Jiang Xiao held the sweet potato and took a satisfied bite. The sweetness spread from her mouth to her heart. A few days ago, while watching a TV drama, the female lead happened to be eating a roasted sweet potato, and she made a remark.
“In winter, biting into a sweet potato and drinking milk tea, it feels so blissful.”
Zhou Xiulin sat nearby working and glanced at her, noticing her swallow.
The food she ate during her pregnancy was prepared according to the nutritionist’s plan. Occasionally, she also had cravings for milk tea and snacks, but in the end, she would just look at them and resist for the sake of the child.
From these little details, it could be seen that Jiang Xiao was a person with strong willpower. She was really easy to take care of!
During this period of time spent together, they had come to understand each other more and more. Jiang Xiao was far from the image she portrayed on the surface. She was kind, resilient, and had a playful side to her personality, but only the most familiar person could enjoy it. She always noticed the strengths of others and remembered the kindness shown to her.
The living room was filled with the aroma of sweet potatoes. The golden, radiant sweet potatoes had a beautiful color.
Jiang Xiao squinted her eyes and asked, “Where did you buy them?”
The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.
“Gv vbl kdvlaplnvksd dlya uswa bktb pnbssz. Tso eslp kv vypvl?”
Lyvwayzzu, kv oyp tsse. Kkydt Dkys dseele yde vssj ydsvbla ckvl. Rv oyp psqv yde pollv. Ebld pbl zssjle wr yde pyo bkx oyvnbkdt bla, pbl vbswtbv qsa y xsxldv yde bydele bkx vbl svbla byzq kd bla byde. “Ps usw oydv vs vau?”
Hbsw Dkwzkd nbwnjzle, zssjle yv bla qsa y qlo plnsdep, vbld zsolale bkp blye yde vssj y ckvl qasx bla byde. “Mbl vypvl kp dsv cye.”
Rdvkxyvl qllekdt!
Kkydt Dkys ralvldele dsv vs nyal, zsolale bla blye, yde iwklvzu qkdkpble lyvkdt vbl pollv rsvyvs.
Hbsw Dkwzkd pxkzle yde pyke, “El okzz byhl y alwdksd ekddla vstlvbla sd Llo Zlya’p Ohl. Qaydery yde Qaydexy yal nsxkdt cynj vbkp ulya, yde Bdnzl yde vbl svblap okzz yzps fskd.”
Kkydt Dkys qlzz pkzldv qsa y xsxldv yde alrzkle, “Fwal.”
Hbsw Dkwzkd bydele bla y vkppwl. “Psd’v osaau.”
Jiang Xiao knew she couldn’t avoid it any longer. She had already met Grandpa and Grandma. Grandpa and Grandma were knowledgeable scholars. They were university professors and had studied in Germany when they were young. They spoke fluent German and English. Grandma also had beautiful calligraphy skills, so the credit for Zhou Xiulin and Zhou Yanyan’s beautiful handwriting also went to Grandma’s teaching.
In the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve, and every scene was filled with a strong festive atmosphere, with red decorations everywhere.
The whole Zhou family had gathered together. Zhou Xiulin’s second uncle, his wife, and their twin daughters were all present. It was a lively year.
Jiang Xiao really liked the twin sisters. They were beautiful and polite, and both were only ten years old. Jiang Xiao couldn’t even tell who was the older sister and who was the younger sister.
As the eldest in this generation, Zhou Xiulin had a respectable status, but he was quite liked by his younger siblings. Perhaps it was a case of love extending to their relatives. Zhou Xiulin’s younger cousin, Zhou Xiuze, was three years older than Jiang Xiao. He was pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics at University B and was the top student among top students. He was also Jiang Xiao’s senior from the same middle school. After they became acquainted, Zhou Xiuze helplessly said, “I’m supposed to be your senior, but now I have to call you sister-in-law. You’re actually six years younger than my eldest brother. I thought my brother would prefer someone more mature.”
Jiang Xiao felt embarrassed.
Tonight’s New Year’s Eve dinner was Jiang Xiao’s first appearance at the Zhou family.
The Zhou family had excellent manners, and no one showed too much surprise. The names of the twin sisters were interesting. The older sister was named Zhou Yinan, and the younger sister was named Zhou Yinbei. The two sisters were interested in Jiang Xiao’s belly and kept surrounding her.
