Country Love: Xie Dajiao, 37, is pregnant!

Four months later—

Four months have passed since Lin Chen's wedding, and today Lin Chen's villa is exceptionally clean.

The chandelier in the hall was wrapped with colorful ribbons, the corners of the coffee table and TV cabinet were covered, and the sofa was covered with brand new red velvet cloth, which was specially used for Xiao Jing'an's first birthday celebration.

Xie Xiaomei was pregnant, and her belly had grown quite large, but she couldn't stay still and kept tidying up the house.

Xie Dajiao sat on the sofa holding Xiao Jing'an, watching her busy herself, and immediately spoke up to stop her. It sounded like a scolding, but it was actually full of heartache:

"Can't you just calm down? You're so pregnant and still working so hard. Do we need your help? Sit down and rest!"

Hearing this, Xie Xiaomei smiled and obediently stopped what she was doing. She sat down next to Xie Dajiao and played with the child in her arms. Little Jing'an kicked his little arms and legs and laughed heartily, full of energy.

Xie Dajiao said with a smile:

Wang Xiaomeng, who had just returned from outside, poured herself a cup of tea, took a sip, and smiled as she struck up a conversation:

"I heard that the first birthday celebration must be done at noon when the sun is at its strongest and the yang energy is at its peak, that way it's considered accurate and symbolizes a smooth and successful life for the child."

Several people were chatting around the child when two car horns sounded from outside the yard.

Lin Chen had just come downstairs:

"It should be my uncle who has arrived. I'll go out to greet him."

Xie Xiaomei instinctively wanted to follow them outside.

Lin Chen quickly stepped forward and gently pressed his hand on her shoulder:

"Don't move. You're pregnant, don't run around. I'll go. Just stay inside and wait."

Xie Xiaomei nodded and obediently stayed in the house, while Chen Yannan and Wang Xiaomeng went to greet her.

At this time, on the village road, Zhao Si was carrying a basket of free-range eggs, heading to Lin Chen's house to give as a gift for the baby's first birthday.

When Zhao Si caught sight of Liu Neng's figure in the distance, his heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively wanted to hide.

Ever since Liu Ying became pregnant, Liu Neng has really felt triumphant and has always tried to take advantage of Zhao Si. Zhao Si really doesn't want to meet him and suffer any more humiliation.

He stopped in his tracks, shrank behind a tree by the roadside, and planned to turn around and slip away via a side path.

Unfortunately, Liu Neng had sharp eyes and spotted him from afar, calling out to him immediately.

Zhao Si couldn't escape anymore. He turned around hesitantly, moved over awkwardly, his lips twitching, looking utterly aggrieved.

Liu Neng put his hands behind his back, took off his hat, wiped the sweat from his bald head, and said in a sarcastic tone:

"Hey...Fourth brother, why are you slipping away from me from afar? Are you hiding because you're guilty?"

Zhao Si crouched down and craned his neck to say:

"Who's hiding? I'm just taking a step back. As the old saying goes, 'Take a step back and the sea and sky will broaden.' I just remembered that I forgot to bring money. I was thinking of going home to get some. I can't go to someone's house empty-handed when I'm giving a gift."

Liu Neng laughed heartily, his smugness barely concealed, and stammered:

"Ever since my Liu Ying got pregnant last month, your Zhao family has really behaved themselves. Your Yutian doesn't even dare to breathe loudly in front of me now, let alone talk back! Give him the guts!"

After saying that, he waved his hand, looking smug:

"That's right. One should know one's place. My Liu Ying is the most important. Come on, let's go to Lin Chen's house together and have some fun."

"You go first, I need to give a gift."

"Didn't you take the eggs?"

"One thing at a time, but we can't neglect personal relationships."

"Alright, alright, there's just too much to do... I'll go by myself then."

Liu Neng waved his small fan and strolled leisurely, feeling incredibly happy. How could this be so comfortable?

At Lin Chen's house, Wang Dana parked his car, got out, and was carrying a heavy-looking square box.

Lin Chen quickly stepped forward to greet him. Wang Dana handed him the things and casually said:

"These are a longevity lock and a small gold bracelet for Xiao Jing'an, made of pure gold, for the child's safety and good fortune. Why didn't you tell me about such an important thing sooner? You're incredibly bold!"

Lin Chen chuckled twice and quickly changed the subject:

"Why did you come alone? Where's my older brother?"

"Don't even mention it. That kid's been incredibly busy lately. He's got a small project in his hands, and he's been keeping an eye on things every day. He keeps saying he can't get away, so he won't come over. He told me to talk to you about it, and he'll come over once he's done with his work."

