RYEY – Chapter 153 The Son Seems Strange

For some reason, she was no longer officially allowed to do this kind of work, but when villagers gave birth—especially poor families—they still liked to secretly have her deliver the baby. So two months earlier, Mother Li had already arranged things with Granny Sun.

Granny Sun took a few heavy breaths, waited until she had steadied herself, then washed her hands and went into Cheng Qiao’s room. She carefully examined her condition, sat down firmly, and said it was only one finger dilated—it was still early.

“Qiao, eat a bowl of noodles first, then I’ll help you wash your hair. If your body can take it, I’ll wipe you down a bit too. Once you give birth, you won’t be able to wash your hair or bathe for a whole month.”

When Mother Li learned that Cheng Qiao was only one finger dilated, her nervousness disappeared. The first thing she thought of was washing Cheng Qiao’s hair. She knew her daughter-in-law liked to be clean—if she went a month without washing her hair, it would suffocate her.

Cheng Qiao nodded with a smile. She could endure the heat during the day, but at night she could enter her space to sleep. The only question was whether she could bring the baby in with her.

Li Huan saw her eyes rolling around and secretly chuckled. His wife must have already decided to hide away inside her magical treasure at night. But daytime was just too hot… it seemed he would have to find a way to get some ice.

Li Le pulled out a big palm-leaf fan and fanned her. With the cool breeze blowing, Cheng Qiao indeed felt much more comfortable. But Li Le was only in her early teens—she couldn’t exploit a child’s labor.

“Mother, I’ve finished the noodles, let me lie down a bit.”

“Alright. Qiao, lie across, I’ll wash your hair first.”

Mother Li worked quickly; in no time she had washed Cheng Qiao’s hair and towel-dried it over and over again. Granny Sun, unable to stand it, told Cheng Qiao to get up and walk around—this would help labor progress faster.

Of course, Cheng Qiao knew Granny Sun was right. She glanced at Li Huan, who immediately helped her up and supported her outside. When they reached a corner of the house, Cheng Qiao slipped away and vanished.

Inside the space, the pleasant temperature made her feel so much better. Taking advantage of the lull in contractions, she rushed to the bathroom for a quick “battle shower.”

When she reappeared, Li Huan immediately caught the faint scent of soap on her. There was body wash inside the space, but she didn’t dare use it—the fragrance was far too strong.

“Li Huan, my belly hurts again, hurry and help me back.”

After about half an hour of walking, Cheng Qiao felt her belly dropping lower—she knew the baby was entering the birth canal. Gripping Li Huan’s arm nervously, she spoke quickly.

Alarmed, Li Huan scooped her up in a princess carry and rushed her back inside. Granny Sun came over, checked again, and announced she was six fingers dilated—it would be soon.

“Prepare hot water and scissors.”

Granny Sun set down her chopsticks in satisfaction. The Li family’s food was really good—she’d just eaten rare white flour with two eggs. With Mother Li being so thoughtful, she was determined to see Cheng Qiao through safely.

Ye Jun took out alcohol swabs, sterilized a pair of hospital scissors, and placed them on a disinfected tray. The tray also held a large bottle of alcohol swabs for Granny Sun to use on her hands.

It was the first time Granny Sun had seen such pointed scissors. Testing them, she found them much better than regular ones. A thought arose in her heart—after the baby was born, she wouldn’t want money, she would want those scissors.

Everything was ready. Cheng Qiao’s heart grew tense. This child—would it be the same one from her previous life? If it was, she must make it up to him this time.

“I can see the head. Push harder.”

Flushed red, Cheng Qiao bore down with all her strength. Ye Jun handed a bowl of wild ginseng soup to Li Huan and motioned for him to bring it in for her.

Mother Li, seeing Li Huan enter, was about to tell him to leave. But then she remembered—it was the new society now, men could enter their wife’s birthing room—so she quickly shut her mouth.

“Qiao, drink this soup, it will give you strength.”

Catching the strong ginseng fragrance, Cheng Qiao instantly knew her master had stewed his treasured root for her. Warmth filled her chest. She drank it all in one go.

“Waaah…”

Before long, the newborn’s cry rang out loud and clear. Hearing that familiar sound, Cheng Qiao almost burst into tears, clenching her eyes shut to keep them from falling.

“Congratulations—it’s a boy.”

Granny Sun said happily, then deftly cut the cord and handled the placenta, washed the baby clean, swaddled him, and brought him to Cheng Qiao’s side.

Looking at the tiny baby with tightly shut eyes, Cheng Qiao’s heart surged with emotion. This was the child—the exact same as in her last life. He had finally returned to her side.

“Qiao, I’ve already decided. Our son will be named Cheng Li.”

Granny Sun looked at Mother Li in shock. Whose first child took the mother’s surname—unless he was marrying into her family?

Mother Li explained with a smile: “Granny Sun, my daughter-in-law is her family’s only child. This way the Cheng family can continue its line. Our Li family already has two sons and a daughter—there’s no rush for us.”

Granny Sun nodded, looking at Cheng Qiao with envy. Not only was this girl pretty and lucky, but even her husband, parents-in-law, and sister-in-law doted on her.

“Granny Sun, here’s five yuan for your trouble.”

“I don’t want money. I want this, may I?”

Mother Li looked at the scissors in Granny Sun’s hand and felt torn. They weren’t hers—they belonged to Doctor Ye. She would have to ask him if they could buy them.

When Ye Jun heard Granny Sun wanted the scissors, he agreed immediately, even giving her a good supply of alcohol swabs. If Granny Sun kept doing deliveries, good scissors and alcohol swabs would help lower risks.

Granny Sun left cheerfully. Though no money changed hands, Mother Li still gave her a dozen eggs—after all, gaining a grandson was a joyous event.

Li Huan handed off his work to Chen Weidang, promising to give him half a month’s wages. Chen Weidang, happy for him, agreed, though if the money really came he would never take it.

Mother Li began taking stock of the household goods. When the baby turned one month old, they would celebrate properly. They couldn’t hold a banquet, but every family should at least get two eggs.

“Lele, in half a month, take our sorghum flour and trade for eggs with the villagers. We’ll dye red eggs to give away.”

“Got it, Mother. Mother, does that mean my little nephew has to call me ‘Auntie’? What should I give him?”

“You don’t earn money yet—no need for gifts. Just help look after him when you can.”

Li Le nodded happily, washed her face and hands in the kitchen, and then went into Cheng Qiao’s room.

Nearly a week had passed since the birth. And in that week, Cheng Qiao had noticed something terrifying—her son’s eyes, whenever they looked at her, didn’t seem quite right.