Jiang Xiao had a vague idea. She had attended classes and knew the various signs at this time. It seemed like Little Bean Sprout was about to be born prematurely. Her stomach was cramping, and the pain made her tightly clutch the sofa. She bit her lip and endured it.
Unexpectedly, Little Bean Sprout was coming a week early. Thank heavens, Little Bean Sprout would be born safely.
Aunt Qiao quickly called Zhou Xiulin while comforting Jiang Xiao, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright. I’ll call him right away.”
Amidst the chaotic and terrible mood, Jiang Xiao gradually calmed her emotions.
Aunt Qiao quickly called Zhou Xiulin while comforting Jiang Xiao, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright. I’ll call him right away.”
Feeling a mix of emotions, Jiang Xiao gradually calmed herself down.
The call was answered by Jiang Qin, and his expression instantly tightened upon hearing Aunt Qiao’s words. Ignoring the situation inside, he quickly went to find Zhou Xiulin, who was currently discussing upcoming film projects with several big shots from the film and television industry that would start shooting in the second half of the year.
Jiang Qin walked up to him and lowered his voice, “Mr. Zhou, your wife is about to give birth.”
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Hbsw Dkwzkd’p nyzx lmralppksd kdpvydvzu nbydtle, yde bl pvsse wr ycawrvzu. “Ohlausdl, lmnwpl xl, R byhl psxlvbkdt vs yvvlde vs.”
Ohlausdl zssjle yv lynb svbla, oyvnbkdt bkp bwaakle qktwal yp bl zlqv.
Elk Zydt qasx Psdtew Odvlavykdxldv prsjl wr, “R’hl dlhla plld Hbsw Dkwzkd kd pwnb y qzwpvlale pvyvl clqsal. Rdvlalpvkdt. Elzz, eslp ydusdl jdso obyv’p byrrldkdt?”
Valpkeldv Hbys qasx Twytlzk Odvlavykdxldv tzydnle yv Ys Zkbldt sd bkp aktbv yde ypjle, “Ya. Ys, ydu dlop?”
Ys Zkbldt aykple yd lulcaso. “Vascyczu bkp tkazqaklde kp zssjkdt qsa bkx.”
Ohlausdl lmnzykxle, “Fkdnl obld eke Hbsw Dkwzkd byhl y tkazqaklde?” Hbsw Dkwzkd oyp vawzu y “ayal prlnkxld” kd vblka nkanzl. Tl yzoyup oldv swv yzsdl, lhld kq clywvkqwz osxld vbalo vblxplzhlp yv bkx, bl nszezu alflnvle vblx.
Ys Zkbldt pbssj bkp blye. “Rv’p y plnalv alzyvksdpbkr.”
Gde ps, vbl tsppkr ycswv Hbsw Dkwzkd’p tkazqaklde pvyavle vs pralye.
While walking and talking on the phone, Zhou Xiulin’s voice was low. “Xiao Xiao, I’m on my way back now, very soon. Don’t be afraid.”
Jiang Xiao mustered her strength and gritted her teeth. “I’m not afraid.” Hearing his voice, she inexplicably felt a sense of security. It was okay now; she had Zhou Xiulin, and they would have their child together. She wasn’t alone anymore.
Zhou Xiulin tightly held his phone, his steps quick, as if a gust of wind rushed past.
For the first time, Jiang Qin noticed that their CEO Zhou could also tremble with nervousness.
Liang Yue was in the middle of an exclusive interview with an Oriental Weekly journalist when she caught sight of Zhou Xiulin’s figure. She paused slightly. “I’m sorry, please wait a moment.”
She hurriedly caught up to him. “Mr. Zhou—”
Zhou Xiulin didn’t stop walking, keeping his ear glued to the phone.
Liang Yue quickened her pace and intercepted him.
Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brow and said to Jiang Qin, “Did the driver’s car arrive?”
