Chapter 49 First-Time Fatherhood

Chapter 49: Becoming Fathers for the First Time

Rain streamed from the eaves, making a light, gurgling sound like a mountain stream thawing in early spring, mingling with the patter of raindrops striking the bluestone slabs in front of the door. Wu Qiu was held from behind by Lei Ding, almost completely wrapped in his embrace. Lei Ding's voice came from beside his ear, accompanied by the rain outside, giving even his voice a warmth that made Wu Qiu feel hot both in body and heart.

Lei Ding didn't immediately reveal the name he had thought of for their child. Instead, he first asked Wu Qiu, "This rain has lasted from last night until today, it's been like a companion to our Ai Ge'er's birth. But something's missing. Have you noticed, Qiu Er?"

Wu Qiu thought for a moment but couldn't figure it out. Pouting, he playfully complained, "How am I supposed to guess that? Good brother, at least give me a hint."

Lei Ding didn't answer, just turned his head to smile at him, his eyes filled with gentleness and encouragement.

Wu Qiu stared back into his eyes, frowning in thought. Since both his hands were supporting Wu Qiu's arms, Lei Ding couldn't use them, so he leaned in and kissed the furrowed brow twice, until the frown smoothed away, turning Wu Qiu's face red. Though shy, Wu Qiu couldn't bear to pull away, closing his eyes and letting him kiss. Suddenly, inspiration struck—they were naming the child, he thought of Lei Ding's surname, and combined it with what Lei Ding had just said. He asked with a smile, "I know! It's rained all day, but we haven't heard any thunder, right?"

Lei Ding nodded. "Qiu Er is so clever, that's exactly it. I thought, wouldn't that make a fitting name? How about 'Lei Yin,' using the character for 'hidden' or 'concealed'?"

Wu Qiu pondered. "That does seem remarkably fitting—the thunder hidden away, just like the day he was born. But using that character, does brother wish for him to become a recluse in the future?"

He said with a mischievous smile. Lei Ding chuckled along. "Not that I hope he retreats from the world. There's a saying, 'When heaven and earth close, the worthy hide.' It means if the world is troubled, the wise will withdraw to avoid calamity. I only wish him a lifetime of peace. I hope this character helps him evade any misfortune. What do you think, Qiu Er?"

These words resonated deeply with Wu Qiu, who nodded repeatedly. "Exactly so. Our Ai Ge'er only needs to be safe and sound in the future; nothing else matters."

The two looked together at the little one in Wu Qiu's arms. Wu Qiu, weak and lacking strength, felt his arms already tiring. Though Lei Ding supported him, he was still worried he might drop the child, yet he wanted to hold him a little longer. So, Lei Ding settled Wu Qiu back down as before, placing the baby beside his pillow and letting Wu Qiu lie on his side, gently cradling him. Wu Qiu, now more alert, knew Yang Shu and the others had been worried about him for a long time, so he suggested inviting them in to see. Only then did Lei Ding go out to call Cui Nanshan and Yang Shu inside. Though Lei Tan and Lei Li also wished to visit Wu Qiu, being men, they tactfully stayed out, entrusting some gifts to Lei Ding to pass along.

While others were in the room keeping him company, Lei Ding went to the front hall. Since returning from the government office after his punishment, he hadn't shown his face out front—partly because his injuries hadn't healed, and partly because he feared Wu Peng might learn he was unharmed and seek revenge amidst the household's busyness. This time, too, he was cautious as he returned, not entering the main hall but going into the small room where medicine was decocted and stored. He carefully selected several herbs, placed them in a small pot, and began simmering them.

Postpartum tonic medicine for Wu Qiu had been ready for a while. But now, Lei Ding was preparing a different concoction: eye medicine.

Earlier, when Wu Qiu first woke, Lei Ding had noticed. It was Wu Qiu's first childbirth, and initially, he hadn't exerted force quite correctly, actually bursting blood vessels in his eye. After resting, it had become fully apparent—his right eye was very red.

Thinking of this, Lei Ding couldn't help but reflect inwardly. Wu Qiu, with his slender frame, had mustered such strength to bring a child into the world. The more he thought, the more he felt he had wronged Wu Qiu, letting him endure such hardship. His heart ached, and he was eager to return to stay with Wu Qiu. As soon as the medicine was ready, he hurriedly carried it back. As he entered, he first took off his raincoat and bamboo hat and left them by the door, waiting for the chill to leave his clothes before going further inside.

Wu Qiu was with Cui Nanshan and Yang Shu, looking at the child and chatting idly. Seeing Lei Ding return, he smiled. "We were just mentioning you. What took you so long?"

Cui Nanshan stood, pulling Yang Shu up with him. "We should go now and let the two of them talk. Xiao Qiu should rest too. We'll go check on how Sister Liu's millet porridge is coming along and bring some over later. Little Qiu has had an exhausting day; Ting Er, make sure he eats a little."

Lei Ding and Wu Qiu agreed. After the two left, Lei Ding placed the medicine on the table, took out the prepared white gauze, lifted Wu Qiu's head, and let him lean back against the pillow. Wu Qiu, unaware of what was happening, asked what the medicine was for. Afraid he would worry, Lei Ding simply said it was to care for his eyes, fearing all the crying might have harmed them.

