Competitive Spirit
Zhan Aiping couldn’t believe it, several pregnancies in a row, and she was involved in all of them. Upon careful consideration, while it was coincidental, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. After all, she was a doctor, and it wasn’t uncommon for her, Qin Lanfang, and Shen Liqing to get married in the same year, subsequently becoming pregnant. This was quite a normal occurrence.
However, it was rather coincidental to run into Li Yuxia as well. Li Yuxia unexpectedly became pregnant, and Zhan Aiping speculated that it was because Director Li was getting older, and the couple might have felt they couldn’t conceive, so they didn’t take any precautions, leading to this unexpected pregnancy.
As for He Lingling, she had irregular periods and wasn’t easily able to conceive. However, she and Xie Shu had been married for several years, so her pregnancy was normal. When Zhan Aiping and her husband moved, the frequency of the neighbours’ quarrels decreased significantly…
Perhaps her emotions had relaxed, and the child came naturally.
Zhan Aiping asked He Lingling, “You didn’t dare to go to the hospital before. You tried several folk remedies to get pregnant, but none of them worked?”
He Lingling’s face tightened, she looked hesitant, and finally nodded, “Yes, I tried many.”
So she couldn’t believe she was pregnant.
Before, in order to conceive, she had secretly tried many folk remedies but didn’t dare to tell anyone, yet none of them worked.
Now that she had given up, Zhan Aiping told her she was pregnant.
“How did you know? Am I really pregnant?” He Lingling couldn’t calm her emotions. This was such an unexpected piece of news for her.
“The child has come, it’s fate. Take good care of yourself and safely deliver the baby.”
He Lingling anxiously asked, “I’ve eaten quite a lot of cold things before. Will it be bad for the baby?”
Zhan Aiping smiled reassuringly, “Just be more careful in the future.”
“Do I really have a child?” He Lingling’s emotions were too intense. She started to accept this fact, tears flowing uncontrollably. Her eyes were red, she wiped them repeatedly, but the tears kept coming, more and more.
“I… I always thought I couldn’t have children.” He Lingling had a proud and stubborn personality, but deep down, she had extreme insecurity. With her irregular periods and poor health, she hadn’t conceived in the years after marriage. Although she appeared carefree on the surface, she had always been concerned about this matter.
Her frequent arguments with Xie Shu were largely because she feared that he wouldn’t want a woman who couldn’t bear children.
If she couldn’t have children, how long could their marriage, based on “love,” last?
“I’m afraid Xie Shu will divorce me over this matter, so I’m unwilling to go to the hospital for a check-up. What if it turns out to be my fault? Will he divorce me because of this…? In that case, I’d rather argue and divorce him.”
“But every time we argue, we still can’t leave each other.” He Lingling felt anxious. This matter weighed heavily on her mind, like a bomb hanging over her heart, afraid that it would explode one day.
They were still young, and they didn’t urgently want children now. However, the pressure from Xie Shu’s family was increasing. If she couldn’t conceive, there was no guarantee that Xie Shu wouldn’t be pressured into divorcing her.
He Lingling’s pride wouldn’t allow her to be abandoned just because she couldn’t bear children.
“I argue with him every day, but still can’t leave—” He Lingling’s words were incoherent. Her emotions were too intense, her voice choked with tears, and tears and snot flowed uncontrollably.
Zhan Aiping handed her tissues, and He Lingling whispered her thanks.
“If you still don’t believe it, go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up. Let your husband, Xie Shu, accompany you. Remind him that, in consideration of your pregnancy, you two shouldn’t argue anymore.”
“I don’t want to argue with him anymore.” He Lingling cried and laughed, “Dr. Zhan, why don’t you accompany me to the hospital? If the doctor says I’m not pregnant, you can accuse him, confront him, and call him a quack.”
Zhan Aiping chuckled, “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. You just need to lighten up a bit. Your mind has been too heavy before, making it difficult to conceive. Relax a little from now on.”
He Lingling nodded, thanking her, “Dr. Zhan, you’re like the goddess of fertility.”
Zhan Aiping was speechless for a moment, then said, “Don’t say that. I’m not a goddess of fertility.”
It was their own pregnancies, and she could only discover their pregnancies because of them. It wasn’t her, Zhan Aiping, who made them pregnant; it was their own men.
“I don’t have the ability to make you pregnant.”
“You have it because you deserve it,” wiped away a tear, her eyes all red, “Thank you, Dr. Zhan.”
