Chapter 849: 851, Childhood Fun (2nd Update)

Zhou Jin truly never disliked Nian’en, it was just that Duanmu Sheng didn’t want to trouble his mother.

"Mom," Duanmu Sheng gave Zhou Jin a hug, "I just don’t want to make things too hard for you. You’re at the age to enjoy your life and retirement, so you should spend your time dancing with the uncles and aunties in the courtyard or walking dogs." Since Nian’en was born, Duanmu Sheng had become much more sensible too.

One only understands parental grace when one becomes a parent.

The next day, early in the morning, Duanmu Sheng left, leaving Nian’en still here.

Seeing that his mom was gone, Nian’en neither cried nor made a fuss but happily followed Mo Qingyi around.

For breakfast, Mo Qingyi and Duanmu Zhe took Nian’en to the imperial palace.

Tong Zhi and Mo Fengxu didn’t leave the night before.

Bao Bao and Bei Bei, Xiangru, and Yimo, these four little ones, were very happy to see their new playmate.

Today, Bao Bao was dressed in a very handsome little suit, with a top hat on his head, looking like a little prince walking out of a fairy tale.

Upon seeing Nian’en, Bao Bao took off his hat, placed one hand on his chest and the other behind him, and bowed slightly, greeting very gentlemanly, "Hello there, I’m Mo Jingxing, my nickname is Bao Bao, I’m four years old, you can just call me Bao Bao."

It was only when meeting little girls that Bao Bao would be so enthusiastic.

None of Mo Zhixuan’s cool and aloof air could be seen in Bao Bao.

"Hello Bao Bao, I am Duanmu Nianen, I am three years old. I don’t have a nickname, you can call me Nian’en." Nian’en shook Bao Bao’s little hand very politely, and the two little ones shook hands very formally, amusing the adults watching them.

"Nian’en, I am older than you by one year, so you have to call me Big Brother Bao Bao," Bao Bao followed.

Nian’en was a sweet little darling, responding crisply, "Hello, Big Brother Bao Bao."

"Good," Bao Bao extended his hand and patted Nian’en’s head, then gave him a fruit candy, "This is a candy from Big Brother Bao Bao, once you take my candy, from now on you’ll be one of mine." Despite being a young child, he was acting like an adult, which was comically adorable.

Nian’en accepted the candy, "Thank you, Big Brother Bao Bao."

Bao Bao waved his little hand, "You’re welcome, we’re all family."

With a smile, Tong Zhi turned to Chu Jin, "I don’t even know who your son takes after, being such a charmer. Imagine how many little girls he’ll attract when he grows up."

Chu Jin shrugged helplessly as well, "Definitely not like me." Her and Mo Zhixuan’s temperaments were both somewhat cool, and she didn’t understand how they ended up with such a warm-hearted child like Bao Bao...

From what Chu Jin observed on a daily basis, Bao Bao really liked playing with little girls.

His friends were called "Lingling," "Jingjing," "Xiaoyuer," and such.

She really didn’t know who the child takes after...

Tong Zhi continued, "He doesn’t take after Zhixuan either, when Zhixuan was as big as Bao Bao, he was like a little old man, very prim and proper, spending all his time practicing martial arts or studying, your mom even thought the child might be autistic."

All things considered, apart from his looks, which are somewhat similar to Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan, in terms of personality, Bao Bao really does not follow either of them.

Chu Jin laughed softly, "When I first met Mo Zhixuan, he wasn’t talkative either." He gradually changed a lot over time.

Mo Zhixuan sat to the side, his face always maintaining a faint smile.

Meanwhile, the five kids quickly started playing together.

With Bao Bao as the center, the other four little ones gathered around him.

"Mommy, can I take everyone to meet my friends, okay?" Bao Bao walked over to Chu Jin.

"Go ahead, but be careful. Call mom every half an hour, understand?" As a boy with special ability, Chu Jin naturally let Bao Bao go out to play on his own quite often, it was also a good way to foster his independence.

"Yeah," Bao Bao nodded, "Okay, mommy, don’t worry."

Watching the little ones walking away, Tong Zhi expressed her concern, "Jin, your heart is really big, letting such little kids go out on their own?" In this group of children, the oldest were Xiangru and Yimo, and they were only about five years old.

Chu Jin replied with a smile, "Don’t worry, Auntie Tong, Bao Bao and Bei Bei often go out to play by themselves, and besides, I’ve sent a pair of Hidden Guards to follow them, you can be at ease." Chu Jin was not one to be irresponsible.

Upon hearing this, Tong Zhi finally breathed a sigh of relief, "Then I am reassured."

After a while, Ding Siyu and Han Zixiu also came with their children.

The Sun, Moon and Stars brothers were over two years old this year, one of them resembled Ding Siyu, the other two looked like Han Zixiu.

