Starting from the deputy company commander of the Soldier Assault Team

Gu Xiaonan gently put down the soup spoon. Usually decisive and efficient, her voice was now extremely low. "Auntie, we're all busy with work right now, with one task after another at the station. We don't have time to think about these things right now..."

Zhang Anbang echoed, "Yes, Auntie, I work overtime every day in the training department, and Xiaonan is on duty in communications and also works night shifts. I really can't take care of the child right now. We'll talk about it later when I can take a break from work."

Besides, we haven't even had our wedding yet, and we can't get our marriage certificate until tomorrow. It's really too early to be talking about this now, much too early. We'll talk about it later, later.

Aunt Zhang smiled and said, "What do you mean 'early'? It's not early at all. We're not urging you to have a baby right now. The main thing is that you need to make a plan and decide when to have the baby."

As she spoke, she put down her chopsticks, turned around and took out a small notebook from the cabinet by the door. "A colleague of mine has a daughter-in-law who is a gynecologist. She gave a lecture before, and I wrote it all down."

Doctors say that the best age for women to have children is between 23 and 28 years old. At this age, the body is fully mature, the foundation is solid, and there is sufficient blood and energy, making it easier to conceive.

At this age, ovarian function is good, egg quality is high, and it is easier to conceive naturally, with a low risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

A stable uterine and pelvic environment, normal endocrine function, and a low incidence of problems such as irregular ovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome are rare.

Moreover, at this age, one's physical condition is at its best, blood vessels are highly elastic, and metabolism is strong. The probability of developing gestational hypertension or diabetes is very small. The pelvic ligaments are soft and elastic, making natural childbirth much smoother and less painful.

After childbirth, metabolism is faster, the uterus contracts and recovers quickly, lochia is discharged cleanly, and damage to the rectus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles is easier to repair, making it less likely to develop long-term back pain or urinary incontinence.

If you wait until after the age of 29, the quality of your eggs will decline year by year, and it will take longer to conceive. After the age of 35, you will be considered an advanced maternal age, which not only makes childbirth more dangerous, but also slows down your postpartum recovery.

"You two are both military officers, and you naturally married late. It's best to have a child during these prime years so your health won't suffer. That's the best approach."

Zhang Anbang was taken aback for a moment, "Auntie, you're quite professional in your explanation. How long have you been compiling this notebook?"

"How long?" Aunt Zhang raised her hand to look at Zhang Anbang and the other man. "A long time. We've been doing this since before the eldest son got married, for several years now."

Zhang Anbang gave a thumbs up, "Auntie, it's so good to have you. You always take care of so many things for us."

Wang Qingrui put down his chopsticks. "Anbang, Xiaonan, your aunt is right. I remember Xiaonan has been in the position of Major Commander for quite a while, almost three years now."

I've already inquired about it; Xiaonan has always performed exceptionally well at work, and she should be getting a promotion soon.

Firstly, her year-long maternity leave coincided with the busy period of rank adjustments, so that when she returned to the unit after her leave, the procedures for becoming a lieutenant colonel and the selection for deputy regimental commander would not be delayed, and there would be no gaps in her resume.

Secondly, as your aunt just said, at 25 or 26 years old, one is in good health and recovers quickly after childbirth, which is good for Xiaonan's health.

Zhang Anbang and Gu Xiaonan looked at each other, and before they could speak, Aunt Zhang added, "You two don't need to worry about taking care of the child. I'll be retiring in less than six months."

I'm in great health, I can come and help you take care of the child. The child can go to the nursery after six months.

Children enter the kindergarten around 7 a.m. and are picked up around 5 or 6 p.m. They are provided with three meals and a nap during the day. If you have to work overtime or stay on duty at night, you can inform the kindergarten teacher in advance and extend your stay by one or two hours.

"Plus, I can help you take care of them, no problem at all."

"Oh, well," Zhang Anbang was a little speechless. Well, even his last resort had been blocked by Aunt Zhang. "Auntie, you should be resting now that you're retired. How can we let you keep busy..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Qingrui raised his hand to interrupt him, "Your aunt is right, she's always been someone who can't sit still. I'll be retiring soon too, and then we can team up and lend a hand."

Otherwise, I really don't know what I'll do after I retire. In the retirement home, people spend their days doing Tai Chi, taking walks, watching old movies, playing chess and mahjong—I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to get used to that kind of life.

Looking into the bright eyes of his two elders, Zhang Anbang felt a warmth in his heart. "Yes, Uncle and Aunt, we'll go back and discuss this matter. Once we've discussed it, I'll tell Aunt as soon as possible."

Hearing this, the elderly couple finally laughed. "That makes sense. Please take some food and eat more. Don't leave any leftovers for me."

……

After finishing their meal, Zhang Anbang and his companion did not return to the vicinity of the 301 compound until 9 p.m.

The reason it's nearby is because it's evening now. Although the two of them are getting their marriage certificate tomorrow, they don't have it yet, so they can't stay overnight, as that's against the rules.

As the top comprehensive hospital in the entire army, 301 Hospital is also among the top tier of comprehensive hospitals nationwide, forming a three-way balance with Peking Union Medical College Hospital and West China Hospital.

The area around it is filled with pharmacies, medical equipment stores, and nutritional supplement shops, followed by various restaurants and snack stalls, and then hotels and guesthouses.

This is how Zhang Anbang solved the accommodation problem for the two of them. Across the street from the east gate of 301, a 3-minute walk away, is the military system's guesthouse, the Fuxing Road Guesthouse. They booked two single rooms, and officers with valid military IDs could enjoy discounts.

Silent all night.

The next morning, after a simple breakfast at the guesthouse, Zhang Anbang checked all the materials to make sure there were no shortages. He then drove with Gu Xiaonan straight to No. 31 South Road of the Academy of Sciences, the marriage registration office of the district civil affairs bureau.

"Come on, honey, let's get our marriage certificate. In a little while, we'll be completely legal and compliant. From now on, you won't need a temporary pass to enter the compound anymore."

Hearing Zhang Anbang's obviously excited tone, Gu Xiaonan smiled and said, "Let's go."

The two, dressed casually, entered the registration point, queued up to get a number, and arrived relatively early. There weren't many people there, and the order was well maintained.

In less than twenty minutes, it was their turn. At the window was a female clerk in a dark blue uniform with a perfectly timed smile. One glance was enough to tell that these two were different.

The main difference lies in their body shapes and Zhang Anbang's hairstyle, which make them easily recognizable.

The staff member was polite yet solemn. "For a military marriage, have you brought all your documents and information?"

"I brought everything, please take a look," Zhang Anbang said, handing over the two men's military officer IDs and marital status certificates issued by their respective work units.

As for their ID cards and household registration books, well, neither of them has them, but they don't need them anyway.

The female staff member took the documents and began to check them one by one in front of the two of them. The papers were neat, the official seals were clear, and the ID photos, dates of birth, and serial numbers were all meticulously checked.