After getting the shots, Lin Yang was on his way back to the ward with the babies when a voice echoed in his mind:
[Congratulations, host, for taking the babies for their first vaccination. Reward: a Toyota Alphard. The vehicle is parked in the hospital's parking lot, and the keys are in your pocket. All system-provided rewards are fully legitimate and come with complete documentation.]
Hearing this, Lin Yang paused.
Until now, the system's rewards had been monetary, like 100,000 or 150,000 yuan, substantial amounts for a fresh graduate but still within reason. But now, it had rewarded him with a car—a Toyota Alphard.
He'd always admired this seven-seater luxury MPV, ideal for families with children. And it wasn't just any model—it was the latest 2023 version, worth nearly a million yuan. Compared to the earlier rewards, this was a significant leap.
Lin Yang was both astonished and excited. The system's gradual reward upgrades were expected, but the leap was far beyond what he had imagined. And it perfectly aligned with his needs—getting the babies and Shu Mengyao home from the hospital.
Back in the ward, Lin Yang resumed his routine: caring for Shu Mengyao and the babies.
Two days passed, and it was now Shu Mengyao's fourth day in the hospital. Lin Yang had covered all expenses without complaint.
"Lin Yang, I want to be discharged," Shu Mengyao said softly after pacing the room briefly and returning to her bed. She looked at Lin Yang with hopeful eyes.
"Why the sudden urge to leave? It's only been four days. You still need time to recover properly," Lin Yang responded gently, a bit puzzled by her request.
"I can walk normally now. Although I'm not fully recovered, I feel fine," Shu Mengyao said while flexing her arms, trying to appear strong. But her frail frame, still visibly weak from childbirth, told another story.
"Are you worried about money?" Lin Yang asked, reading between the lines.
Shu Mengyao didn't answer, but her expression gave her away. Since their first day here, she'd gone from ordering several dishes for meals to asking for just one. Lin Yang had continued to bring her a variety of dishes, which she ate without complaint, but he knew she was trying to save him money.
Now, her request to leave the hospital only confirmed his suspicions.
Tears welled up in Shu Mengyao's eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling, "Lin Yang, staying here is so expensive. Every day costs so much, and I'm making you spend so much money without even having a job yet…"
Tears fell onto the white hospital sheets, creating small, damp patches. She looked heartbroken and guilty, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I… I'm fine now. Can we please go home?" she pleaded, cautiously reaching out to hold Lin Yang's hand.
Her words melted Lin Yang's heart. He had repeatedly reassured her not to worry about the cost, but she clearly couldn't let it go.
"Let me check with the doctor. If it's safe, we'll leave, okay?" Lin Yang said gently, unwilling to see her upset any longer but also concerned about her recovery.
Shu Mengyao nodded eagerly.
As luck would have it, the doctor arrived for rounds shortly after.
"Are the babies doing well? Has the mother been feeling any discomfort?" the doctor asked.
"Everything seems fine," Lin Yang replied before asking, "Doctor, would it be okay for us to be discharged now?"
Shu Mengyao glanced nervously at the doctor, awaiting their response.
"For a natural birth, as long as the mother can move around comfortably and feels no discomfort, discharge is fine. I can issue a clearance if that's what you'd like," the doctor explained patiently, clearly fond of this polite young couple.
"Thank you, Doctor," Lin Yang said with a nod before turning to Shu Mengyao.
"You don't have to worry now. I'll handle the paperwork, and we can head home soon," he reassured her.
Shu Mengyao's face lit up, her smile finally returning.
Back in the ward, Lin Yang noticed one of the babies, Xingxing, flashing what looked like a tiny smile.
"Shu Mengyao, look! Xingxing is smiling!" Lin Yang exclaimed excitedly.
Shu Mengyao turned to look, leaning over the crib with joy. "It must be because the baby wants to go home too!" she said earnestly.
Soon after, Yunyun also cracked a small smile, as if mirroring Xingxing.
Seeing the two babies so cheerful, Lin Yang felt his heart swell with happiness. This was true bliss—a moment that even the system's rewards couldn't match.
"I'll go handle the discharge paperwork. You stay here with the babies and wait for me," Lin Yang said, gently patting Shu Mengyao on the shoulder.
"Okay, I'll wait for you," Shu Mengyao replied, her gaze following him as he left the room.
Handling the discharge process was straightforward, especially with the doctor's clearance. After settling the remaining bill, Lin Yang collected some prescribed medications and returned to the ward.
"Can we go now?" Shu Mengyao asked eagerly, having changed out of her hospital gown into her own clothes—a loose maternity dress. The dress, which had fit her snugly during pregnancy, now hung loose on her petite frame, making her look even more delicate.
"Yes, everything is ready. Let's go home," Lin Yang said, smiling as he helped her gather their belongings.