Chapter 73 Double Happiness
In the blink of an eye, it was 1983. The "Haifeng Group" had become a rising star and a shining example of the achievements of reform and opening up on Nan'ao Island.
Its unique application of tidal energy technology, innovative clothing designs, and high-quality seafood have not only brought considerable economic benefits but have also profoundly changed the island's industrial ecosystem and people's mindset.
Jiang Suining did not revel in the joy of commercial success. She knew that the development of the enterprise could not be separated from the support of policies and the nurturing of the land beneath her feet. As wealth accumulated, a sentiment stemming from the forward-looking vision and social responsibility of a time traveler grew stronger in her heart.
She first turned her attention to the education on the island. The school building of a middle school on Nan'ao Island was built in the 1960s or 1970s. The library was short of books and outdated, and the laboratory equipment was even more rudimentary. She took the initiative to approach the management committee and the education department and proposed that the "Haifeng Group" donate funds to build a new library and a science laboratory equipped with basic modern instruments.
This move caused quite a stir at the time; such a large-scale donation to charity by an individual or private enterprise was rare even in the province. At the signing ceremony, the former principal excitedly grasped Jiang Suining's hand, reluctant to let go: "President Jiang, on behalf of the children, I thank you! Your contribution is a blessing for the present and future generations!"
Following that, she established the "Haifeng Education Fund" to reward outstanding teachers and students on the island and to help children from impoverished families complete their studies.
These tangible acts of kindness quickly spread through media reports. The front page of the *Nan'ao Island Daily* featured a lengthy article titled "Female Entrepreneur Jiang Suining Gives Back to Her Hometown, Donating Millions to Support Education." The provincial television station also heard the news and produced a special program, "Pride of the Sea: From a Millionaire to a Philanthropic Pioneer," detailing her journey from being a military spouse to founding a business, and now to generously donating to charity.
In this era, being a "ten-thousand-yuan household" is an enviable title, but Jiang Suining's vision and perspective have clearly far surpassed the accumulation of personal wealth. She represents a brand-new image of entrepreneurs in the new era.
The government's commendation followed, awarding Jiang Suining the honorary titles of municipal-level model worker and advanced individual in reform and opening up. In the solemn municipal auditorium, she wore a well-fitting and elegant professional outfit of her own design and received the weighty certificate and cloisonné trophy from the municipal leaders, amidst thunderous applause from the audience.
This news caused a sensation throughout Nan'ao Island.
The National March 8th Red Banner Bearer! This was one of the highest honors bestowed upon women in China at the time, representing a great affirmation from the national level of her outstanding achievements and social contributions as a female entrepreneur.
Upon learning the news, Jiang's mother was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes, and she murmured to her husband's portrait for a long time.
Liu Hong and Jiang Fengnian were even more proud than if they had won the award themselves. Although Lu Ye remained calm on the surface, the undisguised pride and satisfaction in his eyes expressed his feelings better than any words.
This was Jiang Suining's third journey to the capital since she transmigrated. The solemn Tiananmen Square, the wide Chang'an Avenue, the ancient courtyards intertwined with the new buildings—everything made her, a soul with memories of the future, feel a sense of historical weight and the vigor of the times.
The commendation meeting was held solemnly in the Great Hall of the People. The atmosphere in the venue was warm and solemn. Jiang Suining and outstanding women representatives from all walks of life across the country gathered together and listened to the speeches of the leaders and the typical representatives on the stage. Their hearts were filled with emotion.
When she heard her name called, accompanied by the award citation that she had made outstanding contributions to the development of collective and individual economies with extraordinary courage and innovative spirit, and actively devoted herself to social welfare undertakings, she took a deep breath and steadily walked onto the dazzling stage.
Under the spotlight, she received the bright red "National March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" certificate, symbolizing the highest honor, and an exquisite medal from the leader.
At that moment, she felt not only personal glory, but also a heavy responsibility. She represented millions of Chinese women who dared to strive and shine in the tide of reform and opening up.
During a break in the meeting, she was unexpectedly received by a leader from the Ministry of Light Industry. The leader inquired about her company's development, showing particular interest in the application of tidal energy technology. He encouraged her to continue her bold explorations and accumulate more experience for the country's new energy cause and light industry development.
Returning with honors, Jiang Suining became a true figure of prominence.
Her image frequently appears on television news and newspaper front pages; confident, composed, and capable, she has become a role model for countless people, especially young women, to learn from and admire.
Despite the flood of praise, Jiang Suining remained remarkably sober. Instead of throwing a grand celebration banquet, she carefully put away the certificates and medals and then convened an internal group meeting.
