CHAPTER 33

Days blurred into weeks and weeks slowly turned into months. Gaotu had grown used to the routine by then. Clinic visits became regular, almost expected. Life settled into a steady rhythm.

By now, the change was visible.

One night, after a shower, Gaotu stood in front of the mirror longer than usual. Steam clung to the glass as he lifted his shirt slightly, eyes tracing the small curve beneath his skin. It wasn't big, just enough to notice if you were looking closely.

He turned to the side, then a little more, studying the shape from different angles. His hand moved on its own, resting lightly over the curve. There was a firmness there now, something solid.

For a long moment, he just stood there, breathing slowly, trying to understand the feeling rising in his chest.

The bathroom door opened behind him.

Gaotu startled slightly and looked up.

Wenlang stood in the doorway, having just come in. He froze when he saw Gaotu in front of the mirror, his shirt still lifted.

"I called you a few times," Wenlang said quietly. "You didn't answer. I thought something happened."

He then walked closer, "Is something wrong?"

Gaotu shook his head slowly. Then he turned to face him, his shirt still raised. After a brief pause, he said softly,

"Touch it."

Wenlang hesitated for a second, caught off guard. He stepped closer, his hand lifting slowly before resting against Gaotu's stomach, just where the small curve was beginning to show.

He didn't press. He didn't move much. "It's... hard."

Gaotu nodded.

They stood like that for a while, neither speaking. After a moment, Wenlang smiled softly. "You're doing really well."

Gaotu looked at their reflection, at the two of them standing together.

***

The clinic felt familiar by now.

Gaotu sat on the examination bed, feet dangling slightly as he waited. His stomach was round and clearly visible beneath his loose shirt. One hand rested there without thinking, thumb moving slowly back and forth. Wenlang stood beside him, holding his other hand, his grip steady.

Dr. Mei entered the room with the same calm smile she always wore. "Good morning," she said. "How have you been feeling?"

"Tired," Gaotu answered honestly. "But... okay."

"That's good," she replied, washing her hands. "Any pain? Dizziness?"

"No," Gaotu said. "Just heavy."

Wenlang nodded. "He's been sleeping more."

"That's expected," Dr. Mei said gently. "You're at that stage."

She prepared the equipment while continuing to speak. "Today we'll do a detailed scan. We'll check growth, position... and," she glanced at them briefly, "if you want to know, we can also check the baby's gender."

Gaotu froze.

He looked at Wenlang. Wenlang looked back, equally caught off guard.

"We can know?" Gaotu asked quietly.

"Yes," Dr. Mei said. "Only if you want to."

There was a brief silence.

Wenlang squeezed Gaotu's hand. "What do you think?"

Gaotu hesitated. He had thought about this moment, but now that it was here, his heart was suddenly beating faster. "I think... I want to know."

Wenlang smiled. "Then let's know."

Dr. Mei nodded. "Alright."

The room grew quieter as the scan began. The familiar image appeared on the screen, clearer than before. Gaotu watched, eyes wide, breathing shallow.

Dr. Mei pointed gently. "The heartbeat is strong. Growth is right on track."

Wenlang let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "That's good."

"Yes," she said. "Very good."

She adjusted the angle slightly, eyes focused, professional and calm. The seconds stretched.

Gaotu swallowed. "Can you... see it yet?"

Dr. Mei hummed softly. "Almost."

Wenlang leaned closer to the screen, though he clearly didn't understand what he was looking at.

Dr. Mei smiled faintly at them, then focused again. After a moment, she spoke.

"Alright," she said. "I can see it clearly now."

Both of them stiffened.

Dr. Mei turned the screen slightly so they could see better. "You're having a boy."

The words hung in the air.

Gaotu blinked. "A... boy?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Everything looks healthy."

For a second, Gaotu didn't react. Then his eyes filled slightly, and he laughed under his breath. "Oh."

Wenlang stared at the screen, then at Gaotu. "A boy," he repeated, voice low and stunned.

Gaotu nodded slowly, his hand tightening over his stomach. "He's... a boy."

Dr. Mei gave them a moment before speaking again. "You're both doing very well. I'll print the images for you."

As they left the room later, Gaotu held the scan photo tightly in his hands. He looked down at it again and again, as if afraid it would disappear.

"A boy," he murmured.

Wenlang smiled at him. "Our boy."