The birth of a new life was the beginning of every miracle.
The room rang with laughter as everyone gathered around the bed to look at the newborn, joy on their faces.
But the baby refused to play along. Amid their cheerful chatter, she began to cry, probably finding all the buzzing around her ears too noisy.
She opened her mouth and wailed pitifully, revealing two rows of pink gums. Ye Yaodong's smile deepened at the sight.
"She must think it's too noisy. Out, out! You two little rascals, go outside and play. Stop touching her all the time. She needs to sleep."
"Dad, can I sleep with my little sister tonight?"
"No. You two are terrible sleepers. You'll kick her. You're both sleeping in the little bed."
Ye Chengyang blinked. "Do I have to sleep in the little bed too?"
"Yes. Go out and play. Be good, and in a couple of days you'll get red celebration eggs and paired pastries..."
At the mention of food, both boys immediately nodded happily and obediently went out to play.
Mother Ye had finished eating and came over to help tidy up. Seeing the freshly changed diaper in the basin, she took it out to the back door to wash.
Only after returning to the room did she say, "Your cousin's husband is in trouble. Did you know?"
The smiles on the couple's faces froze briefly. They exchanged a glance before Ye Yaodong frowned. "Lin Jianqiang? The one arrested for gambling a couple of days ago?"
"Yes. I ran into your eldest uncle's wife on my way back to eat just now. She said A-Qiang might get a prison sentence. Your cousin Meiying's been crying her eyes out at home."
He was surprised. It was only small-stakes gambling. Shouldn't that just mean