"Too many people lead to chaos, too many chickens don't lay eggs; it's a matter of proportion.
Upon returning, each person will have two caregivers assigned to them." Guo Xuyang said.
"What are you saying? If you can't speak properly, then don't speak.
What do you mean by 'too many people lead to chaos, too many chickens don't lay eggs'?" Guo Yiyang reprimanded him.
"We didn't expect Xiao Hong not to know how to pat Xiao Bao's back.
Da Bao was watched over and raised by our mother bit by bit. She also went to Iliana's room quite often.
If she's not paying attention to these small matters, who can you blame?"
"Don't you know that pregnancy makes one foolish for three years? Don't mention her.
It'll be good enough if you remember these things when the time comes," Guo Xuyang said with a smile.
"I won't be like that. Besides, Iliana didn't seem to become foolish after giving birth to Da Bao."
"Alright, alright, both of you, say less.
The food is getting cold. Hurry up and wash your hands to eat," Guo Yixiang said from the side.
After everyone sat down, Guo Xuyang reiterated his intention to acquire the western courtyard.
Most people agreed.
Although the western courtyard was quite large, by kindergarten standards, it was indeed a bit small.
The main issue was the limited activity space.
There were already two children, and after these pregnant women gave birth, there would be at least ten.
This didn't even include those who weren't pregnant yet.
Since they planned to open a family kindergarten, the bigger the better, of course.
There was no need to wait until there were more children to figure out expansion.
"You say your uncle and that Old Li get along well?" Wu Shangqing asked.
"My dad said so. I don't know the specifics," Guo Xuyang replied.
"Old Guo, you and your elder brother should communicate more these two days.
Have him share our thoughts with Old Li.
Let's see if Old Li can sell that courtyard to us."
"I'll go talk to my elder brother after dinner," Guo Yixiang said after a pause.
"Yangzi, your aunt has been constantly mentioning that Lili hasn't gotten pregnant yet.
When you get back, help your brother and the others figure out what's going on.
Your aunt doesn't even want to live here anymore."
"Getting pregnant and having a child requires timing, the right place, and people's support; it's not something you can just wish for.
Besides, they haven't been married for very long.
Perhaps my brother and his wife want to enjoy some time alone as a couple."
"You'd better go. Don't let them end up with a strained mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.
It won't look good for anyone then."
"Alright. I'll find time to call Brother Hui and ask about it."
"Where's Xiao Xi? Why isn't she down for dinner?" Wu Shangqing asked, looking around.
"The doctor told her to rest more. She's still asleep upstairs.
After eating, I'll go up and check on her. If she's not feeling well, I'll make her something to eat when we get back," Guo Xuyang said.
"Speaking of which, I just remembered. We need to find a chef for the shop when we get back.
Your dad is fine cooking our usual meals, but he really can't handle the confinement period catering.
Also, with more and more people arriving, your dad alone won't be able to cook for so many.
If you find a master chef, your dad and others can assist." Wu Shangqing suggested.
"If we're hiring, let's hire two more. They can be responsible for preparing lunch and dinner.
Breakfast can be made by us or bought outside."
"Hiring two more is fine, but we need to keep one chef living here permanently.
This is because confinement period meals aren't eaten at fixed times.
Whenever they feel hungry, the food needs to be prepared.
This is to ensure sufficient milk supply so Xiao Bao has enough to eat."
"That's not a problem. When we get back, I'll have Liu He arrange for someone to come.
Besides, our lamb soup is known to promote lactation.
Xiao Bao will have plenty to eat."
"It's not just Xiao Hong.
Look at Xiao Xi, Yangyang, Zixuan, and the others who are waiting in line.
It won't be long before they give birth."
"I understand. When Xiao Hong is discharged from the hospital, I'll have Liu He arrange for the chefs to come," Guo Xuyang said.
After lunch, Guo Xuyang went upstairs to check. Li Minxi was still asleep, appearing truly exhausted.
"Yangzi, I heard you have another big-headed son? Congratulations." Guo Xuyang's phone rang, and Fatty's voice came through.
"She gave birth two days ago, and you're only calling now?"
"I just heard from Mr. Wu.
Mr. Wu's wife is also about to give birth.
It seems to be this month," Fatty replied.
"How is your wife?"
"What are you saying? Call her 'sister-in-law.' She's over a month along."
"Isn't she attending school?"
"She is. I'm accompanying Wang Yu in Shanghai right now.
You only know about Xiao Hong giving birth, but there's another pregnant woman here."
"Who?"
"Who? You haven't forgotten her, have you?"
"Are you talking about Ziqi?"
"What Ziqi? I haven't seen Lin Ziqi. I'm accompanying my wife."
"Are you talking about Jiang Wuxi?"
"Yes! Her belly is quite noticeable. She looks about two or three months along."
"You don't know anything! How can it be two or three months?"
"I don't know, you know. Can you bear to let her attend classes at school with her belly showing?"
"What should I do then? Should I let her take a leave of absence to have the baby?"
"You can't come yourself, but at least you should arrange for someone to take care of her.
I saw her throwing up several times during class."
"Morning sickness?"
"I haven't been pregnant, but I know it's not a pleasant feeling.
Wang Yu is also throwing up constantly."
"Why didn't this girl tell me anything?"
"She probably didn't want to trouble you."
"Can't you help her out while you're there?"
"I can only help her with fetching meals. If I help her with anything else, you'll have my head," Fatty said with a sly grin.
"Get lost. I'll go see her after things here are settled."
"I haven't told her about Xiao Hong's labor yet. If she finds out, she might go over there, right?"
"Aren't you in Shanghai right now?
When you come back, you can bring both of them with you."
"Are those Lin Ziqi and the others also going back?"
"I haven't planned on telling them."
"If you don't tell them, won't they blame you when they return?
Besides, you have to hold a full moon celebration for Xiao Hong's baby.
Are you not planning to inform the others?"
"I haven't thought about that yet.
Xiao Xi is also about to give birth, one after another. We might not hold celebrations for everyone."
"You held one for Iliana's birth. If you don't hold one for Wang Lihong, what will others think of Wang Lihong?
Besides, even if Wang Lihong doesn't say it, she'll still be unhappy."
"So, according to you, I must hold one?"
"Yes. Not just hold one, but hold a grand one.
What are these women looking for with you?
Especially Xiao Xi, she doesn't lack money, does she?
If you don't hold a full moon banquet for her when she gives birth, and you do for Xiao Hong, she'll resent you for life.
They are all your wives, you can't treat them differently, right?"
"What you're saying does make sense. Then I'll hold it. You'll have to give a gift to your nephew."
"You don't need to worry about that. I've already prepared dozens of them."
"Dozens? Can you even give them all out?"
"You'll need twenty to thirty here.
Plus Mr. Wu, Xu Dahai, and other relatives and friends.
What we've prepared might not be enough."