Chapter 8

In her past life, Lin Tian had never been married, let alone pregnant. Medical care in this era wasn’t great, and with the plot’s influence, her priority was a safe delivery.
Thus, a hospital checkup was of utmost importance.
The hospital atmosphere was no better in any era. Chu Ci went to register, and they waited in line together.
Lin Tian followed for the ultrasound, with Chu Ci trailing behind.
She lay on the bed as the doctor applied some gel and moved the probe over her abdomen. Lin Tian couldn’t understand much and stayed silent.
After checking the monitor, the doctor was surprised: “Congratulations! It’s twins.”
Lin Tian already knew and was unsurprised. Chu Ci, however, froze: “Doctor, are you sure?”
The obstetrician, understanding the shock, calmly reassured him: “Yes, prepare to welcome two babies.”
She added warnings: “Pregnancy is hard enough, and twins add extra strain. Ensure proper nutrition and maintain a good mood…”
Chu Ci listened attentively, showing no impatience.
Lin Tian, standing by, was pleased to see him so concerned.
After the checkup, Chu Ci, still a bit unreal, looked at her waistline, which wasn’t very prominent: “If you feel discomfort or crave anything, tell me immediately.”
Lin Tian glanced at him, thinking the power of twins was real. She teased: “Hmm, I’ll suffer double, and you seem happy. You don’t do anything, yet you get two big, chubby kids for free.”
Chu Ci felt even more guilty: “You’ve worked hard.”
Lin Tian exhaled, letting herself relax, and stopped sulking.
The doctor had warned that pregnant women’s tempers could worsen, so family members needed patience. Chu Ci didn’t mind her mood swings, and thankfully, she handled everything gently.
“Shall we see the Chinese medicine doctor now?” Chu Ci asked.
Lin Tian nodded, and they went to the TCM clinic. There weren’t many people, and soon it was her turn.
The old Chinese doctor felt her pulse and, after consideration, said: “Your pregnancy is progressing well, but your constitution is weak. You need to strengthen your body; otherwise, delivery will be difficult.”
Chu Ci, alarmed, asked: “What should she do, sir?”
The doctor calmly advised: “Eat nutritious foods, exercise moderately, and maintain good habits…”
Lin Tian found it a bit repetitive, but Chu Ci listened seriously, just like at the obstetric clinic.
Afterward, they left the hospital.
Curious, Lin Tian asked: “Did you remember everything the doctor said?”
“Mostly,” Chu Ci replied, not wanting to exaggerate.
Lin Tian didn’t press further.
After leaving, Chu Ci accompanied her to the guesthouse near the train station to pick up her luggage. They planned to set her up in a room near the school for convenience.
The guesthouse had decent facilities, even showers. Lin Tian, eager for a hot bath, hurried Chu Ci along.
Before leaving, he reminded: “I have class shortly, around 5 p.m. after class. If you get hungry, I’ll bring you dinner. What do you want?”
“Anything, you decide,” Lin Tian said impatiently.
Chu Ci smiled: “Alright, rest well. I’ll come see you tonight.”
Once he left, Lin Tian immediately took a shower and changed. Once her hair dried, she finally closed her eyes to sleep.
A knock on the door woke her, making her slightly annoyed.
She opened the door with an icy expression, knowing it was probably Chu Ci delivering dinner.
Her long hair cascaded down her back, black and glossy.
She wore a white dress, looking gentle and elegant.
Chu Ci pursed his lips: “Did I wake you? I’m sorry.”
Seeing that he had brought her food, Lin Tian decided to forgive him. She led the way into the room and said to him behind her: “It’s fine, come in. I’m a bit hungry anyway.”
She meant it, she hadn’t felt hungry earlier when sleeping, but now her appetite had returned strongly.
The guesthouse room had a table, though it was just a desk. Still, there wasn’t much choice.
Chu Ci placed the packed dishes on the table, and the rich aroma immediately filled the room.
Lin Tian glanced over: there was braised pork, a bowl of corn and rib soup, steamed egg custard, and a serving of shredded potatoes. Three dishes and a soup, with both meat and vegetables, it was clear he had considered her pregnancy needs.
