On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, light snow drifted over the capital. In the He family’s living room, the phone rang while Chen Shuang was choosing fabric for a small quilt for their unborn child with Mrs. He.
He Yanzhi answered the phone, and Zhao Jianguo’s cheerful voice came through: “He Ge, tomorrow night at Donglaishun, my treat! The brothers are all coming with their families. We absolutely must formally welcome our sister-in-law!”
After hanging up, He Yanzhi looked at Chen Shuang with a questioning glance. Mrs. He, overhearing, smiled and said, “Go ahead. These are the brothers Yanzhi grew up with—they should meet you.”
Chen Shuang nodded, but a flutter of unease lingered in her heart. She had heard that all of He Yanzhi’s friends knew of her background, and some had privately gossiped about the marriage.
The next evening, He Yanzhi made sure to take Chen Shuang out early. The second-floor private room at Donglaishun was already filled with people.
Seeing them arrive, Zhao Jianguo was the first to stand: “He Ge, Sister-in-law! Please, come in!”
Around the round table sat four couples. Counting He Yanzhi and Chen Shuang, there were ten people in total. Every pair of eyes was on Chen Shuang—the rumored “Miss Capitalist from Shanghai.”
Today, Chen Shuang wore a pale moon-white cotton jacket with Mrs. He’s dark green wool coat over it. Though her belly was clearly rounded, her posture remained upright, her presence calm and gentle. Under the warm lights, her skin looked almost translucent, her features delicate—completely different from what anyone imagined of a pampered “capitalist young lady.”
After a brief silence, Li Weidong’s wife, Zhou Xiaomei, spoke first: “So this is Sister-in-law Chen Shuang? She’s really beautiful!”
Others snapped out of their surprise and greeted her warmly. Yet Chen Shuang could sense that some gazes were still tinged with curiosity and scrutiny.
Once everyone was seated, the copper hotpot was already boiling, sending up clouds of steam. Zhao Jianguo, as host, began serving meat, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.
Zhao Jianguo’s wife, Liu Hui, a nurse, noticed Chen Shuang’s belly and asked with concern, “Sister-in-law, I heard you’re carrying triplets? How many months along are you?”
“Four months,” Chen Shuang replied with a gentle smile.
“Four months already?” Liu Hui exclaimed. “When I was six months with our eldest, my belly was only that big. Triplets must be exhausting.”
“They’re quite well-behaved,” Chen Shuang said, gently caressing her belly, a tender warmth in her expression.
Then, Zhou Ming’s wife, Zhang Juan, spoke: “I heard from Zhou Ming that Sister-in-law translates foreign books? That’s impressive. I teach language at school and have always wanted to learn English, but never had the chance.”
Chen Shuang replied kindly, “If you’re interested, we could study together.”
“Really? That’s so kind of you, Sister-in-law!” Zhang Juan said, delighted.
At that moment, Wang Tianyu asked suddenly, “Sister-in-law, you’re from Shanghai, right? I heard your family used to run a factory?”
The table went quiet. The question was direct—bordering on intrusive. He Yanzhi frowned, about to respond, but Chen Shuang lightly pressed his hand.
Her expression calm, she set down her chopsticks: “Yes, my father did run a machinery factory, but that was long ago. During the public-private partnership, he voluntarily donated it to the state and worked as an engineer there until he passed away.”
Her voice was quiet yet firm. Her words acknowledged her background while clarifying her current situation—her parents gone, family wealth donated, she was now an ordinary educated young woman.
Liu Hui quickly changed the subject: “Ah, that was in the past. Let’s not dwell on it. Sister-in-law, I heard you translate foreign books? That’s amazing!”
The topic shifted successfully. Chen Shuang smiled: “I recently completed the translation of a set of agricultural technology books. The publisher’s feedback was very positive.”
“Agricultural technology?” Li Weidong’s interest was piqued. “You know about this too?”
“I learned a lot during the translation process,” Chen Shuang replied modestly. “To convey the knowledge accurately, you have to understand it yourself first.”
He Yanzhi added at the right moment: “Shuangshuang translated that series—1.2 million characters. The publisher gave it high praise.”
A chorus of admiration arose. In this era that respected knowledge, such an accomplishment earned genuine respect.
Zhao Jianguo raised his glass: “Let’s toast Sister-in-law! He Ge is lucky to have someone so talented!”
Everyone raised their glasses. Chen Shuang calmly sipped tea instead of wine.
The hotpot continued, the atmosphere becoming more congenial. After a few drinks, the men discussed work, while the women talked about raising children.
Zhou Xiaomei looked at Chen Shuang’s belly and said sincerely, “Sister-in-law, four months and already this big? Really triplets?”
Chen Shuang nodded: “The doctor confirmed, yes—triplets.”
“Oh my,” Zhou Xiaomei exclaimed. “Carrying one is hard enough, three must be exhausting. Yet your complexion is so good—truly impressive.”
“Actually, it’s fine,” Chen Shuang said. “Yanzhi and his family take very good care of me.”
Zhang Juan quietly said: “I heard triplets tend to be premature. You have to be careful.”
