Free Web NovelChapter 480: 451 Is it born now?_1
He Shancun lost his usual composure, his eyes revealing panic.
"Xiaoyu has a stomachache, I’ve contacted obstetrics, and we’re taking her to the hospital now, but I dare not drive."
Zhou Ning waved his hand.
"Cut the chatter, I’ll drive. Hurry up and bring Xiaoyu down, just get in touch with the hospital’s doctor, and stay calm, you’re about to be a dad."
He Shancun tried to smile, but it looked uglier than crying, and he didn’t say a word before turning and running upstairs. The second uncle and aunt were already coming downstairs with their suitcases. Seeing this, Zhou Ning was startled. Weren’t they just going to have a baby? Why did it look like they were going on a trip?
"All this stuff?"
The second uncle nodded.
"I don’t know what Xiaoyu packed, calling it a maternity bag. It’s filled with necessities; the list and items are all ready. You go first, and your second aunt and I will follow in the car. Don’t worry, I’ve asked Xiao Jun to stay home to take care of your grandfather."
The old man and Xiao Jun also came over, with the old man’s glasses askew.
"What time is it now, I don’t need anyone looking after me, I’m nowhere near bedridden yet. Xiao Jun, go with your parents to help carry and lift things, I’ll be fine at home."
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Listen to grandpa. Hurry up, Xiao Jun, load up the car. Take good care of your parents. I’ll take your sister and brother-in-law, and you’ll drive your parents. Don’t rush, safety first. We’ll go ahead."
With that, Zhou Ning quickly went out, turned the car around to face the main door, and opened all the back doors. Just then, Zhou Xiaoyu was helped downstairs by He Shancun, swaying from the large belly that wobbled from side to side. Her hair seemed freshly washed and still damp.
He Shancun, at her side, tried to support her but was pushed away by Zhou Xiaoyu with disgust. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"It was just a contraction just now. Don’t all be so nervous. He Shancun, keep calm, or else don’t come to the hospital with me. I’m not even in much pain yet, and you’re already crying."
He Shancun nodded vigorously.
"Whatever you say, your highness. Get in the car quickly and let Zhou Ning drive. I’ll help you."
Zhou Xiaoyu shook off his hand, holding her waist and swaying into the car, instructing He Shancun to sit in the passenger seat. She even had the leisure to roll down the window and wave to the others.
"Grandpa, wait for my news at home. I’m off!"
The second aunt sighed.
"Really, I don’t know what on earth I gave birth to, she’s so brave-hearted."
Zhou Ning quickly rolled up the window and started the car, driving toward the central hospital. It wasn’t far from the hospital, just about ten minutes away, and the emergency entrance was closer for walking purposes.
He Shancun helped Zhou Xiaoyu get out of the car. She had gone through another contraction in the car, her face was covered in sweat. He Shancun simply took off his coat to enfold her head and body, not loosening his hold even as she struggled.
Zhou Ning parked the car, making a call to Xia Momo.
"Hello? You just left, why are you calling again?"
"Momo, Xiaoyu is about to give birth. I’ve brought them to the hospital. The second uncle and aunt will be here soon. Only grandpa is left at home, and I’m worried. Could you go and check on my home for me? Stay in my room for the night."
Xia Momo on the other end of the phone didn’t even think before responding eagerly:
"Okay, you just focus on being at the hospital with them. Call me with any news. I’m heading to your place now. I know the password, so don’t worry about grandpa."
Zhou Ning hung up the phone and rushed into the emergency room. At that moment, He Shancun managed to fetch a wheelchair, cajoling Zhou Xiaoyu to finally sit in it. When he saw Zhou Ning, he said anxiously:
"We’ll go straight to obstetrics!"
Zhou Ning patted He Shancun’s arm and took over the wheelchair.
"Don’t worry or be nervous, He Shancun. I’ll push Xiaoyu. You go and get someone to check her, see if she’s fit for a natural birth. If not, go for a cesarean. Has Xiaoyu had dinner?"
Zhou Xiaoyu thought for a moment and grudgingly nodded.
"Of course, eating is a big deal for me now. I’ve not only eaten, but I’ve eaten about twice what you normally do for dinner, so there’s no chance for a cesarean for me."
