CHAPTER 462: CHAPTER 464: DAD’S BACK

That night, Sun Yuhua had a nightmare, muttering, "My son, I’m sorry, Mom is sorry..."

Gao Jiazhi, who was beside her, heard Sun Yuhua’s sleep talk and quickly woke her up, "Yuhua, wake up, you’re having a nightmare."

Sun Yuhua woke up startled, gasping for air, and threw herself into Gao Jiazhi’s arms.

Gao Jiazhi comforted Sun Yuhua all night; by morning, his eyes were bloodshot, and Sun Yuhua’s face was haggard, as she hadn’t slept well the entire night, haunted by her child’s accusations and questioning every time she closed her eyes.

At breakfast, Zheng Xianghong saw that both Gao Jiazhi and Sun Yuhua looked unwell and nagged, "I know you want to go to college, but you can’t neglect your health. You should sleep well at night and study during the day. Wouldn’t that be better? Plus, it wouldn’t hurt your eyes."

"I got it, Mom," Gao Jiazhi responded, not mentioning Sun Yuhua’s nightmares.

Sun Yuhua didn’t say a word, looking listless and wan.

Xia Xiao knew her words had impacted Sun Yuhua. But now, her concerns had shifted, feeling a heaviness in her abdomen; she knew it meant she was close to giving birth.

She wondered if Gao Jiaxing would be able to return home in time. As she pondered, excitement filled the courtyard with the joyful voices of Feiyang and Feiyue, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Uncle!"

Xia Xiao was taken aback, a smile spreading across her face as she tried to get up with some difficulty, supporting her waist, her body feeling clumsy. Zheng Xianghong hurried over to help Xia Xiao out the door.

Gao Jiaxing had indeed returned, and upon entering the gate, he embraced Feiyang and Feiyue, lifting Feiyi high, while the children laughed gleefully.

Little Weilin also happily exclaimed, "Auntie, Uncle’s back."

Supported by Zheng Xianghong, Xia Xiao came out and, with a smile, said to Gao Jiaxing, "Why did you come back so suddenly without letting us know in advance?"

"I took a few days off to come back and surprise you," Gao Jiaxing put Feiyi down, then turned to greet Gao Guoqiang, Zheng Xianghong, Gao Jiazhi, and Sun Yuhua with, "Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law."

After speaking, Gao Jiaxing came over and took Xia Xiao’s hand.

Seeing her son all eager, Zheng Xianghong covered her mouth and chuckled, "Alright, I know you and your wife have things to discuss, go back to your room."

Xia Xiao blushed and followed Gao Jiaxing back to their room, walking a bit slower.

"Xiaoxiao," Gao Jiaxing’s gaze fell on Xia Xiao’s abdomen, and he gave her a look-over.

Seeing him like this, Xia Xiao said with a sour tone, "What, do you find your wife ugly now?"

Xia Xiao knew her current appearance was somewhat bloated, especially with her large pregnant belly and dressed in thick winter clothes—no beauty to speak of, just like a big clumsy bear.

"My wife isn’t ugly," Gao Jiaxing held Xia Xiao in his arms, "My wife is the most beautiful at all times."

"Sweet talker, don’t I know what I look like." Xia Xiao said; her image was hardly a concern now, and with such a large belly, she had also gained some weight, definitely nothing close to being called attractive.

"Really, my wife is the best-looking pregnant woman." Gao Jiaxing kissed Xia Xiao, "My wife is always beautiful to me."

"Mushy." Despite everything, Xia Xiao couldn’t help but laugh. She might not feel very attractive, but Gao Jiaxing’s words still made her happy.

"I planned to come home for the Spring Festival, but remembering you gave birth to Feiyang and Feiyue at seven months, I took leave early," Gao Jiaxing gently stroked Xia Xiao’s belly, "How come it’s so big? Could it be twins again?"

"It might be." Xia Xiao smiled.

Gao Jiaxing lifted the hem of Xia Xiao’s shirt, revealing her round, huge belly, with distinct stretch marks visible.

The thought of life being miraculously conceived inside her belly made Gao Jiaxing bend down and gently kiss Xia Xiao’s stomach, treating it with the care of a treasured jewel.

Xia Xiao, with her heightened emotions due to pregnancy, was deeply moved by Gao Jiaxing’s gesture, and tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably.

"Xiaoxiao, you’ve worked hard." Gao Jiaxing, hugging and kissing Xia Xiao, felt a twinge of regret, unsure if he would be present during the birth.

"It has been a bit hard, but these are our children, and it’s worth every bit of it." Xia Xiao smiled softly, deciding this would be her last pregnancy.

Gao Jiaxing was moved; how could he not love his Xiaoxiao?

Suddenly, Xia Xiao let out a soft cry, and Gao Jiaxing saw a notable bump rise on her belly. When he placed his hand over it, another bump appeared on the other side, accompanied by another soft cry from Xia Xiao.

With his hand on Xia Xiao’s stomach, Gao Jiaxing felt the frequent fetal movements, each one making the belly skin visibly protrude, stretching the lines on Xia Xiao’s stomach, filling him with a mix of terror and amazement as if the children were about to burst forth.

Seeing Gao Jiaxing’s reaction, Xia Xiao laughed, "It’s going to be any day now; I can clearly feel the weightiness of my belly, and the baby’s movements have become more frequent."

At her words, Xia Xiao let out another cry, but this time it wasn’t from movement– it was a contraction.

"Brother Gao, help me to the bathroom," Xia Xiao hurriedly said.

Gao Jiaxing stood up and assisted Xia Xiao towards the bathroom. Seeing her complexion off-color, he felt nervous—could it be that the child was coming?

"Xiaoxiao, take it slow." Gao Jiaxing supported her, watching her move at a hurried, anxious pace.

Once at the bathroom, Xia Xiao felt no urge to urinate but noticed a distinct red stain on her underwear.

Gao Jiaxing called out nervously from outside: "Xiaoxiao, how is it going in there? Can I come in?"

"I’m fine, don’t come in," Xia Xiao hurriedly responded. Despite being married for many years and familiar with each other’s bodies, she wasn’t comfortable with having her husband watch her use the bathroom.

"Is it time?" asked Gao Jiaxing.

"Yes, I’ve spotted, and my belly feels very heavy; also, I’ve started to have contractions," said Xia Xiao, experienced with this being her third pregnancy and knowing that it signaled the onset of labor.

Hearing this, Gao Jiaxing immediately picked up Xia Xiao, ready to rush back.

Xia Xiao patted his arm and said, "Brother Gao, put me down; I should walk back. It’s better to move around for an easier labor."

Gao Jiaxing obediently set Xia Xiao down, supporting her as she took a step before she paused again, "I think I want to go back to the bathroom."

Gao Jiaxing... and at the next second, he shouted for Zheng Xianghong, "Mom, Xiaoxiao’s going into labor!"