So Embarrassing I Could Die
"What's there to be embarrassed about? Here, take this. Remember what I just said, and study what's in this picture book, got it?" Cynthia Wu said earnestly, shoving a picture book into Lily Evans's hands.
Lily's hands trembled and she fumbled, causing the picture book to fall open on the bed. Just one glance revealed some extremely explicit content, making Lily blush furiously. She quickly hid the book under her pillow.
"Lily, I'm doing this for your own good. I picked this picture book especially for you, so you'd better study it well, okay?" Cynthia Wu teased, tugging Lily's ear. "I've tried these methods myself—they really work! If it weren't for these tricks, my husband would've gotten sick from holding back. I wouldn't give them up otherwise! Can you really bear to let Lucky, a grown man, just suffer like that?"
Lily's eyes widened—Cynthia really would talk to her about anything! No wonder people say there are no secrets between best friends.
Embarrassed, Lily fiddled with her hair. "Lucky's mind is like a child's. He doesn't seem interested in these things."
"No matter what, Lucky is still a healthy man. Any normal man would want it. Just keep the book and study it well—I'm not trying to hurt you," Cynthia Wu said.
Lily blushed and lowered her head, silently admitting that Cynthia was right. Ever since their near-drowning incident, when Lucky held her at night, she could feel his response. But her silly husband didn't understand anything about men and women, never brought it up, just hugged her and breathed heavily—he must be holding back a lot.
Cynthia Wu, worried that Lily Evans would get too embarrassed, launched into her trademark motherly nagging—repeating advice over and over, fussing and coaxing, until Lily was so mortified she could barely speak and finally cried uncle, promising to study hard. Only then did Cynthia beam with satisfaction, triumphant in her relentless care.
"Alright, I'll keep this picture book safe," Lily said, locking it in the bedside cabinet. Face still flushed, she glared playfully at Cynthia Wu.
"Cynthia, come look! I made some clothes for the baby!" Margaret Evans—Lily Evans's mother—walked in carrying her sewing basket, pulling out a tiny outfit and a red baby bellyband (a traditional undergarment for babies, embroidered with koi fish for good luck). "Cynthia, feel this fabric—it's so soft!"
Margaret Evans's sewing was superb. The little outfit was made from the finest material—soft and comfortable, with tiny, neat stitches. The red baby bellyband was embroidered with a pair of big koi fish, absolutely adorable.
Cynthia Wu was instantly smitten, clutching the adorable little clothes and red baby bellyband, unable to put them down. She gushed with praise for Margaret Evans, her enthusiasm bubbling over, "Aunt Margaret, your needlework is absolutely amazing!"
Margaret Evans took Cynthia Wu's hand, her face full of motherly warmth and concern. "Have you prepared all the baby clothes and diapers yet? Don't think you have months left—time flies, and when the day comes, you'll be scrambling! Your mother passed away early, and while your father and husband treasure you like their own eyes, they're men—they don't know as much about raising children as women who've been through it. Let me teach you everything I know!" Margaret seized the chance to pass on her years of child-rearing wisdom, eager to help and care for Cynthia as if she were her own daughter.
Cynthia Wu listened earnestly, eager to learn. Margaret was delighted, and began to share all her parenting wisdom with gusto.
Margaret Evans smiled warmly, her eyes gentle. "Cynthia, the baby in your belly is my god-grandchild—my precious god-grandson! We're your family now, so treat me as your own mother, and Lily as your real sister. Why not come stay at our house for your postpartum confinement? I'll look after you like you're my own daughter!"
Cynthia Wu had been fretting about her postpartum confinement—her home was full of men, and it would be so awkward for her father and husband to care for both her and the baby. Besides, men just don't understand these things. Hiring an experienced nanny from outside was hard and not reassuring. Margaret Evans's invitation was a blessing, perfectly solving her greatest worry!