She was satisfied. Once he set the table, she invited: “Let’s eat together.”
She couldn’t finish it all alone, and Chu Ci naturally didn’t refuse.
As she enjoyed the delicious food, her mood lifted. She began to explain: “I sold the house you bought in the countryside, and with the money you left me before leaving, we have over five hundred yuan. You’re in school with no income, and I can’t work yet. We can’t just sit idle.”
Lin Tian was always practical. She knew that a solid material foundation was the basis of life.
She had already thought ahead. While out earlier, she had noticed some people setting up stalls, so she figured her skills would be enough to avoid hunger. Telling Chu Ci this was partly to prepare him mentally, after all, they were legally husband and wife, and she needed his support.
Unexpectedly, Chu Ci misunderstood. He put a few pieces of braised pork on her plate and said: “Don’t worry, I have some savings. It’s enough for you to have the baby.”
Lin Tian was speechless: “Savings?”
She was the mother of his children; asking was natural. Her eyes sparkled, hinting she might be calculating something.
“My dad left me some money back then, and my grandparents also gave me some before leaving Beijing,” Chu Ci said.
Lin Tian didn’t know the exact amount, but considering his grandmother’s family had been wealthy merchants and the siheyuan was hers, she felt reassured.
Now she could focus on the children and start her plans. The overall situation wasn’t ideal yet; once policies changed by year-end, it would be a better time for business.
“Alright then. I won’t work before the baby’s born. You don’t mind, right?” she asked, blinking playfully.
Chu Ci was relieved. He had worried she might want to work while pregnant.
“Of course not. You’re going through a lot, especially with twins. I’d worry about you if you worked. Just don’t feel burdened by us,” he said. After just one day together, Chu Ci already understood that Lin Tian wasn’t an ordinary girl, she was brave, clever, lively, and independent.
“Let me make it clear: don’t expect me to stay home and raise the kids. Even the chairman said women can hold up half the sky. I’ll work, so get a nanny if needed. Of course, we’ll both take responsibility as parents,” Lin Tian said, putting it out there bluntly.
Chu Ci had no objection. He even said proactively: “Don’t worry. I’ll support you. I’ll still be in university with plenty of free time, so I’ll take on more childcare. Whatever you want to do, you can follow your plan.”
Lin Tian was surprised. Even decades later, there were still many men who believed childcare and housework were solely a woman’s duty.
She smiled, satisfied: “We’ll see. Words alone aren’t enough.”
Her smile was bright, eyes sparkling like water. Chu Ci dared not look up and lowered his head.
After Lin Tian finished eating, Chu Ci finished the remaining dishes and cleaned up. She poured herself a glass of water and watched, not intending to help.
Chu Ci didn’t mind and said nothing.
Once the table was clean, he went to wash his hands. Lin Tian felt prompted to help and handed him a glass of water, saying thoughtfully: “Drink some water and rest for a bit before going back. By the way, tell me about your family. Should I go visit?”
Chu Ci took a sip and, after a long pause, replied: “My grandparents and second uncle’s family are in Yun Province; my aunt is here. I’ll bring you to call my grandparents and visit my aunt sometime.”
He hesitated but didn’t mention anyone else.
Lin Tian noticed he hadn’t mentioned his mother. Knowing the troubles that often arise between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, she didn’t press. Smiling, she agreed: “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”
“The siheyuan needs some repairs. I’ll take you to see it tomorrow and fix it the way you want. How does that sound?” Chu Ci asked.
Thoughtful.
Lin Tian could only agree.
Chu Ci then took out the trash and returned with more food, canned goods, White Rabbit candies, cookies, and cakes.
Lin Tian had assumed he had gone back to school. Seeing him return again with all this, she laughed: “Did you buy so much to make sure I don’t go hungry for your two little treasures?”
Chu Ci, unbothered by her teasing, explained earnestly: “Mainly to make sure you don’t go hungry. The two little ones are secondary; you’re more important.”
Lin Tian knew he meant nothing more, but her heart still skipped a beat.
Once he had put everything away, she started sending him off: “I’m going to sleep. You should go now.”
As Chu Ci stepped out, she slammed the door with a “bang.”
He turned, confused, he hadn’t even said goodbye yet.