“Sister, when will the little baby be born?”
“When the weather gets warmer.”
Zhou Yinan’s eyes lit up. “Sister, next year I will bring the little baby to watch the fireworks.”
“Okay. You two will be the little baby’s aunts, so you have to play with the little baby then.”
Upon hearing that they would be aunts, the twin sisters, considering themselves as adults, nodded solemnly. “Sister, you can rest assured.”
Zhou Yinbei said, “Sister, we can help you name the little baby.”
Jiang Xiao smiled. “Do you have any good names?”
Zhou Yinbei thought seriously. “We need to think carefully about it.”
At this moment, Zhou Xiulin walked over. “Yinan and Yinbei, Xiuze is downstairs. It seems like he brought a truckload of fireworks.”
The two children excitedly ran off.
Zhou Xiulin looked at Jiang Xiao. “Are you tired?”
Jiang Xiao shrugged. “I don’t have to be busy preparing dinner.”
Zhou Xiulin hugged her waist. “Let’s go to the balcony and watch them set off fireworks. It’s a bit cold outside.”
Jiang Xiao tilted her head. “Have you thought of a name for Little Bean Sprout?”
Zhou Xiulin asked, “Do you want to know?”
Jiang Xiao nodded eagerly.
Zhou Xiulin held her hand and walked slowly to the balcony. “Wait a little longer. There are still 50 days to go. You’ll find out on the day he’s born.”
Jiang Xiao was dissatisfied and angrily patted his shoulder. “What if you come up with a name that I’m not satisfied with? I won’t agree to it.”
Zhou Xiulin’s indulgence deepened, his eyes filled with affection. “Of course.”
Outside the window, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the night sky, illuminating it with colorful lights.
The voices of their conversation could be heard in the yard.
The twins were extremely excited, after all, they were still children.
“Yiyan, give me another fairy wand.”
“Xiuze, help me light it.”
…
Zhou Xiulin smiled and said, “In a couple of years, we can also bring Little Bean Sprout to watch fireworks.”
Jiang Xiao fell into a momentary silence before speaking, “When I was young, I used to imagine my mom, dad, and me, our whole family setting off fireworks together. I hoped for it for a long, long time. It wasn’t until I started primary school that I realized it could only be a dream.” After that, she never thought about it again.
Jiang Xiao was touched by the scene, and Zhou Xiulin could only sigh helplessly. He said softly, “But now you have me.”
Jiang Xiao suddenly laughed.
Having lost and regained, there was always a plan from above.
During the New Year’s Eve dinner, several men in the Zhou family had quite a few drinks.
For the Zhou family, this had been a joyous year. Zhou Xiulin got married and was about to become a father. Jiang Xiao had a gentle personality and an open mind, and the more time Grandma Zhou spent with her, the more she liked her. The elderly could always see through a person’s true nature at a glance.
Zhou Yanyan didn’t care much about it. She was too busy with filming and didn’t bother to pay attention to Jiang Xiao. A single glance was enough when they met; they didn’t even bother to exchange words.
Even the Zhou’s younger sister-in-law noticed this and quietly asked her mother, whether Yanyan didn’t like Jiang Xiao.
Mother Zhou felt embarrassed and laughed, saying, “That’s not true. It’s just that Xiulin’s marriage happened in a hurry, and Yanyan and Jiang Xiao haven’t had much time to get to know each other.”
The younger sister-in-law didn’t fully believe it, but she didn’t ask any further.
Dinner ended at half-past nine.
Zhou Xiuzhe supported the intoxicated Zhou Xiulin and helped him back to the room. Jiang Xiao was surprised and asked, “How much did you guys drink?”
Zhou Xiuzhe was still sober and smiled, “Uncle, and my dad, they’re both drunk. Sister-in-law, please take care of them. You should rest early too.”
Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh and wet a towel to wipe Zhou Xiulin’s face.
The room was warm, and Zhou Xiulin tugged at his shirt collar but couldn’t seem to unbutton it. He looked up at her.
Jiang Xiao could only help, so she bent down in front of him, her long hair falling onto his face and tickling him. “Zhou Xiulin… Zhou Xiulin…”
Zhou Xiulin tugged at her with a smile. “Hmm?”
Jiang Xiao looked at his rolling Adam’s apple and held up two fingers. “What number is this?”
