Chapter 531: A Complete Family

Lately, Lin Chuxia has developed a new hobby: making all kinds of little clothes.

When Jiang Hong had a baby earlier, Lin Chuxia watched her making those little clothes and felt a bit envious.

Now that it’s her turn, she finds making children’s clothes so interesting.

Each piece of clothing carries her love and hope, and Lin Chuxia enjoys it immensely.

The fabric store has become her favorite place to visit.

After Qin Yang left, Lin Chuxia took out the fabric she bought last time, along with a new book on cutting clothes, and scaled down the designs by a few times.

Just as she was about to cut, someone called her name from outside, and Yuan Bao started barking too.

Lin Chuxia put down the scissors and went out; she recognized Sister-in-law Gong’s voice.

"Sister-in-law, why are you here? Are you feeling better?"

Lin Chuxia greeted her with a smile, telling Yuan Bao to go back to its doghouse obediently.

"I’m much better now, thanks to you and Qin Yang for taking me to the hospital that day."

Sister-in-law Gong had been discharged for a few days. She always felt grateful to Qin Yang and Lin Chuxia and wanted to visit, but her husband, Old Wei, insisted she rest a bit longer. Today, seeing the nice weather, she finally got to come out.

Sister-in-law Gong handed a bag to Lin Chuxia, "This is cured meat and sausages sent from my hometown. I don’t know if you like them, but I brought you some to try."

Lin Chuxia’s eyes lit up immediately, "This is a treat, thank you, sister-in-law."

Since getting pregnant, she found herself craving food more, with a bigger appetite and a constant sense of not being full enough.

The other day, there were some green garlic shoots from the greenhouse, and she was thinking about sautéing them with cured meat.

Unfortunately, while they had garlic shoots, cured meat was hard to come by.

In their area, it was nearly impossible to find cured meat and sausages, even at the market.

Unlike areas with developed transportation and resources, where you can eat whatever you want year-round.

But just as she was thinking about it, cured meat showed up.

Sister-in-law Gong was happy to see her genuine joy.

She had been worried that, given Mr. Qin’s family’s good condition, they might not appreciate these simple things.

"As long as you like it."

The two chatted as they walked into the house.

Sister-in-law Gong immediately noticed the soft-colored fabric on the table and a small piece of clothing beside it.

Her gaze swept over Lin Chuxia’s belly.

"Are you expecting?"

Lin Chuxia smiled with tenderness and nodded openly, "Yes, the pregnancy is still early, just two months. Qin Yang wants me to rest at home, so I thought I’d do some sewing while I’m idle."

"Oh, congratulations! It’s about time you two had a child."

Sister-in-law Gong knew they had been married for years and thought they hadn’t wanted a child because of Lin Chuxia’s busy work schedule.

"Work is never-ending, and money is never enough, but children are the continuation of a couple’s life, binding your and his bloodlines; that’s what makes a family complete."

She seemed to recall something, smiling softly, "Having a child gives you new goals in life. It’s a different life altogether, and although having a child may cause some chaos, it’s a different kind of happiness. One plus one is greater than two."

Lin Chuxia touched her belly, "Absolutely, sister-in-law," she had long been looking forward to such a life.

Sister-in-law Gong looked interested in the soft fabric, "What do you plan to make for the baby?"

"I’m planning to make a small jacket but don’t know where to start," Lin Chuxia replied with an embarrassed smile.

The clothes she’d been making were all based on patterns, but most were adult styles.

When she scaled them down to make children’s clothing, something always seemed a bit off.

Next to her was a piece she had just completed, intending to improve it today based on her pattern and experience.

Sister-in-law Gong picked up the small garment, looking it over and then at the pattern, and smiled slightly.

"You’ve got a deft hand to make something just from looking at a pattern, but this isn’t quite right. Baby clothes aren’t the same as ours; baby’s skin is delicate, so minimize seams when making clothes, especially in the front..."

As Sister-in-law Gong spoke, Lin Chuxia’s eyes brightened.

She realized why her little clothes never seemed quite right. Hearing Sister-in-law Gong’s advice, everything became clear.

"If you don’t mind, I could cut you out a sample to try."

"Of course I don’t mind," Lin Chuxia immediately handed the scissors to Sister-in-law Gong, "Had I known you’re skilled, I would’ve come to you earlier with the fabric."

"It’s not a big deal; it’s not as complicated as you think. Kids’ clothes are best kept simple."

Sister-in-law Gong took the scissors, cut the fabric quickly, and instructed Lin Chuxia on how to sew it together.

They had a sewing machine at home, so Lin Chuxia immediately sat down and stitched the cut fabric together. In less than half an hour, a small piece of clothing was finished.

Lin Chuxia looked at the newly made clothing, immensely satisfied.

There’s a difference between having guidance and learning on your own; it saves a lot of detours.

"The design looks nice, perfect for little ones," Sister-in-law Gong praised beside her.

"Sister-in-law, if you have any other patterns, please cut me a couple more."

Lin Chuxia recognized Sister-in-law Gong as a master. Just a few quick cuts, she didn’t even use a ruler, and it was done.

Sister-in-law Gong thought for a moment and then helped cut out two more pieces.

She also got interested herself and started working on a small outer jacket.

Since it was an outer jacket, she added small pockets, with little frills around them.

"Sister-in-law, your hands are truly skillful; your craftsmanship is way prettier than the ready-made clothes at the department store," Lin Chuxia said in awe.

Sister-in-law Gong was a bit embarrassed by the praise, "Skill comes with practice. When Wei Bing was young, I made all his clothes. Our family conditions weren’t great back then, so I made not just children’s clothes but adults’ too from fabric we bought. You know, my health isn’t the best, so I stuck with sewing."

"If there’s anything I don’t know, I’ll come to you for advice."

"Sure, you’re welcome anytime."

Sister-in-law Gong spent half a day making small clothes with Lin Chuxia, leaving eventually feeling satisfied.

Just after she left, Qin Yang returned with groceries.

Upon entering and seeing the fabric and little clothes not yet tidied up, he was startled, "You made so many in half a day? Aren’t you tired?"

"Not at all, Sister-in-law Gong came over this morning and turns out she’s a pro at sewing. She helped me make these," Lin Chuxia picked up a piece to show him excitedly, "Isn’t it pretty? Look at these little frills. I didn’t know you could even do frill decorations."

Qin Yang looked at the soft-pink little garment, with frill designs on the collar and pockets, feeling a warmth inside.

"Yes, it’s beautiful," that’s the kind of attire a little girl should wear.