Three Fresh Vegetables from the Ground
Zhan Aiping’s words were like a thunderbolt, and Shen Liqing sat down on the chair, covering her mouth. The more she looked at the fish, the more nauseous she felt.
She retched a couple of times, covering her mouth.
Wang Youli froze, “What’s wrong with you?”
Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng exchanged glances, neither of them spoke. The baby in their arms had big eyes like black grapes, watery and unblinking as they looked at their parents.
“The last time you came seems to be…”
This hit Shen Liqing like a blow to the back of her head. Recently, she had been busy with work and seemed to have overlooked the fact that her period had been delayed for quite some time.
Usually, she wished it wouldn’t come, but now that it really didn’t come, it was panic-inducing. Shen Liqing exclaimed, “Oh my God! Dr. Zhan, can you check my pulse to see if I’m pregnant?”
Zhan Aiping led her to a small room, examined her body, and asked about her recent situation. “You’re pregnant. If you want to be more certain, go to the hospital for a check-up.”
“Congratulations.”
Shen Liqing’s face was wooden. She stumbled out with Zhan Aiping. Wang Youli and Gu Sheng each held a child. Gu Sheng said to Wang Youli, “Old Wang, it looks like you’ll have to learn how to hold a baby.”
Wang Youli swallowed hard. He held the baby in his arms, chubby and adorable when smiling, but—
“Lili, did we have a child so soon?”
Shen Liqing felt like the sky was spinning, “You’re asking me? I was going to ask you!”
Wang Youli asked Zhan Aiping, “Dr. Zhan, can you tell if it’s twins?”
“Twins? I can’t be sure, it’s possible.”
Gu Sheng said, “You’re just pregnant, and you’re already thinking of such a big event, hoping for twins. Here, our family is bringing you double blessings again, one time, two children, a son and a daughter.”
Wang Youli felt overwhelmed, “Old Gu, you don’t know. In our Wang family, we’ve had three pairs of twins recently. I’m worried my wife might be having twins too. There are too many kids back in our hometown, my mom can’t handle them all, so she’s not pushing for more.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “So many twins in your family, enviable indeed.”
Wang Youli replied, “Envious? Do you want your wife to give birth to another pair of twins for you?”
“Forget it, forget it, I have a son and a daughter now.” Gu Sheng hugged his little daughter, playing with her small hands, feeling content, “Just need to raise them well.”
“Just because I’m afraid of having twins, so I made a deal with Old Wang to wait a few more years before trying for kids.” Shen Liqing had a bad feeling in her heart, “I just feel like I’m carrying two boys.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “You have a premonition now? Just now you said you didn’t feel pregnant, and now you have two chubby boys?”
Shen Liqing shrugged, “Let me hold your twins for good luck first. If I’m pregnant with twins, give me a pair of dragon and phoenix twins, just like what Chief Gu said, all in one go, son and daughter.”
Her good days were coming to an end. Now she had to go back to work and possibly carry twins.
Why did everything seem to fall on her shoulders?
Zhan Aiping reminded her, “Take care of yourself during pregnancy. Our Old Gu’s little notebook is lent to your Old Wang to copy.”
Wang Youli nodded, “Okay, Old Gu, I’ll copy your homework now.”
“Fortunately, you beat me to it this time.”
Wang Youli was experiencing being a father for the first time, feeling both panicked and excited. Gu Sheng had just had a pair of twins, so he had experience to share. It was a good opportunity to learn, “I’ll enjoy the feeling of sitting back and reaping the rewards.”
Gu Sheng said, “The notebook is with Captain Jiang, he hasn’t finished copying it yet.”
Wang Youli said, “They’re all converging at once.”
Shen Liqing rested her chin on her hand, “Our two kids are the youngest.”
Zhan Aiping clicked her tongue twice, “Accepting it so quickly now? Talking about ‘our two kids’ so readily?”
“I’ve been idle for almost a whole year, idle to the point of anxiety. It wouldn’t hurt to find something to do.” Being idle every day was also a kind of pain and torment. Now Shen Liqing was filled with enthusiasm, sketching out plans in her mind, “The sooner we have kids, the sooner we can be relieved. We’re bound to be parents eventually.”
