This day marked the return of Gong Zhi Jing and her child to the Ling family.
Elder Madam Ling and Elder Master Ling had been anticipating this day for a long time, having waited a full six days.
Confined to repeatedly watching videos on their phones, their impatience had grown unbearable.
Were it not for Elder Master Ling's mobility issues, they would have rushed to the hospital themselves.
Inside the comfortable nanny van,
Gong Zhi Jing lay with her eyes closed, resting. Beside her, nestled in a car seat, slept the baby. Both mother and daughter were asleep.
Ling Le You had been a bit fussy the previous night, leading to a lack of rest for everyone.
The driver proceeded at a leisurely pace.
Ling Yu Chen's gaze was fixed on the sleeping mother and child, oblivious to the scenery outside.
The moving vehicle acted like a gently rocking cradle, lulling them into drowsiness.
It took a full twice the usual time to reach home.
The moment the car stopped, Gong Zhi Jing stirred awake. She murmured sleepily, "Are we home?"
"Mm."
Ling Yu Chen responded with a nod and then alighted from the vehicle.
Gong Zhi Jing rubbed her eyes, gradually clearing her fuzzy vision. Yet, she still felt a lingering sleepiness.
Once her senses fully returned, her first instinct was to check on her daughter.
Ling Le You lay with her head tilted, arms up in a gesture of surrender, sleeping soundly.
"Our precious Le You is so adorable," Gong Zhi Jing's heart melted.
"Leave the baby with the nanny; I'll carry you home." Ling Yu Chen opened the car door and extended his hand to Gong Zhi Jing.
Gong Zhi Jing readily complied, wrapping her arms around his neck. In a moment, she felt herself lifted, settling into a strong, secure embrace.
Ling Yu Chen had held her in the same manner when they left the hospital.
The nanny, cradling the baby, followed closely behind as they proceeded into the living room.
The elderly couple had been waiting with great anticipation. Upon hearing from a servant that they had returned, Elder Madam Ling immediately stepped forward to greet them at the door.
Elder Master Ling, leaning on his cane, stood inside, unable to do anything but watch with concern.
As Ling Yu Chen appeared, carrying Gong Zhi Jing, Elder Madam Ling rushed to meet them.
"My darling, my darling is back."
Gong Zhi Jing offered her a radiant smile and called out, "Grandma."
"Good, good, you must be tired. Come inside quickly, don't let the breeze catch you."
Ling Yu Chen quickly carried Gong Zhi Jing into the house.
Elder Madam Ling's attention then shifted to the nanny.
The nanny held a pink swaddle, and Elder Madam Ling exclaimed with joy, "Quick, bring her inside!"
Although eager to see the child, the April air was still a bit cool.
Once inside, Gong Zhi Jing settled onto the sofa, and a warm blanket was immediately draped over her.
"Quickly, let me hold the baby."
As soon as Elder Madam Ling sat down, she extended her hand to the nanny.
Holding the small swaddle, she gently lifted a corner, revealing the tiny face within.
Elder Madam Ling's heart melted.
"Oh, my precious darling, you are so lovable. So fair and tender, my heart is completely captivated."
Ling Le You, deep in slumber, seemed to respond to her great-grandmother's praise, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Elder Madam Ling let out another delighted gasp, beaming with joy.
Beside her, Elder Master Ling's face crinkled with laughter, his mouth unable to close.
"A daughter is indeed so charming, so soft to hold."
Elder Madam Ling cradled the little baby as if she were the most precious treasure, afraid to drop her or let her melt away.
"I want to build a palace and an amusement park for my little Le You, to spoil her into the happiest princess in the world!"
In that moment, Gong Zhi Jing felt a pang of being outshone.
But who would be jealous of their own daughter? It was only a joy to have more love for her!
Seizing the opportunity, Ling Yu Chen suggested, "Why don't we all move to Ling Lu Mountain? The entire mountain belongs to us. We can build whatever we want, and it's also safe."
The elders, who had previously been adamant against moving, agreed without a second thought.
Elder Master Ling chuckled, "Move, we'll move now. For my little Le You, this old man can live anywhere."
Moving was only a matter of time anyway.
Ling Yu Chen would eventually need to return to managing the company.
At that time, his wife and daughter would undoubtedly go with him, and he, an old man, could not possibly force the child to stay behind, separating the young family.
"Let's wait until Zhi Jing's confinement month is over before moving," Elder Madam Ling said, looking at Gong Zhi Jing with eyes full of affection.
"Her body is still very weak. It's not too late to move after she recovers. The company can be temporarily managed by your father."
Ling Yu Chen naturally had no objections.
"You've held her for so long, let me have a turn," Elder Master Ling finally voiced his impatience.
"Here, take her."
Elder Madam Ling glanced at him and carefully placed the baby into Elder Master Ling's arms.
Little Le You furrowed her brow, her eyelids fluttering. She lazily stretched before opening her eyes.
"She's awake, she's awake! The baby is awake," Elder Master Ling exclaimed, his smile unwavering.
To his surprise, Ling Le You did not oblige him. Smelling a scent unfamiliar to her mother's milk, she immediately pouted and let out a loud wail.
Elder Master Ling panicked. The baby's soft cries tore at his heart.
"She's crying, she's crying! Quick, she's crying."
The nanny hurried forward and said, "It's time for her milk. I'll take her to feed her."
Before their return, Gong Zhi Jing had already expressed breast milk.
The piteous cries of Ling Le You ceased the moment she was in the nanny's arms.
The nanny carried her directly back to the East Courtyard.
"Zhi Jing, Grandma has asked the kitchen to stew some chicken soup for you. Drink plenty later to nourish your body."
"Thank you, Grandma."
Although there was a nanny specializing in postpartum care, Gong Zhi Jing did not refuse the elder's kindness.
Ling Yu Chen did not let her sit for long, as she still needed bed rest after her recovery.
He said to the elders, "Grandpa, Grandma, I'll take Zhi Jing back to the East Courtyard now."
"Alright, go back. She needs to rest well. You must take good care of her," Elder Madam Ling reminded him with concern.
Gong Zhi Jing smiled gently, "Don't worry, Grandma. Yu Chen has been taking very good care of me."
Hearing this, Elder Madam Ling finally felt at ease.
Gong Zhi Jing put on her hat. Ling Yu Chen once again picked her up, cradling her protectively, and carried her back to the East Courtyard.
After all the commotion, Gong Zhi Jing finally breathed a sigh of relief as she lay down on the bed.
In truth, her surgical wound still ached.
Little Le You, after her milk, drifted back into sweet slumber.
Every time she looked at her daughter, Gong Zhi Jing felt that all the pain was worthwhile.
"Here, let me disinfect it."
Ling Yu Chen wasted no time. Upon returning, he retrieved the medicine box and began disinfecting Gong Zhi Jing's wound.
Gong Zhi Jing lifted her clothes, revealing a long scar.
She looked at Ling Yu Chen and asked, "Will it look ugly?"
Her fair skin only accentuated the perceived ugliness of the scar.
Ling Yu Chen, with a cotton swab dipped in disinfectant, gently wiped around the wound. His eyes held only tenderness, no hint of disdain.
"It's not ugly, it's very beautiful."
Gong Zhi Jing was amused and smiled, "Nonsense. How can a scar be beautiful?"
Ling Yu Chen replied without hesitation, "It is beautiful."
Gong Zhi Jing fell silent, but her heart was warmed.
...