Chapter 104: Two in One

Chapter 104: Two in One

The next day, when Shen Moer asked again, Fu Mingze categorically denied having done anything wrong to her. He brushed it off by saying that he felt she was exhausted from the pregnancy, so after getting drunk, he couldn’t stop worrying about it.

Fu Mingze had already made up his mind. Before the child was born, he wouldn’t breathe a word to Shen Moer.

Shen Moer felt his explanation was a bit far-fetched, but she also didn’t believe that Fu Zhiqing would do anything to wrong her, so she grudgingly accepted his explanation. After all, if there really was something, Fu Zhiqing couldn’t keep it from her forever; he would have to tell her eventually.

Besides, between husband and wife, there should be some leeway for each other.

Just like her, she also had things she hadn’t told Fu Zhiqing. It wasn’t intentional concealment, just that it was hard to say, a kind of well-intentioned secrecy.

Director Shen, given her own circumstances, didn’t dwell on the matter and quickly moved on.

After breakfast, Fu Mingze first accompanied Shen Moer on a slow walk to the embroidery workshop. Since Shen Moer’s belly had grown larger, Fu Mingze no longer dared to let her sit on the back of his bicycle. Instead, he walked her to and from work morning and night.

Fu Zhiqing had consulted with comrades from the community health center to learn a lot about prenatal and infant care. Recently, not only did he walk Shen Moer to and from work, but after dinner, he would also occasionally take her out for a walk. It was said that he even had plans to accompany Shen Moer in climbing stairs, which would be beneficial for a smooth delivery.

This was quite different from the customs in Great Liang.

In Great Liang, the pregnant women Shen Moer had seen were either princesses, noblewomen, or high-ranking ladies. Pregnant women were of noble status, and the matter of offspring was of utmost importance. Especially as the due date approached, maids and servants would take extreme care, never daring to let the pregnant woman walk around or climb stairs.

What if she fell or got hurt?

However, having been in this world for many years, Shen Moer knew that the level of medical and scientific knowledge here was far superior to that in Great Liang. Moreover, Fu Zhiqing had gone to great lengths to understand these matters, even delivering vegetables to the health center comrades multiple times, which led to teasing from them and the residential compound. For the sake of Fu Zhiqing, who was earnestly preparing for the arrival of their little bean, she had to cooperate, didn’t she?

They said their goodbyes at the factory gate. Fu Mingze watched Shen Moer slowly walk through the entrance, her figure gradually disappearing into the distance. Only then did he grip the handlebars and turn his bike around, pedaling away.

"Director Shen and her husband are so close."

The people in the security room who witnessed this scene every day couldn't help but sigh.

Such a handsome man and beautiful woman, both young and capable, with such a strong bond—they could easily be called a match made in heaven.

When Shen Moer arrived at the office, her secretary Xiao Tang had already prepared a cup of honeysuckle tea for her: "Factory Director, this honeysuckle was just picked and dried. It's said that a little can help pregnant women with pregnancy-related heatiness."

Shen Moer nodded, then paused, feeling something was off: "Your team's honeysuckle is quite famous, but this honeysuckle wasn't requested by Fu Zhiqing, was it?"

Xiao Tang smiled slightly: "Factory Director, it was Fu Zhiqing who asked for it, but he exchanged something with me for it."

Shen Moer couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated. Fu Zhiqing had quite the network, and it seemed like he had eyes and ears everywhere around her.

Just as she sat down at her desk, the phone rang. Shen Moer picked it up, and Chen Jiahua on the other end first inquired about her health, chatted for a while, and then got to the point: "I heard a rumor that the province intends to move the Second Embroidery Factory back to the provincial capital, and the person leading this is our former Factory Director, now Deputy Factory Director Jiao of the Department of Industry."

Two years ago, Factory Director Jiao of the South Province Embroidery Factory went to the Department of Industry, and the position of factory director was taken over by Zeng Huiru, who had frequently achieved impressive results in recent years. Chen Jiahua finally got a chance to advance, becoming the most junior deputy director in the South Province Embroidery Factory's leadership.

The Department of Industry oversees all industrial enterprises in the province and is the direct superior of the embroidery factory. They have the authority to decide on relocating a factory, though they must coordinate with relevant departments and local governments. However, even if Lingjiang City or Jiangbei County objects to the relocation, if the Department of Industry insists, it's unlikely that the lower levels can resist.

