Wei Kaiyun was delighted, and it showed in his endless excitement.
On the eighth morning, he actively tidied himself up; looking at himself in the mirror, he felt he was still a bit skinny, but much better compared to when he came back.
Jiang Xinyu watched him and felt utterly helpless. Why was he becoming more concerned about his appearance?
Wei Kaiyun held their well-bundled son, and the three of them set off.
He had already visited once yesterday to confirm that the shop was indeed open.
The same photographer was there, and without much small talk, as he looked at the family of three through the lens, he felt they were truly blessed.
After Wei Kaiyun spoke many kind words, they were allowed to collect the photos on the thirteenth day of the lunar new year. He was satisfied now, being able to leave with his photo in hand.
This time, they were busy until nine o'clock before heading home.
On the thirteenth day, Wei Kaiyun went to the photo studio early to wait, satisfied with how he looked in the photos.
Jiang Xinyu packed all clothes she prepared for Wei Kaiyun: cotton clothes, cashmere pants and shirts, and three sets of outerwear. There were also three sets of thermal underwear for fear he might feel uncomfortable.
Moreover, lunch boxes and tea mugs were prepared. They arrived empty-handed but are leaving with two big bags.
At night, they cuddled together. "I've prepared a thousand yuan for you to take with you."
"Hmm, alright, wife, why did you pack so many things?"
"I brought everything over. I thought once the child is a little older, I'd go out to find you."
Wei Kaiyun felt even more pained upon hearing this.
Time won't pause for anyone. On the fifteenth morning, Jiang Xinyu prepared lots of food that could be taken along; there were forty pieces of bread alone, packed in two bags, also some twists, and filled buns reserved for eating along the journey.
"Why don't you ride a bicycle? I'm close to school and don't need to cycle."
"Then I'd have to carry it uphill, better to leave it at home.
Wife, I'll wait for you to come find me."
"Hmm, I'll visit over the summer."
This promise from Jiang Xinyu was repeated twice daily; otherwise, he'd always be around asking her.
Today, they should arrive since school starts tomorrow.
At ten in the morning, the two arrived, carrying big bags.
"Sis, brother-in-law, are you moving house?"
"How could it be? I brought local specialties from home for you, plus things your brother-in-law will need in the mountains, that's why it looks a lot."
Lunch remained hearty, and after eating, the couple each took a hot shower and rested because they would leave early tomorrow morning.
Zhao Zhengli didn't want to leave his wife either; staying an extra day would be nice. Who wants to live like a monk up in the mountains?
Bai Hongying organized the food Zhang Shuping brought over, sorting everything out.
Jiang Xinyu busied herself in the kitchen for a while, hoping to pack more food for Wei Kaiyun, but she knew it'd be burdensome, considering the lengthy travel.
At night, Wei Kaiyun showed no sign of stopping.
"Take it easy, we have to rise early tomorrow."
"Wife, I won't be seeing you for several months."
Jiang Xinyu rolled her eyes; it was always the same excuse.
Early the next morning, the four had breakfast together, then the two men each carried a big bag on their backs and another in hand.
"Xinyu, you've packed too much."
"Hah! I feel like I packed too little."
"The two of you have such a lovely relationship. But Wei Kaiyun indeed looks so handsome. Xinyu, honestly, did you fancy his looks from the start?" They chatted as they walked along.
Jiang Xinyu recalled the first meeting when she mused over the handsome cabbage before her, and a smile unwittingly appeared.
"Yes, back then he was the director, and I was a village girl. I just thought this man looked too good."
"Your Shi Jing now looks sixty percent like him."
Indeed, how does he not resemble me more? I'm afraid sharp-eyed individuals might draw connections.
The two arrived at school, and now Jiang Xinyu, having found Wei Kaiyun, bore a much brighter smile which was still attractive despite people knowing she married and had a child.
"Xinyu, many people are looking at you."
"Really? I didn't notice. Can't stop others from looking?"
"Seems your marriage and child haven't deterred attention."
Jiang Xinyu rolled her eyes, "Sis, are you joking?"
At noon she still needed to return home as there's a little darling waiting for her.
School had been in session half a month when Jiang Xinyu received several letters.
Reading She Xiaoyun's letter, Jiang Xinyu felt touched; the letter was full of concern and reminders for herself.
Wang Ailing's letter mentioned situations over there; As always, she got involved in issues again—unbelievable!
Furthermore, Wang Ailing told Jiang Xinyu that Qian Jun gave her his home keys, while her in-laws were now planting vegetables in the yard, helping out.
Lv Beiguang's letter was simpler, expressing concern for him, along with a few words from their two children.
Hao Shichao's letter assured Jiang Xinyu he had prepared over a hundred kilos of dried goods, not waiting for the local engineer to return, but instead sending them via the post office.
Daily life for Jiang Xinyu was especially fulfilling; watching the child grow cuter each day, soon to be four months, adept at rolling over, staying awake longer, and Bai Hongying would stay beside him playing whenever he was awake.
Jiang Xinyu bought her son a rattle and made several colored pinwheels herself.
But regarding her son's diet, Jiang Xinyu felt helpless, as her milk was insufficient; she had to supplement with formula, feeding him herself just morning, noon, and night.
"Xinyu, why's your milk so little? Could you be pregnant?" Bai Hongying asked.
"Pregnant? But I'm still breastfeeding, shouldn't be, probably just my milk is less." Indeed, her period hadn't returned, so Jiang Xinyu was uneasy; she internally resented Wei Kaiyun—a rascal who might have gotten her pregnant right after giving birth.
"It happens to many. Some have one before and one after the New Year."
"It's uncertain now, but my period should've come earlier this lunar month, yet it hasn't."
Still, they'd wait a bit; if it didn't come by February, she'd have to go to the hospital.
Jiang Xinyu felt helpless; managing one child was feasible, but adding another really left no personal time.
Was she here to study or to bear children?
All blamed on Wei Kaiyun, his endless clinging resulted in this pregnancy scare.
And she blamed herself, for not considering this possibility, thinking she was safe during breastfeeding; now her ignorance was costly.