At the meeting, she displayed a photocopy of her "National March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" certificate in the most prominent position in the conference room and said to all employees: "This honor does not belong to me personally; it belongs to every one of us who has worked hard for 'Haifeng,' and to this island that nurtured us. It is an affirmation of our past and an encouragement for our future. It reminds us that the bigger the company grows, the heavier the responsibility on our shoulders becomes. We must not only create profits but also create value for society and live up to the opportunities that this era has given us!"
The applause was thunderous and prolonged. Everyone understood that their leader had not been blinded by honor; on the contrary, he had gained a broader perspective and a deeper vision.
At this point, Jiang Suining was not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a pioneer who began to think about and practice corporate social responsibility. Her personal reputation and corporate brand were elevated to a new level because of this weighty honor and clear understanding.
Jiang Suining's career was going smoothly, heading towards an ever-expanding horizon. "Haifeng Group" was not only a star enterprise on Nan'ao Island, but also enjoyed a high reputation throughout the country. Under Jiang Suining's control, it steadily moved towards a wider world. Jiang Suining was finally able to catch her breath and shift her focus slightly from her career to her life.
However, at this moment, the state of the family's breadwinner quietly tightened her heartstrings again.
Who is Lu Ye? He is a recognized tough guy in the entire military region, with energy as vigorous as a never-ending engine. No matter how late he works the night before, he will definitely be on the parade ground at five o'clock the next morning without fail. But in the last half month, this "engine" seems to have malfunctioned.
The first abnormality was observed during morning runs.
Jiang Suining has woken up several times in the morning to find someone beside her. Lu Ye not only didn't go for his morning run, but he was still fast asleep, with a rare look of fatigue on his face.
At first, Jiang Suining was a little puzzled. If he was busy with work, he had been going to work and leaving get off work on time, resting normally on weekends, and had not been on any missions. Why was he so tired?
This situation lasted for almost ten days. She even heard that during the day, whenever he had a spare moment in the office, he would lean back in his chair and doze off, which would have been absolutely impossible before.
"Lu Ye, have you been working too hard lately? Should we talk to the higher-ups and ask for a couple of days off?" That evening, Jiang Suining looked at him leaning back on the sofa, his eyelids drooping again, and couldn't help but ask with concern.
Lu Ye rubbed his temples, feeling a bit confused himself: "Strange, I've been feeling really tired lately, like I've been running for three days and three nights straight, even though my workload hasn't increased..." He yawned widely, "It's probably just spring fatigue."
Jiang Suining was skeptical.
Then, something even more terrifying happened.
One evening, Lu Ye made her favorite braised ribbonfish. As a reward for him, she specially picked out a piece for him first.
Lu Ye had only taken a few bites when his expression suddenly changed. He put down his chopsticks, covered his mouth, and rushed into the bathroom, followed by a violent retching sound.
Jiang Suining was terrified and quickly followed him inside, patting his back: "What's wrong? Is the fish not fresh?"
Lu Ye rinsed his mouth, his face pale, and waved his hand: "I don't know, I suddenly felt nauseous. I couldn't stand the fishy smell when I was cooking, and I kept feeling nauseous."
Jiang Suining's first thought was that there must be something wrong with her stomach! She had to go to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow!
The next day, she insisted on taking Lu Ye to the military hospital. After a series of examinations, the doctor looked at the test results and found it strange: "Chief of Staff Lu, there's nothing seriously wrong with your stomach, and you're in good health. Why are you vomiting so frequently? Have you been under too much stress lately?"
Lu Ye himself was puzzled. He had been in a peaceful state of mind lately, so where did all this immense pressure come from?
The doctor couldn't find the specific cause of the illness, but the vomiting continued. At the same time, Lu Ye's tastes also began to become strange.
In the middle of the night, he woke up the sleeping Jiang Suining, his eyes filled with a longing he himself was unaware of: "Sui Sui, I suddenly really want to eat that tooth-sour canned plum, the kind Mom makes. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."
Jiang Suining, still half asleep, thought she had misheard. Lu Ye had never liked eating anything too sour.
Not two days later, he sighed at the dining table again: "My mouth has no taste. If only there were a plate of spicy chicken, the spicier the better."
This thought, like a cold snake, coiled around her heart. She dared not ask, dared not speak, and could only try to spend more time with him, observe him more carefully, and secretly wipe away her tears. At night, looking at Lu Ye's sleeping profile, her heart clenched into a knot.
