D City
The weather was somewhat gloomy, adding an unusually oppressive feel. Inside the clerks' office of 'Tianxing Trade', everyone was speeding up their work due to the approaching end of the work day.
In the corner to the right, a woman in her mid-twenties looked somewhat dazed. Her name was Lin Chen, just a lowly clerk in the company.
Her black hair was tied up high, revealing her delicate and fair features. Although she was not exceptionally beautiful, anyone who saw her would automatically take a liking to her. She held up her head with one hand, eyebrows slightly furrowed— no one knew what she was thinking.
"Alright, it's time to knock off." Lin Chen was lost in thought when suddenly her shoulder was patted, causing her to startle and stand up instinctively. The person who had startled her was her good friend, He Xiang.
"What got into you? Why're you so jumpy?" Seeing Lin Chen's reaction, He Xiang discontentedly pouted. She was naturally adorable, and at this moment, she looked especially cute.
"No biggie, Xiang, are we off work now?"
"Yes, really don't know what's up with you lately, always zoning out."
"Let's go, let's head down for dinner."
The two went to their usual restaurant where they enjoyed hot pot. Being from the south, they particularly loved spicy food. While eating, Lin Chen suddenly looked up.
"Xiang, will you accompany me to the hospital later?"
"Why, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" He Xiang, who was enjoying her meal, hurriedly asked before even swallowing her food upon hearing Lin Chen's sudden question.
"It's nothing much, just that my period is two weeks late," said Lin Chen nonchalantly.
"Oh wow, don't tell me you're pregnant again?" Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, He Xiang couldn't help exclaiming loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
"Lower your voice." Seeing the curious glances cast their way, Lin Chen quickly covered He Xiang's mouth.
"Um, let go of me." She patted Lin Chen's hand, her voice noticeably softer, then she made a distressed face and said, "Ah, look at you, already carrying your second child, and I still don't have even one." Thinking about her own situation and the constant nagging from her in-laws, she was almost thirty with no child, He Xiang felt a bit anxious.
As for Lin Chen, although she was only twenty-five, she was already the mother of a four-year-old! The country was promoting the policy of having two children, she was also considering this. If it was true, she didn’t expect it would happen in such a perfect timing.
"Ah, come on, eat quickly." Knowing her friend's situation, and not wanting her to be sad, she hurried her to eat.
After the meal, the two went to the city hospital. They waited in line for half an hour until it was Lin Chen's turn, she went in nervously with her number.
After a while, Lin Chen came out and He Xiang promptly asked, "So, is it true?"
"Yes, almost fifty days now." Lin Chen stroked her belly, looking somewhat tranquil.
"Ah! That's great! I'm going to be a godmother again." He Xiang was so excited that she hugged Lin Chen and gave her a kiss.
There was a hint of embarrassment on Lin Chen's face, she gave He Xiang a glare, pushing her away in the process. She checked the time and realized it was almost time for work, "Stop messing around."
"You should rest this afternoon, I'll ask for a leave for you."
"Okay," Lin Chen thought for a while and nodded, ready to take the good news back and tell her husband.
The two stood in front of the bus station, waiting for a while, and then Lin Chen got on the bus.
He Xiang, still yelling loudly, "Ah Chen, take care!" Waving her hand, she did not know what happened, tears started to flow from He Xiang's eyes. A sour feeling welled up in her heart, she had a feeling that she might not see Ah Chen anymore in the future. She shook her head and laughed at herself for having such thoughts.
