Birth

The next day, Zhao Danshi and Li Ping settled the things at home and prepared to drive to W City.

Before setting off, Zhao Danshi made a special trip to his neighbor Spoon's house.

Spoon had not gone out to do farm work so early. When he saw Zhao Danshi approaching from afar in a black knee-length coat, looking refined and unworldly, he could not help calling out with a smile, "Dressed so nicely—going somewhere?"

Zhao Danshi nodded, a smile appearing on his face. "I have something to take care of in W City."

"Hey, come in and sit." Spoon ushered him into the courtyard.

Zhao Danshi stepped through the gate, and Spoon immediately felt that with someone like him there, the entire courtyard had become more elegant.

Spoon's son, Zhao Luxing, came out to greet them when he heard the commotion. A hint of shyness showed on the little boy's dark face. Spoon told his son to boil another kettle of water on the stove, since there was barely any tea left in the kettle.

The two entered the house. Spoon took out the teapot and cups to make tea, and Zhao Danshi accepted a cup. "Brother Spoon, I'll probably be away for more than a month this time. Could you keep an eye on my grandpa for me? Just call me if anything happens."

"Of course I can!" Spoon readily agreed. "I'll keep an eye on him. If anything happens, I'll definitely call you!"

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

"No need to be polite. What are you going to W City for? Why will you be gone so long?"

"My girlfriend is about to have a baby. I need to go take care of her."

As Zhao Danshi spoke, the tips of his ears reddened slightly. Spoon's eyes widened, and he slapped Zhao Danshi on the shoulder before bursting into hearty laughter. "Good lad! Congratulations! You're about to become a father."

"Thank you." Zhao Danshi smiled along with him.

After chatting with him for a while, Zhao Danshi returned home to find that his grandpa had already stuffed Li Ping's trunk full. Seeing Zhao Danshi, the old man waved him over, a contented smile spreading across his wrinkled face. "Danshi, come take a look. Is there anything else we need to bring?"

Zhao Danshi strolled over and glanced inside, clicking his tongue. "Grandpa, the things you packed would be enough for moving house. We don't need anything else."

The old man shot him a look and said irritably, "You brat, we have them at home. What's wrong with bringing them?"

Watching the grandfather and grandson joke around, Li Ping could not help smiling as well. He needed to take stock of what they had brought. At the very least, they had to pack everything they would need over the next two days, or things might become inconvenient once they were away from home.

They set off after lunch. They had already booked a hotel, and after spending the night there, they should reach W City by the following afternoon.

Before leaving, Zhao Danshi had also booked a hotel in W City. If he had been alone, he would most likely have stayed at Ran Yuanyao's home, but it would not have been very convenient for him and Li Ping to go there together.

Li Ping was delighted by that arrangement. The smile in his eyes deepened, and he no longer minded Zhao Danshi constantly mentioning "Yuanyao" this and "Yuanyao" that.

The following afternoon, they drove into W City. Ran Yuanyao had not gotten off work yet. He had an emergency operation that day and had been held up.

Zhao Danshi was exhausted after sitting in the car for so long. Even though they stopped to rest whenever they came across a service area, his back and waist still ached.

Seeing that his lips had turned slightly pale, Li Ping hurriedly drove them to the hotel. After checking in and giving him some hot water, he quickly tucked Zhao Danshi into the warm bed.

Looking at Zhao Danshi's face peeking out from beneath the quilt, Li Ping stroked his forehead. "How do you feel? Any better?"

"I feel much better lying down. I'm just sleepy." Zhao Danshi yawned, and tiny droplets of moisture clung to his eyelashes.

"Then sleep." Li Ping sat on the edge of the bed and gently patted the quilt over him, his voice soft. "I'll stay here and watch over you."

Zhao Danshi's eyes were heavy with sleep, and before long, he had fallen asleep. The sound of his shallow breathing echoed through the quiet room.

Li Ping pulled over a chair and sat beside the bed, handling documents remotely through his computer.

Their hotel room was on a high floor, and the hotel was very quiet. As Li Ping worked through his documents, his thoughts drifted. He turned to look at Zhao Danshi curled beneath the covers and traced his features with his gaze.

Zhao Danshi was handsome, with clean, decisive lines and clear, striking features. At times, he looked dazzlingly beautiful. He carried a strong youthful air about him, and when he smiled, he was as bright as spring blossoms in full bloom.

Yet someone like that was now quietly lying in bed, carrying a child, and the sight gave off an unexpected warmth.

Li Ping could not resist tugging the quilt more securely around him so that he could sleep soundly.

Just as Li Ping was staring at him, the phone on Zhao Danshi's bedside table suddenly rang. The ringtone gradually grew louder. Zhao Danshi's dark brows furrowed slightly, as though he were unwilling to be dragged from a sweet dream by the noise.