Jiang Qin replied, “We just contacted him. He’ll be at the entrance in a minute.”
Zhou Xiulin looked at Liang Yue. “Ms. Liang, I’m sorry, but I have an urgent matter to attend to.”
Liang Yue was slightly surprised. “Do you need any help?”
“Thank you. I can handle it myself.”
“Alright then. I’ll contact you another day.”
Zhou Xiulin nodded and hurried away.
Twenty minutes later, Zhou Xiulin arrived home. Jiang Xiao’s condition was relatively stable, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He wiped her forehead and his chin tensed. His tone of voice was stiffer than usual. “You mischievous little one! You made us so worried.”
Jiang Xiao tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Why did you come back so quickly?”
Zhou Xiulin lowered his head and kissed the tip of her nose. “Don’t talk. Save your energy.”
Jiang Xiao smiled and caressed her belly. “Little Bean Sprout couldn’t wait to come out.”
Zhou Xiulin responded, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll be by your side the whole time.”
Tears silently fell. It turned out she wasn’t as strong as she appeared on the surface. She tightly leaned into his embrace.
For the first time, Zhou Xiulin saw vulnerability in her. She seemed so helpless. He rubbed his chin against her soft hair, comforting her.
At the hospital, after a series of examinations, it turned out that Jiang Xiao wasn’t ready to give birth just yet. She would have to wait. They had previously discussed it and agreed to go for a natural birth if possible.
Zhou Xiulin consulted with the doctor, and Jiang Xiao’s physical condition was excellent, having maintained exercise throughout her pregnancy. A natural birth posed no issues.
However, she had to endure the pain until her cervix dilated.
Once they received the news, Zhou’s parents immediately came over. Both of them were a little nervous. At this time, Jiang’s family wasn’t present, so they had to rely on Zhou’s parents.
Mother Zhou asked, “Didn’t the recent check-up go well? Why did it suddenly happen earlier?”
Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brow. “The doctor said it might be because Jiang Xiao was too anxious.”
Mother Zhou sighed. “Alright, I’ll go talk to her.”
Having given birth to two children herself, Mother Zhou’s words could provide some comfort to Jiang Xiao. Giving birth was like passing through the gates of hell for women, and this statement was not far from the truth.
Jiang Xiao had a rare blood type, and the hospital had made all the necessary preparations early on. It was better to be safe than sorry.
It wasn’t until evening approached that Jiang Xiao finally entered the delivery room, and Zhou Xiulin had changed into appropriate clothing to accompany her. He had promised to stay by her side, and he wouldn’t break his word.
Mother Zhou patted her hand. “Don’t be afraid, child. We’re all here outside. Everything will be fine. Dr. Zhang is the best obstetrician.”
Jiang Xiao’s eyes became moist as she looked deeply at Mother Zhou. A tear suddenly slipped from the corner of her eye, cool and icy. She wanted to say “thank you,” but in the end, the words remained unspoken.
A new year, a new beginning, a new life.
When the doctor held Little Bean Sprout and told them, “Six pounds and eight ounces, it’s a boy.”
Jiang Xiao blinked, feeling choked up in her throat. She had never imagined becoming a mother at the age of twenty-three.
Mother, a warm word, but it also carried responsibility.
Zhou Xiulin held her hand the entire time. His tense face finally relaxed, and there was a trace of tenderness in his eyes. He gently wiped the sweat off her face, his voice low and mixed with a hint of joy. “Xiao Xiao, thank you.” He was no longer the carefree or stern figure he usually portrayed. He was just an ordinary husband, an ordinary father.
The doctor showed them the baby and then took him away to clean him.
Jiang Xiao’s nerves finally relaxed. Her body was drenched in sweat repeatedly, and all her strength had been drained. Despite feeling exhausted, she anxiously reminded him, her voice hoarse, “Take good care of Little Bean Sprout, don’t let anyone hold him wrong.”
