Chapter 471 – Xu Jinning Is Pregnant!
Xie Ting’an was stunned when he heard from Song Hao that Ningning was pregnant.
Ningning was pregnant.
What did this mean?
It meant that he was about to become a father.
To be honest, whether it was the word “father” or the word “child,” both felt somewhat unfamiliar to Xie Ting’an.
Especially since he had always thought of himself as someone with relatively indifferent emotions.
Even when he fell in love with Xu Jinning.
Even when he married Xu Jinning.
Even when the two of them were trying for a baby, he still found it hard to imagine what kind of feelings he would have after having a child.
What kind of father would he be?
He was even a little afraid—afraid that he wouldn’t be a good father.
Afraid that he wouldn’t be able to give the child enough love and care.
And now…
Song Hao revealed that Ningning was pregnant, and he and Ningning were truly going to have a child.
Now they just had to wait until the child was born, and he would be a father.
At this moment, the reality of having a child truly became concrete.
At this moment, Xie Ting’an’s emotions were complicated.
Was he excited? It seemed like he was.
Happy and joyful? It seemed like he was, and a lot of it, too, because this child represented the love between him and Ningning.
This child would carry the bloodlines of both him and Ningning.
When the child was born and grew up…
They would resemble Ningning in some ways and also resemble him in others.
Thinking about this, Xie Ting’an felt that the happiness and joy seemed to grow even more.
And when he thought that part of this child’s bloodline came from Ningning, and that the child might even look a lot like her, his mind unconsciously conjured up the image of a little girl.
A child who looked like Ningning—he thought—he should love her dearly.
…
As they left the Song family home, the two walked hand in hand down the road, neither speaking, but both with smiles on their faces.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ailian had been waiting at the entrance ever since they left for the Song family, eager to hear the news right away.
When she saw Xie Ting’an and Xu Jinning returning hand in hand from afar, Zhang Ailian immediately stood up.
As they approached, Zhang Ailian quickly asked, “How did it go?”
Xu Jinning hurriedly replied, “Mom, my brother-in-law wasn’t home, but Xiao Hao was, so I asked him to check my pulse.”
“Xiao Hao said…” Xu Jinning paused, “I’m pregnant.”
“What? Little sister, you’re pregnant!” At that moment, Xu Xiangdong and Xu Xiangbei, who had just come out from the courtyard, heard the news and exclaimed in surprise.
They quickly rushed over and asked, “Little sister, you’re pregnant? Is it true?”
Xu Jinning answered, “It shouldn’t be wrong. I’m probably pregnant.”
“Oh wow, you’re pregnant! That’s wonderful news!” Zhang Ailian’s face was full of joy.
Xu Xiangdong and Xu Xiangbei were also thrilled.
After all, they had been looking forward to a little version of Xu Jinning.
Every member of the Xu family felt guilt for the fifteen years that Xu Jinning wasn’t with them.
This was also why they could never forgive Lin Wangshu and her family.
They had always wanted to see what Xu Jinning was like as a child.
Unfortunately, their little sister had grown up, and they never got the chance.
But now they could look at her daughter.
Both brothers believed that their little sister’s daughter would definitely look a lot like her.
They thought that when the child was born, they would absolutely dote on her.
News of Xu Jinning’s pregnancy quickly spread throughout the entire Xu family.
Everyone expressed their blessings and excitement for the new life soon to come.
…
That afternoon, after Xu Jinning and Xie Ting’an went to the city hospital for a checkup and confirmed that she was indeed pregnant, Xu Jinning decided to call Grandpa Xie in Beijing to share the news.
Nowadays, the entire village had electricity, and families with the means had installed telephones. There was no need to run to the village committee office anymore. Gone were the days when the whole village had to share a single phone with poor signal and high costs.
The phone rang only a few times before it connected.
“Is it Girl Ning?” A cheerful, hearty voice of an elderly man came from the other end.
“It’s me, Grandpa, it’s Ningning!” she replied, her voice warm and familiar.
“I knew it was you. So, how are things at home? Are you happy? Have you been thinking of Grandpa?” he asked, his laughter echoing through the receiver.
“Of course I miss you, Grandpa. Not just me—Ting’an misses you too. And your great-grandchild misses you already as well.”
“Haha, I knew you all would miss me…” But before he could finish the sentence, her grandfather paused. Did he hear that right? Great-grandchild?
Almost instantly, Grandpa Xie, who had been sitting comfortably in his chair, jumped to his feet, excitement and disbelief filling his heart. His voice, though quieter and uncertain, trembled with hope. “Girl Ning, did you say…great-grandchild? Are you… are you…?”
He couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, fearing he might be mistaken, that it was only wishful thinking, or that his ears had deceived him. His heart raced, caught between cautious hope and the fear of disappointment.
Xu Jinning couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t want to tease her dear grandfather, so she quickly reassured him, “Yes, Grandpa, Ting’an and I just got back from the hospital. It’s confirmed—I’m pregnant. It’s been over a month now.”
“In a little more than eight months, you’ll be able to meet your great-grandchild.”
At that moment, it was as if all the warmth of the world had settled in her grandfather’s heart. His happiness felt as vast as the horizon, spreading with every word he had just heard.
“Oh, really? That’s wonderful, just wonderful…” Grandpa Xie repeated “wonderful” several times in a row.
It was clear that he was extremely excited and happy.
In truth, the old man had been waiting for this moment for a long time. He knew he was getting on in years, and if possible, he hoped to witness the continuation of the Xie family bloodline in his lifetime. If things went well, he also wished that, while he was still around and had the energy, he could help Xiao An and Girl Ning raise the child.
It wasn’t just for them—it was also for himself.
He thought about how, if a little child were by his side, obedient and well-behaved, whether boy or girl, calling him “great-grandpa,” his days would be filled with joy.
Ever since Xiao An got married, Grandpa Xie had been looking forward to the arrival of a great-grandchild.
However, he never pressured the couple to have a child.
Although he wanted to help raise a child and longed for a great-grandchild, having children was a matter for the couple, and even as a grandfather, he had no right to interfere.
Though he had never said anything or interfered, he had always hoped in his heart.
Now, not too long after, his wish had come true.
Wonderful, truly wonderful.
At that moment, Grandpa Xie realized that tears had formed at the corners of his eyes.
He—he was crying tears of joy.
“Girl Ning, make sure to take care of yourself from now on,” he said.
“No matter what, your health comes first, understand? Don’t overwork yourself.”
“Oh, and let Xiao An come to the phone—I have something to tell him.”
Soon, Xie Ting’an came to the phone.
Over the phone, Grandpa Xie gave detailed instructions to Xie Ting’an on how to take care of Xu Jinning during her pregnancy. Of course, the most important thing was that he must never do anything to upset or disappoint her.
“Did you hear what Grandpa said? You’d better treat Girl Ning well, or Grandpa won’t acknowledge you as my grandson.”
Xie Ting’an couldn’t help but laugh, but he still agreed, “Don’t worry, Grandpa, I know what to do.”
