After nearly an hour of conversation, the test results finally came in.
Doctor Jiang took a glance and smiled, saying, "Congratulations, you're going to be parents."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Si and Huo Tingzhou exchanged a look.
They had already guessed the outcome on their way here, but now, the excitement was still overwhelming.
"Thank you, Doctor Jiang," they said in unison.
Doctor Jiang waved it off. "No need for formalities."
Though she knew Regiment Commander Huo wasn’t that kind of man, Doctor Jiang still followed protocol and gave them the usual explanations.
She had encountered several cases before where couples came in happily for a checkup one day, only for the pregnancy to be lost within two days.
When questioned, the men would admit to hitting their wives.
Asked why, they’d retort, "She was cheating on me behind my back. I’m lucky I didn’t beat her to death."
Or, "We only slept together at the end of the month, but she’s already two months pregnant. Isn’t that proof she’s been unfaithful?"
Since then, Doctor Jiang had made it a habit to clarify these details.
"The number of days into the pregnancy isn’t calculated from the time of intercourse but from the first day of the last menstrual period."
"Your wife’s last period was on the 2nd of last month, so based on the timeline, she’s about a month and a half along now."
"At this early stage, an ultrasound isn’t very meaningful. If you want to hear the fetal heartbeat, you can come back next month—it’ll be much clearer by then."
After this, Doctor Jiang turned to Jiang Si. "Your overall health indicators are good, but you still need to be careful during the first trimester. Avoid overexertion, and absolutely no intercourse."
"Just maintain a balanced diet—no excessive supplements or overeating."
"Otherwise, if the baby grows too large, the delivery will be much harder."
"Stay warm, and if you feel unwell at any point, come to the hospital immediately. Don’t self-medicate at home."
"Most importantly, keep your mood relaxed and positive."
Knock knock knock—
Just then, there was a sudden rap at the door. "Doctor Jiang?"
The voice sounded oddly familiar.
Jiang Si instinctively looked over. "Sister-in-law Xu?"
"Ah, you’re here too…"
Their eyes met, and both froze for a second—what a coincidence!
Seeing the test report in Huo Tingzhou’s hand, Deputy Regiment Commander Lei strode over.
"Results are out?"
"Yeah, a month and a half along."
As he said this, Huo Tingzhou’s lips curled into an involuntary smile.
Remembering what his wife had mentioned earlier, he nudged Deputy Regiment Commander Lei’s arm.
"So, do you two have good news as well?"
Deputy Regiment Commander Lei rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Probably… not that fast."
"Hmph!"
Xu Mingjuan couldn’t help but glare at him.
She had said the exact same thing half an hour ago.
But this man had gone practically wild, insisting they come to the hospital for a checkup immediately.
When she suggested waiting a few more days, he got upset and literally carried her out of the house.
Thankfully, most families were busy cooking at this hour.
If any of the neighborhood aunties had seen, they’d never hear the end of it.
Under her glare, Deputy Regiment Commander Lei grew sheepish.
Anticipating that the doctor might ask some private questions, he turned to Huo Tingzhou.
"Let’s step outside for a chat."
Huo Tingzhou glanced at his wife, then nodded.
Once the two men had retreated to the hallway, Jiang Si turned to Xu Mingjuan with excitement.
"Sister-in-law, are you pregnant?"
"I’m not sure," Xu Mingjuan admitted honestly. "My periods have always been irregular—they usually come three to five days early, no matter how much I try to regulate them."
"But this month, for some reason, it’s late."
Only by a day, but still—it was late.
"I wanted to wait a couple more days, but Lei wouldn’t hear it. He dragged me here."
"Well, that just shows how much Deputy Regiment Commander Lei cares about you," Jiang Si said with a smile.
That much was true. Xu Mingjuan sighed. "We’re not getting our hopes up. We’re just treating this as a routine checkup."
Then, somewhat embarrassed, she turned to Doctor Jiang. "Doctor Jiang, could you take a look?"
"No need to be so polite with me."
Xu Mingjuan had been visiting the military hospital for years, and no one understood her condition better than Doctor Jiang.
Hearing that her period was late this month, Doctor Jiang was equally surprised.
"Aside from the one-day delay, have you noticed any other symptoms?"
"For example, fatigue, drowsiness, frequent urination, or sudden changes in appetite?"
"Nothing major, just some lower back soreness lately."
At first, she thought she might have strained it, but then realized it wasn’t that—just a persistent ache.
After a pause, she added, "Oh, and I’ve been feeling a bit nauseous while brushing my teeth."
Doctor Jiang asked a few more personal questions, which Xu Mingjuan answered truthfully.
"Doctor Jiang, do you think there’s a chance I’m pregnant?"
As soon as she asked, she almost laughed at herself.
Just last month, the doctor had said her condition was improving slightly—and here she was, expecting a miracle.
Doctor Jiang’s tone remained gentle. "Given your symptoms and the delayed period, it’s possible."
"But it’s still too early for a urine test to be accurate."
"Besides, the lab staff have probably clocked out by now."
Xu Mingjuan nodded.
She’d told Lei the same thing before coming, but the man was stubborn.
After exchanging a few more words, she got up to leave.
Just then, Doctor Jiang stopped her. Like Hu Meili earlier, she studied Xu Mingjuan for a long moment—though with far more tact.
First, she offered some reassuring words, then said, "Doctor Li from the Traditional Medicine Department might still be on duty. His pulse-reading skills are passed down through generations."
"If you really want an answer now, you could go see him."
"Alright, I’ll keep that in mind."
The moment she stepped out, the two men in the hallway hurried over.
"Well?" Deputy Regiment Commander Lei asked.
Xu Mingjuan shook her head. "The doctor said it’s too early for a urine test to be reliable."
Then she repeated Doctor Jiang’s advice verbatim.
"Should we go see him anyway?" Deputy Regiment Commander Lei wasn’t just seeking reassurance for himself.
He could tell his wife had been unusually anxious these past few days.
Rather than letting her overthink, he’d rather get a clear answer—one way or another.
Jiang Si chimed in with four simple words: "We’re already here."
A few minutes later, they knocked on the door at the far west end of the second floor.
Inside sat an elderly man with graying hair.
After hearing their request, the old man gestured with his chin. "You two, sit."
Jiang Si hesitated—was she included?
But seeing the man’s stern expression, she obediently took a seat without another word.
Before anyone could speak, the old man added, "Give me your hands."
This time, Jiang Si didn’t hesitate. She extended her hand without question.
Elder Li closed his eyes in deep concentration, placing the fingertips of both hands lightly on the wrists of the two individuals before him.
After a moment, his fingers paused almost imperceptibly.
Frowning, he applied a firmer pressure.
Repeating this several times, Elder Li finally lifted his gaze to the pair in front of him—
[The baby's formal name has already been decided before the story began, but we’re still brainstorming nicknames.
Dear readers—our lovely Liu Yifeis and Andy Laus—feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments!
Just to clarify: they won’t have many kids, won’t have many kids, won’t have many kids. Important things must be said three times!
Also, let me emphasize—the female lead won’t abandon her career for motherhood, nor will she become a housewife.
Each stage of life has its own priorities.
Right now, with wealth and time on her side, having a child to cherish is perfectly normal, isn’t it?]
