The arrival of Huang Ling filled the home with warmth and affection. Her culinary skills were exceptional, and she busied herself in the kitchen, creating a delightful array of aromas. The pot of Angelica and Goji Berry Black Chicken Soup bubbled away, infusing the air with the sweetness of red dates and the fragrance of herbs. There was also a bowl of soft, sweet pumpkin porridge, thick and delicate, steaming as it was served.
Huang Ling brought out the food with a loving smile. "Xiao Ting, you need to eat more. You're not alone anymore; you need to nourish yourself for the baby too."
Xiao Ting looked at the table full of dishes, feeling troubled. She pressed her hand against her chest, her brow furrowing slightly. "Mom, I really don't have an appetite. Just the smell makes me feel nauseous."
Lin Dongzhe quickly pulled out a chair and helped Xiao Ting sit down, gently encouraging her. "Sweetheart, just eat a few bites. If you don't eat, your body won't hold up. Okay?" He carefully blew on the hot porridge before offering it to her.
Though Xiao Ting had little appetite, she forced herself to take a few bites under the earnest gaze of her mother and Lin Dongzhe. He sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. When he saw her swallow some food, he quickly handed her a tissue and asked softly, "Are you still feeling unwell? If it's too much, I can cut some fruit for you to change things up."
Xiao Ting shook her head gently and patted his hand to signal that she was fine for now.
As her pregnancy progressed, the symptoms of morning sickness gradually eased, and Xiao Ting's complexion returned to a healthy glow. With this improvement, Lin Dongzhe became even more attentive. He took Huang Ling to a mother-and-baby store early on to purchase baby supplies. The store was filled with an array of adorable items; tiny onesies adorned with intricate animal patterns caught their eye, while baby cribs exuded a faint scent of pinewood—sturdy and safe.
Lin Dongzhe was meticulous in his selections, running his fingers over the fabric. "This material is so soft; it will definitely be comfortable for the baby."
Huang Ling nodded in agreement and occasionally offered practical suggestions. She picked up a light blue blanket and shook it out for inspection. "This blanket is nice; it will be perfect for autumn and winter. Let's get a couple more."
In her spare time, Xiao Ting wasn't idle either; she began flipping through parenting books, highlighting points and taking notes. Whenever she encountered something unclear, she would pull Lin Dongzhe over to discuss it.
"Lin Dongzhe, look here—it says we should feed the baby on demand for the first three months, but how do we know if he's full?" Xiao Ting asked with a furrowed brow and a puzzled expression.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and carefully read that section before patiently explaining, "The book says to observe the baby's swallowing frequency and how often he goes to the bathroom. We'll pay attention to that when the time comes; don’t worry."
As her pregnancy reached a stable phase, their family life became busy yet warm. Every evening, Lin Dongzhe would accompany Xiao Ting for walks in the community garden, where the setting sun cast a golden glow around them.
Xiao Ting linked her arm through his as they strolled leisurely along, occasionally sharing amusing stories about what she saw that day: "That fat orange cat downstairs was sunbathing again today; its belly is almost touching the ground!"
Lin Dongzhe listened attentively, responding from time to time while also bending down to tie her loose shoelaces gently. "Take your time; be careful not to trip."
Huang Ling sat on a nearby bench watching her daughter and son-in-law share tender moments together with a smile on her face. In her heart, she silently prayed that this happiness would continue as they awaited their baby's arrival—a new beginning filled with beauty.
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