Chapter 44

The whole family was somewhat incredulous upon learning that Jin Xiuzhu was pregnant.

The most delighted of all were father and son. Although Jiang Mingchuan had always been hoping for Jin Xiuzhu to get pregnant, and they had made all sorts of preparations—going so far as to pick out names—the arrival of the child still left them at a loss.

During dinner, he didn't know what to say for the longest time. He held his chopsticks, putting them down and picking them up again repeatedly, before finally managing to say, "Good job."

Jin Xiuzhu: "…"

Fu Yanyan: "…"

It was He Yan who happily ran over and circled around Jin Xiuzhu. "Mom, Mom, am I getting a little brother or sister?"

"When will they come out?"

"Mom, I want a little brother."

His sister always gave him a hard time, and he wanted a more obedient little brother.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and nodded, then lowered her head to touch her flat abdomen. "I can't control that. It's up to fate. A little brother or sister would be fine."

"Okay, but I still want a little brother."

Saying this, he stole a glance at his sister nearby.

The only one in the family who remained calm was Fu Yanyan—or rather, she appeared calm on the surface. In truth, only she knew the shock she felt inside.

She never expected Jin Xiuzhu to actually become pregnant. Although she had heard Jin Xiuzhu mention it once or twice before, so much time had passed that she had almost forgotten about it. She never expected that there would actually be a child now—a life that hadn't existed in her previous life was about to arrive in their home.

To Fu Yanyan, this was no less shocking than a thunderclap ringing in her ears.

She wanted to say something, but after opening her mouth, not a word came out.

Even though she knew that many things in this world were different from her previous life, she still found it hard to accept. She was even a bit afraid of the arrival of this new life, fearing that some things might repeat themselves.

Seeing her daughter remain silent, Jin Xiuzhu assumed she was overthinking. This daughter was very smart, but sometimes being too smart wasn't a good thing. It could make things overly complicated.

She reached out to stroke her small head and said earnestly, "No matter how many children your mom has, I'll love you and your brother just as much as before. Don't worry."

This sentence interrupted Fu Yanyan's complex thoughts.

She looked at Jin Xiuzhu with a blank expression and asked strangely, "No matter how many?"

After spending so much time together, she had a good understanding of this world's Jin Xiuzhu and knew she wouldn't say things without reason.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled gently. "Yes, three children is still too few. You'll have more brothers and sisters in the future. Anyway, both your dad and I can earn money, so we won't have trouble raising you."

Fu Yanyan: "…"

He Yan chuckled foolishly. "Then I want little brothers."

Jiang Mingchuan also laughed happily. "There definitely will be."

Having listened to Jin Xiuzhu talk about having more children, he also thought it was a good idea.

Only Fu Yanyan tugged at the corner of her mouth, looking speechlessly at these people who were so happy. Hadn't they raised children before?

They were talking about having several more. Back when she was in the hospital, she had seen how one child alone could drive the whole family crazy. In any case, she certainly wouldn't be helping raise them.

Jin Xiuzhu didn't know what her daughter was thinking. She lovingly touched her belly. This was her only child in two lifetimes, and she would definitely dote on him. She only hoped that he would be born safely this time.

Thinking of this, her heart sweetened. This child was still a bit special; he was conceived with someone she loved. Although Jiang Mingchuan wasn't as talented or wealthy as Lord Marquis, to her, this man brought her greater joy.

Jin Xiuzhu suddenly remembered something and immediately warned, "We're not past the first three months yet, so don't go telling everyone."

He Yan didn't understand and subconsciously asked, "Why not?"

He had planned to boast to his friends tomorrow.

Jin Xiuzhu said, "Just don't tell anyone."

Jiang Mingchuan agreed. "Listen to your mom."

In truth, he didn't understand either.

He Yan said dejectedly, "Okay."

Satisfied, Jin Xiuzhu began assigning tasks. "From now on, Dad will be responsible for cooking breakfast and doing laundry in the morning, while He Yan will handle dinner. I'll take care of everything else. Let's do this for now, and we can figure out the rest later."

Father and son had no objections and readily agreed.

Worried they might be unhappy, Jin Xiuzhu added, "I need to take good care of myself now and can't move around too much. It wouldn't be good if I hurt my body. That's what the doctor said when I accompanied Fang Min to the hospital last time."

Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan nodded seriously. He Yan even said, "I'll come back earlier from now on."