After several more days of this agonizing struggle, Jiang Suining herself began to feel something was wrong with her body. The most obvious sign was that her usually punctual period was almost half a month late this time.
At first, her period was delayed by a few days. She thought it was because she was under a lot of psychological pressure due to worrying about Lu Ye's illness, so she didn't pay much attention to it. Later, she was preoccupied with Lu Ye and completely forgot about her period.
That afternoon, while she was reviewing documents in her office, a sudden, mild wave of nausea rose in her throat. Although she quickly suppressed it, it was like a faint flash of lightning, instantly illuminating a neglected corner of her heart.
She abruptly stopped writing, stunned. Could it be...?
A possibility she had completely forgotten due to excessive worry suddenly surged back into her mind like a tidal wave.
She and Lu Ye made a three-point agreement that they would not have children before the age of twenty-four. This year she is exactly twenty-four, so she has stopped deliberately using contraception. If it is true, the timing is exactly right!
Her heart began to pound, and a mix of immense anticipation and disbelief gripped her. She could no longer sit still; she immediately stood up, grabbed her bag, and headed outside.
"Xiao Wu, I'm going out for a bit. You can handle this first." She told her assistant and then hurriedly left the office.
Instead of going home, she went directly to the military hospital, registered, waited in line, and faced the female doctor in the white coat. Somewhat embarrassed, she said, "Doctor, my period is almost half a month late. I want to get checked to see if I'm pregnant."
The female doctor nodded knowingly and wrote out a lab form: "Go get a urine test first."
Jiang Suining provided a urine sample as required, then sat on a bench in the corridor, waiting anxiously. Time seemed to pass exceptionally slowly as her mind raced: What if it wasn't him? What if Lu Ye really did have some strange illness? That familiar worry crept back in.
After what seemed like an eternity, her name was finally called at the window of the laboratory.
She almost held her breath as she walked over. The lab technician at the window handed her a small report, his tone flat and unremarkable: "Positive."
The report was stamped with a blue mark indicating a positive result, but this simple mark exploded in her mind like a thunderclap of happiness.
An immense joy surged through her body like a warm current, making her almost unsteady on her feet. She clutched the light yet incredibly heavy piece of paper tightly, and a radiant smile involuntarily spread across her face.
However, the smile lasted only a few seconds before being replaced by another, clearer, more absurd yet reasonable thought. She looked at the report and then at her husband at home, who was acting strangely, and her eyes widened.
Drowsiness, vomiting, drastic change in taste...
She suddenly looked up, not even bothering to thank the inspector, and turned to walk out, her pace quickening until she was almost jogging.
She rushed home and flung open the courtyard gate.
As usual, Lu Ye slumped listlessly on the old sofa in the living room, staring blankly at the news broadcast on TV, his face still looking somewhat dejected.
Jiang Suining stood at the door, her chest heaving from running and excitement. She held up the test results, her expression incredibly complex, a mixture of elation, relief, and a bewildering sense of absurdity. Speaking to Lu Ye, her voice trembled with emotion:
"Lu Ye! I...I'm pregnant!"
She paused, and as Lu Ye sat up abruptly in shock and stared blankly, she continued, word by word, with an incredulous tone, "But, I think it's you who's reacting!"
Overwhelmed with joy, he stood up instantly, forgetting his exhaustion and nausea: "Sui Sui! You, you're pregnant?! I'm going to be a dad?!" He excitedly hugged his wife tightly.
Jiang Suining patted his back, both amused and exasperated: "Idiot! I'm pregnant! But I feel like it's you who's having the reaction!"
She counted on her fingers: "Look, I'm perfectly fine, like nothing's wrong. But you? You're sleepy all the time, you've even given up running in the morning! And you throw up all the time! You used to never eat anything sour, but now you want to eat green plums! And you want to eat spicy chicken! Your symptoms are definitely pregnancy reactions, much more complete than mine!"
Lu Ye was completely stunned by what she said. He recalled the abnormal behavior over the past two weeks and combined it with the fact that Jiang Suining was pregnant. He found it unbelievable: "Impossible, I'm a man."
“What’s impossible?” Jiang Suining had heard of such things in her previous life, so it wasn’t surprising. She then explained to him, “What you have is called pregnancy-related syndrome. It’s just a bit strange. This symptom usually only appears when the husband knows that his wife is pregnant. How come you have it even when you don’t know?”
"Because I love you." Lu Ye hugged Jiang Suining and placed a kiss on his forehead.
The room fell silent for a moment.