Moreover, the Second Embroidery Factory is located in the remote small county of Jiangbei, yet its annual foreign exchange earnings far exceed those of other factories in the provincial capital. Even the provincial leaders might see moving to the provincial capital as a boost for the factory's development.

Chen Jiahua knew that Shen Moer didn't want to move to the provincial capital, but if the factory relocates, Shen Moer would be in a difficult position.

Additionally, "There's talk that moving the factory would involve relocating the main production projects to the provincial capital, leaving one or two product projects in Jiangbei County, reducing equipment and workers, similar to the former Ninth Workshop, still under the Second Embroidery Factory."

The so-called relocation mainly involves workers and equipment, especially the seasoned and skilled embroiderers.

However, the provincial leaders believe it should be relatively easy to relocate these rural embroiderers from Jiangbei County to the provincial capital, offering policy incentives like housing and children's education, which they'd likely jump at.

If the workers and equipment are gone, does it still matter if Shen Moer stays or leaves?

If she is unwilling to leave, she can stay and continue managing the production projects in Jiangbei County. After all, it was her own request. Demoting her position but keeping her rank would already be quite considerate. If she is willing to leave, things would be much easier to handle once she arrives in the provincial capital.

Chen Jiahua's voice carried a hint of concern: "Since the news has already leaked out, it's likely that this matter is almost certain. You need to be mentally prepared."

Shen Moer frowned slightly. A tall tree catches the wind. Over the years, the achievements of the Second Embroidery Factory have indeed been too remarkable. It's no surprise that someone would have their eyes on it. She recalled what Liu Yingshuang had mentioned earlier—it wasn't just the provincial authorities; there might also be some internal unrest within their factory.

"Jiahua, thank you for telling me this. When I get a chance to visit the provincial capital, I'll treat you to a meal," Shen Moer said sincerely. Since getting to know Chen Jiahua, she had indeed helped her a lot.

"Hey, why are you being so polite? Haven't you helped me a lot too?"

Whether it was in embroidery techniques or at the annual Canton Fair, Shen Moer had indeed been a great help to her over the years.

Compared to the complex interpersonal relationships at the South Province Embroidery Factory, Chen Jiahua actually envied the Second Embroidery Factory.

The people at the Second Embroidery Factory had always stood out at the Canton Fair in recent years. They were bold, innovative, full of creative ideas, and brimming with vitality.

Deep down, Chen Jiahua also hoped that the Second Embroidery Factory could maintain this momentum.

After hanging up, Shen Moer sat at her desk, pondered for a while, and then called Xiao Tang in: "Xiao Tang, make arrangements. We're going to the city."

Xiao Tang was somewhat surprised. Recently, Director Shen had almost stopped going out, declining most meetings and business trips. Those that couldn't be avoided were handed over to other deputy directors. She had essentially entered a phase of rest and preparation for childbirth.

In reality, over the years of development at the Second Embroidery Factory, the heads of various departments had been well-trained. Shen Moer was also someone who liked to delegate authority to her subordinates, so even if she entered a resting phase, it wouldn't affect the factory's operations.

For the people of the Second Embroidery Factory, Director Shen was less like the head of the factory and more like the spiritual pillar of everyone there. Her actions weren't as important as her presence in the factory, which gave everyone a sense of security and peace of mind.

As a secretary, although Xiao Tang was surprised, she didn't say much and quickly contacted the fleet to arrange a car.

Despite their factory being located in the inconspicuous Jiangbei County, their annual export earnings were among the highest in the entire South Province. Being directly managed by the provincial authorities, the factory had all the necessary resources in recent years. Currently, the factory had a fleet of five vehicles of various sizes and one company car for the factory leadership.

After arranging the car, Xiao Tang quickly packed Shen Moer's personal belongings and took out a small package from the movable cabinet under the desk.

Shen Moer raised an eyebrow: "So many bags?"

Xiao Tang placed the small package into the bag and said seriously: "This was specially prepared by Fu Zhiqing for you. He said that if you ever need to attend a meeting or go on a business trip, you should take this with you. It contains some snacks like biscuits and dried meat, as well as emergency items like a whistle and matches."

Shen Moer: "..."

Xiao Tang said enviously: "Director Shen, Fu Zhiqing is really good to you."