The three brothers, although only two years old, already spoke very clearly.

Standing in front of everyone, they greeted them one by one.

"Yangyang, Yueyue, Star, come here to your auntie." Chu Jin beckoned the three brothers over.

"Auntie, Uncle, hello." The three brothers walked over to Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan and spoke with considerable politeness.

"It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, and you three have grown a lot taller." Chu Jin reached over and affectionately touched the tops of the three brothers’ heads.

Tong Zhi was very fond of the three brothers and pulled Han Jiayang’s hand, saying, "Look how alike these three brothers look. Siyu, you’re going to be so lucky in the future with three big sons."

Ding Siyu laughed, "Auntie Tong, you’re joking. These three brothers are quite mischievous. It would be good enough if they don’t drive me to death with frustration, let alone enjoying any luck."

These three brothers really were mischievous—at home if left unattended for a moment, they could practically rip off the roof. Their destructive abilities were on par with Two Ha.

In fact, they were even more capable than Two Ha. Ding Siyu wished she could tie them up with a rope.

"Auntie, where are Brother Bao Bao and Sister Bei Bei?" The eldest, Han Jiayang, looked up at Chu Jin.

Han Jiayang was an extroverted child, whereas Han Jiayue and Han Jiaxing were a bit more introverted. Perhaps because he was the eldest, Han Jiayang had a certain poise about him.

"They went out to play. Just wait a moment, I’ll call them and have them come back." Saying this, Chu Jin took out her phone to call Bao Bao.

Bao Bao and Bei Bei each carried an invisible children’s phone.

Soon, Bao Bao and Bei Bei returned with Xiangru, Yimo, and Nian’en in tow, and in the blink of an eye, five kids turned into eight.

And they were all around the same age.

Bao Bao immediately assumed the role of a big brother and introduced Xiangru, Yimo, and Nian’en to the three brothers, The Sun, Moon, and Stars.

"Yangyang, Yueyue, Star, let me introduce you to my little uncle and my little aunt. Just call them little uncle and little aunt like I do." Bao Bao was a very clever child, with a sharp mind.

"Little uncle, little aunt." Yangyang, Yueyue, and Star were young, but they understood the concepts of uncle and aunt.

"Very good, here’s some candy for you." Bao Bao dug out the last piece of candy from his pocket and handed it to the three brothers, The Sun, Moon, and Stars.

"This is Sister Nian’en. She’s a year older than you, so you should call her Sister Nian’en," Bao Bao continued.

"Hello, Sister Nian’en."

In just a few minutes, the children got to know each other and soon sat down on the carpet to share their toys.

Watching so many children, the Mo family’s grandmother remarked sentimentally, "Children really bring life to a place. Just look how well they play together."

Ding Siyu, however, noticed something different and said with a laugh, "In total, there are eight children but only three girls. The gender ratio is really unbalanced. Nowadays, the gender imbalance is getting worse, and I worry whether our three little rascals will be able to find wives in the future."

Nowadays, the gender imbalance was indeed a serious issue.

Mo Qingyi laughed and said, "Yangyang, Yueyue, and Star are such handsome brothers, how could they have trouble finding wives? Sister Siyu, you’re worrying without cause." After all, with their parents’ genes, The Sun, Moon, and Stars were indeed remarkably handsome.

"Being good-looking doesn’t put food on the table," Ding Siyu replied. "It’s hard to predict the future situation, especially as there seem to be fewer and fewer young girls."

Tong Zhi took up the conversation, "The person here with the least to worry about is Jin. In the future, there will surely be many girls vying to become your daughter-in-law." After all, Bao Bao had already mastered the art of charming girls at a young age.

Chu Jin smiled modestly, "Auntie Tong, please don’t tease me."

In the blink of an eye, it was noon, and since there were many people, everyone suggested having a barbecue.

Barbecues are more fun with many people.

Since it was a gathering of young people, the Mo family’s grandmother didn’t join them but went to the Chu Family to chat with Zhao Yan instead.

Chu Jin and Mo Qingyi went to wash the vegetables.

Finally having a moment alone with Chu Jin, Mo Qingyi lowered her voice and asked, "Jin, may I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead," Chu Jin turned to look at Mo Qingyi, her eyes smiling.

"Jin, how long were you and my brother together before you got pregnant?" Mo Qingyi asked, her face turning slightly red.

"Why this sudden question?" Chu Jin felt a bit embarrassed. "Are you thinking about having children?"

Mo Qingyi nodded.

Chu Jin thought for a moment, "Actually, back in the secular world, we were together soon after we got our marriage certificate, but I didn’t get pregnant. Later, after returning to the Superpower World, it seemed like it took two or three months before Bao Bao and Bei Bei came along. Getting pregnant isn’t something you can rush; it’s all about fate." Mainly, it had been so long that she couldn’t quite remember.

