At the beginning of the year, Dean Hu received a confidential mission requiring a group of highly skilled talents, and Qin Nian's name was prominently listed.
Dean Hu reported the situation to higher authorities, but the task was arduous, and the feedback was clear: they hoped Qin Nian would participate.
Dean Hu had no choice but to approach Qin Nian.
Yang Yufen wasn’t home, so Dean Hu explained the situation to Qin Nian.
"No wonder my mentor’s wife brought me these books. I’m willing—I’ve always been ready," Qin Nian declared with unwavering determination.
"I knew you’d agree, but what about your mother-in-law?"
"I support Niannian."
Yang Yufen had already been listening at the door when she returned.
"Niannian’s mother-in-law..."
Dean Hu hadn’t expected Yang Yufen to return at that moment.
"Tomorrow, I’ll take Niannian to the hospital for a check-up. I’ll also prepare more supplies for her. When the time comes, I’ll entrust Niannian to your care, Dean Hu. Once the baby is due, I’ll go to accompany her during delivery and bring the child back to raise so Niannian can focus on her work."
"Don’t worry, Niannian’s mother-in-law. The organization is fully aware of her situation. For this assignment, she won’t need to leave the institute—she can work remotely. However, she will eventually have to go in person."
There were about three months left, but since twins often arrive early, it might be even less.
With Yang Yufen’s support, Qin Nian felt a weight lift from her heart. Though she’d been half-convinced her mother-in-law wouldn’t stop her, the well-being of her unborn children was still a major concern.
The next day, Yang Yufen indeed took Qin Nian to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor confirmed the due date was around early April.
"It’s fine. I asked the doctor—newborns can grow just as strong on formula. You’re naturally slim, and feeding twins would be too much. It’s easier to have them both on formula," Yang Yufen reassured Qin Nian.
"Mom, I’m sorry for burdening you," Qin Nian murmured, lowering her head.
"What burden? If I had the brains, I’d go myself! This is about serving the country—ordinary people don’t even get the chance!"
Yang Yufen thought about the harsh conditions in some areas and wondered where her daughter-in-law might be sent. A postpartum body is fragile; newborns need care, but so do new mothers.
Eggs, powdered milk, malted milk, red dates, goji berries, ginseng slices—Yang Yufen began stockpiling deliberately.
Money spent was no concern as long as people were well.
She couldn’t skimp on candy or biscuits either. Even though Qin Nian was still home, Yang Yufen felt no amount of preparation was enough.
But Qin Nian didn’t know this. The next day, she returned to the institute to work, spending her evenings reading after each shift.
"Aunt Yang, off to the department store again?"
The weather had warmed, and Aunt Liu was out and about again.
"Yes, nothing to do at home. Care to join?"
"Sure, I’ll hitch a ride. How’s Niannian doing?"
Aunt Liu climbed into the cart.
"Work’s tiring, but thankfully the babies aren’t fussy—they’re considerate. Still, she’s visibly thinner. I need to buy more nourishing food for her."
"You really dote on your daughter-in-law. Niannian’s lucky to have you."
"Well, it depends on the daughter-in-law. Niannian’s smart, filial, and kind—who wouldn’t adore her?"
"True, true."
Their chatter carried them all the way to the department store.
The sales clerks there knew Yang Yufen well.
"Aunt Yang, your order’s arrived. Would you like to see it first or browse around?"
"What’s new lately?" Yang Yufen asked with a smile.
"You’ve seen most of it, but since you’re always buying things for your daughter-in-law, I thought this might be useful."
The clerk led her to a corner and pulled out a small package.
"It’s for women’s monthly needs. Seven jiao per pack, sixteen pieces inside."
Yang Yufen paused, realizing she’d forgotten about this. Frowning, she made a quick mental calculation—postpartum bleeding would require extra supplies. Better to have too many than too few.
"Pack twenty for me."
She handed over the money without hesitation.
After Yang Yufen left, the clerk couldn’t hide her envy.
I wish I could ask if Aunt Yang has another son. This isn't just treating a daughter-in-law—even a biological daughter wouldn't get this kind of care!
Aunt Liu had finished her shopping and gaped at Yang Yufen’s hefty, tightly wrapped bundle.
"What did you buy so much of? Hurry, let’s go back!"
She was half-afraid someone might snatch it.
Yang Yufen didn’t dawdle. Pedaling the tricycle, she sped off as if the wind were at her feet.
Aunt Liu and Aunt Wang were used to it, but passersby rubbed their eyes, wondering if they’d imagined it.
Back home, Yang Yufen sorted the purchases into Qin Nian’s large cabinet, then headed to the backyard to slaughter a chicken.
If she didn’t do it now, her daughter-in-law wouldn’t get to enjoy it during her confinement. Better to cook more now while Qin Nian could still eat well.
Spring arrived swiftly.
The drizzling rain was a nuisance, but the earth’s bounty was generous.
Qin Nian’s belly swelled alarmingly—the twins were impossible to hide now.
"How’s the mushroom dumpling?"
Yang Yufen had gathered wild vegetables with the others.
"Delicious! Thank you, Mom."
These days, Qin Nian looked forward most to her mother-in-law’s cooking after work.
The research institute no longer allowed lunch deliveries, especially during Qin Nian’s shifts—no outsiders were permitted near her workspace.
"Glad you like it. When can you spare time for another check-up?"
Yang Yufen kept meticulous track of every detail concerning Qin Nian.
"Mom, didn’t we just have one?"
"Twins are different, and your workload is heavy. We can’t skip check-ups—doctor’s orders."
Qin Nian nodded.
After finishing the dumplings and a bowl of chicken soup, she was pleasantly full.
The cabinet had gained more items, but Qin Nian didn’t have time to rummage through them. Full and drowsy, she washed up briefly and went straight to bed.
"The babies are developing well—no issues."
The doctor’s reassurance lifted Yang Yufen’s spirits.
Qin Nian had only spared two hours.
After dropping her back at the institute, Yang Yufen took advantage of the clear weather to start washing.
The babies’ swaddling clothes and tiny garments needed laundering and sunning—they’d been stored away all winter, unfit for washing in the cold.
A single bamboo pole in the yard wasn’t enough. Yang Yufen cut two more.
Washing, drying—rising before the sun to scrub, retrieving the items before dusk. Rainy days meant no laundry. And just like that, February slipped away unnoticed.
