Jin Yu was stunned, glancing at Xu Yi, who showed uncertainty. Xu Yi’s hand trembled as it covered his belly. Jin Yu felt helpless – they were still anxious.
Jin Yu took a wooden hairpin from Su Xi’s hair and examined it. Although made from high-quality wood, it would eventually show signs of wear. Looking at Su Xi, he said, “From now on, I’ll give you a hairpin every year. Do you prefer ones I carve, or ones I have people find?”
Su Xi’s eyes warmed, and she lowered her head, her voice soft, “You’ll make them yourself…?” His thoughtfulness touched her deeply.
Jin Yu smiled and set the hairpin aside, then began massaging Su Xi’s legs. Her jade-like legs were white and long, making him reluctant to stop.
Feeling comfortable, Su Xi trembled, looking incredulously at Jin Yu. Her eyes grew hot, and she tried to withdraw, saying, “This is not something the wife should do.”
Jin Yu held Su Xi’s leg in place, saying, “You’re pregnant. Legs can cramp easily. I’m worried about you and the baby.”
Su Xi stopped moving, touched. A warm current flowed from her heart, bringing a tingling sensation that made her moan softly, her eyes filling with misty tears.
Xiao Lian looked at her hand, then at Su Xi’s large belly, and shrank her hand into her sleeve, feeling afraid. She remembered the last incident where she accidentally bumped into her brother, who fell and bled. Terrified, she thought if her brother and the baby left her, she would be all alone.
Su Xi, aware of Xiao Lian’s lingering guilt, comforted her, “It’s okay this time.”
Xiao Lian, shoulders shrunk, asked timidly, “Can I really do it?” After receiving Su Xi’s nod and Jin Yu’s tacit approval, she happily rushed towards Su Xi. Jin Yu quickly stopped her, concerned she might harm the baby.
Jin Yu was about to caution Xiao Lian to slow down, but she refrained, fearing it would cause unnecessary concern. Instead, she led Xiao Lian towards Su Xi.
Xiao Lian fell into Jin Yu’s arms, her face flushed. She then approached Su Xi, touching her belly and exclaimed, “It moved! It’s really moving!” As she stroked Su Xi’s belly, tears welled up in her eyes, and a bittersweet ache filled her heart.
