BYBOTE Chapter 47: Guess It's a Little Tiger

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"Doctor Liang, are you serious?" Li Yuehua was overjoyed. "My Erbao is expecting?"

"Of course! Would I joke about something like this?" Doctor Liang pinched Luo Fei’s philtrum, and as Luo Fei slowly regained consciousness, he continued, "Xi boy, don't hold him like that—put him on your back. Don't let him catch a chill."

"Oh, right!" Xi Yanqing, following every instruction, quickly made sure Luo Fei was well protected. With Luo Ji’s help, he carried Luo Fei onto his back. "Wife, how do you feel? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

"Sleepy." Luo Fei was still a bit dazed and looked around. "What happened to me?"

"We're having a baby." Xi Yanqing said, "I'll explain everything once we get home. For now, just rest." He turned to Doctor Liang. "Doctor Liang, could you come with us? I won’t be at ease otherwise." Just thinking about how close they had been that morning made him break out in a cold sweat.

"Alright," Doctor Liang said. "But don't worry too much. Based on my examination, there's nothing major wrong. He's probably just exhausted. I'll prescribe some stabilizing medicine—take it for two days, and he should be fine. How about this?" Doctor Liang turned to Luo Ji. "Luo Dabo, come with me. My old legs aren’t as quick as you young folks. You can help me fetch the medicine."

"Sure thing, Doctor Liang." Luo Ji patted Han Yang. "I'll head over first and bring the medicine back soon."

"Go on, no rush here," Han Yang laughed. "Brother Xi, congratulations!"

"Yeah, Xi boy, congratulations!" The villagers chimed in with their blessings.

"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" Xi Yanqing was still in shock, but it was undeniably good news. Just thinking about becoming a father made the corners of his mouth curl up uncontrollably. Even looking at Qin Guizhi didn’t seem as annoying anymore. "Oh, and thanks to Aunt Qin! You sure are accurate with your words. You said my Erbao had the ability to give me a child, and now he really has!"

"You! Don’t get too cocky! Who knows what it'll turn out to be!" Qin Guizhi was fuming, her face alternating between red and green. Why?! Why was this happening?! She had worked so hard to stop her son from marrying that vixen Luo Fei, hoping to get a daughter-in-law who could bear a grandson for her. But now, she didn’t even have a daughter-in-law, and that vixen was about to be a father instead!

"We’ll be as cocky as we want! What, are you jealous?" Li Yuehua felt completely satisfied. "Let’s see whose family is really doomed to have no descendants!"

"I knew it! I dreamt about picking a big peach last night." Luo Fei was still internally screaming in shock, but on the outside, he put on a delighted expression. "Qing-ge, are you happy?"

"Of course I am." Seeing that Luo Fei was fully conscious now, Xi Yanqing's panic subsided a little. He carried Luo Fei steadily. "From now on, you don’t have to do any chores. If you’re tired, just sleep. If you want to eat something, tell me."

"I just want meat." Luo Fei licked his lips. "No wonder I’ve been so sleepy lately—I thought it was just seasonal drowsiness."

"I thought the same thing, so you really scared me just now." Xi Yanqing let out a long sigh of relief. "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere else?"

"No." Luo Fei nuzzled against Xi Yanqing’s back.

"Erbao, I still have work to do, so I won’t go back with you now," Li Yuehua said. "I’ll come see you later. Just rest when you get home, okay?"

"Got it, Mom. Don’t worry." Luo Fei turned and stuck his tongue out at Qin Guizhi—Ha! Your face hurts, doesn’t it?!

Qin Guizhi was so jealous she could explode. The more she thought about how much effort she had put into stopping her son from marrying Luo Fei, only for Luo Fei to end up pregnant first, the more miserable she felt. She cast a hateful glare at Zhang Sheng’s family, thinking that if it weren’t for them, Jiang Baining wouldn’t have done such a shameless thing. Then she wouldn’t have wasted her money without even getting a grandchild in return!

Unreasonable people never see fault in themselves. Even if they’re at fault, they’ll always believe it’s someone else’s mistake. Qin Guizhi cursed Jiang Baining, Zhang Sheng’s family, and Luo Fei’s entire household in her mind before angrily returning to threshing grain.