Only Fu Yanyan looked uncertainly at Jin Xiuzhu. She had been there that day, so why hadn't she heard the doctor say that? The doctor seemed to have said not to do heavy work like carrying water or chopping firewood, but light work was fine and could even strengthen the body.

However, she didn't expose the lie since Jin Xiuzhu hadn't assigned her any chores.

After dinner, Jiang Mingchuan obediently washed the dishes. After finishing, he deliberately heated water for the family to wash up. Then, he took the laundry out to wash.

There was a row of washing troughs in front of the residential building, specifically provided for families to wash clothes and vegetables. Water used at home cost money, but this water was free. However, military wives usually washed clothes in the morning, and few did so late at night.

By the time Jiang Mingchuan finished washing the clothes, it was already past nine o'clock in the evening. After hanging them up to dry and returning to the room, he was about to lie down when he noticed Jin Xiuzhu separating their beds with a line of blankets.

He looked at Jin Xiuzhu curiously. "What are you doing?"

Jin Xiuzhu coaxed, "You toss and turn a lot when you sleep. I'm worried you might roll onto me."

Jiang Mingchuan helplessly said, "Are you being too careful?"

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head, "This is our first child, we naturally have to be more careful."

Jiang Mingchuan's heart softened, thinking that she was valuing their child, so he didn't say much more. But after lying down in bed, he couldn't help but say, "You just said you wouldn't favor one over the other, but with how you're acting now, will you really be able to not show favoritism once the baby is born?"

Jin Xiuzhu remained silent. Favoritism would definitely exist; even fingers on a hand were different lengths. In her heart, the child in her womb was her true child. However, she could ensure fairness.

Jiang Mingchuan reached out to touch Jin Xiuzhu's belly, "Children can feel these things. No matter how well you try to hide it, they'll still sense it. Take the Wu family's two children for example. The older sister is so understanding because she knows the elders favor her younger brother."

It was the same when he was young. No matter how well his adoptive parents spoke, he knew they didn't truly love him.

Jin Xiuzhu looked up at Jiang Mingchuan, "What do you want to say?"

Jiang Mingchuan said gently, "We need to be fair parents. We've experienced some things ourselves, let's not make our children go through them."

Jin Xiuzhu pursed her lips tightly upon hearing this. She knew he was referring to the gender bias in her original home. However, it was the same with her birth parents who sold her due to their preference for boys. At the time, she didn't feel wronged. After all, many families sold their children. She only hoped to be sold to a good family where she could eat and wear clothes.

She rarely thought about her childhood as she had no deep feelings for that family. The Marquis Mansion was truly her home. She grew up there, rose to a high position, and learned various survival skills. The first rule she learned was that one must look out for oneself, leading her to commit many immoral acts.

Jin Xiuzhu curiously asked him, "What do you want me to do?"

Suddenly asked, Jiang Mingchuan wasn't sure how to answer. He simply said, "Whether it's delicious food or fun toys, we should follow rules. When the kids fight, we won't interfere. Let them solve it themselves or handle it fairly. If punishment is needed, both should be punished, not just one."

Jiang Mingchuan said a lot.

Jin Xiuzhu watched him, suspecting that what he said might be based on his own past grievances.

However, these words did give Jin Xiuzhu a reminder. She could treat He Yan and her daughter fairly, but she wasn't sure if she could maintain that once her current child was born.

Just like when the step-mother's young daughter's servant didn't take good care of her, and only received a few spankings. Jin Xiuzhu wondered then, if it were her, she would have dismissed and sold the servant. Why could such people have children while she, who loved children so much, couldn't? If she had her own child, she would surely spoil them.

Seeing Jiang Mingchuan kept talking, Jin Xiuzhu said, "Alright, alright. I'll listen to you when the time comes. Okay?"

Jiang Mingchuan knew she heard him and agreed with a smile, "Sure."

He didn't understand why Jin Xiuzhu was so anxious about this child. If it was their first child, he could understand. But besides He Yan, she also had Yan Yan, yet she was still so tense. He felt the current atmosphere at home was the best. If this child disrupted the peace, it wouldn't be worth it.

Jin Xiuzhu touched her belly, replaying Jiang Mingchuan's words in her mind. She decided to make clothes for the two children the next day.

The next day, Jin Xiuzhu took out the silk cloth Wang Ling had given her. Originally, she planned to make underwear for the two children and use the rest for the unborn child's clothes. However, she reconsidered and cut half of the material to make summer pants for the two children.