He Shancun let out a sigh and pulled out his phone, quickly dialing a number and making arrangements.
Zhou Ning, pushing Xiaoyu and following He Shancun, headed straight for obstetrics. It seemed the person He Shancun had arranged for had arrived. He rushed over to talk to the female doctor, who then took over the wheelchair.
"Alright, Mr. He, we’ll do a checkup. You go complete the procedures."
Zhou Ning took the documents from He Shancun’s hand.
"You stay here with her. I’ll go complete the procedures."
"Thanks, Zhou Ning."
"Call me big brother-in-law, no thanks needed, that’s my sister. Take good care of her, apply for the epidural if needed and prepare early. Don’t find yourself without anyone available when it’s actually needed, or I really will beat you up."
Zhou Ning didn’t waste any more words and went to complete the hospital admission paperwork. At that point, the second uncle and aunt and Xiao Jun had arrived, delivering the luggage directly to the private hospital room. It was indeed easier with connections in the hospital. The single room conditions were excellent, so it seemed He Shancun had arranged everything well in advance.
Xiao Jun was left in the hospital room while the second uncle and aunt followed Zhou Ning to the delivery room door. Seeing He Shancun looking worried, the second aunt’s face paled slightly. Zhou Ning raised his leg and gave He Shancun a nudge, then shot him a look. He Shancun wiped away a tear and forced a bitter smile.
"Mom and Dad, don’t worry. I’m just happy. I’m going to be a dad, a bit excited, a bit at a loss, and very worried about Xiaoyu. I wanted to go in and accompany Xiaoyu, but she kicked me out."
Upon hearing this, the second aunt let out a sigh of relief and nodded:
"That’s something this girl would do indeed. So don’t worry, stay calm, and just wait. How dilated is she?"
He Shancun slapped his head, as if only now remembering this detail.
"I forgot to ask. I’ll go and inquire."
Zhou Ning stopped him.
"Enough, we’re all from the same hospital, and you’ve already explained everything. Don’t ask over and over again; everyone’s concerned. Just think, if it were another colleague asking you repeatedly, wouldn’t you be annoyed? Wouldn’t you do your best even without being asked?"
He Shancun nodded, as Uncle Er had spoken.
"Sit down, everyone. Why are you so nervous? Just sit and wait patiently."
With those words, He Shancun was somewhat settled and didn’t pace back and forth in front of the door anymore, but as he sat in the chair, he kept sneaking peeks into the delivery room through the window in the door, although there really wasn’t much to see. Nevertheless, from the look on his face, Zhou Ning knew He Shancun was genuinely worried about Zhou Xiaoyu.
Less than an hour later, a nurse came out.
"Family of Zhou Xiaoyu, Mr. He, please come here. The baby is born; it’s a boy, seven pounds, eight ounces!"
Everyone was stunned; it had only been an hour since the ordeal began. They were still arranging the epidural, and now she had given birth—an event that usually takes hours upon hours, right?
He Shancun’s legs were shaky as he walked closer and caught a glimpse of the baby in the swaddle, then peeked into the delivery room.
"How’s my wife?"
The young nurse couldn’t stop smiling, but Aunt Er and the others had already come over to see the baby, blocked by the nurse from seeing through the gap in the thin blanket.
"Mrs. He said that when the baby comes out, Uncle Zhou Ning would be the first to see him. She stressed that it’s not the other uncle, Zhou Xiaojun. She wants Zhou Ning to take a closer look, preferably with the baby’s eyes open. After that, you all can do whatever you want, but the baby must first be seen looking handsome and not take after your side of the family."
He Shancun was stunned, then cracked a smile, showing no signs of dissatisfaction, even pushing Zhou Ning forward.
"What my wife says is a decree. Zhou Xiaozhou, you’d better be quick and not dawdle—I’m counting on you to make sure my son looks good."
With a grandchild on the way, Uncle Er and Aunt Er were beaming with joy, but after hearing Zhou Xiaoyu’s instructions, no one objected. After all, among the Zhou family, he was the handsomest, so naturally, it was his duty to look.
Zhou Ning had weathered many storms, but this was a first for him. The nurse placed the soft little guy into his arms and he felt like he instantly broke out in a sweat, his limbs seemingly refusing to cooperate.