Just wait until her son passes the imperial exam—let’s see if these people dare to be so arrogant then! One day, she would step all over them!

Meanwhile, Xi Yanqing carried Luo Fei home, soon parting ways with Doctor Liang and Luo Ji. Once they were alone, Luo Fei suddenly panicked. "Qing-ge, did I hear that right? I-I-I’m pregnant?!"

Xi Yanqing was afraid Luo Fei wouldn’t accept it. His heart skipped a beat as he admitted, "Yeah… I’m sorry, wife. I might have lost control once. I thought it would be fine, but I didn’t expect… Are you upset?"

Luo Fei was silent for a moment. "Not… not exactly. I just wasn’t prepared for it. I never thought about it happening so soon. It really caught me off guard. Back at the threshing ground, I thought I was dreaming or filming a drama." It wasn’t his fault he reacted slowly.

In his past life, his grandmother had told him that his mother suffered from severe morning sickness, vomiting constantly until the sixth month of pregnancy. He had always assumed nausea was the most obvious sign of pregnancy—wasn’t that how it was shown in TV dramas? Who would have thought he’d have no morning sickness at all? "Qing-ge, pinch me."

"Stop messing around…" Xi Yanqing laughed.

"Fine, I’ll do it myself." Luo Fei pinched his own arm. "Ow! So it’s not a dream. We’re really having a little tiger or a little donkey?!"

"Yeah, I’m going to be a father. It feels surreal." Xi Yanqing couldn’t stop smiling.

"Surreal? This just means we’re under more pressure now."

"Pressure brings motivation! I’d take this kind of pressure a hundred times over!"

"I feel pressured," Luo Fei admitted. "What if I don’t raise the kid properly?"

"Don’t worry, just ask our parents if you’re unsure. Raising kids is human instinct—it’ll come naturally."

Luo Fei thought for a moment and then blushed. "Good thing you weren’t too rough this morning…"

"Pfft!" Xi Yanqing burst out laughing. "So you’re saying you’re usually satisfied?"

"Shut up!" Luo Fei blushed even more, tugging on Xi Yanqing’s ear.

"Alright, alright, ancestor of mine!" Xi Yanqing patted Luo Fei’s butt. "We’re home!"

When they got home, Xi Yanqing still couldn’t bear to put Luo Fei down. Luo Fei probably wouldn’t understand what it meant for someone like Xi Yanqing, who had grown up in an orphanage, to have a child of his own. This child would be the first person in the world to share his blood—a delicate bond that nothing could ever break.

Luo Fei pushed the door open and then closed it again. He remained on Xi Yanqing’s back until they reached the house, where Xi Yanqing finally set him down.

Xi Yanqing helped Luo Fei lay out the quilt, letting him rest more comfortably, then just quietly watched him.

For a brief moment, Luo Fei wanted to say that he wasn’t ready at all. But when he saw the look in Xi Yanqing’s eyes, he instantly softened.

He raised his hand to look at the plum blossom mark on it and noticed that it was still a faint color. He had no idea why Doctor Liang had said he was pregnant. When others had children, their plum blossom marks would change color, but he hadn’t had any reaction at all. He just felt sleepy and had strange cravings—how was he supposed to know that meant he was expecting? But now that it was confirmed, he accepted it.

Even though Xi Yanqing didn’t seem outwardly excited or overjoyed, Luo Fei could tell—Xi Yanqing was truly happy.

And happiness was what mattered most.

Under Xi Yanqing’s warm gaze, Luo Fei gradually fell asleep. Lately, he had been feeling especially drowsy. At first, he thought it was just autumn fatigue, so he tried to limit his sleep. Now that he understood the reason, he no longer needed to restrain himself. For the sake of the child’s health, he had to listen to his body’s natural reactions. This was no time to be stubborn.

When Xi Yanqing saw that Luo Fei was asleep, he carefully tucked him in and, before Luo Ji arrived, washed the medicine pot clean. Once Luo Ji got there, he prepared the medicine just as Luo Ji instructed.

"Doctor Liang said he only needs to drink it for three days. But this is different from when you were sick. The medicine has to be taken half an hour after meals," Luo Ji said. "Also, he told me to remind you—don't let Erbao get too tired these days."