Dr. Zhan comforted her for a few moments, and now, He Lingling felt particularly fond of her. “Dr. Zhan, it would be great if you were the women’s director.”
“Just hearing you speak makes me feel at ease, and I don’t want to argue with Xie Shu anymore.”
Dr. Zhan shook her head. “I don’t have that ability. The women’s director should still be Director Li. She, she’s more tactful. As for me, I’m more like someone with a hammer.”
He Lingling burst into laughter.
“You, take care of yourself since you’re pregnant, especially in terms of diet…” Dr. Zhan gave her some advice on pregnancy.
He Lingling nodded earnestly. “Dr. Zhan, do you have a pen? I want to write it down.”
Dr. Zhan thought for a moment. “How about letting your husband, Xie, copy the notes from our Mr. Gu? When I was pregnant before, he wrote them very detailed.”
“Okay, I’ll make sure he copies them properly. If he doesn’t, I’ll scold him, and my child will scold him too.” He Lingling’s mood changed rapidly; she was feeling cheerful now.
She couldn’t wait to tell Xie Shu about this news.
“Dr. Zhan, I envy you. When you were pregnant before, Commander Gu was so nice to you. My husband, Xie, should learn from him. It’s a shame you’ve moved away now; otherwise, I’d have him come to your house every day to learn.”
Dr. Zhan said, “It’s better for your husband, Xie, to stay at home and take care of you and the child.”
“Yes, I’m going to make him work hard. I want to turn the tables and make him unable to fight back or argue.”
Dr. Zhan chuckled. “I’m just afraid you won’t be able to bear it.”
He Lingling insisted, “Who says I can’t bear it?”
“After being your neighbour for half a year, I’ve heard you two arguing so much that my ears have calluses. Let me recall how many times he softened—”
“You, you, you!” He Lingling blushed deeply. “He definitely softened more times than I did.”
“He always says I’m being unreasonable, but he’s the one being unreasonable.”
Dr. Zhan clucked her tongue. “Your marital issues should be discussed between yourselves.”
The more He Lingling looked at Dr. Zhan, the more trustworthy she felt. “Dr. Zhan, you’re so understanding. If we ever have relationship problems, I’ll come to you.”
Dr. Zhan refused. “No, please don’t. I’m a medical doctor, not a counsellor for relationship issues.”
“If you have minor health problems, you can come to me.”
He Lingling said earnestly, “Dr. Zhan, you’re being modest.”
Dr. Zhan replied, “I just want to do my job well, be a good doctor.”
After chatting with her for a while, He Lingling went back home.
Dr. Zhan sighed in relief and went to see Guobao and Xiao Tangyuan, the two little ones who only knew how to eat and sleep. She had lost weight, but these two little ones had gained quite a bit, with chubby arms like lotus roots, soft and solid.
“Call you Little Roast Pork, and you really are chubby.”
Dr. Zhan smiled gently, then looked at her daughter. “And our Little Dumpling, too, so white and soft. Mommy could swallow you in one gulp.”
She bent down to kiss her daughter’s face, and the little one smiled back, squirming around, showing signs of wanting to eat.
“Two little gluttons.”
***
Gu Sheng was handling documents in the office. He neatly arranged a stack of telegrams, brushed his pen to write line by line, paused, locked up what needed to be locked, and prepared to get up and leave.
Before getting up, he picked up a photo on the desk, taken when his two children were a month old. In the photo, he and his wife were holding the two children. Zhang Aiping’s body was leaning slightly, happily smiling beside him.
Gu Sheng’s eyes carried a gentle smile as he looked at the photo with great affection. Then he put it down and raised his head, catching sight of Director Jiang.
Director Jiang tapped on his desk, expressionless. “Some people, if you’re leaving, just leave. Don’t linger around looking at photos. Are you looking at photos for yourself or showing them to me?”
Gu Sheng replied, “I’ve finished what I needed to write. The rest, you can take your time with.”
“I’ll write it later,” Director Jiang rubbed his head. He really hated the end and beginning of the year, with a bunch of things to deal with.
“Let me see that photo you were so engrossed in.”
Gu Sheng put it away. “It’s a photo of my wife and our two children. What’s so interesting about it for you?”
Director Jiang said, “You’re going too far.”
Gu Sheng retorted, “You’ve sneaked a peek at my photos before. Didn’t you find it enough?”