She felt a bit embarrassed but said it anyway: "When I find a partner in the future, I want someone as considerate as Fu Zhiqing."

Shen Moer laughed: "Then you'll have to be very discerning."

As the company car drove out of the Second Embroidery Factory gate, Jin Caifei, standing by the office window watching the car disappear into the distance, frowned tightly. At this critical moment, why did Shen Moer suddenly go to the city?

She hadn't been attending any meetings or going on any business trips recently. This sudden trip made Jin Caifei's heart race, as if something ominous was about to happen.

Jin Caifei stood by the window for a while, then couldn't help but sit back at her desk and make a call to the provincial capital.

"What's the big deal about going to the city? She's the factory director. Isn't it normal for her to have unavoidable meetings or need to report work to the city leaders? Besides, hasn't she been quite close to that Gu Yangbo? Gu Yangbo is quite young, right? Maybe the two of them, you know..."

Mao Jianxin's voice sounded somewhat distorted over the phone, especially the suggestive tone at the end, which was particularly grating to Jin Caifei's ears.

Back when they came from the provincial capital to set up the factory together, Mao Jianxin was a spirited young man with ideals, ambitions, and aspirations. Jin Caifei had once admired him, feeling that the two of them were like kindred spirits in Jiangbei County.

But the frustrations of recent years seemed to have destroyed all the ideals and ambitions of this man. He had now become the kind of sleazy, despicable middle-aged man that Jin Caifei deeply despised.

Jin Caifei felt extremely uncomfortable and couldn't help but say, "Don't make up rumors. We all know the kind of person Shen Moer is. She wouldn't do such things."

Frankly, Jin Caifei now feels that Shen Moer is actually more suitable for the position of Deputy Factory Director at the Second Embroidery Factory than Mao Jianxin. If Mao Jianxin hadn't left back then, the factory might not have reached its current level of development. Shen Moer is far superior to Mao Jianxin, both in terms of professionalism and character.

The only thing is, Shen Moer is unwilling to take the factory to the provincial capital, and Jin Caifei really can't continue to stay in Jiangbei County any longer.

Mao Jianxin sneered over the phone, "I never expected that Deputy Factory Director Jin would actually speak up for her."

Jin Caifei rolled her eyes and said impatiently, "Cut the nonsense. Remember what you promised me!"

"Of course, provided our plan succeeds. Keep a close watch on things, Deputy Factory Director Jin."

After Mao Jianxin hung up the phone, Jin Caifei held the receiver silently for a moment before gently placing it back and letting out a long sigh.

After that day, Shen Moer returned to her routine of going to work on time and leaving on time every day. She didn't go on any business trips or attend any meetings. Even within the Second Embroidery Factory, she only held a brief regular meeting, during which she reviewed the tasks for the next few months, clearly showing that she was ready to step aside at any moment.

Jin Caifei's anxious heart finally settled down.

*

After Shen Moer entered her due date, Fu Mingze stopped going to the village altogether and stayed at home to take care of the pregnant woman. Shen Moer had also arranged everything at the factory and returned home to await childbirth peacefully. The young couple's daily routine consisted of eating, sleeping, walking, and climbing stairs, day in and day out.

When the due date passed by several days and Shen Moer still showed no signs of labor, the two first-time parents finally began to worry.

"What's this due date nonsense? When I gave birth back then, there weren't so many rules. You just went to the health center when your stomach hurt, and soon after, the baby was born. I was lucky; at least a doctor from the health center delivered my baby. In my hometown village, women either gave birth on their own or with the help of a midwife. It's fine; the baby will come out when it's ready."

Liu Guizhi comforted Shen Moer with her only experience from twenty years ago.

"That's right. When the melon is ripe, it falls. Let's not rush; it might happen at any moment."

Shen Yinyin, who had come specifically to help with the postnatal care, also felt that these young people were still quite young. Despite their competence in many areas, they were still quite inexperienced when it came to childbirth and parenting.

Hearing this, Shen Moer felt much more relaxed.

In fact, during her time in Great Liang, she had never heard of anything like a due date. It was indeed as Liu Guizhi had said, everything was estimated.

Feeling more relaxed, Shen Moer suddenly felt a bit hungry and had a craving. She thought for a moment and said, "I want to eat the meat buns from the government-run restaurant."

