Chapter 210

Time quickly flew by, and it was soon the New Year. On this day, Shi’s father and mother came to the family quarters to celebrate the New Year with their daughter’s family.

They didn’t adhere to the traditional notion that it was improper to spend the New Year at their daughter’s home and that they had to wait until the second day of the New Year for their daughter to return to her maternal home to reunite.

Lu’s mother was also very welcoming.

In her mind, the New Year should be a lively and joyous occasion.

Though happy to be here, she still worried about her husband back home.

Fortunately, her eldest daughter-in-law was at home, so at least they wouldn’t miss out on the New Year’s Eve dinner.

After the New Year, she would have to return home. Staying here wasn’t a long-term solution; after all, she was only on leave from her job, and staying away too long would invite gossip. Moreover, she would have to take leave again to help with the confinement period after her daughter-in-law gave birth.

Shi Muhuan, having used up his family visit leave when he brought his parents back, wouldn’t have another family visit leave for about two years.

Lu Weiguo, finally having some time off, helped out diligently.

New Year, new atmosphere. Last year, on this day, he and his wife went back to their hometown, having to cautiously avoid people when meeting his in-laws.

Today, his wife could finally celebrate the New Year openly with her parents.

With more people around, everything was easier. Whether it was picking vegetables, washing them, or chopping them, there was always someone to help, and Shi Tingyu was eager to make a grand dish.

Perhaps it was because she was further along in her pregnancy, she found she could tolerate the smell of cooking oil better than before.

Even though she hadn’t cooked for a while, her skills hadn’t diminished.

Even Lijian was bustling around, appearing very busy, though it was unclear what exactly he was busy with.

Shi Tingyu made a dish of braised pork, and Lu’s mother didn’t let her do anything else.

“I’m here; you go rest and chat with your parents.”

Shi’s father and mother weren’t great cooks, a fact that Lu’s mother was well aware of, so she didn’t mind doing the cooking herself.

Of course, Shi’s father and mother weren’t idle either, helping to clean and prepare the vegetables.

Considering the differences in southern and northern cuisines, Lu’s mother made both rice and steamed buns, not minding the extra effort.

Watching them, Shi Tingyu couldn’t help but admire their diligence.

For people nowadays, cooking didn’t count as work; it was considered a form of relaxation.

Everyone enjoyed the New Year’s Eve dinner immensely.

It truly embodied the saying, “Each year gets better.”

After dinner, Lu Weiguo mysteriously handed something to Shi Tingyu.

Shi Tingyu looked at the item in her hand, not recognizing it at first. “What is this?”

Lu Weiguo smiled, “Di-di-jin (sparklers), for you to play with.”

Shi Tingyu examined it closely and saw that it was a bunch of gray, straw-like sticks, soft and floppy.

As she brought it closer, she could smell a faint scent of gunpowder. “Are these fireworks?”

“Yes, a few days ago I saw Captain Zhang next door buy them for his son, so I bought some too.”

Shi Tingyu couldn’t help but laugh, “That’s for kids to play with, I’m an adult.”

Lu Weiguo looked at her with tenderness in his eyes, “If Damao can play, so can you.”

With that, he took out one and placed it over the stove, instantly igniting the sparkler, and its silver sparks glowed brilliantly in the night.

Lu Weiguo handed the sparkler to Shi Tingyu.

Holding the unlit end, Shi Tingyu watched the sparking end with a smile.

She gently waved her hand, creating a silver circle of light in the air. It might not be as grand as the fireworks displays of the future, but it had its own charm.

Soon the sparkler burned out, and this time Shi Tingyu didn’t need Lu Weiguo’s help. She took out another and lit it herself.

Shi Tingyu found that these sparklers, similar to future fairy sticks, were quite addictive.

She had previously said these were for children, yet now she was enjoying them immensely.

Shi’s father and mother looked on, reflecting that their son-in-law treated their daughter like a child.

This realization brought some guilt, as they hadn’t paid much attention to these small joys while they were busy with work.

A handful of sparklers quickly burned out, leaving Shi Tingyu wanting more.

“If you like them, I can buy more for you tomorrow.”

“No need, just playing with them for the New Year is enough.”

But Lu Weiguo wasn’t one to give up easily. The next day, he bought a lot more.

Enough to last her a long time.

The New Year passed in a joyous and lively atmosphere. Just after the New Year, Lu’s mother started packing, and Lu Weiguo bought her a train ticket for the second day of the new year.

However, the first to feel reluctant about leaving wasn’t Shi Tingyu, but Lu’s mother. She looked at Shi Tingyu’s belly and sighed, “There’s no one here to cook for you, how will you manage later…”

If it weren’t for her job, she would have considered staying until after Shi Tingyu gave birth.

Shi Tingyu quickly reassured her.

“Mom, don’t worry. I’m past the stage where I can’t stand the smell of cooking. I can take care of myself, and besides, Weiguo comes home every evening to cook. It’s not as delicate as you think.”

Hearing this, Lu’s mother had no choice but to give in.

On the morning of the second day of the New Year, Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu went to see Lu’s mother off.

At the train station, Lu’s mother held Shi Tingyu’s hand and instructed, “Xiaoyu, during pregnancy, keep a good mood, eat well, sleep well, and move around a lot. If you need anything, just ask Weiguo. Don’t try to tough it out on your own.”

Shi Tingyu nodded.

Lu’s mother thought for a moment and added, “In our family’s generation, we’ve all had boys, so it doesn’t matter if you have a boy or a girl. As long as it’s your child, I’ll love them. Don’t feel any pressure. It would be lovely to have a sweet little girl; I’m very fond of daughters, so don’t worry about it.”

Lu’s mother, knowing she wouldn’t be able to take care of her daughter-in-law after returning home, wanted to say something to ease her mind.

Nowadays, there are still many who prefer boys over girls. She wanted to assure her daughter-in-law in advance that their family absolutely doesn’t have this mindset, so she wouldn’t worry needlessly.

Seeing the time approaching, Lu Weiguo hurriedly urged his mother to board the train.

Reluctantly, Lu’s mother left.

Lu Weiguo glanced at his wife and said, “When I leave home, she’s never been this reluctant.”

Shi Tingyu gave him a look, “Are you jealous of me now?”

Lu Weiguo: …

He was just making a comment.

After Lu’s mother left, Shi Tingyu’s days returned to their previous routine.

Every day she painted, cooked, and took care of her small vegetable garden, living a fulfilling life.

As the weather grew warmer day by day, Shi Tingyu’s belly became larger and larger. Only then did she truly experience the hardships of pregnancy.

When she was in the early months, her body wasn’t heavy, and she didn’t have much reaction. Now, her body was heavier, and she occasionally experienced leg cramps. Bending over to put on shoes and other such tasks became more inconvenient.

At this time, she was once again glad for choosing the right time to get pregnant.

If Weiguo were still a battalion captain often out on missions, she might not have been able to handle it so calmly on her own.

Time flew by quickly, and it was soon the end of June, just a few days away from her due date.

These days, Lu Weiguo was very anxious.

He often woke up suddenly in the middle of the night.

Seeing his wife safe and sound beside him was the only thing that allowed him to relax.