A few seconds later, Lu Ye looked at the worry that had finally disappeared and the light that had rekindled in his wife's eyes, and then thought about his own inexplicable "pregnancy sickness," and couldn't help but chuckle softly. His laughter grew louder and louder, filled with helplessness and immense joy.
Jiang Suining finally relaxed and laughed along, tears streaming down her face. She pounded his chest and said, "You scared me to death! I really thought you had some terminal illness! Turns out you were suffering for our baby!"
Lu Ye held her tightly, feeling the relief of having regained what he had lost and the overwhelming joy of becoming a father. Although he was still feeling a little unwell, his heart was as sweet as honey. He lowered his head, pressed his forehead against Jiang Suining's, and spoke in a deep, joyful voice:
"This kid... he's already causing trouble for his father even before he's born. It seems he'll be a real handful in the future."
Jiang Suining only had a simple early pregnancy test at the hospital. Lu Ye was worried, so after dinner, he took a day off to take her for a full check-up, just to put his mind at ease and to see how the little one who had been "torturing" his father was doing.
He was still somewhat listless, but his spirits were lifted considerably by the joy of becoming a father.
After registering and queuing, Lu Ye sat upright on a bench in the corridor of the obstetrics and gynecology department of the military hospital. However, the occasional nausea that arose for no apparent reason caused a subtle twist to occasionally appear on his resolute expression.
Jiang Suining felt both sorry for him and amused as she watched him try to maintain his military image while fighting off his physical discomfort. She quietly took his hand.
"Chief of Staff Lu, relax," she teased in a low voice. "I'm the one going in to inspect, why do you seem more nervous than I am?"
Lu Ye gripped her hand tightly in return, his palm slightly sweaty. He cleared his throat, his voice still a little dry: "I'm just nervous for the little one inside."
Jiang Suining's turn. She walked into the ultrasound room, lay down, and the black and white ultrasound machine was still quite bulky. The probe moved across her abdomen, and the cold coupling gel made her flinch slightly. The doctor stared at the blurry gray-white image on the screen, looking at it carefully and moving the probe from time to time.
Standing to the side, Lu Ye frowned, his gaze fixed on the shadows and points of light on the screen that he couldn't quite understand, as if he were analyzing an extremely important military map, even his breathing became soft.
After examining the patient for a while, the doctor suddenly exclaimed, "Eh!"
This sound made Lu Ye's heart leap into his throat, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on Jiang Suining's hand. Jiang Suining also became nervous: "Doctor, what's wrong? Is there a problem?"
The doctor didn't answer immediately. Instead, he adjusted the probe angle, moved closer to the screen to examine it carefully, and a surprised yet knowing smile gradually appeared on his face.
"A problem? No, no, everything's fine!" The doctor smiled and turned his head, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Jiang Suining and Lu Ye, whose face was pale with tension. His tone was clearly amused. "No wonder you had such a strong reaction. Congratulations to you both! It's not just a problem, it's two pieces of good news!"
"Two?" Jiang Suining didn't react for a moment.
Lu Ye was also stunned, his brain seemed to freeze.
The doctor pointed to two distinct, separate dark areas on the screen with his pen and said in a light tone, "See that? Here, a gestational sac, and here, another one—twins! You're having twins!"
"Twins?!" Jiang Suining's eyes widened suddenly, and she repeated it in disbelief. A huge wave of surprise overwhelmed her instantly.
Lu Ye was frozen in place, his usually calm and insightful eyes wide open, staring intently at the two spots the doctor was pointing to. His lips were slightly parted, as if he had heard news more shocking than an enemy attack.
Seeing the couple clearly stunned by the surprise, especially Lu Ye's ecstatic expression, the doctor smiled and said, "Twins are different from one; the pregnant woman needs to take good care of herself."
"Okay, I've got it," Lu Ye said excitedly, his voice trembling. Then, his stomach cramped, and he couldn't help but bend over, covering his mouth and gagging a few times. When he stood up again, his face was even paler.
Seeing his condition, the doctor seemed thoughtful and couldn't help but joke, "Comrade PLA soldier, your pregnancy reaction is so severe, it seems you're carrying the burden for your wife and two babies! A difficult task, a heavy responsibility, you've worked hard!"
These words were like a key, instantly unlocking Lu Ye's shocked and frozen mind. He snapped back to reality, and an immense, indescribable joy erupted from the depths of his heart like a volcanic eruption, assaulting all his senses. He looked down at his wife, who was still lying on the examination bed, and his eyes instantly reddened.
He bent down, ignoring the doctor who was still beside him, and hugged Jiang Suining tightly, his voice hoarse with excitement: "Suisui, did you hear that? Two! Two!"