Li Ping instinctively picked up the phone and answered it in one smooth motion, lowering his voice as he said, "Hello?"

Ran Yuanyao was utterly confused on the other end. "Hello, may I ask..."

Li Ping took a few long strides toward the bathroom. "Hello, I'm Li Ping. Sorry, Danshi is asleep. You're Yuanyao, right? Is there anything you need me to pass on?"

Hearing the voice of the child's other father, Ran Yuanyao froze for a moment before replying, "It's nothing. Please tell Danshi I called after he wakes up."

"All right."

Neither man had any intention of saying more.

When Li Ping returned to the room, Zhao Danshi's cheeks were flushed from sleep, and the corners of his lips curved upward slightly. A trace of a smile appeared in Li Ping's eyes as he called for a clay-pot chicken congee and some side dishes, planning to wake him for dinner at five.

After the two finished dinner at the hotel, Ran Yuanyao came over to meet them.

As soon as they met, Ran Yuanyao gave Zhao Danshi a simple examination in the hotel.

Seeing Zhao Danshi's tense expression and Li Ping's equally rigid face, Ran Yuanyao withdrew his hand and reassured them gently, "Don't be nervous. Danshi, your condition is very good. The fetus isn't too large and hasn't put much pressure on your internal organs. You're in better shape than most pregnant women."

Zhao Danshi often worked, so he was physically fit. He had not overindulged in supplements either, and his body fat percentage was low. All things considered, he was doing well.

Ran Yuanyao asked, "Other than pregnancy-related swelling in the mornings and evenings, is there anywhere else that feels uncomfortable?"

Zhao Danshi glanced at Li Ping and quietly told the truth. "My lower back still aches."

"That's normal too. You need to lie down more." Ran Yuanyao tucked the quilt around him. "Tomorrow, we'll go to the hospital for another checkup."

"All right." Zhao Danshi agreed.

There were only a little over two weeks left until his due date. The closer it got, the more careful they had to be.

Ran Yuanyao had spent most of the day in surgery and had to get up early for work again the next day. Zhao Danshi had also spent the whole day in the car and was exhausted. They did not stay together long. After checking Zhao Danshi's condition, Ran Yuanyao prepared to head home. Zhao Danshi had originally wanted to go with Li Ping to see him off and deliver the local specialties his grandpa had packed for him.

Li Ping and Ran Yuanyao unanimously stopped Zhao Danshi from doing so. Li Ping went downstairs to see Ran Yuanyao off, while Zhao Danshi was ordered by both of them to stay in bed.

The two grown men went downstairs, but neither immediately left. Li Ping looked up at Ran Yuanyao and asked, "Want to get some barbecue?"

"Sure." Ran Yuanyao smiled. "I'll lead the way."

The two drove to a riverside food stall for barbecue.

Once the barbecue was served, Li Ping looked up at Ran Yuanyao and asked in a low voice, "Yuanyao, I won't stand on ceremony with you. Is Danshi's surgery really dangerous?"

"I'm ninety-five percent confident." Knowing that Li Ping was worried about Zhao Danshi, Ran Yuanyao explained, "Danshi's surgery isn't difficult. The child is growing inside the Gestation Sac placed by Watcher. When the time comes, we only need to remove the entire Gestation Sac. It's much simpler than a woman's cesarean section."

Li Ping nodded steadily, relaxing a little. "I've always been worried about his condition. Hearing you say that gives me some confidence."

Ran Yuanyao said, "Danshi's situation is complicated, and it would be difficult to let outsiders know. He has also considered having Watcher perform the cesarean section directly. The two of us can't decide for him. We still need to ask what he thinks tomorrow."

Li Ping nodded as well. "That's true. We'll ask him tomorrow. No matter what, thank you."

Ran Yuanyao clinked glasses with him, using fruit juice in place of alcohol. "Thank you too."

Before meeting, neither of them had thought much of the other. After meeting in person, though, both had changed their impressions considerably.

Ran Yuanyao set down his glass and asked, "What are you planning to do now?"

"I've rented an apartment near your hospital. I plan to stay there for the time being. Hotels have too many people coming and going, so having our own place will be more convenient. The apartment is very close to your hospital. If there's an emergency, we can get there within five minutes. If something truly critical happens, we won't have the luxury of worrying about exposure. Saving Danshi's life comes first."

"All right. Let's add each other on WeChat and exchange phone numbers. It'll be easier to get in touch if anything comes up."

After they finished their late-night meal, Li Ping drove Ran Yuanyao home. He had originally intended to give Ran Yuanyao all the local specialties his grandpa had packed.

Ran Yuanyao firmly refused. "Danshi needs them more right now. Didn't you rent an apartment? If you cook at home, you'll be able to use all of these."

Li Ping did not argue with him. He carried a portion upstairs for him and planned to take the rest back himself later.

