Hearing Zhang Yaoyao say this, everyone chimed in with their agreement.
Only Xiao Cheng and Gu Yuan had subtle expressions on their faces. The latter stared at Xiao Cheng with a half-smile for a couple of seconds, as if waiting for him to make a decision.
“We’ll trouble you then, Dr. Gu. Thank you.” Xiao Cheng’s expression remained unchanged as he gave a nod, his words unusually sincere.
“Since Mr. Xiao puts it that way, of course I’ll help.” Gu Yuan cast one last glance at Xiao Cheng, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes as he turned away, a trace of smugness hidden beneath. Hah—just moments ago he was throwing out threats, and now he had to lower his voice and ask for help?
But that both postures were for the same person was rather surprising.
When they’d first met, Xiao Cheng had been full of aggressive edges. Now, most of that had faded; when facing his wife, his brows and eyes were filled with warmth and tenderness.
It was as if he’d become a different person.
Gu Yuan’s gaze swept over the woman before him, and at the same time, the dreams Xiao Cheng had mentioned flashed through his mind. He still couldn’t figure out what kind of magic she possessed.
“Have you been feeling nauseous, suffering from backaches, lacking energy in your limbs, or experiencing mild lower abdominal pain recently?”
Lin Aiyun thought for a moment and nodded. She had experienced all these symptoms, but she’d simply attributed them to being too busy with work at the association lately—spinning around like a top every day, so it was only natural for her body to send out warning signals.
But she’d never thought in terms of pregnancy.
“Have you had your period this month?” Gu Yuan asked without changing expression, but the others looked a bit uncomfortable. The men turned their faces away, pretending not to hear. After all, in this conservative era, discussing a woman’s private matters so openly was rather embarrassing for most.
“Not yet. It’s been delayed for several days.” Lin Aiyun added, “It’s been delayed before too, so…”
She hadn’t thought much of it.
Gu Yuan nodded, having a rough idea, and then asked: “Did you experience any discomfort during the climb? How do you feel now?”
“No major issues, just some chest tightness and shortness of breath.” Lin Aiyun tactfully mentioned the breast tenderness in a roundabout way.
Gu Yuan asked several more questions before reaching a conclusion: “There’s a high possibility you’re pregnant. Pregnant women should avoid strenuous exercise. Be extra careful when going down the mountain.”
With a doctor’s verdict—even if not a specialized gynecologist—it was convincing enough. The women all crowded around, nearly squeezing Xiao Cheng out of Lin Aiyun’s vicinity.
“Quick, sit down and rest. We’ll pack up and head down.”
“Right, here—drink some warm water. The first three months are especially delicate for women. Oh dear, it’s all my fault—I shouldn’t have dragged you all hiking. If anything… that would be on me.”
Lin Aiyun couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. She felt like they’d all turned her into a fragile porcelain doll—she wasn’t that delicate!
After reassuring them, Lin Aiyun realized that her hand had been firmly held in Xiao Cheng’s palm the entire time. Looking up, she met his slightly reddened eyes, glistening with moisture. When he saw her looking, he blinked as if trying to cover it up.
“The wind’s really strong up on the mountain.”
If it weren’t for the unmistakable hoarseness in his voice, she might have actually been fooled.
Seeing the couple’s state, the others tactfully found excuses to wander off, leaving them some space.
“Honey, sit down. Aren’t your legs going numb from crouching like that?” Lin Aiyun patted the empty space on the large stone beside her. Beneath her was a thick coat that Xiao Cheng had quickly laid down for her.
“No need—”
Before he could finish, Lin Aiyun cut him off with a soft voice: “You said the wind was strong. Sit here and block it for me.”
Xiao Cheng had no comeback. He stood up and sat beside her, his tall, broad frame blocking the already light wind completely. Seeing this, Lin Aiyun curved her lips and sighed contentedly: “How wonderful.”
“Mm.” He seemed to agree wholeheartedly—though it was anyone’s guess whether they were talking about the same thing.
Lin Aiyun tilted her head, her pretty almond-shaped eyes fixed on Xiao Cheng. She playfully nudged him with her shoulder. “You’re going to be a dad. Are you happy?”
“Happy!” Xiao Cheng said it with such force that his voice echoed through the entire valley. Someone nearby burst out laughing right after, making Lin Aiyun’s face burn with embarrassment. She shouldn’t have asked!
“Wife, I love you.” Xiao Cheng intertwined their fingers, his golden ring on his ring finger gleaming in the sunlight.
—
After coming down the mountain, the group rushed straight to the hospital. The wait for the results was the most agonizing part. Fortunately, there weren’t many people that day, and soon they were called into the doctor’s office for the results.
The speculation was confirmed—Lin Aiyun was already over a month pregnant. Both she and the baby were perfectly healthy, with no issues. All that remained was to take good care of herself and attend regular prenatal checkups.
“Congratulations, congratulations!”
“Aiyun must be exhausted today. We won’t keep you—we can take the bus home ourselves.”
But there was no way Lin Aiyun and Xiao Cheng would let them go home on their own. After dropping everyone off, they finally drove back.
In the car, Xiao Cheng chattered on and on, covering everything from prenatal care precautions to baby names and how the nursery should be decorated…
Lin Aiyun’s eyes curved into crescents as she listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with agreement or a gentle correction. The atmosphere was warm, filled with anticipation for the future. In her previous life, the two of them had never had children—it had always been a regret. She never expected that in this life, her wish would be fulfilled so soon.
