Blessing

Xu Ruyi moved back and forth between the kitchen and living room, checking the final arrangements. As she turned around on one trip, she suddenly saw her daughter, Ding Xueyang, carrying a six-pack of sparkling water. Startled, she hurried over and took it from her.

"You're due in two months. Call someone else to do this sort of thing—don't do it yourself."

Ding Xueyang gave a distracted acknowledgment, then silently sat down by the dining table.

"Where's Miaomiao?" Xu Ruyi asked.

"She just changed clothes," Ding Xueyang replied. "She got tired from playing and fell asleep."

"What about Yuqing?"

"She's asleep too."

"Then go upstairs and lie down for a while," Xu Ruyi said, glancing at the time. "There's still over half an hour before anyone arrives."

Ding Xueyang shook her head heavily.

"What's wrong?" Xu Ruyi asked.

"...Maybe I'm tired," Ding Xueyang said quietly.

"Then go upstairs and lie down." Xu Ruyi's tone grew firmer.

Ding Xueyang did not move. She remained seated, her gaze resting on the birthday presents Miaomiao had prepared for her friends.

"Mom," Ding Xueyang suddenly said, "do you think Jingjing will like Miaomiao's gift?"

Xu Ruyi had already turned and gone into the kitchen, so she did not hear Ding Xueyang's question. Ding Xueyang sat alone in the living room, lost in thought for a long time, until the doorbell rang—Hesta and Ksenia had arrived.

"Why are you here so early?" Ding Xueyang asked in surprise. "It hasn't started yet."

"We came to see if there was anything we could help with," Hesta replied.

Behind her, Ksenia smiled politely at Ding Xueyang and held out a large white paper bag with both hands. "This is our gift."

Ding Xueyang thanked her with a smile, then turned and placed the bag in the storage room.