Zhu Shasha turned her head away as if in a huff, her gaze fixed on the outside through the car window. After a while, seeing that He Zinian remained silent, she turned back, tears welling up in her eyes. "Zinian, I'm sorry. I just wanted to help you share the burden, and it ended up like this."
He Zinian rubbed his temples, finally sighing, "It's fine. My tone wasn't very good just now either."
"It was my fault. You're right to criticize me."
He Zinian said, "Forget it. Lately, the Fu family from Xiangjiang has been targeting me, putting significant pressure on the company, which is why I was a bit anxious. The hotel project you mentioned before, let's cancel it. For Jiangpan Garden, please continue to keep a close eye on it. After all, a considerable amount has been invested, and it's best to break even by the end of the year as expected."
"As long as I can help you share the burden, I don't mind any hardship."
...
"Xingdong, I've discussed your situation with Old Lu, and we've reported it to our superiors. The leaders attach great importance to it and have decided to call you for a meeting to discuss it in detail."
On this day, Gu Xingdong received a call from Yang Zhiguo. After informing Chen Lishu, he drove to the General Military Region Command.
The meeting was taken very seriously by the leaders. It lasted for over two hours, and the specific content was not disclosed to the public. However, when they emerged, everyone wore relaxed expressions.
"Although your identity will change, it will make your actions more convenient. The mission is arduous, and I hope you will always remember your original intention. If you encounter any difficulties, report them to the organization. You will be given priority and green lights in this area."
The leader looked at him with great satisfaction and relief.
"Please rest assured, leader, I will not fail the mission!" Gu Xingdong said, giving a proper military salute.
"Alright, Old Lu and the others are waiting for you. Hurry up and go."
As Gu Xingdong exited the conference room, Yang Zhiguo and Lu Zhengchun were waiting for him at the stairwell.
"How is it? Do you feel capable of handling this mission?" Yang Zhiguo asked with a smile as he saw him approach.
"I've already made a bold statement. I have to complete it, even if I have to force myself."
Lu Zhengchun added, "I think highly of you, kid."
Gu Xingdong smiled, "Your words put even more pressure on me."
"Pressure creates motivation."
"Let's head back to the camp first. The work in your hands cannot be handed over instantly. There's also the matter of military transfers and resettlement; confirm the personnel list as well."
Gu Xingdong replied, "Leader, I've only had two days off."
Yang Zhiguo glared, "Be content! I haven't had a day off in almost a month, and these past few days I've been running around for your business. These old bones are about to fall apart."
Lu Zhengchun joked, "Don't say you're old, I haven't admitted it."
The three of them got into the car and drove back to the camp.
Before Gu Xingdong could begin handing over his duties, Chen Lishu suddenly went into labor.
That evening, after dinner, Chen Lishu suddenly felt a warmth in her lower body, followed by a flow of warm liquid down her thighs.
However, having experienced life once before, she wasn't too flustered. She waited until Gu Xingdong, who was beside her, finished his last bite of food before saying, "Xingdong, I think I'm going into labor. Help me back to change clothes."
"Oh," Gu Xingdong responded habitually. The next second, when he realized what Chen Lishu had said, he shot up from his seat, the chair scraping against the floor with a harsh sound.
"Mom, Lishu is going into labor!" he called towards the kitchen, reaching out to lift Chen Lishu.
"Don't be scared. I'm here. Everything will be alright."
It was unclear whether he was saying this to Chen Lishu or himself. The man, usually calm in the face of emergencies, found his outstretched hand trembling slightly.
Chen Lishu chuckled and patted his hand away, "Don't rush. My water broke, I just need to go upstairs to change. It's still a long way from giving birth."
"Yes, yes, Xingdong, don't rush. First, help your wife change clothes. Mom and Xiaoyue will get things ready."
Li Xiulan hurried out of the kitchen, not even taking off her apron before rushing towards the bedroom.
Although she had held several grandchildren, this pregnancy for Chen Lishu was hard-won, and she couldn't help but feel nervous herself.
"Xiaoyue, I remember putting some things in your room. Go pack them quickly. My things are almost ready, but I need to double-check to make sure nothing is missing. No, giving birth requires strength! Oh, right, we still have a pig trotters at home. I need to start boiling the soup."
The adults' anxiousness spread to Rui Rui, who followed Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong nervously, "Mama."
"Be good, Rui Rui. Mama is going to the hospital later, and it's not a suitable place for children. You stay home with Aunt Xiaoyue," Chen Lishu turned back and patted his shoulder reassuringly.
Gu Xingdong also added, "When your mother has your little brother, we'll be back."
Soon, Chen Lishu changed into fresh clothes. The change of clothes and toiletries she needed had already been packed into a bag, which she now slung over Gu Xingdong's shoulder.
When they went downstairs, two large bags were already placed at Li Xiulan's feet. Zhao Qiuyue had gone to the kitchen to simmer soup.
"Mom, why so many things?" Chen Lishu looked at the two large bags with some astonishment.
She hadn't concerned herself with the things needed for childbirth and confinement; Li Xiulan and Zhao Qiuyue had handled everything.
"After all, there are two babies. Besides clothes, blankets, and diapers, there are also washbasins and thermoses. It naturally adds up to a lot of things."
As they spoke, Gu Xingdong had already loaded all the items into the car.
Chen Lishu and Li Xiulan also got into their respective cars.
Gu Xingdong's outstretched hand, meant to help, was left hanging in the air, and he had to sheepishly retract it.
Seeing Chen Lishu's unhurried demeanor, one might think she was just going out for a visit.
He shook his head helplessly and turned to get into the driver's seat.
The hospital wasn't far from their home, and it took less than ten minutes to drive there.
After Gu Xingdong settled the two of them, he went to handle the registration and admission procedures. He ran up and down several floors and finally managed to get everything done. The doctor then examined Chen Lishu.
Gu Xingdong's face was tense as he asked, "Doctor, how is she?"
"She's only dilated two centimeters, and it's the mother's first pregnancy. It's estimated that she won't give birth until at least the latter half of the night. You can take her for a walk to help with the labor."
"Why don't we call my mom and sister-in-law first?"
They had called earlier saying they wanted to come over, but Chen Lishu, worried about them neglecting their household chores, had told them it wouldn't be too late to come when labor truly began, as Li Xiulan and Zhao Qiuyue were enough to take care of things here.
"Alright, I'll take you both back to the ward and then I'll make the calls."
Chen Lishu replied, "I'll go with you. It will be good exercise."
Thus, with Li Xiulan staying in the room, Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong went downstairs together to call Wu Chunmei and the others.