Amidst all the good news, Division Commander Yao also revealed the third purpose of his visit today.
Since the farm and the hope primary school were about to be completed, they had discussed it among themselves and wanted Jiang Si to inscribe a few words for them.
These would later be made into plaques and hung at the entrance.
Writing a few words was no trouble for Jiang Si, so she agreed without hesitation.
The final matter was brought up by Political Commissar Li.
It was also good news—the farm was soon to officially begin operations.
They planned to hold a celebration at the end of the month, with a simple long-table banquet.
The pigs were raised on the farm, and the vegetables were homegrown. All the military families would be invited to join in the festivities.
Jiang Si happily agreed.
But with so much good news at once, she found it hard to process everything.
Even past nine in the evening, she was still tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.
Seeing her restless but in high spirits, Huo Tingzhou wrapped his arms around her from behind. "If you can't sleep, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Noticing the unusual tone in his voice, Jiang Si immediately turned to face him. "What is it?"
"Nothing too serious."
His voice was calm, as if he were mentioning something entirely ordinary.
After a pause, he continued, "I’m planning to schedule a vasectomy at the hospital in the next few days."
Jiang Si hadn’t expected this.
Her expression froze. "You’re getting a vasectomy?"
"Yes."
Almost instinctively, she asked, "Is it because you think childbirth was too hard on me...?"
"Don’t think like that. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision."
He had calculated it—from pregnancy to birth, and until the child could walk and run, it would take at least three years.
If they had another child, that would mean another three years.
Most of his time was spent at the military base, leaving all household and childcare responsibilities to his wife.
In other words, for the next six years, her life would revolve entirely around the children.
She was only twenty-two. She had her own dreams.
And a brilliance that shone brightly.
She shouldn’t be bound by children and family.
Thinking this, Huo Tingzhou gently brushed his fingers against her cheek.
"For me, having you, Suisui, and Zhaozhao—our family of four—is already more than enough."
Hearing this, Jiang Si’s eyes grew misty.
Whether in her past life or this one, she had always been an only child.
Deep down, she had never subscribed to the idea that more children meant more blessings. She didn’t believe an only child would feel lonely, nor that having siblings would give someone more confidence after marriage.
Confidence had to come from within.
Relying on others was never reliable.
But these were her personal beliefs. She had never thought to impose them on Huo Tingzhou or anyone else.
That was why his words—that he had long considered this—moved her so deeply.
Still, she asked, "Have you talked to our parents about this?"
"Yes, I have."
Huo Tingzhou tightened his arm around her waist. "They said they respect our decision. As long as we’ve thought it through, they have no objections."
"And the procedure...?"
"It’s a minor surgery, takes about half an hour, and has no impact on the body."
Jiang Si fell silent, then wrapped an arm around his neck.
The other hand trailed down his abs.
"Darling, stop teasing me."
A low, restrained voice came from above as Huo Tingzhou pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.
"You're still in postpartum recovery..."
"Mhm, I know."
After she became pregnant, mindful of her health, Huo Tingzhou had only lost control a handful of times—each time stopping at the last moment.
Even when she said there were other ways.
He still refused.
"Let's sleep..."
Before he could finish, Jiang Si's hand slid lower.
Huo Tingzhou's heartbeat spiked. His large hand circled her waist as his kisses trailed from her hairline to her forehead, brows, nose, chin...
That night, he was satisfied.
Jiang Si, however, was left too exhausted to even lift her arms.
...
Time flew, and soon it was the end of the month.
Early that morning, the two arranged their affairs and headed to the military hospital together.
Upon arrival, Huo Tingzhou first escorted Jiang Si to Doctor Jiang for her postpartum checkup before going to the third floor to see Elder Liang.
When the door opened and Doctor Jiang saw Jiang Si standing alone outside, she curiously peeked past her.
Confirming Huo Tingzhou wasn’t with her, she closed the door.
Still, she couldn’t resist asking, "So, your other half didn’t come with you?"
Jiang Si smiled. "He did. He’s upstairs... handling something else."
Doctor Jiang gave an I-knew-it look.
After the examination, she said cheerfully, "You’ve recovered well, but still be careful at home. Is the breastfeeding going smoothly?"
"It is."
As soon as she answered, Jiang Si’s cheeks visibly flushed.
The babies only nursed during the day—at night, they drank formula.
The rest didn’t go to waste.
Luckily, Doctor Jiang was busy listing other precautions and missed her embarrassment.
When she finished, Doctor Jiang glanced up.
"Since you’re breastfeeding, your period likely won’t return yet, but ovulation can still happen. If you two aren’t planning for a second child right now, make sure to use protection. No taking chances."
With that, she pulled a pack of contraceptives from her drawer.
"Take these. Also, the next checkup is in three months. If possible, bring the babies along for their checkups too."
Jiang Si nodded but didn’t take the contraceptives.
Doctor Jiang frowned. "You don’t want these?"
Jiang Si smiled and pointed upward. "He went to see Elder Liang."
Realization dawned. "Ah, then you won’t need these."
After a few more words, Jiang Si headed upstairs.
She had just reached the operating room doors when Huo Tingzhou and Elder Liang emerged.
Huo Tingzhou seemed fine, but his face was noticeably paler than when they’d arrived.
Jiang Si stepped forward, steadying him. "How are you? Does it hurt?"
"It’s nothing. Don’t worry—just a minor procedure. No pain at all."
He quickly reassured her before asking, "And you? What did Doctor Jiang say?"
"She said I’m recovering well."
Jiang Si then turned to Elder Liang. "Elder Liang, should he stay for observation?"
Elder Liang waved a hand. "No need. Just rest at home, keep the wound dry, and come back in a week for a follow-up."
With that, he pulled Huo Tingzhou aside for a private word.
"Post-surgery, no intercourse for two weeks—make sure you remember that."
"And this procedure doesn’t take effect immediately."
This was something Elder Liang hadn’t mentioned before the surgery, and it was the first time Huo Tingzhou was hearing it.
Elder Liang gave him a once-over. "You’ll need at least ten to fifteen more sessions, so over the next two months, you’ll need to be careful."
"Here, take this."
With that, Elder Liang stuffed a few packets into his pocket, wearing an expression that said, This is as far as I can help you.
"The hospital’s out of stock for this. If you want more, come back early next month."
Huo Tingzhou pressed his lips together. "Understood."
The trip there had been quick, taking just over ten minutes.
But on the way back, the two of them took their time—mostly because Jiang Si wouldn’t let him walk too fast.
Once they got home, she immediately guided him to bed. "For the next few days, don’t do anything. Just rest properly and focus on recovering."
Mother Huo nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, listen to Jiang Si on this. I’ve made some soup for you—make sure you drink a couple of bowls later."
"And if you feel unwell anywhere, you must speak up. Don’t avoid seeing a doctor out of embarrassment!"
Their words were full of concern, but Huo Tingzhou couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
After a long pause, he said, "I just got a vasectomy…" Not castrated.
Jiang Si nodded and was about to respond when a young soldier’s voice called from outside, "Comrade Jiang, there’s a phone call for you at the communications unit—"