Jiang Suining hugged him back, tears streaming down her face—tears of joy, excitement, and the relief of all her previous worries finally being released. She laughed through her tears, pounding his shoulder: "I heard you! I heard you! No wonder you were in such a state; it wasn't just one, it was two little ones rebelling together!"
Lu Ye straightened up, still tightly gripping Jiang Suining's hand. He looked at the two "little bean sprouts" on the screen, representing boundless hope and the future, and a bright, almost silly smile bloomed on his resolute face. All the previous fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness seemed incredibly worthwhile at this moment, even becoming a proud "medal of honor."
He straightened his back, as if accepting an incomparably glorious mission, and said to the doctor, or perhaps to himself, with a firm and powerful voice, "Don't even mention two, even if another shift comes, I can handle it!"
The doctor and Jiang Suining both burst out laughing at his words.
On the way home, Lu Ye carefully supported Jiang Suining, as if she were some fragile treasure. Although his own pregnancy symptoms had not lessened at all, the radiance in his eyes was more dazzling than the brightest sunshine on Nan'ao Island.
"I have to hurry up and tell my mother, brother, and sister-in-law the good news!" Jiang Suining said excitedly.
“Hmm!” Lu Ye nodded emphatically, then thought of something and said with a sweet “trouble” in his voice, “It seems I have to re-plan my family’s development. The original room is not enough, we need to buy two cribs, clothes, formula… everything needs to be prepared in double quantities.”
Seeing him seriously planning for the future, Jiang Suining felt incredibly tender. She knew that this soon-to-be father, who seemed to have been "tortured" the most, was burning with intense joy and a strong sense of responsibility.
'The Breath of the Sea' brought a turning point to their careers, and now, the fruit of their love, like a generous gift from the sea, brings double the surprise.
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sea a warm gold, and the waves gently lapped against the rocks, making a soothing rhythm, like a mother humming a lullaby.
Lu Ye carefully helped Jiang Suining up, their shadows stretched long as they nestled close together.
In the courtyard, Jiang's mother, Zhong the tailor, Jiang Fengnian, and Liu Hong, who had all arrived after receiving the news, beamed with undisguised joy and excitement.
The news spread like wildfire, and soon, Comrade Zhang and his wife, Zhuang Hongjuan and her husband, Zhou Chunlan, Li Tianfang, Lü Aiguo, Zhao Zhenhai... familiar colleagues and friends also came to offer their congratulations. The courtyard was filled with laughter and joy, even more lively than during the Spring Festival.
Surrounded by everyone, Jiang Suining's face radiated happiness as she felt the two little lives quietly growing inside her. Her heart was filled with immense satisfaction and anticipation for the future. She looked at Lu Ye beside her, who, though still occasionally frowning and trying to suppress his discomfort, had bright eyes and a constant smile on his lips. She saw that rare, slightly naive smile on his face when his comrades teased him, and her heart softened beyond belief.
As night deepened and the guests departed, the courtyard returned to tranquility.
Lu Ye carefully draped a coat over Jiang Suining's shoulders, and the two sat side by side on a stone bench in the courtyard. The night sky was dotted with stars, their light reflecting off the fishing boats on the distant sea.
"It feels like a dream." Jiang Suining gently rested her head on Lu Ye's shoulder, feeling the reassuring warmth and strength emanating from him. "In an instant, we became a family of four."
Lu Ye reached out and pulled her into his arms, his large hand gently resting on her still flat stomach, his gesture precious and full of love. His deep voice was exceptionally clear in the night: "This is not a dream. This is the best 'project' we have created together, more important than any cold storage, garment factory, or any corporation."
He paused, then continued, his tone filled with the unwavering resolve and commitment characteristic of a soldier: "From now on, I will defend the country, and I will also protect you, my daughter and the three of you."
Jiang Suining looked up at his resolute profile under the starlight, her eyes sparkling with the same determination and tenderness: "Together, you will protect everyone, and I will protect our little family, and our 'Haifeng'. We will watch them grow up together, and watch our island become better and better."
In the distance, the faint hum of the tidal energy cold storage could be heard, in sync with the breathing of the sea, like the pulsating heartbeat of new life on this land. It was a testament to their struggle and the prelude to the future.
Lu Ye lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on Jiang Suining's hair.
On this night, witnessed by both starlight and the waves, all the glory, hardship, and worries transformed into boundless anticipation for the future. Their love gave birth to double the surprises, and their dreams, like the boundless sea and the dazzling starry sky, were just beginning to unfold their most magnificent tapestry.
(End of text)
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