Children grow quickly, and there's truth to that. Even though they've just learned to stand, it seems like only a few days have passed. By the time of the New Year, the little one can stand steadily while holding onto people or things, and it looks like they're eager to take their first steps.

As the child grew older, the old lady and old man and the Qin family's children often came over to play with him. The shoes, socks and clothes in the space couldn't be exposed to the light, so right after the first month of the lunar calendar, she found a few soft scraps of cloth and two pieces of fine cotton cloth, and went to find Sister Wang to ask for help in making clothes and shoes for the child.

There was no other way; there were only a few women in the family. She didn't know how to cook, and the old lady's cooking skills weren't good either. Tang Sumei, although she had been transferred back, was still busy at the hospital. These days, she was going to check the health of the sentry posts, and she had to get up early and work late every day, not even having time to eat, let alone do anything else.

On her way back from Sister Wang's house, she ran into Mingzhu, who was visiting, with Huizhou, who was already a boy of about half a year old.

As soon as they entered the room, the little boy rushed towards the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed). The old lady behind him reached out, but only managed to grab his clothes. She was already at the edge of the kang, and with that sudden movement, she slipped and fell directly to the ground. With a "rip," the child was left unattended, and her clothes were torn.

The old lady was anxious, so she quickly got out of bed and took two quick steps forward.

"Mom, don't worry, the child is fine. Please sit down, it's alright."

Nothing's wrong, is it?

The child was momentarily stunned when she fell, but she just slid down, landing on her feet first, then her bottom. It didn't hurt much. Jian Dan didn't make eye contact with her, and the child didn't cry.

However, the pause lasted only two seconds, three seconds at most. With a twist of its little body, it crawled towards Huizhou, who had just entered the room.

Fresh off the assembly line, her hands and feet may not be very skilled yet, but she's incredibly nimble. Before Huizhou could even react, her ankle was grabbed.

"ah!"

Watching Huizhou lift her up and put her on the kang (heated brick bed), Jian Dan simply couldn't bear to look.

"Mom, look at her! This isn't a little girl at all! She's even more mischievous than a little boy."

The old lady was still shaken, afraid her daughter-in-law would be angry, since the child had fallen right under her nose. It was clear that Jian Dan wasn't very perceptive.

"It's okay, Mom. This child is tough. It's normal for him to bump and bruise himself."

This isn't the first time. Last time we were eating, she dropped it like this while trying to reach a spoon on the counter.”

He pointed at her with his finger as he spoke.

"I think you only fell lightly, you never learn your lesson, you little rascal."

The old lady was even more on edge.

"You've fallen before? You two think you can still fall?"

"Don't worry, we're all watching. At most, it'll hurt a little, but she won't really break any bones or her head,"

Huizhou immediately rushed over to show his support.

"Auntie, you're amazing! How do you tell if you've hit a bone? I can't do that! When I fall, my whole body aches, and sometimes I can even hear my bones cracking."

Mingzhu covered her face. This child is really fierce!

This interruption stopped the old lady from dwelling on the issue. Ultimately, it was good that the child was alright. Seeing her return, she readily got up and went to bed.

"You young people talk for a bit, then I'll head back. It's time to cook dinner at home,"

Simplely, she held the little boy's hand and waved to the old lady.

"Say goodbye to Grandma!"

The little one was blowing bubbles.

"white!"

As soon as the old lady left, Mingzhu slapped Jian Dan's hand.

"Why do you say everything? You even said he fell before. The old lady loves the child, so she must have some reservations."

"Oh, it's alright, don't worry. We'll take care of the child ourselves. As you can see, he's like a live fish, it's normal that we can't keep an eye on him for a while. My mother-in-law, well, she doesn't really get involved in how we take care of the child."

Then, she abruptly changed the subject.

"It's lunchtime anyway, so don't go back. Eat here. There's food ready at my house. After you finish eating, Zhouzhou can go straight to class."

Mingzhu didn't stand on ceremony either.

"That's what I was thinking. His dad said he had something to do with Qinghuai and the others, so it was just the two of us. I thought, since you're a mother and son too, why don't we come over and freeload a meal?"

"Okay, then you watch the kid, I'll go heat up the food."

Not only Qin Qinghuai and Lin Dongfang, but also Jian Liye and Old Master Qin, who are retired, were recruited. It must be for some important matter, but Jian didn't ask.

Mingzhu curled her lip in disdain.

"It's not that she doesn't have a name. Our fair-skinned little girl has such a lovely name. Why are you calling her 'old brat' like that?"

The little girl was not expected to do anything great; Jian Dan and Qin Qinghuai just hoped she could be happy. Qin Qinghuai, a genius, rummaged through his knowledge base of over thirty years and finally named her Qin Huanyan.

Literally, it means happy, joyful, active, vigorous, cheerful, optimistic, and full of vitality, with beautiful features.

It symbolizes optimism, beauty, and liveliness, giving people the impression of being outgoing, considerate, and friendly.

Regardless of how you interpret it, this name can be described with all the most beautiful words, which is enough to show the feelings and aspirations of Qin Qinghuai and Jian Dan.

Knowing how good it is, no one else has any objections. She's the only girl, so she deserves all the good things.

Simple is just a habit of calling her by name, like "little one," "baby," or sometimes just by her name, Huanhuan, Yanyan. She calls her whatever comes to mind, and the child is used to it. No matter how she is called, she can keenly sense her mother's call.

"Little Huanyan, come to Aunt Zhuzhu and let Auntie give you a hug."

The little brat was still processing what was happening when Huizhou rolled his eyes.

"Mom, please act normal. Don't scare your little sister like this."

Come here, let your brother hug you.

The little one immediately abandoned his half-reacted thought process, turned around and stretched out his little arm towards the returning boat, while Mingzhu gave him a worried reminder.

"You better watch out, don't you dare drop your little sister!"

"Don't worry, I'd rather fall than let her fall."

Mingzhu was relieved. She gently touched her still-flat stomach. Although Huizhou was mischievous, he was undeniably filial, considerate, and a good older brother.

After finishing their meal, seeing the school kids off, and putting the little one to sleep, the two of them finally had time to lean against the fireplace and chat.

"How many months along are you? When is your due date? Will you be due a little earlier than the baby?"

Mingzhu's face radiated maternal love.

“I went to see Dr. Qin. He calculated that my time should be around the same as Xiao Yan Yan’s. But it would be better then. Even though it was hot, I wouldn’t have to worry about the wind blowing out if I opened the window occasionally.”

"That's true. What's your opinion, Huizhou?"

This question is somewhat unnecessary. In this day and age, people believe in having many children and good fortune; who would ask the firstborn's opinion before having a second child? However, it's clear that Mingzhu has already done her homework.

"He said that if it were someone like Xiao Yan Yan, he would welcome several of them."