She looked eagerly at Fu Mingze, who was pouring water.

Fu Mingze understood immediately. He first poured water into Shen Moer's enamel cup, then brought over a few apricots she had been craving lately and placed them by her hand. After that, he took the money, coupons, and bicycle keys to go buy the buns from the government-run restaurant.

Fortunately, it wasn't long after breakfast, and the government-run restaurant still had a few buns left. Fu Mingze decided to buy all the remaining ones.

The staff at the government-run restaurant recognized him. After all, he was the husband of the director of the county's largest government-run factory, an educated young man. Everyone in the Liuqiao Commune should have heard of him.

Moreover, since his wife became pregnant, Fu Mingze had been coming to pack some meat dishes every now and then.

"Has Director Shen given birth yet?" the server, quick on the uptake, asked curiously while packing the buns into the lunchbox Fu Mingze had brought.

Fu Mingze frowned slightly, then nodded and said, "Not yet."

The server immediately said, "It should be any day now. Director Shen looks like a blessed person; everything will go smoothly."

Fu Mingze smiled, "Thank you for your kind words."

He biked into the residential area. Just as he reached the bottom of his building, he heard a commotion upstairs. Fu Mingze's heart tightened, and he dropped his bicycle to rush upstairs.

Shen Moer was being supported by Shen Yinyin and Liu Guizhi, one on each side, as they were heading out. Seeing Fu Mingze, Shen Yinyin shouted, "Little Fu, Moer is going into labor. Hurry, help her. I'll go get the things we prepared."

Fu Mingze rushed over to help Shen Moer, who had been enduring the pain until she leaned into his embrace. She grabbed his sturdy arm and whispered, "Fu Mingze, it hurts."

Fu Mingze's heart ached terribly. His hands, slightly trembling, firmly held his wife, almost enveloping her entirely in his arms. He softly said, "I know, just hang in there a bit longer. We'll go to the commune health center right away. I'll help you walk down slowly, okay?"

Shen Moer nodded, a thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead. "Let's go quickly."

Fu Mingze was also extremely nervous, feeling dazed as he helped her downstairs. He then pushed the borrowed tricycle, first laying some old clothes as padding before helping her onto it.

The borrowed tricycle carried Shen Moer, Liu Guizhi, and Shen Yinyin. It should have been heavy, but Fu Mingze somehow found the strength to pedal all the way to the commune health center under the bright summer morning sun.

"Oh no, Fu Zhiqing, your clothes are soaked," Liu Guizhi noticed as soon as she got off the tricycle, seeing Fu Mingze's back almost completely drenched.

Fu Mingze casually wiped it off. "It's fine, let's hurry inside."

Together, they quickly helped Shen Moer off the tricycle, and someone from the commune health center came out to greet them. "Is Director Shen going into labor?"

As soon as they entered, Shen Moer was placed on a stretcher and wheeled directly into the delivery room.

In recent years, the Second Embroidery Factory had expanded significantly, hiring more workers, and the commune's infrastructure had also been upgraded.

The commune health center, which used to have only a few doctors treating minor ailments like headaches, fevers, diarrhea, and heatstroke, had now expanded its facilities. They had hired several medical professionals, added delivery and operating rooms, and had about ten inpatient wards.

Though not on par with the county hospital, it was well-equipped, far better than the average health center.

After all, with the increasing population of Liuqiao Commune, there was a higher demand for professional healthcare services.

Thus, the establishment of the Second Embroidery Factory in Liuqiao Commune wasn't just about providing job opportunities. It also spurred the development of the commune's schools, health centers, supply and marketing co-ops, and state-run restaurants, significantly upgrading the entire area.

Even the bus that used to go to the county town on a rotating schedule with other communes has now been changed to fixed morning and evening shifts.

But these are just side notes.

After Shen Moer was pushed into the delivery room, Fu Mingze was stopped by a nurse outside: "Family members need to wait outside."

Fu Mingze frowned: "Can't I go in and accompany her?"

The nurse glanced at him and said, "The patient needs a clean, sterile environment. Look at you, all sweaty and probably dusty from the trip. What if you infect her?"

Fu Mingze was rarely at a loss for words. After a while, he nodded: "I'll wait outside."

After the nurse went in, Fu Mingze just stood there, staring blankly at the delivery room door. Although the door was soundproof and he shouldn't be able to hear anything inside, he somehow felt like he could hear Shen Moer's cries of pain.

