After finishing her business, Zhao Jing told Liu Fen to rest well, and then left with Dr. Sun and Sister-in-law Wang.

The oppressive atmosphere in the room instantly returned.

Wen Yuzhen was still worried, so she stayed with Liu Fen for a while longer, helped her boil some water, and then left with a sigh. Before leaving, she glanced at Granny Li, whose face was ashen, and the ominous premonition in her heart grew stronger.

The door was closed, isolating it from the outside world.

Granny Li slowly raised her head, her triangular eyes filled with resentment and cold light as she stared intently at her weak daughter-in-law on the kang (a heated brick bed) and the "money-losing child" in her arms.

She blamed the mother and daughter for the humiliation she suffered today, the loss of face, and the fifty yuan that was about to be taken from them.

She naturally pinned this debt on Liu Fen.

From that day on, Liu Fen's postpartum period became a living hell.

The open beatings and scoldings stopped; Granny Li dared not do it anymore. She was afraid the walls had ears, afraid that the absolute Director Zhao would come knocking again. But the behind-the-scenes harassment intensified, becoming all-pervasive.

During postpartum confinement, one should eat something nourishing to replenish the body, but Liu Fen's bowl always contained only thin, watery porridge, accompanied by a piece of dark, pickled vegetable. Occasionally, there would be chicken soup simmering in the pot, but that was reserved for Granny Li's precious youngest son; Liu Fen didn't even have the right to smell it.

As the days went by, Su Wantang had finished her postpartum confinement and was radiant.

She was so bored staying cooped up in the house all day that she decided to go out for a walk after her postpartum period ended.

The women who passed by were all shocked when they saw Su Wantang.

"Tang, you look amazing! You don't look like you've ever given birth!"

"Yes! Most women gain weight after giving birth, and some never get back to their pre-pregnancy figure. But Tang gave birth to twins and is still so beautiful right after her confinement period. I've never seen a body like that before!"

"Who says otherwise? Her figure is actually better than before she had children, and her skin... she doesn't look like she just finished her postpartum period at all! She looks like a young girl!"

Everyone looked at Su Wantang with envy.

Some military wives even blushed and came over to ask Su Wantang how she maintained her youthful appearance.

Su Wantang chuckled, "Perhaps it's because they're young and have a better constitution, so they're recovering better."

She couldn't very well say that it was because she frequently bathed and drank the spiritual spring water.

Amidst envious glances from others, Su Wantang strolled along the island.

...

With both Da Bao and Xiao Bao asleep, Su Wantang, having nothing better to do at home, decided to check on Liu Fen. Knowing that Liu Fen was weak, she specially cooked a bowl of brown sugar millet porridge with two poached eggs and prepared to take it to her.

When Su Wantang arrived, she happened to run into Granny Li coming out of the house to pour water. When she saw her, Granny Li gave a forced smile and said, "It's Sister Su, a rare guest indeed."

"I've come to see Sister Liu Fen," Su Wantang replied casually, carrying her bowl into the house.

The room was dimly lit and filled with a strange smell, a mixture of milk and sweat. Liu Fen was leaning against the headboard, breastfeeding her child. In just a few days, she had become even thinner; her eyes were sunken, her cheekbones were prominent, and she looked like a withered blade of grass that could be blown away by a gust of wind. (This chapter has been read. Please click to continue reading the next chapter!)