"Don't worry, big brother. I’ll take good care of him." While thinking about buying some meat for Luo Fei, Xi Yanqing sent Luo Ji off. "You should head back. There’s still a lot of work at the threshing ground, and I’m sure Father and Mother are worried about Erbao too."

"Alright, I’ll come by again later." Luo Ji smiled. "Mother is probably overjoyed right now. I’ll get going then."

Xi Yanqing waved him off and glanced toward the bedroom, feeling completely content.

Back at the threshing ground, many people were concerned about Luo Fei. When Luo Ji reassured them that everything was fine, they finally relaxed. It had been a while since a new life was expected in the village. Apart from a few families, most people were thrilled to hear the news. The cheerful atmosphere even made the work feel lighter.

Luo Fei slept the entire afternoon. After waking up, he ate and drank his medicine. But right after finishing, he suddenly slammed the bowl down with a loud "bang!"

"Oh no! This is a disaster!"

Xi Yanqing was startled. "What’s wrong?"

"We can’t be intimate now! No more doing this or that!" Luo Fei said seriously. "That was our only nighttime entertainment!"

"You’re one to talk. When I think about what happened this morning, I break into a cold sweat," Xi Yanqing replied. He did feel a little regretful—they were still in the phase where they deeply craved each other. But now that a little tiger or a little donkey was on the way, they had to be careful. "It's not forever, though. We just need to hold on for a while." After a pause, he added, "I can still treat you to a 'big wrap' or bite you occasionally."

"Get lost with your 'big wrap'!" Luo Fei laughed and scolded, "Pervert!"

"A husband who doesn’t tease his wife isn’t a good husband," Xi Yanqing said as the sky darkened. "Do you want to take a bath?"

"Better not for now. Mother will definitely come by soon," Luo Fei replied. "Later, maybe. You should rest too—you woke up so early and haven’t had a break yet."

"Do you believe me when I say I could carry you and run three laps around the village right now?" Xi Yanqing grinned. "Don't worry, I’m not tired."

Looking at Xi Yanqing’s smile, Luo Fei suddenly felt at ease. Yeah, what was he so worried about? Xi Yanqing had always been reliable. Besides, this was perfectly normal here—no one would judge them, only offer blessings.

After finishing up her work, Li Yuehua went home to change clothes and prepared a lucky red envelope with sixty-six copper coins before heading over. Not only did she come, but the entire family showed up, including Luo Yi, who had just returned from school.

The family happily chatted about Luo Fei’s pregnancy, and Li Yuehua gave him plenty of advice on what to be careful about.

"You can’t do any heavy lifting from now on. These first three months are especially important for rest," Li Yuehua said as she handed Luo Fei the red envelope. "It’s not a lot of money—just a little token for good luck. I hope everything goes smoothly for you."

"Yanqing, your responsibilities just got bigger. If you ever get overwhelmed, come find us. Your father, your big brother—we’re all here to help," Luo Tian said. "And congratulations—your family will have a descendant now."

"Thank you, Father. Don’t worry, I won’t let Erbao suffer."

"Second Brother, tell me if you’re craving anything. I’ll cook for you!" Luo Ru said with a smile. "I’m going to be an aunt!"

"Mm-hmm, I definitely won’t hold back," Luo Fei grinned as images of braised pork, sweet and sour pork, and stewed pork belly filled his mind. He guessed he was carrying a little tiger—he craved meat so much! If it were a little donkey, he probably wouldn’t feel this way.

He had never been this obsessed with food before. His mouth constantly watered, which was pretty embarrassing.

After staying for about half an hour, the Luo family left. Luo Fei finished off the leftover chicken soup from the morning and ate three steamed buns, stuffing his belly round. Yet, he still felt like he wanted more.

Xi Yanqing saw his expression and immediately knew—Luo Fei was still craving food. But he didn’t say anything.

The next morning, Xi Yanqing woke up early again. He quietly finished all the household chores and then told Luo Fei he had to go out for a bit. Locking the door behind him, he went to find Luo Yong. He handed Luo Yong some money.

"I’m too busy to leave right now. And besides, with Qi-ge’s condition, I don’t feel comfortable going too far. Can you help me buy some beef and pork? Also, get some dried plums and snacks."

Luo Yong carefully pocketed the money. "Don’t worry, Brother Xi. I’ll bring everything over this afternoon."