Director Jiang snorted, “Sooner or later, I’ll have some of my own.”
“Then you better get going,” Gu Sheng continued, “If you want to catch up to my two kids, you’ll have to wait a few more years.”
“Who wants to have so many? I’ll be fine with just one.”
“Good for you,” Gu Sheng thought to himself. When the two kids started crying and making a fuss, it gave him a headache. “When are you going to return my notebook?”
“Why are you in such a hurry? I’ll copy it slowly,” in reality, Director Jiang had no intention of copying it at all. He wanted to brazenly claim it as his own.
“Xiao Gu, you know we’ve been comrades for so many years, can’t you make an exception for me?”
“Absolutely not,” Gu Sheng said solemnly. “This is something I painstakingly wrote when my wife was pregnant.”
“Director Jiang, your wife is pregnant, and you’re not even willing to do this little thing yourself, isn’t that a bit too much?”
Director Jiang felt a tingling sensation on his scalp. He stubbornly replied, “Who said I’m not willing? I’ve copied most of it already.”
In reality, Director Jiang had only copied the beginning. He hadn’t expected that Gu Sheng’s supposedly slightly thick “little notebook” would be so thick, with densely packed words that gave him a headache.
“If you’re not in a hurry to copy, I’ll lend it to Lao Wang first. His wife, Xiao Shen, is also pregnant.”
“No, no, no, I’ll copy it first. I’ll finish it overnight.”
Gu Sheng nodded. “Alright, I have to go.”
“Wait, don’t leave yet.” In front of Gu Sheng, Director Jiang unbuttoned his shirt and took off his military jacket.
Gu Sheng’s heroic eyebrows twitched. “What are you doing?”
“I want to show you my new clothes, the new military uniform I received. Look at it, your sister-in-law embroidered it for me.”
Director Jiang spread out his military uniform in front of Gu Sheng, showing him the pattern sewn on the hem of his clothes. A piece of green cloth was sewn onto it, and Jiang’s name was embroidered on the cloth with needle and thread.
Because everyone’s military uniforms were similar, to prevent accidental confusion, many people would mark their clothes in subtle ways, such as drawing symbols, numbering them, or sewing their names on them.
“Your sister-in-law embroidered it herself. She’s pregnant, and I told her not to bother with it, but she insisted on doing it. I couldn’t stop her…” Director Jiang’s eyes lit up as he spoke, his desire to show off evident in his words.
If he didn’t want to show off, why would he start undressing in front of him?
“Besides this, there’s more. The pants are stitched here.”
Gu Sheng said with a blank expression, “Stop undressing. I’m not interested in seeing it. I need to get home to see my kids.”
Chief of Staff Gu thought to himself that the clothes weren’t even as nice as his kids’ diapers.
“Come on, don’t rush off. Let’s chat a bit more.”
“Fine, let’s chat.” Gu Sheng turned and sat down casually on a chair, raising an eyebrow. “Let’s talk about photos. I have pictures of my wife from childhood. Do you?”
“On the day we got our marriage certificate, we went to the movies. Have you ever gone to the movies with your wife?”
“Besides this photo, I have more. Do you want to see them?”
Captain Jiang stammered, “You—”
Captain Jiang thought to himself that he wasn’t interested in seeing his photos. “Let’s talk about clothes.”
“Next time, we’ll talk about clothes. Let’s talk about photos first.”
Captain Jiang was speechless.
Unable to have a productive conversation, Gu Sheng left Captain Jiang and headed back to the residential area. Whistling a couple of tunes into the wind, he was lost in thought. Chief of Staff Gu carried a green bag with newly issued uniforms. Since there were already too many uniforms at home, he didn’t rush to bring them in.
Before he reached his doorstep, someone called out to him. He turned around and saw it was Xie Shu.
Previously, as neighbours, they hadn’t exchanged many words.
Xie Shu adjusted his hat and said straightforwardly, “Chief of Staff Gu, can I borrow your notes to copy?”
Gu Sheng was momentarily speechless.
Xie Shu had an unmistakable look of pride on his face. “My wife is pregnant.”
“Congratulations!”
“Same to you,” Xie Shu smiled. “I owe it to your wife, Dr. Zhan. She diagnosed my wife… Lingling says Dr. Zhan is like the Goddess of Fertility, even more effective than the fertility deity in the temple.”
Gu Sheng replied, “Really? What a coincidence.”
