What?
Ye Qiu instantly became tense, asking, “What’s the situation now? Is Xiaoxue okay?”
“The doctor just checked Xiaoxue and said there’s no problem for now, but they recommend a C-section soon. Otherwise, the baby could be at risk of oxygen deprivation,” Qiushan Nange said urgently. “I couldn’t decide, I…”
“Take care of Xiaoxue for me. I’m coming right now,” Ye Qiu said, hanging up and instructing Xiao Zhan, “To the airport.”
Xiao Zhan slammed on the brakes, turning to Ye Qiu, “Now?”
“Yes, right now. Book me a ticket to Dadong,” Ye Qiu urged. “Hurry.”
Seeing Ye Qiu’s tense expression, Xiao Zhan asked, “Boss, what’s going on?”
“Your sister-in-law is about to give birth,” Ye Qiu said.
Xiao Zhan’s face lit up, “That’s great news, Boss! Congratulations!”
Ye Qiu smiled, “Enough talk. Get to the airport.”
Xiao Zhan quickly took out his phone to book a ticket, then drove Ye Qiu to the airport.
Midnight.
The plane landed in Dadong.
Ye Qiu rushed to Shuiyue Sect.
He had been here a few times and even stayed for a while, so he was very familiar with the place.
Ye Qiu found Qianshan Xue’s room and was about to enter when the door opened, and Qiushan Nange stepped out.
“Ye Qiu!”
Seeing him, Qiushan Nange’s face lit up with joy, and she hurried over.
“Where’s Xiaoxue?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Xiaoxue just fell asleep,” Qiushan Nange said softly, pulling Ye Qiu aside. “Let’s talk next door. There are doctors with her, so you don’t need to worry.”
Ye Qiu followed Qiushan Nange to the next room.
“How have you been lately?” Qiushan Nange asked gently. This Dadong martial arts master seemed like a delicate woman in Ye Qiu’s presence.
“I’m fine,” Ye Qiu said, noticing that Qiushan Nange looked thinner and more haggard than before. It was clear that caring for Qianshan Xue had been tough on her.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Ye Qiu pulled Qiushan Nange into his arms.
“Nange, you’ve worked hard.”
Caught off guard by the embrace, Qiushan Nange stiffened briefly but soon relaxed, enjoying the moment.
Ye Qiu said apologetically, “I’ve neglected too much. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. As long as you have me in your heart, I’m content,” Qiushan Nange said, looking up. “Did you miss me?”
Ye Qiu nodded, “I dreamed of you.”
“Sweet talker,” Qiushan Nange said, though her face glowed with happiness.
Ye Qiu leaned down and kissed her, igniting a passionate response. Qiushan Nange wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him fiercely, as if trying to meld into him.
Just as they were breathless, Qiushan Nange suddenly pushed Ye Qiu away.
“What’s wrong?” Ye Qiu asked, puzzled.
“Go see Xiaoxue,” Qiushan Nange said.
“And you?” Ye Qiu asked.
“I’m going to rest. Now that you’re here, I can relax,” she replied.
“Alright, rest well,” Ye Qiu said, kissing her forehead before leaving.
As he left, Qiushan Nange touched her skirt, blushing and muttering, “This troublemaker, making me change clothes again.”
…
When Ye Qiu entered Qianshan Xue’s room, he saw two female doctors by the bedside.
One was about to speak, but Ye Qiu gestured for silence and signaled them to leave.
The doctors quietly exited, closing the door.
Ye Qiu sat by the bed, looking at Qianshan Xue sleeping. A deep sense of guilt welled up in him.
It had been a while, and Qianshan Xue, heavily pregnant, had lost her usual radiance. Her face was pale.
Ye Qiu checked her pulse, and his brow furrowed. The situation was worse than he expected.
“Ye Qiu, Ye Qiu…”
Suddenly, Qianshan Xue called his name in her sleep, sweat beading on her forehead, tears sliding from her eyes, as if caught in a nightmare.
Ye Qiu tightly held her hand, saying, “Xiaoxue, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Whoosh!
Qianshan Xue jolted upright, clinging to Ye Qiu, “Ye Qiu, Ye Qiu…”
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here,” Ye Qiu said, patting her back.
“Ye Qiu, is it really you?” Qianshan Xue held his face, tears in her eyes. “I’m not dreaming, am I?”
“You’re not dreaming. I’m here,” Ye Qiu smiled, then said guiltily, “I’m sorry for making you suffer.”
“You’re okay, that’s all that matters,” Qianshan Xue said, her tears turning to a smile. “I had a nightmare. You were covered in blood, and I was scared something happened to you.”
Ye Qiu laughed, “Haven’t you heard? Dreams are the opposite of reality. Blood in a dream means good luck. Looks like I’m in for some fortune.”
“When did you get here?” Qianshan Xue asked.
“Just arrived.”
Qianshan Xue avoided his gaze, saying, “I must look awful now, don’t I?”
Ye Qiu said, “Nonsense. You’re Dadong’s national goddess. How could you be anything but beautiful?”
“Don’t lie. Since I got pregnant, my skin’s gotten loose, and I’ve gained weight. I…”
“Xiaoxue, you’ll always be the most beautiful in my heart. And I believe after Ruyi is born, you’ll be even more beautiful.”
“Because the most beautiful women in the world are mothers!”
“I’ll always love you!”
“Really?” Qianshan Xue was deeply moved.
Ye Qiu nodded earnestly, “Of course it’s true.”
Pop!
Qianshan Xue kissed his cheek, blushing as she nestled into his arms, looking utterly charming.
If the people of Dadong saw this, their jaws would drop, and their hearts would break.
Qianshan Xue said, “By the way, the doctor said the baby can’t stay in my womb any longer and suggested a C-section. But I don’t want one.”
“Why not?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Because this is our child. I want to give birth to Ruyi naturally, to truly feel what it’s like to be a mother,” Qianshan Xue said, then asked, “Can you help me?”
“Yes,” Ye Qiu said. “But in this situation, keeping Ruyi inside is dangerous for both of you. I can help induce labor.”
“When can Ruyi come out?”
“If it’s quick, half an hour. At most, an hour.”
“Then please help me!”
Right away, Ye Qiu began inducing labor for Qianshan Xue.
