Xie Jinghao lay on the thick quilt, surrounded by several children sitting in a row, knowing they were going to the county hospital for her checkup, the children sat very obediently and quietly.
Shen Meng took out several Jin Si Hou milk candies from her bag, distributing one to each child.
"Don’t be scared, your Auntie is not seriously ill, we’re just going to the county to have a doctor take a look. Xiao Gang, don’t be afraid, your mom’s fine. Later, your Auntie will take you to the State-Owned Restaurant and treat you to big meat buns, okay?"
Xiao Gang’s eyes lit up at her words, looking at her with anticipation. He didn’t really understand what a State-Owned Restaurant was, but he knew meat buns—a delicious treat that Auntie had made for him before, so greasy and tasty that he dreamt of eating another.
"Okay, thank you Auntie."
"Elder sister-in-law, don’t spoil him like this. We need to hurry back, cooking at home is just the same. Everything is expensive in the county, and eating at the State-Owned Restaurant requires food coupons, too. Money doesn’t last."
Shen Meng patted her and said, "Jinghao, we don’t often get the chance to come here, let’s not talk about money right now. The main issue is the child in your belly. You were injured giving birth to Xiao Gang last time. It’s safer to deliver in the hospital this time. Giving birth at home is not sanitary and it’s dangerous."
When Xie Jinghao heard that she was to give birth in a hospital, she quickly sat up, and the sudden movement caused her belly to ache.
"Ouch! How could that be possible? It would cost so much to give birth in a hospital! Mom and Dad would definitely not want to pay for it. Jiasheng works so hard in the mines, and he doesn’t make much in a month, I..."
"Which is more important, yours and the baby’s life or money? Xie Jinghao, if you don’t cherish yourself, how can you expect others to care for you? If anything were to happen to you while giving birth, the only one who will suffer is your child Xiao Gang. What will he do if something happens to you and your husband remarries?"
Xie Jinghao’s urging voice paused, then she turned to glance at Lu Mingyang’s children and looked at her, finally nodding.
"Alright, elder sister-in-law, we’ll see what the doctor says!"
Shen Meng: "..."
What is that look supposed to mean? Although she is a stepmother, she is now a good one, not the kind that bullies the children.
Uncle Guai was leading the cart in front and, hearing the conversation between the two women behind him, he gained a new level of respect for Shen Meng. He felt she was very different from the Shen Meng he knew before. He had been too one-sided. Lu Zhenping was so outstanding, so how could the woman he fancied be anything less!
The group quickly arrived at the hospital in the county. Shen Meng had intended to take Xie Jinghao to see the doctor alone, but the children got off the ox cart as well and followed behind the two women like a string of grapes.
Their young, curious, and bewildered faces melted Shen Meng’s heart.
"Why not, let’s all go together."
"Sure mom, we can help."
"Xiao Kai can help too. Xiao Kai will carry the bags for mom."
The children either helped Shen Meng with her bags or supported Xie Jinghao, five well-behaved and obedient children surrounding the two women—who could refuse them.
"Okay, let’s all go in together. This is a hospital, so we mustn’t talk loudly. Once we’re inside, everyone must be quiet, okay? Uncle Guai, please wait outside for us, we’ll be out soon."
"Don’t worry, take your time with the doctor’s visit, let the ox have a rest, hehe!" The ox had travelled so far, and it pained his heart.
"Alright!"
Xie Jinghao felt a bit embarrassed. Normally, the production team’s oxen were treated like treasures, and now, because of her, her elder sister-in-law had to both pay and put in effort, and even the production team’s ox was put to strain. Yet before she could express her gratitude, she thought of Shen Meng’s words and swore in her heart that once she gave birth, she would do everything in her power to help with anything her elder sister-in-law’s family needed.
The gynecologist was a woman in her forties. Shen Meng had inquired a little and heard that the doctor had worked in a big city when she was young and was very experienced. She later wanted to return to her hometown to make contributions in the tough conditions. Shen Meng couldn’t help but feel deep respect for such a person.
The doctor’s surname is Cheng, she spoke softly and kindly, being very careful while examining Xie Jinghao’s body. When the cold instrument was placed on her, she felt a bit uncomfortable and subconsciously looked for Shen Meng, but unfortunately, only the doctor and nurses were by her side now.
Outside, Shen Meng was alone with five children, walking back and forth as doctors, nurses, and patients all looked at her with utter amazement.
"Goodness, this girl can really give birth! So young and she already has five kids, and so many sons too, truly blessed!"
"That’s right! Having so many kids while still so young, look, it’s really enviable."
"If this was my daughter-in-law, I would cherish her like a treasured gem, with such a slender waist and ample hips, she’s meant to bear sons!"
...
Shen Meng’s lips twitched violently for a moment; she turned her head away, and the children around her all set their gaze on her, from her head to her...
"What are you little boys staring at your mom for? Don’t listen to such nonsense!"
"Tee hee hee!"
"Hee hee hee!"
"Mom’s getting shy!" Lu Mingkai sat on the stool, swinging his legs happily.
Shen Meng: "..."
Sometimes kids are really annoying, truly!!!
"Is a family member here?"
Right when Shen Meng was feeling embarrassed, Dr. Cheng’s voice, sounding like music to her ears, came from the office, and Shen Meng hurriedly responded.
"Dr. Cheng, how is my sister-in-law’s pregnancy going?"
Cheng Yufen furrowed her brows as she looked at the chart, remaining silent for a while.
Xie Jinghao nervously clutched the corner of her clothes and glanced uneasily at Shen Meng. Shen Meng gently patted her, silently offering her comfort.
"Based on the examination, the child is developing well, but there seems to be some signs of fetal distress. You had injured yourself during previous childbirths, and without properly recuperating, you became pregnant again. For this childbirth, I advise you to give birth in the hospital. It’s possible that a cesarean section may be necessary!"
"What? Cesarean section? Doctor, I gave birth naturally the first time, and there wasn’t anything significantly wrong with my body. I should be able to give birth naturally again." The thought of being cut open on the stomach terrified her.
"Don’t be scared, I am considering your safety. Why don’t you discuss it with your family? I’ll prescribe some medicine for you, take it home and if you feel any discomfort, come to the hospital to find me."
"Ah, thank you, Doctor."
Xie Jinghao nervously thanked her and followed Shen Meng out of the office with a worried heart. Shen Meng didn’t speak the whole way; she had already advised on the way there. Saying too much isn’t good either.
As the two of them were walking out, a woman with an oily face was just about to enter the office.
"Yu Fen, did you find out about the thing I asked you? Among the people you know, is there anyone who can help get a radio? Your nephew is about to get married soon. If he can’t buy one, the girl’s family might not be willing to proceed."
Shen Meng paused in her steps, her eyes sparkling as she turned around – seems like a financial opportunity has come knocking!