“Thanks again. We should exchange experiences more often. I need to learn from you.”
Gu Sheng nodded. “The notebook is with Captain Jiang. His wife just got pregnant too. You can exchange notes with him.”
Xie Shu hesitated, “I’m afraid he won’t want to talk with me.”
“Talk about clothes with him. He’ll definitely be willing. I need to head home.”
After bidding Xie Shu farewell, Gu Sheng returned home and noticed the milk powder and White Rabbit candies in the corner. He asked, “Wife, who was here?”
“He Lingling, our old neighbour. She asked me to check her health, and I found out she was pregnant. She went to the hospital immediately to confirm it and brought us a bunch of things as thanks. Even when I refused, she insisted. Comrade Gu, our house is overflowing with milk powder.”
So many people had sent milk powder that it was piling up like a small mountain. In these times, there weren’t many nutritious gifts to give, so people often sent white sugar, canned fruit, canned meat, milk powder, malted milk extract, and White Rabbit candies…
Zhan Aiping unwrapped a White Rabbit milk candy and popped it into her mouth. She also unwrapped one for Gu Sheng. “Eat it, and our whole family will smell like milk.”
Gu Sheng bit into it, chewing it directly. After two chews, he pecked Zhan Aiping on the cheek. “It’s not just milk powder that’s piling up. Who would have thought that after just three days, my Pingping would become the ‘Fertility Goddess Pingping.’”
Zhan Aiping held her head. “Don’t mention it. Who knew they’d all get pregnant one after another? In this residential compound, besides the military personnel, it’s just the wives. There aren’t many other illnesses, so pregnancy is all that’s left.”
“Even though pregnancy isn’t a big deal.”
Gu Sheng laughed. “When you discover the pregnancies, it becomes a big deal. Whoever you say is pregnant, gets pregnant.”
“If you call me the ‘Fertility Goddess’ again, I’ll step on you,” Zhan Aiping said, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck, swinging herself on him. After getting rid of her two burdens, she was as light as a feather again.
Zhan Aiping swung on him for a moment, her body agile and strong. She climbed onto his back, sitting on Gu Sheng’s shoulders, and playfully pretended to squeeze his neck with her legs. “Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll choke you.”
Gu Sheng held her legs. “Even the kids haven’t ridden on my shoulders yet, and here you are, riding so smoothly…”
Chief of Staff Gu sighed. “Just worried the kids will follow your example.”
“Tell the kids, this is my exclusive ride. Didn’t you say you weren’t afraid of the little tyrants? Are you scared now?”
“Not scared, not scared. What’s there to fear? I’m just worried about their mom acting like a monkey and raising two little monkeys.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, patting his face. She leaned forward, and Gu Sheng caught her in his arms. “The gymnastics team is missing you, Zhan Daping.”
Zhan Aiping said, “The acrobatics troupe is missing both of us.”
“I’ll go cook. By the way, I have a task for you, Comrade Zhan.” Gu Sheng took out the newly issued military uniform. Zhan Aiping looked puzzled. “What’s up? New uniform? Are you in a hurry to wear it?”
“Yes, I’m in a hurry to wear it.” Gu Sheng spread out the uniform. “I heard female soldiers are meticulous. You’ve been retired for a while, let’s see if you’re still good with your hands. Sew my name on it for me, will you? I’ll cook for you later.”
Zhan Aiping pointed at herself. “You want me to sew your name?”
“Is that why you brought this big bag back?”
Gu Sheng replied casually, “Sew them all.”
Zhan Aiping rested her chin in her hand. “Sew them on to show off to whom?”
Seeing this, Zhan Daping knew something was up. He must be planning to show off. Men and their competitive spirit, she thought.
“To Captain Jiang. He’s always showing me his clothes, even undressing to show them off today.”
Zhan Aiping: “… You wouldn’t want to undress in front of him, right? You can only undress for me.”
Gu Sheng laughed. “Of course, I won’t undress for him. Only for you. Come, feel these chest muscles, are they firm?”
Zhan Aiping rolled her eyes. “You’re so narcissistic.”
“All for you.” Gu Sheng winked at her. “Haven’t you noticed that since we got married, I’ve gotten more muscular? I’ve been working out just for you. Do you like it?”
Although she wanted to argue, Zhan Aiping honestly replied, “Yes, yes, keep it up.”
“I knew you, Zhan Daping, are a bit lecherous.”
Zhan Aiping: “Alright, alright, I’m lecherous.”