Looking at her smiling face, Xiao Cheng’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. He had originally planned to tell her everything about his dreams after they came down the mountain—to confess that he had dreamed of her long ago. Even if she didn’t believe him and thought it was absurd, it didn’t matter. He just didn’t want to keep it from her anymore.
Just as Gu Yuan had said—what was there to hide from one’s own wife?
But now, he wanted to wait a little longer, at least until the pregnancy was more stable. The doctor had just warned that a pregnant woman’s emotions must be carefully managed; if her mood fluctuated too much, it could negatively affect both mother and child.
After all, that dream was too bizarre. He was afraid she would overthink it, and then it would be hard to explain.
“Your parents will be overjoyed when they find out.” Xiao Cheng’s lips curved slightly as he started a new topic.
Lin Aiyun thought about it and nodded with a smile. Then, remembering that the last time they’d visited Xiao Cheng’s parents’ graves was right before their wedding, she took the initiative to say: “Let’s go see them in a couple of days, and bring them this good news.”
After a moment’s thought, Xiao Cheng reached out and ruffled her hair, agreeing.
When they got home, they put away their things and changed clothes before heading to Zhang Wenhua’s room to find her. At that moment, she was the only one at home.
When they arrived, Zhang Wenhua had just finished brushing her hair and was about to meet up with some elderly sisters she knew nearby to go grocery shopping. She was surprised to see them back so early. “Why are you two back so soon?”
When you go hiking, you usually don’t get home until dusk, right?
“We ran into a little situation midway, so we came down early.” Lin Aiyun exchanged a glance with Xiao Cheng and explained with a smile in her eyes.
“What kind of situation?” Seeing that they were both smiling, it clearly wasn’t anything bad, so Zhang Wenhua asked out of curiosity rather than concern.
“Mom, Aiyun is pregnant!” Xiao Cheng was quick with his words. Lin Aiyun had been planning to tease and drag it out a bit, but he just blurted it out. She shot him a sidelong glance, though the smile on her face didn’t diminish one bit.
As soon as the words fell, Zhang Wenhua’s eyes went wide. For a long moment, she couldn’t speak. Her gaze instinctively dropped to Lin Aiyun’s belly—flat and unremarkable, showing no sign of the little life growing inside.
“Good, good, good!” Zhang Wenhua said three “goods” in a row, a hint of moisture welling in her eyes. She stepped forward and took Lin Aiyun’s hand. Then, feeling that crying at a moment like this would be a mood-killer, she quickly broke into a big smile.
“Oh my, how wonderful! Before long, our family will have a sweet little baby. And you two are both so handsome and pretty—the child will look just like a little lucky doll!”
Zhang Wenhua laughed nonstop, chattering on and on. Finally, she didn’t forget to remind them: “Don’t go telling anyone about this just yet. Stay cautious. There are always vile people out there who might try to cause trouble.”
“We know. We won’t tell anyone.”
The couple nodded repeatedly. When it came to themselves, they were naturally as serious and careful as could be.
“Leave the prenatal nutrition to your old mom here. You two also remember what’s safe to eat and what’s not—especially you, Aiyun. Don’t be greedy.”
Lin Aiyun’s face flushed. She wasn’t a child anymore—how could she be greedy?
That statement came far too early, and the face-slapping later would be loud and clear—but that’s a story for another time.
“Enough talk—I need to go buy groceries now. If I’m late, all the good meat and vegetables will be gone. I’ll make you something delicious tonight.” With that, Zhang Wenhua shooed them back to their room. “Since you’ve got nothing to do today, get some good rest. Don’t overexert yourself.”
“Mom, let me come with you. I can help carry things.” Xiao Cheng was being thoughtful, and Zhang Wenhua appreciated the sentiment. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she waved him off. “It’s just a bunch of old aunties—what would you be doing there? Better to stay and keep Aiyun company. She needs you most right now.”
That last tease successfully silenced the couple. They watched Zhang Wenhua bustle out the door with purpose.
“I’ll carry you back.” Without waiting for Lin Aiyun’s reply, Xiao Cheng scooped her up in a princess carry. With her head slightly tilted, she could hear the rapid thumping of his heart in his chest, and the warmth of his body made her face burn.
Before, she hadn’t felt it, but now that she knew she was pregnant, the exhaustion hit her all at once, her eyelids growing heavy. She didn’t refuse, wrapping her arms around his neck and letting him carry her back.
“From now on, feel free to boss me around. I’m your personal servant—for you and the little one.”
That made Lin Aiyun laugh. “Pfft, who calls themselves a servant?”
“You know what I mean. I’ve always been one, but I’m just reiterating it now so you don’t forget, wife.” Xiao Cheng leaned down and stole a kiss on her cheek.
From Lin Aiyun’s angle, she could clearly see his sharp jawline and the bobbing of his prominent Adam’s apple—so sexy and captivating.
“Then let me have a kiss too.” Lin Aiyun tugged slightly, signaling him to lower his head. Xiao Cheng was caught off guard for a couple of seconds, then immediately lowered himself to cover her red lips.
The excitement he had been suppressing the entire way burst forth in that moment.
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