Chapter 158 Pregnancy: Upright and Honest, Like the First Light of Dawn
Springtime quietly arrived in 2004. The successful resolution of the Wushi series of burglaries and murders greatly demonstrated the value of the Crime Prevention Analysis Center. Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan's team received commendation from the provincial department, and their work became increasingly busy.
However, amidst this busyness, a new life quietly arrived, injecting a fresh and tender expectation into their tense lives.
Jiang Ling's discovery of the abnormality in her body was purely accidental, yet also quite reasonable.
Her period was usually very regular, but this time it was more than two weeks late, accompanied by inexplicable fatigue and occasional nausea. At first, she thought it was due to working overtime for several days in a row, until one morning, a strong feeling of nausea made her rush to the bathroom and dry heave.
Liang Jiushan, who was preparing breakfast in the kitchen, rushed over upon hearing the noise and was startled: "What's wrong? Is your stomach upset? Did you eat something bad yesterday? I'll take you to the hospital right away!"
Jiang Ling leaned against the sink, took a deep breath, and suppressed the discomfort in her throat. Although her voice was slightly weak due to the discomfort, it was as calm as ever: "It's nothing, I'm probably just too tired lately. Could you ask for leave for me later? I'll go to the hospital for a check-up."
“I’ll go with you!” Liang Jiushan said immediately, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Looking at her slightly pale face, his heart clenched.
Inside the Provincial People's Hospital, the smell of disinfectant filled the air. Liang Jiushan ran around, registering, paying fees, and accompanying Jiang Ling to see the internal medicine doctor. After listening to her symptoms and examining Jiang Ling, the experienced doctor suggested, "Let's get a urine test first, check your HCG levels, and rule out the possibility of early pregnancy."
"Early pregnancy?" Liang Jiushan was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened suddenly, a huge, unbelievable anticipation instantly rushing to his head, making his heart pound like a drum. He looked sharply at Jiang Ling, only to see that she was also taken aback, then a quick ripple flashed in her eyes, and then she slowly nodded, accepting the doctor's advice.
The half hour of waiting for the results felt like an eternity.
Liang Jiushan held Jiang Ling's hand tightly, sitting on the cold plastic chair in the corridor, feeling extremely restless. He would stand up and pace back and forth, then sit down again, his eyes fixed on the direction of the laboratory window, his lips tightly pressed together, his palms sweaty. He was a million times more nervous than when he faced the assessment from the company's largest investor back when he started the business.
Jiang Ling sat seemingly calmly, but her slightly curled fingers and somewhat unfocused gaze betrayed her inner turmoil. This possibility, completely outside her meticulously planned life, brought a strange and wonderful stirring within her.
Finally, Jiang Ling's name was called at the testing window.
Liang Jiushan practically sprang from his chair, rushing forward and taking the small lab report with trembling hands. His gaze swept eagerly over the incomprehensible numbers and symbols, finally settling firmly on the brief line of text in the conclusion section:
[Pregnancy test: positive]
Liang Jiushan froze, his eyes wide, repeatedly checking the two words as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He suddenly looked up at Jiang Ling who was walking towards him, then looked down at the test results. His lips trembled a few times before he finally managed to utter, "Positive! It's...it's true! Sister Ling, we're going to have a baby?!"
His voice rose with excitement, even choking up, drawing the attention of those around him.
Jiang Ling took the test report and looked at the word "positive." Her heart was filled with a surge of emotions, a mixture of surprise, bewilderment, and then a quietly rising warmth. She looked up and met Liang Jiushan's eyes, which were filled with ecstatic joy, trepidation, and tears. She nodded gently, a faint but genuine smile curving her lips: "Yes. It should be."
The next second, Liang Jiushan suddenly lifted her off the ground, excitedly spun her around, but then seemed to remember something and very carefully and gently put her back on the ground, his movements stiff like a robot.
"Be careful! Be careful!" He stammered, his face filled with immense, almost foolish, ecstatic joy, but his eyes quickly welled up with tears. "I'm going to be a father? Sister Ling! We're really having a baby?!"
He gently stroked Jiang Ling's still flat stomach, his hands trembling slightly, as if he were touching the most precious treasure in the world.
Looking at him like this, Jiang Ling's helplessness and confusion gradually gave way to warmth. She raised her hand and gently wiped his slightly damp eyes: "Mm."
Back home, Liang Jiushan couldn't contain his joy and called his sister: "Sis, Ling is pregnant! I'm going to be a dad!"
Upon hearing this, her older sister Liang Qiqiao excitedly said on the phone, "That's wonderful! I'll take the train to see Sister Ling tomorrow, which is the weekend."
Liang Qiqiao is a teacher at Yancheng No. 1 Middle School. She is conscientious and responsible in her teaching, and she is strict but loving towards her students. She quickly established herself on the podium and even won a municipal-level teaching innovation project last year, which is highly valued by the school.
