Tian Xinhua teased Sisi for a while before explaining things in a clear and concise manner. The more profound parts went over Sisi’s head; she only understood that her Uncle Mu Xiuzhu seemed to have taken up some nominal position, probably some honorary committee member or the like, with no real power but good for impressing others.
The older generation knew of Mu Xiuzhu; many Japanese officials died at the hands of this Black Hawk back in the day in China, and he made significant contributions to the war effort.
Therefore, when those people learned that Mu Xiuzhu was still alive, they were all very happy. With Mr. Yun’s maneuvering, Mu Xiuzhu naturally transformed into a government official, which could be considered an added boost for Tian Xinhua.
As for the benefits to Tian Xinhua, they were certainly substantial. From then on, Tian Xinhua was officially recognized among higher-ups, and with the rapid economic development of Huangyuan County reflecting his exceptional work capability, the higher-ups were very satisfied with him. Competent and conscious, he was a good comrade who should be put to good use.
Because Mr. Yun did not hide his relationship with Tian Xinhua and Sisi during this visit, the accompanying officials from the provincial capital and those from the County Committee all dropped their jaws in surprise.
The Deputy Secretary’s Wife is the granddaughter of the legendary Mr. Yun?
The Deputy Secretary’s Wife has a rich father!
The Deputy Secretary’s Wife has a rich mother!
The Deputy Secretary’s Wife has a rich and influential uncle!
Money, power, influence, looks—she’s got it all!
All the officials looked at Tian Xinhua with envy, wishing they could stab him with their gaze and make 3,650 holes in him. What’s so special about this Vice Secretary Tian, just because he looks handsome? Why did God bless him with such a wonderful wife!
God, I’m not bad-looking either! My demands aren’t high, just give me a woman half as good as the Deputy Secretary’s Wife!
Even a third would do!
Tian Xinhua couldn’t care less about those envious, jealous, and resentful looks. He was too busy to bother with them.
Busy with what, you ask?
Busy with having a baby!
It turns out that Sisi’s due date was approaching, and these days the family were as tense as if they were about to go to battle. Granny Zhao had already prepared a small package containing all the essentials for childbirth, ready to be picked up and taken to the hospital at a moment’s notice if Sisi went into labor.
Uncle Mu had already returned to the United States. He was quite satisfied with getting the title of an honorary committee member and decided to return and discuss with his wife and son about investing in industrial enterprises back home. No matter how good it is abroad, it can’t compare to the homeland!
Grandpa Mu and Grandma Mu stayed behind. They never liked living abroad, with language barriers and different customs. Now that they finally had the chance to come back, they naturally preferred to live in China. Not to mention anything else, just the fact everyone speaks Mandarin makes them feel closer to home.
Mu Xiulan also stayed back. With her daughter giving birth, how could she, as the mother, not be by her side?
He Xuewen and Mo Ye also made it over before Mu Xiuzhu returned. Mu Xiuzhu and He Xuewen didn’t really know each other well, but He Xuewen greatly admired his brother-in-law.
When He Xuewen and his wife arrived, Mu Xiulan remained calm and composed in greeting and speaking to them, while Grandpa Mu and Grandma Mu felt a bit awkward. However, He Xuewen still treated his former in-laws with great respect, like one would treat nephews and nieces, and Mo Ye did the same, showing great respect to the elderly couple. Grandpa Mu and Grandma Mu soon came to terms with it, only lamenting the twists of fate.
When the staff of the compound saw the commotion at Vice Secretary Tian’s home, if it had been before, they might have said:
It’s just giving birth, why all the fuss? Who hasn’t had children before? ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ nοvelfire.net
Now, everyone felt it was only appropriate: Of course it should be this way. If it had been in the past, with the status Mr. He had, several midwives would have been employed!
Starting on October 25, Sisi completed the handover work with another art teacher and officially went on maternity leave.
