Chapter 10: Surrogate Childbirth

Li Yaqin suddenly felt a pang of panic. She looked around again and finally spotted Li Yuehua at the edge of the crowd.

She stood there alone, pale-faced, her eyes vacant, completely out of place amidst the lively atmosphere.

Li Yuehua stood there, motionless, staring at Li Dayong, her eyes burning with a fervent light.

Li Yaqin's heart sank. She knew it was adoration, longing, and anticipation for the future.

"Yaqin, what are you looking at?" Li Zhi's wife, having finished her chores, noticed Li Yaqin standing there blankly and asked curiously.

Li Yuehua still harbored hope for Li Dayong—how foolish!

"Men are reliable? Pigs can fly!"

"Sigh—trusting men will bring you a lifetime of misfortune."

"But, it's fine this way; she can be used to my advantage."

Li Yuehua was still pregnant, and she couldn't be harmed for the time being. Life was innocent, but her inaction didn't mean others wouldn't act.

However, as long as she wasn't implicated and could go to the Northwest Military Region to serve her sister-in-law, she might spare Li Yuehua's life.

She wouldn't harm her now; she could make plans after Li Yuehua gave birth.

It's a pity; how can one change a person's inherently evil nature?

Or rather, human nature is such that when faced with the option of self-preservation, most people choose to preserve themselves first.

Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and with Li Yuehua's selfish and self-serving character, she probably wouldn't easily give in.

"N-nothing…" Li Yaqin forced a smile.

“I was just thinking, the village chief said he’s going to throw a welcome dinner for Li Dayong. I wonder what delicious food he’ll prepare tonight. I’d better have a good taste.”

Li Zhi’s wife’s eyes lit up. “That’s for sure! I heard the village chief slaughtered a pig and bought a lot of good wine from town!”

Li Yaqin answered absentmindedly, her gaze never leaving Li Yuehua.

She saw Li Dayong walk towards Li Yuehua; the two seemed to be talking.

Li Yuehua's face flushed, and she lowered her head, avoiding Li Dayong's eyes.

"What a perfect couple!" someone nearby exclaimed.

Li Yaqin clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She forced herself to look away and whispered to Li Zhi's wife, "Let's go, we need to get to work."

The two turned and left the bustling crowd, heading towards the fields.

The setting sun cast its golden-red glow over the fields.

Li Yaqin's steps were heavy, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

There was jealousy and mockery towards Li Yuehua, and also uncertainty and anxiety about the future.

Li Yaqin's steps were heavy, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

“Yaqin,” Li Zhi’s wife suddenly asked, “You said Li Dayong is back, and about him and Yuehua…”

Li Yaqin stumbled, almost falling.

Li Yaqin was startled, but her face remained calm as she steadied herself.

She forced a smile and said, “Sister Yuehua is so beautiful, of course Li Dayong likes her.”

“That’s true!” Li Zhi’s wife said excitedly.

“If they really got together, they would be a match made in heaven!”

Li Yaqin didn’t reply, but walked on in silence.

The sun shone brightly, and the fields were full of life.

But in Li Yaqin's eyes, the world seemed to have lost all color.

She glanced back towards the village entrance, a cold smile playing on her lips: "Li Yuehua, do you think you can rest easy now that Li Dayong is back?"

"Don't dream, the show's just beginning!"

"I'll show you who the real winner is!"

Li Yaqin quickened her pace, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes, a cold smile playing on her lips.

"Yaqin, why are you walking so fast?" Li Zhi's wife called from behind.

Li Yaqin snapped out of her reverie and slowed her pace to wait for her.

"Nothing, just wanted to finish the work quickly," she said with an innocent smile.

"After all, we're having a welcome-back dinner for Li Dayong tonight, I need to make time to help!"

Li Zhi's wife nodded with a smile, completely unaware of the calculating glint in Li Yaqin's eyes.

The two chatted and laughed as they walked towards the fields, beginning their day's work.

Li Yaqin buried herself in her work, her mind racing.

She was calculating her next move.

The sun grew increasingly intense, and sweat soaked through her clothes.

She straightened up, wiped the sweat from her brow, and gazed towards the village entrance.

Li Yaqin, remember this: in this world, no one is kind to you for no reason.

To get what you want, you have to earn it through your own efforts!

She silently reminded herself.

Taking a deep breath, Li Yaqin bent down again and continued her work.

If Li Yuehua didn't bring up the surrogacy issue this time she returned home, she would let Li Yuehua go for now.

After all, going against the protagonist of this story was too detrimental to her luck and would be bad for her future plans.

The night was as dark as ink, thick and impenetrable.

The village was silent, save for the faint barking of a few dogs in the distance.

Li Yaqin lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Her heart was pounding, as if it would burst from her chest.

Everything that had happened during the day flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.

Li Yuehua's shy face, Li Dayong's deep eyes—all of it unsettled her.

Suddenly, the soft sound of a door opening made Li Yaqin's heart leap.

She nearly jumped out of bed, arching her back like a startled cat.

She held her breath, straining to hear the slightest sound outside.

She cautiously moved to the door, gently opening it a crack and peering out.

She saw Li Yuehua's figure stealthily heading out of the village.

Li Yaqin quietly followed behind, a cold smile playing on her lips: Li Yuehua, you really are no pushover.

Staying up so late at night, you must be up to something again.

I'll see what you're up to!

Li Dayong returned, frantic with worry, wishing he could fly to Li Yuehua's side immediately.

Now is not the time; he must be patient.

Finally, midnight arrived, and he could no longer suppress his longing.

Wearing the dust of travel and brimming with tenderness, he rushed to Li Yuehua.

Li Yuehua stood under the old locust tree at the end of the village, moonlight filtering through the leaves and falling upon her.

The dappled light and shadow danced, mirroring her current emotions.

"Yuehua!" Li Dayong's voice was hoarse, yet filled with barely concealed excitement.

Li Yuehua looked up, their eyes met, and a thousand words melted into that deep, affectionate gaze.

The moonlight, like water, quietly bathed them, casting long shadows.

A gentle breeze rustled the locust tree leaves, as if whispering in celebration of their reunion.

Li Yuehua's cheeks flushed, like peach blossoms in full bloom in March, delicate and alluring.

"Brother Dayong, you...you're back." Li Yuehua's voice was as soft as a feather, drifting into Li Dayong's heart.

Li Dayong stepped forward and gently embraced Li Yuehua, as if afraid to crush her with any force.

"I'm back, Yuehua, I missed you." His voice echoed in her ear, filled with deep longing and heartache.

Li Yuehua leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.

Feeling his familiar scent, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

“Brother Dayong, I…I’m pregnant with our child,” she choked out, her voice filled with grievance and unease.

Li Dayong stiffened. He gently cupped Li Yuehua’s face in his hands, wiping away her tears with his rough thumb.

“Silly girl, why are you crying? This is a good thing. We have a child. It’s a gift from heaven.”

His voice was so gentle it could melt hearts, his eyes filled with tenderness.

“But…but…” Li Yuehua hesitated, biting her lip tightly, her heart filled with hesitation and unease.

She didn’t know how to tell Li Dayong that she had almost lost the child.

She didn’t know how to face the disappointment in his eyes.

Li Dayong seemed to understand her thoughts. He tenderly pulled her into his arms.

He held her hand tightly and said firmly, "Yuehua, I know you've suffered a lot, and I know you have many worries."

"But please believe me, no matter what happens, I will face it with you."

"This child is the fruit of our love, and we must bring him into the world safely!"

Li Yuehua was deeply moved, and she threw herself into Li Dayong's arms.

She hugged him tightly, as if trying to melt into his body.