Chapter 178: Chapter 176: Taking Care of a Child Is So Hard

The house was thrown into chaos after Lu Cheng’an’s birth.

The once neat and orderly home was instantly filled with a baby’s cries, bottles, diapers, and the scent of milk.

Lu Cheng’an’s belongings could be found in every corner of the house.

Three days after Su Tang gave birth, the Chen Family came to visit, bringing gifts.

Mrs. Chen had specifically bought malted milk powder and various nutritional supplements.

She also told Su Tang to get plenty of rest and to let her know if she needed any help.

This Mrs. Chen was like a completely different person from before.

She even showed concern for Wang Xinxin and treated her better with each passing day.

But if one had to say who Lu Cheng’an’s birth changed the most, it would have to be the new dad, Lu Xiao.

The Commander Lu who was so strict and disciplined on the training grounds was a completely frantic mess at home.

Holding the baby was his biggest challenge. The same large hands that could firmly grip a steel rifle were as stiff as boards when holding the soft Little Cheng’an.

He was terrified of accidentally hurting the fragile little life.

Changing diapers was a full-blown disaster. He would either put it on crooked, causing a leak, or get the clean diaper dirty in his frantic rush.

When the baby needed to be fed in the middle of the night, he’d be covered in sweat from anxiety, mixing the formula with water that was either too hot or too cold.

Leaning against the headboard, Su Tang watched his clumsy yet incredibly earnest efforts. She felt a mix of pity and amusement, and could only direct him from across the room.

"Why don’t you let him breastfeed?"

Hearing this, Lu Xiao shook his head. "I already asked the doctor. They said formula is fine too. You should get some sleep. I’ll take him to Mom."

Su Tang had a difficult delivery, and Lu Xiao just wanted her to get more rest.

Besides, Su Tang wasn’t producing enough milk, and trying to induce more would be very painful for her.

Thankfully, amidst the chaos, they had Mrs. Lu.

Mrs. Lu was their anchor.

The moment she was there, it was as if Little Cheng’an had found his rock.

Burping, changing diapers, and rocking him to sleep—her movements were deft and gentle.

She not only took care of her grandson but also had to teach Lu Xiao.

"You silly boy, watch closely. Support the back of his neck and his bottom. That’s right..."

"When you burp him, cup your hand and pat gently from the bottom up..."

"These cloth diapers have to be changed often, or the little one will get a nasty rash and be in pain..."

Lu Xiao was a very diligent student, more so than he had ever been.

He felt that the more he learned, the less Su Tang would have to go through.

And Mr. Lu became the most reliable head of logistics.

Before dawn, he would be off using ration tickets to buy fresh eggs and pork ribs, finding creative ways to make soups and congee for Su Tang.

The water vat at home was always full, the firewood was neatly stacked, and the yard was swept spotless.

He was a man of few words, but the loving affection in his eyes when he looked at his grandson nearly overflowed.

The new addition to the Lu Family was a joyous occasion.

Mrs. Lu ordered Su Tang to stay in bed for her postpartum confinement.

’Health is wealth,’ especially after she had just pulled through such a close brush with death.

Watching her mother-in-law and husband bustle about, her heart felt warm, but she also felt a little helpless.

As a mother, she longed to hold her baby and feed him herself.

But her body was truly weak; the slightest movement left her breaking out in a cold sweat.

She spent most of her time propped up against the headboard, watching her mother-in-law expertly care for the baby.

Her son seemed to change every day, and Su Tang’s heart filled with the joy of new motherhood and gratitude for her family.

Lately, Wang Xinxin had gotten her hands on some vegetable seeds from who-knows-where.

She gave them to Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Lu to plant, saying they were a good variety.

Wang Xinxin absolutely adored Lu Cheng’an.

’When I get married,’ she thought, ’I want to have a baby just as cute as Lu Cheng’an.’

Just as the Lu Family was immersed in the busy and joyful atmosphere of welcoming a new life...