As the blanket was lifted, a pink and tender baby appeared, free of the sticky white vernix, with black hair and a little hand raised up as if it were translucent, which made Zhou Ning even more afraid to move.
"Can somebody help me out here? My hand’s gone numb."
He Shancun laughed uncontrollably and urged impatiently,
"No nonsense—does my son look good or not?"
"Handsome, a clean and tidy baby!"
As if in response to Zhou Ning’s compliment, the baby opened his eyes and looked around unconsciously. Then, when he saw Zhou Ning, he miraculously cracked a smile, sending Zhou Ning into an excited state.
"Wow, the little guy looked at me and smiled a little."
He Shancun looked at the nurse and urged eagerly,
"Is it all settled now? That uncle is not very reliable—can we give the baby to my mom now?"
The nurse snickered, apparently seeing He Shancun so anxious for the first time.
"Okay then, sign here."
He Shancun quickly signed, then without another look at the baby, he asked eagerly,
"How’s my wife doing; do I have permission to go in?"
"Mr. He, don’t rush. Your wife explicitly asked you to wait patiently outside and not to worry unnecessarily. She’s in very good condition, no episiotomy or tears. She was only three fingers dilated when the epidural was administered, and it took less than twenty minutes to be fully dilated. I’ve never seen such a smooth delivery. She’ll be out soon after a short observation."
He Shancun blinked, nodded mechanically, and waited at the door. Aunt Er, holding the baby and showing him to Uncle Er, laughed so hard they could hardly close their mouths. Uncle Er wanted to take pictures, but Aunt Er was having none of it.
"What’s the rush? Let the child sleep before taking photos, so you don’t startle him. Xiaoyu has handled everything perfectly. With Xiao Ning looking at him first, I think the baby’s getting more handsome by the minute."
Zhou Ning looked to the heavens, speechless, Aunt Er’s exaggeration beyond description with words.
Before long, there was a sound from inside the door, which then swung open. Zhou Xiaoyu, holding He Shancun’s jacket, strutted out as if she hadn’t just been the one giving birth, followed by the nurse pushing a wheelchair.
Zhou Ning was dumbfounded—was this really her own childbirth?
He Shancun extended his hand, not sure if he should help Zhou Xiaoyu.
"Wife, how come you’re walking out by yourself?"
Zhou Xiaoyu glanced at him and said indifferently,
"Why is everyone so nervous? I’ve already given birth. I didn’t expect it would be so quick, either. Come on, let’s hurry to the ward. I’ve asked the doctor and I have to be observed for a few days anyway; otherwise, I’d want to go home and sleep tonight."
Hearing her strong voice, everyone finally relaxed. They didn’t allow her to walk by herself anymore and wheeled Zhou Xiaoyu back to her room. After feeding the baby formula, Aunt Er beckoned to Zhou Ning and Uncle Er.
"From now on, everything will be as I say. The maternity nurse will be here by tomorrow. Xiao Ning, you drive Uncles Er and Shancun back home. Xiao Jun can drive himself. Tomorrow, you guys go to work as usual since Shancun can visit Xiaoyu even when he’s working. I’ll stay here tonight. The baby’s not fussy, and Xiaoyu seems fine; you can all disperse. Just think about bringing breakfast tomorrow morning."
The men thought to resist, but with one stern look from Aunt Er, they obediently followed her instructions. Zhou Ning and the others returned home, noting it was only eleven o’clock. As they entered the house, Xia Momo was playing chess with the old master.
The old master dropped his chess pieces when he saw so many people come in.
"How’s Xiaoyu doing?"
Uncle Er waved his hand.
"She’s given birth. The baby and Xiaoyu are full and asleep. My wife said she would look after them tonight and told us to hurry back. We just need to bring breakfast tomorrow morning. Dad, you don’t need to worry anymore. Let Shancun show you the baby’s photos and video. We’ll take you to the hospital to see the baby tomorrow. Momo, thank you for your hard work. You rest here; I’ll go see what I can prepare for breakfast tomorrow morning."
Xia Momo looked surprised and exchanged glances with the grandpa, who seemed to react only then.
"Is she done giving birth already? Is it a boy or a girl?"
