Qin Yuanzheng half-supported and half-embraced Qiao Lanshu, his movements as gentle as if he were holding a fragile piece of porcelain. He carefully shielded her as she settled into the passenger seat.
Before the car door was even fully closed, he lowered his head to double-check if she was sitting comfortably and if the seatbelt was too tight, his fingertips trembling slightly without him even realizing it.
He hadn't said a single word on the way out of the hospital.
It wasn't that he didn't want to speak, but his mind was a tangled mess, buzzing constantly. He was still trapped in a massive state of bewilderment, and even his breathing felt unreal.
The doctor's instructions from just moments ago echoed repeatedly in his ears, leaving him in a trance.
Qin Yuanzheng gently closed the passenger door and walked around to sit in the driver's seat.
The car remained parked at the hospital entrance. Without starting the engine, he just sat there, his fingertips resting on the steering wheel, motionless for a long time.
The interior of the car was completely silent, making even the sound of the wind outside seem exceptionally clear.
Qiao Lanshu turned her head to look at him. The man's jawline was pulled tight. His usually calm and decisive demeanor now revealed a hint of helplessness.
She could not help but speak softly, her voice delicate and gentle, Brother Zheng, what is wrong?
Qin Yuanzheng's Adam's apple bobbed, unable to find his voice for a moment.
He raised a hand and wiped his face hard, as if trying to dispel the muddled feeling. Then, he slowly reached over and gently pinched Qiao Lanshu's slightly cool fingertips.
The warmth of his palm was startlingly hot. His voice was kept extremely low, carrying a tremor he tried hard to conceal, Wife, you are pregnant.
This time, it was no longer an uncertain question, but a statement he forced himself to deliver word by word after calming down.
Seeing his tense expression, Qiao Lanshu could not help but curl her lips. A faint smile rippled in her eyes as she nodded gently, Yes, I am pregnant. Brother Zheng, this is your child. Are you not happy?
Qin Yuanzheng's face remained incredibly tense, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his voice was hoarse, I am happy, of course I am happy.
How could he not be happy?
He used to fantasize about a beautiful life with a wife, kids, and a warm home.
It was just that over the past few years, he had accepted the fact that he could not have children.
He had even once thought he would live out his life alone.
But now, heaven had blessed him. Not only had it brought him Qiao Lanshu, but it had also given him a child.
Qin Yuanzheng remained silent for quite a while before saying, Wife, starting tomorrow, you should stop going to work.
He continued, Just stay home and focus on your pregnancy, what do you think?
Qiao Lanshu did not really want to stay at home.
She was not a local. She had no relatives, friends, or acquaintances here.
Qin Yuanzheng had to run to the mining area and the military base every day. His tasks were heavy, and when he was busy, he was nowhere to be seen.
Leaving her alone in an empty house all day, without even someone to talk to, while it was cold outside and the streets were deserted... she would not even be able to find a place to clear her mind.
Just thinking about those days made her feel suffocated.
She remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Qin Yuanzheng and said, Brother Zheng, I am just watching the warehouse right now. The work is light, and there is not much to do every day. When someone comes to pick up goods, I just open the door and register it. It is not tiring at all. Why not let me keep doing it, and when I reach seven months, I will take maternity leave early.
Once her maternity leave was over and she had mostly recovered, the college entrance examination would be about to start.
By then, she could test into a university in the city. She could study while taking care of the family and the child, living a fulfilling life.
Qin Yuanzheng's mind was still in a mess right now, his thoughts drifting everywhere, making it impossible for him to consider things carefully.
Seeing Qiao Lanshu's earnest attitude, he subconsciously nodded and went along with her, Alright, then I will talk to my cousin and ask him to look after you more. No one will be allowed to make you suffer.
After saying that, he finally started the car and slowly drove away from the hospital.
The wheels had not driven far in the direction of home when Qiao Lanshu suddenly remembered something and quickly tugged at his arm, Brother Zheng, we still have to go to work. Do not go home yet.