An urgent telegram made its way from bustling Shanghai to the Northwest.

Su Tang’s parents had set out early, estimating her due date, but recent rains in Shanghai had unfortunately delayed their trip.

They were much later than planned, but they were about to arrive.

Mr. and Mrs. Lu quickly gave the house another thorough cleaning, inside and out. Mrs. Lu specially steamed several batches of fluffy, soft buns.

Mr. Lu managed to get his hands on a large fish, preparing to host a welcome dinner for their in-laws.

Lu Xiao took a half-day leave and borrowed a jeep from his regiment to pick them up from the train station.

As soon as he arrived at the station, the train doors opened and a stream of people poured out.

Lu Xiao immediately spotted his mother-in-law, dressed in an elegant wool coat and a silk scarf, and his father-in-law, who wore a Zhongshan suit and carried a heavy suitcase.

Both of their faces showed the fatigue of a long journey, but even more prominent was their sense of urgency.

"Dad! Mom!"

Lu Xiao hurried over and took the heavy suitcase from him. "It must have been a long journey!"

"Xiao Lu!"

Mrs. Su’s gaze went past Lu Xiao as she eagerly scanned the crowd.

"Where’s Tangtang? The baby? Are they both okay?"

"They’re fine, they’re both fine. Tangtang is at home recovering, and the baby is doing great. He’s very healthy."

Lu Xiao answered quickly, leading them toward the jeep.

The jeep entered the family housing compound and stopped at the gate of the Lu Family’s small courtyard.

Su Tang, already bundled up warmly by Mrs. Lu, was waiting by the door holding Little Cheng’an. Mr. and Mrs. Lu stood beside them.

"Dad! Mom!"

Su Tang’s eyes instantly reddened when she saw her parents.

"Tangtang!"

Mrs. Su nearly lunged forward, throwing her arms around her daughter. She looked her over from head to toe, and tears finally began to stream down her face.

"You’ve lost weight, and you’re so pale. You’ve been through so much, my child."

She stroked her daughter’s cheek, her heart aching.

"Mom, I’m fine, I’m doing well."

Su Tang smiled and offered the swaddled bundle in her arms. "Quick, come see your grandson, Cheng’an."

Mrs. Su’s attention was immediately captured.

She carefully took the bundle and looked at the little one inside, his eyes closed and his cheeks rosy. Her heart melted.

"Oh, my sweet little thing. Grandma’s precious treasure."

She leaned in for a closer look. Tears still clung to her cheeks, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

"He looks just like Tangtang when she was little! That little nose, that little mouth..."

Mr. Su leaned in as well, a gentle smile spreading across his face as he reached out and touched his grandson’s tiny hand.

"Cheng’an. A good name. ’Peaceful and smooth.’ It’s a good name."

Looking at his daughter and grandson, the worries that had plagued him throughout the journey seemed to melt away.

Once inside, Mrs. Su placed the items she had brought on the table: delicate pastries, soft imported milk powder, and beautiful baby clothes.

"These are all for Tangtang. She needs to focus on her recovery now."

Mrs. Lu nodded emphatically at her words.

"That’s right. Tangtang had a hard time, so of course she needs to recover well."

The two families sat and talked together, filling the room with warmth.

Su Tang, holding the baby, chimed in from time to time.

Mrs. Su then took out the gifts she had prepared for the Lu Family. There were beautiful silk scarves for Mrs. Lu and Mrs. Wang.

Su Tang had mentioned them in a letter to her mother.

Mr. Su had asked a friend to bring back some books by agricultural experts and some rare seeds from abroad; these were for Wang Xinxin.

For Mr. Lu, there was naturally his favorite thing: some high-quality tobacco.

As for Lu Xiao, she gave him the most practical gift of all: various ration tickets.

"Your new little family will need many things in the future. Take these."

"By the way, I have an old friend in Beijing. I wrote him a letter recommending you. Do well, and strive for an opportunity to develop your career in a better place."