Zhou Xiulin stared straight at her. “Jiang Xiao, I can hold my liquor.”
Jiang Xiao scoffed. “Everyone who’s drunk says that.” She gently touched his face, his fair skin and distinct facial features were truly handsome. “Ah, you’re a good boy, rest for a while.”
Zhou Xiulin held her wrist and brought her into his embrace, their breaths intertwining. His eyes were as dazzling as stars. “Xiao Xiao…” he murmured, his voice full of magnetism.
Jiang Xiao, mindful of her belly, didn’t make any big movements and simply nestled in his arms, quietly watching him.
Zhou Xiulin propped himself up, holding her in his arms and placing her on his lap. His lips brushed against her cheek as he said, “If I didn’t have feelings for you, would you have let me hold you like this?” His words were tender, each one striking Jiang Xiao’s brain, causing her thoughts to become muddled.
Outside the window, the fireworks bloomed in a splendid display, transforming the cold winter night into a warm and colorful scene.
Zhou Xiulin looked at her dazed expression and smiled. “So many actresses have tried to seduce me, but none succeeded. Only you did!”
Jiang Xiao’s eyes sparkled, her face blushing.
Zhou Xiulin narrowed his eyes, his lips searching for hers, kissing her nose tip and the corner of her lips. Their lips and teeth intermingled as his hand slipped into her loose sweater.
Jiang Xiao knew what she had heard, but her brain seemed to have lost control.
He did it on purpose, deliberately succeeded?
Could it be that he… likes me?
Jiang Xiao was breathing heavily. “Zhou Xiulin…” They were at home, with their parents, grandparents present.
Zhou Xiulin muttered, “I’m here.”
“Xiao Xiao…” Mother Zhou came in holding a sobering medicine, seeing her son holding his daughter-in-law in an intimate posture, which felt glaringly inappropriate to her. She never expected to encounter this scene, and cursed Zhou Xiulin inwardly.
However, she maintained a calm facade on her face. “Xiao Xiao, this is a sobering medicine for Zhou Xiulin. He seems quite drunk!”
Jiang Xiao blushed. “Mom, I understand.”
Mother Zhou gritted her teeth, looking at the culprit Zhou Xiulin, wishing she could go up and give him a slap or two. “You should rest early. Xiao Xiao is pregnant and about to give birth.”
Jiang Xiao pursed her lips, feeling ashamed and wanting to disappear into a hole.
Suddenly, Zhou Xiulin had a slight headache.
As Mother Zhou left, Jiang Xiao raised her hand and lightly hit Zhou Xiulin a few times. “It’s all your fault! All your fault!”
Zhou Xiulin rubbed his face, feeling helpless. “Alright, alright.”
Jiang Xiao said, “How am I going to face mom tomorrow?”
Zhou Xiulin smiled. “Remember to lock the door next time.”
Jiang Xiao remained silent.
Zhou Xiulin sighed. “I just wanted to give you a kiss. Mom overthought it. Hmm…”
She didn’t want to pay him any attention and got up to grab her phone.
Zhou Xiulin had no choice but to take a shower.
Jiang Xiao checked WeChat, where high school and college classmates had sent New Year blessings in various groups. Jiang Xiao sent messages in each group and also posted in her Moments:
“Wishing everyone a smooth and joyful year ahead, full of success and prosperity.”
Soon, people started replying to her.
Huang Ya: Hahaha.
Li Li: Keep up the good work!
Zhao Xinran: Success and prosperity! Happy New Year!
Jiang Qin: Wishing you a joyful family!
…
At this moment, another message popped up on WeChat, showing the sender as “Jin Zhongbei”.
Jin Zhongbei’s profile picture was a big Golden Retriever, and Jiang Xiao guessed it was their family pet.
Jin Zhongbei: I heard you went to the United States for further studies. Are you back in the country?
Jiang Xiao looked at the message, and her heart suddenly became nervous. She hesitated for a moment before replying: I’ll be back next summer.
Jin Zhongbei: Great! Happy New Year!
Jiang Xiao grinned: Happy New Year!
Her heart was filled with warmth. The people from the Jin family were very nice.
When Zhou Xiulin came out after showering, he saw Jiang Xiao holding her phone with a slight smile on her lips, looking a bit absent-minded.
He walked over and patted her shoulder.
Jiang Xiao raised her head, her eyes black and bright. “Do you know? Jin Zhongbei sent me a WeChat message.”
