Shen Xiaoyan’s mood was exceptionally good, perhaps influenced by Zheng Wei and the fact that the baby in her womb had been remarkably well-behaved. She couldn't resist gently stroking her growing belly, murmuring in a tender voice, "Second baby is so good."
Just as Zheng Wei was about to nod in agreement, their daughter, Bao Bei, shook her head from the side and declared, "Little brother is not good."
Zheng Wei chuckled and scooped Bao Bei into his arms. The little girl immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. Holding his daughter, Zheng Wei asked with great interest, "Then, Bao Bei, tell Daddy, why do you think little brother is not good?"
"I don't know," Bao Bei said, shaking her head with a look of bewilderment. "But I feel like if little brother isn't good, he'll definitely tear down houses."
"Did you hear too much from Uncle Lu?" Shen Xiaoyan playfully pinched her daughter's cheek. "Yun An, though only two months old, is very well-behaved. He won't tear down houses." She had heard from Na Muzhong that this little sprout, Duan Yun An, was even more worry-free than their daughter. He ate, slept, and didn't fuss, earning praise for his easy-going nature even from Aunt Lu.
"Wuwu." Bao Bei tilted her head, thinking for a moment. Ultimately, she abandoned the effort and nestled comfortably in Zheng Wei's embrace, her eyes fixed on Shen Xiaoyan's belly.
...
Bao Bei had been born with a hurried disposition, arriving before her due date. Therefore, the family was fully prepared for this baby to make an early appearance as well. However, when the time came, the child showed no signs of an early arrival, instead making a punctual debut on the due date.
Shen Xiaoyan's body had recovered well, and the birth had been smooth, sparing her any significant suffering.
When Zheng Wei learned it was a boy, he breathed a sigh of relief. This was good; he would have an extra protector for his mother and sister in the future.
Ms. Lü and Old Mr. Zheng were also overjoyed. They had never expected Zheng Wei to marry, and now that he had both a son and a daughter, they were naturally thrilled, treating Shen Xiaoyan even better as a result.
But just as the family rejoiced, Zheng Er Shao began to cause a stir. Every time he was hungry, he would wail inconsolably. His cries were loud, indicating excellent lung capacity. His schedule was the opposite of the adults'; he seemed to gain energy every night and sleep soundly during the day. Even with a nanny's help, within a few days, the dark circles under Zheng Wei's eyes were impossible to hide.
Shen Xiaoyan was still recuperating, so much of the care fell to Zheng Wei, the nanny, and Aunt Na. However, the four of them together couldn't match the baby's energy. Shen Xiaoyan looked at the dark circles under Zheng Wei's eyes and reached out to rub them with concern.
"Don't get up tonight. I'll take care of him," she said, her heart aching.
Zheng Wei had been working his hardest at the company to spend time with her. While he never spoke of it, she knew. She naturally worried about her man.
What she might not have realized was that she was the ultimate antidote for Zheng Wei. The moment she held him, he seemed to feel less fatigued.
Zheng Wei held Shen Xiaoyan, resting his head on her shoulder. He chuckled in a low voice, "Mom was right. This little brat was quiet before he was born, but as soon as he arrived, he became a little demon."
"Would you describe your own son like that?" Shen Xiaoyan asked, amused. "But it's strange. Every time I go to see Zheng Da Zhuang, he's so good. It's as if he only starts crying after I leave."
Zheng Da Zhuang was the nickname for Zheng Er Shao. Indeed, the naming style was clearly Zheng Wei's doing. While this name couldn't compare to Bao Bei's, the entire family was in agreement because, in their household, the daughter reigned supreme.
"I told you this little brat was eerie," Zheng Wei couldn't help but grumble.
"You should rest well tonight. I'll watch him." The elders insisted on the confinement period, and Shen Xiaoyan was very compliant. However, Zheng Wei was also stubborn; he believed that during confinement, one should rest properly and avoid mental strain.
They spent a cozy while together before Zheng Wei headed off to work.
Even though he had gained energy from his wife, upon arriving at the company, many people noticed the dark circles under Zheng Wei's eyes.
"Boss, we have a morning meeting today. Are you alright? Do you need to rest?" Assistant Hou was surprised by Zheng Wei's condition.
He knew the boss's baby had been born, but it was entirely different from when their daughter arrived. Even after two or three years, he clearly remembered how happy the boss had been then. Why did the boss look so haggard now? He shouldn't be, should he? Shouldn't someone who had a child be happy?
"No need to waste time. This meeting doesn't need to be delayed," Zheng Wei said, rubbing his forehead.
Procrastination was the worst enemy; the longer things were delayed, the more they piled up.
"Boss, are you too tired? Your current state looks very bad," Assistant Hou was not one to mince words. If he said the state was bad, it truly meant Zheng Wei was in bad shape.
"It's nothing, just the child at home. A debt collector has arrived," Zheng Wei said helplessly.
That little scoundrel was indeed a debt collector. His quiet demeanor in his mother's womb was an act. This brat had a wicked mind.
"Boys are all mischievous," Assistant Hou replied.
"This can't be described as mischievous," Zheng Wei felt a headache coming on whenever he mentioned his son. Compared to his son, his daughter was far better. Indeed, daughters were more caring.
...
Because of Zheng Wei's poor condition, everyone in the meeting was at their absolute best, not daring to slack off for fear of angering the boss. Only Assistant Hou clearly observed the trembling attendees, shaking his head inwardly.
This was likely just the beginning. If the young master was this rowdy now, he might well be tearing down the roof in the future!
By the time Zheng Wei finished the meeting, it was noon. Just as he was about to grab some food, his phone began buzzing incessantly. He looked down to see Ms. Lü's name flashing.
"Ah Wei, hurry back. Zheng Da Zhuang is truly inconsolable. Even Xiaoyan can't calm him down." Ms. Lü knew her son was busy with work, but the little sprout was being difficult with everyone, so she had no choice but to call Zheng Wei.
Though tired, Zheng Wei couldn't ignore his own child. He quickly headed home.
...
As he approached the house, he could already hear the little tyke's cries. Bao Bei was squatting obediently by a melon. Hearing Zheng Wei's footsteps, she suddenly looked up and said softly, "Daddy, little brother keeps crying. He's not good."
"Good baby, Daddy will go check on that rascal," Zheng Wei kissed Bao Bei and headed upstairs.