"Seems like you all get pregnant so easily," Mo Qingyi sighed.

"Have you and Duanmu Zhe taken any contraceptive measures over these years?" Chu Jin continued to ask.

Usually, Mo Qingyi seldom brought up such topics on her own.

"No," Mo Qingyi shook her head, "We actually like children a lot, just that we haven’t been able to conceive."

Hearing this, Chu Jin frowned slightly.

Duanmu Zhe and Mo Qingyi had been together for four years without using contraception, it didn’t make sense that they hadn’t conceived...

Unless, one of them... had a problem.

"Have you been to the hospital?" Chu Jin looked at Mo Qingyi and asked very tactfully.

Mo Qingyi understood what Chu Jin meant. She nodded, "Yes, we have, but the doctor said there was no problem. I don’t know what’s going on. I just can’t get pregnant." Mo Qingyi was truly anxious, otherwise, she wouldn’t have brought it up with Chu Jin.

Chu Jin narrowed her eyes slightly, put down the vegetables she was holding, and pulled out a tissue to wipe her hands. Then she said, "Qingyi, stretch out your hand." Chu Jin was quite knowledgeable in medicine, and with her in-depth research over the years, she could already be described as a "Divine Doctor."

If it was indeed an issue with Mo Qingyi’s body, she would definitely be able to diagnose it.

Mo Qingyi extended her hand nervously in front of Chu Jin.

Chu Jin reached out, touched her pulse, and then closed her eyes slightly.

A moment later, Chu Jin slowly opened her eyes.

Mo Qingyi immediately asked, "Jin, how is it?"

Chu Jin smiled and said, "Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with your body."

Hearing this, Mo Qingyi sighed in relief. "Jin, with your medical skills, isn’t there some kind of medicine that one can take to get pregnant?"

Ancient medical practices were miraculous and complex—since there were contraceptive herbal remedies, there naturally were also ones that could promote pregnancy.

Chu Jin thought for a moment, then said, "There is indeed one such prescription, although it’s all traditional medicine and might not taste too good. If you can stick to drinking it for three months, it will definitely be effective."

"As long as I can have children, I’m not afraid of taking a bit of medicine. Jin, please write down the recipe for me." Mo Qingyi wouldn’t miss even the slightest hope, especially since the prescription was coming from Chu Jin, which made her even more confident.

"Come with me." Chu Jin rolled up her sleeves and headed upstairs to the study.

Mo Qingyi followed behind.

In the study, Chu Jin picked up a brush, stood to dip it in ink, and began to write.

Even though it was now a modern society, Chu Jin still preferred to use a brush.

Her brush and pen calligraphy each had their own merits.

Soon, Chu Jin finished writing a prescription. After stopping her brush, she picked up the paper, blew on it to dry the ink, and then handed it to Mo Qingyi, instructing, "Qingyi, you must persist in taking these medicines for them to work. Continue until you are confirmed pregnant before you stop."

Hearing this, Mo Qingyi asked with some concern, "Won’t it have any effect on the baby?"

Chu Jin shook her head, "That won’t be an issue. Rest assured, these medicines are non-toxic and only beneficial to people."

Mo Qingyi nodded, "That’s good then. Jin, thank you." Mo Qingyi hugged Chu Jin to show her gratitude.

Chu Jin patted Mo Qingyi’s back, "Wait until you’re pregnant to thank me. Oh, and Duanmu needs to drink the medicine too. It’s not going to work if only you drink it."

Hearing this, Mo Qingyi asked in surprise, "Ah? Why is that?"

Chu Jin tapped Mo Qingyi’s head, "Silly girl, is having a child only your concern? Can you have a baby without a man?" Therefore, this kind of medicine usually is effective when both the man and woman take it.

"Oh, I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll make Little Zhe drink it with me." If it were any other man, he might not be willing to drink the medicine with his wife, but Duanmu Zhe was different. If possible, Duanmu Zhe would even be willing to have the baby in place of Mo Qingyi.

"Good," Chu Jin nodded slightly, "Remember, once a day is enough."

Duanmu Family.

Lin Xiyuan came again, bringing gifts with her. It was almost a daily occurrence that she would come bearing something.

If not bringing fruits, then it would be homemade snacks.

"Xiyuan, have you eaten? If not, come eat with Auntie," Zhou Jin called for Lin Xiyuan to sit down.

With a smile, Lin Xiyuan replied, "I’m just getting hungry, thank you, Auntie."

Zhou Jin instructed the servant to bring a bowl of noodles.

Watching Lin Xiyuan eat so deliciously, Zhou Jin said with a smile, "Xiyuan, if you like it, eat more. I’ve had a lot of noodles cooked."

There wasn’t a trace of yesterday’s worry on Zhou Jin’s face, and a flicker of surprise crossed in Lin Xiyuan’s eyes.

