Lin Xiaoxiao's mind finally cleared. She hadn't even seen her babies yet. Trying to get up, her legs felt too weak to support her. "Brother," she called out, "bring them over. I want to see them."

Lin Wenbin fumbled nervously but carefully, picking up one baby, then maneuvering to bring over the other two.

All three were crying, eyes tightly shut, tiny hands waving. They were so small and thin that their skin looked wrinkled and reddish—not exactly pretty.

Lin Xiaoxiao had been prepared for this. With triplets, they were bound to be smaller and less developed. But what caught her eye were the large, dark-blue numbers inked on each of their foreheads. She sighed. "This was your idea, wasn't it? This ink won't wash off easily, and it's not good for their skin."

Lin Wenbin, busy trying to figure out how to unwrap one of the swaddles, replied distractedly, "Don't worry, newborns shed skin quickly anyway. How else are we going to tell them apart?

Plus, I've heard stories about babies being swapped in hospitals these days. This way, I'll know instantly if someone tries to switch ours."

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help but laugh weakly. She had to admit it was a clever idea—she could already tell who was the first and who was the second.

The babies cried more urgently now. Both she and Lin Wenbin awkwardly tried to undo the blankets, checking if they were wet or soiled.

Just as they were sweating over the struggling infants, there was a knock on the door. A guard announced that Lin Xiaoxiao's mother had arrived.

Glancing outside, Lin Xiaoxiao noticed it was already fully light out. She couldn't tell if it was morning or afternoon. With the babies still crying loudly, she asked Lin Wenbin to go see who it was.

When Lin Wenbin stepped out, he didn't see Cheng Mingyue at first. Instead, he spotted the Zhou family's housekeeper, carrying a basket, and felt a wave of relief. "Auntie, thank goodness you're here! The babies won't stop crying—come quickly!"

The housekeeper hurried into the room, tutting, "You young people have no idea how to handle newborns."

Only after she entered did Lin Wenbin finally notice Cheng Mingyue. His eyes swept over her, noting the ash smudges on her blue scarf. Then he glanced at Lin Hongyan standing behind her—her face, already not very fair, was dusted with dark grime.

He smiled slightly. "Did you hear Xiaoxiao gave birth?"

Cheng Mingyue felt a pang of nervousness seeing Lin Wenbin. Their last encounter had been unpleasant, and she'd said some harsh words.

Afraid he might turn her away, she spoke quickly, "I heard about the babies and came right away. Xiaoxiao is still young—she might not know how to care for them. I want to see if I can help."

Lin Wenbin nodded coolly. "That's... thoughtful of you. After all, you are her mother. Did you just get here?"

Cheng Mingyue paused, unsure why he was asking. Before she could answer, Lin Hongyan chimed in eagerly, "We've been here since midnight! We were so worried."

It was too late for Cheng Mingyue to stop her.

Lin Wenbin acted as though nothing was unusual. "How considerate. But you should go back now. Xiaoxiao needs rest."

Cheng Mingyue frowned. "I hear the babies crying. Three of them—can you really manage alone?"

Lin Wenbin gave a thin, humorless smile. "We can. You should go. By the way, isn't your son hoping to get into school? Go home and wait for news."

The sudden mention of help took Cheng Mingyue by surprise. What was he playing at?

Lin Wenbin smiled again. "You should leave. Seeing you might upset Xiaoxiao."

Cheng Mingyue's mind raced. She turned and quickly pulled Lin Hongyan away. Maybe Lin Wenbin was willing to help them after all. She was, technically, Lin Yutang's former wife.

Lin Wenbin watched them go, a cynical smile touching his lips. Did they really think they could fool him?

Back in the room, the housekeeper gasped in amazement at the three tiny babies lying side by side. "Good heavens! In all my years, I've never seen triplets! And they look exactly alike!"S

he efficiently checked their diapers, exclaiming all the while, "Oh, you clever little ones! This one's a boy—no wonder he's crying; he's made a mess."

Lin Xiaoxiao leaned against the pillows, watching as the housekeeper deftly changed each baby, soothing them until all three drifted back to sleep. It seemed almost magical. "Auntie, aren't they hungry? Should they be fed?"

The housekeeper shook her head. "Don't worry—they arrived with full bellies. They're not hungry yet. By tomorrow your milk will come in, and then they'll let you know when they're hungry."

Lin Xiaoxiao watched her tiny daughter—Baby #3—yawn delicately, her mouth no bigger than a peanut. Could someone so small even nurse?

Once the babies were settled in their bassinets, the housekeeper brought over a bowl of chicken soup for Lin Xiaoxiao. "The old master had this simmering since you left for the hospital. It's been cooking all morning. I would've come sooner, but we had New Year's visitors, and I didn't want him handling them alone. Here, eat up."

Lin Xiaoxiao drank a full bowl of soup and managed two chicken legs before lying back, completely drained. For the first time, the tension she'd been holding finally eased.

Li Yunlan had woken up and insisted on seeing Lin Xiaoxiao, refusing further treatment or IV fluids. Zhou Zhennan had no choice but to help her to the room.

When she saw the three babies and Lin Xiaoxiao lying pale and weak in bed, she couldn't hold back her tears. She sat on the edge of the bed and took Lin Xiaoxiao's hand. "You've been through so much... and my body had to fail me now of all times."

Lin Xiaoxiao understood completely. She smiled weakly. "Mom, don't blame yourself. The babies are healthy—they're just a little small. Please don't cry. You need to get better so you can help me. I don't know the first thing about raising babies."

Li Yunlan wiped her tears and nodded. "Yes, yes... I'll get better. I'm strong. I can help you."

After crying a little longer, she went to look at the babies. Watching them sleep peacefully, she cried again. It was as if they knew their father wasn't there and sensed their mother's exhaustion—so they stayed especially quiet.

Baby #2 lay awake, not crying, his unfocused eyes wandering aimlessly. His little hands struggled toward his mouth but couldn't quite make it.

Zhou Zhennan also gazed at them emotionally before turning to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Have you decided on names for them?"