Capítulo 1368: Chapter 1369: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 96 “Also, previously your income, I didn’t interfere either.” After discussing the major issues, there were still some minor matters that needed to be addressed. “But if the child is here, you’ll have to cover the costs.” Zhang Yu expressed her stance. “If you can get milk powder coupons, that would be best. If not, Old Man Wang can also get some milk powder.” “However, it’s just a favor, and I’m not sure how much he can get.” Old Man Wang’s war buddies were quite supportive, having already mailed several cans of milk powder, which has a one-year shelf life. Xiao Min and Zhao Lei were worried, wondering how to solve the child’s food issue once she returned to the Western Region. They didn’t expect that before she returned to the Capital City, Zhang Yu had already considered the issue and made preparations. “Thank you, Mom.” Xiao Min felt fortunate to have found a good mother-in-law. Any initial unease in her heart was now gone. “What are you thanking for? You’re my daughter-in-law. If I don’t take care of you, who will?” “About this matter, Old Man Wang has helped quite a lot. You should definitely thank him properly when the time comes.” “Mom, I know.” Xiao Min knew that Old Man Wang was a good person, “I’ve always heard Xiao Lei mention him.” “As long as you know.” Zhang Yu could tell her own children to take care of the old man in his later years, but couldn’t say that to her daughter-in-law. “The old man is like a grandfather to Xiao Lei and me. We will definitely treat him well.” Xiao Min remembered she hadn’t discussed how much to give for living expenses, “Xiao Lei and I decided that we’ll send our salaries home.” Send it home? “You won’t need it?” Zhang Yu thought that as long as they covered the child’s expenses, she could handle the rest as the grandmother. “We still have bonuses.” Although not much, it would be enough for their needs. Zhang Yu hadn’t asked, but she knew that even with bonuses, it wouldn’t be much. “You always need some money with you, Xiao Lei’s salary I’ll take.” She would take her son’s salary but leave her daughter-in-law’s salary with them. “I’ll let Xiao Yi keep track of the monthly expenses.” The money would be in her hands, but keeping accounts would be Xiao Yi’s responsibility. “No need to keep accounts, no need.” Xiao Min was surprised Zhang Yu only took one person’s salary, feeling quite embarrassed, not knowing how she could let Zhang Yu keep accounts. “It’s necessary, earning money isn’t easy for you. And I get a salary too.” “When you got married, I didn’t get anything specific for you.” “Believe me, if I treat you well now, when I’m old, you’ll treat me the same.” Zhang Yu indicated. “Mom, don’t worry.” Xiao Min silently vowed in her heart that she would treat Zhang Yu well. Xiao Min, with her belly growing, commuting every day, occasionally had to work overtime, although not frequently. Seeing Xiao Min’s belly, people could tell she had the child after marriage. However, everyone felt it was odd, “Xiao Min, you’re back, how come Zhao Lei didn’t return?” “There are still things to handle there. I only came back because it’s time to give birth. Once the baby is born, I’ll have to return.” Xiao Min explained again. Zhang Yu came out from the room, “Xiao Min, go rest.” “Really, you’ve asked this question a hundred times if not eighty, how come you keep asking?” “Xiao Lei is busy working, while I, Xiao Yi, and Xiao Hong are here. We can surely take good care of her.” “She’s already tired from working every day, why do you keep asking this question?” Zhang Yu was quite displeased. Xiao Min understood that Zhao Lei was busy with work and couldn’t be there to help during childbirth, but she still felt conflicted about it. Zhang Yu tried her best to comfort her, not wanting her to dwell on unhappy matters, but the neighbors kept stirring things up. Seeing Zhang Yu come out with a long face, the neighbors could only awkwardly avoid her. “Xiao Min, you’re in a special situation now; taking care of your health is what’s most important.” Of course, Xiao Min listened to Zhang Yu. She worked at a research institute, where even though the pressure wasn’t as high as in the Western Region, she still had to calculate data, which was quite tiring too. Now, with the baby’s due date approaching, she felt tired easily. Back in the room, “You need to take good care of your health; it’s good not only for the baby but also for you.” Zhang Yu reminded Xiao Min of the doctor’s advice from her last check-up, “Although the doctor mentioned a C-section is possible,” “but it’s still a major surgery. If you could stay two more months, I could take good care of you for the postpartum period, but if you…” Zhang Yu thought this wasn’t very likely. “Natural childbirth, although painful, is easier to recover from than surgery.” Zhang Yu advised. Xiao Min had consulted with the doctor and knew that natural childbirth suited her situation; even with the best medical skills, recovery from surgical wounds could be quite painful if not taken proper rest. “Sis, take good care of yourself.” Xiao Yi looked at Xiao Min worriedly, “Sis, I went fishing today; let’s have fish porridge.” Seeing Xiao Min gaining some weight, Xiao Yi felt slightly relieved, at least she was better than when she first returned. But this wasn’t enough. Xiao Yi recalled the concerning data from her last check-up. “Having good health allows you to contribute more.” Zhang Yu prepared a cup of milk powder for Xiao Min, “Drink.” Seeing Zhang Yu handing over milk powder, Xiao Min twitched her mouth, “Mom, this isn’t meant for kids.” She had consulted with her workplace recently, to see if they could provide some milk powder coupons given her situation. The workplace said they’d consider it and offer some assistance. They would provide two milk powder coupons per month for about half a year. If she stayed in the Capital City, the coupons would be enough, but she’d go to the Western Region—relying on only two pounds of milk powder monthly, she wondered how long it would last. When the child grew up, she wasn’t sure if the amount could even last two weeks. Now, Zhang Yu also made milk powder for her, making Xiao Min feel as though she was competing with her child for food. “It’s for the child, but you drinking it is also beneficial for the child.” “When the mother’s nutrition is good, the child develops better in the womb.” Zhang Yu knew there wasn’t much milk powder, but Xiao Min’s nutrition couldn’t be neglected. “Plus, it helps you recover better.” “I’m asking Old Man Wang if he can get some condensed milk,” Zhang Yu knew that there was condensed milk available and wouldn’t miss the chance. “The taste isn’t very pleasant, it’s a bit gamey, but it’s good for your health.” Zhang Yu wasn’t sure if Xiao Min would be accustomed to it. Googlᴇ search noveⅼfire.net “Take some with you, have a bit each day; it’s good for you.” “If it works, let me know in a letter, and I’ll prepare more.” Even if she had to put herself out there, she’d contact someone. “But isn’t that a hassle?” Always asking for milk powder and condensed milk made Xiao Min worried that they would see her as a burden. “No worries; for you, I don’t mind thickening my skin.” For the sake of the baby, it was all worth it.