15th, second update.

--------------------------------

The hardest part is always the first time, but once Luo Xiaoqiong actually called Zhao Qihui’s name, it became much easier.

She understood that Chuxia did this to ensure their relationship with Zhao Qihui underwent a qualitative change before returning to the Capital City. Otherwise, as time passed, changing the way she addressed her would become even more difficult.

Indeed, Zhao Qihui was Zhao Qiliang’s sister, and always calling her "sister" seemed somewhat inappropriate, leaving outsiders bewildered.

It was acceptable here, but back in their hometown, the way they addressed each other might lead to all sorts of assumptions.

Moreover, she realized that once she changed the way she called Zhao Qihui, their relationship instantly felt much closer.

Previously, she saw the other as just her best friend’s cousin, but now, she truly felt a family bond.

Seeing Luo Xiaoqiong and Zhao Qihui’s close interaction, Chuxia breathed a long sigh of relief. She intended to see this situation; now, she could return to the Capital City without any pressure.

The next morning, Chuxia embarked on the journey back to the Capital City with Zhao Yulan, Lin Baohe, Old Master Zhao, and Old Lady Zhao. Before, Zhou Mikang had been busy creating time to send the whole family back.

In a little over two months, his young wife would give birth, so he hoped to spend more time with her within allowed circumstances. With the current situation, he was unsure when he’d have to leave...

After staying in A City for nearly half a month, just as the family arrived home, Elder Yuan, Old Yin’s Wife, and Old Master Qi arrived in succession.

Especially Old Madam Qi, who got along particularly well with Old Lady Zhao; she sighed longingly as she saw Old Lady Zhao, "Sister-in-law, I was worried you and Brother Zhao would stay over there with your grandson and granddaughter-in-law."

Old Lady Zhao smiled, "Her mother-in-law is there with her... We wouldn’t be of much use staying. It’s better to come back here and help the old man recover sooner, for everyone’s peace of mind."

Over there, Old Master Zhao was proudly showing off to Old Master Qi. Though his steps were still slow, they were steadily grounded.

Such a significant change in just a few days surprised Old Master Qi. From a medical standpoint, it was inexplicable, so he could only sum it up as the joy of an event refreshing the spirit.

The next day, Chuxia resumed her classes. After this experience, many classmates viewed her less favorably, making her kind of student one of the most looked down upon in this era.

Lin Mengran and the others knew Chuxia didn’t mind, so they didn’t rush to comfort her like before. Instead, they teased her about her increasingly poor social ties.

Chuxia looked at them indifferently, "Well, let it be bad. I never counted on everyone liking me, but you all, being with me all the time, have inherited quite a bit of disdain."

"If you share good fortunes, you also face difficulties together..." Lin Mengran laughed, putting an arm around her shoulders, "But you’ll also benefit when we face things together, later."

"Would I be afraid of trouble?" Chuxia gave her a sidelong glance, "Such redundancy."

Lin Mengran: "..."

...

A month later, Yu Tao and Zhou Xikang’s daughter was born.

Less than ten days passed before Wang Lei and Zhou Shanping’s son was born.

By that time, Chuxia was already eight months pregnant, and when the Zhou family sent joyous news from over there, they emphatically prohibited her from returning to A City.

Worried that she might take risks, Zhou Mikang purposely hurried back from A City. Recently, he’d been visiting every week; this time, only three days had passed.

Seeing his noticeably thin face, Chuxia felt a bit distressed. Always working overnight for visits couldn’t be sustained, even with a strong body.

"I’m not reckless, what’s worrying you?" Chuxia pointed to her belly, "Look at me now; aside from the elders constantly stressing not to go back, even without such stress, I wouldn’t wrongly insist."

As for attending classes, it’s just a way to stay active because, otherwise, I’d constantly be imagining things..." She sighed, "I really don’t want a cesarean, it’s scary and ugly, oh..."

Zhou Mikang hugged her with heartache, wanting to comfort but not knowing what to say.

"I’m just talking, don’t you burden yourself..." Feeling Zhou Mikang’s downcast mood, Chuxia quickly added, "Every woman has this worry, but you can’t just not give birth because of it, right?"

"You didn’t need to take on this responsibility so young..." Zhou Mikang’s voice filled with guilt, "It’s my fault for not considering more; if only I’d known..." After a long pause, he continued, "If I knew the situation would progress so fast, we should have waited to have children."

"Are you about to depart?" Chuxia sensed the meaning behind his words and looked steadily at him, "Has the time been set?"

"Not yet, but..." Zhou Mikang looked at her with guilt, unable to continue. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"But before the baby arrives, you’ll definitely leave, right?" Trying not to cry, her voice still carried a choked tone as she bowed her head, struggling to steady her emotions.

Feeling his young wife’s grievance and sadness, Zhou Mikang’s heart was in turmoil, like being fried on oil. How good it would be if he could be selfish and stay? But he couldn’t... He knew more than others, so he resolutely couldn’t selfishly ignore everything.

"Leaving tomorrow morning?" Sniffling, Chuxia raised her head to look at him pathetically, "If possible, I’d like us to take a photo with me before you leave, okay?" She hurried to explain, "Don’t overthink, I just want a picture before the baby arrives, as a memento."

"Okay, we’ll take a photo tomorrow..." Zhou Mikang left a kiss on her forehead, "Anything else you want, I’ll be there with you."

Knowing his chestful of guilt, Chuxia quickly made requests: "I want to eat Old Yin’s House’s sweet potato stew. The last time I went there with Sister Yuan Hui, it was so delicious. You should try it too, okay?"

"Okay." Zhou Mikang quietly wiped the corners of his eyes, full of reluctant tears at leaving her at this moment, but he had no choice.

To be an upright man, to let his children be proud of him, he must take on the responsibility he should bear, rather than living in lifelong guilt... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)