Da Bao started creating suspenseful and scary stories for kids, which scared his classmates but also made them eager to hear more.

The two kids found their own way to relieve stress, so they didn’t have to be on edge all the time.

They couldn’t understand why the doctor recommended that Jiang Lin walk more.

With such a big belly and her thin arms and legs, it seemed dangerous.

They thought she should rest instead, worried she might hurt her legs.

It didn’t make any sense to them!

It wasn’t just them; Cheng Rushan felt like he was hearing things.

During meetings, he kept thinking he heard someone outside shouting, “Cheng Rushan, your wife is about to give birth.”

It seemed that Wen Sheng was the most composed and rational.

He stayed with Jiang Lin all the time and didn’t worry at all.

He felt a sense of completeness that others couldn’t understand.

He used to worry about Jiang Lin’s belly suddenly deflating, which would make everyone very sad.

But now, seeing her belly grow bigger and bigger made him happy, and he felt it was a wonderful thing.

Wen Sheng was now the main person for prenatal education, singing songs, performing opera, telling stories, and chatting.

The baby was very sensitive to his voice.

Whenever Wen Sheng sang, especially the deep, melodious parts, the baby seemed to respond eagerly.

At eight months, the baby’s little fists, feet, head, and even back would poke out, depending on how happy he was.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao were responsible for recording the baby’s movements while being amazed at how Bao Sheng would kick and punch.

Previously, the movements followed a pattern, but as the pregnancy progressed, they seemed to depend on the baby’s mood.

Sometimes the baby moved a lot, and sometimes not at all for a while.

So, Jiang Lin didn’t worry about it and let the baby move as he pleased.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao, however, enjoyed being around her, chattering excitedly.

When Jiang Lin needed to get up and walk a bit, Da Bao and Xiao Bao immediately positioned themselves to help her, one on each side.

Jiang Lin: “You can go and play.”

Da Bao: “We are playing.”

Xiao Bao: “Lin Lin, be careful where you step. It must be really heavy. I think you should have something to support you.”

Jiang Lin: “…”

With their teasing, Jiang Lin’s pregnancy was surprisingly easy and pleasant. Besides getting up at night, she found it comfortable and interesting.

Wen Sheng: “Do you want to eat a green apple?”

Jiang Lin: “Yes!” She didn’t mind eating fruit, and she was really craving it.

Just the thought of eating something made her very happy.

They couldn’t tell if it was because the baby in Jiang Lin’s belly was exceptionally hungry, but as they took a stroll to pick up Cheng Rushan, they saw him turning into view from the front office area.

Jiang Lin, holding her waist, said, “Dad is so handsome.”

Xiao Bao asked, “Lin Lin, don’t you think I’m more handsome than Dongsheng?”

Jiang Lin looked down; it was now a bit inconvenient to pat his head, so she smiled and said, “But in Mommy’s eyes, Daddy is the most handsome.”

Wen Sheng laughed heartily, “Xiao Bao, you’ll have to wait for your wife to say you’re the most handsome.”

Xiao Bao wasn’t convinced, “Bao Sheng will say that too.” He lowered his head and sweetly coaxed, “Right, Bao Sheng?”

Da Bao: Hmph. Dream on.

Cheng Rushan walked quickly.

When he reached them, he first looked at Jiang Lin’s belly with concern.

Every time he saw it, he felt that his wife had gone through so much, and he wanted to treat her even better.

He put his arm around her waist and asked, “Are you tired?”

Jiang Lin replied, “Tired? I’ve only walked a few steps.”

This was still under the doctor’s advice.

Otherwise, they would have carried her whenever she went out; they were too indulgent.

She felt a bit embarrassed.

As they were nearing home, Jiang Lin suddenly felt a sharp pain in her belly and couldn’t help but frown and exclaim.

Cheng Rushan and the others immediately grew anxious, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Lin stood still, holding her belly, and said, “It’s nothing; it’s probably just ligament pain.”

As her belly grew, such occurrences were normal, similar to a cramp or stitch. It would pass soon.

After arriving home, the pain persisted, and as she sat down to prepare for a meal, it started coming more frequently.

Jiang Lin felt something was off, “Could I be going into labor?”

Cheng Rushan, who was washing his face, almost knocked over the basin.

He immediately stood up and wiped his face, “I’ll arrange for a car.”

He took a couple of steps but then heard Jiang Lin call out.

He quickly turned back, picked her up, and told Yan Runzhi to prepare what was needed. He went to arrange for a car.

Since he hadn’t gone out these past two days, the car was out with his subordinates, so he needed to arrange another one.

Just in time, Fang Chengguang, who was there for a meal, saw Cheng Rushan carrying Jiang Lin and immediately offered, “I’ll drive.”

Soon, Fang Chengguang arrived with the car.

Cheng Rushan picked up Jiang Lin and helped her into the vehicle, while Wen Sheng and Da Bao and Xiao Bao quickly followed.

They moved swiftly.

Cheng Rushan was silent for a moment but didn’t object, letting them come along.

As they left, they ran into He Liang and Bie Dongshan coming back.

Fang Chengguang asked them to take Yan Runzhi later, and there was no need to rush.