Zhou Xiulin paused in drying his hair. “Him? What did he say?”
“He wished me a happy new year,” Jiang Xiao said, arching her eyebrows.
“Probably a group message,” Zhou Xiulin replied casually.
“No.” Jiang Xiao handed her phone to him as proof. “Look, he sent it separately. The movie star is actually very friendly.”
Zhou Xiulin’s lips twitched faintly. “Seems like he has ulterior motives.”
Jiang Xiao didn’t mind. She had a very good impression of Jin Zhongbei, seeing him as a symbol of righteousness. There was even a hint of a small fan’s sentiment. She felt that Jin Zhongbei messaging her meant he recognized her abilities.
Jiang Xiao continued to browse WeChat for a while, and Jin Zhongbei had posted a picture of fireworks in his Moments.
She clicked the like button and then started a private chat with Lin Wu.
Zhou Xiulin also had Jin Zhongbei on WeChat, so naturally, he saw Jiang Xiao’s like.
Around 10:30 p.m., Zhou Xiulin also posted a picture: a calligraphy of the character “福”mfn – good fortune or blessing[/mfn] written by his grandmother in the afternoon, which she had asked him to take a picture of.
Unfortunately, this picture received likes from Mo Yiheng, Jiang Qin, Jin Shuyan, but not from Jiang Xiao.
The next morning, when Jiang Xiao went downstairs, she ran into Zhou Yanyan in the restaurant downstairs.
The elders were still not up, and there were only the two of them in the living room, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere.
Zhou Yanyan took a sip of water, her gaze falling on Jiang Xiao’s belly. She stared for a long time, so long that Jiang Xiao started to feel uncomfortable.
“I didn’t expect you to become friends with Jin Zhongbei and even exchange WeChat contacts,” Zhou Yiyang said, pulling a smile. Afterward, she got up and left with her bag.
Jiang Xiao sensed the change in Zhou Yanyan. She still didn’t like her, but her demeanor had changed. She wasn’t as restless as before. The entertainment industry really could change a person.
Jiang Xiao sighed.
After the Spring Festival, spring arrived in the blink of an eye. The weather became warmer, and Jiang Xiao’s due date was getting closer.
Jiang Xiao was somewhat scared, but she didn’t say anything. During this time, Mother Zhou treated her very well.
Zhou Xiulin also adjusted his work schedule for March to stay in Jincheng as much as possible.
Before leaving in the morning, he specifically instructed the housekeeper to take good care of Jiang Xiao. He had to attend the film “Years of Youth” release event in the morning.
“Years of Youth” had already started its promotional campaign and would be released around the Labor Day holiday.
Liang Yue and the other lead actors sat on the stage, with reporters asking one question after another about her comeback and the movie.
Until a journalist from an entertainment magazine asked, “Teacher Liang, in the last photo we captured, what is the relationship between the girl in the photo and you? Would you mind revealing it?”
The host immediately took the microphone and said, “Sorry, please—”
Liang Yue smiled and said, “She is my daughter. Thank you all for your concern, but please don’t pay too much attention and let her have a normal upbringing.”
The venue exploded with excitement.
“Teacher Liang, you and Director Jin did a great job keeping it a secret.”
Liang Yue smiled, “I am just an ordinary mother who wants nothing more than the safety and happiness of my daughter.”
This news quickly made headlines. The entertainment industry was buzzing. Everyone was discussing the Jin family’s daughter.
In their past lives, they must have saved the galaxy to be born into such a family in this lifetime.
Soon, some influential Weibo accounts shared a series of Jin Shuyan’s photography works, sparking another wave of excitement.
Not only was she born into a privileged family, but she was also a photography master.
Jiang Xiao also saw today’s Weibo trending topic: “Liang Yue’s Daughter.”
She looked at it for a long time, not missing a single Weibo post.
When she felt a faint pain in her stomach, she finally realized what was happening and hurriedly called Aunt Qiao.
Aunt Qiao exclaimed in surprise, “You’re going into labor!”
Thanks for visiting. If you like this story, then I’m shamelessly asking you to visit NovelUpdates and give a 5⭐ review. (人❛ᴗ❛)♪тнайк чоц♪(❛ᴗ❛*人)
You can also check out my other translations Here
I’m scared for her. Giving birth is painful.