“Like Director Li, she used to come after me every day. Is she really that free? Is being the head of the women’s department that idle? She used to come after me every day. She has three sons at home, and the eldest is in high school now. I heard he’s going to join the military. After raising her kids so big, she’s relieved. She doesn’t have to worry about her sons anymore.”
Just mentioning Director Li made Shen Liqing feel overwhelmed. Was it wrong for her to stay at home? She even had to endure Director Li coming to persuade her to be more progressive, to have two more chubby boys.
Wang Youli said, “Director Li is a good director. With her persuading you, I feel relieved.”
Shen Liqing said, “She wants me to quickly have two chubby boys, why doesn’t she have more kids herself?”
Wang Youli said, “Her children have grown up long ago. Director Li is already quite old.”
Gu Sheng said, “Congratulations, congratulations.”
Zhan Aiping also said, “Congratulations, congratulations.”
Shen Liqing rubbed her ears, “I’ll wait another month or two before going to the hospital for a check-up. What if Dr. Zhan, you made a wrong diagnosis?”
Zhan Aiping replied, “You’re going to wait another month or two and still go to the hospital for a check-up? Can’t you figure it out yourself?”
“I’ll delay it a bit longer. As long as I haven’t confirmed it at the hospital, I can still pretend I’m not pregnant.”
Wang Youli covered his face, “My wife…”
“Old Gu, I need to learn from you.”
Wang Youli was extremely worried. His wife had a chronic procrastination habit, like she was in the late stage of procrastination cancer. She was slow and steady, never in a rush to do anything. He spoke to Gu Sheng privately, “Old Gu, Old Gu, I’m in trouble now.”
“Why did I end up with such a lazy wife? Li Li isn’t lazy, she’s just slow. If she can do something slowly, she will never do it quickly. If she can postpone something for two days, she’ll definitely delay it for three days…”
Gu Sheng said, “It’s only been a year, and you’re already full of complaints? Your Little Shen is not bad. I’ve seen your commitment, but you haven’t fulfilled much of it.”
“Little Shen didn’t force you to quit smoking.”
Shen Liqing was a slacker herself, she didn’t have double standards, she let Wang Youli do as he pleased.
Wang Youli’s face was gloomy, “It’s really unbelievable. Old Gu, you’ve actually fulfilled every single item on my commitment letter, and I was the one who wrote it for you.”
“Where’s your face? You’re really giving yourself some face.” Gu Sheng’s expression wasn’t good either. Now he had become a dad. This morning his son even sprayed him with toddler pee. The thing he regretted most was not using contraception with his wife.
On this point, Old Wang was too clever.
Suddenly, Wang Youli looked at him with a grin. He saw Gu Sheng, towering and muscular, still as unruly as last year, but… as he leaned in closer, he sniffed and caught a whiff of milk scent.
He patted Gu Sheng on the arm, but Gu Sheng grabbed his wrist. Wang Youli couldn’t help but laugh, “Old Gu, Old Gu, you smell like milk all over.”
“Seeing you in such a plight, I feel relieved.”
“I’m even more miserable. At least I have you as a cautionary tale.”
Wang Youli laughed, trying to see the bright side, “It would be great if my wife gave birth to two well-behaved daughters for me in the future, Daddy’s good little girls.”
“Your dream daughters.” Gu Sheng smirked, “I’m the one who actually has a daughter. Old Wang, mark my words, your two sons will be spitting up milk every day next year, covering you in it.”
Wang Youli scoffed, “I don’t have the fate to have two sons. Let me tell you, in our hometown, it’s either dragon and phoenix twins or two daughters.”
“I either have a son and a daughter like you, or two obedient daughters. I really envy the twin girls in our hometown, two sisters who look exactly alike, so adorable.”
“In our village, there are two pairs of identical sisters.”
Gu Sheng clicked his tongue, “Alright, let’s wait and see your Wang family twin sisters.”
Despite Shen Liqing’s reluctance to go to the hospital for confirmation, she was dragged there by Old Wang. They consulted an experienced old doctor who told them that they might be expecting a pair of brothers.