Xi Yanqing then visited Doctor Liang. "Doctor Liang, is there anything my Erbao should avoid eating?"

Doctor Liang replied, "Nothing specific, as long as the food is clean. Just make sure he eats well and doesn’t go hungry."

Xi Yanqing took note and bought a block of tofu on his way home. He wasn’t great at cooking, but after watching Luo Fei pan-fry tofu a few times, he had learned that at least.

When Luo Fei saw that breakfast included rice and fried tofu, he felt like he was being treated too luxuriously.

"Qing-ge, you don’t have to be so meticulous. Just keep things the same as before," Luo Fei said after finishing his meal. "I can’t gauge my limits right now, so I’ll leave the heavier chores to you. But cooking shouldn’t be a problem—I’ll handle the meals."

"The pot lid is too heavy. I don’t feel safe letting you lift it. How about this? If you need to move anything heavy, just call me," Xi Yanqing suggested. "Honestly, I don’t know how to cook much, so I’m afraid you won’t eat well. Otherwise, I’d cook everything myself."

"Alright, I’ll call you when I need to lift the lid," Luo Fei agreed, stretching. "Are you heading to the threshing ground soon?"

"Yeah, but I’ll be back by noon. Just take it easy. If you feel bored, you can chat with Aunt Zhou next door."

"Got it. Don’t worry about me." Luo Fei glanced around the yard. "Black Bean, Yellow Bean, Flower Bean! Come here!"

"Woof woof woof!"

The three puppies had grown quite a bit and had become even more attached to Luo Fei. The moment they heard his voice, they eagerly scurried over to him.

"Come on, let's walk the master out," Luo Fei said as he headed toward the main gate, with the three little beans trotting behind him. Their tiny tails wagged as they looked up at Xi Yanqing, seeing him off.

Xi Yanqing really didn't want to leave. He just wanted to stay home with Luo Fei and their unborn baby. But work was work—he had to do it, and he had to work even harder now. They had originally planned to have a baby next year, but since the child had arrived earlier than expected, they had to adjust their plans accordingly.

On a normal day, this would have been the time Luo Fei did the laundry, but now that all the clothes were washed, he had nothing left to do. Heavy chores were off-limits, so the only thing he could do was embroidery.

Luo Fei took out his sewing basket and continued working on his embroidered shoe uppers. When he got tired of that, he stepped into the courtyard, picked up a wooden stick, and began writing and drawing in the dirt.

Aunt Zhou had been at the threshing ground yesterday, so she already knew about Luo Fei’s pregnancy. When she saw him in the courtyard, she chuckled and said, "Erbao, I guess that means you can't do any work now, huh?"

She had always been worried that Luo Fei would overwork himself while pregnant. If she saw him being too diligent, she would make him take a break. Now that he truly had nothing to do, she couldn't help but laugh. "I knew it! That Xi boy truly cherishes his wife. You’re a lucky one, you know? Tell me, how many husbands wake up early in the morning just to slaughter a chicken and make soup for their wives?"

Luo Fei squinted slightly in the sunlight, but his smile was bright. "I've already finished drinking all the soup."

Aunt Zhou laughed. "That's good! Eat more, and your baby will grow strong. It’s a pity that your in-laws aren’t around anymore. If they knew Xi was going to be a father, I bet they’d be overjoyed."

Luo Fei wasn't sure how to respond, but at that moment, his gaze happened to land on the peach tree in the courtyard.

He had dreamt of picking peaches—could it be that the peach tree was responsible for their "jackpot"?

Thinking back, it really seemed like that was the time when… Xi Yanqing hadn't come out…

Damn!

That afternoon, Han Xu came to visit Luo Fei. But the way Luo Fei was looking at him made him uneasy. "Erbao, why are you staring at me like that?"

"Do you know how I ended up pregnant?" Luo Fei asked.

"What do you mean how? You and Xi Ge were together, so of course, you got pregnant. What, did you pick the baby up from a crack in a rock?"

"It's all because of you!" Luo Fei pointed at Han Xu. "That night, Qing Ge and I went to your house to ask about the ox cart, but we heard you and your carpenter brother moaning so loudly that we didn’t even dare to knock! And it left us so restless that when we got home… well, we couldn't hold back!"