Qin Yuanzheng paused, suddenly snapping back to reality. His mind had been so full of the pregnancy that he had completely forgotten about her work.
He did not say anything, just silently turned the steering wheel, turned the car around, and drove to the main gate of the food factory.
When the car stopped, he was still uneasy and insisted on escorting Qiao Lanshu inside.
Walking all the way through the factory area to the small room where she managed the warehouse, Qin Yuanzheng's eyes never left her, and his footsteps were extremely light.
As Qiao Lanshu reached out to unlock the door, he wrapped his arm around her waist, protecting her, terrified she might trip over the threshold.
Throughout the day, Qin Yuanzheng spoke very little, his gaze deep, making it impossible for anyone to guess what he was thinking.
Perhaps the surprise came too suddenly, and the heavy responsibility fell just as fast, causing this usually composed man to panic.
Qiao Lanshu pushed the door open, turned to look at him, her eyes gentle, Brother Zheng, did you not say the base is very busy? Chu Liangjun's theft of the explosives caused such a huge uproar, and now several construction sites are being inspected. The engineering corps definitely needs people. You should go to work first, you do not need to stay with me.
Hearing this, Qin Yuanzheng gently shook his head. His gaze fell on her lower abdomen, then moved back to her face, There is no rush.
I will stay here and keep you company for a while.
He and Qiao Lanshu were having a child.
It was only two months along, tiny, without even a shape yet, but it was truly rooted deep in his heart.
The way Qin Yuanzheng looked at Qiao Lanshu was incredibly soft, mixed with a disbelief and gratitude that was too thick to melt away.
He had never been this panicked in his life, nor had he ever felt this grounded.
He reached back and gently closed the door, took a step forward, and carefully pulled Qiao Lanshu into his arms. His hold was so light, as if he were afraid of breaking her. His voice was low, carrying an indescribable sense of remorse, I am sorry. I did not expect to get you pregnant so quickly.
He sighed softly, resting his chin on the top of her head, and said in a muffled voice, If I had known, I definitely would have used protection.
He had not had enough of their time as just a couple yet.
He was nearly thirty years old and had finally managed to marry a wife so perfectly suited to his heart. He had just tasted the sweetness of married life, his heart full of warmth, thinking every day about how to dote on her more, but the little one had come so impatiently.
Holding her, Qin Yuanzheng could not help but look down, his gaze gently landing on her still-flat stomach, his eyes complex yet soft.
You are still so young, and now you have to suffer through becoming a mother.
His voice was strained, I have wronged you.
Qiao Lanshu did not know whether to laugh or cry.
She looked up at him and said earnestly and softly, You do not need to apologize. I love children. I am more than happy to be pregnant.
She had previously felt regret that she might not be able to give him a son or a daughter;
Now that her wish had come true, her heart was filled with joy.
Qin Yuanzheng's heart ached. He suddenly tightened his arms, holding her firmly against his chest. His embrace carried a restrained tremble, and his voice was terribly hoarse, Xiao Qiao, thank you. I will be good to you for the rest of my life...
Qiao Lanshu could feel the slight rise and fall of his chest, and the faint trembling of his shoulders.
This tough man, who would shed blood in the military without blinking an eye, actually had red eyes and was shedding tears in her arms at this moment.
Her heart instantly melted. She gently raised her hand, patted his back, and said softly, "I know. You already treat me so well."
Just then, a rapid knocking came from outside, accompanied by a man's shout, "Is the warehouse manager in? Please open the door, I need to pick up some goods!"
The two of them immediately stiffened and quickly pulled apart.
Qiao Lanshu pressed a finger to her lips, gesturing for Qin Yuanzheng to keep quiet. "Stay in the room for a bit and don't go out," she whispered. "We don't want anyone to see you."
Qin Yuanzheng: "..."
Sitting in the deepest corner of the small room, Qin Yuanzheng watched as Qiao Lanshu left him behind, grabbed her keys, and opened the door to step outside.
Qin Yuanzheng felt a bit displeased. He was Qiao Lanshu's husband, after all, not a secret lover. Why did they have to act so sneaky?
