Chapter 52: Pregnant
“Director Shen, your youngest daughter is pregnant!”
“According to the examination results, she’s approximately one month along.”
As an obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor Zhang had extensive clinical experience.
When making the diagnosis earlier, she had not only checked the pulse but also conducted a follow-up examination using an A-mode ultrasound diagnostic device.
Without exception, both diagnostic results confirmed that Director Shen’s youngest daughter was pregnant.
In most families, pregnancy would be considered a joyous occasion.
But in Director Shen’s household…
Not to mention that the Shen family’s youngest daughter had just graduated from university, the core issue was that she wasn’t married yet.
If word got out about an unmarried woman being pregnant, never mind how outsiders would view it, Director Shen’s reputation would certainly be affected.
Moreover, there were rumors circulating in the factory that Director Shen was about to be promoted to deputy director.
If news of the Shen family’s youngest daughter being pregnant out of wedlock emerged at this critical juncture, the promotion opportunity that Director Shen had worked diligently for all these years would likely be ruined.
Just as Doctor Zhang was thinking this, something completely unexpected happened.
Upon hearing the news, Shen Guozhong didn’t erupt in anger, his face didn’t darken, nor did he show any displeasure.
After a brief moment of astonishment, a smile gradually appeared at the corners of his eyes, followed immediately by hearty laughter.
“That’s wonderful news!”
“Over the years, our entire family hasn’t had a peaceful night’s sleep because of this girl’s illness.”
“As long as it’s not a worsening of her condition, I can accept anything else.”
Hearing this, Doctor Zhang thought he hadn’t fully processed the information and repeated the diagnosis results.
In response, Shen Guozhong simply waved his hand with a smile.
“Weren’t there rumors in the factory a couple of days ago about me bringing a sharp, impressive young man to the factory?”
“Some guessed he was my nephew, others thought he was a relative, and some even speculated he was Director Deng’s nephew from her maternal family.”
He chuckled at this point.
“Everyone guessed wrong—not a single person got it right.”
“To be frank, that’s my newly acquired son-in-law.”
“Everyone knows university graduates usually finish earlier, but my youngest daughter didn’t return until early September because she got married in Jingshi, which delayed her return.”
“If Director Deng and I weren’t so busy with work, we would never have missed their wedding.”
Among those present, Shen Shasha experienced the most emotional turmoil upon hearing this explanation.
Had her father-in-law lost his mind from anger?
When did her sister-in-law get married?
How come she didn’t know about it?
Besides, wasn’t the reason her sister-in-law returned late because of her tutoring work in Jingshi?
Moreover, wasn’t it her father-in-law who said that his daughter was still young and not ready to marry yet, asking that young Comrade Li to wait a few more years?
Why was he now telling outsiders that he was already his son-in-law?
Then, remembering the pregnancy, she immediately understood why he would say this.
For the sake of the Shen family and for her sister-in-law, this identity had to be acknowledged.
So after Shen Guozhong finished speaking, she quickly chimed in, “So my sister-in-law is pregnant!”
Then she couldn’t help but marvel, “Military men really are in good health!”
“By all accounts, they’ve only been married for just over a month, and the pregnancy timing matches almost perfectly.”
“As the saying goes, ‘Scatter the bed, scatter the bed, wealth and luck are spread; sitting on the bed brings joy, lasting as heaven and earth!'”
“It seems this child is truly blessed.”
Shen Guozhong hadn’t expected his third son’s wife to be so perceptive.
Not only had she picked up on what he was saying, but she had also seamlessly filled in the gaps of the story.
After a brief moment of surprise, he burst out laughing.
“Yes, yes, this child is truly blessed.”
“Not to mention the son-in-law’s side, your mother and Third Brother would be overjoyed if they knew.”
The father-in-law and daughter-in-law went back and forth, their conversation easing the tension for Dr. Zhang and Nurse Lan, who quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
So the Shen family’s youngest daughter was already married!
That was good! That was good!
If she had been pregnant before marriage, the gossip outside would have drowned the Shen family.
Recalling the information Shen Shasha had inadvertently revealed earlier, the two couldn’t help but ask curiously.