Perhaps because she received help from Jiang Ling and the police officers at the local police station during her time of despair, Liang Qiqiao, like her younger brother Liang Jiushan, has a natural affinity for the police. A colleague introduced her to an outstanding criminal investigator from the Yancheng City Public Security Bureau. The two fell in love at first sight, quickly set a wedding date, and are now happily married with a child.
Recalling the past, Liang Qiqiao was filled with gratitude towards Jiang Ling. As soon as she heard that she was pregnant, she came to visit immediately, bringing not only local specialties from Yancheng and baby supplies, but also several newly tailored maternity clothes: "When you get heavier, you'll have to wear a size bigger. Sister Ling, just focus on taking care of yourself. Let Jiu Shan do all the work, don't overwork yourself."
Although Jiang Ling is now her brother's wife, Liang Qiqiao still calls her "Sister Ling".
Jiang Ling was also happy to see Liang Qiqiao. Although Liang Qiqiao was married and had a child, her appearance remained unchanged; she was still beautiful and charming, with an added touch of mature femininity. It was clear at a glance that she was living a comfortable life. Jiang Ling held her hand and asked softly, "How did you feel when you were pregnant?"
Liang Qiqiao was full of experience and was just worried about having no one to pass it on to. Jiang Ling's question immediately opened her floodgates, and she started talking non-stop.
Liang Jiushan listened attentively, eager to memorize all the advice. "Yes, in early pregnancy, rest more and reduce sexual activity; in mid-pregnancy, wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes; in late pregnancy, eat smaller, more frequent meals, pay attention to protein intake, and avoid oily and fatty foods to prevent the fetus from becoming too large. Also, regular checkups are important, frequent massages are necessary to prevent stretch marks, and appropriate folic acid and calcium supplements should be taken. Avoid prolonged sitting and excessive physical activity..."
Seeing her younger brother listening obediently, Liang Qiqiao couldn't help but laugh and gave him a nudge: "You have a big task now, you must do your best to take good care of Sister Ling, do you hear me?"
Liang Jiushan immediately responded, "Yes! I guarantee I will complete the mission."
The three of them looked at each other and smiled.
Liang Jiushan was on high alert for her first formal prenatal checkup after confirming her pregnancy.
A week in advance, he researched all the specialists in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Provincial People's Hospital and booked an appointment with the most authoritative chief physician. The night before the prenatal checkup, he was so nervous that he barely slept, repeatedly checking the documents, medical records, warm water, snacks, blankets, etc., wishing he could bring his whole house to the hospital.
On the day of the prenatal checkup, he was extremely tense throughout. Supporting Jiang Ling as if she were fragile glass, he walked carefully with every step, constantly asking in a low voice, "Sister Ling, are you tired? Do you want to sit down and rest for a while?", "Are you thirsty? Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something?"
While queuing to pay and pick up medicine, he let Jiang Ling sit on a chair and wait, while he ran around, his steps brisk and his forehead sweating, but he did it all with great pleasure.
During the ultrasound, when the tiny gestational sac appeared on the screen, and even the faint fetal heartbeat could be seen, Liang Jiushan tightly grasped Jiang Ling's hand, too excited to speak. His eyes were red as he looked at the screen again and again, then at Jiang Ling, his mouth stretching to his ears.
"The fetus is developing very well and is very healthy," the doctor congratulated them with a smile.
Stepping out of the hospital, the sun shone brightly. Liang Jiushan carefully held Jiang Ling in his arms, avoiding the crowds, his smile never fading.
"Sister Ling, did you hear that? The doctor said she's very healthy!" he repeated excitedly. "Our child will definitely be as smart and capable as you!"
Seeing how excited he was, like a big boy, Jiang Ling couldn't help but laugh: "Maybe he'll be like you, a computer genius, or a chatterbox."
"It doesn't matter who the child looks like! As long as they're healthy!" Liang Jiushan chuckled, then fell into deep thought. "Sister Ling, what names do you think we should give the child? We need to think of names for both boys and girls! I need to check the dictionary and look at the Book of Songs and the Chu Ci..."
So, in the days that followed, Liang Jiushan’s greatest hobby outside of work was flipping through dictionaries and consulting ancient books. Holding a thick book of names, he would ponder and match each character one by one, and would ask Jiang Ling for her opinion from time to time.
"Sister Ling, what do you think of 'Liang Zhiyu'? It's a kindness to have someone recognize my talent, and it's also a kindness to have met you."
"Or 'Liang Muling'? I admire you, I love you."
"The girl's name is 'Liang Shuyao'? Does that mean 'slender and graceful'?"
"Or perhaps 'Liang Siyuan'? Reflecting on its roots, never forgetting one's original intentions..."
He enthusiastically compiled a long list, each name containing his best wishes for the child and a testament to their love.