“I guess you two are going to have a pair of chubby boys.”
Shen Liqing and Wang Youli were stunned by this news. Though caught off guard, they quickly accepted it. Shen Liqing went to Gu’s house with Qin Lanfang to see the little pork bun siblings. Shen Liqing sat by the stroller, staring at the baby, “I feel like I’m carrying two fish. If they’re born, one will be sour fish and the other sweet and sour fish.”
“I love sour fish, and our Old Wang loves sweet and sour fish.”
Qin Lanfang said, “In our family, we have spicy chicken and sweet peas.”
Zhan Aiping chimed in, “When your children are born, it’ll be lively. We all got married in the same year. My little pork bun is the oldest… well, saying ‘little pork bun’ is indeed a mouthful. In simpler terms, my family has big brother and little sister.”
“Yeah,” Shen Liqing munched on sunflower seeds, “I’ve been wanting to say that about your little pork bun. Keep it simple. In my family, there’s big fish and little fish.”
Qin Lanfang added, “And in my family, there’s spicy chicken, serving both your big fish, little fish, and little pork bun.”
“With so much food, it’s like a feast. We’ll have four or five dishes.” Zhan Aiping thought about how nice it would be when they all sat down together, each with their own special dish.
*
After Shen Liqing’s issue was resolved, Director Li specially went to Gu’s house to thank Zhan Aiping. As she walked through the courtyard and entered the house, she saw two milk babies lying in the crib, melting her heart.
“These two little ones are so well-raised, so fair and tender, and those big eyes are just too beautiful. Xiao Zhan, no wonder everyone says your breast milk is good, feeding these two kids so strong.”
Zhan Aiping asked her, “Director Li, what brings you here?”
“To thank you, Dr. Zhan. You finally solved my major problem.”
“You mean Shen Liqing?”
Li Yuxia nodded, “Yes, it’s her. Her problem is a big one.”
Zhan Aiping shook her head, “She just doesn’t go to work, but is that really a major problem for you?”
“You don’t understand. My job is really difficult, especially mediating conflicts.”
Zhan Aiping smiled, “I know. Being a mediator often invites resentment.”
When two groups of people are quarrelling, the one trying to mediate and be fair often ends up being resented.
“Each side has its own reasons, but in our line of work, we can’t be biased. If you lean towards one side, even if you’re right, people will still criticize you for taking sides behind your back.”
“Family conflicts are the hardest to handle. Take a married couple arguing, for example. You go and speak up for one side, but when they make up later, they’ll blame you for meddling.”
“Some things need to be smoothed over.”
Zhan Aiping asked, “Then why do you keep focusing on Xiao Shen every day? Xiao Shen stays at home, and their Old Wang doesn’t have any objections.”
Li Yuxia sighed, “Old Wang doesn’t have any objections, but the neighbour next door does. The old lady from the Xu family next door, she frequently complains to me, saying that Shen Liqing has a bad influence.”
“A bad influence?”
“Isn’t that right? Such a good young woman, educated and well-read, has been lying around at home for a year. After getting married, she does nothing—doesn’t cook, doesn’t wash clothes, and doesn’t have children. The old lady couldn’t stand it, saying that such a spouse sets a bad example.”
Director Li said helplessly, “I don’t see what’s so bad about it. If it were me, I’d want to live like that too. Who wouldn’t?”
Zhan Aiping asked, “So she’s really that annoying?”
“Exactly, Xiao Shen is really annoying,” Director Li said with a grin. “But now it’s resolved. Xiao Shen has a job and is pregnant with twins. She’s going to be busy. Women get stronger when they become mothers. Xiao Shen’s leisurely days are over.”
“I’ve been through it all, watching you young folks go through it step by step—having children, raising them, taking care of them. That’s what married life is about.”
“My boys are grown now and don’t need my care.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Just wait until they get married; you’ll have plenty to worry about then.”
“No rush, I’m not pushing them to get married,” Director Li chuckled. “I’m open-minded. If they want to fall in love freely, they can. We’ve all been through that.”
After chatting for a while, Li Yuxia remembered something and said to Zhan Aiping, “Xiao Zhan, you should be careful too. You’re also the type that people envy.”