Ran Yuanyao had already turned to go upstairs when he suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, what are you going to do about meals after moving into the apartment? Order takeout, or hire someone to cook?"

Li Ping shook his head. "I'll cook myself. With Danshi in his current condition, it's not good to have outsiders in the house for long. Takeout isn't nutritious enough either, so I'll do it."

Ran Yuanyao regarded him more highly. He had not expected Li Ping to have such ambitions.

By the time Li Ping returned, Zhao Danshi was already asleep in bed. Two dim wall lamps had been left on beside the bed.

Li Ping touched his forehead, a slight smile appearing at the corner of his lips. He took his clothes into the bathroom, showered quietly, then lay down beside him with a faint trace of moisture and the scent of body wash.

The next day, Ran Yuanyao quietly brought Zhao Danshi to the hospital for a series of examinations. With Shao Jitong covering for them, the examinations went smoothly, and all the results were delivered to them that afternoon.

Zhao Danshi was in very good condition. The examination results allowed Ran Yuanyao and Li Ping to relax slightly.

Zhao Danshi had originally prepared himself to stay at the hotel for half a month, but he had not expected Li Ping to rent a place.

Their newly rented home was in a high-rise building with elevators. It was quiet upstairs and suitable for recuperation. The residential complex was well landscaped and even had a swimming pool. Looking down from the balcony, they could take in half the city at a glance.

Zhao Danshi wanted to share the rent, but he did not know how to bring it up. He worried that Li Ping would think he was being too distant if he said it outright.

Li Ping understood what he was thinking and said helplessly, "We're both Dou Dou's fathers. In a situation like this, why distinguish between yours and mine? I didn't pay rent while staying at your house either. Let me pay the rent now."

The tips of Zhao Danshi's ears reddened slightly. He coughed softly. "I didn't say I had to pay. I was just asking. Senior Brother, what do you want for lunch?"

Li Ping stood and headed toward the kitchen on his long legs as he asked, "What do you want to eat? I'll make it."

Zhao Danshi craned his neck to peer into the kitchen, maintaining a reasonable degree of suspicion toward Li Ping's cooking. He asked cautiously, "Senior Brother, can you cook?"

"Did you forget that I went abroad for an exchange program?" Li Ping raised an eyebrow and rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong arms. "Home cooking is no problem. Tell me what you want, and I'll make it. Even if I don't know how, I can probably manage after looking up a recipe."

Zhao Danshi picked a dish with beginner-level difficulty. "I want ribs. Can we have some ribs for lunch?"

"Sure. Then let's go buy some ribs and marinate them first." Li Ping hung up the apron in his hand and asked, "Want to go downstairs for a walk with me?"

Zhao Danshi badly needed exercise now. Ran Yuanyao had advised him to move around downstairs every day, even if it was only walking a few laps.

Ran Yuanyao came over every day after work to check on Zhao Danshi. Sometimes, he also discussed the cesarean section with him. Zhao Danshi admitted, "Doing it in the hospital would be too difficult. The risk of exposure is too high. I want to leave it to Watcher."

Ran Yuanyao and Li Ping exchanged a glance. Ran Yuanyao asked seriously, "Is Watcher reliable?"

"He's quite reliable in other matters. I'm his only host, so he shouldn't gamble with my life and safety."

With that, Zhao Danshi summoned Watcher.

Watcher appeared in midair, spinning lightly. His gentle voice rang out. "Hello."

All three people present knew of Watcher's existence, so they had no reservations while discussing it.

"Hello." Ran Yuanyao stared at Watcher. "I heard you want to perform Danshi's cesarean section. Are you confident? What success rate do you estimate?"

"Ninety-nine percent." Watcher's voice was gentle but assured. "Unlike your current medical methods, I can use lasers to perform Danshi's cesarean section. The operation will be accurate to the micron level and will not cause any unnecessary damage. Lasers have a thermal coagulation effect on biological tissue. If I perform the surgery, Danshi will lose less blood and recover faster. It will be safer than having surgery at your hospital."

"How will you remove the Gestation Sac?"

"I will use energy traction to remove the entire Gestation Sac. Words alone cannot explain it clearly. If you have questions about the procedure, I have a conceptual animation you can watch."

Watcher cared deeply about those ten thousand-plus points of Bio-Energy. He projected the conceptual animation, which showed the entire process of how he would remove the Gestation Sac.

"Besides the advanced surgical method, I also have many medicines more advanced than those available in your plane. If I perform this cesarean section, I guarantee that Danshi will basically recover to normal within three days."

As a professional, Ran Yuanyao could tell at a glance from the conceptual animation that the surgical plan was entirely feasible.

Seeing his expression, Li Ping knew there was probably no issue and could not help letting out a breath of relief.

Ran Yuanyao asked, "If we follow your plan, how will you ensure a sterile environment?"

Watcher was fully confident. "I have a specific disinfectant here. We can use it then. If you're worried, you can stand farther away and observe."