She admitted it. She liked Gu Sheng’s body. What’s wrong with touching it more often? After all, he’s her husband.
“Then hurry up and get the needle, and sew my clothes.”
“Do it yourself, and you’ll be well-fed and clothed,” Zhan Aiping teased him. “Anyway, you’re not showing it to Captain Jiang. Does it matter if I sew it or you do? You can sew it yourself and then say I did it.”
“Fifth Brother, boost my reputation. I bet your sewing will look great.”
Gu Sheng said, “It has to be sewn by you, Pingping. Don’t be heartless.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll sew it,” Zhan Aiping said with a smile, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his chin. “Go cook, don’t let your wife go hungry.”
Gu Sheng pinched her cheek and then turned to start cooking.
Zhan Aiping picked up the needle and thread to sew his name. It had been a long time since she last did this, and she felt a bit rusty. She cut out a piece of green fabric, hemmed it, and then embroidered his name on it.
She worked skilfully with the needle and thread. By the time Gu Sheng finished cooking, she had already sewn one name tag. Gu Sheng, not in a hurry to eat, came over to take a look, but Zhan Aiping held it away. “Promise me you won’t show this name tag to Captain Jiang.”
“Why not?” Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow. “What did you embroider, Pingping?”
Zhan Aiping blushed. She had been feeling particularly creative and had embroidered a little heart next to his name. Now, looking at it, she felt it was a bit silly.
Gu Sheng pried her hand away and saw his name along with the heart and a tiny “Zhan” character. His eyes lit up, and he praised, “You have such skilful hands, Pingping. No wonder you’re a doctor; your stitching is excellent.”
“Do all of them like this.”
“Don’t you have any shame? If someone sees it, it’ll be so embarrassing.”
Even though it was sewn inside and wouldn’t be seen normally, there was a chance it might be noticed if the clothes got mixed up. That would be too embarrassing.
“Just this one. The others will be plain. And you, Comrade Gu, need to be serious. You’re a father now.”
Gu Sheng sighed, “Alright.”
“I’ll find an opportunity to show this to Captain Jiang.”
“No, don’t you dare. You might not care, but I do.” Zhan Aiping’s heart raced at the thought. “You two are so childish. Can you compete over something more mature?”
“I’m a grown man. Captain Jiang is the old man.”
“—Eeyah?”
“Aaah!”
The couple argued playfully while eating, and their two children started fussing too. Each took a child to soothe. “Are they hungry again?”
“Maybe they need a diaper change. I’ll eat while you take care of it, Comrade Gu. Don’t stink up the place; I want to eat in peace.”
Zhan Aiping ate her meal calmly, completely trusting her husband.
“It really stinks. How can you eat through this?” Gu Sheng pinched his nose, washed his hands, and changed the baby’s diaper.
Zhan Aiping handed him a small medical mask. “Here, put this on.”
“Help me with it.”
Zhan Aiping helped him put on the mask and put one on herself too.
“You really are a good mom, prepared for everything—medical masks, medical gauze for diapers… Should I get you some sterile gloves too?”
“Good idea. I’ll get you gloves next time.”
Gu Sheng: “You’re spoiled. My hands are already disinfected.”
Zhan Aiping nodded, “Our baby is growing very healthy.”
Gu Sheng finished changing the baby’s diaper and looked at the baby’s face. “Wife, you need to eat faster. Our daughter is probably going to get hungry soon.”
“Daddy can soothe her for now.” Zhan Aiping glanced at her watch. “I’ve got the timing down. It’s not time yet.”
Gu Sheng: “…”
“Babies are like little birds, with their short digestive systems. Eat, poop, and eat again.”
Once Zhan Aiping finished eating, it was Gu Sheng’s turn to eat. The babies ate happily while he quickly shovelled food into his mouth. Zhan Aiping watched him and laughed, “It feels like I’m feeding three pigs at home.”
Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile.
“Our kids are growing up beautifully. Even Old Xie next door wants my notes on how we do it.”
Zhan Aiping said, “You should lend them to him.”
“Captain Jiang hasn’t finished copying them yet. He doesn’t want to return them and wants to keep mine.”
“That’s too much. Don’t let him get away with it.” Zhan Aiping felt a bit uneasy. “You wrote those notes for me. If they get damaged, it would be a shame. We should keep them as a keepsake.”