Jiang Ling looked at his earnest expression and her heart softened. She put down the case file in her hand, picked up a pen, and wrote the character "昭" (zhāo) on the paper: "I like this character. It's bright and generous. Aren't we all hoping to clear the name of the innocent when we solve cases? What a wonderful meaning."
Liang Jiushan immediately nodded: "Okay, let's call him Zhaozhao as his nickname."
Jiang Ling pondered for a long time: "As for her formal name... let's add the character 'Xi' from 'dawn.' I hope my little Zhao Zhao will be like the morning light, fresh and bright."
"Zhaoxi, Zhaoxi," Liang Jiushan repeated several times, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. "Upright and honest, like the first rays of dawn. What a great name! What a great name! It has to be my sister Ling who does this. This name is good, this is it!"
After three months of pregnancy, Jiang Ling's morning sickness and fatigue had eased slightly, but her workload remained heavy. Although Liang Jiushan took meticulous care of her, he was also a very busy person and inevitably had moments when he couldn't attend to everything. Liang Qiqiao, though well-intentioned, was unable to come to the provincial capital to help because she had her own job in Yan City.
At this moment, Xiao Wenjuan, who was far away in Kyoto, could no longer sit still.
Her daughter's pregnancy was a joyous occasion, and she couldn't wait to fly over and take care of her. After discussing it with Lin Weidong, she quickly packed bags of nutritional supplements, maternity clothes, and even handmade blankets and clothes, and rushed to Yancheng.
The arrival of his mother-in-law made Liang Jiushan both happy and a little nervous.
He thoroughly cleaned the house several days in advance, purchased brand new bedding and toiletries, and even inquired about Xiao Wenjuan's taste preferences. The refrigerator was filled with all kinds of ingredients.
On the day Xiao Wenjuan arrived, Liang Jiushan took half a day off and drove Jiang Ling to the airport to pick her up.
Upon seeing Xiao Wenjuan, Liang Jiushan immediately stepped forward to take all the luggage, his attitude respectful and warm: "Mom, you must be tired from your journey. Everything at home is ready, please feel free to stay."
Looking at the bloodshot eyes and noticeably thinner cheeks of her son-in-law, and then at her daughter who, despite being heavily pregnant, looked quite well, Xiao Wenjuan felt both heartache and relief.
"Jiushan, look how busy you are, you've even lost weight. Now that Mom's here, you don't need to worry about housework or Lingling's diet, just focus on your work." Xiao Wenjuan patted her son-in-law's arm, her tone loving.
With Xiao Wenjuan in charge, the family immediately changed.
Every morning, a warm and nourishing breakfast awaits them; their home is always bright and clean, with a faint fragrance of flowers; on Jiang Ling's desk, there is always an extra box of cut fruit or a warm bowl of nutritious soup.
Xiao Wenjuan is an excellent cook and knows how to balance nutrition. She makes a variety of delicious dishes for Jiang Ling, and even Liang Jiushan has gained a few pounds as a result.
Liang Jiushan was incredibly considerate of his mother-in-law. No matter how late he got off work, he would always ask her if she was tired and if she needed a shoulder massage. On weekends, he would always volunteer to do housework, accompany Xiao Wenjuan to the market to buy groceries, and patiently listen to her tell stories about Jiang Ling's childhood. When he discovered that Xiao Wenjuan liked growing flowers, several pots of her favorite orchids appeared on the balcony the next day.
He was sweet-talking and diligent, calling her "Mom" so naturally and affectionately. He would often ask Xiao Wenjuan for advice on raising children, making his mother-in-law very happy. She was more and more satisfied with this son-in-law and often praised him to Jiang Ling in private: "Jiu Shan is a perfect child. He is thoughtful, considerate, and capable. Lingling, you are so lucky."
Seeing her mother and husband getting along well, and the house filled with a long-lost liveliness and warmth, Jiang Ling felt a sense of alienation that had always been present in her heart since her rebirth, which was completely soothed by this ordinary, warm atmosphere.
One sunny weekend afternoon, Xiao Wenjuan was trimming the plants on the balcony, Jiang Ling was leaning back on the sofa reviewing recent case files, and Liang Jiushan was squatting beside her, his ear pressed against Jiang Ling's slightly protruding belly, trying to talk to the baby.
"Baby, it's Daddy, do you hear me? You have to be good and not bother Mommy..."
He looked up, his eyes sparkling, and said to Jiang Ling, "Sister Ling, I think he just kicked me!"
Jiang Ling chuckled: "Only four months, how could you have that much strength?"
"Yes! Definitely!" Liang Jiushan insisted, then lay back down to continue his "prenatal education" project.
Watching the young couple's heartwarming interaction, Xiao Wenjuan wore a satisfied and relieved smile.
The afterglow of the setting sun streamed into the living room, enveloping the family in warmth and tranquility.
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