The bamboo basket in the corner of the yard still contained the wild vegetables that Sister Qin had given her a few days ago. That morning, her cheerful voice rang out again outside the yard gate.
Gu Mingyue went out to greet her and saw that Sister Qin was carrying two bamboo baskets on her arm, which were filled with shepherd's purse, bitter greens, and a few bunches of newly sprouted ferns. Her trouser legs and shoes were covered with fresh mud.
“Mingyue, I went up the mountain to dig bamboo shoots yesterday and saw that the wild vegetables on the slope were growing well, so I picked a lot and brought them to you.”
Sister-in-law Qin put the basket on the stone table and said with a smile, "Blanching bitter greens and then making a cold salad can help reduce internal heat, and stir-fried bracken with meat is very fragrant. It's a good opportunity for you to change your diet while you're pregnant."
Gu Mingyue pulled her to sit down, poured her a cup of hot water and handed it to her, "Seeing you go up the mountain every day, I want to go with you too."
After drinking a glass of water, Aunt Qin felt much better. Hearing what she said, she smiled and said, "We can't make it now. We'll go together after the baby is born."
As they were talking, the courtyard gate creaked open, and Lu Lin hurriedly walked in, his face serious.
"Mingyue, I have to go on a mission." His voice was urgent, and Gu Mingyue was startled. Just as she was about to ask, he continued, "It's an emergency mission to support the front lines. The troops just notified me."
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Gu Mingyue stood up and unconsciously grabbed his arm.
Lu Lin held her hand, his tone becoming serious: "I've been patrolling near the coast for a while now, with fewer missions on the front lines. I know it's because the leaders are taking care of our family. You're pregnant and your due date is approaching."
But I don't feel at ease always enjoying these conveniences. As a soldier, how can I only protect my own family? Now that there's a need, I have to step forward; I can't just hide in the back.
He paused, gently stroking the back of her hand with his fingertips: "A man has to shoulder responsibilities, protecting you and the child, and also being able to carry the uniform he wears."
Gu Mingyue looked at the determination in his eyes, and although she felt reluctant, she understood his thoughts.
He is a soldier, but more importantly, he is a man with a strong sense of responsibility.
She nodded vigorously, her voice trembling slightly but clearly: "I understand. Go ahead and take care of yourself."
Gu Mingyue turned and went into the house, opened the top box of the wardrobe, and packed the neatly folded clothes into her backpack.
Lu Lin stood behind her, watching her slowly bend down to pack her things, her pregnant belly protruding, and his eyes welled up with tears.
He walked over and gently hugged her from behind, saying, "Wait for me to come back."
Gu Mingyue leaned against him and smiled as she hummed in agreement.
Gu Mingyue handed the packed backpack to Lu Lin and checked it carefully again: "The first aid kit is in the side pocket. I brought two sets of military uniforms. Remember to eat on time and don't try to tough it out."
Lu Lin nodded emphatically, reached out and touched her pregnant belly, and said softly, "Your due date is approaching. If I don't make it back in time, don't panic. I called Mom, and she will come over early. With Mom and the neighbors to help, just ask He Xiao if you need anything."
The two walked side by side to the courtyard gate. Lu Lin took the backpack, slung it over his shoulder, turned back to hug Gu Mingyue, and then strode towards the army.
Gu Mingyue stood at the door, watching his figure in military uniform gradually disappear into the distance until it turned the corner at the end of the road. She sighed softly and unconsciously touched her belly: "Baby, Daddy has gone on a mission. Let's be good and wait for him to come back."
As I turned to go inside, I saw Sister Qin squatting by the stone table, holding a bunch of wild vegetables and carefully picking the soil off the roots.
Seeing Gu Mingyue turn around, she looked up and smiled: "I saw you seeing Lu Lin off, so I didn't want to bother you. These wild vegetables are fresh, I'll clean them for you. Go back and rest, don't tire yourself out."
The two bamboo baskets on the stone table were mostly empty, and the selected wild vegetables were neatly arranged in the bamboo sieve, with water droplets still clinging to the tender green leaves.
Gu Mingyue walked over and squatted down beside her, her heart throbbing with warmth: "Sister-in-law, I'm so sorry to always trouble you with things."
Aunt Qin waved her hand and laughed, "Don't be so polite. Neighbors should help each other out. Lu Lin is on a mission, and it's not easy for you to be pregnant. It's no big deal for me to lend a hand."
The two chatted as they picked wild vegetables.
Aunt Qin kept reminding her, "If you feel unwell at night, just call me. I live nearby. Don't be shy about eating anything you want. I'll bring it back for you when I go up the mountain to pick vegetables."
Gu Mingyue listened and nodded in agreement.
Lu Lin had called home before returning.
As soon as Zhong Yuxiu's voice came through the receiver, he said directly, "Mom, the army has an urgent support mission, and I have to leave immediately. Mingyue's due date is approaching. Could you come a few days earlier? Before you arrive, I'll have Wanwan take care of things at home."
Without the slightest hesitation, Zhong Yuxiu on the other end of the phone immediately agreed: "Yes, of course I can. I'll pack my things first thing tomorrow morning and leave the day after tomorrow. You can focus on your mission outside. I'll take care of things at home, and Wanwan will make sure Mingyue is well taken care of."
She paused, then added, "Be careful out there, don't worry about home, Mingyue, we've got you covered."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Lin felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.
After hanging up the phone, he found Lu Wanwan and explained Gu Mingyue's daily life in detail.
“Your sister-in-law’s feet are swollen right now, so don’t let her squat for too long. She’s prone to leg cramps at night. If you have time, go over and chat with her more often. You can also lend a hand if anything happens.”
Lu Wanwan patted her chest and assured her, "Brother, don't worry. I'll go to my sister-in-law's house every day. I'll bring her porridge in the morning, help her cook at noon, and accompany her for a walk in the evening. I promise to take good care of her. When Mom comes, I'll hand over the duties to her. I won't let you worry about anything."
As the car drove away from the residential compound, Lu Lin looked back and gazed in the direction of his home, lost in thought.
He knew that his courage to go to the front lines came not only from the responsibility of a soldier, but also from the concern he felt for those back home, who were separated by mountains and seas.
His mother was packing her bags and on her way, and his younger sister would take good care of him, so he could shoulder the burden without any worries.
On the morning of the third day after Lu Lin left, Gu Mingyue was sitting in the courtyard basking in the sun when she heard the sound of a car stopping outside the gate.
Looking up, I saw Zhong Yuxiu carrying two heavy cloth bundles, with He Xiao following behind to help carry the luggage. Her hair was still covered in dust from the journey, but she had a smile on her face.
"Mom." Gu Mingyue quickly stood up, supporting her back.
Zhong Yuxiu walked over quickly and pressed down on her arm, saying, "Don't move, don't move, you're pregnant."
He put down his bag, reached out and touched her pregnant belly, then took her hand and led her into the house. "I rushed here as fast as I could, and we're finally here. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
As she spoke, she suddenly grasped Gu Mingyue's hand, her tone softening: "Xiao Lin is a good boy in every way, but he's in the army and can't take care of the family. You're pregnant, and he suddenly went on a mission. I'm sorry to have to make things difficult for you."
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