Chapter 64 2/2

They also set aside a dedicated room for the dog, but the dog might prefer a standalone house. Jiang Wanlan supervised as Lu Jing divided the four square metres into two rooms, expressing concern about sleeping arrangements. Lu Jing explained, “The front hall is large, but rain might splash in, so during rainy days, we’ll use the back room. I’ll elevate it with a step.” Jiang Wanlan questioned, “Do people have to stay in a doghouse during rain?”

Although everyone heard that day that Cen Lang had to stay in a dog kennel if he didn’t return on time, is it necessary to take it so seriously? Does Lu Jing have a grudge against Cen Lang?

Lu Jing was puzzled, asking, “People?”

Jiang Wanlan’s expression changed, asking Jiang Li in a daze, “Are you really raising a dog?”

Lu Jing replied, “I’ve arranged for an injured military dog to come.”

Jiang Li became uncertain for a moment, asking, “Can’t military dogs be called dogs?”

Many dog lovers online insist on not casually referring to military dogs as dogs, considering it disrespectful.

Jiang Wanlan said, “Oh, I thought…”

Father and son fell silent for a moment, looking at Jiang Wanlan in surprise. Jiang Wanlan suggested, “Want some lemon water? I’ll go get it.” Jiang Li stood up, circled around the doghouse, and commented, “Quite spacious.”

It seems like putting a bed in wouldn’t be a problem.

Lu Jing explained, “The military dog is recovering from a front leg fracture and needs a pet doctor’s care for some time. It will be delivered in about a month.”

“A month?” Jiang Li opened a certain door and suspiciously looked at Lu Jing. “Dad, this injured military dog isn’t Cen Lang, is it?”

He feared that Lu Jing heard something from the military and didn’t inform him. Cen Lang is the type to willingly wear a muzzle; he probably wouldn’t mind being compared to a dog.

Lu Jing, doubted by his wife and son, said, “It’s a real dog; there are photos.”

Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief. “I overthought it; I’ll go have some lemon water.”

Jiang Li went inside and heard news about interstellar pirates being active lately, often gathering near the third border. Jiang Li was stunned; Cen Lang didn’t bring heavy firepower. What if he encounters pirates? Hidden worries surfaced: what if he runs into a meteor shower? Cen Lang can’t blast unavoidable meteors into pieces like before.

“Baby!” Jiang Wanlan, holding lemon water, turned around and saw Jiang Li clutching his stomach with a pale face. She quickly supported him, asking, “Is your stomach hurting?”

Jiang Li nodded. “A bit.”

Jiang Wanlan said, “Let’s go to the hospital. Don’t be afraid; Dad will be with you.”

“Lu Jing! Quickly start the aircraft.”

Lu Jing hastily dropped the hammer, started the aircraft, and ran inside. “Can you walk? Need a stretcher?”

Jiang Li said, “No need; I can walk.”

Jiang Li arrived at the hospital, causing a commotion and prompting Cen Wei to rush there.

After a chaotic examination, the obstetrician announced, “It’s not time yet; the foetus looks stable. You can go home and observe or stay in the hospital.”

Jiang Wanlan asked, “Baby, should we stay in the hospital?”

Generally, due to the challenges of pregnancy, most expectant fathers stay in the hospital for the entire month of September. Jiang Li didn’t like the hospital environment and preferred staying at home with more family members to take care of him. After thinking for a moment, Jiang Li agreed, “Okay.”

At this point, no one remembered Cen Lang, and no one expected him to return before the child’s birth. Even Cen Wei didn’t mention Cen Lang; every day, he cheerfully visited the hospital, bringing unique items to entertain Jiang Li.

Jiang Li felt like a child in the hospital, with both his father and grandfather trying to alleviate his boredom with toys.

Three days later, Jiang Li felt a slight pain again. The doctor said it wasn’t time yet, but if he didn’t want to wait, they could administer induction shots. Apart from stirring trouble in the early stages of pregnancy, the baby had been quiet and cooperative throughout the pregnancy. However, at this critical moment, the baby seemed undecided about being born and decided to give Dad a little more time.

Jiang Li said, “Let nature take its course.”

During his hospital stay, a patrol ship received a message to gather at the third border to drive away space pirates. Finally, one morning, the White Flame battleship rushed into the third border.

White Flame seemed to have encountered something outside the border; the ship’s hull had suffered some damage, looking a bit battered on its return.

Cen Lang hurriedly flew back, arranging for Chen Ping to transfer the hibernation chamber to the transit point. He boarded a spacecraft returning to Earth, piercing the atmosphere and landing in the central area. Cen Lang switched to a shuttle, heading straight for the hospital.

I hope he makes it in time!

Upon stepping on Earth, due to haste and anxiety, for the first time, he couldn’t adapt smoothly to Earth’s gravity. He even stumbled a bit at the start. Without notifying anyone, even if only ninety-nine steps remained, Cen Lang dared not give hope prematurely.

It wasn’t until he truly entered the hospital that he took a deep breath.

Standing at the end of the corridor, he saw Cen Wei holding a bundle in his arms, soothingly rocking it.

Cen Lang:!!!

Was he still too late?!

Just as he was thinking, Jiang Li opened the room door and came out for a routine walk. In an instant, their eyes met.

Cen Lang looked at Jiang Li’s rounder belly compared to when he left, looked at the bundle in Cen Wei’s hands, dumbfounded, and asked, “Has she given birth?” Jiang Li stared at his gaunt face for a while and said, “Aren’t you supposed to come back in a month? Did you send me fake coordinates?” Cen Lang hastily explained, “No, listen to me—don’t get angry!” Jiang Li immediately sensed that it was indeed a lie, and at that moment, the pain in his stomach truly intensified.

Too much drama; anyone would be upset in this situation.