Jiang Lin leaned against Cheng Rushan, feeling intermittent pain in her belly.

Sometimes it would hurt, and then it would stop.

Just as she was about to tell Cheng Rushan it didn’t hurt anymore, the pain intensified, and she fell silent.

It seemed like it was really time.

The doctor had mentioned that delivering a bit earlier or later than the due date was normal.

Xiao Bao, holding Jiang Lin’s hand, looked worried. “Lin Lin, are you in pain?”

Jiang Lin smiled at him. “I’m okay.”

Xiao Bao said, “Mommy’s been through so much.” He turned to Da Bao and said, “Da Bao, we need to listen to Mom and be good to her. She’s had it really tough.”

Da Bao, seeing Jiang Lin sweating, took out a handkerchief and handed it to Cheng Rushan to help wipe Jiang Lin’s sweat.

Xiao Bao added, “You should be nicer to me in the future and stop bullying me. Don’t make Mom worry.”

Da Bao: “…”

Xiao Bao continued, “And don’t fight with me over the little sister. When you and I fight, Mom gets worried. It’s not good.”

Wen Sheng suddenly panicked, “Mom, you’re bleeding!”

Jiang Lin’s pale skin and light-colored maternity dress made it look like there was a bit of blood with the amniotic fluid breaking.

Wen Sheng thought Jiang Lin was bleeding and turned pale with worry.

Cheng Rushan quickly put his arm around Wen Sheng’s shoulders to calm him. “It’s not blood; it’s amniotic fluid. The baby is coming.”

Seeing Wen Sheng trembling, Cheng Rushan gripped his shoulder tightly to keep him calm.

Even though Xiao Bao and Da Bao were also scared, they worked to reassure Wen Sheng, telling him not to worry and that they were going to the hospital to get the baby.

Jiang Lin was in significant pain now and could barely speak.

She had heard that the second baby wouldn’t hurt as much, so why was it so painful?

Fang Chengguang drove quickly and steadily, but the rough road caused some bumps.

Though the trip didn’t take long, everyone felt like time was stretching endlessly due to their anxiety.

Fang Chengguang parked directly in front of the outpatient entrance.

Despite Wen Sheng trembling, he quickly jumped out of the car and opened the door.

Cheng Rushan carried Jiang Lin out of the car and headed straight for the obstetrics department.

Fang Chengguang rushed ahead to call the doctor, and soon, midwives and nurses arrived with a movable delivery bed.

“Please place the patient on the bed,” the nurse reminded Cheng Rushan.

However, Cheng Rushan was reluctant to let Jiang Lin go.

Despite his usual bravery, he felt a pang of fear at that moment, worried that if he let go, he might never see her again.

Having heard many stories about childbirth complications—such as severe bleeding or fetal distress—he was deeply unsettled.

Carefully, he placed Jiang Lin on the bed.

As the nurses prepared to wheel her into the delivery room, he swiftly followed.

The midwife was startled, “Comrade, don’t worry. We are professional delivery doctors; everything will be fine.”

Cheng Rushan’s face was stern, “I want to stay by her side.”

One of the nurses smiled, “Don’t faint on us, Comrade. Many men who think they’re tough end up fainting during childbirth.”

Cheng Rushan gripped the bed rail tightly, “I’m not afraid.”

Fainting would be better than the anxiety of not knowing what was happening outside.

No matter what occurred, he wanted to be there to protect her.

The midwife didn’t argue further and signaled for preparations to begin—disinfection, changing into surgical attire, and so on.

Compared to surgical procedures, childbirth has fewer sterility requirements, as many home births occur without extensive disinfection.

Outside, Fang Chengguang, Wen Sheng, Da Bao, and Xiao Bao waited.

Although the delivery room had glass windows, they couldn’t see inside because the delivery bed was hidden behind a curtain.

They could only hear sounds and see the doctor leaving from behind the curtain.

Cheng Rushan’s tall, slender silhouette was visible against the curtain, standing by Jiang Lin’s head like a protective wall, which gave them a sense of reassurance.

Soon, Yan Runzhi arrived with clothes and food, urging them to eat.

Wen Sheng said, “I’m not hungry.”

Da Bao and Xiao Bao also weren’t hungry.

So, Fang Chengguang and He Liang started eating.

Yan Runzhi said, “Xiao Guang, Liangzi, you two should head back. The delivery will take some time, and she will need to stay in the hospital for a night even after the baby is born.”

Fang Chengguang said, “It’s fine, I’m off tomorrow.”

The hospital had benches and a waiting room where they could rest.

Even though it wasn’t his own wife giving birth, they were still excited.

Watching Jiang Lin’s belly grow day by day and hearing Wen Sheng, Da Bao, and Xiao Bao talk about the baby constantly made them feel a unique connection, almost like the baby was their own.

Seeing them standing outside the window like guards, a nurse came over and knocked on the window, suggesting they go rest somewhere else.

They refused to leave, still trying to see as much as possible despite the nurse’s obstruction.

The nurse quietly walked away.

Wen Sheng noticed that inside, the doctors and nurses were casually chatting, and one nurse was even eating!