On the afternoon of October 26, Sisi ate a big bowl of dumplings stuffed with celery that Granny Zhao had made, letting out several satisfied burps and patting her belly contentedly.
After sitting for a while, Sisi got ready to get up and walk around, as Doctor Peng had said that it would be beneficial for the childbirth to walk more these days.
But why did it feel damp underneath her? Could it be incontinence?
Sisi was instantly embarrassed. Ever since she got pregnant, she had to urinate frequently, so it wasn’t impossible to have incontinence.
"Grandma, I think I wet myself." Sisi said, her face flushed, to Grandma Mu who was picking celery next to her.
"Wet yourself? Let me see."
Grandma Mu hastily dropped the celery in her hand and stood up to take a look behind Sisi, and instantly jumped in fright.
"My in-law, hurry, Ah Nan is going to give birth, we need to get to the hospital quickly!"
Ever since Grandma Mu had drunk the medicinal wine, her health had improved and her vitality had become stronger. With this shout, she startled everyone inside the house into a frenzy.
It was Granny Zhao who had the experience. She calmly directed everyone and had the Old Man quickly call Xinhua Tian and Doctor Peng at the hospital.
Mu Xiulian kept asking Sisi by her ear, "Ah Nan, does your stomach hurt?"
Sisi spoke in a daze. She was going to give birth just like that?
But wasn’t it supposed to involve labor pains?
She didn’t feel any pain at all!
Just as she thought of this, Sisi couldn’t help but let out a ’aiyo’ as if pricked by something, but it quickly disappeared. Soon, however, the pain came in waves and intensified gradually.
"Ah Nan is about to give birth! I’ll rush her to the hospital!"
Xinhua Tian who had hurried back, immediately rushed to Sisi’s side, effortlessly picked her up and put her into the car. Granny Zhao also followed carrying a bag, accompanied by Mu Xiulian and He Xuewen.
The others waited for Old Xu to drive them there, only Grandma Mu stayed at home to stew chicken soup that her granddaughter could drink after giving birth to the child.
Doctor Peng was already prepared, and promptly took Sisi into the delivery room, with Xinhua Tian following suit. Sisi didn’t want Xinhua Tian to see her unflattering state during childbirth, but she was in so much pain that she couldn’t speak, nor care about appearances anymore. Let it be unflattering. If Xinhua Tian dares to despise her, the little whip will be ready for him.
Sisi could only feel her vision darkening in waves. The books say the pain of childbirth is almost like having four limbs broken at the same time, but why does it feel like all the bones in her body are broken?
In fact, since Sisi had drunk the Spiritual Liquid, she had become more sensitive to all sensations, including pain. Thus, while others might experience level-ten pain during childbirth, Sisi might reach level thirteen or even more, which most people might not be able to endure.
"It hurts so much, Doctor Peng, I don’t want to give birth anymore, just do a C-section!"
Sisi, drenched in sweat, cried out in a hoarse voice, truly unable to bear it, feeling as if her entire body was being torn apart.
"Hold on, the baby’s head is almost out, just push a little harder, it’s going to be fine soon!"
Doctor Peng hadn’t expected the Deputy Secretary’s Wife to have such a unique constitution, but with her extensive experience in delivering babies, she remained calm and composed, assisting Sisi in the birth.
Xinhua Tian watched with heartache. Seeing Sisi biting her lip until it broke, he quickly stretched his arm to her. As a sharp pain hit him, Xinhua Tian felt some relief in his heart, what was his pain compared to what Ah Nan was enduring!
He bent down and whispered in Sisi’s ear, "Ah Nan, it’ll be over soon. Once this little rascal comes out, I’m going to spank his bottom hard to avenge you."
Sisi wanted to say ’Don’t you dare hit my son!’ but her mouth was blocked, and at that moment, another wave of intense pain surged.
Sisi screamed involuntarily and then fainted.
A loud cry of a newborn echoed and the people waiting outside the delivery room, with hearts racing, all wore smiles.
"She’s given birth! Ah Nan has given birth!"