Chapter 89: Pregnancy preparation issue, put on the agenda?
The grand celebration was like a dazzling display of fireworks, bursting brilliantly at its climax before slowly fading into the tranquil night sky. The glory and applause gradually subsided, and life returned to its usual course, now under a warm and solid foundation.
Huo Tingxiao fully recovered and returned to work. After enduring the life-ordeal and thoroughly eradicating Operation Thunderbolt, his prestige reached unprecedented heights, and the responsibilities he shouldered grew even heavier. He remained busy, perhaps even busier than before, dealing with numerous follow-up matters and new defense deployments. But no matter how late it was, he would always try to get home. The lights of his home and the person waiting for him became his warmest refuge and source of comfort amidst his hectic battles.
Su Wanqing's life returned to its usual rhythm, though with a twist. Her appearance at the celebration banquet and the prestigious Second Class Merit Award had catapulted her to fame, and she began to receive numerous collaboration offers from both within and outside the military. She carefully selected projects, maintaining her focus on practical designs that served military personnel and their families, and her career flourished with increasing success and fulfillment.
More importantly, the relationship between her and Huo Tingxiao entered an unprecedented, reassuring harmony and tacit understanding.
At night, the study often had this scene: Huo Tingxiao, his brows slightly furrowed, his profile stern, processing encrypted documents; Su Wanqing, sketching a design at the desk beside him, the desk lamp casting a soft glow, her pencil scratching across the paper. Each of them worked on their own, not disturbing each other, but a tranquil and warm atmosphere flowed in the air.
Sometimes, Huo Tingxiao would look up from his documents, his gaze falling on her focused profile, his expression softening unconsciously. He would stand up and silently refill her glass of warm water, or take a look at her finished design draft, offering one or two suggestions from a practical perspective.
When he worked for too long, Su Wanqing would walk over and gently hold his hand as he turned the page, handing him a cup of ginseng tea, and saying with unquestionable insistence, "Take a ten-minute break."
This ordinary yet genuine interaction, flowing slowly and steadily, nourishes the ever-deepening bond between the two. They both carefully cherish this hard-earned peace and happiness, as if to make up for all the time they had lost in the past.
However, beneath this tranquility, some new thoughts about the future began to quietly sprout.
This weekend, Xia Xiaoran came to visit. After dinner, the two women huddled on the sofa in the living room and chatted, while Huo Tingxiao took a work call on the balcony.
Xia Xiaoran looked at the unique bullet shell ring on Su Wanqing's ring finger, then glanced at Huo Tingxiao's tall figure on the balcony. She leaned over and lowered her voice, winking and asking, "Hey, Qingqing, you guys... are finally enjoying the good times after all the hard work, right? Have you thought about... your next plan?"
"What's the next plan?" Su Wanqing didn't react for a moment and looked at her in confusion.
"That's... that plan!" Xia Xiaoran nudged her lightly with her elbow, her eyes glancing at her belly, her expression full of suggestion. "A plan to help Chief Huo have children! You two have such good genes, it would be a waste of resources not to have a baby! Besides, looking at Chief Huo's physique and mobility...tsk tsk, there's definitely no problem!"
Su Wanqing's face flushed red, and she subconsciously touched her belly. Her heartbeat accelerated inexplicably: "You...what nonsense are you talking about! This...this is not something that can be planned..."
"Why can't we plan?" Xia Xiaoran said with an experienced look, "Your relationship is stable now, and your career is going well. It's the perfect time to have a child! Look at Chief Huo. Even though he appears cold on the outside, I bet if he became a father, he would definitely be a daughter slave! Just imagine that scene, how exciting!"
A daughter slave? Su Wanqing couldn't help but picture a cold, serious man like Huo Tingxiao clumsily cradling a soft, tender baby. The stark contrast made her heart feel like a feather was gently brushing against it, leaving her with a strange tingling sensation and... anticipation?
She subconsciously glanced toward the balcony. Huo Tingxiao had just finished his call and turned around. The golden glow of the setting sun outlined his cold, perfect silhouette. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, and upright figure like a pine tree. He exuded the calm strength unique to mature men and... an indescribable sexiness.
Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks grew even hotter, and she hurriedly looked away.
Xia Xiaoran saw her reaction clearly and laughed secretly.
That night, after washing up, the two of them lay side by side in bed. Huo Tingxiao seemed a little tired, closing his eyes to rest. Su Wanqing, however, was having trouble sleeping. Xia Xiaoran's words from the day before had taken root in her heart like a seed. She quietly turned sideways, and in the hazy moonlight outside the window, she looked at the sleeping face of the man beside her.