Zhou Xiulin suddenly felt like laughing. He tightened his grip on her hand, gently kissing the still wet tear marks on her eyelashes, and firmly said, “Okay.”
Little Bean Sprout didn’t need him to watch over him. His grandparents would take care of that. Right now, he just wanted to be by his girl’s side.
She fell into a drowsy sleep, feeling sore all over. She was in a semi-conscious state. She dreamed of her mother again, but this time, she could see her face clearly. That face left her stunned.
She called out, “Mother—”
But her mother coldly looked at her and said, “I’m not your mother.”
“Mother—” she shouted with all her might.
“I’m not your mother.” After saying that, her mother was about to leave.
She desperately wanted to chase after her, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t move.
There was a warm and familiar male voice calling her in her ears, “Xiao Xiao—Xiao Xiao—”
Jiang Xiao slowly opened her eyes, and Zhou Xiulin stood by the bedside, his eyes red. As their gazes met, his eyes were so gentle. “You were dreaming.”
Dreams were cold, but reality was filled with happiness.
When she woke up at night, her husband was by her side, and her son slept next to her.
Jiang Xiao experienced a satisfaction she had never felt before.
Little Bean Sprout was dressed in a small blue baby outfit, soft and tiny, with a face the size of a palm, pursing his small mouth as he breathed.
In an instant, Jiang Xiao felt a pang of tenderness in her heart.
Zhou Xiulin poured a cup of warm water. “Drink some water first, then have something to eat.”
Jiang Xiao only had eyes for Little Bean Sprout, his slender eyes, small mouth, and adorable little feet. She couldn’t help but kiss the baby’s forehead. Life was truly miraculous.
She couldn’t imagine that Little Bean Sprout had been in her belly for over nine months. Tears uncontrollably streamed down her face.
Zhou Xiulin noticed. “Why are you crying? Is it still painful?”
Jiang Xiao sniffled. It was indeed painful, but she felt it was worth it. Her heart was filled with overwhelming emotion. Did she finally understand the feelings of being a mother?
How could anyone have the heart to abandon their own child?
Zhou Xiulin held the cup of water to her lips and gently fed her some food.
Jiang Xiao’s heart was completely focused on Little Bean Sprout. “Zhou Xiulin, Little Bean Sprout doesn’t look like us at all.”
Zhou Xiulin hadn’t slept all night. If he wasn’t looking at her, he was looking at Little Bean Sprout. “Looks like you.”
Jiang Xiao was surprised. “Where does he resemble me?”
Zhou Xiulin lifted his hand and pointed at her mouth with a serious expression. “His mouth resembles yours.”
Jiang Xiao hadn’t noticed. “How can he be so small? Look at his hands—” She gently reached out her hand to touch Little Bean Sprout’s, and suddenly, Little Bean Sprout seemed to sense something and grabbed onto her finger.
“Oh! Look, he’s grabbing me, quite strong.” Jiang Xiao laughed, her eyes filled with joy.
Zhou Xiulin composed himself. “Alright, you should rest well.”
Jiang Xiao shook her head. “I’m not tired at all.”
“Listen to me.”
Jiang Xiao obediently lay down, her gaze fixed on him. Zhou Xiulin, usually neat and tidy, had a wrinkled shirt and messy hair today. “Did you not sleep yet?”
Zhou Xiulin tidied up the stray hairs on her forehead. “I’m not sleepy.”
Jiang Xiao curved her lips. “Zhou Xiulin, I’m truly happy. I’m so happy that Little Bean Sprout is our child. It’s like all the shortcomings in my life don’t matter anymore.”
Zhou Xiulin made a sound of agreement. He was also very happy because Little Bean Sprout was the child she had given birth to for him.
Jiang Xiao fell silent for a moment and couldn’t help but ask, “How long does he sleep for?”
Zhou Xiulin hummed. “He’ll wake up when he’s hungry. For now, it’s either eating or sleeping.”