“Don’t worry,” Gu Sheng reassured her, “I still have the original. I made a copy for others to borrow.”
Zhan Aiping said, “You’re really clever. Doesn’t it tire you out to copy them?”
“A poor memory is better than none. Copying helps me recall everything.”
“You’re a academic weapon. No wonder you got into university,” Zhan Aiping praised him.
Gu Sheng frowned, “What does ‘academic weapon’ mean?” It didn’t sound like a compliment.
“It means you’re a study overlord. It’s a compliment.”
“You, Zhan Daping, are also a ‘academic weapon’. Our future kids will be academic weapon’s too.”
Zhan Aiping sighed, “That’s not necessarily true.”
Even parents from top universities can have underperforming kids.
“Hopefully, you won’t get too frustrated helping them with their homework, Papa Gu.”
“Why would I get frustrated? I’ve never seen anyone get upset over homework.” During this special time, nobody cared much about academic performance.
Zhan Aiping: “Your kids are lucky to be born in a good time.”
Once the college entrance exams were reinstated, studying would become much more competitive.
Zhan Aiping looked at her two milk-drinking little ones and thought there was no need to rush them into intense studying. She pinched the baby’s chubby cheek, feeling the soft, bouncy flesh. “As long as our kids aren’t too naughty in the future, I’ll be happy.”
“You can’t have double standards,” Gu Sheng teased. “You were mischievous as a kid but won’t allow your kids to be?”
Zhan Aiping retorted, “Just wait until our son drives you up the wall. You’ll regret it.”
After Li Yuxia’s pregnancy was discovered by Zhan Aiping, she avoided people for a while. Eventually, she came to terms with it and started going out again. She even sent her husband, Old Zhang, to bring some gifts to the Gu family.
“You should also copy Little Gu’s notes,” Director Li suggested. She had heard about the famous little notebook and was curious and envious of Zhan Aiping’s life. Having had three kids, this time she thought she should be well taken care of by her husband.
It’s time to enjoy herself.
“Me? Copy notes?” Commissioner Zhang pointed to himself.
“You caused this, didn’t you? Now you want to wash your hands of it? Didn’t you want a daughter?”
“Alright.” Commissioner Zhang agreed readily. “It’s just a little notebook. I’ll copy it.”
When Commissioner Zhang finally saw the “little notebook,” he was speechless and nearly cried.
Commissioner Zhang caught up with Gu Sheng and handed him two bags of goods. “Director Li says these are for Dr. Zhan. Last time, we couldn’t thank her properly. Little Zhan wouldn’t accept it otherwise.”
Gu Sheng nodded. “I’ll tell my wife.”
Gu Sheng carried the bags home. Commissioner Zhang had brought sugar water cans, kudzu root powder, sweet potato noodles, and a piece of ham.
“Wife, these are for you. They finally paid you for your consultation.” Gu Sheng put down the bags. “Keep them and enjoy. It’s all food.”
“When we first moved here, Director Li came to visit often. Now she feels too embarrassed to come by and sends Commissioner Zhang to bring stuff.” Zhan Aiping examined the goods.
Gu Sheng said, “Didn’t you just find out she was pregnant? Why would she feel embarrassed to see you?”
Zhan Aiping paused in her actions. “It’s a woman thing; you wouldn’t understand.”
“Alright, I don’t understand.”
“Kudzu root powder? I quite like this. I mentioned it to Director Li last time, and she remembered and brought me some.”
Zhan Aiping used to enjoy kudzu root powder, which could be made into a porridge or used to make pancakes. Just add some sugar, and the translucent pancakes would have a nice gelatinous texture, very tasty. It could also be used to make dessert jelly.
“Cool in nature, don’t eat too much,” Gu Sheng reminded her from behind.
Zhan Aiping laughed, “You’re almost like a little Chinese medicine doctor now, just a bit inferior.”
“I’ll make it for you and Little Sister to eat. Isn’t she coming over tomorrow? This year, she won’t be going home for New Year’s. She’ll stay with us for New Year’s Eve dinner.” It was now January 1972, and the New Year was in February. Gu Xiangyi said she wasn’t going home this year. Since they were all here, Zhan Aiping thought of inviting her for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Gu Sheng scoffed, “Depends on her luck. She might be on duty on New Year’s Day.”
Hospitals required staff to be on duty during the New Year. Most of it was decided by drawing lots.