Wu Qiu truly believed him, chuckling softly. "I've really become a medicine jar. In just this short while since waking, I've already drunk a bowl of tonic medicine Father brought, and now even my eyes need medicine."

Lei Ding sighed. "Qiu Er has suffered so much for Ai Ge'er."

Wu Qiu didn't quite agree. "Don't say that. He didn't ask to come into this world; he owes me nothing. I was willing."

Lei Ding nodded with a smile. "Qiu Er truly sees things clearly. I'm not as perceptive as you. Alright, then I'll apologize to Ai Ge'er."

He leaned down and kissed the cheek of the little one sleeping soundly in the swaddling clothes. "Good child, Father was wrong to blame you. Don't be angry."

Wu Qiu giggled very softly beside him. "Brother is so careful. It seems our Ai Ge'er will have you wrapped around his finger in the future."

Wu Qiu smiled and nodded, and both fell silent. Yet, in his heart, Wu Qiu thought that when Ai Ge'er was still in his belly, such things seemed to happen often. He would stroke the child through his belly, and Lei Ding would place his hand over Wu Qiu's, enveloping it in his palm.

Just recalling such scenes made his heart surge. If he hadn't just applied medicine to his eyes and needed to hold back a little, he might have cried again.

Lei Ding knew Wu Qiu was physically depleted now and didn't have the energy to constantly care for the child, especially at night. Infants cry at night, and Wu Qiu needed proper rest. If he got up to soothe the baby, it might worsen his condition. Therefore, Lei Ding had arranged early on to tidy up the empty room in the east courtyard, moving the child's crib and all necessary items there. At night, Yang Shu would help look after the baby, sometimes Cui Nanshan taking a turn.

Sleeping at night was thus managed, but the hardships Wu Qiu had to endure didn't end there. Some things couldn't be done by others. For instance, at this moment, supported by Lei Ding, Wu Qiu trembled as he leaned on Lei Ding's arm. After taking just a few steps, he couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath. "Hiss— Brother, it hurts so much..."

Several days had passed since he gave birth to Ai Ge'er. Lei Ding knew he was weak but still wouldn't let him lie in bed all day, insisting he get up and walk around every hour or two. Even if it was only for a quarter of an hour at most, Wu Qiu still found it exhausting. His legs felt as soft as cloth strips; taking larger steps pulled painfully at the injury below, and sometimes his belly would ache for a while. He knew Lei Ding meant well; Lei Ding had explained in detail that this was for his recovery. Yet, the pain made him feel wronged, tears welling in his eyes.

Lei Ding held him still, waiting for him to catch his breath while gently stroking his hair. "Alright, alright. Qiu Er is very strong. You've already lasted a quarter of an hour. Rest a moment, steady your breathing. I'll carry you back to bed."

Wu Qiu nodded gloomily, but when he looked up, he froze. Behind Lei Ding were the room's table and chairs, and on the table lay a bronze mirror, likely forgotten by Lei Ding. Standing close, Wu Qiu glanced down and saw his own reflection in the mirror. For a moment, he even forgot the pain, reaching for the mirror and holding it before his face. His mouth unconsciously fell open. "My eye... why is it so red?"

Lei Ding hadn't dared tell him. It had been nearly healed, but now, due to this one oversight—leaving the mirror out—Wu Qiu had seen it himself. Seeing Wu Qiu's alarmed expression, Lei Ding had no choice but to honestly explain the truth.

Wu Qiu turned his face away, tears in his eyes, unable to speak. He knew Lei Ding had been afraid he would worry and wasn't angry that Lei Ding had kept it from him. Lei Ding comforted him, telling him it was almost better, the redness would fade soon. Yet, Wu Qiu still wanted to cry, though he couldn't explain why. Tears seemed unstoppable, dampening a patch of fabric on Lei Ding's shoulder.

It's just... he hadn't been this prone to crying before...

Would crying too much annoy Lei Ding?

The more he thought this, the more tears flowed. The harder he tried to hold them back, the less he could restrain them. Forcing a smile, he said to Lei Ding, "So that's what it was. Then I won't worry. Brother, don't fret over me."

Seeing his tear-streaked face trying to put on a brave front, Lei Ding quickly held him tighter. "Qiu Er, cry if you want to. After childbirth, it's common to be more emotional, with unsettled feelings. It's not just you. If you hold it all in, that's worse. If I made my husband afraid to cry, then I'd truly be failing as a man. It's not good for you to stand too long either. Let me carry you to bed first."

Distracted by his words, Wu Qiu broke into a teary smile, asking pitifully, "Then... can I keep crying after getting into bed? Or maybe you should go check on the child first. I'll feel better after a while."

Lei Ding kissed him. "You can. But I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay right here with you."

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Author's Note: Tingting Zi: I must keep my wife away from postpartum depression!

Qiu Qiu Zi: One doctor a day keeps depression away. [cat head]

The flustered newbie leopard-cat couple.

Idly organizing outlines and chapter lists today, I found over a dozen side stories I want to write lined up... Seriously, how can this person have so many scattered little things to say? [begging you] [begging you]

If there's anything you'd like to see, feel free to tell me! I'll stuff it all into the side stories! (As long as it's content that can be posted, of course!)