Li Ping immediately said, "I'll observe too."

With that, the details of the surgery were settled.

Everyone let out a great sigh of relief. Zhao Danshi ate when he should eat and slept when he should sleep, carrying no burden in his heart. Staying at home every day only made his skin more supple and smooth. His fair complexion took on a rosy glow, and his eyes shone brilliantly whenever they shifted. Li Ping found caring for him deeply rewarding.

Li Ping had been very nervous lately. Though he could cook, his skills were only average. Afraid that Zhao Danshi would grow tired of the few dishes he was good at, he often called Aunt Qin, the old housekeeper, to ask for advice.

Although Aunt Qin found it a little strange, the young master of the household had called to ask, so she taught him carefully. She put particular effort into explaining stewing and simmering techniques to Li Ping.

Aunt Qin had worked as a housekeeper for many years and had several extensive meal plans for pregnant women. Li Ping learned a few tricks from her and benefited greatly.

They still had some vegetables from home that they had not finished eating. With good ingredients and respectable cooking, it was impossible for Zhao Danshi not to have a hearty appetite.

Li Ping's fighting spirit had been roused. Besides working and looking after Zhao Danshi every day, he spent all his spare time studying in the kitchen.

Zhao Danshi felt tired after standing for even a short while, so he spent most of his time sitting or lying in the room. He went out for walks of over half an hour each morning and evening, which counted as exercise.

Li Ping called Aunt Qin so frequently that several members of the Li family had noticed.

Chen Yuxue found it especially strange and could not help asking Aunt Qin, "Sister Qin, is Li Ping cooking for himself now? Why does he keep calling you to ask for recipes?"

Aunt Qin was not entirely sure either. "Perhaps. He hasn't said much about it. He only asks me for recipes."

Chen Yuxue became unsettled. "What is going on with that child? He said it concerned a lifelong matter, and now he barely handles the company's affairs. He spends all day thinking about cooking. Could it be that the girl he likes doesn't care for roses or jewelry and only wants Li Ping to bring her meals?"

Li Sheng caught on and asked, "What flavors are the dishes Li Ping asks about? Light or strongly seasoned?"

Aunt Qin was equally puzzled. "All kinds. Roughly five light dishes for every heavily seasoned dish, but all of them focus on nutrition. Oh, and I think some are meal plans for pregnant women. Li Ping asked what pregnant women should eat."

Aunt Qin dropped a bombshell. Chen Yuxue and Li Sheng looked at each other in shock. They had not expected Li Ping to say he was going after someone, only for that person to be nearly ready to give birth already!

Chen Yuxue could no longer sit still. She sprang up from the sofa. "No, I need to call him! Right, Li Sheng, find someone to investigate what your brother is doing now and who's around him."

Li Sheng rubbed his forehead helplessly. "Mom, just call him. There's no need to investigate, right? Li Ping is grown up. He knows what he's doing. If he finds out we secretly looked into his situation, he'll definitely get angry when he comes back. You know what he's like when he loses his temper."

Chen Yuxue immediately remembered what Li Ping had been like when angry. Her younger son was usually easygoing, but when truly provoked, he lost his temper like a lion. Especially when she was in the wrong, his words could leave her utterly speechless.

Under her eldest son's disapproving gaze, Chen Yuxue said awkwardly, "All right, I'll call him and ask first."

When Mother Li's call came through, Li Ping was making pastries for Zhao Danshi's afternoon snack.

Zhao Danshi was always hungry now, as though his stomach were bottomless. After lunch, he still needed something to tide him over in the afternoon, or he would easily develop symptoms of low blood sugar.

They occasionally went out to buy cake, but constantly eating cake was not a solution, since it contained too much sugar. Li Ping had collected plenty of recipes online and was currently putting all his effort into making meat floss pastries for Zhao Danshi.

Seeing his mother's call, Li Ping washed the flour-covered hands clean with water, dried them with a towel, and only then answered. "Mom, good afternoon."

"Ah, Li Ping, what have you been doing lately?"

"I'm making some pastries." Li Ping lowered his voice, though the pleasure in it was obvious. "Did you call at this hour because something happened?"

Chen Yuxue hesitated, then got straight to the point. "Li Ping, do you have a girlfriend? And is she already pregnant?"

"Huh?" Li Ping's brows furrowed slightly as he moved toward the window. "Mom, this is a little complicated. I'm afraid I'll have to explain it all after I get back." After a pause, he emphasized, "I don't have a girlfriend."

Chen Yuxue had originally been unhappy that her son might have an unmarried girlfriend who was already pregnant. Now that she heard he did not, she felt a little disappointed instead. "Oh, I thought you had a girlfriend. What are you doing outside now?"

"I'm dealing with a major matter in my life. I can't explain it clearly right now. Give me some time. Once I figure out how to explain it, I'll come home and tell you."

