A few weeks after Yuqin told Han Rong about her pregnancy, she was feeling much better. She stayed at Henry's place because it was more convenient for her so she doesn't have to drive too much. Instead, it's only a ten minutes walk to the hospital. After the doctor finished her check up, she was free to go. Henry dropped off Yuqin at her place and the doctor helped her find another hospital that's closer to where she live.
Yuqin settled down while waiting for the water to boil, she wore a face mask and started some light cleaning around her apartment. Ever since she came back, she didn't even have time to do routine cleaning. After dusting the place, she wiped everything down and re-organized some of the items. Since the cleaning was finished, she went to the restroom to wash her hands.
As she rested on her couch, she wrote her journal while taking a sip of hot water. As she felt her abdomen, she smiled. She was glad that she wasn't alone. She had a reason to live and to stay strong.
Today was the new years and Yuqin called Lingling that she'll be dropping by. Yuqin drove to the nearest supermarket and bought some fruits and gifts for her mother and father-in-law. Yuqin's mother also said happy new year to her except she wouldn't be able to come back any time soon due to her work. But her mother did say to take care of herself.
After getting into the car, she went through her purse and took a picture of the ultrasound. She sent it to Han Rong. Then, she drove to his place before dinner time.
Yuqin rang the doorbell and Lingling answered.
"Sister Yuqin! We've been waiting for you! How are you for the past two months? We only chatted through WeChat but we missed having you here." She hugged Yuqin and she smiled, "I've been well."
Han Rong's mother smiled and said, "Yuqin, you've become more beautiful. Come on in and we'll have dinner soon. Lingling, take these stuff to the living room. Yuqin, how are you lately? Have you been in contact with our son?" Yuqin nodded, "We called last night but he was quite busy. He told me to tell you guys that he won't be coming back until they resolve the issue." Guanting overheard and said, "Our son is always a workaholic."
Lingling smiled, "He's always like that ever since working at the police station." She organized the table and set the dishes in an orderly manner. Yuqin sat on the couch and drank some lemon honey tea.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked.
"No, no, no. You just sit and wait until we bring the dinner out." Lingling brought out delicious cooked meal, vegetable and chicken soup. Lingling also brought out wine, and soda. She asked Yuqin, "Sister Yuqin, which wine do you want to drink? This or this?"
Yuqin smiled, "I can't drink. You choose." Lingling nodded and chose the one that they usually drink. After everything was brought out, they all sat in a circle. Yuqin thanked them and she wanted to make an announcement before eating.
"Lingling, mom, dad. I wanted to tell you a good news. I'm two months pregnant. I was waiting until it's more stable. But right now, the doctor said the baby is in good condition. This is the ultrasound that I got and I already shared this news to Han Rong." Yuqin slowly sat down as Yu Jie and Guanting looked at the ultrasound.
"Sister Yuqin, I knew there was something going on when I saw you came in. You looked different than before. I wonder if I'm getting a nephew or a niece."
"Yuqin, I'm so glad and thankful. Even though you're not officially married yet, mom and dad will support your pregnancy." Yu Jie smiled and Guanting laughed, "Can't believe I'll be a grandpa soon."
After a while, they started to eat and Yuqin focused on more meat and vegetables in her diet. She didn't even know that she was craving sweet and sour chicken. The soup was also deliciously made and Yuqin drank almost three bowls of soup. Everyone was enjoying their time when Yuqin received a phone call from Albert.
"Hi, this is Officer Albert. Is this sister-in-law, Yuqin's phone number? I just wanted to make sure I called the right person."
"Yes, I am. Did something happen to him?" Yuqin clutched her phone and sat on the couch.
"Han Rong asked me to tell you that tomorrow, he'll be out of town. They had a new lead so everyone is going there. Signal will be far worse so he won't be able to call home for a while. Sister-in-law, take care of yourself." Yuqin nodded and replied, "I will, thank you." A few seconds later, Sam, her previous instructor called as well.
"Yuqin, are you busy right now? We have an emergency." Yuqin excused herself to the washroom and closed the door.
"What is it?" She replied while she touched her abdomen gently.
"We will be dispatched overseas in three days. Our team got permission from the government. We need you, Yuqin. You heard about the recent hostage situation in the Bashariq region, right? They still haven't found him yet and there's been report of illegal migrant in the Mediterranean Sea and they believe one of the terrorist might actually be among them. Our job is to keep the migrant safe and rescue them. We'll leave the dangerous tasks to the military and navy. Yuqin, I know this is hard but we really need your expertise." Sam gave Yuqin a day to think about it.
After hanging up the phone, she went back to dining table. Yu Jie asked, "What's the matter? Did something happen to my son?'
Yuqin shook her head, "Han Rong is doing well except he won't be able to call us too frequently because he'll be out of town for a while. They said the signal will be quite bad."
"Don't worry about Han Rong. He's a great team leader and you should trust him. He'll be safe and he'll come back for sure." Guan Ting continued to serve vegetables while Lingling poked Yuqin, "That's not all, right? You look worried." Yuqin looked at Lingling then at their parents, "Mom, dad, and Lingling. I'll have to leave for a few weeks. Work is getting busy so I won't be able to come back as often. But I promise you guys, I'll take care of the baby and I'll call you if I need any help." Yuqin looked at Lingling and said, "Lingling, I want to tell you something. Come outside."
"Sister Yuqin, what's the matter?" Yuqin patted her light brown hair, she looked at her and smiled, "You've grown up, Lingling. I wanted to tell you that I've been dispatched overseas. The location is near your brother. But I don't want to tell him nor let him be worried about me. Lingling, do me a favor and keep this a secret from your parents. I'm very sorry but you have my promise, if something do happen to me, I'll protect Han Rong's child." Lingling started to tear up and nodded, "Sister Yuqin, I promise you. I'm not a child anymore. Take care of yourself and your baby. Do you need to buy anything? I'll accompany you tomorrow and shop around since it's the weekend." Yuqin nodded, "Sounds good since I'll be leaving on Monday." They smiled and hugged each other, "Lingling, Han Rong is so lucky to have you as his smart and, independent younger sister. Promise me that you'll take care of mom and dad. Okay?" Lingling nodded, "I promise. If you have time, WeChat me."
As they went into the dining room, they acted as if nothing had happened. Yuqin looked around the table once more and smiled. Even if she doesn't make it, she'll make sure the baby is born safely and be raised in a loving family.