Chapter 189: Lin Miao Gives Birth to a Daughter

A few days ago, Lin Miao had given birth to a daughter, and she was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Xu Ning prepared a bag of brown sugar and a few eggs, planning to take them to Lin Miao when Lu Xiaotang returned.

When she got married, Lin Miao and Gu Wenping had given a gift of fifty cents, so this was a perfect opportunity to return the favor.

Seeing what she had prepared, Lu Xiaotang immediately understood that it was a gift for Lin Miao.

He smiled warmly at her and said, “You go ahead. I’ll stay home and look after the kids. You can chat with Wei Lanlan and the others for a bit; don’t rush back. I’ll take care of dinner.”

Xu Ning stood there, watching him closely. Since the moment he had come back, he hadn’t stopped. He busied himself throughout the day, washing clothes, cooking, cleaning the house—there wasn’t a chore he left undone.

And in whatever spare time he had, he’d head up the mountain to chop firewood or hunt. Even during the nights when the baby cried, it was always him who got up to soothe them. As long as he was home, he never let her lift a finger.

She quietly walked over, wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his embrace.

Lu Xiaotang held her tightly and asked, “Xiao Ning, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just feel really happy right now. It’s so good to have you here,” she replied.

“But I spend too little time with you all; that’s my greatest regret,” Lu Xiaotang sighed.

“This situation shouldn’t last too long; let’s wait a bit longer,” Xu Ning comforted her.

Lu Xiaotang ran his fingers through her hair and smiled, “You should go now; I’ll go check on the kids inside.”

Since it wasn’t time to finish work yet, only Wei Lanlan was at home taking care of the children in the educated youth courtyard. Seeing what Xu Ning held in her hands, Wei Lanlan knew she was there to visit Lin Miao.

She spoke softly to Xu Ning, “She seemed upset when she came back from the hospital yesterday. Gu Wenping didn’t go to work today either; they’re both inside and haven’t come out.”

Xu Ning nodded and replied with a smile, “I’ll deliver these things first, and then I’ll come back to chat with you.”

She stood at the door and asked, “Lin Zhiqing, is it convenient for you now? I came to see you and the baby.”

“Is that Xu Zhiqing? Please come in!” Lin Miao’s voice came from inside.

After waiting for a moment, just as Xu Ning was about to push the door open, it swung open from the inside.

Gu Wenping smiled and said, “Xu Zhiqing, please come in and have a seat.”

Xu Ning walked in, placed the brown sugar and eggs on the table, and then went to take a look at the baby on the kang.

She smiled and said, “This baby is really beautiful, just like Lin Miao. When she grows up, she’ll definitely be a beauty.”

Lin Miao laughed and replied, “Xu Zhiqing, you flatter me! Thank you for coming to see me and the baby; I appreciate it.”

“Come on, there’s no need for such formalities. It’s not anything extravagant; I just brought it to help you regain your strength. How’s your milk supply? Is the baby getting enough to eat?”

As soon as Xu Ning finished speaking, the atmosphere became a bit quiet, and the couple fell silent.

She glanced at their expressions, wondering if she had said something wrong. After considering it, she didn’t think she had said anything inappropriate.

It was Lin Miao who broke the silence and said with a smile, “Xu Zhiqing, my baby isn’t breastfed; she’s on formula.”

Xu Ning immediately understood. Lin Miao must be worried about her figure, which explained why she hadn’t breastfed. It was clear that the couple hadn’t communicated well.

She quickly added with a smile, “Formula is perfectly fine! My two boys were also on formula; I only breastfed when Tang Tang was born because she was a bit weak.”

Lin Miao looked pleased upon hearing this and cast a glance at Gu Wenping.

Feeling the atmosphere was somewhat awkward, Xu Ning chatted for a little while longer before saying her goodbyes.

Wei Lanlan saw Xu Ning coming out so quickly and asked with a smile, “Are those two still in a spat? I really don’t understand what Lin Miao is thinking. It’s not like she doesn’t have milk; why make the baby drink formula?”

Wei Lanlan didn’t know, but Xu Ning was well aware that many young mothers in later years chose not to breastfeed for the sake of beauty and body shape.

Such choices were common later on, but they were quite unconventional at this time.

However, that was someone else’s choice, and she had no right to comment on it.

She smiled and replied, “Maybe she has her own reasons. When are you planning to wean your daughter?”

“What about you? When do you plan to wean your daughter?” Wei Lanlan also asked. “You should at least let her drink until she’s over a year old. I’ll start weaning mine in the spring.”

“I’m planning to let her drink until next year as well. Our Tang Tang is still a bit weaker compared to her two older brothers,” Xu Ning sighed.

“That’s because your two boys are robust. Tang Tang is growing well; you can’t tell she’s weak at all. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine as she gets older,” Wei Lanlan reassured her.

The two chatted for a while, and once all the educated youths returned from work, Xu Ning decided it was time to head back. She wondered if Xiao Mo had returned yet; he had gone fishing in the river that afternoon and she wasn’t sure if he was back.