Chen Yuxue was dissatisfied. "How long? You need to give me a deadline."

"It's already February 1st. I'll tell you by May at the latest."

Li Ping had always had his own ideas since childhood. Hearing him say that, Chen Yuxue could not really say anything else. "Then tell us when you come back. Take good care of yourself while you're away."

Li Ping agreed. "All right. Mom, once I've improved my skills, I'll cook for you and Dad when I get back."

Chen Yuxue immediately brightened on the other end. "Mm. All right, then. We'll be waiting for that meal."

For a moment, hearing the smile in her voice, Li Ping very much wanted to tell her about the child and Zhao Danshi. But reason quickly suppressed that impulse.

His family would never agree to him dating another man. This was a critical time, and they absolutely could not let the family know. If it caused a scene, there was no knowing what might happen.

After hanging up, Li Ping called his brother as well. "Brother, Mom called today to test the waters."

Li Sheng gloated. "Serves you right! Who told you to call Aunt Qin every day asking for recipes? What, are you really rolling up your sleeves and cooking for your future sister-in-law?"

There was a little jealousy in his voice. This brat had always sat grandly at home waiting for food, but now that he was away, he spent every day in the kitchen cooking for someone else.

Li Ping had a headache. "I haven't even sorted things out at home yet. How could I dare pursue him? And stop calling him your sister-in-law. If you really want a sister-in-law, help me hold them back a little. Once I've dealt with things here, I'll explain everything to you. It isn't convenient to tell Mom and Dad right now."

"I've been holding them back. If it weren't for me, Mom would have already hired someone to investigate."

Li Ping sighed in relief. "Thanks. Brother, help me buy some time. I told Mom I'd return and explain everything in May."

Li Sheng agreed at once. "Fine, but don't forget to come back soon and help me share the company work."

As the brothers finished talking and were about to hang up, Li Sheng's voice turned more serious. "No matter what, we're your family. We'll always be there for you. If you run into difficulties, I hope you'll remember us. Talk things through properly. If Mom and Dad can't accept your partner right away, don't get too anxious. We'll take it slowly. They're getting older and can't handle too much shock."

Gratitude and warmth shone in Li Ping's dark brown eyes. "I know."

Seeing that Li Ping did not dare bring the person home directly, Li Sheng assumed his partner came from a poor family or lacked education, perhaps a waitress who had only finished high school. He never imagined that his future sibling-in-law would be a man.

The day of the official cesarean section arrived very soon.

Zhao Danshi and the others did not go to the hospital. They stayed at home, with Watcher performing the surgery, Ran Yuanyao monitoring, and Li Ping watching from the side, ready at any moment to rush him to the neighboring hospital for emergency treatment.

Watcher hovered in midair, its voice gentle. "Don't be nervous. This is only a minor operation. Nothing will go wrong."

Zhao Danshi nodded calmly and glanced at Li Ping and Ran Yuanyao. "I know. I'm not nervous."

Before getting onto the operating table, Zhao Danshi quietly wrote a will. It stated that no matter what happened to him, he would bear full responsibility himself, and that Li Ping and Ran Yuanyao had nothing to do with it. He hid the will in the drawer of his desk.

Zhao Danshi lay on the bed, with a waterproof sheet beneath him and a blanket spread over it.

Watcher addressed the three people in the room. "The cesarean section will be performed under partial anesthesia. First, the anesthetic must be administered."

A syringe, controlled by Watcher's energy, slowly floated toward Zhao Danshi.

Before the operation, they had discussed the surgical plan many times. Watcher had many highly effective medicines and treatment devices, but some were too expensive, while others were things Zhao Danshi did not have the authority to purchase at all.

To save Bio-Energy, Zhao Danshi had chosen an anesthetic similar to the current level of technology for the preoperative anesthesia.

Ran Yuanyao took the syringe. "I'll do it."

He had made countless preparations for Zhao Danshi's cesarean section. Now they finally came in handy.

Zhao Danshi met Ran Yuanyao's eyes and smiled at him.

Ran Yuanyao's voice was steady and calm. "Danshi, we're about to begin. Come on, get ready. Lie on your side with your back to me and hug your knees. It'll hurt a little. Bear with it."

Ran Yuanyao's gloved hand moved over his smooth back. A sharp pain shot through Zhao Danshi's spine, making him flinch.

"Don't move." Ran Yuanyao gently pressed him down. "It'll be over soon. Other than where the needle goes in, if you feel uncomfortable anywhere else, make sure to tell me right away."

Zhao Danshi shook his head and said muffledly, "Nothing feels uncomfortable. I'm fine."

"Come on, lie flat again." Ran Yuanyao gently shifted him.

Watcher cast down a sheet of light that enveloped Zhao Danshi's entire body and rigorously monitored the surgical data.