Thinking of how she had clutched his hand and refused to let go earlier—usually so composed, now in pain and disoriented, her eyes full of grievance and vulnerability—Fu Mingze felt as if his heart had been wrenched, both sour and painful.

"How's it going? How long has she been in there?"

Shen Shaoyuan hurried over. He had to work as usual, but when Fu Mingze and the others left, they asked someone in the compound to let Shen Shaoyuan know. Upon receiving the news, he quickly took leave from the factory and came over.

Shen Yinyin had gone home to stew chicken soup, while Liu Guizhi stayed outside to accompany them. Hearing the question, she said, "She hasn't been in there long, maybe just twenty minutes or so. It's still early. For a first birth, it usually takes a while. If she delivers before dark, that would be pretty quick."

After a moment of thought, she added, "But Director Shen's labor pains came on quite quickly. She was eating apricots when suddenly the pain started."

Shen Shaoyuan nodded and walked to the delivery room door, standing with Fu Mingze as they both stared at the door.

Fu Mingze turned to look at him: "Dad."

Shen Shaoyuan was startled by his appearance. This guy usually had a calm, expressionless demeanor, but now his eyes were red, like he was about to cry. If Liu Guizhi hadn't mentioned that Moer had only been in there for about twenty minutes, Shen Shaoyuan would have thought his daughter was having a difficult birth, given how distraught his son-in-law looked.

He patted Fu Mingze on the shoulder, unusually gentle and reassuring his son-in-law, "Don't worry, Mo has always been in good health; everything will go smoothly."

Fu Mingze nodded silently.

The waiting time seemed especially long, though he wasn't sure how much time had actually passed. Subconsciously, he knew it couldn't have been long, but it felt like an eternity. Suddenly, the sound of a bed being wheeled down the corridor startled Fu Mingze, causing him to turn his head sharply.

"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous. It's just an empty bed. In our clinic, there aren't that many patients or mothers giving birth."

Liu Guizhi couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated reaction. The usually composed man looked quite amusing when he was anxious.

She chuckled, "I think you two should stop blocking the entrance to the delivery room. It's only been about an hour; it can't be that quick. If you stand here for too long, you'll tire yourselves out. Why don't you sit down for a bit? That way, you'll have the energy to take care of her when she comes out."

As soon as she finished speaking, the door to the delivery room suddenly opened. A nurse emerged, holding a baby wrapped in a blue-patterned cotton blanket. Seeing Fu Mingze and Shen Shaoyuan standing stiffly at the door, the nurse was taken aback for a moment before she said, "Are you Director Shen's family? Is it you?"

Shen Shaoyuan quickly replied, "Yes, it's us, it's us."

The nurse handed the bundle to Shen Shaoyuan, "Hold the baby carefully. The mother will be out shortly. Get ready to take her to the ward."

Liu Guizhi was so shocked that her mouth dropped open wide enough to fit an egg, "What, it's already over?!"

The nurse smiled, "Yes, Director Shen seemed to be quite dilated when she arrived, which is why she was in such pain. Everyone's situation is different. Director Shen has a strong constitution, and the delivery went very smoothly. Her first child came almost as quickly as someone's second or third."

With that, the nurse turned and went back into the delivery room, leaving the three of them in stunned silence.

Shen Shaoyuan stood stiffly, cradling the soft bundle in his arms.

When he looked down, he saw a tender, pale little face. The baby, with its eyes closed, had long eyelashes and pink lips, and moved its hand inside the cotton swaddle. Then, the baby opened its eyes and let out a cry.

Shen Shaoyuan: "..."

He turned and handed the bundle of joy to Fu Mingze: "Your child, as the father, you better start comforting him."

Fu Mingze looked at the baby in his arms. The little one opened his shiny, black eyes and looked around. The crying gradually stopped, and the little mouth puckered, still looking as if he were starving, but he didn’t cry again.

Though he knew the baby couldn’t see him yet, Fu Mingze inexplicably felt as if he had made eye contact with the child.

This was his and Moer’s child.

Liu Guizhi leaned over and took a closer look: "This child is so beautiful, with such shiny black hair and a cute little mouth. She's truly going to be a beauty."

Then she suddenly paused: "By the way, did the nurse say if it's a boy or a girl?"