These past few days, countless people visited Lin Wanwan, congratulating Xie Sui on the addition to their family, and not just one, but two babies. Entertaining them also took up a significant portion of Xie Sui’s energy.
The hospital room was overflowing with tonics and children's clothes, all in duplicate. Even Secretary Liu sent two cans of milk powder, a personal gift.
The directors of other factories, whether competitors or collaborators, all felt compelled to show their regards at such a time.
Yan Xiaoliang also showed up, a lingering fear in his eyes, along with a trace of guilt.
“Brother Xie, congratulations, congratulations.”
Xie Sui didn’t connect the matter of Du Yujie to him and replied politely, “Thank you. It wasn’t me who went through the hardship, it was Wanwan. Treat your wife better in the future. Women have it tougher than us men.
Just giving birth is like walking through the gates of hell. Those who are willing to bear children for you truly care about you.”
“I understand, Brother Xie is right. I was wrong before, always comparing myself to you, always wanting to reach the peak in one step. I know I was wrong now.”
Xie Sui smiled at the sudden apology and didn’t dwell on it. Many people realize their mistakes, but how many truly change?
People are shaped by their environment, the most fickle of things.
“It’s alright, it’s all in the past.”
Yan Xiaoliang then asked, “Has that Miss Du left yet?”
Xie Sui: “I’m not her father, why would I care so much about her?”
A cold glint flashed in his eyes. It would be best if she hadn't left yet; he still had to settle accounts with her.
Yan Xiaoliang said, “Why don’t I return the money to her? That woman is truly terrifying. I’m afraid she won’t let me off the hook. She had bodyguards, and dealing with me was like catching a chick. I’m genuinely scared.”
Xie Sui's heart stirred. “She dealt with you?”
“Uh, she warned me a few days ago. I wanted to return the money, but she refused.”
“And then?”
Yan Xiaoliang felt uneasy. “Then what?”
Xie Sui, being so astute, could pick up clues from the slightest hint. He said gently, “How did you escape? Given Miss Du’s temper, millions are pocket change for buying a bag. She wouldn’t have accepted the money; she wanted to vent her anger, either by breaking your legs and teaching you a lesson, or… by killing you.”
Yan Xiaoliang was so frightened his liver trembled. “How could she? Murder is against the law.”
“That’s why you’re still alive. If this were in Hong Kong, she could have had you killed silently. You haven't told me yet, how did you escape?”
Yan Xiaoliang only realized afterward that he had effectively sold out Xie Sui for his own survival. He dared not speak now. “I begged for mercy. Perhaps she didn’t dare to make a big scene. I have something to do, I’ll be going now.”
Xie Sui watched his retreating back, deep in thought.
Lin Wanwan was finally discharged from the hospital. Xie Sui also fulfilled his promise, donating five million yuan to the hospital, with Secretary Tang as a witness. This money was to be used for pediatrics and obstetrics, as a blessing for the children.
The hospital was delighted, and the director guaranteed that their family would receive the best expert consultations whenever they visited. Xie Sui stated that he didn't desire such a thing.
If they truly needed consultations, it would mean they were gravely ill. He felt that being alive was good enough, and it was best to avoid hospitals if possible.
Mother Xie held both babies alone, while Xie Sui supported Lin Wanwan as they finally left the hospital. Chen Weimin was handling the remaining procedures and belongings. This second brother-in-law had become Xie Sui's right-hand man, far superior to the previous one.
Upon returning home, Lin Wanwan felt much more relaxed. No matter how good the conditions were in the hospital, they couldn’t compare to the comfort of home.
She had a natural birth and recovered quickly. She could already walk around and eat heartily. She consumed three catties of eggs daily. Xie Sui couldn't fathom a woman eating so many eggs during her confinement.
Xie Min was unfazed. “Our neighbor ate five catties a day during her confinement, six meals a day, not to mention pig trotters and ribs. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn, so she could eat to her heart's content. I couldn’t eat like that when I had my daughter. One egg a day was good, and I ate several ounces of brown sugar, yet my ex-mother-in-law looked pained. As for my second daughter, no one even took care of her during her confinement; she didn't even have eggs. Luckily, it was summer, and I washed diapers myself. If it had been winter, I don't know how I would have managed.”
Before Xie Sui could say anything, Chen Weimin’s heart ached. “That family treated you like that? They deserve to die. It seems I was too lenient with them.”
The He family now dared not enter the city. Chen Weimin's subordinates beat them every time they encountered them. He Yong was so terrified his spirit was broken.
Xie Sui was speechless. “You two go close the door and be affectionate yourselves. Don’t scare Wanwan. Her milk supply is already low. What will our son do if she has no milk?”
“He’ll have formula. It’s bound to happen sooner or later.”
Xie Sui, angered, shooed them away. He still worried about formula. He recalled so many reports about unsafe formula in later years, with a strong emphasis on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was indeed more reassuring.
“Tomorrow, we'll stew pig’s trotters soup and crucian carp and tofu soup. Lots of nourishing food to try and ensure the babies get breast milk for at least six months. Formula can supplement, but it shouldn't be the primary source. It's not that we're reluctant to spend the money, but formula isn't as nutritious as breast milk.”
Lin Wanwan said, “I know, you don’t need to worry. Go check on the factory. You don’t need to hover around us three anymore. Mom can take good care of us.”
Xie Sui said plaintively, “Now that you have a son, you dislike me? Then I’ll leave. You rest well, I won’t bother you anymore.”
Lin Wanwan ignored him. He was becoming increasingly sentimental, spoiled by him.
Xie Sui signaled Chen Weimin, and the two of them went out together.
“Is Du Yujie still in the county town?”
“She's still here. She hasn't left. She seems to want to invest here as well, and she’s been in contact with the government quite a bit. What do you want to do?”
Chen Weimin had been having her watched. She had nearly caused Lin Wanwan to miscarry, and Chen Weimin knew about it. He didn't have a good impression of this woman.
Xie Sui: “You don’t need to worry about it. I’ll handle this myself.”
“Let me do it. After all, this is our territory. Just tell me what you want her to do.”
Chen Weimin was worried Xie Sui might be too heavy-handed and cause trouble, so he wanted to handle it himself.
Xie Sui naturally understood his meaning. This was truly a brother-in-law. “Thanks, brother-in-law. Don’t worry, I have a sense of proportion.”
After giving his instructions, Xie Sui went to the factory to check on things. Wanwan was right; he couldn’t neglect the factory’s affairs indefinitely.
Hu Pan was there, diligently organizing the factory's finances and management systems, displaying the demeanor of a female CEO.
“Brother Xie is here. How is Sister Wanwan?”
“She’s been discharged and is doing well. The babies have gained some weight. They were so tiny, I was afraid to touch them. You should go see them yourself.”
Hu Pan said enviously, “Sister Wanwan is truly amazing, a mother of four. I can’t even imagine it. Brother Xie, you’re quite lucky, becoming a father of four so directly.”
Xie Sui said proudly, “Indeed, we have great fortune.”
Hu Pan rolled her eyes. You couldn’t praise him, or he’d get an inflated ego.
“Has there been any progress on the new factory building? Has Secretary Tang contacted you?”
Xie Sui planned to start construction soon and finalize the site to avoid any unforeseen delays.