C10 Part2

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No matter the reason behind the couples rebirth, being alive was already enough for them. They didn’t have much nostalgia for their previous lives, besides the ginormous inheritance and their grandpa’s death, the Zhang family didn’t hold much meaning for Zhang Guo Qing, but he would think about Uncle Guang.

Zhou Jiao’s family wasn’t also one that they would particularly miss. Near the end of their previous lives, they wept and demanded for money. Zhang Guo Qing secretly transferred 500,000 dollars to their accounts, to ensure that they wouldn’t need to worry when they become even older. Fortunately they’re no longer living those lives, otherwise, Zhou Jiao would be very depressed if she were to learn about what they did.

The sky slowly darkened, it’s been two hours since the time Zhou Jiao ate her noodles and not a sound has been made inside. Zhang Guo Qing’s heart was getting more worried, afraid that an accident really did happen. If, in this strange and new world, there was no Zhou Jiao or his child, he would definitely follow them and leave this world too. The more he thought, the more he worried and he couldn’t help but ask: “Jiao Jiao are you ok? Why aren’t you screaming ah? Just give me some response.”

Zhou Jiao’s stomach was hurting a lot right now. In order to save energy, she didn’t scream. Following the midwife’s instructions, she took a deep breath and tried to push with all her strength.

“Quick, quick, just push a little harder. We can already see the head. Just one more push and the baby will be born.”

Zhou Jiao felt that her whole body was numb and lost all feeling. She felt something leave her as she pushed once more. Then the sounds of a baby crying could be heard and Zhou Jiao could finally put down her worries and nervousness. She swore she wouldn’t want another baby. It was way too painful.

The midwife bundled the baby up and came out of the delivery room: “Congratulations Elder Zhang (father Zhang), your family’s Xiao Wu has a baby boy, a chubby boy around six catties (pounds).”

Zhang Guo Qing didn’t have time to look over his son, he hurriedly rushed into the room and saw Zhou Jiao with her forehead wet from all the sweat and exertion, her face pale and sallow. He called her, but she didn’t respond causing his heart to go into panic.

“There’s no problem. Xiao Wu ah don’t call her, she has overexerted herself and has fallen asleep. When she feels better, she will naturally wake up. When she wakes up, remember to give her some food to eat and make sure she does her postnatal confinement*. If you don’t understand, go ask your mother. All the children your mother has given birth to have all been very strong and healthy.” After the midwife finished giving out her orders, she took her red packet and left the house. The Zhang family were very generous. Out of all the families in the village, they were the only family who would give the same amount of money in the red packet no matter the gender of the baby.

*(Postnatal confinement is a Chinese tradition where mothers are suggested to stay indoors for a whole month after giving birth because they are especially weak after giving birth and could easily contract illnesses if they were to leave the house during this period. )

“Xiao Wu, look your baby looks just like you. When you were just born you looked exactly like this, ai yah, our family’s little treasure, I can’t wait for you to grow up.” Mother Zhang was so happy, her lips couldn’t stop smiling- everything she laid her eyes on seemed good.

“Mother, look—Jiao Jiao is all sweaty. I want to help her change her clothes and her blanket. What should I do?” Zhang Guo Qing knows that Zhou Jiao is particular about being clean. He must help her clean up before she wakes up. He doesn’t want her to feel bad, especially since she’ll need to stay indoors for a whole month. She also looks way too skinny and weak right now.

Mother Zhang looked at her foolish son: “Silly, just get her some clothes to change into, then get some hot water to wipe her down. Remember it needs to be hot water and the time she changes clothes need to be quick so she doesn’t catch a chill. Afterwards, change all the bedsheets. I will wash the sheets tomorrow.”

Zhang Guo Qing hurriedly followed her instructions. He quickly changed everything, laid her back down and kissed her gently—it’s been hard on her. Mother Zhang carried the baby and brought him to Zhou Jiao’s side to let the baby have his meal. After the baby had his meal, he also laid next to Zhou Jiao for a rest. Zhang Guo Qing looked on while feeling bad that there wasn’t much he could do, but accompany them during this one month confinement.

Now that he was finally at ease, he could truly take a look at his son. His dinner could be eaten later, he still needed to spend time with his baby. En, he certainly looks better than other parents’ babies. He was also much more obedient. Back when he was at the orphanage, the babies he frequently saw were almost always crying and way too small and malnourished. Looking at his handsome and cute son, he was thinking that he and Jiao Jiao need to discuss and create a nice-sounding name that would fit their son.

Zhang Guo Qing has been successfully wrapped around his son’s finger and has become a silly father who has fallen for his baby.

Translated 8/16/20