New Beginnings: A Baby Girl Joins the Li Family

Six months ago, he had ventured up the mountain in search of medicinal herbs, only to suffer a near-fatal fall down the hillside. His waist and legs shattered, leaving him bedridden and emaciated after enduring six months of torment.

When Mrs. Li entered with the swaddled baby, a glimmer of joy illuminated his worn face. "Xiujuan has given birth? A boy or a girl?"

"A girl!" Mrs. Li exclaimed, cradling the baby and presenting her to her bedridden husband. "Old man, our Li family finally has a baby girl, just as you've hoped. Look, isn't she beautiful? Does she resemble her parents?"

Seeing the serene baby with closed eyes, the old man's weathered face lit up with excitement. He gingerly reached out to take the swaddled bundle, marveling, "Beautiful! Truly beautiful! My granddaughter, I'm your grandfather. Come, open your eyes and look at Grandpa!"

"Easy, she's just been born; where would she open her eyes? And even if she did, why would she want to look at your old face? Don't be so loud; what if you startle the baby?" Mrs. Li retorted, gently taking the baby back.

Reluctant to relinquish the baby, the old man acquiesced, mindful of his health and the baby's well-being.

The entire family rejoiced in the arrival of the baby girl. After introducing her to each grandchild, Mrs. Li retreated to the back room with the baby.

"The girl is very calm; she hasn't cried at all," Mrs. Li remarked as she handed the baby back to Lin Yanfen. "Xiujuan, you feed the baby first. I'll prepare some chicken soup to help replenish your strength."

Lin Yanfen pleaded, "Mom, please spare the old hen. Let's keep her for egg-laying."

"Don't interfere with my decisions! You and Jianlin need to think of a name for the baby!" Mrs. Li replied briskly before hurrying off, resolved in her decision.

Observing their stubbornness, Lin Yanfen sighed. Though the Li family was poor, they treated her with kindness, making her feel like one of their own. Li Chengyuan's affectionate demeanor further endeared him to her, and they were considered a model couple in the village.

As evening descended, the family gathered in the back room, except for the bedridden old man Li, to dote on the newborn girl.