CHAPTER 34

Gao Qing had gotten much better. She no longer needed to stay in bedridden in hospital and now she only went for small checkups. Every time she went, the results were good, which made everyone feel relieved.

Before, her plan was to go abroad and continue her studies after she recovered. That was what she and her brother had agreed on. But after Gaotu told her about the pregnancy, she decided to postpone it and stay a little longer. She said she wanted to see her nephew first before leaving.

Gaotu didn't stop her. In fact, he was happy she would stay for a few more months. Because once she left, it would be a long time before they saw each other again.

Since she didn't want to live with them, they helped her find a small one bedroom place nearby. She had refused to move in with them like Gaotu had suggested at first, saying she didn't want to disturb them or feel like she was in the way.

Even so, she came over often, especially on weekends.

And every time she came, she brought something with her.

Today was no different.

She walked in carrying a few bags. Inside were things for her unborn nephew. Small clothes and a few toys. She also brought something for her brother, fruits and ice cream for Gaotu, knowing he had been craving it a lot lately.

"Aren't these a bit too big?" Gaotu asked, holding up one of the onesies.

"There's no such thing as too big," Gao Qing said simply. "He'll grow into them."

She handed him another one.

Gaotu just shook his head with a smile, indulging her. They went through the clothes together, with Gaotu occasionally commenting here and there.

By now, Gaotu was over six months pregnant. The bump under his clothes was more prominent, and it seemed to grow more each day. Even the way he walked had changed a little.

Gao Qing noticed it every time he stood up and moved around. There was a slight sway in his steps. She found it a bit funny, likening his new walk to that of a duck, but of course she didn't say anything. She didn't want him to feel shy or uncomfortable.

After watching him for a while, she finally spoke.

"Brother," she called.

"Mm?" Gaotu answered, still folding the clothes.

"How does it feel?" she asked.

Gaotu looked up. "What do you mean?"

Gao Qing pointed at his stomach. "I mean... your belly. Does it feel tight? Or heavy?"

Her voice was soft, just curious.

Gaotu paused for a moment, his hands still holding the folded clothes.

"Both," he said simply. "Sometimes it feels tight. Other times... heavy."

Gao Qing nodded, listening carefully. "Does it hurt?"

"Not really," Gaotu replied. "Just uncomfortable sometimes. Especially when I stand for too long."

He placed the clothes aside and rested his hand on his stomach without thinking. "And at night... it's harder to sleep."

"Because of the weight?" she asked.

"Mn," he nodded. "And he moves a lot."

Gao Qing's eyes lit up a little. "Already?"

Gaotu gave a small smile. "Mn."

"Can I feel it?" she asked, a bit hesitant but clearly curious.

Gaotu looked at her for a second, then nodded. "Okay...." Gao Qing quickly moved closer, a little excited.

Gaotu guided her hand to his stomach. "Here."

She placed her hand gently, careful not to press too hard. For a few seconds, nothing happened.

She frowned slightly. "Is he sleeping?"

Gaotu let out a small laugh. "Maybe."

They waited quietly.

Then suddenly...

A small movement.

Gao Qing's eyes widened. "I felt that!"

Gaotu smiled, watching her reaction. "Yeah. That's him."

She kept her hand there for a little longer, as if hoping to feel it again.

After a moment, she pulled back, still smiling. "He's already active, I can he's going to be troublesome"

"I hope not," Gaotu laughed.

Gao Qing looked at him, her expression soft. "You're doing well, you know."

Gaotu shrugged lightly. "I'm just getting used to it."

She shook her head. "No. You're doing more than that."

Gaotu didn't reply, but there was a small smile on his face as he picked up the clothes again.

"Where's Wenlang?" Qing asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"He had something to take care of, so he stepped out for a bit," Gaotu replied.

"Oh," she said, then quickly brightened. "Then let's go out for a walk."

She stood up right away and reached her hand out to him.

"A walk?" Gaotu repeated, his tone showed reluctance.