Upon seeing this, Fu Yanyan subconsciously asked, "Is it for little sister?"

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "How do you know it's a girl?"

Fu Yanyan calmly replied, "He Yan wants a younger brother, so I want a younger sister."

Jin Xiuzhu found this amusing and explained, "These are for you. It's getting hot, this fabric is good. I'll make each of you a pair of pants."

Fu Yanyan was taken aback, "What about little sister?"

Jin Xiuzhu said, "I'll make something for her with the remaining fabric. If it's not enough, ask Aunt Wang for more."

Fu Yanyan watched Jin Xiuzhu skillfully sew, feeling a mix of emotions. Yesterday, seeing her so happy and cautious, Fu Yanyan worried she and He Yan would lose favor. After all, compared to their biological father, Father Jiang was much better. Jin Xiuzhu would likely prefer Father Jiang and thus favor their child.

Unexpectedly, Jin Xiuzhu was making clothes for her and He Yan today.

She got up and silently sat next to Jin Xiuzhu, leaning against her without saying a word.

Jin Xiuzhu was slightly surprised and turned back to ask softly, "What's wrong?"

Fu Yanyan shook her head, "Nothing, I just wanted to be closer to you."

Feeling her emotions, Jin Xiuzhu didn't speak further but gently patted her head.

A strange sadness filled her heart. She knew this child always saw her as a mother, but she couldn't reciprocate the same love. The child in her womb held a special place in her heart, not just because of biological ties, but also due to an unfulfilled wish from her previous life. Here, she could finally achieve fulfillment.

In her previous life, she seemed to gain much, but in reality, she gained nothing. Her only child was killed in the womb, leaving her with immense guilt. If... If she had been more careful, things might have been different.

But at this moment, looking at the girl cautiously approaching her, Jin Xiuzhu suddenly recalled the tiny figure from her previous life, constantly looking back as she was dragged away by a child trafficker. Jin Xiuzhu realized it didn't matter anymore. This world was different. She had children, even though they weren't biologically hers. In their eyes, she was their real mother, and they gave her boundless love, enough to fill the voids.

Perhaps as Jiang Mingchuan said, children could sense what adults did.

Even a single gesture or glance could reveal her differences to the children.

Jin Xiuzhu stopped sewing and, after a moment of silence, said, "If you don't like having a younger brother or sister, Mommy won't have them. Compared to a younger sibling, you and your brother are the most important."

Hearing this, Fu Yanyan froze. She wanted to look at Jin Xiuzhu but dared not, fearing these words were a lie.

But even if they were lies, she was still happy.

After a while, she shook her head, her nose tingling as she said, "No, I want a younger brother or sister."

Jin Xiuzhu patted her head again and didn't say anything else.

In the afternoon, Jin Xiuzhu specially made some pastries. When He Yan came home from school, she asked him to deliver them to Commander Yan's house and tell Yan Xing that she wanted to buy some good fabric. She reminded him to mention it to his mother when she returned.

He Yan came back quickly. Upon returning home, he rolled up his sleeves and started preparing dinner. Jin Xiuzhu offered to help, but he refused, saying it would affect the baby.

With nothing to do, Jin Xiuzhu took her daughter to visit their neighbors. Usually, Fang Min would have finished writing and be washing vegetables and rice at home, waiting for the Political Commissar to cook.

However, this time, it seemed she had guessed wrong. When Fang Min opened the door to let them in, only the living room lights were on, and there were open letters and packages on the table.

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her in surprise, "Not cooking tonight?"

Fang Min shook her head, "The Political Commissar has something tonight and won't be coming back. I'm planning to have some noodles."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her disapprovingly, "You're carrying a child now, how can you be so careless? Come to my house for dinner tonight. Whenever the Political Commissar isn't coming back, just come straight to my place. Otherwise, I'll keep knocking on your door every day."

Fang Min smiled slightly, "Alright."

Then she invited Jin Xiuzhu to sit down, "Did Commander Jiang come back early today?"

Jin Xiuzhu didn't hide much from her and directly told her about her pregnancy, "But you should keep this to yourself. I heard the elderly in the village say that it's best not to tell others during the first three months. We should be more careful."

Fang Min was surprised to hear that Jin Xiuzhu was also pregnant, "That's great. I won't tell anyone."

