“I heard from Cheng Ran a while ago that you were pregnant, and his dad and I were overjoyed. We thought we’d come over to take care of you, so we came today.”
After putting down her things, Cheng's mother held Jiang Wanqing's arms and looked her up and down, nodding in satisfaction.
"Excellent, your energy and spirit are very good."
"Thank you, Mom, but I'm still in my early stages of pregnancy and don't need you to come and take care of me."
Although it was well-intentioned, Jiang Wanqing still felt a little uncomfortable. She and Cheng Ran could handle it perfectly well, and she would have to go back to school after a few days of rest, and then get back to work at the factory.
Having an elder in the family means they'll definitely be more involved and controlling.
"Yes, yes, this is your first pregnancy, so you need to be extra careful. If you're worried about feeling uncomfortable being with me, I can call your parents and have them bring her over to keep you company."
"No, no, no..." Jiang Wanqing quickly waved her hand: "That's too much trouble. I'll go back and see my parents myself when I have time."
She and Cheng Ran still had a lot of things to deal with. Jiang Xiu was also in Beijing. If they brought her parents over, who knew what might happen? It was safer for them to stay in Xiyang Village. At least there was no one in their hometown who could threaten them.
"Then let me take care of him. Although I only gave birth to Cheng Ran, I have experience. Don't worry, you can do whatever you want, I won't interfere!"
More than a year has passed, and Cheng's mother has come to understand Jiang Wanqing's character. For the sake of the child in her womb and the future of the Cheng family, she still has to try her best to accommodate the pregnant woman.
Since she had already said so much, Jiang Wanqing didn't know what to say for a moment. She could only force a smile, neither agreeing nor immediately refusing. It wouldn't be too late to discuss it when Cheng Ran came back tonight.
While Cheng's mother was cooking, someone came to the phone booth and said that a call had been made to her and that she needed to return it, so she went.
The call was from Gu Yu. When she called back, the phone rang only a couple of times before being answered, suggesting that the other party was probably waiting by the phone.
What do you want from me?
"I……"
As soon as she opened her mouth, a noticeable hoarseness was heard, and Jiang Wanqing frowned.
Gu Yu's voice sounded tired. She paused for a few seconds before continuing.
“My plan failed. Luo Luo betrayed me. Jiang Xiu… is really pregnant.”
With just a few concise words, Jiang Wanqing didn't even need to think deeply about what exactly had happened; she had already guessed that Gu Yu had been hit hard. This phone call wasn't about confiding, but about asking for help.
"I told you long ago, your daughter is unreliable, sigh."
There's always a reason why someone is pitiful; Jiang Wanqing's sympathy for her was far less than her frustration at her perceived lack of ambition.
"I'm sorry, I'm really desperate. Only you can help me. I've been in the hospital for almost half a month, and I almost wanted to die. But I can't die. At least I can't watch Ye Yu and Jiang Xiu, that scoundrel, kill me so easily. Please, please, I'll do anything you ask. This time, I promise I will never trust Luo Luo again!"
In despair, Gu Yu pleaded for help with Jiang Wanqing, clinging to her last hope; even her voice was damp with tears.
People were coming and going around her. It was almost evening, and many employees were going home after get off work. Jiang Wanqing didn't want to discuss these things with her in a phone booth on the street, so she carefully considered her words before answering.
"I'm not available these next couple of days. Come to my factory next weekend and we'll talk in detail. You should also take these few days to get your health back. If you want to defeat them, how can you do it without a body of steel?"
She heard Gu Yu sniffle on the other end of the phone, her voice a little stronger than before.
"You're right, then I'll wait until next weekend, see you there."
"Um."
Jiang Wanqing hung up the phone and patted her stomach. She wasn't alone now. With her body not yet fully stable, she wouldn't risk everything for Gu Yu's phone call and a few tearful words. Putting herself first was wisdom.
That evening, Cheng Ran returned home from his shift at the military base and saw his mother busy in the kitchen. He stood at the door for a few seconds, thinking he was seeing things, and then immediately went into the room to check on his wife.
"Knock knock knock..."
Seeing that she was writing something, he knocked on the door and went in only after getting her permission.
"Why is Mom here?"
"She said she'd come to take care of me, you can talk to her about it later..." Jiang Wanqing waved her hand, indicating her intention.
He nodded to indicate that he understood, then went into the kitchen and greeted Cheng's mother.
"mom."
"Oh my! When did you get back? You startled me. Quickly, bring that pot of old hen soup in and let Wanqing drink it while it's hot. It's good for pregnant women."
He hummed in agreement and began serving the dishes.
The space meant for two was now occupied by three people, making the small dining table feel a bit cramped. Cheng Ran and Jiang Wanqing exchanged glances, not daring to speak much.
Cheng's mother kept putting food and soup on Jiang Wanqing's plate, urging her to eat more.
"Mom makes all the best food for you, so eat up. If you're still hungry, I'll make more. Tell me what you want to eat tomorrow, and I'll make it for you."
This kind of enthusiasm was something Jiang Wanqing had never experienced before. She was a little flattered and awkwardly drank two sips of soup before smiling.
"This is quite a feast; there's no need to make anything else."
"Should I follow this standard again tomorrow?" Cheng's mother asked.
Cheng Ran squeezed Jiang Wanqing's hand under the table, and then it was his turn to continue.
"Mom, you don't need to come tomorrow. It's too much trouble to travel back and forth. Dad is still at home, and it's getting cold. Please get some rest."
"Who said I was running back and forth? I'm staying here today. I'll stay here until Wanqing gives birth. You should report this to your superiors."
"ah?"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ran was stunned and abruptly put down the chopsticks he was using to pick up food.
"Where do you want to stay? We only have one room."
“What’s wrong with one room? You have a cot, right? Just open it up at night and I’ll sleep in the living room so I won’t disturb you two.”
He rubbed his forehead; it was truly a headache. If he had been given prior notice, he wouldn't have allowed such words to be delivered to him.
"Mom, you should go back. I'll take care of Wanqing."
"What can you take care of? You're always in the army, and it's already a miracle that Wanqing doesn't have to take care of you when you come back. She's pregnant now and needs rest the most. My coming here is just in time to take care of both of you and lighten your burden. You brat, aren't you ungrateful? Now all our neighbors and friends know that your wife is pregnant. You're the only son in the family, and your profession is special. If I, as your mother-in-law, don't come to take care of her, what will everyone say about me behind my back? Your father can take care of himself, so you don't need to worry about him. This matter is settled."
Jiang Wanqing took a breath, her face showing some difficulty. She softened her voice and compromised.
"Mom, I'll be going back to school in a couple of days, so I'll have to trouble you to take care of me for the next couple of days. After that, we'll go back to normal, okay?"
"You still want to go back to school?" Cheng's mother raised her voice: "Even before you were pregnant, there were always people trying to harm you at school. Now that you're pregnant, you need to be even more careful. In my opinion, you should take a year off from school, wait until the baby is safely delivered, and recover your health before returning to school. It would be best if I could help you take care of the baby!"
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