Ran Yuanyao lightly pricked Zhao Danshi's arm with the needle and asked, "I'm assessing the anesthesia level. Can you feel me pricking you?"

Zhao Danshi said nervously, "Yes."

"Then we need to wait a little longer."

Li Ping's throat bobbed. He was so nervous that even his breathing slowed.

To prevent any accidents, they had specifically chosen a day when both chief gynecology doctors at Ran Yuanyao's hospital were on duty to secretly perform the surgery. If anything happened, they could call for help in time.

After a while, they asked again. Zhao Danshi was already not very clear-headed, dazed and muddled, as though he were drunk.

Ran Yuanyao stood beside him as Watcher began preparing for the operation. The two exchanged a look. Ran Yuanyao's clear eyes were actually full of tension. Zhao Danshi gave him an encouraging smile, his eyes curving.

Watcher sent down the first fine laser beam onto his abdomen.

Zhao Danshi was muddled, but he had not completely lost consciousness. Layers of white blocked his vision. He could feel something moving over his stomach, leaving a faint tingling sensation, but it did not hurt at all.

The feeling was strange, but when he thought of Watcher performing the operation, he felt reassured again.

Ran Yuanyao stared fixedly at Zhao Danshi's abdomen. He was even more nervous than Zhao Danshi, though none of it showed on his face.

Li Ping was so nervous that his limbs were nearly cramping, cold sweat covering his head and face. Especially when he saw the opening in Zhao Danshi's abdomen, panic surged through him. In this situation, even Ran Yuanyao had to spare a moment to glance at his pale face, worried about his condition.

"I'm fine." Li Ping's voice came out muffled beneath his mask.

Watcher worked silently, its instruments hovering steadily above Zhao Danshi's abdomen. It had already opened Zhao Danshi's abdominal cavity, and the suction device continued operating, clearly revealing the conditions inside.

Watcher efficiently located the Gestation Sac and steadily removed it with energy.

The laser shone onto the Gestation Sac. Soon, a baby with tightly shut eyes was lifted out by the energy. The baby was still attached to the umbilical cord, which Watcher cut with a laser beam before swiftly clamping it.

Watcher set the baby aside, withdrew the laser, and floating biological material stitched Zhao Danshi's abdomen closed layer by layer before applying a medicated dressing.

"It's done." Watcher's voice sounded. "Just wrap the baby in a swaddle."

Ran Yuanyao and Li Ping hurriedly brought over the swaddle they had prepared beforehand. Ran Yuanyao gently wiped away the blood and vernix on the baby with a soft cloth, then carefully wrapped him up.

The two had both done plenty of homework beforehand. Though they were still unfamiliar with the situation, they handled the baby's care steadily and properly.

Ran Yuanyao lightly patted the baby's bottom, and the baby let out a thin cry.

Zhao Danshi was groggy, only slowly coming back to himself now. He knew he had gained a child, but he did not know what he felt. He struggled to turn his head, wanting to take a look.

Ran Yuanyao placed the child beside Zhao Danshi. The little baby pressed his cheek against Zhao Danshi's cheek, and Ran Yuanyao said gently, "Congratulations to you and Li Ping. A six-pound, two-ounce baby."

The newborn was red all over. Exhausted from crying, his eyes were tightly shut as he opened his chubby little mouth in a yawn. He could not exactly be called good-looking. Still, Dou Dou's features were small and delicate, and he had thick hair from the moment he was born. At a glance, he looked like Zhao Danshi. Once he grew into his features, he would definitely be quite handsome.

Zhao Danshi looked at the child he had gone to such lengths to bring into the world, his heart filled with countless emotions. He slowly reached out and gently touched little Dou Dou. Feeling the child's soft little body, he barely dared touch him.

Unable to contain himself, Li Ping gently pressed his forehead to Zhao Danshi's. "Thank you, Danshi. Thank you for bringing our baby into this world."

The two new fathers, along with Ran Yuanyao, the godfather, were overwhelmed with excitement. There was a bright gleam in all their eyes.

Watcher collected and disposed of the medical waste. "For the next three days, it would be best to stay in bed. Don't get up today. You may go to the bathroom tomorrow and the day after, but don't stand for long or move around too much."

"Mm." Zhao Danshi said to Watcher gratefully, "Thank you. When we get back, I'll definitely work hard to earn Bio-Energy for you!"

As he spoke, his eyelids drooped. He was clearly exhausted.

Li Ping touched his slightly sweat-damp forehead and said softly, "I'll help you. Go to sleep."

Zhao Danshi had undergone the operation at home, so there was no need to move him around. There had barely been any blood seepage during the surgery, and they did not even need to change the sheets. He could just sleep.

Little Dou Dou had only just arrived in this world and seemed sleepy too. With his eyes closed and his tiny fists clenched, he slept soundly.

Li Ping and Ran Yuanyao exchanged a look. Li Ping still did not dare hold the soft, squishy Dou Dou.

