Li Xiu's business was gradually getting on track. He had opened two shops: one sold large household items like watches, radios, bicycles, and television sets, while the other sold clothes. The fashionable garments shipped up from the south were snatched up the moment they hit the shelves. Wang Dongfang and the other two were also splitting up their duties now; two of them each managed a shop, while the third was dedicated to traveling south to procure goods.
Li Xiu returned to his routine of taking his daughter along to see his wife to and from school. But this peaceful life was shattered one morning after only a few days. While washing up after waking, Zhou Lian was overcome with nausea and began to dry heave, which scared Li Xiu nearly out of his wits. Sister Fang, who had just finished making breakfast, saw this and asked with a smile, "Are we about to give Nuonuo a little brother or sister?"