Jiang Xiao chuckled softly. “That’s great. Zhou Xiulin, have you decided on a name?”
Zhou Xiulin looked at her. “Simu, the ‘si’ in ‘thinking’ and the ‘mu’ in ‘admiring.’ Zhou Simu.”
The sunlight outside was just right, and the spring breeze gently blew. Birds chirped on the branches.
Everything was just perfect.
Jiang Xiao’s eyes became warm as she softly repeated the name. “Zhou Simu, Simu, it sounds so nice. I really like it.” She glanced at him and licked her dry lips.
Could it be that he had realized that she admired him?
A smile appeared at the corner of Zhou Xiulin’s mouth, wiping away his fatigue. “As long as you like it.”
Mother and Father Zhou didn’t have any major objections to the name Zhou Simu. After all, it was the child’s father who chose it. What opinions could grandparents have?
Three days later, Jiang Xiao was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Mother Zhou hired a professional nanny to take care of Jiang Xiao and the child. Due to the smooth delivery, Jiang Xiao recovered quickly. Spending time with her child every day, time didn’t seem to pass quickly.
Children change every day, and Little Simu was becoming more and more adorable.
She simply couldn’t get enough of Little Simu.
Half a month later, Zhou Yanyan came to visit the child. It had been a year, and this was her first visit to their residence. She wore sunglasses and a face mask, taking secrecy very seriously, and her expression was as cold as ever.
Jiang Xiao was slightly surprised to see her. She thought Zhou Yanyan wouldn’t come.
Zhou Yanyan spoke up. “I didn’t come to see you.”
Jiang Xiao responded, “I know.”
Zhou Yanyan bent down, approaching Little Simu. Little Simu was sound asleep, looking very obedient. Zhou Yanyan reached out her hand, about to touch Little Simu’s cheek, but Jiang Xiao stopped her.
“Hey, your nails might hurt Simu.”
Zhou Yanyan’s hand hung in the air as Jiang Xiao stared at her. Hmph, so what if she gave birth to a son! She didn’t want to touch him anyway. She quickly withdrew her hand, took out a gift box from her bag, and casually placed it by the bedside. “A gift for Simu.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m his aunt.”
Jiang Xiao nodded, not denying it.
Zhou Yanyan looked at her deeply. “I heard you’re going back to work in Huaxia? Becoming a manager?”
“Yes.”
“I really don’t understand. What are you after? You have everything by marrying my brother.”
“You have everything too. Why do you act in movies?”
Zhou Yanyan was caught off guard by the question. “It’s my dream.”
“That’s my dream too.” Jiang Xiao replied lightly.
Zhou Yanyan furrowed her brows, no longer speaking much, and left without delay.
Jiang Xiao didn’t care about the Yanyan’s attitude towards her. After going through childbirth, she has come to understand some things. Emotions between people are peculiar, and many things cannot be changed. So, it’s better not to care and focus on living one’s own life. That’s the most important thing. In this world, there will always be people who don’t like you, but there will also be those who love you as if their life depends on it.
While Little Simu was sleeping, she began to busy herself with work.
Aunt Qiao was surprised to see her working. “Simu is so young, do you really have to go to work?”
Jiang Xiao said, “Most women in China do this. Maternity leave is only three months.”
Aunt Qiao replied, “But you’re different.”
Jiang Xiao smiled, “I am the same as them. We are all mothers.” She understood what Aunt Qiao meant. However wealthy Zhou Xiu Lin might be, it was still his money. She didn’t have a strong pursuit of wealth; what mattered more to her was her own spiritual fulfillment.
Of course, she would handle both work and family time properly. She would try to spend more time with Simu.
The things she lacked since childhood, she would not let Simu lack them.
When Mother Zhou heard that she was planning to start working in August, she took the opportunity to talk to Jiang Xiao.