She had no one else to share with; apart from Jin Xiuzhu, she didn't interact much with others in the unit.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "It's fate. He Yan came back early today specifically to cook for me, afraid that I might get too tired. This child is so considerate."

She didn't mention that she had suggested it herself last night.

Fang Min said enviously, "He Yan is such a good kid."

Only Fu Yanyan glanced at Jin Xiuzhu speechlessly.

Jin Xiuzhu noticed the letter on Fang Min's table. She wasn't intentionally looking, but her eyes naturally fell on the address on the envelope. Since she received many letters, her first instinct was to check the address to determine who sent it. Seeing that it was from the capital, she smiled and commented, "A letter from home? You're so lucky to have your parents' care. I don't even dare to write home, fearing that someone might find out about me here and try to extort money."

Fang Min rarely heard Jin Xiuzhu talk about her family. Hearing this, she looked at her in surprise.

However, there wasn't much joy on her face; instead, her expression was rather indifferent.

Jin Xiuzhu realized she had misjudged the situation and was about to change the topic when Fang Min opened the package. Inside were children's clothes, some new and some old.

She picked out the new ones and showed them to Jin Xiuzhu, "These seem to be newly bought, still with price tags. Do you want them? How about I give you two pieces?"

"Huh?"

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback by her gesture, feeling that Fang Min was being overly generous. She didn't know whether to accept or decline.

Fang Min seemed to notice her discomfort and said with a bitter smile, "The new clothes were probably bought by our housekeeper at the department store on my mother's orders. The old clothes might belong to my sister's child or perhaps the housekeeper added them to save money."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her.

Fang Min shook her head, "There's nothing to be sad about. I've always known that my parents don't have much affection for me. Honestly, I never wanted to write those letters, but the Political Commissar said they are my parents after all, and since we're far apart, we should maintain contact, or our relationship would become even more distant. I thought this time might be different, but it seems there's not much difference."

"When my sister gave birth, my mother made lots of little clothes and shoes by hand. Even if she bought clothes, she washed them several times. Don't think they often send things over; actually, those are just the leftovers my sister doesn't want."

Jin Xiuzhu recalled how Fang Min always gave her the malted milk powder sent from the capital and guessed there might be a story behind it.

Looking at her with sympathy, she wondered for the first time how there could be parents who didn't love their own child.

She had heard that Fang Min was once mistaken for another child when she was young and was only recognized later. Regardless of whether that family did it on purpose, even if it was unintentional, shouldn't they make up for all the hardships their own child endured?

Thinking about this, Jin Xiuzhu picked up the small clothes on the table and threw them aside. Facing Fang Min's surprised gaze, she said irritably, "Look at you, why let people who don't care about you make you suffer? Tell me, can't you afford nice clothes? Why do you need their charity? If they won't buy you good things, buy them yourself. If she buys three good pieces for your sister's child, you buy ten. If your mom makes clothes for your sister's child, then I'll make them for you, guaranteed better than hers."

Now it was Fang Min's turn to look at her wide-eyed.

Jin Xiuzhu said earnestly, "Life is short, and decades pass quickly. Why make yourself unhappy doing things that don't bring joy or dealing with people who don't make you happy? We can't choose where we're born, but we can choose how we live. Tell me, compared to the child in your womb, are they more important or is the child more important?"

Fang Min thought for a moment and answered without hesitation, "The child."

"What about the Political Commissar compared to them?"

"The Political Commissar."

In Fang Min's heart, the Political Commissar was more important than her family.

"If you only had three days left to live, would you choose to go back to the capital to mend fences with them or stay here?"

Fang Min replied, "Stay here."

Not mentioning whether the relationship could be repaired, if she really had only three days left, she wanted to be with the Political Commissar and Jin Xiuzhu.

"See, isn't it clearer now? You know your place in their hearts, so you made the best choice for yourself. It's okay if you still feel hurt emotionally. No one's life is perfect. Spending time on meaningful things and with meaningful people is what truly matters."

"While you envy your sister, how do you know she doesn't envy you? You have a loving husband, caring friends, a good job, and soon, a smart and obedient baby. You already have so much."

Hearing these words, Fang Min looked at Jin Xiuzhu with bright eyes. Her sadness dissipated as Jin Xiuzhu comforted her, and she felt suddenly enlightened.

Yes, she already had so much.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, "If you don't want to do something, don't do it. Men sometimes understand nothing. Can't you just pretend to comply while doing the opposite?"

