She made a perfect exit, and then Xu Zijiang walked to the center of the stage with a smile.
When she finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted, and the commendation meeting came to an end. It really was a commendation meeting specially held for the two of them. After it ended, everyone left in groups, discussing it in hushed tones.
"This Xu Zi is not only capable himself, but he also found such a capable and beautiful wife. It's really frustrating to compare myself to others. Why am I not so lucky!"
"That's right. Look at your age and appearance. How can you compare to him? Although we're all men, there are differences between men. Don't flatter yourself. Hahahaha."
They were acquaintances, so they joked around without any restraint, and their laughter attracted the attention of Xu Zijiang and Yu Jiu, who both looked over.
"Let's go home and have dinner. It's all thanks to all the good things you've done, one after another. I've even received praise from my superiors and got a raise. Your sister-in-law is overjoyed. The food should be ready by now, so we can eat as soon as we get home."
"Then it seems you'll have to hold an awards ceremony for us, Brother Zhou."
Yu Jiu laughed heartily, and she and Xu Zijiang went back to eat with Zhou Chunrong.
Time flew by, and eight months passed in the blink of an eye. When Yu Jiu was four months pregnant, she asked Gouzi to look after the pastry counter for her. By the time she was eight months pregnant, Yu Jiu had stopped going to work. It was inconvenient to commute by bicycle, and her belly was too big. She asked Gouzi to look after both the pastry and cosmetic counters. If he was too busy, Yu Jiu and Xu Zi could hire a temporary worker to fill in.
However, Gouzi said he was busy enough, so they didn't hire anyone else. Yu Jiu is now more than nine months pregnant and will give birth in about half a month. She stays at home every day and occasionally walks around to exercise. The doctor said she should walk more so that the baby will be easier to deliver.
Xu Zijiang was also worried as he watched her belly grow bigger and bigger. Now he would wake up in the middle of the night to touch Yu Jiu's belly, afraid that Yu Jiu was going to give birth in the middle of the night and he was sleeping too soundly to notice.
"It's okay. You're always a very alert sleeper. You'll wake up as soon as I call you. Don't be so nervous. I would have called you even if my water broke. Besides, the doctor said that it's not like you give birth immediately after your water breaks. Some women are in pain for a whole day. It's not that quick."
In the middle of the night, Xu Zijiang woke up again with a start. He sat up and stared nervously at Yu Jiu. Yu Jiu had been sleeping soundly, but his sudden movement woke her up. She rubbed her eyes, turned over with difficulty, and rolled into Xu Zijiang's arms, carefully comforting him. However, her words only made Xu Zijiang more nervous.
"Then you might as well give birth right away, so you don't have to suffer."
Xu Zijiang couldn't bear to see Yu Jiu suffer for so long, so Yu Jiu sat up, amused.
"I was just talking about possibilities. Childbirth can happen quickly or slowly, depending on each person's constitution. I don't know which type I am. I'll know after I give birth this time. Don't worry too much. I can handle it. I'm mentally prepared."
No matter how painful childbirth is, it can't compare to the pain of having her heart and face ripped out in her past life. Besides, the child is the crystallization of her love with Xu Zijiang, so even if it hurts, she is willing to endure it.
"Really, I... hiss."
Just as Yu Jiu was about to continue speaking, the baby suddenly kicked her belly hard, causing it to bulge out. Yu Jiu couldn't help but gasp as she touched her stomach.
"Baby, why aren't you asleep yet in the middle of the night? Stop fooling around, or did Daddy wake you up too? How about we go to sleep now?"
Yu Jiu gently touched her belly and talked to the baby inside. Xu Zijiang also came over and gave him a serious lecture.
"That's right, you dare to kick your mother in the middle of the night instead of sleeping. If you don't behave, Dad will beat you when you come out."
Perhaps because of his threat, the baby was unhappy, and then punched Yu Jiu's belly again. Yu Jiu had just lifted her clothes, and the moonlight shone in, so both of them could clearly see the shape of the fist on her belly.
"This little bastard, he's getting cocky, isn't he?"
Just as Xu Zi was about to launch into a long lecture about the baby in her belly, Yu Jiu suddenly clutched her back and groaned a few times.
"Wait, Xu Zijiang, the baby might be impatient, he's about to come out. I feel like my pants are wet."
Yu Jiu could clearly feel the wetness in her lower body. She tried to remain calm and told Xu Zijiang, then reached out and touched it. Sure enough, it was wet.
"What! I'll take you to the hospital right now! Honey, wait a minute, let me put two blankets in the car first."
Xu Zi jumped to the ground.
"Okay, take your time, no rush."
Yu Jiu's water has just broken, and she hasn't felt any pain yet, so she's still quite calm.
When it came time for her to give birth, Xu Zijiang certainly couldn't take her to the hospital on a bicycle; that would be too dangerous, as Yu Jiu might not be able to sit steadily when she was in pain. Using an oxcart wouldn't work either, as it would be too slow. So, a couple of days ago, Xu Zijiang brought the team's tractor to his doorstep, so that in case of an emergency, he could immediately drive the tractor to the hospital with Yu Jiu.
Originally, it was just to be on the safe side, as Yu Jiu's due date was still more than half a month away. Unexpectedly, she actually went into labor early. Luckily, he had driven the truck over in advance. The country road was bumpy, and Xu Zijiang definitely needed to lay several layers of quilts on the truck so that Yu Jiu wouldn't be jolted by the road. So Xu Zijiang quickly grabbed a few quilts and laid them on the truck, then hurriedly put some food and drinks on it, and immediately turned back to carry Yu Jiu onto the tractor.
"Is your stomach starting to hurt now? Will you be able to lie down by yourself? Or should I knock on the door and ask someone to come with us? They can help you in the car."
As Xu Zijiang settled the person into the car, he asked anxiously, his handsome face wrinkled with worry.
"It's okay, it only hurts a little bit now. I can hold it up myself, so there's no need to call for anyone else. It's not good to disturb someone's sleep in the middle of the night."
These days, when women give birth, most people don't think it's anything to be surprised about. Many women give birth at home, only needing a few experienced mothers-in-law to help. Only those with a little money or who value the birth more will go to the hospital to give birth.
They go to the hospital for checkups every few days, and they even have to go to the hospital to give birth. They brought a tractor over, which was already quite high-profile. Now, in the middle of the night, they're making a big fuss by calling for help. Yu Jiu thinks it's unnecessary.
Although everyone respects them now, if they're not careful, people will definitely start gossiping behind their backs. The most important thing is that Yu Jiu isn't really in much pain right now; she can manage, so there's no need for her to ask for help and avoid owing anyone another favor.
"Okay, just lie down and hold onto the car railing for support. I'll go get the car now, we'll be at the hospital soon. Don't be afraid, just shout for me if anything happens."
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