Tang Qingshan hadn't returned to Beijing just to visit family; he had other matters to attend to as well. He was only home for a short while before heading out.
Xiao Man sidled up to Mrs. Ai, reaching out to touch her belly. "It's huge," she exclaimed. "Like a balloon."
Grandma Tang chided her, "What a thing to say! You're a medical student, don't all pregnant women look like this? What do you mean, a balloon? That's your little brother in there. Do you really think he's a toy?"
Xiao Man burst out laughing. "Grandma, you're the one who just reminded me! I'd almost forgotten I was supposed to treat him like a toy."
Mrs. Ai gently stroked her belly, patting Xiao Man's hand with a smile. "Didn't you and Hao Hao say you each wanted one? Well, it looks like you spoke it into existence—there are two in here. Why else would my belly be this big?"
