Chapter 63: The Grand Delivery—Operation Jia Baby

Morning broke with a rush of chilly spring air fluttering through the hospital corridors. The Jia household had already arrived at the Maternity Wing before the rooster crowed, a full battalion of family members, bags, thermoses, and nerves in tow.

Xu Li had gone into labor at dawn.

Jia Zhe had almost dropped the hospital admission papers in panic, and it was Jia Lan who had calmly stepped forward, handed the nurse the correct documents, and reassured her sister-in-law with a warm pat on her hand. Xu Li, pale but composed, was wheeled into the delivery room, clutching a soft hand towel Jia Lan had embroidered herself.

"It will be smooth," Jia Lan said with the serenity of a monk and the sharp tone of a general. "We are prepared."

Prepared might have been an understatement.

Ever since Xu Li's due date neared, Jia Lan had grown increasingly concerned about one very specific possibility—the risk of a baby swap. It was absurd, even by her own standards, but she couldn't shake the images from all the novels she had read in her past life: scheming nurses, corrupt hospitals, swapped destiny. And so she had created a full-scale protection plan titled:

Operation Jia Baby.

Jia Wei was assigned to stand guard at the nursery corridor entrance. "You're tall and look vaguely intimidating. Sit there. Stare down anyone who looks like they might swap babies."

He blinked. "What does a baby-swapper look like?"

"Shifty. Possibly wearing beige."

Armed with a folding stool, a scarf, and his suspicious glare, Jia Wei dutifully took post like a sentry.

Yao Jing, meanwhile, was given the task of guarding the hallway to the maternity ward.

"What if they try to take the baby before it gets to the nursery? You have a mean glare. Use it."

Yao Jing puffed her cheeks, tied up her hair in two buns, and folded her arms like a martial arts heroine. "No baby-napper gets past me."

Mother Jia and Jia Zhe were stationed with Xu Li in the delivery wing.

"Don't let her out of your sight," Jia Lan instructed, handing over a thermos of warm millet porridge to Jia Zhe. "Also, remember to breathe."

"I am breathing," he said, voice shaky.

"You weren't ten seconds ago."

Father Jia, amused by all the activity, had decided to act as the morale officer, handing out boiled eggs and encouraging words to the nurses. Grandmother Jia, ever poised, sat knitting a tiny wool cap, a serene look on her face that masked quiet excitement.

As the hours passed, nervous pacing filled the hospital lounge. The family made a collective circuit of prayers, snacks, and gossiping about the possible gender of the baby.

"I bet it's a girl," Yao Jing said confidently. "Girls born in spring are always pretty."

"A boy would carry the family name," Jia Wei offered, only to be elbowed.

"As if we care about that," Jia Lan said, frowning. "Both are precious. The first child is a treasure no matter the gender."

She looked down at the red string bracelet on her wrist, one her system had rewarded her that morning.

**[System Check-in Reward:

Blessing Charm of Peaceful Growth (auto-applied)

Educational flash cards set (for 0-3 years)

Handmade baby cap] **

Jia Lan had already slipped the charm under the baby pillow in Xu Li's prepared bassinet. Superstition or not, she wasn't taking chances.

Then came the call:

"Family of Xu Li?"

They leapt to their feet.

"Congratulations," the nurse beamed. "Mother and baby are both healthy. It's a girl."

Jia Zhe visibly sagged in relief, tears welling in his usually impassive eyes.

"Can we see her?" Jia Wei asked, rising from his post like a victorious soldier.

"She'll be brought out to the nursery shortly. You can look through the window."

They gathered at the glass pane like excited children. A nurse walked into view with a tiny bundle wrapped in soft peach fabric. Round cheeks, a button nose, and a head of fine black hair peeked out. The baby blinked up at the lights with a scrunched little frown.

"She's already judging the world," Jia Lan said proudly. "She'll fit right in."

Grandmother Jia pressed a hand to her heart. "Beautiful."

Yao Jing wiped a tear. "I'm going to spoil her rotten."

Mother Jia declared, "We shall name her Jia Nuan. 'Nuan' for warmth, which she brings to us all."

Xu Li, now resting, nodded when they told her. "Jia Nuan. My warm spring bud."

Inside the nursery, the baby gave a sudden squeak.

"She agrees," Jia Lan said solemnly.

And in her heart, she made a vow: this family, this life, this peace

As the hours passed,The nurse gently placed the baby into Xu Li's arms. Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "Hello, little one… I'm your mama."

Jia Zhe, silent and awe-struck, leaned down and kissed Xu Li's forehead. "You did it. I'm so proud of you."

From outside the door, Jia Lan's voice carried in: "Did she arrive? Is everyone alive and accounted for? Baby not swapped?"

The nurse stifled a laugh. "You may enter, detective aunt."

The door opened, and the Jia family streamed in, their faces lit with joy and relief. Grandfather Jia dabbed his eyes; Jia Wei held onto Yao Jing's shoulders for support as if the excitement had drained his strength.

"She's beautiful," Mother Jia said, gazing at the newborn. "Looks like Xu Li, but I see your eyes too, Zhe."

The baby gave a tiny yawn and shifted, pink fists curled like peony petals.

As the family settled down in the recovery room, Jia Lan clapped her hands and said, "Alright! Now that all is well, it's time for the second most important operation of the day—Operation Chicken Soup!"

Mother Jia laughed. "Already made. A whole black-feathered hen, simmered slowly since morning."

"I'll help pack the thermos and soup bowls," Jia Lan offered, already moving toward her bag.

"Don't forget the red dates and goji berries!" Grandmother Jia called after her. "A proper soup must have soul."

Soon, the family gathered the carefully prepared soup, wrapping it snugly in cloth layers to retain heat.

Outside, the spring night was cool and calm, lanterns glowing softly in the hospital corridors.

With the chicken soup packed and hearts full, Jia Lan and her mother walked together, side by side, toward the recovery room once more—bringing nourishment, love, and warmth to the new mother who had given them all a reason to celebrate.

That evening, Jia Lan finally allowed herself to breathe. The baby was safe. The family was whole. She walked home slowly with her mother under the soft lamplight, carrying a basket of herbal soup for Xu Li's recovery.

"You know," her mother said, "you took this all very seriously."

"If we let our guard down, fate might sneak in."

"You're too dramatic for your own good."

"Maybe. But Xu Li got her healthy baby, and Jia Nuan didn't get swapped."

Her mother smiled, gently linking arms. "That's all that matters."

As they reached the house, Jia Lan looked up at the moon.

"Welcome to the world, Jia Nuan," she whispered.