Fang Min bit her lip.

Jin Xiuzhu said impatiently, "Is he watching you write word by word?"

Fang Min shook her head, realizing how silly she had been, "Should I stop writing then?"

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, "Just tell the Political Commissar that you wrote. If they ask about your situation from the capital, you can reply or not, depending on your mood. If they write three sentences, you reply with one. If they write one sentence, you reply with 'okay.' Who needs who more? Understand?"

Fang Min nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face. For some reason, her mood improved after hearing Jin Xiuzhu's suggestions.

Worried that Jin Xiuzhu might misunderstand the Political Commissar, she explained, "The Political Commissar's parents passed away long ago. He values relationships the most. He has an older sister who, upon hearing about my pregnancy, plans to come and take care of me."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, "Having someone to take care of you will indeed be more convenient."

"I thought the same. My sister-in-law is very kind."

After chatting for a while longer, Jin Xiuzhu took Fang Min back to eat dinner. Jiang Mingchuan didn't return that evening. Usually, if he wasn't back by 6:30 pm, they wouldn't wait for him.

Dinner consisted of three dishes and a soup, all purchased by Jiang Mingchuan in the morning and relatively light. Yang Yingxiong and Wei Ningqing were also present. After eating, the three boys took the dishes to the kitchen to wash. Afterward, they gathered in the living room to do their homework.

Jin Xiuzhu gave them the table and took Fang Min and her daughter to select patterns for making baby clothes for the two babies.

Fang Min chose a simple design, "This one is perfect."

"You had your child early, but it was still near the end of the year when the weather is cold. You need to make thicker baby clothes. One day, I'll ask Sister Qian to help me buy some cotton. The cotton from her family's production team is cheaper. We should make a few more quilts."

Fang Min hadn't expected to consider so much. She knew nothing about these things, and neither did the Political Commissar. Her sister-in-law wrote a letter saying that she had prepared everything for them.

"Forget it. Since you don't know either, I'll prepare two sets when the time comes."

Fang Min obediently agreed, once again feeling fortunate to have met Jin Xiuzhu. "When the time comes, I'll have the Political Commissar give you the money."

"Sure. With three children in my family, I won't be polite with you."

"There's no need for politeness."

In the following days, Jin Xiuzhu stayed at home to draw patterns and make baby clothes.

The materials she used were all purchased from Wang Ling's textile factory. Wang Ling's factory was gradually getting on track. They supplied ordinary fabrics to the county's supply and marketing cooperative, while better fabrics were still being produced secretly. A few bolts of fabric were specifically set aside for Jin Xiuzhu, who didn't take them for free but paid the cost price.

The material was indeed good. When printed with the patterns designed by Jin Xiuzhu, they looked exquisite. Fang Min couldn't help but say it was a waste to use such fine material for the children's clothes when she saw them one time.

Jin Xiuzhu told Wang Ling not to worry; there would be no problem selling such high-quality material.

Wang Ling didn't know Jin Xiuzhu's plan. How could she not be anxious? She feared that the leaders of the city's textile factory would find out and snatch away the materials and patterns. If she had established the connections herself, she wouldn't have been afraid of them coming to snatch them, but now she had nothing.

Recently, she didn't dare leave the factory, staying there every day, so anxious that her mouth was breaking out in ulcers.

Seeing her sallow complexion, Jin Xiuzhu could tell that she hadn't been resting well. She had no choice but to reveal a bit of her plan: "I'll contact a friend in the capital and ask if she can help."

Hearing this, Wang Ling asked in surprise, "You have a friend in the capital?"

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "She works at the department store."

Wang Ling slapped her in frustration. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Quickly, contact her now."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "I've already contacted her, but she hasn't replied. Perhaps the letter got delayed on the way."

"That's fine then. I'll hold on a bit longer. The city leaders will come for an inspection in a couple of days, and I'm afraid we won't be able to hide it."

There was nothing Jin Xiuzhu could do to help her with that. All she could say was, "Then I'll write another letter to ask."

"Good, good, good."

Just as she sent Wang Ling off, Qian Yufeng arrived.

Compared to Wang Ling's worried face, Qian Yufeng looked radiant. She seemed to have gained weight recently, her face rounder than before.

After entering, she happily put down the basket she was carrying. "Look what I brought you!"

Without waiting for Jin Xiuzhu to ask, she proudly took out the contents of the basket one by one: dried bamboo shoots and green beans, cured meat, fresh mushrooms, and a jar of malted milk powder.