Mother Zhou hoped that Jiang Xiao could wait until Simu was one year old before going to work.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Xiao said, “Mom, Xiulin and I have already discussed this. I won’t neglect Simu because of work.”
Seeing her determination, Mother Zhou sighed, “All of you are so mindful. Do as you please.”
Jiang Xiao replied, “Mom, I’m sorry.”
She could feel that Mother Zhou was a little angry.
In the evening, Zhou Xiulin came back, took off his clothes, washed his hands, and went to see little Simu.
Little Simu had just finished bathing, and Jiang Xiao was applying prickly heat powder on him. The little one opened his big eyes and looked around. Jiang Xiao’s gentle touch seemed to make him very comfortable, and he cooed in response.
Zhou Xiulin watched the little one enjoying the moment and also helped apply the powder. “Simu’s skin seems to have become fairer.”
Jiang Xiao nodded eagerly, “Yes, and his eyes have become bigger.” She was contemplating how to talk to Zhou Xiulin about something.
Zhou Xiulin noticed her change and asked, “What do you want to say?”
“Mom knows that I’m going to work,” Jiang Xiao replied.
He playfully teased little Simu, “What did she say?”
Jiang Xiao shrugged, “She seemed a bit angry.”
Zhou Xiulin turned his head, “It’ll be fine after some time; don’t worry about it. Generation gap issues are unavoidable.”
Jiang Xiao fell silent for a moment, “Do you think I’m too heartless? Simu is still so young…”
Zhou Xiulin chuckled, “Simu isn’t just yours alone. Following that logic, should I also not work and stay at home to accompany him?”
Jiang Xiao didn’t expect him to say that and burst into laughter suddenly. “Letting you become a stay-at-home husband, not to mention it being a waste of talent, I wonder how many young girls in our circle would be heartbroken.”
It was the first time Zhou Xiu Lin had heard her talk like that. He spread his arms and pulled her into an embrace, “What young girls?”
Jiang Xiao opened her mouth, but her words got stuck.
Zhou Xiulin asked playfully, “Jealous?”
Jiang Xiao wouldn’t admit it, “I haven’t given Simu a massage yet.”
Zhou Xiulin made a sound of understanding and leaned close to her ear, “There’s still a half a month before Simu’s full moon 1 1 month old.”
As she looked up, she met his deep gaze, and her heart trembled slightly.
An ambiguous atmosphere suddenly filled the bedroom. In the dim light, their shadows intertwined intimately.
Jiang Xiao pushed him away slightly.
However, he held her waist firmly with his hand, lowered his head, and kissed her lips directly.
“Waah—” A loud crying sound instantly echoed through the bedroom.
Surprised by the cry, Jiang Xiao and Zhou Xiulin abruptly separated. They turned their attention to Little Simu, who was now wide awake and crying.
Jiang Xiao quickly picked up Little Simu and cradled him in her arms, gently trying to soothe him. “There, there, Little Simu, Mommy is here. Don’t cry, my little angel.”
Zhou Xiulin watched the scene with a soft smile. “It seems Little Simu doesn’t want us to have too much alone time.”
Jiang Xiao let out a sigh, a mixture of amusement and exhaustion in her voice. “Being parents is never easy, is it? Our lives are forever intertwined with Little Simu’s.”
Zhou Xiulin nodded, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at his wife and child. “But every moment is worth it. Our little family brings so much joy and love.”
As Little Simu gradually calmed down in his mother’s arms, Jiang Xiao gently kissed his forehead. “We’re here for you, Little Simu. We’ll always be by your side, no matter what.”
With hearts brimming with love and determination, Jiang Xiao and Zhou Xiulin embraced their roles as parents, treasuring every precious moment with their beloved child. Together, they embarked on the journey of parenthood, ready to face the challenges and joys that lay ahead.
And as the night settled over their home, Little Simu’s cries transformed into peaceful slumber, enveloping the family in a serene and comforting ambiance.
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