By the twelfth lunar month, the temperature on the island had dropped noticeably. The sea breeze carried a biting damp chill, and the grapevines in the courtyard had long lost their leaves, leaving only bare trellises standing silently in the cold wind.
Chen Shuang was four months pregnant. The triplets were developing at an astonishing rate, and her belly was clearly rounded now, like a small pot; she had to support her lower back with her hands when walking. Yet thanks to the nourishing spirit spring water, her spirits were high, morning sickness had nearly disappeared, and her appetite had returned.
By the end of November, her translation work was fully completed. Eight volumes of agricultural technology books, totaling 1.2 million words, had been delivered in high-quality translations in just three and a half months. Editor Liu, upon receiving the final manuscript, sent a personal message along with the payment, including a letter of thanks.
“Comrade Chen Shuang has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication in her translation work,” the letter read, “The quality of the translations far exceeded expectations and contributed significantly to the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. We look forward to future cooperation.”
A warm feeling surged in Chen Shuang’s heart. In this era, this was her first formal recognition for her knowledge and ability. With 480 yuan from the translation fee, the previous 3,000 yuan remittance from He Yan’s parents, plus the savings in passbooks and wealth in their spiritual space, she now had what could be considered a “fortune” in this era.
Her pregnancy days settled into a calm, regular rhythm. Mornings were spent walking for half an hour with He Yan; late mornings reading or doing light household chores; a two-hour afternoon nap; occasional visits from fellow military wives; evenings listening to the radio with He Yan and going to bed early.
The spirit spring water was carefully incorporated into her daily meals. Zhou Ma’s chronic rheumatism hardly flared that winter, and He Yan’s old training injuries also improved noticeably. Chen Shuang’s complexion was rosy, and although her belly grew larger by the day, she only experienced necessary back soreness, without the common pregnancy symptoms of swelling or dizziness.
During each prenatal check, Dr. Zhang could not help but marvel: “Comrade Chen Shuang, your constitution is truly rare. Maintaining such good health with triplets is a miracle.”
That afternoon, Chen Shuang was inside sewing tiny clothes for her unborn children—using the soft, breathable cotton sent by He Yan’s mother. Wang Dajie knocked on the door.
“小霜, busy?” she asked.
Chen Shuang put down her needle and smiled: “Wang Dajie, please sit.”
Wang Dajie took a seat and gazed at Chen Shuang’s protruding belly, full of admiration and concern. “Your belly is growing so fast. At four months, it’s like other women at five or six months. Triplets really are different.”
Chen Shuang gently rubbed her belly, feeling the tiny movements inside. “Yes, they’re getting more active lately.”
“That’s a good sign—it means they’re healthy,” Wang Dajie said, lowering her voice. “Little Shuang, are you really going back to the capital for New Year?”
Chen Shuang nodded. “Yes, Yan’s parents have insisted that we return for the New Year.”
Wang Dajie looked worried. “It’s such a long journey, and you’re carrying triplets. Are you sure you can manage? I’d say, better wait until after the birth.”
“I thought about that too, but the elders have been looking forward to it for a long time,” Chen Shuang said gently. “Besides, the doctor says I’m in good condition, and the soft sleeper on the train should be fine. Yan has arranged everything, so don’t worry.”
Just then, He Yan returned. Seeing Wang Dajie, he nodded in greeting: “Wang Dajie is here.”
“He’s back, Commander He,” Wang Dajie stood up. “I was just telling Shuang, you must be careful on the journey to the capital.”
He Yan nodded seriously. “Don’t worry. I’ve arranged for a vehicle from the regiment to take us to the provincial train station, with a soft sleeper cabin. The journey won’t be too tiring.”
Only then did Wang Dajie feel reassured, giving a few more reminders before leaving.
On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, another package arrived from the capital. This time, in addition to various nutritional supplements, there were two hand-knitted baby sweaters, finely stitched in soft colors. The accompanying letter from He Yan’s mother read:
“Shuang Shuang: The weather is getting colder, remember to add layers. I’m glad to hear you’ve completed your translation work. During pregnancy, you must still rest and not overexert yourself. The sweaters were knitted by your grandmother—may the great-grandchildren wear them soon. Everything at home is prepared for your return. Mother.”
Chen Shuang held the tiny sweaters, her eyes misty. Even without having met them, the love from her family felt so real.
He Yan hugged her from behind. “Grandma’s knitting is still so good. All my sweaters when I was little were made by her.”
“How old is she now?” Chen Shuang asked softly.
“Seventy-six, but in good health and sharp-eyed,” He Yan said with a warm smile. “If she knew you were having three great-grandchildren, she’d be overjoyed.”
On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, He Yan officially began preparations for returning to the capital. His leave had been approved, starting on the twentieth, granting one month of family visit. Train tickets were arranged for the soft sleeper cabin.
“Zhou Ma really isn’t coming with us?” Chen Shuang asked. She had hoped for an elder’s company for the journey.
He Yan shook his head. “She said she’s too old for long trips, and the household needs her care.”
Though disappointed, Chen Shuang understood.
Three days before departure, Chen Shuang began packing gifts for the capital: island specialties—dried shrimp, seaweed, kelp, dried fish—carefully packed for the elders; two fine pieces of wool, intended for vests for He Yan’s parents.
“No need to bring so much,” He Yan said, looking at the parcels on the floor. “The capital has everything.”
“That’s different,” Chen Shuang said earnestly. “It’s a token of my affection.”
On the night of the nineteenth, Chen Shuang finished packing her last personal items and rested by the bed. He Yan brought her a cup of warm water.
“Tomorrow we leave. Nervous?” He Yan asked, sitting beside her and gently holding her shoulders.
Chen Shuang leaned into his embrace, feeling the tiny movements of three little ones. She shook her head. “Not nervous, just a bit excited. Finally, we’ll meet our parents and grandparents.”
“They’ll love you,” He Yan kissed the top of her head. “You’re so good; everyone will love you.”
Moonlight shone coldly through the windows, casting a quiet glow on the courtyard. Chen Shuang stroked her high belly softly. “Babies, tomorrow we’re taking the train to meet grandpa, grandma, and great-grandparents. Be good and don’t trouble mom.”
The children seemed to respond, stirring lightly inside.
The next morning, at first light, a military green jeep arrived at the courtyard gate. Zhou Ma saw them off, her eyes red, repeatedly reminding them to be careful on the road.
The vehicle slowly drove out of the military housing compound, heading for the provincial train station, onward to the distant capital—where long-awaited family and warm reunions awaited.