“Me? People envy me?”
“Of course. During your confinement, Xiao Gu took such good care of you. Look at you now, glowing with health. And look at your twins, so fair and lovely. Who wouldn’t envy that?”
“People envy this, envy that. No matter what you do, people will envy you,” Zhan Aiping said casually. “I’d rather people be jealous of me than pity me. I’d rather they admire and envy me than feel sorry for me.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Li Yuxia said. “Dr. Zhan, you have a clear perspective. When I retire as the women’s director, you should take over.”
Zhan Aiping quickly waved her hands, “I can’t do that job.”
“You have a talent for it. Why not? Be flexible when needed, be forgiving, and take everything in stride. You can do it. Look at me, Director Li. I’m unflappable now. Nothing can scare me.”
Zhan Aiping complimented her, “I haven’t reached your level yet, Director Li.”
“Enough talking, I should be going,” Li Yuxia rubbed her nose. “Now that my major issue is resolved, I can finally relax. By the way—”
“Xiao Zhan, can you really tell someone’s condition by checking their pulse? I heard your medical skills are quite good, and you know traditional Chinese medicine. Did you treat Captain Jiang’s illness too?”
“Director Li, you can doubt me in other things, but never doubt my medical skills,” Zhan Aiping chatted with her.
“Then can you check me too? I think I’ve been ill these past few days. I don’t feel right doing anything, and I have no appetite. I’m too embarrassed to go to the hospital… My whole body feels uncomfortable,” Director Li said quietly.
She suspected she had a gynaecological issue, and women of that era were often too embarrassed to see a doctor for such matters, enduring it as long as possible.
“Uncomfortable everywhere?” Zhan Aiping looked at her face and quickly understood. She thought, ‘Director Li beat around the bush for so long just to bring this up.’
“You’re a female doctor, so I can talk to you. Xiao Zhan, I know you’re a good comrade, so you must keep this secret for me.”
Zhan Aiping nodded, “I won’t reveal a patient’s privacy.”
She suspected that Director Li might have a minor gynaecological issue.
After examining her, the previously unflappable Director Li was anxious and asked what was wrong.
Zhan Aiping said, “It’s nothing serious… just an external injury.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll get you some medicine. Just be careful during… you know, intimate times,” Zhan Aiping said calmly, showing she was used to such situations.
“Oh, oh,” Director Li blushed deeply. “That old man at home has no sense of gentleness.”
Zhan Aiping offered, “Director Li, shall I check your pulse again?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Director Li, with her heart racing, asked, “Dr. Zhan, is there anything else wrong with me?”
Zhan Aiping hesitated, feeling awkward. “Director Li, maybe you should go to the hospital for a check-up. I’m afraid if I tell you, you’ll want to hit me or call me an incompetent doctor.”
“Dr. Zhan, just say it. I’m a women’s director, I’m not going to get physical.”
Remaining calm, Zhan Aiping said, “Director Li, you might be pregnant.”
Li Yuxia gave a nervous laugh, “Pregnant? I’ve been a mother for a long time, my kids are all grown up.”
Zhan Aiping insisted, “You should still go to the hospital for a proper check-up.”
Everyone seemed to be getting pregnant these days.
“You said Xiao Shen was pregnant last time, and you were right. But how can you say I’m pregnant too? I’m so old, how could I be—” Li Yuxia was scared out of her wits.
“Let Commissar Zhang accompany you to the hospital. Even if you don’t go now, be careful about the baby.”
“Don’t overdo it,” Dr. Zhan finished.
Li Yuxia’s face turned pale.
At that moment, she desperately hoped that Zhan Aiping had made a mistake. How could she possibly be pregnant?
Li Yuxia went home in a daze and told Commissar Zhang.
Commissar Zhang grumbled, “That Dr. Zhan doesn’t know what she’s doing, diagnosing things randomly. At your age, after so many years without news, how could it be?”
“Sigh—I thought so too,” Li Yuxia hadn’t considered it until Zhan Aiping mentioned it. Now, the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became, unable to think straight.
She was almost in despair.
