At the beginning, he took his seven younger siblings to join Yi Zhonghai.

"Brother, wasn't the place you went to today really impressive?"

Yi Zhongren, being a young man at heart, finally couldn't help but ask after holding it in for a long time.

"It's not exactly grand; the building isn't even as spacious as our hospital's new building. It's just quieter."

Yi Zhongding glanced at him, smiled, and said.

"So...did you meet any important people? Those people you took photos with in Sichuan last time...did you see them?"

Yi Zhongren lowered his voice, his eyes shining with anticipation.

The atmosphere at the table paused slightly.

Just as Tan Xiulian was about to change the subject, Yi Zhongding waved his hand and said frankly, "Zhongren, don't ask about these things. Just work hard, and you'll be able to see the people you want to see."

Yi Zhongren glanced at his brother and nodded heavily.

"Alright, alright, let's eat. The food will get cold if we don't eat now."

Tan Xiulian promptly interrupted the conversation.

Then he put a large mouthful of cabbage into Yi Zhongren's bowl and lectured him, "Your brother's job is special, so don't ask questions you shouldn't."

Yi Zhongren shrank back and buried his head in his rice, but his eyes would occasionally steal a glance at Yi Zhongding, filled with admiration.

Yi Zhongding didn't say anything more and continued eating with his head down.

He knew his family was curious, but some things were indeed not suitable to be discussed at the dinner table at home.

It's not that we don't trust our own people, but rather that confidentiality is an instinct for every member of the organization.

The meal was a lively and enjoyable affair.

Jiu Liang started to feel sleepy after eating half of it. His head was nodding off, and he could barely hold onto the cornbread in his hand.

"Carry him to bed. These kids should be sleepy; they only slept for half an hour at noon."

Tan Xiulian scooped him up and handed him to Yi Zhongyao, who was standing next to her.

Yi Zhongyao took the child and skillfully coaxed him out the door.

After the meal, Yi Zhongding helped clear the dishes and then took the portion of food he had saved for Bai Yushu back to the west room.

Bai Yushu was leaning against the headboard, reading a booklet on maternal and child health. When she saw him come in, she closed the book.

"Finished eating?"

Bai Yushu revealed a gentle smile.

"Yes, I've brought it to you. Eat it while it's hot."

Yi Zhongding placed the tray on the kang table.

A bowl of hot porridge, a plate of cabbage stew with vermicelli, a bowl of chicken soup, four pieces of ribbonfish with not too much salt, and a steamed bun, cut into slices for easy carrying.

Bai Yushu sat up straight, picked up her chopsticks, but didn't rush to eat. Instead, she looked at Yi Zhongding first.

"What's wrong? I could tell you were preoccupied ever since you came back."

Bai Yushu touched his face and asked softly.

"Xiaoyu, after that person spoke to me today, I've been thinking about something."

Yi Zhongding sat down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), remained silent for a while, and then spoke.

"What's the problem?"

Bai Yushu tilted her head and asked, puzzled.

"I've been thinking about what I can really achieve in my life. I used to think that being a good doctor, curing patients, and developing new drugs would be enough."

"But today I spent three hours in that place and I saw those old people, every old wound on their bodies was left for this country."

"When they sat there and let me take their pulse, there was not a trace of doubt in their eyes, as if they were saying: 'Young comrade, we entrust our lives to you.'"

Yi Zhongding pondered for a moment before speaking.

As he spoke, his gaze fell on the faces of the two sleeping babies on the kang (a heated brick bed), he paused for a moment, and then continued:

"I suddenly realized that just being a good doctor isn't enough; I need to do more."

Bai Yushu put down her chopsticks, reached out and took his hand, and listened quietly as he finished speaking.

"Then do it. You're not the kind of person who's content with the status quo. I knew that the day I married you."

"Go ahead and do whatever you want. I'll take care of things at home, as will your sister-in-law and your younger siblings. But you have to promise me one thing."

Bai Yushu held his hand and said earnestly and affectionately.

"you say."

Yi Zhongding nodded.

"Take good care of yourself outside, and spend more time with your children at home. You can't let Sijin and Erliang grow up and call you 'that uncle you don't know'."

Bai Yushu touched his face and said with heartache.

Yi Zhongding was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

"Okay, I promise."

Yi Zhongding grasped Bai Yushu's hand and nodded vigorously.

Bai Yushu then picked up the bowl again, took a piece of ribbonfish, and carefully took a bite.

The salty and savory flavor of the ribbonfish melted in her mouth; she squinted her eyes, a satisfied expression on her face.

"My sister-in-law's cooking skills are truly superb. This ribbonfish is fried perfectly, and it's not fishy at all."

Bai Yushu said with a smile.

"That's right, our sister-in-law is an expert at this. I'll have to learn a few tricks from her later, and I'll make it for you after you finish your postpartum confinement."

Yi Zhongding gave a thumbs-up and pointed to himself.

"You? You can't even start a fire now, can you?"

Bai Yushu looked him up and down and said with a charming smile.

"Hey, are you looking down on me? I also grew up doing housework. Although I've done less housework since coming to the capital with my older brother, I still know how to do it."

Yi Zhongding was unconvinced and said arrogantly.

"Okay, okay, I'll wait until you cook it for me. I'll remember that."

Bai Yushu was amused by him.

"Remember this, don't complain that I've done too well. Just make sure you get fat."

Yi Zhongding raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Glib-tongued."

Bai Yushu rolled her eyes, chuckled, and tapped his forehead.

As the two were talking, there was a knock on the door.

"Zhongding, are you asleep?"

Yi Zhonghai's voice rang out from outside the door.

"Big brother, not yet."

As Yi Zhongding answered, he went to open the door.

"How's Xiaoyu doing today? Did those two kids cause any trouble?"

Yi Zhonghai stood at the door, not peeking inside, but asked with concern.

"They're doing well. The two kids have eaten and fallen asleep. Big brother, come in and sit for a while."

Yi Zhongding stepped aside and said.

"No, that's not appropriate. Your sister-in-law can come and take a look when she's done with her work."

Yi Zhonghai smiled and nodded upon hearing this.

"Brother, it's alright, come in, you can see the child too."

Bai Yushu spoke up from inside the room.

"Xiaoyu, I won't go in. Have you eaten yet? Drink plenty of chicken soup. I've ordered crucian carp for tomorrow, so your sister-in-law can make fish soup for you."

Yi Zhonghai responded with a smile from outside.

"I've eaten. The ribbonfish my sister-in-law made today was delicious, and I've finished the chicken soup too."

Bai Yushu said loudly.

"Okay, drink more, and eat the chicken too, you need to gain weight to grow big."

Yi Zhonghai chuckled upon hearing this.

"You just got off work? Have you eaten yet?"

Yi Zhongding pressed for an answer.

"Yes, we ate at the factory. The food has been much better lately. They say a large batch of grain was transported from the south. Since the steel mill is a heavy industry, we got a bigger share."

Yi Zhonghai patted his stomach and laughed.

"That's fine. We still have some at home, so please don't be stingy."

Yi Zhongding was amused by this.

"Okay, then you two rest. Be careful with the kids tonight, don't let them catch a cold."

Yi Zhonghai waved his hand, gave a word of advice, and then returned to the living room.