“She can also switch shifts with someone.” Zhan Aiping nudged him with her elbow. “Don’t mock her. If your wife’s luck lands her on duty every New Year’s Eve, you’ll be the one suffering. Imagine if I have a night shift on New Year’s Eve and an early shift on New Year’s Day.”
Gu Sheng laughed and covered her mouth. “Can’t you say something more positive?”
“Alright, alright. Every year, I’ll spend New Year’s with you and the kids.” Zhan Aiping laughed and leaned into his arms.
The next day, Gu Xiangyi came to their house. Zhan Aiping had prepared milk jelly using milk powder, tea leaves, and kudzu root powder as a dessert. “Try it. Add more sugar if it’s not sweet enough.”
The milky liquid encased the translucent jelly, giving off a rich milk aroma with a hint of tea. Gu Xiangyi tasted it and loved it. “Delicious! Sister-in-law, you always come up with the best ideas for tasty treats.”
Zhan Aiping said, “It would be even better with fresh buffalo milk.”
“I’ve been eating so much with you guys that I’m getting fat,” Gu Xiangyi said.
Gu Sheng replied, “You got fat eating at the hospital, not with us. Your sister-in-law even lost weight.”
Gu Xiangyi: “…”
Gu Sheng scorned, “With the food in your hospital cafeteria, how can you eat that?”
“We have a new doctor who cooks really well. I’ve been having small private meals with two nurses,” Gu Xiangyi explained.
“No wonder,” Gu Sheng remarked.
Gu Xiangyi cheerfully said, “But it’s not as good as your cooking. I want your food. Go cook, big brother. It’s rare to have someone who cooks so well in the family.”
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow. “Don’t come here and boss me around, or I’ll chase you out with a broom.”
“Would you dare with my sister-in-law here?” Gu Xiangyi ran behind her sister-in-law for protection. She sat by the cradle, smiling at her cute little nephew and niece.
“Pingping, look at her. She only acts tough because you’re here. When you’re not around, she’s as meek as a lamb in front of me. But with you here, she acts all high and mighty. My sister is a double-faced person.”
Zhan Aiping shook her head. “Can you two show a bit of sibling harmony in front of the kids?”
Gu Xiangyi agreed, “Exactly, big brother, you should pamper me endlessly! Our mom had five boys before having me.”
Gu Sheng ignored her. “Keep dreaming.”
Zhan Aiping added, “No, your brother should pamper me endlessly!”
Gu Sheng said, “I pamper my wife. Little sister, find somewhere else to be.”
Gu Xiangyi held little Tangyuan, “My little niece, if your brother bullies you, come cry to your auntie. Auntie will stand up for you.”
Zhan Aiping said, “My daughter won’t be bullied by her brother.”
Gu Sheng chimed in, “She’ll probably be the one bullying him.”
Gu Xiangyi fell silent.
Gu Sheng continued, “Little sister, it all depends on your own abilities and skills. Don’t think you can just benefit by being the little sister.”
“Ever heard of Kong Rong letting his brothers have the bigger pears? You should respect your elder brother.”
“Big brother, have some shame,” Gu Xiangyi retorted.
Gu Sheng went to cook, but he still made some of Gu Xiangyi’s favourite dishes to treat her. Gu Xiangyi ate contentedly. Zhan Aiping said, “Since you’re not going home for New Year’s, you’ll spend New Year’s Eve with your brother and me.”
“Sure,” Gu Xiangyi nodded. “Our parents will be all alone.”
Gu Sheng said, “Let’s call them together.”
“Let’s call early. On New Year’s Eve, the lines might be too busy,” Zhan Aiping suggested. “We’ll pick a less busy time.”
Gu Xiangyi felt a bit sad about not spending the New Year with her parents. Being away from home during the holidays was tough, but she only felt sad for a moment.
Gu Xiangyi excitedly said, “I’ll be spending New Year’s with my sister-in-law Pingping!”
“And my two adorable little nephew and niece.”
Gu Sheng said, “Don’t forget about your brother.”
“Brother, you have to stand guard, right? Poor thing, I’ll help keep Sister-in-law company.” During the New Year, it’s a tradition for officers to take over guard duty from the soldiers.
“Your sister-in-law doesn’t need you to keep her company.”
Zhan Aiping propped her chin on her hand. “What if I get the night shift on New Year’s Eve?” Zhan Aiping would have to go back to work at the end of January, as hospitals operate year-round and always need staff on duty.