Even as he slept, his brows were still furrowed in their habitual frown, their hard lines softened slightly in the moonlight, and his breathing was steady and long. Her eyes involuntarily slid across his high nose, his thin lips, his sharply defined jaw, and finally settled on his large, bony hands, casually resting outside the quilt.
These hands, once held a gun, signed a life and death warrant, once blocked a bullet for her, clumsily polished a ring for her, and gently wiped away her tears...
If... these hands carefully hold a little life that belongs to them in the future... what would that be like?
Once this thought came to her mind, it quickly wrapped around her heart like a vine, bringing with it an indescribable throbbing and tenderness. She could even imagine the awkward and helpless tender expression that a cold and taciturn man like him might reveal when facing his own child...
Just thinking about it made her feel completely soft inside.
But... would he want a child? He's so busy, with such a heavy burden on his shoulders... would he feel it was a burden? Although things were good between them now, it all started with a deal... was he really ready?
All kinds of chaotic thoughts intertwined in her mind, making her unable to help but sigh softly.
"What's wrong?" the man beside her suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse and low, having just woken up. He had opened his eyes at some point, and in the darkness, he caught her gaze unmistakably.
Su Wanqing was startled, like a child caught doing something bad. Her cheeks were slightly hot, and she subconsciously wanted to turn her back to him: "No...nothing, did I wake you?"
Huo Tingxiao stretched out his arms and gently pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head. His voice was still sleepy, but very clear: "Are you worried about something?"
His embrace was warm and solid, carrying a reassuring aura. Su Wanqing leaned against his chest, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat. After a moment's hesitation, she finally mustered up the courage and asked in a mosquito-like voice, "Tingxiao... have you ever thought about... us... in the future..."
"What about later?" Huo Tingxiao's voice rang low above her head.
"...In the future...will there be...one more person at home?" After Su Wanqing said this, her cheeks flushed completely. She held her breath, nervously waiting for his reaction.
Huo Tingxiao's body stiffened imperceptibly, and his arm around her tightened slightly. In the darkness, he was silent for a moment, as if trying to process the meaning of her words.
Su Wanqing's heart sank a little bit... He really... hadn't thought about it? Or... was he unwilling?
Just when she was about to regret asking this question, Huo Tingxiao suddenly spoke in a low and steady voice, with no emotion in his voice: "You've only just recovered. You need to recuperate for a while."
Su Wanqing's heart sank, and her nose felt a little sore. Was he... rejecting her politely? Was he worried about her health? Or...
However, before her disappointment could spread, Huo Tingxiao's next words made her stunned for a moment.
"Assistant Chen knows a veteran Chinese medicine doctor who's a nationally recognized expert. I'll have him make an appointment for next Tuesday and take you there for some systemic adjustments." His tone was calm, as if he were directing a routine task, yet it carried an undeniable seriousness. "I also need a comprehensive physical examination."
Su Wanqing raised her head abruptly, trying to see his expression in the darkness: "...Treatment? Physical examination? Why?"
Huo Tingxiao lowered his head. In the darkness, his gaze was deep and difficult to discern, yet he caught her eye accurately. His voice was low and serious, "Having a child is no small matter. Your physical foundation isn't the best, and you had a shock recently, so you need to build a good foundation. My job is special, and I also need to be in top condition."
He paused, his tone becoming more serious, even with a subtle hint of... nervousness? "Eugenics and good parenting. It's a responsibility."
Eugenics? Responsibility?
Su Wanqing stared at him blankly, her heart seemed to be hit by something, making it feel sore and numb, and then a huge, indescribable warmth and... the urge to laugh surged up.
This is truly his style! Even something like having children is approached with such calmness, pragmatism, and even a touch of military management! No sweet talk, no romantic yearning, just straightforward responsibility and action.
But... this is exactly his way of expressing his importance and care, isn't it?
"So... you... thought so?" Her voice trembled with uncertainty and anticipation.
Huo Tingxiao was silent for a moment, his arms tightening around her. He gently nudged his chin against the top of her head and uttered a low, hoarse "hmm." Although it was just a simple syllable, it seemed to contain a thousand words.
That's enough. To Su Wanqing, this one "hmm" is worth a thousand words.
She buried her face deep in his warm chest, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn upwards, tears of happiness welled up in her eyes. She reached out and hugged his strong waist tightly.
"Okay." She replied softly, her voice filled with soft determination, "Let's...get ready together."
Huo Tingxiao didn't say anything else, simply tightening his arms and holding her tighter. In the darkness, the corners of his hard, almost imperceptible lips lifted in a faint, yet real, arc.
The issue of preparing for pregnancy was officially put on the agenda in such a very "Huo Tingxiao" way.
There are no grand declarations, only concrete actions and heavy responsibilities.
And for the little life that might come in the future, both of them quietly developed a common and warm expectation in their hearts.
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