"Yes," she said cheerfully. "Isn't it good to move around during pregnancy? And the weather isn't too hot today. It's perfect for a walk."

Gaotu sighed from where he sat. He already felt lazy, and now she wanted him to go outside.

Just as he was about to come up with another excuse, Momo came running over, tail wagging wildly. He must have just woken up or maybe he heard the word walk.

"See?" Qing laughed, bending down to pet him. "Even Momo agrees with me. Right, Momo?"

The dog barked happily and spun in circles.

Gaotu watched the two of them, then sighed finally giving in.

"Fine," he said, slowly getting up.

Qing smiled immediately. "Good," she said, taking his hand to help him up even though he didn't really need it.

She grabbed Momo's leash while Gaotu slipped on his shoes. By the time they stepped outside, the air was cool and light, just as Qing had said.

Momo led the way, stopping every few steps to sniff something, his tail still wagging like he had all the energy in the world.

After walking for a while, they went and sat down on a bench in the neighborhood park. Children were running around, laughing and chasing each other, their voices filling the air.

Gaotu let out a long breath as he leaned back.

"Tired?" Qing asked, glancing at him.

"A little," he admitted. "But it's not bad."

Qing nodded and sat back as well, letting Momo settle at her feet. The dog lay down quietly, watching the kids with curious eyes.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Gaotu watched the children playing, his gaze following a small boy who ran past them, nearly tripping before catching himself and laughing it off.

"They have a lot of energy," he said softly.

"You'll be dealing with that soon." Qing replied.

Gaotu gave a small smile. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for that."

Qing looked at him, her expression gentle. "No one ever is. You just learn as you go."

Gaotu nodded slowly, still watching the kids. "Do you think... I'll be good at it?"

Qing didn't answer right away. She took a second, then said simply, "I know you will."

Gaotu glanced at her. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because you took care of me," she said. "And that's already enough."

Gaotu looked down at his stomach again, his hand moving slightly as if in thought.

"I hope so," he murmured.

Qing nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "You'll be fine. And you won't be alone."

They stayed there for a while longer, just watching, listening, and letting the moment pass slowly around them.

As they were walking out of the park, a group of kids came running past them, chasing after a ball. Their laughter was loud and carefree, echoing across the path.

"Hey, slow..." Qing started, but it was too late.

One of the smaller boys, not paying attention, ran straight into Gaotu.

"Oof..."

Gaotu stumbled back a step, instinctively bringing his hand to his stomach.

"Gaotu!" Qing reached out quickly, grabbing his arm to steady him.

"I'm okay," he said immediately, though his heart was beating a little faster.

The boy froze, eyes wide. "I'm sorry! I didn't see you!"

His friends stopped a few steps ahead, turning back to look.

Gaotu took a breath, before lowering his hand. "It's alright," he said gently. "Are you okay?"

The boy nodded quickly, still looking worried. "Yes... I'm really sorry."

"It was an accident," Gaotu reassured him, giving a small smile. "Just be careful when you run."

The boy nodded again, then glanced at Gaotu's stomach, curiosity slipping into his expression. "Are you... having a baby? My mommy is also having a baby. "

Qing almost laughed, but held it in.

Gaotu paused for a second, then nodded. "Yeah."

The boy's eyes lit up. "That's cool!"

Before Gaotu could respond, one of the older kids called out, "Come on! Hurry up!"

"Okay!" the boy shouted back, then turned to Gaotu again. "Sorry!"

"It's okay," Gaotu repeated.

The boy ran off to catch up with the others, the moment passing as quickly as it had happened.

Qing let out a breath. "That scared me."

"You're sure you're okay?" she asked, looking him over.

"I am," he said. "He didn't hit me that hard."

Qing relaxed slightly, though she still stayed close as they continued walking.

After a few steps, Gaotu spoke again, quieter this time.

"He said it was cool."

Qing smiled. "Kids usually think babies are."

Gaotu looked ahead, a faint smile returning to his face.