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Chapter 337: Chapter 337 Childbirth
Tong Yao hadn’t been fond of Zhang Lijuan before, but after her marriage, she seemed to be honest, living a simple life with Si Boyi without too much extravagance. So, Tong Yao’s impression of her got better than before.
The relationship between sisters-in-law was always as complicated as that between mother and daughter-in-law. Fortunately, they all lived in different cities. As long as Zhang Lijuan didn’t stir up trouble, Tong Yao didn’t have other qualms against her.
Upon hearing Tong Yao’s concern, Si Boyi managed to pull a smile and reassured, "Sister-in-law, don’t worry, our mother is here to take care of Lijuan. Xiaoshuang and I could manage the shop ourselves. Worst comes to worst, I would hire a nanny for Lijuan, as I’ve previously promised her, which she never forgets."
This time, Zhang Lijuan had nearly died, which deeply scared Si Boyi. He was willing to hire even two nannies as long as the mother and child were safe. His money was no big deal compared to their wellbeing.
In terms of spending money, Si Boyi indeed was a good husband. He was reluctant to spending money himself, but he never begrudged money on Zhang Lijuan. He had never fell short when it came to her needs for food, clothing, and other necessities.
Tong Yao chuckled, "She’s endured much giving birth. It’s only right for you to treat her well. She mustn’t get angry during the confinement period. Cater to her needs and cook whatever she craves. If you’re short of money, use the shop’s first."
Although they had enough money, Si Boyi was still grateful upon hearing Tong Yao’s words. "Thank you, sister-in-law."
"Since when did you start being so formal? We’re all family here. No need for such courtesy. By the way, Ahchen got admitted for postgraduate studies, so we might not be able to attend the Full Moon Wine Ceremony."
Tong Yao usually acted like a child around Si Chen, but in front of Si Boyi, she behaved quite maturely like a real sister-in-law, which made Si Boyi unconsciously see her as an elder.
He always wanted to hear her opinions on certain things.
Upon hearing that Si Chen made it to the postgraduate studies, Si Boyi bloomed with joy as if he had hit the lottery, "Sister-in-law, we are truly blessed. I’ll encourage my son to learn from elder brother and become a doctor once he grows up. Don’t worry about missing the ceremony. As soon as Lijuan is past her confinement period, we will come to visit you. We have never been out of Li City before."
Si Boyi wasn’t very well-educated but held a high regard for his learned older brother. He intended to raise his son according to his brother’s standards. In his eyes, his future lay in the hands of his son.
In the future, with his elder brother gaining stability in Kyoto, he would be at peace if his son could get admitted to Kyoto University.
Tong Yao chimed with a crisp laugh, "Deal, I’ll be waiting for you at the station. I’ll take you around Kyoto, and we’ll have all the local delicacies."
Si Boyi was a straightforward person without many ulterior motives. Compared to Si Xiaohui, Tong Yao appreciated Si Boyi more. She was inclined to help him out once she earns big in the future.
However, this was Tong Yao’s thinking for the moment. Perhaps in the future, Si Boyi and Zhang Lijuan might be well-off. Lijuan was a bold woman; she might venture on her own once she had saved enough money.
Everything was still uncertain, so Tong Yao didn’t want to think too far ahead.
After hanging up the phone, Si Boyi, finding the shop not too busy, hurried home to see his son. Despite Zhang Lijuan’s childbirth being perilous, she had been in good health and recovered quickly. Despite not hiring a nanny, with the presence of Chen Jinlan and Lin Fengying, she led a comfortable life during her confinement period. She was well-taken care of and didn’t even have to worry about the child.
Seeing her daughter living comfortably, Chen Jinlan couldn’t help but reminisce sitting by the bed, "Remember how your life has improved because you followed my advice? Everyone in the village envies you two. I heard Si Boyi burst into tears out of worry when you were giving birth. When I was giving birth to you and your brother, we delivered at home. Your father was out working in the fields while I was in labor for a full day. Women’s fortunes depend heavily on whom they marry. If you marry the right person, you live like an empress. If not, you’re doomed to a life of hardship."
Zhang Lijuan replied, "Mom, you only highlight the good part while neglecting the downside. You conveniently forgot about the TV you wanted to buy. If I had listened to you then, I might not even be alive now. I owe my life to the money Boyi spent."
The cost of giving birth this time was significant, including the blood transfusion.
Typically, who would be willing to spend so much money?
"Are you still holding a grudge against me?" Chen Jinlan looked a bit upset. "I was looking out for you. I am your mother. What harm could I possibly cause you? If I meant any harm, I wouldn’t have suggested you hold onto Boyi."
"Why would I hold a grudge against you? You’re my mom." Zhang Lijuan merely voiced her dissatisfaction and didn’t hold it against her. She changed the topic, "Mom, to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have ever realized how much Boyi cares about me if not for this incident. You wouldn’t know the first thing he told me when I came out of the delivery room—we’re done having kids after this one."
Although Zhang Lijuan thought having only one child was a bit too less, she was comforted when she heard this from Boyi’s mouth.
What does a woman want in her life?
Isn’t it a man who treats her well?
Although she frequently argued with Si Boyi, Zhang Lijuan knew like the back of her hand how good Boyi was to her. He took care of her needs and provided for her. It’s hard to find such a man. If she had married Si Chen back then, she probably wouldn’t be as comfortable as now.
With Si Chen being so outstanding, he surely must have numerous admirers. She was ordinary, would she spend everyday in fear of her husband being swept away by another woman? That would make life too tiring.
Her current life was more comfortable.
"Our son indeed worth all the love. He has not disappointed me." Chen Jinlan was genuinely happy to hear how much her son-in-law loved her daughter, "But, just one child is too less. You should have two more. You both can afford them."
Zhang Lijuan frowned, complaining, "Mom, please don’t bring up having more kids right now. Just the thought of it is giving me a stomach ache. I nearly lost my life, and yet you still want me to have more kids. Am I even your own daughter?"
Talking of having more kids, even the current newborn made her uneasy.
She almost lost her life for this child.
The thought of death when her good days just began made her uncomfortable to the point she felt like smacking the child’s bottom.
Chen Jinlan chided, "You’re still upset with me. If you weren’t my daughter, would I be here caring for you in the first place?" Since she realized her daughter had been through a lot, she decided not to pursue the matter any further.
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