Old Master Shen hurriedly went to greet them, took the basket, and said with gratitude in his voice, "Thank you so much, thank you so much, Sister-in-law Wanqiu! We really feel bad for taking such good care of us."

"Brother Shen, you're too kind," Li Xiulian said with a smile. "Director Lin often says that we're all from the same village, so helping each other is only right. If you want to find work in the future, you can go to the food workshop. Wang Jianguo and Liu Chunyan can help you arrange it."

After seeing Li Xiulian and the others off, the Shen family sat inside, enjoying sweet sesame biscuits, their hearts filled with warmth. Wang Guiying looked at her husband and children's smiling faces and said softly, "Honey, we must live a good life from now on, take good care of the house, and not let down Tingzhou and Wanqiu's kindness."

Shen Laoda nodded firmly, "I know. I will go to the food workshop more often in the future and learn more about the work. The children should also study hard and become successful in the future. They must repay Uncle Tingzhou and Aunt Wanqiu."

In the days that followed, the Shen family gradually adapted to life in the old house. Wang Guiying kept the house in perfect order, swept the yard clean every day, and even planted some vegetables in the yard; Shen Laoda often went to help out at the food workshop and learned to repair machines from Wang Jianguo. Although it was tiring, he felt fulfilled every day; the two children also transferred to the central primary school in the commune. The school was very close to home, and they could go to school happily every day.

One evening, Shen Laoda returned from the food shop. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou standing at the gate, carrying several large bags. "Brother Tingzhou, Sister-in-law Wanqiu, what brings you back?" He hurriedly went to greet them, his voice full of surprise.

Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "We went back to the commune on business and stopped by to see if there was anything in the house that needed repair." She walked into the yard and looked at the clean and tidy yard and the thriving vegetables. Her eyes were full of satisfaction. "Sister-in-law, you've tidied up the house so well. It's even cleaner than when we were here."

Upon hearing the noise, Wang Guiying quickly came out of the house. Seeing Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, her face was full of smiles: "Wanqiu and his wife, please come in and sit down. I'll go get you some hot water."

The room was warm and cozy. Shen Nianxi, holding a rag doll, sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) playing with Shen Xiaobao, her little face full of happiness. Shen Tingzhou looked at the scene before him and smiled at Shen Laoda, "Big brother, it seems you're quite comfortable here, so we're relieved."

Lin Wanqiu took out several new clothes from her bag and handed them to Wang Guiying: "Sister-in-law, these are new clothes I bought for the children. It's getting cold, so let them wear them to keep warm. And these books are extracurricular reading materials for the children, so they can read more and broaden their horizons."

Wang Guiying accepted the clothes and books, too moved to speak, only repeatedly thanking them: "Sister-in-law Wanqiu, you are so thoughtful, always thinking of us. We don't know how to thank you enough."

"Sister-in-law, you're too kind," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile. "We're all family, so it's only right that we take care of each other. By the way, I heard that my brother has been helping out at the food workshop lately. How's he doing? If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask Wang Jianguo, or give us a call."

Old Master Shen quickly said, "I'm learning very well. Brother Jianguo has taken good care of me and taught me how to repair machines. Now I can handle simple malfunctions. Sister-in-law Wanqiu, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to earn some money to supplement the family income."

Lin Wanqiu shook her head: "Big brother got this through his own hard work, it has nothing to do with me. If the food workshop needs anything in the future, we'll have to rely on big brother for help."

At dinner, Wang Guiying prepared a table full of home-style dishes, including scrambled eggs, stewed cabbage, and steamed white flour buns that she had specially made. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou ate happily, praising Wang Guiying's cooking skills incessantly. Shen Nianxi and Shen Xiaobao sat together, eating buns and chatting about funny things that happened at school, filling the small house with laughter.

After dinner, Shen Tingzhou and Shen Laoda sat in the courtyard smoking, while Lin Wanqiu chatted with Wang Guiying inside. Wang Guiying looked at Lin Wanqiu with envy in her voice: "Sister-in-law Wanqiu, you are so capable. Not only do you manage the food shop so well, but you also take good care of the house. Tingzhou is so lucky to have married you."

Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do. Actually, as long as the whole family works together and supports each other, life will always get better and better. Look at my brother, he's hardworking and reliable, and the children are so sensible. Your life will definitely become more and more prosperous in the future."

Wang Guiying nodded, her eyes full of determination: "You're right. We will definitely live a good life from now on and live up to your expectations."

Before leaving, Lin Wanqiu specifically instructed Shen Laoda: "Brother, if there is anything in the house that needs repair, be sure to find someone to fix it in time. Don't be stingy with the money; we'll cover the cost. Also, if there's any news from Grandma Shen, remember to let us know."

Shen Laoda nodded quickly: "Don't worry, Wanqiu sister-in-law, I will take good care of the house. I will tell you as soon as I hear any news from Grandma Shen."

The car slowly drove out of Hongqi Commune. Lin Wanqiu looked out the window at the old houses gradually disappearing into the distance, her heart filled with relief. Shen Tingzhou held her hand and said with a smile, "Look, leaving the house to my eldest brother's family not only solved the problem of who would take care of the house, but also helped them out. It's a win-win situation."

Lin Wanqiu nodded, her tone tinged with emotion: "Actually, I've wanted to help them for a long time, but I just haven't found the right opportunity. Now it's all good. They're living comfortably, and we're at ease too. When we go back to the commune, we'll have a place to stay."

Shen Tingzhou looked at Lin Wanqiu with tenderness in his eyes: "You are always so kind and considerate of others. However, we can't forget Grandma Shen. She is getting old, and it's not a good idea for her to live alone in her hometown. We need to find a way to bring her to the city, take good care of her, and let her enjoy her old age in peace."

Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat. She had considered this issue before, but she was worried that Old Mrs. Shen wouldn't be used to city life and that she might make things difficult for her as before. However, considering that Old Mrs. Shen was, after all, Shen Tingzhou's mother, and now that she was getting old, she really needed someone to take care of her, so she nodded: "You're right. Old Mrs. Shen is getting old, and it's really worrying to see her living alone. Let's go back and discuss it, and see how to bring her to the city and take good care of her."

The car drove through the night, moonlight spilling onto the snow, giving it a soft, silvery glow. Lin Wanqiu leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, her heart filled with anticipation for the future—she knew that bringing Grandma Shen to the city might present some difficulties, but as long as she and Shen Tingzhou worked together and understood each other, they would definitely be able to solve all the problems.