Chapter 26: Do You Prefer Boys or Girls?

Yang Qingyan quietly activated her wood-type abilities, slowly channeling a gentle energy into Zeng’s sister-in-law’s belly. This would help turn the umbilical cord and assist the mother in her labor. The process was incredibly mentally exhausting.

An hour passed in agonizing anticipation as everyone waited anxiously. Yang Qingyan didn’t dare take a moment’s rest, continuously using her abilities to stabilize both the mother and the fetus. Finally, she let out a sigh of relief and said, “The cervix has finally fully dilated, and the situation with the umbilical cord is resolved.” The tense atmosphere in the room lightened significantly with her joyful announcement.

Next, Yang Qingyan instructed the military doctor to guide Zeng’s sister-in-law on how to push correctly while she stayed by her side, paying close attention to every subtle change in the pregnant woman’s condition. “Sister-in-law, you can do it! I can see the baby’s head now. Just a little more effort!” Her voice, though somewhat fatigued and hoarse, was still filled with strength.

Before long, a loud cry pierced the stillness of the room, breaking the tension completely. Everyone’s hearts finally dropped in relief—Zeng’s sister-in-law had successfully given birth to a baby girl. The child’s tiny, wrinkled face and waving fists radiated vitality, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes. Zhang Baoguo was so overwhelmed with emotion that he stumbled over his words in gratitude towards Yang Qingyan, while Zeng’s sister-in-law, though utterly exhausted, wore a blissful smile as she gazed at her newborn with affectionate adoration.

Yang Qingyan meticulously recounted the postnatal care instructions to Zeng’s sister-in-law and Zhang Baoguo, covering everything from dietary restrictions to wound care. After ensuring that they understood, she finally prepared to head home. She had depleted a significant amount of her wood-type energy in caring for the mother and baby, but her own body was now much stronger, and she didn’t feel the extreme fatigue she had after the previous cesarean.

As soon as she stepped outside, Mu Nanhe rushed over, wrapping his arm around her shoulder gently.

Yang Qingyan leaned against him, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. She smiled and said, “I’m fine; just remember to bring my backpack.”

Mu Nanhe nodded quickly, his eyes filled with concern. He said softly, “I’ve already gotten it back. Let’s go home and rest.” Yang Qingyan slightly closed her eyes, leaning against Mu Nanhe, enjoying this moment of tranquility and safety, feeling fully replete by his caring presence.

As they walked slowly, Yang Qingyan suddenly thought of something, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “You know, I’m about to become a sort of expert in obstetrics. I’ve delivered two little lives in a row.” There was a hint of pride in her voice.

Mu Nanhe stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed deeply into her eyes, saying earnestly, “You’ve worked hard. If it weren’t for you today, things could have turned out very differently.” His gaze was filled with gratitude and affection, as if he were acknowledging her bravery and the challenges she faced.

Yang Qingyan gently patted his hand, her smile growing softer, her eyes sparkling with a hint of playful charm. She asked coyly, “Do you prefer boys or girls?”

Mu Nanhe was taken aback for a moment, clearly not expecting her sudden question. However, it wasn’t long before a big smile broke across his face, his eyes brimming with fondness as he answered without hesitation, “I like both boys and girls. As long as they’re children you’ve given birth to, they’ll be treasures to me.” His words were sincere, as if he could already envision a happy future with their family gathered together.

Yang Qingyan’s face turned crimson, like a ripe apple. She playfully shot him a reproachful look, her voice teasing, “Who said anything about having children for you? I was just asking casually.” Yet, despite her words, her heart felt sweet, as if dipped in honey—she indeed liked children.

Mu Nanhe laughed heartily, his laughter ringing with vitality and joy.

…………

Just a few quiet days passed when, one day while Mu Nanhe was training, a soldier rushed over with a frantic expression. “Commander, bad news! Captain Chen Feng was severely injured while on a mission; he was shot in the chest, near the heart! The situation is critical! He has already been rushed to the military hospital for emergency medical care. The commander asked me to notify you immediately!” The soldier panted heavily.

Mu Nanhe’s face suddenly turned ashen. Chen Feng was his sworn brother; had it not been for Chen Feng risking his life to save him before, he would have long been dead.

In a state of frantic worry, Mu Nanhe hurriedly drove to the military hospital, sprinting directly toward the emergency room, only to be stopped by medical staff at the door.

“Family members cannot enter. The patient is currently undergoing emergency treatment; please wait in front!” a medical staff member said sternly.

Mu Nanhe was left pacing anxiously outside, his eyes fixed on the emergency room door, his hands forming tight fists that turned pale from the strain.

At that moment, at the far end of the hallway, a tall, stern-looking man in military uniform approached quickly, exuding an air of authority without having to raise his voice. This man was none other than Chen Feng’s father, a high-ranking military official. Seeing him, Mu Nanhe immediately stood at attention, saluting respectfully. “Hello, Commander!”

Chen Feng’s father gave a slight nod, his gaze deeply fixed on the direction of the emergency room. Though he tried to maintain his composure, the slight trembling of his hands revealed his inner turmoil and worry. Without saying much, he stood silently, waiting alongside Mu Nanhe.

As time dragged on, the doors to the operating room opened, and the doctor finally stepped out.

“Doctor, how is my brother?” Mu Nanhe rushed forward, his voice trembling with urgency.

The doctor removed his mask, fatigue etched on his features. “The surgery was quite difficult. We did everything we could to stabilize his vital signs, but the bullet fragments are too widespread, and the location is extremely tricky, close to the heart with complex surrounding blood vessels and nerves. With our current technology and equipment, it is indeed impossible to fully remove them; we can only maintain the current status and think of solutions later.”

The weight of dread plunged deeply into Mu Nanhe’s heart, as if he were falling into an abyss. Just as he was about to speak, Chen Feng’s father spoke first, his voice low and hoarse yet maintaining an air of authority. “Doctor, is there really no other way?”

The doctor’s face showed hesitation as he shook his head slightly. “Commander, we have done everything we could. Current medical capabilities indeed struggle to tackle this issue. We can only hope for new breakthroughs in the future or perhaps consult with more specialized experts.”

Mu Nanhe’s eyes brimmed with tears, his voice catching in his throat, “Commander, I’m so sorry for Chen Feng. If only I had been by his side at that moment, maybe…”

The commander raised his hand to cut him off, his gaze unwavering. “This is his duty. The battlefield is unpredictable; no one can foresee everything. Right now, all we can do is work together to save him.”