"You—Luo Erbao!" Han Xu panicked, glancing around to make sure no one was around before sighing in relief. "You actually have the nerve to say that out loud?!" He hadn't expected anyone to come by at that hour!

"Now I see why you don’t have any neighbors nearby. Hahaha! Your name might mean 'reserved,' but you sure aren’t reserved at all!"

"Luo Erbao!" Han Xu’s face turned bright red. "You should be thanking me instead of making fun of me!"

"Thank you, my ass!" Luo Fei said without a hint of shame. "Qing Ge and I weren’t done enjoying our time as just the two of us yet. Now our late-night fun is over."

"Ancestor! I truly give up on you. Can’t you filter what comes out of your mouth? If someone else heard you, they’d think you were shameless!" Han Xu shook his head, exasperated. Then, he noticed Luo Fei staring at the chickens. "Hey, why are you staring at the chickens like that?"

"I feel like they haven’t been growing much these past two days. Ugh, hurry up and grow bigger so there’s more meat on your legs."

"You like eating chicken? Not me. Ever since I got together with my little carpenter, I’ve been craving cornbread all the time."

"Cornbread?" Luo Fei gave Han Xu a look of disbelief. "Can’t you have a little more ambition?"

"Ambition? What’s that?"

"It’s… never mind. Cornbread is fine too." At least it was cheap and filling. Unlike him—he kept craving meat. Just thinking about the money in his purse flying away like it had wings made Luo Fei’s heart ache.

He walked over to the chicken coop and stared down the biggest rooster until it got nervous.

Thankfully, Xi Yanqing returned before long, with Luo Yong following behind him.

Xi Yanqing saw Luo Fei eyeing the chickens and chuckled. "Wife, craving chicken again?"

Luo Fei tilted his head. "No, I was just checking if they’ve grown."

Xi Yanqing lifted the pork and beef in his hands. "Look, what’s this?"

Luo Fei swallowed. "You went to town?"

"No, I couldn’t leave, so I asked Luo Yong to buy it for me. He also got some pastries and candied fruit." Then, noticing Han Xu, he added, "Han Xu, when did you get here? You should stay for dinner."

"I’d better not, Xi Ge. Just the smell of meat makes me feel sick. I probably won’t be able to enjoy it until later." Han Xu was serious. Lately, just looking at meat made him feel queasy.

"Then take some pastries and candied fruit home." Luo Fei packed a small cloth bag for Han Xu. "Walk carefully on your way back."

"Got it."

Luo Fei took the meat from Xi Yanqing, eyes gleaming like a wolf that hadn’t seen meat in years. "I’m gonna show off my cooking skills today! Luo Yong, don’t leave—stay for dinner."

He was going to make Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork)!

His grandmother had been great at making it, and he’d seen it done a few times. Now, with his improved cooking skills, he was confident he could pull it off.

Luo Yong hadn’t eaten lunch and was definitely hungry. But just as he was about to refuse, fate intervened. The house was lively today—just as Han Xu left, Luo Ru arrived. Luo Yong immediately reconsidered leaving.

Luo Ru had prepared a treat for her second brother—she had shelled pine nuts and hazelnuts, coated them with sugar, and brought them over to satisfy his cravings. She hadn’t expected to run into Luo Yong.

Luo Fei saw Luo Yong hesitate and instantly understood. He clutched his stomach. "Ah, Qing Ge, I feel a bit unwell. Help me inside."

Xi Yanqing quickly supported him. "Where does it hurt? Should I call Doctor Liang?"

Luo Fei winked at him, then said aloud, "Sanbao, Er Ge's back is sore. Can you cook dinner for me?"

Luo Ru, ever the dutiful sister, didn’t hesitate. "Of course, Er Ge! You rest, I’ll cook before I leave."

Luo Yong had been waiting for this moment and earnestly said, "I’ll fetch some water then. That way, Xi Ge won’t have to do everything."

Luo Ru thought that was reasonable, as Xi Yanqing had a lot on his plate. But as she kept cooking, something felt off.

Why was Luo Yong fetching such small amounts of water each time? A job that should’ve taken three trips had turned into ten!

What she didn’t know was that Luo Yong just wanted more excuses to look at her. But since he couldn’t just stand there staring, he stretched the task out as long as possible!

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