Chapter 190: This Is So Sudden

That remark softened the adults' hearts.

Yan Shen's eye sockets reddened again, and he turned away to wipe his eyes.

"Brother-in-law, your tear glands are really active today," Jiang Ran teased.

"I'm happy," Yan Shen said sheepishly, "I really didn't expect it... so sudden."

After staying at the hospital until the afternoon and confirming that Jiang Jiaojiao's condition was stable, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan finally left with the children.

"Sister, rest well; we'll come see you again tomorrow," Su Ruan said.

"No need to come every day," Jiang Jiaojiao leaned against the headboard, "you guys are busy with the press conference; I have Yan Shen here."

"The press conference isn't as important as you," Jiang Ran waved his hand, "I'm off, brother-in-law, take good care of my sister."

"Don't worry."

On the way home, both children got tired and fell asleep in the car.

While waiting at the red light, Jiang Ran turned to Su Ruan: "Daughter-in-law, seeing sister pregnant makes me a bit emotional."

"What are you feeling emotional about?"

"Time really flies," Jiang Ran said with gentle eyes, "it feels like yesterday we were still in Hu Tong, haggling over a piece of cloth."

"Now Jinjin and An'an are already this big, and sister is going to be a mother too."

Su Ruan also reflected, "Indeed. But... it's wonderful. The whole family is together, getting better and better."

"Hmm," Jiang Ran squeezed her hand, "when sister gives birth, we should prepare a big red envelope."

"Of course," Su Ruan laughed, "but before that, you need to help me get the press conference sorted."

"As you command, Mrs Jiang."

The car drove into the residential complex.

After parking, Jiang Ran cradled one child in one arm while Su Ruan followed with a bag.

Back home, after settling the children, both collapsed exhausted on the sofa.

"Today felt like a battle," Jiang Ran said, massaging his shoulders.

"But it was worth it," Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder, "Sister Jiaojiao's pregnancy is a great joy. Mom, dad, and grandma will be thrilled when they find out."

Just then, the phone rang.

Jiang Ran answered: "Hello? Mom?... Yes, I'm at the hospital, condition is stable... Are you coming back?"

"Okay, we'll go to the hospital together then... Hmm, Jiaojiao is fine, just needs rest... Don't worry."

After hanging up, Jiang Ran smiled and said, "Mom got so excited she couldn't speak clearly; she said she'll rush back first thing tomorrow morning."

"I understand," Su Ruan also laughed, "when I was pregnant, Mom was the same."

After chatting a bit more, Jiang Ran suddenly remembered, "By the way, regarding the press conference, are the samples ready?"

"Almost," Su Ruan said, "Master Wang and Master Sun said everything will be completed by next Wednesday at the latest. Rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, and the official release on Friday."

"What about the media?"

"Chen Mingyuan has taken care of it. Invitations have been sent out, the feedback is good, many media outlets have confirmed attendance."

"That's good," Jiang Ran exhaled deeply, "if this press conference succeeds, Chongsu will truly have a firm foothold."

"It will definitely succeed," Su Ruan said firmly, "we've prepared for so long; it won't be in vain."

Jiang Ran turned to look at her; under the light, her profile was gentle yet resolute.

He couldn't help but plant a kiss on her cheek.

"Daughter-in-law."

"Hmm?"

"Having you here is wonderful."

Su Ruan felt warmth in her heart and returned the kiss: "You too."

It was late at night; after washing up, the two lay in bed but couldn't fall asleep.

"Jiang Ran."

"Hmm?"

"Tell me, is Sister Jiaojiao's child a boy or a girl?"

"Girl, I think," Jiang Ran said, "An'an wants a little sister. And with her temperament, a daughter would surely be a lively little pepper."

Su Ruan laughed, "Then Brother Yan Shen will have his hands full, two peppers in the house."

"He's happy to," Jiang Ran also laughed, "look at him today, he's as delighted as anything."

In the following days, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan were still busy, but their moods were much lighter.

Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan rushed back the next day, headed straight to the hospital, and only after seeing their daughter safe did they relax.

"You, this child, didn't even realize you were pregnant!" Li Huijuan sat at the bedside, both pained and joyful, "You're already a mother, and still so careless."

Jiang Jiaojiao unusually didn't retort, just smiled and listened. Yan Shen was beside her, slicing an apple, his face always bearing a gentle smile.

"Mom, don't mention Jiaojiao," he handed over the apple, "I didn't notice."

"You, you always protect her," Li Huijuan chided, her eyes full of amusement, "but it's also good; having a husband who knows how to care is Jiaojiao's blessing."

Jiang Jianguo was more practical: "What did the doctor say? How many days in the hospital?"

"Observe for two days; if all's well, she can go home to recuperate," Yan Shen replied, "the doctor said Jiaojiao's constitution is weak, and the first three months need special care."

"Then after we get home, I'll take care of her," Li Huijuan said immediately, "you still have to work; you can't take leave every day."

"No need, Mom, I've taken leave," Yan Shen said, "the company has arranged everything; I'll stay with Jiaojiao during this period."

Jiang Jiaojiao clasped her husband's hand, feeling sweet inside.

On the weekend, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan brought Jinjin and An'an to the hospital for a visit.

The two children, hearing that aunt had a baby in her belly, were especially curious.

"Aunt, will the little baby move?" Jinjin lay at the bedside, watching Jiang Jiaojiao's belly intently.

"Not yet." Jiang Jiaojiao patted his head, "It has to grow a bit more before it moves."

An'an carefully extended a tiny finger, gently touching the aunt's belly: "Sister… sleeping in there?"

"That's right." Jiang Jiaojiao laughed, "An'an wants a sister?"

"Yes!" An'an nodded vigorously, "Give the sister… a Skirt, braid her hair."

This made the adults laugh. Yan Shen lifted An'an: "What if it were a little brother?"

An'an furrowed his little eyebrows, thought seriously for a moment: "Then… also wear a Skirt?"

"That won't do." Jiang Ran laughed, pinching his daughter's face, "A brother has to wear pants."

After spending the morning at the hospital, when they were about to leave, Jiang Jiaojiao said, "I can be discharged tomorrow. The doctor said just go home and rest."

"That's great," Su Ruan said, "Mom, you stay home to look after sister Jiaojiao, and Jinjin and An'an can stay with us these few days."

"Alright." Li Huijuan nodded, "You should also spend more time with the children."

The next day was Sunday, and the weather was unusually fine.

The autumn sun was warm but not scorching, and the sky was a wash of bright blue.

Jiang Jiaojiao was discharged and went home to recuperate, while Li Huijuan and Jiang Jianguo cared for her at home.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan decided to take the children out for a walk.

"How about going to the zoo?" Jiang Ran suggested over breakfast, "Jinjin and An'an haven't been there yet."

"Sure!" An'an responded immediately, raising his little spoon high, "Look, Big Tiger!"

Jinjin's eyes also lit up, but she kept a child's poise, merely nodding vigorously.

Su Ruan watched the two children's eager faces and softened inside: "Then let's go to the zoo, but we have to come back early; this afternoon we still need to organize the hair‑cloth meeting's materials."

"Got it, got it." Jiang Ran finished breakfast in a few bites, "I'll go get the things ready."

Taking the kids out is a big undertaking. A water bottle, snacks, spare clothes, diapers, wet wipes… were packed into a huge bag.

And a stroller; although Jinjin can walk on her own now, she still needs to sit when she gets tired.

At nine o'clock, the family of four set off.

The zoo is in the suburbs; the drive takes forty minutes. Along the way, the two children were thrilled.

"Dad, do tigers… eat people?" Jinjin asked.