Qin Tian and his sister were well aware of their parents’ hardships.
Especially after the incident with Qin De, they realized that although their parents hadn’t been able to accompany them as they grew up over the years, they had always kept them in their thoughts—sending them their salaries every month and arranging for someone to look after them.
They understood that their parents were working for the country. They were heroes, and the children shouldn’t blame them.
But as kids, what child wouldn’t long for their parents’ company?
Especially over the years, when not a single letter arrived from their parents.
They had even feared that something might have happened to them.
It wasn’t until Gu Jianing gave them their parents’ heartfelt letter that they finally felt at ease.
In the letter, Qin Zhihong and Du Wei, the couple, mentioned that they would return in at most six months.
Upon hearing this news, whether it was Qin Tian, Qin Qing, or Grandma Qin, they were all overjoyed. The elderly woman and the two children visibly brightened, their spirits lifted.
“Actually, you don’t have to go up the mountain to gather herbs anymore. If I need any, I can buy them from others,” Gu Jianing said.
“After all, you still have to focus on your studies, and you’re still young. The mountains can be dangerous.”
Before, they had no choice due to financial constraints, but now it wasn’t necessary.
Qin Tian, however, shook his head. “No, Sister Gu, I enjoy gathering herbs. Besides, I’m not neglecting my studies—I only go during my free time and on weekends.”
“Sister Gu, I want to be like you in the future—a really amazing doctor.”
Qin Tian’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Gu Jianing.
In his heart, he thought Gu Jianing was truly incredible.
Like when she saved Grandma—other doctors had declared her beyond saving, but Sister Gu managed to bring her back.
To Qin Tian, Sister Gu was like a divine figure, capable of pulling people back from the brink of death.
Not long ago, Sister Gu had even been featured in the newspaper.
After reading it, Qin Tian carefully preserved that newspaper as a keepsake.
He wanted to be as remarkable as Sister Gu one day—to make it into the newspapers too!
That’s why he aspired to become a doctor in the future.
Gu Jianing gently patted Qin Tian’s head, her eyes filled with tenderness. “Of course. I believe our Qin Tian will grow up to be an extraordinary doctor.”
Because Gu Jianing was in a hurry to get to work, Qin Tian didn’t enter the residential compound.
A young soldier helped carry the bag of herbs inside for her.
After all, Gu Jianing, with her large belly, wasn’t in the most convenient state to do it herself.
Not long after Zhang Shuwan gave birth to twins, Jiang Baihe also delivered her baby—a girl.
For Jiang Baihe and Chai Jianguo, whether it was a boy or a girl, they were equally delighted.
After all, Chai Jianguo had once been told he might never father children.
Now, at last, he was cured.
Since he was cured, having a daughter first and perhaps a son later was perfectly fine.
Even if this little girl were to be their only child in this lifetime, Chai Jianguo and Jiang Baihe would still feel content.
Of course, the person they were most grateful to was Gu Jianing.
Though they had already expressed their gratitude during the pregnancy, they were determined to thank her properly once Jiang Baihe recovered from childbirth.
Not long after Jiang Baihe gave birth, Gu Jianing took leave from work.
After all, her due date was approaching.
Now, with her prominent belly, going to work every day made both Sheng Zexi and Grandma Sang uneasy—especially since she was carrying twins.
Gu Jianing, however, felt quite well herself, thanks to the “Pregnancy Comfort Pills” she had taken earlier. Her condition had remained stable throughout.
Even working up until the birth would have been fine.
But while she thought it was manageable, her family disagreed.
So, she had no choice but to listen to them.
She went to request leave, and Old Chen, her mentor, approved it immediately.
Nonsense—how could work compare to the safety of his disciple and her unborn child?
So he granted the leave right away, telling Gu Jianing to go home and rest properly for the delivery.
As for life without work… Gu Jianing adjusted quite well.
By nature, she was a bit lazy.
Not having to work? Absolutely wonderful.
In the mornings, after breakfast, she would take leisurely walks around the military compound with Grandma Sang.
In the evenings, Sheng Zexi would accompany her.
The only issue was that Gu Jianing sometimes didn’t feel like moving much.
“No,” Sheng Zexi insisted, “the doctor said you need to walk more in the late stages of pregnancy—it’ll make labor easier.”
“Ningning, be good and listen.”
“Back when you were working, you were sitting all day, so you barely got any exercise.”
“You can’t slack off now.”
Gu Jianing looked at the concern on Sheng Zexi’s face and thought:
*But I’m a doctor too—of course I know I should walk more right now.*
*However, with the “system” as my cheat code, the Pregnancy Comfort Pills also include smooth delivery, so even if I don’t exercise, it’s fine.*
In the end, to ease Sheng Zexi’s worries, Gu Jianing decided: *Fine, let’s walk.*
After all, the due date was approaching.
Gu Jianing had a feeling—she would probably give birth in the next few days.
“Alright, let’s keep walking then.”
“By the way, when is your mother coming?”
“Not sure. Probably after sister-in-law finishes her postpartum confinement. It won’t be long now.”
—
Meanwhile, the very same Yao Chunhua they were discussing had just watched her eldest daughter-in-law finish a bowl of chicken soup.
As Yao Chunhua was about to take the empty bowl away, Yang Manman stopped her.
“Mom, why don’t you leave for the Northwest Military District in the next couple of days?” Yang Manman suggested.
Yao Chunhua froze. “How could I do that? If I leave, who’s going to take care of you during your confinement?”
Just then, her eldest son, Gu Yunting, walked in.
“Mom, I can take care of Manman.”
Su Miao, carrying Zhuangzhuang, also chimed in, “Mom, I can help sister-in-law too.”
Yang Manman reached out and held Yao Chunhua’s hand. “Mom, I only have one week left of confinement. With Yunting and sister-in-law here, plus the fact that I’ve recovered really well, we’ll be fine.”
She wasn’t lying—her confinement period had been incredibly comfortable.
Both her husband and mother-in-law had treated her exceptionally well, never skimping on nourishing foods, so her body had healed quickly.
She had been able to move around for a while now—the only reason she hadn’t gone outside was to avoid the wind. Otherwise, she’d have been perfectly fine stepping out.
“Mom, I’ve noticed how restless you’ve been these past few days. I know you’re worried about Ningning.”
“Not just you—we’re all worried too.”
“Especially since she’s carrying twins.”
“So, Mom, you should go to the Northwest Military District sooner. That way, you’ll feel at ease, and so will we. You’ll also be able to help Ningning earlier.”
“That’s right, Mom. Listen to Manman.”
“Mom, don’t worry. Whether it’s sister-in-law or this household, we’ll take good care of everything.”
Yao Chunhua looked at her rosy-cheeked daughter-in-law, at the sincerity in her eyes, and knew she wasn’t just saying this out of politeness—she truly meant it.
In the end, Yao Chunhua agreed.
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