“Yes, the doctor advised the same,” Chen Shuang replied gratefully. “I’ll be careful.”
Just then, the waiter brought more fresh lamb. Zhao Jianguo called: “Come on, eat while it’s hot! This meat was freshly slaughtered today—it’s the most tender!”
The steaming hotpot drove away the winter chill and dissolved the initial distance. Several rounds of drinks later, the atmosphere was completely warm.
Wang Tianyu’s wife, Sun Lihua, leaned toward Chen Shuang and whispered, “Sister-in-law, don’t mind what my husband said earlier. He’s straightforward—no ill intentions.”
Chen Shuang smiled and shook her head: “It’s fine, I understand.”
Sun Lihua relaxed: “Honestly, we were a bit worried when we heard He Ge married…married you. But seeing you in person, we realize he has excellent taste.”
The sincerity warmed Chen Shuang’s heart: “Thank you.”
Zhou Xiaomei added: “Yes, Sister-in-law, you’re nothing like we imagined. Beautiful, talented, with a good temper. He Ge truly hit the jackpot!”
The women laughed together. Among the men, Zhao Jianguo patted He Yanzhi’s shoulder: “He Ge, I worried for you before, but now I see it was unnecessary. Sister-in-law has grace and talent—there’s no second like her in the whole compound!”
Li Weidong nodded: “Exactly! Those who gossip need to see what kind of person Sister-in-law really is!”
He Yanzhi smiled, looking at Chen Shuang with tenderness: “She really is wonderful.”
By the latter half of the meal, everyone had fully relaxed. Wang Tianyu raised his glass and sincerely said to Chen Shuang: “Sister-in-law, I spoke rashly earlier. I’ll take a drink as self-punishment! If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Chen Shuang hurriedly said: “Wang Da Ge, there’s no need. We’re all family here.”
“Exactly, family!” Zhao Jianguo said loudly. “From now on, Sister-in-law is our sister-in-law! Anything you need, just say it!”
The meal lasted over two hours. As it ended, everyone said their goodbyes, agreeing to meet again during the New Year.
On the way home, the snow had stopped. He Yanzhi carefully supported Chen Shuang, softly asking, “Tired?”
She shook her head, feeling unexpectedly happy: “Your friends are very straightforward.”
“They were a bit hesitant at first,” He Yanzhi admitted. “But now they’ve seen how good you are.”
Chen Shuang leaned on his shoulder: “I understand. If it were me, I’d worry too if a friend married someone unfamiliar.”
He Yanzhi squeezed her hand: “Shuangshuang, thank you for understanding.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for,” Chen Shuang smiled. “But you, defending me just now—I noticed that.”
At home, Mrs. He was still waiting in the living room. Seeing them return, she asked anxiously: “How was it? Did you enjoy yourselves?”
“It was lovely,” Chen Shuang said. “Everyone was so warm.”
Mrs. He finally relaxed: “Good. Wang Ma made red date tea—drink some to warm up.”
Before bed, Chen Shuang stood by the window, watching the snow-blanketed world. The winter night in the capital was quiet, with only occasional distant dog barks.
He Yanzhi wrapped his arms around her from behind: “Thinking about something?”
“Life is really strange,” Chen Shuang whispered. “A few months ago, I was alone on the island translating manuscripts. Now I have so many family and friends.”
“And there will be more to come,” He Yanzhi kissed the top of her head. “Once the children are born, our home will be even livelier.”
Chen Shuang nodded, her hand lightly resting on her belly. Tonight’s gathering had reinforced her certainty—she truly belonged in this family. The initial doubts and scrutiny had melted away in genuine connection.
The next day, Zhao Jianguo and the others returned, bringing plenty of gifts—baby clothes, nutritional supplements, and New Year goods.
“Sister-in-law, just a small token, don’t mind it,” Zhao Jianguo said as he set the items down. “Yesterday we were too busy eating and forgot the gifts.”
Chen Shuang tried to refuse, but everyone insisted.
Liu Hui held her hand: “Sister-in-law, come by the compound more often. We live nearby, just drop in anytime.”
Zhou Xiaomei added: “Yes, I live in Building Three. Anything you need, don’t hesitate.”
Sun Lihua, even more thoughtful, said: “Sister-in-law, I know some OB-GYN doctors. Anytime you need help, just ask.”
This heartfelt concern moved Chen Shuang deeply. She thanked them, her heart warmed.
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, the He family began a thorough cleaning for the New Year. Chen Shuang wanted to help but was once again stopped by the family.
“Sister-in-law, just sit and direct,” He Qingqing placed her on the sofa. “We’ll handle the work ourselves.”
Mrs. He added: “Yes, your most important task now is to take good care of yourself.”
Chen Shuang could only watch as everyone busied themselves. Outside, snow began falling again, but inside, warmth and the spirit of the New Year filled the home.
This was Chen Shuang’s first New Year with the He family. Though far from the island, here she had found a new sense of belonging, a new home.
And the little lives in her belly seemed to feel this joy as well, stirring gently now and then, as if anticipating the warm world they were about to enter.