Chapter 155: Another Family’s Baby

Chapter 155: Another Family's Baby

Two weeks after the New Year, Lin Yulan and Yu Qinghong were preparing to return to Jingzhou.

Before they left, they asked their neighbor, Old Tang, to look after their chickens, ducks, and dog. Fu Yining hoped they would stay a few more days, but the elderly couple didn’t want to trouble their neighbors too much and decided to set off.

"We’re just going back to Jingzhou for a quick visit. The train station is just around the corner, so your mom and I can come back anytime!"

Outside, the luggage was already in the car, and the family was saying their goodbyes.

Yu Zhili nodded, saying, "Dad, Mom, just let me know in advance when you want to come, and I’ll have someone pick you up. I’ll also bring Ningning back to Jingzhou when I have time."

Yu Qinghong patted his shoulder and said, "Alright."

Lin Yulan looked at Song Qingyu, who, despite being heavily pregnant, still came out to see them off. She held Song Qingyu’s hand and said, "Qingyu, once you’ve given birth, we’ll come back to see you. If you’re craving anything, just let Grandma know, and I’ll whip it up for you!"

Song Qingyu, feeling emotional, teared up and replied, "Grandma, you and Grandpa don’t need to rush over. I can bring the baby to visit you."

"That’s fine, that’s fine."

The car door opened, and Lin Yulan and Yu Qinghong got in.

"Drive carefully, and don’t make your grandparents sick, alright?" Fu Yining instructed Yu Mingze, who had volunteered to drive his grandparents home.

Having him drive them back meant they’d have someone to look after them on the road, and the elderly wouldn’t have to endure any discomfort in silence.

Yu Mingze thumped his chest and assured her, "Don’t worry, Mom, I’m a very steady driver!"

"Alright, go ahead."

The car slowly pulled away, heading towards Jingzhou.

Once the car was out of sight, the three of them prepared to head back inside. Suddenly, Song Qingyu grabbed her stomach and let out a little "ouch."

Fu Yining and Yu Zhili immediately turned to her, worried.

"What’s wrong?"

Song Qingyu quickly shook her head and explained, "It’s nothing, just the baby kicking."

Maybe because she woke up earlier than usual today, the little one inside was making its displeasure known.

After calming the little troublemaker, Song Qingyu asked, "Mom, are we going to the hospital this morning?"

"Yes."

With her due date nearing, Fu Yining planned to take her to the hospital early, just in case. "Don’t worry, just take care of yourself. We’ve got everything else covered."

Song Qingyu smiled and nodded.

-

Yu Zhili went back inside to grab his coat and then headed out for a company meeting. Fu Yining saw him off and then went to arrange the hospital stay.

Hu Ma, back after the New Year, was overseeing the cleaning of the villa, inside and out. Wu Qinglan, from the neighboring Chen family, came over with her little daughter.

Little Mengshu, now over four months old, was cheerful and playful, with a cute, chubby face.

With her big belly, Song Qingyu couldn’t let the child climb on her, so Wu Qinglan kept Mengshu from trying.

"Mengshu, do you remember Auntie? Qinglan, look, she’s smiling at me—she must know me!"

"Yeah, we visit often, so she must know you by now."

Wu Qinglan gently pinched her daughter's little face and laughed, "Sweetie, give Auntie another smile!"

The baby gazed at Song Qingyu with her big, innocent eyes, her mouth opening to reveal her toothless gums.

That was her version of a smile.

Song Qingyu's heart melted, wishing she could scoop her up.

"Qinglan, your daughter is so cute, why don’t you just give her to me!"

"Sure, she’s all yours!"

Wu Qinglan generously offered her daughter without even blinking.

The baby had no clue what they were saying, but seeing her mother laugh, she laughed along.

Wu Qinglan cupped her little face and asked with pretend seriousness, "Mengshu, are you really this thrilled that mommy’s giving you away?"

Little Mengshu just grinned and babbled back at her.

"You little traitor!" Wu Qinglan sighed helplessly, "Fine, you can go live with Auntie Qingyu from now on."

Song Qingyu opened her arms to Mengshu and teased, "Come here, sweetie, Auntie’s got you from now on!"

"Meow!"

From the living room doorway, a black-and-white blur darted in, tilted its head to see the people inside, then slipped away on all fours.

Little Mengshu’s eyes went wide, and she waved her chubby little arm.

Wu Qinglan, holding her suddenly excited daughter, said helplessly, "Oh no, now my daughter’s spotted your cat again!"

Song Qingyu turned her head, and outside the living room, a tiny cat head peeked at them but kept its distance.

It must’ve remembered the last time Mengshu latched onto its tail and wouldn’t let go.

Wu Qinglan grabbed a red fruit off the coffee table, successfully diverting her daughter's attention.

"Qingyu, are you heading to the hospital this morning?"

"Yes."

Song Qingyu looked towards the living room and nodded, "My parents have everything ready for me. Now I’m just hoping for a smooth delivery."

"Don’t stress, it’ll all go fine!" Wu Qinglan paused, then shared her own delivery story, hoping to offer some help.

Song Qingyu asked, "What was it like when you were about to deliver?"

Wu Qinglan recalled, "It’s hard to describe—I was just eating lunch, and suddenly my water broke without any warning. Then I ate a little more and was pushed into the delivery room."

Her daughter didn’t put her through much and came out quickly.

"Our Mengshu is very well-behaved, right?"

"Ah!"

Song Qingyu watched their mother-daughter bond with a pang of envy.

Wu Qinglan held her adorable daughter tightly and smiled at her, "Soon, you'll get to meet your own child too!"

"Yeah."

Fu Yining came in halfway, exchanged a few words with them, and then was called away again.

Seeing her busy with her ex-daughter-in-law's childbirth, Wu Qinglan whispered with a sigh, "Qingyu, in the past, I never would’ve believed she could treat you so well."

"I understand."

"How can someone change so much? But it’s for the best—at least you won’t be mistreated anymore!"

Song Qingyu smiled but stayed silent.

"It's getting late; I'll take Mengshu home first. Qingyu, if you need anything, just give me a call!"

Shortly after, Wu Qinglan said her goodbyes and left with her daughter.

Song Qingyu expressed her gratitude.

"Hu Ma, could you please see the guests out?"

"Of course, Miss Song."

"Qinglan, I won’t walk you out this time."

"Yeah, stay seated—no need to get up!"

Wu Qinglan gently waved her daughter’s hand toward Song Qingyu, saying, "Sweetie, say bye-bye to Auntie!"

"Bye-bye!"

Song Qingyu waved back with a smile, "Goodbye! Come visit again soon!"

"We definitely will."

Wu Qinglan smiled and went out with her daughter.