Qianhui's due date was approaching.
Pangu stood beneath the World Tree, cradling the orb of light—the soul Jinqiao had just finished crafting.
"Are you sure it will go in?" he asked.
Jinqiao was drinking tea. "Theoretically, yes."
Wanquan walked over. "The hospital is arranged. The doctors won't be nervous. Three backup plans in place."
Pangu glanced at him and said nothing.
---
That night, Qianhui's labor pains began.
Wanquan held her hand, repeating, "I'm here."
Pangu stood on the rooftop across from the hospital, the soul cradled in his hands.
He didn't dare go inside.
From the delivery room, Qianhui's cries came in waves.
Pangu closed his eyes and gently pushed the soul forward.
The orb of light passed through the wall and drifted toward the newborn infant.
The baby cried.
The soul slipped right in.
Pangu opened his eyes. His palms were covered in sweat.
In 8.7 billion years of existence, this was the first time he had ever been so nervous.
---
The nurse placed the baby on Qianhui's chest.
"Congratulations, it's a girl!"
Qianhui looked down at that tiny face, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Wanquan stood beside them, watching mother and daughter.
The nurse asked, "Have you thought of a name?"
Qianhui looked up at Wanquan. "Zhenshi."
Wanquan softly said, "Yes."
Qianhui gazed at her daughter. "Zhenshi. Cherish this world, and cherish this human life."
The infant's tiny hand curled around Wanquan's finger.
---
That night, Pangu sat beneath the World Tree.
Jinqiao walked over and sat down beside him.
"First time being a grandfather?"
Pangu didn't speak.
But the corners of his mouth turned up, just a little.