The chill of late winter had not yet faded, and a biting wind, carrying flakes of snow, swirled above the Hongqi Production Brigade. Yet, wisps of smoke rose daily from the chimney of the Chenji Food Factory's office building. Bathed in the warm sunlight, the smoke transformed into a golden-red mist, enveloping the entire building like a fairyland. Inside, the stove burned even brighter than usual, the tea in the copper kettle bubbling and steaming, carrying the rich aroma of dried tangerine peel and licorice, drifting past the carved window frames, past the pearwood table laden with candied fruits and pastries, and through every eagerly awaited dawn and dusk.

Lin Wanqiu had been restless these past few days. Her fingertips would often unconsciously stroke the warm, smooth jade pendant in her pocket; it was the key to her spatial dimension, and also her source of peace of mind. Since the day she took out all the baby supplies from her spatial dimension, a small mountain had piled up in the corner of her bedroom—pure cotton onesies with bear patterns, silk swaddles as soft as clouds, additive-free imported formula, gentle baby care products, and even a box of durians and mangosteens from Yue'e's hometown—all neatly categorized and labeled. Even the pale yellow little garment she had personally cut and sewn was stored away in a camphor wood box, to prevent it from getting dusty.

Seeing her like this, Shen Tingzhou felt both amused and heartbroken. Every time she checked the milk powder can for the fifth time, he would gently put his arm around her waist from behind and hand her a cup of warm brown sugar water: "Don't worry, Nian'an's telegram said that Yue'e's due date is in the spring, there are still some days left."

Lin Wanqiu took the water glass, the warm liquid sliding down her throat and into her stomach, but it couldn't soothe her heart that was hanging in suspense. She turned around, looking at the bare old locust tree outside the window, her eyes filled with deep worry: "How can I not be anxious? Yue'e is an overseas Chinese girl, unfamiliar with the place and the people there, it's not easy for her to get pregnant. Besides, this journey has been arduous, what if..."

“There’s no such thing as ‘what if’.” Shen Tingzhou interrupted her, his fingertip gently wiping away the faint dark circles under her eyes. “Don’t you know Nian’an? He’s been sensible since he was little. With Yue’e pregnant, he’ll definitely take good care of her. Besides, didn’t we ask someone to bring over a lot of bird’s nest and pregnancy-preserving medicine? Don’t worry.”

Lin Wanqiu nodded, but couldn't help sighing. She knew perfectly well that Nian'an was sensible, but as parents, it was always the same; no matter how far their child went, their hearts were always filled with worry. Just like back then, when Nian'an was a thin little boy, she carried him on her back in the fields to earn work points, afraid he would get cold or hungry; now, he had grown into a tall, handsome young man, married, and about to become a father, but her worries hadn't lessened in the slightest.

These days, Shen Nianxi has become quite busy. Every day after school, the first thing she does is run to her bedroom, squat in front of the pile of boxes, and carefully look through the little clothes and shoes. Her little face is full of excitement and anticipation. Every now and then, she will pick up the smallest size onesie, hold it up to herself, and mutter, "My little nephew will look like a little dumpling in this."

That evening, Lin Wanqiu was in the kitchen simmering a soup of white fungus and lotus seeds, preparing it as a late-night snack for Shen Nianxi. The firelight illuminated her profile, and the steam dampened stray hairs at her temples clung to her smooth forehead. She held a long-handled spoon, gently stirring the soup in the pot. The white fungus had thickened, and the delicate aroma of lotus seeds filled the air. Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate, accompanied by the booming voice of the brigade's communications officer, Xiao Li: "Director Lin! Uncle Shen! A telegram! A telegram from Singapore!"

Lin Wanqiu's hand suddenly stopped, the spoon clattering against the edge of the pot. She almost stumbled out of the kitchen, her apron still damp. Shen Tingzhou was a step ahead, having already taken the telegram from Xiao Li. His fingertips trembled slightly as he unfolded the thin paper, his eyes quickly scanning the words on it.

"How is it?" Lin Wanqiu rushed to his side, her voice trembling. "Is it a telegram from Nian'an? How is Yue'e?"

Shen Tingzhou didn't speak, but turned around and hugged her tightly. Lin Wanqiu could clearly feel his chest rising and falling slightly, an irrepressible joy. Her heart leaped into her throat, then plummeted to its lowest point with his next, smiling words, transforming into boundless happiness.

"It's a boy! Wanqiu has given birth!" Shen Tingzhou's voice was choked with emotion, yet filled with boundless joy. "It's a boy, weighing six pounds and eight ounces. Mother and child are both safe!"

"She's given birth...she's given birth..." Lin Wanqiu murmured, repeating the two words, her eyes instantly reddening. Hot tears uncontrollably slid down her cheeks, landing on Shen Tingzhou's clothes and spreading a small, dark stain. She reached out, her hand trembling as she took the telegram, her fingertips tracing the words on it—"Mother and child are healthy, the whole family is happy, awaiting spring to return home," each word seemed to carry warmth, burning her heart.

All the worry and anxiety she had felt these past few days transformed into overwhelming joy at this moment. She remembered little Nian'an, crying for milk in her arms, his soft, sweet voice when he first called her "Mama," and his silhouette as he went to school with his backpack. Now, her son had a child of his own. She was going to be a grandmother.

"I knew it! Yue'e will definitely have a smooth journey." Lin Wanqiu wiped away her tears, but the corners of her mouth curved up high. In that smile, there were tears, joy, and a lot of relief.

Hearing the commotion, Shen Nianxi ran out of the house. Seeing Lin Wanqiu's red eyes and the smile on Shen Tingzhou's face, she immediately understood. She skipped over, tugging at Lin Wanqiu's clothes, and asked loudly, "Mom! Is my nephew born? Is he?"

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