The morning light of late spring was dappled across the bluestone slabs of the Shen family courtyard. Most of the petals of the old crabapple tree had fallen, yet a few pink and white blossoms still clung to the branches, swirling in the breeze before landing in the bamboo baskets under the eaves. Lin Wanqiu sat in a wicker chair, arranging fabrics. Her fingertips traced the light blue cotton cloth given to her by the commune; its soft touch brought her peace. The scene of Nianxi she had dreamt of last night was still vivid in her mind; her delicate, exquisite face made a smile even as she worked.

With a creak, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open, and Old Mrs. Shen appeared in the doorway. She was wearing a faded blue cloth shirt, carrying a bamboo basket with a faded blue floral cloth covering the rim. Her steps were slower than usual, and her face showed a hint of unease and awkwardness, unlike her former upright posture.

Lin Wanqiu quickly put down her needlework and stood up: "Mother, what brings you here? Please come in and sit down." She was a little surprised. Since the last time Old Madam Shen sent eggs, although they had occasional contact, they mostly met at mealtimes. This was the first time she had made a special trip to visit.

Grandma Shen walked into the courtyard, her gaze first sweeping over the baby's clothes drying under the eaves, then landing on Lin Wanqiu's protruding belly. Her Adam's apple bobbed as she handed the bamboo basket forward: "Yesterday I went to the back mountain to gather firewood and saw some hens laying eggs in the grass, so I picked some up to nourish you." As she spoke, she lifted the blue floral cloth, revealing a dozen or so round, plump eggs, their shells still covered in a little dirt, exuding a fresh scent.

Lin Wanqiu took the bamboo basket, her fingertips touching the warmth of the eggs, and her heart suddenly warmed. She knew that Old Madam Shen was always frugal, and although wild eggs from the back mountain weren't rare, it still took most of the day to find them. This gesture was more precious than anything else. "Thank you, Mother. Please sit down, I'll pour you a cup of hot water."

Grandma Shen sat down in the rattan chair, her gaze falling on the floral fabric on the table—the fabric she had given her last time, now cut into small pieces, ready to be used as a baby's cushion. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the hem of the fabric, her tone much gentler than usual: "Your body is getting heavier and heavier, so don't overwork yourself. If you can't finish sewing, just tell me. I used to do needlework when I was young, though I'm not as meticulous as you, I can still lend a hand."

Lin Wanqiu returned with hot water, and hearing this, she felt even more comforted. She remembered when she was first reborn, how Old Madam Shen would urge her to work in the fields whenever she was idle, and wouldn't even give her a hot meal. Now, however, she was offering to help. This change made her eyes well up with tears: "Mother, you're so kind. There's no rush now. If I really can't manage after a while, I'll definitely let you know."

Grandma Shen took a sip of hot water, her gaze falling on the sunflower seedling in the corner of the yard—planted by Shen Nian'an himself, now half a person's height, its lush green leaves stretching out in the sunlight. "Nian'an, that child, is becoming more and more sensible. Yesterday after school, he told me he wanted to save up candy for his little sister so he could take her to see the sunflowers when she's born." Speaking of Shen Nian'an, the lines on her face softened considerably. "I've wronged you two before, always wanting you to do more work, without considering that Nian'an is still so young, causing him a lot of hardship."

Lin Wanqiu tightened her grip on the water glass and said softly, "Mother, let's not talk about the past. We're doing well now, and Nian'an has grown up. We should just live a good life from now on." She knew that Old Madam Shen was stubborn, so it was already quite an achievement for her to say these words.

Grandma Shen sighed, took something wrapped in a handkerchief from her pocket, and handed it to Lin Wanqiu: "This is a few yuan I've saved. Take it. When the baby is born, buy some brown sugar and millet. If it's not enough, just let me know." The handkerchief contained several crumpled bills, the largest denomination being no more than 50 cents, but they were neatly folded, clearly having been saved for a long time.

Lin Wanqiu quickly declined, saying, "Mother, keep your money for yourself. We have our own money. You're usually frugal, so don't worry about us."

"Take it if I tell you to!" Old Mrs. Shen's tone became firmer, but she lost her usual harshness. "This is for my grandson, not for you. You're pregnant, so you need to eat well so the baby can be healthy." As she spoke, she stuffed the money into Lin Wanqiu's hand, her fingertips rough but warm.

Lin Wanqiu held the few small bills, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that Old Lady Shen had been frugal all her life, and this amount of money was quite a sum for her. "Thank you, Mother. I'll accept it. After the child is born, he'll take good care of you."

Grandma Shen smiled and stood up, saying, "I don't have anything to do, I just came to see you. Sit down and rest for a while, I'm going back now." As she walked to the courtyard gate, she turned back and instructed, "If you're not feeling well, don't push yourself, have Tingzhou take you to the clinic right away."

"Okay, Mom. Take care on your way." Lin Wanqiu saw her to the door, watching Old Lady Shen's figure disappear at the alley entrance, her heart filled with warmth. She looked down at the eggs in the bamboo basket and the small bills in her hand, and suddenly felt that this home was becoming more and more like a home.

At noon, Shen Tingzhou returned from the workshop and saw the eggs in the bamboo basket. He asked in surprise, "Mother brought eggs again?"

"Yes," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, "She also gave me a few yuan to buy nutritional supplements for the child." She told Shen Tingzhou what Grandma Shen had said, and Shen Tingzhou smiled with relief: "With Mother like this, our family will be more harmonious in the future. Tonight I'll make you steamed egg custard and stir-fry some vegetables to nourish you."

"Okay." Lin Wanqiu leaned against Shen Tingzhou's chest, her fingertips gently stroking her lower abdomen. "By the way, Tingzhou, how's Zhang Lan doing lately? I heard her husband is working really hard at the workshop. Shouldn't we give them a raise?"

Shen Tingzhou paused for a moment, then nodded: "I was just about to tell you this. Zhang Lan is indeed a reliable worker, so a raise is deserved. But Zhang Lan... don't you mind how she treated you before?"

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