“Sister-in-law, then I’ll come keep you company. I’m more useful than my brother, right?”
“Don’t even think about it.”
Gu Xiangyi sighed, “There hasn’t been much of a New Year atmosphere these past few years, and here it’s even less so. It’s not even cold, and there’s no snow. It doesn’t feel like winter at all.”
The traditional activities like lion dances, drum performances, and temple fairs had been cancelled, making the New Year feel quite bleak.
Zhan Aiping said, “It will still get cold for a few days.”
“But it won’t snow.”
Zhan Aiping suggested, “Write to your second brother in the Northeast and ask him to send you a snowflake.”
“Hahaha,” Gu Xiangyi laughed gleefully. “He’s probably wrapped up like a bear now.”
“It’s too cold there. I don’t want to freeze, and I don’t want to light the kang. I’m lazy.”
The twins were almost two months old. Zhan Aiping prepared to return to work at the Yanxin Health Centre. She went out to collect some eggs laid by the hens in the yard and placed them in a basket.
The greens in the yard were vibrant, and under the eaves, there was a bamboo baby carriage. Baby carriages at that time were quite simple, resembling shopping carts with four wheels at the bottom. Zhan Aiping had lined it with thick quilts to make it comfortable for the babies.
The babies were still too young to use it, but she planned to once they were a bit older.
The weather was nice, and Zhan Aiping took out various quilts to air them out. The winter sun was very pleasant, unlike the intense summer heat. Winter was actually the most comfortable season.
“Dr. Zhan, Dr. Zhan,” called a grey-clad elderly woman from the neighbouring yard. Zhan Aiping recognized her as Xue Aiying, the mother of Deputy Captain Qian. They had recently had a baby, who was a bit older than her twins. Xue Aiying was helping her son take care of the child. It wasn’t their first child; they already had two daughters, and this time they finally had a grandson. Xue Aiying had eagerly taken on the task of caring for him.
Xue Aiying doted on her grandson, treating him like a treasure. She carefully fed him but couldn’t help but glance at the children next door. Dr. Zhan’s twins were chubby and healthy, very endearing.
In contrast, her grandson was small and thin, like a little kitten. This made Xue Aiying both proud and anxious. In her view, the healthier and more robust a child was, the better. Her grandson wasn’t as strong as the kids next door.
After much thought, Xue Aiying concluded that her daughter-in-law’s milk wasn’t good enough. Her grandson wasn’t getting enough nutrition and wasn’t growing strong because of it.
The neighbours had better conditions, and Xue Aiying noticed many good things being sent to their home. Dr. Zhan had eaten well during her confinement, which was why her children were so healthy.
“Dr. Zhan, we’re neighbours, so we share a special bond. My daughter-in-law doesn’t have enough milk. Look at how skinny my grandson is. Could you…”
“If there’s enough, could you spare some for my grandson? The child can call you godmother in the future.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I see that Sister Zhou’s health seems fine.”
“Her? No way. Look how skinny my grandson is because of her. Her milk isn’t good, the baby throws up after feeding. Every time I tell her to feed more, the baby just vomits and doesn’t like her milk.”
Zhan Aiping frowned, “The baby’s stomach is small, so he throws up if he eats too much at once. Just feed him an appropriate amount each time.”
“Her milk isn’t good, and the baby doesn’t like it. Dr. Zhan, please help feed him. Our whole family would be grateful to you.”
“It’s not ideal. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best for the baby to be fed by his biological mother. The baby is already used to his mother’s milk. If you suddenly change it, he might get sick and there’s a risk of cross-infection.”
Xue Aiying frowned, “Why are you so worried about illnesses?”
“Auntie, just have Sister Zhou eat more nutritious food. That will improve her milk. Here, take a couple of eggs from my place.”
Xue Aiying took the eggs but muttered to herself, thinking, who needs your eggs? So stingy.
Back home, she looked at her skinny grandson, like a little monkey, and then thought of the plump, chubby Guobao Rou next door, looking like a child from a New Year’s painting. The more she thought about it, the more upset she felt. Xue Aiying mused, “Maybe we should give my grandson a food name too?”
“Guobao Rou sounds so solid. How about calling ours Xiaofei Chang (Little Fat Intestine)? Stewed Goose… Big Pork Knuckle?” Xue Aiying thought that just changing the name wasn’t enough; she needed to find some folk remedies too.
**Nomad: I have a feeling this woman is going to end up poisoning her grandson.
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