novelraw Chapter 78 No Matter How Small
Chapter 78 No Matter How Small
That evening, Gu Yanshen unusually refrained from handling any official business. His study was brightly lit, and the computer screen, instead of displaying complex reports and project proposals, was filled with various web pages—from nutritional guidelines for each stage of pregnancy to comparisons of top domestic and international obstetrics and gynecology hospitals; from ingredient analysis of skincare products specifically for pregnant women to brand reviews of newborn supplies. His brow furrowed slightly, his expression focused as if he were making decisions on a multi-billion dollar project. His fingers flew across the keyboard, categorizing and organizing useful information into detailed documents and tables, and he even began drafting preliminary procurement lists and timelines.
Late at night, Lu Xiran got up to use the bathroom and found the space beside her empty. Rubbing her eyes, she walked to the study door and saw Gu Yanshen still sitting in front of the computer, his profile appearing particularly deep in the screen's glow. He was browsing user reviews of an anti-stretch mark massage oil, his gaze serious to the point of being harsh.
"Uncle..." she called to him softly.
Gu Yanshen immediately turned around, instantly switched the screen, stood up and strode over, naturally reaching out to support her waist: "Why are you awake? Are you feeling unwell? Or are you hungry?"
A series of questions revealed the tension.
Lu Xiran shook her head and muttered, "Aren't you asleep yet..."
"Go to sleep." He picked her up and gently placed her back on the bed, carefully tucking the blankets in before lying down beside her. His arm instinctively wrapped around her waist, but when he touched her still flat stomach, his movement paused almost imperceptibly, then he lowered it even more gently, his palm carefully resting there, as if he could feel her faint heartbeat through her skin.
Starting the next day, Lu Xiran's life entered a period of comprehensive control under Gu Yanshen's "customized version." The breakfast menu was remotely confirmed by a nutritionist; every nook and cranny of the house was checked and non-slip mats were laid out; all the high heels were put away in the deepest part of the storage room, and replaced with various soft and comfortable flat shoes, which he even tried on himself to check the softness and hardness of the soles; the sofa and chairs she often sat on were somehow fitted with ergonomic lumbar supports and cushions.
His phone was set with countless reminders: reminding her to drink water, reminding her to eat fruit, reminding her to stand up and move around, reminding her to take a nap... Lu Xiran was both amused and exasperated, but he argued vehemently, "Xue Jingyan said that it's easy to overlook things in the early stages, and you need to establish a routine."
He even started studying prenatal yoga and soothing music, and would clumsily but patiently massage her slightly swollen calves. His palms were warm and strong, with just the right amount of pressure. While massaging, he would talk to her softly, about everything from whimsical things about the baby's future to funny things at work. His deep and gentle voice was her best lullaby.
The following afternoon, at the Gu family's old residence.
When Lu Xiran arrived, Jin Qiqi was chatting and sunbathing with Bai Fang in the greenhouse. Sunlight streamed through the glass roof, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
"Qiqi~" Lu Xiran walked over with a smile, affectionately took Jin Qiqi's hand, and gently scratched her palm with her fingertips, conveying a tacit joy that only the two of them understood.
"I brought some nourishing soup for Grandma, would you like a bowl?" Lu Xiran shook the thermos in her hand.
"Then I'm really benefiting from Grandma's kindness~" Jin Qiqi winked mischievously.
Just as Lu Xiran was about to ladle out the soup, Lian Bichen walked in carrying a small stew pot, beaming with smiles: "Qiqi, come on, try the chicken soup that Mom specially made for you. It has medicinal herbs in it, which is best for pregnant women. The soup that Ranran makes is for the old lady and herself, but you are a guest that Mom specially invited over today."
Jin Qiqi couldn't refuse her mother-in-law's kindness, so she glanced at Lu Xiran apologetically.
Bai Fang smiled and smoothed things over: "Go ahead, it's your mother-in-law's thoughtful gift. I also want to drink more of the soup Ranran brought."
Jin Qiqi then left with Lian Bicen.
Only Bai Fang and Lu Xiran remained in the greenhouse. Lu Xiran carefully ladled out a bowl of soup at the perfect temperature and gently handed it to Bai Fang: "Grandma, drink it while it's hot."
Bai Fang took it, sipped it, and praised, "Mmm, it's cooked just right. Ranran's cooking skills are getting better and better."
Lu Xiran sat down in the wicker chair next to her, gazing at the old woman's kind profile, her heart pounding with excitement at the secret she was about to share. She took a deep breath, leaned closer to Bai Fang, and spoke in a low voice, unable to hide her joy:
"Grandma, I have some... really good news to tell you."
"Oh? What good news?" Bai Fang put down her soup bowl and looked at her curiously, her eyes gentle.
A faint blush rose to Lu Xiran's cheeks, like newly blossoming peach blossoms. She held Bai Fang's wrinkled yet warm hand and gently placed it on her still flat stomach. Her voice was soft, yet filled with immense solemnity and happiness:
"Grandma, I...I'm pregnant. You're going to be a great-grandmother again."
Bai Fang's eyes widened instantly, her grip on Lu Xiran's hand tightened abruptly, and her voice trembled with disbelief: "R-really? Ranran, are you telling the truth?"
Lu Xiran nodded vigorously, her eyes welling up with tears: "It's true, Grandma. It was just confirmed yesterday, I'm five weeks along."
"Great...great! That's wonderful!" Bai Fang's voice choked with emotion, and tears of joy instantly welled up in her cloudy eyes. She repeatedly stroked Lu Xiran's hand. "Who else knows? Does Yan Shen know?"
"Yan Shen knows, and Dr. Xue and Lin Chen know too," Lu Xiran replied obediently, glancing at the door of the greenhouse. "I haven't had a chance to tell Qiqi yet."
Bai Fang nodded quickly, offering the experienced advice, "Don't say anything yet, don't say anything yet. It's only five weeks. We have to wait until it's three months and everything is stable before we talk about it. That's the old rule, and it's for the baby's own good." She gripped Lu Xiran's hand tightly, so tightly it hurt a little, but she was filled with excitement, "Grandma has been waiting for this day for so long..."
She didn't finish her sentence.
Without warning, Bai Fang's hand holding Lu Xiran's began to tremble violently, and her entire body began to convulse uncontrollably!
The color drained from her face instantly, her breathing became rapid and labored, a hoarse sound came from her throat, her other hand clutched her chest in pain, her eyes wide open, filled with pain and... a hint of sudden terror.
"Grandma?! Grandma, what's wrong?!" Lu Xiran was terrified, hurriedly getting up to support the slumped body, her voice trembling, "Someone! Someone come quick!! Grandma!!"