Chapter 46: Money is coming in

Chapter 46: Money is Coming!

Xie Jinghao lay on the thick mattress, with several children sitting beside her in a row. Knowing they were going to the county town to see a doctor for her, the children sat very well-behaved and quiet.

Shen Meng took out several Golden Monkey milk candies from her bag and gave one to each person.

"Don't be afraid. There's nothing major wrong with your Third Aunt's body. We're just going to the county town to have a doctor take a look. Xiaogang, don't be scared either. Your mother is doing just fine. Later, your Auntie will take you to the state-run restaurant to eat big meat buns, okay?"

Xiaogang's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he looked at her expectantly. He didn't actually understand what a state-run restaurant was, but he knew about meat buns; his aunt had made them for him before, and they were so delicious they were dripping with oil. He dreamed of eating one again.

"Okay, thank you, Auntie."

"Sister-in-law, don't spoil him. We're rushing back; we can cook the same thing at home. Everything in the county town is expensive, and you even need food stamps to eat at the state-run restaurant. Money doesn't go far."

Shen Meng patted her and said, "Jinghao, we've finally made the trip, so let's not talk about money for now. The main issue this time is the baby in your womb. You damaged your body when you gave birth to Xiaogang before, so it's safer this time to try to give birth in the hospital. Giving birth at home is unhygienic and dangerous."

Upon hearing that she had to give birth in a hospital, Xie Jinghao hurriedly sat up, but the sudden movement caused a sharp pain in her abdomen.

"Hiss—how can that be? How much money does it cost to give birth in a hospital? My parents definitely won't want to pay that. Jiasheng works so hard at the mine; he doesn't earn much in a month. I..."

"Is your life and the baby's life more important, or is money? Xie Jinghao, if you don't cherish yourself, how do you expect others to respect you? If something happens to you while giving birth, the only one who will suffer is your son, Xiaogang. When your husband remarries, how will Xiaogang live?"

Xie Jinghao's protest faltered. She turned to look at Lu Mingyang and the other children, then looked back at Shen Meng, and finally nodded.

"Alright, Sister-in-law. We'll see what the doctor says when the time comes!"

Shen Meng: "..."

*Wait, what's with that look?* Although she was a stepmother, she was a good one now—the kind that didn't bully the children.

Uncle Guai was driving the cart in front. Listening to the conversation between the two women behind him, his understanding of Shen Meng deepened. He felt she was very different from the Shen Meng he had known before. He had been too narrow-minded; Lu Zhenping was so outstanding, how could the woman he chose be anything less than exceptional?

The group soon arrived at the county hospital. Shen Meng had originally intended to take Xie Jinghao in alone, but the children also climbed down from the ox cart and followed behind the two women like a bunch of grapes.

Their young faces were filled with curiosity and bewilderment, a sight that made Shen Meng's heart melt completely.

"How about we all go in together?"

"Yes, Mother! We can help!"

"Xiaokai can help too! Xiaokai will help Mother carry the bag!"

The children were either helping Shen Meng with her bag or busy supporting Xie Jinghao. With five children surrounding the two women, being so sensible and obedient, who could refuse them?

"Alright, alright, we'll all go in together. This is a hospital, so no loud talking. You must stay quiet once we go in, okay? Uncle Guai, please wait for us outside. We'll be out in a bit."

"No rush. Take your time with the medical checkup. I'll let the ox rest, haha!" The ox had traveled such a long way; he felt terribly sorry for it.

"Alright!"

Xie Jinghao felt a bit embarrassed. Usually, the production team's oxen were treated like precious treasures, yet now, because of her, her sister-in-law was spending both money and effort, and even the ox was being worked hard. Before she could even voice her gratitude, she remembered Shen Meng's words and secretly vowed that once she had her baby, she would help her sister-in-law's family with everything she had, even if it cost her life.

The gynecologist was a woman in her forties. Shen Meng had inquired and heard that she had worked as a doctor in a big city when she was younger, but after gaining extensive experience, she wanted to return to her hometown to contribute her skills to a less developed area. Shen Meng couldn't help but feel a sense of profound respect for such a person.

The doctor's surname was Cheng. She spoke gently and kindly, examining Xie Jinghao very carefully. When the cold instruments were placed on her body, Xie Jinghao felt a bit uncomfortable and instinctively reached for Shen Meng, but unfortunately, only the doctor and nurse were by her side.

Outside, Shen Meng was alone with the five children. The passing doctors, nurses, and patients all looked at her with great shock.

"Goodness, this girl can really have children! So young and already has five kids, and so many sons. She's truly blessed!"

"Exactly. She's had so many and is still so young. Look at her, it's truly enviable."

"If this were my daughter-in-law, I'd put her on a pedestal. Such a slim waist and wide hips—she's destined to bear sons!"

Shen Meng's lip twitched violently for a moment. She turned her head away, but the children nearby all fixed their gaze on her, from her head to her...

"What are you little brats doing? Why are you staring at your mother? Don't listen to people's nonsense!"

"Hee hee hee!"

"He he he!"

"Mother is embarrassed!" Lu Mingkai sat on a stool, swinging his legs happily.

Shen Meng: "..."

Sometimes children can be quite annoying, seriously!!!

"Is the family member here?"

Just as Shen Meng was feeling awkward, Dr. Cheng's voice rang out from the office like a heavenly sound. Rescued, Shen Meng quickly responded.

"Dr. Cheng, how is my sister-in-law's pregnancy?"

Cheng Yufen frowned at the medical chart and remained silent for a long while.

Xie Jinghao nervously gripped the hem of her clothes and looked at Shen Meng uneasily. Shen Meng gently patted her, offering silent comfort.

"Based on the examination, the baby is developing well, but there is some fetal movement instability. You damaged your body when you gave birth previously, and since you got pregnant again without fully recovering, I suggest you give birth in the hospital this time. A C-section might even be necessary!"

"What? A C-section? Doctor, I gave birth naturally the first time and my body was fine, so I should be able to do it myself." The thought of a knife cutting into her abdomen made her terrified.

"Don't be afraid. I am considering your safety. Why don't you discuss it with your family first? I'll prescribe some medicine for you to take home. If you feel anything unusual, come back to the hospital to see me."

"Yes, thank you, Doctor."

Xie Jinghao thanked her nervously and followed Shen Meng out of the office, looking worried. Shen Meng didn't say anything during the entire walk; she had already given her advice on the way there, and saying too much wouldn't help.

As the two were walking out, a woman with a shiny, oily face happened to be walking into the office.

"Yufen, have you found out about the thing I asked you? Among the people you know, is there anyone who can help buy a radio? Your nephew is getting married soon. If we can't get one, the bride's family won't agree to the marriage."

Shen Meng's footsteps paused. Her eyes brightened as she turned her head. *Money is coming!*