Ran Yuanyao had studied medicine and rotated through obstetrics and gynecology. His movements when picking up Dou Dou were standard. He gently lifted him and moved him into the prepared crib.

Li Ping followed nervously behind him. Only after Dou Dou had been placed in the crib did he ask softly, "Dou Dou doesn't need to eat much, right?"

Ran Yuanyao lowered his voice as well. "Mm. For the first two days after birth, he doesn't need much feeding. After that, feed Dou Dou eight to ten times every twenty-four hours. Give him food whenever he's hungry."

Li Ping had already prepared himself in the months before Zhao Danshi's due date and had read quite a few relevant books, so he understood these things to some extent. He said sincerely to Ran Yuanyao, "Brother, thanks."

"You're welcome."

Zhao Danshi slept for an entire day. He only ate after passing gas on the second day, and he was surprised to find that his abdomen did not hurt much. He could even tolerate getting out of bed and moving around.

Watcher warned him, "It looks fine on the outside, but the biological tissue inside is still quite fragile. You need to stay in bed for a full three days."

Zhao Danshi lightly brushed his hand over it, feeling amazed. "Don't I need to move around to prevent intestinal adhesions?"

Watcher sent him back to bed. "No. Medication to prevent intestinal adhesions has already been used. Lie down properly."

Zhao Danshi obediently climbed back into bed.

Li Ping took Dou Dou to get his shots. Babies needed the hepatitis B vaccine and BCG vaccine within twenty-four hours of birth. Ran Yuanyao happened to be going to work, so they went together.

For the moment, Dou Dou was cared for by Li Ping and Ran Yuanyao. By the third day, Zhao Danshi had mostly recovered and could get up to play with the child. Dou Dou's skin was still red, like a little tomato, but he looked adorable. Whenever his tiny hands, feet, or mouth moved, Zhao Danshi found it fascinating.

"Senior Brother, do you think the baby looks more like me or you?"

Li Ping came over and looked at Zhao Danshi, then at the child. "His eyes and mouth look like you. His nose looks like me."

Zhao Danshi took a careful look and laughed. "That's true. Senior Brother, you have sharp eyes."

After looking at him for so long himself, he had never felt that Dou Dou resembled either father.

Li Ping crouched down and reached out to tease Dou Dou. Smiling, he said, "Actually, Dou Dou's eyes and mouth look like me too, just not as much. Dou Dou has traces of both of us on his face. Dou Dou, don't you agree?"

Li Ping tapped Dou Dou's nose with his finger. Dou Dou silently opened his mouth in a smile, his eyes curving downward and his mouth curving up like a little angel.

For some reason, Zhao Danshi's heart was struck by those words, leaving it soft and aching.

The two new fathers had little experience caring for a baby. Newborns did not sleep through the night, and Li Ping still had to work. They could not endure staying up day and night like that, so they specifically hired a maternity nanny.

Dou Dou was born on February 7th, and the New Year fell on February 16th. It was the busy period before the holiday, so it was difficult to hire a maternity nanny. Ran Yuanyao personally asked around in his obstetrics department and found a top-rated maternity nanny. Even at a high price, she only agreed to come for two weeks and would not work from New Year's Eve through the second day of the new year.

Zhao Danshi was still grateful and hired her. With no elders by their side, having an experienced maternity nanny watching over them could teach them plenty.

They would remain in W City for another half month and only return after the New Year.

Zhao Danshi was doing fairly well and did not need to follow the traditional confinement practices. Still, he had undergone surgery. In traditional Chinese medicine terms, it had damaged his vital energy, so he had to recuperate properly. Besides, the child was still too small and his bones too soft, making long-distance travel inconvenient.

Li Ping had communicated with his family early on. He would not be going home for the New Year this year and would return only after the holiday.

His family knew there were hidden circumstances on his side. Li Suilun was dissatisfied, but it was not appropriate to lash out during the New Year, so he merely waited until May to settle the score with his son.

Li Sheng called to ask about the situation. Once he learned that Li Ping truly could not leave, he did not force the issue. He only told him to take good care of himself.

Seeing that they were staying, Ran Yuanyao simply decided not to return either. He would go back with them after the New Year.

He was a doctor, so he had little vacation time to begin with. When his family heard that he had to work overtime, they felt sorry for him but could not say much. They could only tell him to make sure to come home after the New Year.

These days, Ran Yuanyao came to Zhao Danshi's place after work almost every day, checking on Dou Dou and playing with him while he was there.

One day, as Ran Yuanyao played with the child, he asked, "What's Dou Dou's formal name? Have you decided yet?"

"Not yet. We're waiting for Senior Brother to think of one." Zhao Danshi smiled and looked at the little baby on the bed, his eyes full of tenderness. "Actually, Dou Dou isn't a bad name. I hope he can hold onto health, hold onto good fortune, and hold onto everything he cares about in the future. It's just that Pear Pouch doesn't sound very nice."

