"That's Jiang's talent," the counselor said with a smile.
The atmosphere became much livelier after that. Jiang Xinyu was likely the youngest here, and everyone else seemed to be at the age of starting a family. So, no one looked at her pregnancy with prejudice.
After everyone introduced themselves, Zhang Xinghua checked the time, "We can go eat now. I've been smelling meat all morning, and thanks to you all, I can finally have some today."
After class, Jiang Xinyu took her lunch box and headed to the cafeteria with the crowd. It was quite a sight; the dining hall was about a thousand square meters big, and there weren't too many tables. It's all about who arrives first.
The school's cafeteria meal was exceptionally good today, likely because of the welcome ceremony.
Jiang Xinyu got a ladle of lamb soup and a bun. She sat down and broke the bun into small pieces, soaking them in the lamb soup.
Tasting it in small bites, she found it delicious. Why does her own lamb soup always taste gamy? But the one made by others had no gamy taste at all.
Sitting across from her were two female classmates, both around thirty years old.
The three of them were in the same class. Jiang Xinyu learned that the one who asked her age was Zhang Baozhen, who worked at a machinery factory, and the other was Zhang Shuhua, who worked at the National Cotton Factory.
"Jiang, you're about to have your baby, right?" Zhang Baozhen asked while eating.
"Yes, probably around the end of October. I wonder if I'll be able to take leave?"
"Of course, you can. Don't worry about it. Did you come here alone?"
"Yes. I wasn't recommended; I got in through exams. Originally, our principal wanted me to go to the Capital, but I felt the development here is excellent, and it's a cotton production area, so I decided to come here."
"Haha, you made the right choice. This is Eight Hundred Miles Qin Chuan, known for its favorable climate and abundant harvests. The industry here is remarkable too."
"Yes, I feel I made the right choice too. It's just a bit lonely by myself, since the recommended students from our factory went to the North for studies."
"Jiang, I'm from a textile factory too, but I don't have your ability to get in on my own; I was recommended," Zhang Shuping said with a smile.
The two had big appetites, each having two buns, and they encouraged Jiang Xinyu to eat more, knowing childbirth is exhausting.
"I'm not used to the food here yet. I prefer leavened food."
During noon, those with dormitories went to take a rest. Jiang Xinyu returned to her spot and thought about going home for lunch from tomorrow, as it would be more comfortable.
In the afternoon, the counselor distributed books and introduced the professors who would be teaching.
Tomorrow morning, they would be taken on a campus tour.
Jiang Xinyu felt uneasy inside, wondering if she could keep up with everything.
After school, she greeted everyone and went home.
Her home looked even tidier now, with vegetables planted neatly in the yard.
"Aunt Bai, thank you for your hard work."
"It's nothing. I just planted some green onions, which we need in winter, and also cabbages."
"That's great, having vegetables for winter."
"By the way, Xiao Jiang, I bought 200 pounds of potatoes and buried them in sand for you to eat slowly."
"Aunt Bai, is the money enough?"
"There's still two bucks and three cents left."
"I'll give you another ten bucks. We need to stock up on firewood and coal."
"Sure. I still have coal tickets, if you need them, I'll buy some tomorrow."
"Thanks, Aunt Bai. I can't take it for free; let me know if you need anything."
"There's nothing I need. You handle the money yourself."
That evening, they had porridge for dinner, rice porridge, and they specially boiled two eggs for Jiang Xinyu, worried about the baby's nutrition.
And so, Jiang Xinyu settled into a regular routine. For five consecutive days, she familiarized herself with the school under the counselor's guidance, receiving lots of care from everyone.
Now she fully understood the layout of this school, which spanned over a thousand acres.
Over these days, Jiang Xinyu finally realized why the school did things in such a way—they wanted the students to feel a sense of belonging and love.
On Saturday, she didn't get up early but still went out at 7:30. Today, she needed to visit the hospital for a check-up and call Qian Jun and Old Yang.
The hospital was particularly crowded, and when it was her turn, it was already 9 AM.
"Your health is good, and the baby is very healthy. Just wait for the labor and come to the hospital," the doctor said.
Jiang Xinyu was delighted with the doctor's response and quickly headed to the post office, knowing Qian Jun should be in his office at this time.
"Secretary Song, it's me, Jiang Xinyu."
"Director Jiang, how are you doing there?"
"I'm fine. The supplies here are even better than ours. Mr. Qian isn't there, is he?"
"No, he's in the workshop."
"Okay, I didn't have anything important. Just wanted to let him know that I'm adapting well here, and everything is settled."
"Director Song, please pass my regards to Wang Ailing too."
Jiang Xinyu smiled as she hung up the phone and then called Old Yang.
"Master Yang, I've settled everything and am adjusting well here."
"Hmm. He might be in the Northwest, but I don't know the exact address. Don't worry; he's fine."
Jiang Xinyu's heart raced. With Old Yang's reassurance, she felt supported. She was even more excited to hear that Wei Kaiyun might be nearby.
No way, she had to find out more. At school, with people from all walks of life, there must be some useful information, right?
She looked down at her belly, knowing she couldn't go out searching now, but there would always be time and opportunities.
She wandered to the butcher's shop and saw lamb, along with pig meat with skin and fur.
In the end, she bought three pounds of lamb and leisurely went home.
When knocking on the door, she secretly hid two pounds; with the current weather, leaving too much outside wouldn't be good either.
At noon, Jiang Xinyu stood by while Bai Hongying made lamb soup. Watching her, it seemed very simple, and she didn't use any special seasoning.
It was the simplest way to use ingredients. Since Jiang Xinyu didn't like buns, Bai Hongying steamed mantou instead.
After lunch, Jiang Xinyu lay down on the bed and enjoyed a comfortable nap.
At two o'clock, Bai Hongying woke Jiang Xinyu up, "Xiao Jiang, don't sleep too long. It's time to get up and take a walk."
"Alright. I feel a bit groggy from sleep."
Bai Hongying watched her stroll around the yard. "Aunt Bai, is the starch used in the street-sold sour and spicy soup from potato, or sweet potato?"
"Potato. Do you like sour and spicy soup? I can make it too."
"Can you make it without or with less chili?"
"Sure. I'll make some for you in the evening. Xiao Jiang, when you went to the hospital today, were you thinking of having the baby there?"
Jiang Xinyu nodded. She had to go to the hospital; she didn't feel right about giving birth at home. Having doctors around gave her peace of mind.