Logically speaking, Zhou Jin should not have been this calm after knowing about that matter.

"Thank you, Auntie, I’m already full. Suddenly, I feel reluctant to leave you. If I get married to Yi Heng in the future, I won’t be able to visit Auntie’s home as often," Lin Xiyuan said with reluctance.

Laughing, Zhou Jin said, "Silly child, if you like it here, you can come over every day to play."

"Oh, Auntie, I have something to give you." As if suddenly remembering, Lin Xiyuan took out a prescription from her bag and handed it to Zhou Jin, "Auntie, this prescription was given to me by a doctor friend. It’s said to be very effective. You can have Qingyi sister-in-law give it a try."

Without saying it, Zhou Jin knew what kind of prescription it was.

Zhou Jin took the prescription with a composed expression and smiled, "Xiyuan, you are thoughtful." Zhou Jin had finally gotten over that hurdle, and now Lin Xiyuan was dredging up the past again. It was inevitably a bit painful, but she did not show it.

"Auntie, in the future, we are all family, there’s no need for you to be so polite with me," Lin Xiyuan continued, "Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone about this, including my parents. I haven’t told them, either."

Zhou Jin patted Lin Xiyuan’s hand, "Yes, good child, Auntie believes in your character."

Lin Xiyuan went on to comfort her, "Auntie, don’t be too anxious. There will always be a solution to this issue, and worrying is useless."

Zhou Jin nodded, "Yes, Xiyuan, don’t worry about me. Little Zhe and Qingyi are good kids. Even if they truly don’t have their own children, it’s okay. Aren’t the Tong madam and the third master of the Mo family childless? The two children they adopted are brought up well too. If it really doesn’t work out, when the time comes, we’ll let Little Zhe and Qingyi adopt a child as well."

Zhou Jin had come to terms with it. If Duanmu Zhe and Mo Qingyi really ended up not having children of their own, adopting one would be just as good.

Lin Xiyuan smiled and said, "Auntie, I have to speak my mind here, and please don’t be upset with me for being outspoken. As the saying goes, hair is not as good as your own, and children are not like your own. Other people’s children will always be other people’s in the end, especially for a prominent family like the Duanmu Family. Should all their wealth really fall into the hands of outsiders? You and uncle have struggled all your lives, should it all be for others to enjoy?"

Lin Xiyuan’s words were piercing, leaving Zhou Jin feeling very upset. Yet, Zhou Jin had no words of rebuttal. What Lin Xiyuan said was true.

These children, indeed, are not like one’s own flesh and blood.

Zhou Jin did not respond.

Seeing Zhou Jin’s expression change, Lin Xiyuan added, "Auntie, I was just speaking off the cuff. Don’t take it to heart. I’m considering the bloodline of the Duanmu Family."

Zhou Jin nodded, "Yes, Xiyuan, I am aware of all you’ve said." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Since it has happened, we can only let nature take its course."

Lin Xiyuan nodded with a smile, "Auntie, you’re right. With medical science so advanced now, there must be a way. Oh, and about this medicine, remember to have Qingyi sister-in-law take it, and she must not skip any doses, or it won’t have any effect."

"Yes, Xiyuan, I will," Zhou Jin said. "By the way, how are things with you and Yi Heng now? You two aren’t getting any younger. If possible, Auntie still hopes you can settle down sooner rather than later."

"We’ll talk about that next holiday. I have to return to the military in a few days," Lin Xiyuan said with a smile.

"That’s fine too," Zhou Jin nodded, her expression somewhat downcast.

After glancing at her phone, Lin Xiyuan said, "Auntie, Yi Heng and I have an appointment. I won’t disturb you any longer." Lin Xiyuan had come today specifically to deliver the medicine to Zhou Jin. Now that it had been delivered, she naturally had to leave.

Zhou Jin really was a good mother-in-law to be so composed even after learning her daughter-in-law might not be able to have children.

Any other mother-in-law would find it unbearable.

"Go ahead," Zhou Jin smiled, seeing Lin Xiyuan out the door.

Watching Lin Xiyuan’s retreating figure disappear from sight, Zhou Jin turned and walked back inside.

Returning to the living room and seeing the packet of medicine on the table, Zhou Jin’s eyes filled with an unbearable bitterness. She sighed deeply and put the packet of medicine into a kitchen drawer.

Outside the house.

Having walked a few steps, Lin Xiyuan looked back with a hint of a faint smile at the sunlight-drenched courtyard.

Imperial Palace.

Bao Bao and his little friends were playing under a large banyan tree. The dense branches shaded them from the strong sun, casting dappled shadows, while cicadas noisily chirped on incessantly.

"Shall we play hide and seek?" Bao Bao asked, mysteriously producing a long rectangular strip of cloth.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read