“Director Shen, is your new son-in-law a soldier?”
“How come none of the aunties in the Family Compound mentioned it?”
After all, news in the family compounds of major factories was impossible to keep under wraps.
What happened one moment would spread like wildfire the next.
The effect was comparable to a live-streaming camera.
Given this, news as significant as the Shen family’s youngest daughter marrying a soldier should have spread far and wide by now.
Yet, up until now, if it weren’tt for Shen Shasha’s unintentional revelation, they might still be unaware of this explosive news.
Seeing that the two not only believed it but also had questions, Shen Guozhong felt relieved yet wore a helpless expression as he explained.
“My An’an married a soldier, which is something to be happy and proud of.”
“But my son-in-law’s identity is special, so it’s best not to say much about it.”
“You know what being a soldier means—sometimes it’s better to keep a low profile.”
Upon hearing this, Dr. Zhang and Nurse Lan immediately understood the implication.
Yes, being a soldier was indeed an honorable identity, but behind that honor lay bloodshed and sacrifice.
The fact that the Shen family didn’t publicize it spoke volumes about their upright family values.
With upright family values, their conduct and actions naturally followed suit.
It seemed Director Shen’s promotion to deputy factory director was a done deal, and one unaffected by external forces.
With the side conversation concluded, Dr. Zhang returned to the main topic and began emphasizing the relevant details.
“After returning home, the pregnant woman should aim for 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Staying up late or overexerting herself is not recommended.”
“As the weather is gradually getting cooler, try to go outside more often to walk and bask in the sun. It’s beneficial for both the mother and the baby.”
“Also, avoid upsetting the pregnant woman. Keeping her in a happy mood is good for the baby’s development.”
Despite being familiar with such advice, the father-in-law and daughter-in-law suddenly seemed like novices.
Not only did they borrow pen and paper to take notes, but they also asked numerous detailed questions.
Seeing this, Dr. Zhang shook her head with amusement.
“Your family has had so many children—why are you still taking notes?”
“Just do as you did before. There’s no need to be overly cautious.”
Hearing this, Shen Guozhong shook his head disapprovingly.
“It’s not the same!”
“Third Brother’s wife and Fourth Brother’s wife are in good health. As long as they don’t overexert themselves, they’re fine.”
“But my youngest daughter has been frail since childhood. I’m not sure how pregnancy might affect her health.”
As he brought up this topic, the once cheerful look in his eyes was tinged with worry.
To this concern, Dr. Zhang offered a different perspective.
“It’s hard to say for certain.”
“But based on the recent examination, your youngest daughter’s health shows no issues at all.”
“As for the specific situation, it will depend on the reactions during the later stages of pregnancy.”
Understanding Dr. Zhang’s meaning, Shen Guozhong nodded to show his comprehension.
After all necessary matters had been discussed, he then pointed toward the area behind the curtain.
“When will she wake up?”
“Also, could the previous sudden fainting have any impact on her health?”
Dr. Zhang first assured that it would not affect her health, then explained the reason for the deep sleep.
“The pregnant woman is asleep. She’ll be fine once she wakes up naturally.”
“Would you prefer she stays in the hospital to rest, or…?”
“Arrange a hospital room!” Shen Guozhong gave his answer.
“Of course, it would be even better if there’s an available room.”
Understanding his request, Dr. Zhang had Nurse Lan escort them to a room that only had one other patient.
After everything was properly arranged, Shen Shasha finally explained the situation at home.
“Dad, when I came, I left the two children in Auntie Lin’s care.”
“Now that little sister is fine, I’d like to go back first to check on them.”
“I’ll return after making sure everything at home is in order, but will this affect your work?”
Hearing this, Shen Guozhong waved his hand.
“Go ahead, no need to come back.”
“It’s only half an hour until I finish work. I’ll stay here and wait for your little sister to wake up, then we’ll go home together.”
Understanding that this wouldn’t interfere with work, Shen Shasha then turned and left the hospital.
After she left, Shen Guozhong exchanged a few words with the family member of the patient in the next bed before turning his attention to the sleeping figure.