Lan Lan supported her waist, now thick as a water barrel, and even a few steps made her ache. Refusing help, she steadily moved, feeling the journey back seemed much longer today.
Finally home, she collapsed on the bed, breathless and not wanting to move. The baby in her belly was restless, kicking forcefully, with tiny hands and feet visibly protruding through her skin.
Lan Lan gently stroked her belly, softly comforting, “Baby, be good! Mommy is very tired now, so please be quiet!” The baby seemed to understand, moving slightly before stopping.
In recent days, the baby had been particularly active, always responsive to her gentle voice. These moments filled her with happiness, grateful for this child in her life, giving her an understanding of life and anticipation of joy.
Yue Xiang brought two pillows, letting her recline on the bed to avoid pressure on her heart.
Uncle Chen, Aunt Chen, and others, nervous about her upcoming birth, crowded into the room to ask how she was feeling.
Lan Lan’s heart was filled with joy and anticipation. Her little angel was about to arrive, and she wondered what the baby would look like—would it resemble her or him? Thinking of him, her heart ached again.
If not for that incident, they might have been the happiest couple in the world. No, she shouldn’t dwell on it. Thinking too much would only bring more sorrow; she should focus on the child instead. A child’s love for their mother is the most unconditional and unwavering.
[Text: Chapter Thirty-Nine – Dragon and Phoenix Twins]
Lan Lan asked Aunt Chen and Yue Xiang to prepare red date water and eggs to replenish her strength. Unfortunately, there was no chocolate, which would have been the best energy-boosting food.
Before long, the midwife arrived with Uncle Chen. She was a woman in her fifties, known as “Grandma Cheng,” an experienced and kind midwife whose smile eased Lan Lan’s nervous mood.
After examining Lan Lan and checking the fetal position, the midwife furrowed her brow. The position might be incorrect, which made Lan Lan’s heart tighten. In ancient times, without modern equipment to check development, she was only being examined just before giving birth, explaining the high childbirth mortality rate.