As the two walked into the courtyard, Wang Dana said:

"The resort is open! Why don't you hold your child's first birthday celebration there? It would be so prestigious."

"Sir, I was thinking that eating at home would be more comfortable," Lin Chen replied.

"You silly child, isn't the villa yours too? What's with all this talk of being comfortable or not?"

"I see the resort is doing good business. I went to take a look, and they've even added a KTV. That's pretty high-end."

"It's certainly lively, but it's not making any money. Logically speaking, with such a large investment, the profit shouldn't be this small."

Wang Dana lit a cigarette. The father and son smoked outside, and he frowned, worried that the child would be choked if they came inside.

"Liu Da Nao calls me every day to tell me good news, saying that customer traffic is good, business is booming, and it sounds like we're making a lot of money. But after working so hard for so long, I haven't seen much profit!"

"When I asked about the accounts, he started giving me nonsense."

Wang Dana's tone was angry:

"They either say the final payment for the renovation hasn't been settled, or that the ingredients are expensive, the staff wages are high, or that the expenses for entertaining guests are too high."

"I'm not in the village, so I can't keep an eye on things every day. Please keep an eye on things for me and make sure he doesn't fool us. This is our own family matter, so please take it seriously."

Lin Chen nodded, took a puff of his cigarette, and said:

"Sir, I told you to hire a management talent as general manager when we opened, but you insisted on bringing in Liu Da Nao. Fine, I'll keep a close eye on him."

"Sigh, Lao Liu might be a bit lacking, but I trust my own people. He's been with me for so long, let him learn a thing or two. If he really can't do it, I'll have to replace him. He can just be my assistant."

He then sighed and spoke of Xie Yongqiang:

"And Yongqiang, that kid, I'm really worried about him too."

Wang Dana said with some helplessness:

"From what Lao Liu said, the two of them don't get along. Liu Da Nao said that he is disobedient, always late and leaving early, and sometimes he doesn't even ask for leave and just disappears for a few days. They were arguing in front of me just now."

"I can't go into too much detail, young people these days care about their image, but he can't just coast through life like this. When you're at work, you have to act like you're at work and work diligently. You can't just waste time day after day. When will that ever end? Don't you think that makes sense?"

Lin Chen immediately understood and nodded, saying:

"Uncle, I understand. After the banquet is over today, I'll have a chat with Yongqiang and ask him what he's thinking. Is he having any difficulties? He's not a lazy person. I'll ask him what's going on."

"Alright, I'll leave this to you."

As they were talking, the two went inside.

As soon as Wang Dana entered the room, he saw Xiao Jing'an in Da Jiao's arms. He immediately forgot all his worries and smiled broadly, rushing over to tease the child.

Xie Dajiao smiled and handed the child forward:

"This child is so naughty. He doesn't like to sleep after dark and is always bothering me. He's exhausted."

Inside, everyone was chatting and laughing around the child. Before long, Xie Xiaomei's parents, Xie, also arrived.

As soon as Su Guifen entered the door, she stared at her daughter's belly and quickly stepped forward, saying:

"Wow, your belly is really showing! How have you been lately? Are your pregnancy symptoms completely gone? Are you able to eat and sleep well?"

Xie Xiaomei replied with a smile:

"Mom, everything is fine. I have no reaction and I'm eating and sleeping normally."

"That's good."

Su Guifen breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly gave instructions:

"Even if things are stable, you can't be careless. Don't wander off. If you want to eat something, just tell Mom, and Mom will come over and cook it for you anytime."

Xie Baochang also offered a few words of advice from the side.

Lin Chen poured them a glass of water and said with a smile:

"Mom and Dad, don't worry, I will take good care of Xiaomei and the baby. You don't need to worry about them at home."

In a short while, almost all the villagers had arrived.

Chang Gui and Wang Yun entered the house carrying nutritional supplements to offer their congratulations. Wang Laoqi carried a bag of freshly milled millet, which he brought specifically to cook porridge for the children. Liu Neng and Zhao Si followed closely behind, and more and more people gathered in the courtyard.

Before we knew it, it was noon, the sun was at its strongest and the yang energy was at its peak, the auspicious time for the baby's first birthday celebration had arrived.

Relatives and neighbors gathered in layers, all craning their necks to watch the spectacle.

Little Jing sat in the middle of the bright red velvet cloth, her round eyes looking around.

The chubby little hand grabbed the abacus first, and the little hand clattered and clicked the keys.