Yan Runzhi commented, “Look at the doctors, they’re so professional and used to this. Eating in such a situation is nothing new for them.”

Da Bao said, “My mom hasn’t eaten yet.”

Xiao Bao said, “I’ll go take her some food.” He really wanted to go in and see.

Yan Runzhi stopped him, “I’ll ask the nurse.”

She knocked on the door, and when a nurse came out, Yan Runzhi asked.

The nurse checked and said, “It’s still early. Just bring the food in.”

Once Yan Runzhi had handed the food over, they waited outside again.

Yan Runzhi suggested they rest elsewhere, “You don’t all need to wait here. It’ll take a while.”

Those with experience knew that from the onset of contractions and breaking of water to actual delivery could take quite a bit of time.

Some women labored from morning to evening or from night to day.

Jiang Lin was young and healthy, so it might be quicker, but it could still take two to three hours.

Wen Sheng and the others didn’t mind waiting.

They wouldn’t complain about the time; they were just anxiously waiting.

Yan Runzhi saw them peering over the window.

Although Da Bao and Xiao Bao had grown taller, they were still only nine years old and found it hard to peek.

She called them over, “You can sit here and wait as well.”

Wen Sheng said, “No, it’s closer from here.”

Xiao Bao asked, “Where is the train?”

Da Bao looked at him and said, “There’s no train.”

Xiao Bao asked, “What about the delivery goddess?”

Da Bao replied, “There isn’t one!”

Xiao Bao asked, “What about Nezha?”

Da Bao said, “None!”

Xiao Bao asked, “What about your brain?”

Da Bao replied, “None… yours is dumb.”

Xiao Bao, about to laugh, turned serious again, silently staring at the curtain.

“They’re dilating quite quickly; being young really helps with childbirth.”

“A woman who’s had twins and recovered so well is really impressive. That’s why it’s good to have children early while you’re still young. After thirty, recovery isn’t as good.”

“My mother had my younger brother when she was in her forties. After giving birth, she looked like she was sixty.”

“At this rate, it seems like she could give birth in two or three hours.”

The time spent giving birth mainly involves waiting for the cervix to dilate.

Once it’s open, the actual delivery is quick.

The doctors and nurses have experience, so there’s no need to rush.

It was just that Cheng Rushan, standing there like a statue, put a lot of pressure on them, making them cautious about their words.

Time ticked by, and it surprisingly felt quick even to Wen Sheng and the others.

They saw the doctor suddenly speeding up, and someone behind the curtain shouted, “It’s dilated! Prepare for delivery!”

An older nurse sighed, “Youth is really great. Look at the elasticity of the muscles; after giving birth, they recover quickly and don’t even need an episiotomy. I…”

While they chatted away, Jiang Lin was no longer nervous.

Cheng Rushan, who had been tense, was now silent, gently holding Jiang Lin’s hand and looking at her tenderly.

But should you guys be mindful of the topic you’re discussing?

At this point, the nurse started teaching Jiang Lin how to breathe, making her inhale and exhale.

Outside, Wen Sheng and Da Bao and Xiao Bao grabbed the window sill and followed the nurse’s breathing rhythm.

Yan Runzhi: …

They didn’t know how long they waited, but then they heard the midwife’s excited voice, “It’s out! What a beautiful little boy.”

Drop!

Da Bao and Xiao Bao felt like they were struck by lightning.

What do you mean, a beautiful little boy! Isn’t it supposed to be a beautiful little girl?

Then they heard the loud cry of the baby and the doctors’ laughter.

The nurse carried the baby, wrapped in a swaddling blanket, to be cleaned and weighed, and even made a round outside so the three of them could get a glimpse.

They barely saw anything before the nurse brought the baby back and placed it beside Jiang Lin for her and Cheng Rushan to see. “Wow, seven pounds, what a big baby!”

Wen Sheng shouted from outside, “It’s a little brother! I saw his little thing!”

Xiao Bao cried out, “Where’s my sister?”

Yan Runzhi: It was clearly the baby’s umbilical cord earlier.

The doctor left it a bit longer.

Behind the curtain, Jiang Lin was resting in Cheng Rushan’s arms.

Although it wasn’t a long time, it had been over three hours of effort, and she was still tired.

She looked down at the baby, soft and tender and rosy.

Perhaps due to good nutrition, the baby was chubby and not wrinkled at all, only with slightly puffy eyes and a slightly wrinkled nose.

The baby’s eyes were surprisingly open, though unseeing, there was a sense of awareness.

What a beautiful baby!

Jiang Lin’s heart melted completely, and she couldn’t help but play with her.

The little baby tilted his head and grabbed his finger, sucking on it with audible smacking sounds.

Cheng Rushan couldn’t help but smile.

He carefully lifted the baby, afraid he might slip from his arms, and brought him to Jiang Lin’s chest.

Jiang Lin leaned down to kiss the baby, but the baby opened his mouth and sucked on his cheek, like a little fish.

The baby’s tiny hand, whether consciously or unconsciously, held onto Cheng Rushan’s big hand, trying to lift his head, his tiny mouth open like a hungry little bird.

It was unclear if he was hungry or just craving!