“Shh, Old Zhang, don’t spread this around.” If anyone found out, Li Yuxia felt she’d lose all her dignity and couldn’t face anyone.
“What are you afraid of? There’s nothing to hide. It’s just a misdiagnosis by Dr. Zhan, right?”
Commissar Zhang dismissed it, “Those military doctors are often unreliable, like Old Sun, always making mistakes.”
“Old Zhang, who are you cursing at?”
Dr. Sun, the gossip from next door, had sharp ears and overheard Commissar Zhang’s words. Dr. Sun said, “I was just about to come over, and I heard someone talking behind my back.”
Commissar Zhang asked, “What are you here for?”
“I’ve been driven crazy by Old Jiang. Ever since his wife got pregnant—no, ever since he got married—he’s been acting like a young boy, always asking me questions. What did your wife do when she was pregnant? Was your daughter clingy when she was little?” Dr. Sun continued to complain, “I’m sick of it. He and Commander Gu are two of a kind. Old Jiang carries Xiao Gu’s notebook and flaunts it. Who doesn’t have a wife? Who doesn’t have kids? I have both sons and daughters, yet he shows off in front of me.”
“Having a child at his age, what is there to boast about? At his age, my kids were already running around everywhere.”
Commissar Zhang chuckled, “Old Sun, give him a break. It’s not easy for Captain Jiang.”
“‘Having a child in old age’ is indeed not easy,” Dr. Sun nodded, feeling better after venting his frustrations. “And you, Old Zhang, what were you just saying about me? Who called me an incompetent doctor? When you had gastroenteritis, who carried you? When you had a high fever, who stayed by your side?”
Commissar Zhang retorted, “And who caused my fracture?”
Dr. Sun replied, “That was just a mistake.”
“I said you military doctors are unreliable. I was just talking to Yuxia about Xiao Zhan, the doctor from Commander Gu’s family. Dr. Zhan, a retired female military doctor.”
Dr. Sun asked, “What’s wrong with her? She’s still young and has good skills in traditional Chinese medicine. Didn’t she recently diagnose someone with pregnancy?”
“Yes,” Commissar Zhang nodded. “She randomly diagnoses pregnancies. I think she just got lucky. Today, she even said my wife Yuxia is pregnant.”
Dr. Sun was stunned, “Pregnant? You too, having a child in old age?”
Commissar Zhang was furious, “Old age my foot! Look at how old I am!”
Dr. Sun asked, “Is it a misdiagnosis?”
“Of course it’s a misdiagnosis. These young doctors are just messing around.”
“Well,” Dr. Sun nodded, “It’s quite something to have such a situation arise.”
Commissar Zhang said, “That’s why I say your military medical standards need improvement.”
Dr. Sun replied, “Go to the hospital for a check-up. What if it’s not a misdiagnosis? I might believe she misdiagnosed something else, but she’s very experienced in gynaecology. Didn’t you see she even reported on it?”
“Nonsense. That’s impossible. Stop talking nonsense and defending your young doctors.”
“Of course. Female military doctors are precious, not the same as others.”
Commissar Zhang said, “If I had a daughter, I’d send her to be a military doctor too. Unfortunately, I only have three sons.”
“What if this one is a daughter born in your old age?”
“Do you want me to hit you, Old Sun?”
After Dr. Sun left, Commissar Zhang turned around and saw Li Yuxia looking utterly devastated.
Commissar Zhang was startled, “Why do you look like the sky is falling?”
“Zhang, I won’t let you get away with this. How could you tell Sun Zhou about this? Aren’t you ashamed? Now my face is utterly disgraced. It’s all your fault.”
“Why is it your disgrace? Isn’t it Xiao Zhan’s fault? Tomorrow I’ll talk to Xiao Gu and have him address how his wife is treating patients.”
Li Yuxia closed her eyes, “What if I really am pregnant?”
Commissar Zhang choked on his own spit, “What do you mean you really are pregnant? Are you talking nonsense?”
Li Yuxia was furious, “Isn’t it your fault?”
Commissar Zhang replied, “Well, what do we do?”
They still needed to go to the hospital for a check-up.
