Lu Zi Zhen and Lu Ting Cheng exchanged a look, neither excited nor bothered. They simply nodded their heads and followed the attending nurse, already scanning the space like trained hawks.
They were rarely at the hospital once Lu Zi Zhen had recovered, and since then, they have always been healthy kids. Then, they had their own infirmary with two attending doctors, but still, their mother had to attend these prenatal check-ups at regular hospitals.
"I will call you two if we need anything, stay put!" Zhi Hao spoke up while glaring at the two of them with a subtle gaze, 'You better behave yourself!'
"Got it, Father... We ain't kids, we will behave exceptionally well," the boys chorused in unison before stepping into the lounge, sighing loudly.
It was a quiet, well-lit area with plush sofas, a TV, and a shelf of magazines and snacks. Despite the calm setting, both boys sat stiffly, their eyes occasionally darting toward the hallway, where their parents had just disappeared. They hoped everything would turn out well.
The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as they entered the private maternity wing. The nurses greeted them with a polite smile and nod whenever they came across them.
Inside the maternity wing, Wan Ruyi was led gently to a private examination room, the scent of lavender faint in the air emitted all over filling her nostrils up. Lu Zhi Hao followed closely, his demeanor softer now, shedding the firm edges he usually wore like armor.
Dr. Emma, a poised woman in her late forties, entered the private room with a gentle smile on her face. "Madam Lu, Master Lu. Congratulations again. Let's do a routine ultrasound and vitals check-up, shall we?"
Wan Ruyi lightly nodded her head, her hands calmly folded on her lap as she reclined on the examination bed, her gown slightly lifted to expose her little rounded belly. The soft whoosh of the fetal Doppler filled the room, accompanied by a steady, rapid heartbeat. Zhi Hao took a seat beside her, his fingers curling lightly around hers, gazing at her adoringly. He loved her to the bits.
Moments later, the soft sound of the fetal monitor filled the room.
"There, you can see it." Dr. Emma said, turning the screen toward them while showing the direction with her head since her hands were occupied. "Everything looks excellent. Measurements are all normal. Everything looks great. The fetus has a strong heartbeat, and the baby is growing well."
Wan Ruyi let out a heavy breath; she hadn't realized she was holding it. Zhi Hao's grip on her hand tightened slightly, a rare, open smile appearing on his face before loosening. He was glad everything was okay with the baby and his wife.
"Good... That's good." He leaned forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "One less thing to worry about. You just need to relax and stay out of stress. Eat healthy." He whispered as the doctor went on with the check-up.
"Mnnhh.." she nodded her head slightly, embarrassed.
Lu Zhi Hao's hand would occasionally brush her hand, massaging it as if reassuring himself she was real, here, safe, and carrying his child. It's been six years, and they were finally blessed with the fruit of their love.
Outside, in the lounge, Lu Zi Zhen picked up a racing magazine, flipping through the pages absentmindedly. He had always been afraid of cars since he was young, but when he had learnt how to race for safety purposes, he began loving the adrenaline it brought. "Do you think they are happy? Do you think mommy is okay?" he asked quietly.
Lu Ting Cheng glanced at the hallway, then at his brother, "I think they are trying. We should behave ourselves for the next few months." Yes, until their mother gave birth.
Lu Zi Zhen nodded slowly. "We should try to be honest citizens!" Even though he said that, it didn't seem like he could be a normal citizen in any way.