’t want to work.”
Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but laugh, “Has Director Li given you multiple pep talks? She must find you quite a case.”
“Yes, with the educated youth going to the countryside, there aren’t many jobs in the city. So many young people can’t find suitable work…” Shen Liqing sighed. “I’m pretty picky, not wanting any kind of job.”
“Maybe getting pregnant isn’t such a bad idea.”
Zhan Aiping asked, “What does your friend Chen Yuan say?”
Zhan Aiping didn’t fully trust Chen Yuan but thought she might motivate Shen Liqing.
“Chen Yuan advises me to find a job. Remember that job at the food station? I gave it to someone else because I didn’t want to do it. Chen Yuan also told me not to take it, saying it was too exhausting.”
To outsiders, the food station job seemed like a good one.
Zhan Aiping laughed, “I suspect you’re just trying to mess with her.”
“I know she’s trying to take advantage of me, but I’m not that foolish. Her intentions are clear to everyone. However, she does say some things that make sense, and talking with her helps pass the time.”
Zhan Aiping warned, “Be careful not to get too swayed by her.”
“Not necessarily. At least marrying Old Wang wasn’t a mistake; he’s a good man.”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “Was it love at first sight for you two, or did feelings develop over time?”
“Probably both. As a couple, you just make do with each other.”
Shen Liqing sighed, “I’m really torn right now. Should I work or have a baby? But I don’t want to do any of the available jobs.”
“Do you want to be a painting and calligraphy teacher?”
Shen Liqing was taken aback, “You guessed it. I not only want to be a painting and calligraphy teacher, but I also want to be a physical education teacher.”
“You can’t be a PE teacher.”
“And I can’t be a painting and calligraphy teacher either.” Shen Liqing had been eyeing that position for a long time. “The current painting and calligraphy teacher is young, and her husband shows no signs of transferring jobs.”
Most of the teachers at the camp’s elementary school were military spouses. Those who weren’t would soon become military spouses, like the current painting and calligraphy teacher.
“If I can’t be a painting and calligraphy teacher, there’s no other good job for me. A math teacher? Oh no, I can’t do that. There’s a job at the cafeteria I like, but it’s more about the place than the job itself.”
“Working in the cafeteria means I could take some food home, but I don’t have the skills for cooking big meals. I’d just be peeling and washing vegetables, so forget it. I’ll let someone else have that job.”
“Can’t people get by without working?”
“Of course they can,” Zhan Aiping encouraged her. “Whether you work or not is up to you.”
“By the way, would you be interested in teaching at a township elementary school? I heard from our director that besides the school in the camp, a new Lehua Elementary School is being built near our clinic. They might need teachers. You should inquire about it.”
“Sure,” Shen Liqing went to inquire and actually found herself a job as a painting and calligraphy teacher. She had no other special skills, but her chalkboard writing and calligraphy were excellent, making her stand out in that small place.
“I learned at the Youth Palace in Shanghai. Our calligraphy teacher was a master. But now—” Shen Liqing didn’t continue, “Teaching kids is better.”
“Glad you sorted out your job,” Zhan Aiping said with a smile. “You’ve been here for almost a year, and now you finally have a job. That’s great. When our little Guobao and Tangyuan start learning to write, we’ll have Auntie Shen teach them calligraphy.”
“Alright, alright,” Shen Liqing said modestly. “I don’t have much teaching experience yet. Give me a few more years, and I’ll be experienced enough. You can trust me with your little Guobao and Tangyuan then.”
“Teaching calligraphy and painting is much easier than teaching language or math. I just want a light job.”
“By the way, Old Wang said to invite you and Commander Gu over for dinner.”
“Sure.”
Shen Liqing said, “Come to our house for some pickled fish. I’ve been craving it these past few days.”
Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng brought their two children to Wang Youli’s house for dinner. Shen Liqing did the cooking while Wang Youli helped out in the kitchen. Over the past year, Old Wang’s cooking skills had improved.
Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng each held a child.
Seeing Gu Sheng holding a baby, Wang Youli felt a bit overwhelmed. He was glad Shen Liqing had chosen to work; the thought of taking care of a baby made his head spin. Babies were cute, but they were also a lot of trouble.
Maybe they’d wait a couple more years before having children.
Shen Liqing brought out the pickled fish. In high spirits, she had cooked up a whole table of dishes. “Try my cooking and see if I’ve improved.”
“Sure.”
Shen Liqing picked up her chopsticks, but as she looked at the pickled fish, she suddenly lost her appetite. “Why does the fish seem so fishy?”
Zhan Aiping asked, “Could you be pregnant? Want me to check your pulse?”
Shen Liqing laughed, “No way.”
It seemed impossible to both start a new job and be pregnant.
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