Li Yuxia went to the hospital, and it turned out she really was pregnant. Following the good news from Qin Lanfang and Shen Liqing, she too had some surprising news, although for her, it wasn’t exactly good news.
With three grown boys at home, she had finally managed to raise them, and now there was another one on the way.
The doctor asked her, “Do you want to keep the baby?”
If she chose to terminate the pregnancy, it would cause significant harm to her. However, continuing with the pregnancy at her age also carried risks.
Li Yuxia felt deeply embarrassed.
Commissar Zhang said, “Why not have a daughter? I could have a daughter in my old age.”
Li Yuxia replied, “What if it’s another boy, making it four sons?”
Commissar Zhang reassured her, “I don’t think I have the fate for four sons. It’s definitely going to be a daughter. If it is a daughter, we’ll pamper her.”
Li Yuxia covered her face, “I can’t face anyone. I can’t live like this! How will I face Dr. Zhan in the future? I can’t live like this!”
Commissar Zhang tried to console her, “Think about it, having a daughter would be wonderful. Didn’t you always want a daughter?”
“Having a child in old age, wonderful my foot.”
“But it would still be a precious child, wouldn’t it?”
Li Yuxia was utterly mortified and decided she would avoid Zhan Aiping in the future, feeling she had lost all face. She felt like a walking disaster.
Thanks to Dr. Sun’s big mouth, many people had already heard about Zhan Aiping’s “misdiagnosis” before Li Yuxia was confirmed pregnant. Now that she was confirmed pregnant, it became a topic everyone was interested in.
Even Gu Sheng, who was always busy with training, heard about it.
Zhan Aiping didn’t gossip about these things with him, as it involved “patient privacy.” When Gu Sheng came home, he would take a shower first, change into clean clothes, and then hug his wife and children.
“Let me kiss you first. My wife smells so good.”
The two babies were lying in their cribs. Gu Sheng took the opportunity to hug his wife, as this was the most important thing after a busy day.
Zhan Aiping laughed and tried to push his face away, but couldn’t. So she kissed his chin instead. “You’re like a bear attacking me every time you come home.”
“Warm and cozy, this bear’s fur is thick.”
Gu Sheng nuzzled into her neck, “You used to call me a wolfdog. Now I’m a bear?”
“All dogs.”
Zhan Aiping leaned against his chest. They hugged, leaving the babies alone for a while. Luckily, the babies were sleeping soundly. She smelled the milk scent on herself, “It’s the smell of baby milk. You still say I smell good.”
“Yes, milky and sweet.”
“You secretly tasted it, didn’t you? How do you know it’s sweet?”
“My wife always smells good. People are saying you’re like a fertility charm—whoever you see gets pregnant.”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Zhan Aiping rested her head against him. “That’s probably because you exaggerated the story.”
“Director Li is really pregnant. She’s been avoiding me recently, probably too embarrassed to face anyone. It’s good, though. I don’t have to hear her talk about her past experiences.”
“I don’t know what she’s thinking. She even wanted to train me as the next women’s director. Is that possible? I don’t have her patience. If I went to mediate disputes, I wouldn’t be mediating—I’d join in.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “I know you have a temper, but you’ve become much gentler than when you were younger. I like you this way.”
“You—you—” Zhan Aiping held his handsome face, remembering Li Yuxia’s situation. Her face turned a bit red. Gu Sheng touched her face, feeling it was warm. “What’s wrong, wife?”
Zhan Aiping whispered, “I just hope you be careful.”
“We’ll be careful with contraception from now on,” Gu Sheng promised sincerely.
“That’s not it,” Zhan Aiping felt embarrassed, thinking about the incident with the “external injury” at their old age, which was quite humiliating.
“Then what is it?”
Blushing, Zhan Aiping said, “Just be careful, okay?”
She held Gu Sheng’s head and ruffled his hair. His short hair felt prickly to the touch. Gu Sheng rubbed his face against her forehead and looked into her eyes. “Do you think my face is handsome?”
“I know you female soldiers like someone like me. Even back in school, many girls would sneak glances at me.”
“Not me,” Zhan Aiping looked at him openly. “I always looked at you directly, never sneaking glances.”