"So Dou Dou is really taking his surname?" Ran Yuanyao reached out to tease Dou Dou's chin. Little Dou Dou showed his toothless mouth and silently smiled at him.

"It doesn't matter whose surname he takes. He's still my son." Zhao Danshi smiled. "On the surface, Dou Dou is my son. Senior Brother and I can't get married, but I want him to be involved too."

Dou Dou was easy to care for. As long as he was fed and full, he basically did not fuss or cry, and he rarely cried at night. Instead, Zhao Danshi and Li Ping often could not sleep. They had to get up in the middle of the night to check on Dou Dou before they could rest easy, filled with the nervousness of foolish new fathers.

Li Ping was already busy, and to make time to help care for the baby, he became even busier. There were dark circles under his eyes now.

Zhao Danshi and Li Ping shared the housework and took care of Dou Dou together. Zhao Danshi also went to the city library to borrow a large pile of books and began working through them. In the new year, he still needed to earn money to support the family.

On the night Dou Dou was born, Zhao Danshi called the old man to share the good news.

They had not talked much at the time. The past few days had been chaotic, and Zhao Danshi had not had time to chat with the old man. Now that the maternity nanny was in place, Zhao Danshi finally relaxed and could spare time to explain everything properly.

"Hello!" The old man's happy shout came through the phone.

He was old, and his hearing was a little poor. Whether others spoke to him or he spoke to others, everyone had to raise their voices.

"Grandpa, how have you been these past few days? Is everything alright at home?"

"Everything's good, everything's good. Where's Dou Dou?"

"Dou Dou's good too. Grandpa, Dou Dou isn't even a month old yet, so it wouldn't be good to take him on a long trip. I'll bring him back after the New Year, alright?"

The old man was understanding and repeatedly said over the phone, "Of course. How's the child's mother?"

Zhao Danshi hesitated for a moment, then went along with it. "She's doing well. It was a natural birth, and she's recovering nicely. She's already been discharged."

"Then take good care of the girl." The old man paused, lowering his voice a little as he asked, "The girl really doesn't want the child, and you two aren't planning to get married?"

"Mm. We've already discussed it. I'll raise the child."

The old man said, "Give me your address. After the New Year, I'll ask someone to send you some things. It wasn't easy for that girl to give birth to such a big, chubby boy. Tell her to recuperate properly and not leave herself with any lasting ailments. Make sure she gets enough nutritional support. Do you still have enough money? If not, Grandpa has a little here."

"Grandpa, I do. I understand all this, so don't worry. Once Dou Dou is a month old, I'll bring your big, chubby great-grandson to see you."

"Alright." Then the old man sighed. "So the child will only have you as his father in the future?"

"No, he has two godfathers as well. One is Senior Brother, and the other is my childhood friend, Ran Yuanyao. Do you remember Yuanyao? He's that boy who lived near our house and was especially good at studying. He helped a lot when Dou Dou was born."

"I remember. The two of you used to spend every day together. Your mother even said she might as well send you to his family to raise..." The old man realized something was wrong the moment the words left his mouth and swallowed the rest.

Zhao Danshi had become a father, yet he still had not reconciled with his parents. The old man did not want to bring up his painful memories.

Zhao Danshi pretended not to hear and smiled. "Yes, that's him. He's very capable now."

After hesitating, the old man asked, "Yun Yun, is that Senior Brother of yours like you?"

Li Ping had been coming and going with Zhao Danshi lately. It was hard for the old man not to wonder.

Zhao Danshi froze for a moment, then pinched his own thigh to steady his voice and keep the old man from noticing anything unusual. "No. Grandpa, what are you thinking? Nothing like that. He's perfectly normal."

The old man seemed a little disappointed, but then immediately blew his beard and glared. "So he isn't! He's normal, and you're normal too! What nonsense are you talking about? Being different from others isn't some huge deal. How can anyone be exactly the same as everyone else?"

"I understand." Zhao Danshi's heart warmed. Just as he was about to comfort the old man, little Dou Dou woke up and could not find his father. He opened his mouth and began to cry loudly.

The moment Zhao Danshi heard the crying, panic seized him. Holding his phone, he hurried over to check and said quickly, "Ah, Grandpa, I can't talk anymore. Dou Dou's crying. He's probably hungry, so I need to hurry and make him some formula. I'll call you again in a couple of days."

"The child doesn't drink breast milk?" The old man sounded puzzled. Hearing Zhao Danshi's hurried footsteps, he quickly said, "Alright, go on."

Li Ping ran over too. Zhao Danshi did not have time to hear what the old man asked last. Seeing Dou Dou crying his lungs out, he hurried to mix formula with warm water.

Happy Little New Year, everyone~ Eighty-eight red packets for comments on this chapter~