On a crisp early autumn morning in 1984, a cool autumn breeze swept across the fields of Hongqi Commune, rustling the corn leaves like a prelude to a bountiful harvest. Lin Wanqiu stood at the courtyard gate, helping Shen Nianxi pack her kindergarten backpack. The little rabbit charm hanging from the backpack swayed gently with her movements, making the child's smiling face appear even more innocent and adorable.

"Xixi, be a good girl at kindergarten today and listen to your teacher. Don't fight with your classmates, okay?" Lin Wanqiu squatted down and gently pinched her daughter's chubby cheeks. Her fingertips touched the child's warm skin, and a soft feeling welled up in her heart. Chen Nianxi nodded vigorously, reached out her little hands to hug Lin Wanqiu's neck, and said in her childish voice, "Don't worry, Mommy, Xixi will be good, and I'll share the cookies you made with my classmates!"

"You're such a good daughter." Lin Wanqiu smiled and kissed her daughter on the cheek. She stood up and looked at Shen Nian'an, who was carrying her schoolbag, and said, "Nian'an, remember to go to the food shop to find Aunt Xiulian after school today. When Mom is done with her work, I'll take you to buy new math competition study guides."

Shen Nian'an nodded, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes. "Mom, I solved a really hard geometry problem yesterday. Can I tell you about it tonight?" Shen Nian'an is now fourteen years old and has grown to 1.65 meters tall. The childishness in her eyes has faded, replaced by a more mature and composed demeanor. Not only are her math scores among the best in the county, but she also takes the initiative to take care of her younger sister, holding her hand every morning as they go to school together.

"Okay, Mom is waiting to hear our An explain the questions." Lin Wanqiu smiled and patted her son's head. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Shen Tingzhou walking out of the house in a brand-new military uniform. Unlike his usual civilian clothes, this military uniform made him look even more upright. The stars on his shoulder insignia gleamed faintly in the morning light, and he exuded a unique heroic air of a soldier.

"Tingzhou, why are you wearing a military uniform today? Is there something going on at the military base?" Lin Wanqiu was a little puzzled. Ever since Shen Tingzhou "came back to life" and returned to his hometown, he rarely wore a military uniform except for occasionally handling some confidential matters related to the military.

Shen Tingzhou walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, reached out to help her tidy her wind-blown hair, and his eyes were filled with undisguised joy. "Wanqiu, I have good news to tell you. Yesterday, the leaders of the army talked to me and said that I had done a good job in the confidential mission I was in charge of. They decided to promote me and appoint me as the deputy minister of the regional armed forces department. From now on, I will be mainly responsible for the militia training and national defense education in our region."

"Promoted to vice minister?" Lin Wanqiu's eyes widened in surprise, then a joyful smile appeared on her face. "That's wonderful, Tingzhou! This is great news!" She knew that Shen Tingzhou had always cared about the military. Although he was temporarily staying in the civilian area because of his family and the food workshop, he had never given up his commitment to his military duties. This promotion was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of his past efforts.

Shen Tingzhou held Lin Wanqiu's hand, the warmth from his palm calming her heart. "My work will probably be busier in the future. I'll need to frequently visit various communes to inspect the militia training situation, so I might not be able to help you manage the food workshop as often as before." His tone carried a hint of guilt. He knew that Lin Wanqiu was already working very hard managing the food workshop on her own, and after his promotion, there would be even less he could help her with.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head and said with a smile, "Don't worry about your work. Xiulian and the other workers in the food workshop are helping out, so I can handle it. You've done so much for the military, and your promotion is well-deserved. I'm happy for you, so why would I blame you?" She knew that Shen Tingzhou had always cared about the military, and now that he could return to an important position and realize his value, she should fully support him.

Shen Tingzhou was deeply moved and reached out to hug Lin Wanqiu. "Thank you, Wanqiu. With you by my side, I can work with peace of mind. No matter how busy I am in the future, I will always make time for you and the children and will never let you feel neglected."

"Dad, are you going to be a high-ranking official?" Shen Nian'an looked up, his eyes filled with admiration. In his heart, his father had always been a hero, and now, hearing of his father's promotion, he was even more excited. Shen Tingzhou smiled and nodded, bending down to pat his son's head. "Dad will be even busier in the future, but whenever I have time, I'll take you to shoot targets and teach you kung fu, okay?"

"Great!" Shen Nian'an jumped up excitedly, and Shen Nianxi clapped her hands just like her brother, her little face full of happiness.

After dropping his two children off at school, Shen Tingzhou went to report to the regional armed forces department. Lin Wanqiu returned to the food workshop and, as soon as she entered the courtyard, saw Li Xiulian leading the workers in a busy operation—the newly expanded production workshop was already in use, several brand-new baking machines were running, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of sesame crisps and jujube paste cakes, a scene of bustling activity.

"Director Lin, you've arrived!" Li Xiulian saw Lin Wanqiu and quickly put down her work to greet him, holding a production report in her hand. "This is yesterday's production record. We produced 800 jin of sesame brittle and 600 jin of jujube paste cake. They have all been shipped to the supply and marketing cooperatives in the city and neighboring cities according to the orders. Several new customers have also called to place orders. I have already sorted out the orders. Please take a look."

Lin Wanqiu took the report, carefully reviewed it, and a satisfied smile appeared on her lips. Since the food workshop was rated as a "key enterprise supported by the region," it not only received special government support funds, but also attracted more customers. The order volume doubled compared to before, and they had to hire thirty new workers and expand the production workshop just to barely keep up with the order progress.

"Xiulian, you did a great job." Lin Wanqiu looked up at Li Xiulian. "In the future, Tingzhou may not be able to come to the food workshop to help out often because of his work. You will have to work harder on the production and management of the food workshop."

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