A month had passed since the soul of Evalion entered Lin Mei's body. The days had moved like silk through fingers—quiet, slow, and heavy with anticipation. Now, on the 27th of May, 2006, the sun stood high above the mansion, casting sharp reflections across the water of the rear pool.
It was noon, and Lin Mei, as she often did, lay reclined on the shaded lounge beside the water, her long hair braided loosely, her robe flowing like ink over the cushions.
The air was warm, the cicadas humming in the trees, and the scent of jasmine drifted lazily from the garden walls. Lin Mei's eyes were half-closed, her hand resting on her swollen belly. She had grown used to the rhythm of her body, the quiet kicks, the slow turns of the child within. But today, something shifted.
A sudden pain gripped her abdomen—sharp, deep, and unrelenting. Her breath caught. Her fingers clenched the edge of the lounge. Then came the nausea, violent and unexpected. She turned to the side and vomited, her body trembling.
"Madam!" cried the head maid, Yulan, who had been trimming the vines nearby. She rushed to Lin Mei's side, her face pale but composed. "Someone call Doctor Shen—now!"
A younger maid, Lian, darted into the house, her voice echoing through the halls. "Doctor Shen! Quickly!"
Within ten minutes, the familiar figure of Doctor Shen arrived, his robes fluttering behind him, his assistant nurse, a gentle woman named Rui, close at his heels. Dr. Shen was a middle-aged man with silver at his temples and eyes that had seen decades of pain and healing. He wasted no time.
Lin Mei had been moved to her room, now lying on the bed, her face contorted with pain, her breath shallow. Shen placed his hand on her wrist, checking her pulse, then pressed gently against her belly.
"It's time," he said, voice firm. "The delivery must happen now. Yulan—bring towels, hot water, sanitizer, and fresh clothes. Rui, begin massage. Ease the tension."
Yulan bowed and vanished, her footsteps swift and sure. Rui placed her warm hands on Lin Mei's abdomen, moving in slow, circular motions. Lin Mei groaned, her body resisting, her mind spiraling.
So soon? she thought. I wasn't ready. Not yet. But he is.
Yulan returned with the supplies, and together with Rui, began preparing the room. The scent of herbs and steam filled the air. Lin Mei's robe was loosened, her hair tied back. The pain surged again, and she cried out, her voice raw.
Dr. Shen leaned close. "Breathe, Lin Mei. You've done this before. You are strong."
She nodded, tears streaking her cheeks. I am strong, she repeated in her mind. I must be.
Minutes passed like hours. Her body convulsed, her hands gripping the sheets. Rui whispered soothing words, her fingers never leaving Lin Mei's skin. Then, a shift. A new pressure. A new pain.
"I see the head," Rui said, her voice calm.
Lin Mei screamed, her voice echoing through the room. Shen placed his hand on her shoulder, grounding her. Rui worked swiftly, expertly. And then—release.
A cry pierced the air. Sharp, high, and alive.
Lin Mei gasped, her body trembling, her soul quieting. The sound was music—pure, unfiltered, divine. She turned her head, eyes wide, breath caught.
Rui held the infant in her arms, his body slick and warm, his lungs strong. She placed him gently in Lin Mei's arms.
"A boy," she whispered.
Lin Mei stared. A boy. Her heart surged. Her fingers trembled as they touched his tiny face. His skin was soft, his eyes closed, his mouth open in a fading cry. Then, as if sensing her presence, he stopped crying. His face relaxed.
Lin Mei smiled, tears falling freely now. "You're here," she whispered. "You're finally here."
Rui began cleaning the infant, her hands gentle, her voice humming a soft tune. Dr. Shen checked Lin Mei's vitals, nodding with approval. "You'll need rest. These tablets will help stabilize your condition. No stress. No sudden movements."
Lin Mei nodded, barely hearing him. Her gaze was locked on the child in her arms. He's perfect, she thought. He's mine.
Yulan and the other maids stood nearby, their faces lit with quiet joy. The room, once tense and heavy, now glowed with warmth.
"Yulan," Lin Mei said softly, "bring my daughters."
Yulan bowed and left, her heart light. Lin Mei turned to Shen and Rui. "Thank you. Truly."
Dr. Shen smiled, his eyes kind. "Congratulations, Lin Mei. I've seen you through previous births. This one… this one feels different."
Rui clapped her hands softly. "He's adorable! Look at his little nose!"
Lin Mei chuckled, pride blooming in her chest. "Of course he's adorable. He's my son."
She examined him closely, her fingers tracing the curve of his cheek, the tiny fingers curled against her chest. Then she noticed his hair—black, opposite of hers, and streaked with red. Fine strands, glinting in the light.
"Unique," she murmured. "You're already special."
Dr. Shen and Rui took their leave, bowing respectfully. Lin Mei waited until the door closed, then gently removed her upper garment. She brought the child to her breast, guiding him with care. He latched quickly, his mouth moving, his eyes still closed.
She watched him, her heart full. This is joy, she thought. This is peace.
An hour passed. The child finished feeding and drifted into sleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm. Lin Mei hummed a lullaby, her voice soft and melodic.
Then came the sound of footsteps—quick, excited. The door opened, and her daughters entered.
Lin Ling, the eldest, walked calmly. Lin Ming and Lin Yu, the twins, ran ahead, their eyes wide with wonder. Yulan followed, carrying Lin Yu in her arms.
"Mother!" Ming cried. "Is that our brother?"
Lin Mei smiled. "Yes. He's here."
The girls gathered around, peering at the sleeping infant. Ming reached out to poke his cheek, but Lin Mei gently stopped her.
"He's sleeping. Don't disturb him."
Yu clapped her hands. "He's so small!"
Ling leaned closer, her eyes thoughtful. "He's cute."
Lin Mei nodded. "He's your brother. His name is Lin Kai."
"Kai?" Ling asked.
"Yes. 'Kai' means joyful. Because he brings joy to this house."
The girls repeated the name, their voices bright. "Lin Kai! Lin Kai!"
Lin Mei chuckled. "Not so loud. He's sleeping."
Yulan smiled, watching the scene. "Shall I inform Master Zhang?"
Lin Mei waved her hand dismissively. "No need. He'll abandon work and rush home. I don't want that."
Yulan sighed, her expression unreadable. "As you wish."
She gathered the girls and led them to the dining room. Lin Mei remained, her son cradled in her arms.
She looked at him, her heart swelling. I will raise you well, she thought. I will give you love, warmth, and joy. You will grow strong, kind, and free.
Her thoughts drifted to Shanghai, to her family home. Will they take you from me? she wondered. Will they demand your presence?
She shook her head. No. That's for another day. Today is yours.
She placed Lin Kai gently in the cradle beside her bed, his body wrapped in soft cloth, his face serene. She lay back, her body tired, her soul quiet.
The room was warm. The air was still. And in that silence, Lin Mei slept—with joy in her heart and her son beside her.
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Author's Note:
I have describe this part because i want u guys to feel and know about the pain a mother when giving birth. Hope u have liked this chapter. so add it to ur library also..