I Became the Mother of His Child

Yuanyao and Yuanming, sister and brother, had arrived in City Z by evening. Although Xu Xiuxiu had been busy all day, she still made an effort to get home early. After all, having her brother-in-law and sister-in-law in the city for a whole day without even showing her face wouldn't be right!

Song Yuanhuan, although busy with military drills, had told Xu Xiuxiu that he would try to be home before dinner.

In the Hai Chao Garden home, after a whole day's train journey, Yuanyao and Yuanming couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite decoration as soon as they stepped inside: "Sis, our sister-in-law is really amazing," Yuanming whispered into Yuanyao's ear.

"Sister-in-law is awesome. If she weren't, where would she get the spare money to buy so many school supplies for us each month!" Yuanyao was mentally prepared and decidedly more composed than Yuanming.

"Aunt Luo, these are my brother-in-law's brother and sister. They've been on a train all day. Could you arrange for them to rest in their rooms? I still have to go pick up Cheng Guang from school!" Xu Jingjing instructed Aunt Luo.

"Alright, then you hurry along, Jingjing! It's almost time for the kids to leave school. Don't let them be delayed," Aunt Luo replied, somewhat worriedly.

"Don't worry! I'll make it." Jingjing shook her head, then walked over to the quietly playing boy and girl twins in the living room and kissed each child: "Yuanyao, Yuanming, you guys rest for a bit. My sister and brother-in-law should be back soon. I'm off to pick up Cheng Guang." Jingjing spoke, then checked her watch to confirm the time.

"Okay, you go ahead, Sister Jingjing!" From the moment Jingjing had gone to the train station to pick them up, she had displayed an aura of a competent, strong woman from start to finish. Yuanyao, usually calm and composed, couldn't help but admire the imposing presence Jingjing emitted. It seemed the big city truly had the power to change a person.

"Then, I'm off," Jingjing said with a polite smile, then left.

Aunt Luo washed her hands and turned to Yuanyao and Yuanming with a smile: "Hello there, I'm the nanny and cook employed by your sister-in-law Xiuxiu. You can also call me Aunt Luo. Your sister-in-law mentioned yesterday that you would be coming. I've already tidied up your rooms. I'll help with your luggage first, and you can check to see if there's anything missing. Just tell me, and I'll get it for you." Aunt Luo said while reaching over to help with the luggage.

Yuanyao and Yuanming, children from a rural background used to being self-sufficient, couldn't possibly let Aunt Luo lift the luggage and quickly declined: "Aunt Luo, we can handle the luggage ourselves." Saying so, the sister and brother each grabbed a suitcase and entered the two adjacent rooms on the first floor prepared for them.

"Auntie, I'm Yuanyao, and he's my brother Yuanming. You can just call us by our names," Yuanhuan said to Aunt Luo as he watched his brother handling the luggage.

"Okay," Aunt Luo nodded good-naturedly. "Are you two hungry? It's still a while before dinner is ready. Should I whip up something quick for you to nibble on?" Elderly people are always so thoughtful.

"No need, we ate something on the train."

"Alright, Aunt Luo will go cook dinner now. You can rest if you're tired; if not, go watch TV in the living room. The boy and girl twins are there, they're so well-behaved. You can play with them." Aunt Luo said with a smile, then went into the kitchen to start preparing dinner.

Song Yuan Yao and Song Yuanming each stayed in their rooms and tidied up their luggage briefly before sitting in the living room, watching TV and playing with their little nephew and niece.

"Little Baby, do you remember your auntie? I'm your auntie!" Song Yuan Yao leaned over to the stroller, watching Little Baby who had just woken up and was sizing her up with big rolling eyes. Moved, she carefully lifted Little Baby from the stroller, poking his little nose while asking. Then, when she received a bright smile from Little Baby, the fatigue from a day of train travel instantly vanished.

While Song Yuan Yao was playing with Little Baby, Song Yuanming wasn't falling behind. He simply sat cross-legged on the sofa, pulling Little Moon into his lap and then the uncle and nephew watched TV together.

Little Moon was not even a year old and only knew a few simple sounds, but the little fella was lively. Being held by his uncle, he didn't cry or make a fuss. His little head turned, watching the TV for a while, then making sounds, as if sharing his thoughts with Song Yuanming. Incredibly familiar with him, it seemed he really liked where Song Yuanming had placed him, and occasionally the uncle and nephew would share a knowing smile.

Xu Xiuxiu arrived home to this heartwarming scene.

"Sister-in-law, you're back." Little Baby was very quiet and well-behaved, so Song Yuan Yao naturally wasn't focusing much on the TV. Hearing the door open, she turned her gaze toward the entrance.

"Mm! You two made it home safely. How was it? Tired after such a long train journey?" Xu Xiuxiu asked with a smile, "Why don't you go rest in the room instead of sitting and watching TV in the living room?"

"We weren't tired at all from the train ride." Song Yuanming, holding Little Moon, turned his head to speak with Xu Xiuxiu, his tone casual, not feeling uncomfortable upon seeing such a large, finely furnished apartment.

This, in particular, was what Xu Xiuxiu liked most about Song Yuanming; he was straightforward and generous, his temperament somewhat similar to that of the former Xu Jingjing.

"You young people are just full of energy! Every time I take the train, it's as exhausting as going to battle," Xu Xiuxiu continued with a laugh. Seeing the well-behaved Little Moon in Song Yuanming's arms, and then noticing her, Little Moon cooed and greeted her, boosting his presence, she immediately responded with a sweet smile, "Your uncle and I had some things to attend to today, so we couldn't pick you up at the station. I hope everything was alright!" Xu Xiuxiu said, and specifically cleaned up from the construction site before coming home, not looking as unkempt as usual, covered in mud and dirt.

"It's okay, sister-in-law. You and uncle were busy, we understand. Besides, Sister Jingjing was there to pick us up!" Song Yuan Yao responded to Xu Xiuxiu's explanation. She didn't mind that Xu Xiuxiu and her husband hadn't come to pick them up. Xu Jingjing had arranged everything well, they were among familiar people, and there was no discomfort. Besides, they weren't children; having someone responsible for picking them up was enough, even if no one did, they could find their way home by themselves.

"That's good." Xu Xiuxiu nodded in relief, "By the way, have you called home yet?" The children coming to Z city would surely have Mrs. Song worrying all day!