Jin Xiuzhu was surprised to see the malted milk powder. She picked it up and asked, "Did you find money? Why are you being so generous?"

Qian Yufeng humphed. "I got my salary and bought it specially for you. But I could only buy one jar. Next month's salary will go towards buying some for Fang Min."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. "So that's how it is. Have you eaten yet? If not, eat at my place."

Qian Yufeng declined. "No need. My family left dinner for me."

Then she asked curiously, "Why haven't you eaten yet?"

"Not yet. I'm just a little hungry and asked Battalion Commander Jiang to make me a bowl of noodles."

Qian Yufeng tapped her forehead. "You're so lucky. On my way back, I saw Zhao Yun, heavily pregnant and taking her child out. I wonder where they were going?"

"Huh?"

Jin Xiuzhu was surprised. It had been a long time since she last saw Zhao Yun.

Qian Yufeng said, "Forget it. I came over to tell you that the job at the canteen is great. I get to eat meat every day. I can only come back once a week, but it's okay. I'm earning money now. My mother-in-law and husband don't dare speak loudly to me anymore. I've never lived such a comfortable life."

At this point, she felt particularly grateful to Jin Xiuzhu. In her heart, Jin Xiuzhu was better than her own family and husband. After all, if her family had a good job, they wouldn't think of her. Her husband was also unreliable, not even spending his earnings on her.

Looking at the happy Qian Yufeng, Jin Xiuzhu said reassuringly, "That's great. Keep up the good work. Sister Wang told me that if you do well, they might make you a permanent employee later. Then you'll have a stable job."

"Really? That's great! When I become a permanent employee, I'll buy you two jars of malted milk powder."

"I don't want your malted milk powder. Buy it for Sister Wang. She's the one who deserves it."

"Buy, I'll buy for both."

Qian Yufeng chuckled. Perhaps because she was earning money now, she was especially willing to spend.

After Qian Yufeng left, Jiang Mingchuan finished making the noodles and came out. The children were a bit sleepy, so he told them to go to their room and sleep.

After the children left, he went to the kitchen and brought out a small bowl of vinegar.

Jin Xiuzhu's taste had been strange recently. Previously, she couldn't stand a drop of vinegar, but now she wanted to dip everything in it. When he came back today, his daughter told him that Mom had dipped peaches in vinegar. Just hearing it made his cheeks ache.

Sure enough, Jin Xiuzhu started eating only after seeing Jiang Mingchuan bring out the vinegar.

She picked up a few strands of noodles and soaked them in the vinegar bowl before eating them, looking quite content as if she were enjoying a delicacy.

Jiang Mingchuan rubbed his nose, feeling uncomfortable as he looked away. Then he noticed the fabric on the table and couldn't help asking, "You're still drawing patterns for Sister Wang's factory?"

Jin Xiuzhu hummed in agreement.

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment and said, "I have a comrade who retired. His factory produces silk threads. If you need any, I can help you get in touch."

Jin Xiuzhu asked subconsciously, "Why are you suddenly being so nice?"

Jiang Mingchuan retorted, "When have I not been nice? I just want you to worry less. Everyone keeps coming to you."

But what moved him the most was what Qian Yufeng had said earlier—that now the men and mother-in-law in her home didn't dare to speak loudly to her. He thought that Jin Xiuzhu's insistence on finding a job, and her rush to work on her drawings even after becoming pregnant, might be related to her experiences in the countryside. Feeling a pang of sympathy, he knew he couldn't decide for her, but he wanted to help her in other ways.

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu felt a softening in her heart. Lately, she didn't know what had come over her—her words always seemed to outpace her thoughts, and she spoke bluntly.

She smiled, pursing her lips, and coaxed him, "I knew you were the best."

Then, she picked up the bowl of prepared noodles and offered them to him, saying, "Come on, take a bite. They're really delicious."

Jiang Mingchuan knew she was teasing him. Facing her playful expression, he steeled himself and took a bite. As soon as it touched his tongue, he scrunched his face at the sourness.

Jin Xiuzhu across from him burst into laughter.

Jiang Mingchuan swallowed it down and then grabbed a cup to chug a few mouthfuls of water. Seeing his reaction, Jin Xiuzhu laughed even harder. Putting down the cup, Jiang Mingchuan looked at her with mock irritation before finally breaking into a smile himself.