“The male soldiers liked to sneak glances at me.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “Who are you fooling? Besides me, which male soldier would sneak glances at you? It’s the female nurses who loved to sneak glances at you.”
Zhan Aiping boasted, “You underestimate me. Many male military doctors liked me.”
“Just don’t let me find out, or I’ll be green with envy.”
“Remember, you’re now a mother of two. No attracting attention.”
Zhan Aiping pinched his cheek, “You talk about me attracting attention, but your handsome face attracts plenty. Who in the military hospital doesn’t know you? Even during childbirth, some came to sneak a look at you. Your sister told me.”
“Are you getting jealous too?”
Zhan Aiping snorted, “Remember, this handsome face is mine. Even when we’re old, it’s mine. Be virtuous and take care of yourself.”
Gu Sheng laughed, “Be virtuous, huh?”
“Yes, you’re the father of two now,” Zhan Aiping said, turning to see that Guobao was awake. “Your son is awake.”
“Awake again, are you hungry?” Gu Sheng picked up the baby, who was as light as a feather to him. He expertly patted the baby’s back gently.
Guobao opened his mouth, making some meaningless sounds.
Gu Sheng squeezed his little fist, “Little guy, when will you call me ‘dad’?”
Zhan Aiping said, “He’ll definitely say ‘mom’ first, right? Little Guobao.”
Youyou gave a silly smile, making Zhan Aiping feel a bit embarrassed, as she noticed the child resembled her, especially with that goofy expression, which seemed a bit funny.
“Don’t tease your son on purpose.”
Gu Sheng said, “I love teasing him. Our son looks like you, straightforward and simple.”
“Are you saying our daughter takes after you and is cunning?”
Gu Sheng replied, “I misspoke earlier. Our son looks like you but has my personality. Don’t be fooled by his silly smile; he’s strategically deceiving you.”
Zhan Aiping: “…”
“Our daughter does seem more serious and doesn’t smile as much. She’s a proper young lady.”
Gu Sheng said, “I think she’s a little firecracker. She babbles more than her brother, always chattering away.”
“Her brother will laugh and smile, but she just gets more and more excited and has to yell a bit.”
Zhan Aiping chuckled, “You do pay close attention.”
“Of course, unlike you. I’m not careless; I take notes every day.”
Zhan Aiping patted his face, “I don’t know if our son is strategically fooling me, but I know you definitely are. You’re the master of fooling people, always talking nonsense.”
“Go cook dinner.”
“Aye, aye.”
Zhan Aiping fed the two children while Gu Sheng cooked and did the laundry.
Looking down at her two increasingly robust children, Zhan Aiping thought her leisurely days were coming to an end. It was almost the end of the year, with the Spring Festival next month.
After Li Yuxia got pregnant, Zhan Aiping didn’t know who else was happy, but she knew Shen Liqing was ecstatic.
Since learning about Li Yuxia’s pregnancy, Shen Liqing had been overjoyed. She came to the Gu household to see the children, laughing all the while:
“Hee hee hee—Director Li is really pregnant.”
She kept giggling, and even Guobao and Tangyuan started giggling along with her.
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Why are you so happy about Director Li’s pregnancy?”
“Of course I’m happy. She always pushed others to have children, and now she’s having one herself. Her three boys are grown, and now she’s having another. I suggest the nickname ‘Three Delicacies’.”
Zhan Aiping shook her head, “Would you dare say that to Director Li?”
“I wouldn’t dare. I’m just saying it secretly.” Shen Liqing laughed mischievously. “I’m not anxious anymore. In our residential compound, everyone is getting pregnant. If I don’t, I’d feel out of place. Now that everyone else is having babies, I feel at ease.”
Zhan Aiping said, “That’s just blindly following the crowd.”
“You’re the one who diagnosed Director Li. You’re impressive, Dr. Zhan. I wish I had your medical skills.” Shen Liqing grinned, “I heard Director Li avoids you now, probably out of embarrassment.”
“Our Director Li could use some counselling from a women’s director herself.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “You should compete for the women’s director position in the future.”
“No, no, no. You do it, Pingping.”
“Dr. Zhan is amazing, whoever she sees will get pregnant.”
