Outside the door, Zhou Shuren's mood grew progressively heavier with the passage of time. None of the children dared to stand before him, taking a step back every so often. When Zhou Shuren heard Zhulan cry out for the first time, he wanted to rush in but managed to restrain himself, fearing he would disturb the midwife.
Now that he finally heard the cry of the child, his palms were sweaty with anticipation. Seeing the midwife emerge without as much as a glance at the child, he lifted his foot to enter the birthing room.
The midwife stopped him, "Master, the midwife is tidying up after the mistress. Opening the door now would let in drafts. It won't be too late to enter in a little while."
Zhou Shuren retracted his hand and finally took notice of the child. This child was quite obedient; at least it did not make him wait too long.
Zhou Shuren turned his attention away from the infant and questioned, "Is my wife all right?"