Zhan Aiping clicked her tongue, “Stop teasing, or you’ll get a beating.”
Shen Liqing stayed for a while, grabbed some greens and scallions, and went home. Seeing her actions, Zhan Aiping couldn’t help but say, “Your skills at taking advantage have improved. How much have you taken from Sister Qin?”
“I’m just not being formal with you. I’m growing sunflower seeds at home. When they’re ready, I’ll invite you to eat them.” Recently, Shen Liqing had been focused on growing sunflower seeds.
“Alright, I’ll wait to taste your homegrown seeds.”
Shen Liqing left with fresh, tender greens. Not long after she left, another visitor arrived—He Lingling. Zhan Aiping was quite surprised to see her.
Their families used to be neighbours and had ordinary interactions. Since Zhan Aiping’s family moved, they rarely saw each other.
“Congratulations on your twins! I wanted to come see them.”
He Lingling entered Zhan Aiping’s courtyard, looking a bit hesitant and unsure. Seeing her expression, Zhan Aiping guessed that she had something on her mind.
He Lingling glanced at little Guobao on the bed, wringing her sleeves. “Dr. Zhan, I wanted to ask you to check my health. My periods have been irregular, and it’s been a couple of years without a child. Every time I argue with Xie Shu, I get really emotional…”
She spoke in a disjointed manner. She and Xie Shu had been married for quite some time. Their neighbours had twins, Captain Jiang’s new wife was pregnant, Shen Liqing was pregnant, and even Director Li was pregnant.
The more He Lingling thought about it, the more upset she became.
Even Director Li got pregnant?
“I… I just want to have a child too. Xie Shu wanted me to go to the hospital, but I didn’t want to go.” He Lingling’s face looked troubled. She knew she probably had some health issues, but she was conflicted and not entirely sure she wanted a child.
He Lingling covered her face, “Even Director Li has a child now!”
Director Li, who always came to mediate their arguments, was now pregnant. He Lingling couldn’t handle it.
Zhan Aiping was speechless for a moment.
It seemed Director Li’s pregnancy had deeply affected her.
Blushing, He Lingling said, “I used to think that Director Li and her husband were just getting by, not really in love.”
In her mind, she always thought Director Li and her husband had a loveless marriage and that Director Li only interfered in others’ lives because she was unhappy in her own. Now, she realized that the couple, even at their age, still had a bond strong enough to conceive a child.
Meanwhile, she and Xie Shu, once passionately in love, had become like an old married couple who didn’t even bother to argue anymore.
Zhan Aiping said, “Director Li and her husband seem to be doing quite well.”
He Lingling felt miserable. “Nowadays, Xie Shu and I don’t even bother to fight. Recently, just seeing him annoys me.”
“I’ve been thinking, do couples who have been together for a long time all end up just cohabiting?”
“Director Li used to say that we should have a child to bring some excitement and liveliness into our relationship.”
“I used to really dislike Director Li. I thought she didn’t understand love…” He Lingling would always make Director Li furious.
Zhan Aiping comforted her, “Every generation has its own kind of love.”
He Lingling said, “Now, Xie Shu and I don’t even want to argue anymore. Does that mean we don’t have love anymore?”
“Every time I see him, I feel annoyed, but when I don’t see him, I miss him. I really want to yell at him.”
“Is this what married life is supposed to be like? Maybe we should have a child…”
He Lingling was so conflicted that her words were jumbled. One moment she said they had no love, the next she wondered if they should have a child.
Zhan Aiping tried to soothe her, “You should go to the hospital for a check-up. You might not be out of love; you might be pregnant.”
Just a moment ago, Zhan Aiping had examined He Lingling and, based on her symptoms, suspected she was pregnant.
“What?” He Lingling was stunned and shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”
She thought she knew her body well and couldn’t be pregnant.
Zhan Aiping said, “Your period hasn’t come for a long time, has it?”
“It’s always irregular.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “Are you going to wait until you start showing and think you have a tumour?”
He Lingling glared at her, “Dr. Zhan, is this your only diagnosis? Whoever comes to you, you just say they’re pregnant.” Zhan Aiping: “…”
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