In the early autumn of 1988, a light drizzle washed over the city streets, turning the sycamore leaves into varying shades of gold. At the entrance to the Shen family's compound, the branches of the old sycamore tree drooped to the mottled courtyard wall. Raindrops slid down the veins of the leaves, tapping softly on the bluestone slabs, like a melody composing for the tranquil morning. Lin Wanqiu stood by the kitchen window, looking at the world outside, made exceptionally bright by the rain. She stirred the green vegetables in the pan, the emerald leaves glistening with oil, their aroma wafting through the open window, mingling with the fresh post-rain air.

"Mom, I'm off to school!" Shen Nian'an ran out of his room with a brand-new schoolbag on his back. His blue-gray junior high school uniform looked crisp and neatly buttoned. The thirteen-year-old boy had grown taller, and the maturity in his eyes was more pronounced, though a hint of boyish dependence still lingered in his gaze when he looked at Lin Wanqiu. He walked to the dining table, picked up the egg pancake Lin Wanqiu had just served, took a big bite, and squinted his eyes in satisfaction: "Mom, your egg pancakes are still so delicious, much better than the ones in the school cafeteria."

Lin Wanqiu smiled and patted his shoulder, handing him a cup of warm milk: "Eat slowly, don't choke. Remember to listen carefully in class when you get to school, and ask the teacher if you don't understand anything, don't keep it to yourself." Watching Shen Nian'an wolf down his food, she felt a surge of pride—since entering junior high last year, Shen Nian'an had not only quickly adapted to the city's learning pace, but his grades had also consistently ranked among the top in his grade, especially in math, where he consistently achieved perfect scores on tests. Last month, he was even recommended by the school to participate in the city's math training camp. Thinking back to when she first brought him to the city, how he was somewhat reserved due to the unfamiliar environment, but now he had completely integrated, Lin Wanqiu felt that all the hard work had been worthwhile.

"Okay, Mom!" Shen Nian'an finished the last sip of milk, slung her schoolbag over her shoulder, waved to Lin Wanqiu, and said, "I'm leaving now. I'll come back early after school this afternoon to help you look after my sister!" With that, she ran out of the house with light steps, her umbrella drawing a graceful arc in the rain before quickly disappearing into the alleyway.

Lin Wanqiu watched his retreating figure, a smile lingering on her lips. Just then, Shen Tingzhou emerged from the room in his military uniform, the rank insignia on his shoulders gleaming coldly under the lamplight. He walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, gently wiping the flour from her cheek, his voice hoarse from just waking up: "Wanqiu, I have to go to a meeting at the military base today, I might be back late. If you're too busy, call Xiao Zhang from the food shop and ask her to come and look after Nianyao."

Lin Wanqiu nodded and scooped the stir-fried vegetables into a plate: "Don't worry, I'll take care of things at home. Nianxi is going to kindergarten today, I'll drop her off and then go to the food shop. I'll come back at noon to cook for Mom and Nianyao, I'll have time." She turned around and looked at Shen Tingzhou, her eyes full of tenderness, "You also need to take care of yourself in the army, don't overwork yourself."

Shen Tingzhou held her hand, his fingertips tracing the calluses on her palm—marks left from years of managing the food shop and caring for her family, yet more precious to him than any treasure. "I know, don't overwork yourself." He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll bring you your favorite roasted chestnuts tonight."

After breakfast, Lin Wanqiu carried the just-woke-up Shen Nianyao and held Shen Nianxi's hand as they walked towards the kindergarten. Shen Nianxi, wearing a pink dress and with two pigtails, hopped ahead, clutching a little rabbit-shaped backpack, occasionally turning back to call out, "Mom, hurry up! The teacher said she's going to teach us new nursery rhymes today!"

Lin Wanqiu smiled and followed her, her gaze lingering on the shops along the roadside. Since moving to the city center, she had become intimately familiar with everything here—the breakfast stall selling soy milk and fried dough sticks on the street corner, where a long queue would form every morning; the hospitable owner of the grocery store at the alley entrance, who would always give her an extra handful of candy whenever she bought something; and the nearby vegetable market, where the produce was fresh and cheap, where she went to buy groceries every day. These everyday moments, full of warmth and life, wove her life together into a fulfilling and happy tapestry, like threads of comfort.

Upon reaching the kindergarten gate, Shen Nianxi immediately let go of Lin Wanqiu's hand and ran towards the teacher, exclaiming, "Teacher Wang, I'm here!" Teacher Wang smiled, squatted down, and patted her head, saying, "Nianxi is such a good girl, you're here so early today." She looked up at Lin Wanqiu, her eyes full of praise, "Ms. Shen, Nianxi is doing so well at kindergarten. She's not only obedient and sensible, but she also helps the teacher take care of the other children. Yesterday, she was even named 'Little Star of the Week'!"

Lin Wanqiu was overjoyed and looked down at Shen Nianxi. Her daughter was looking up, smiling proudly, her little face adorable. "Thank you, Teacher Wang. It's all thanks to your excellent teaching," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile. "Nianxi, you must listen to your teacher at kindergarten and don't be naughty, okay?"

"Okay, Mom!" Shen Nianxi waved her hand and followed Teacher Wang into the kindergarten, not forgetting to turn back and make a face at Lin Wanqiu.

Lin Wanqiu stood there holding Shen Nianyao, watching her daughter's figure disappear into the school building, her heart filled with emotion. She remembered when she first brought Shen Nianxi to kindergarten, the child cried for a long time because she didn't want to leave her. Now, however, she had adapted to kindergarten life so quickly and even gained the teacher's approval, which made her both gratified and proud.

After dropping off Shen Nianxi, Lin Wanqiu carried Shen Nianyao towards the food shop. Her food shop was located on the busiest street in the city. The shop wasn't large, but it was clean and tidy. A wooden signboard hung at the entrance, bearing the five large, gilded characters "Wanqiu Food Shop," gleaming in the sunlight. Upon entering the shop, Xiao Zhang immediately greeted them: "Boss lady, you're here! The flour and butter that just arrived today are all ready, and the cake orders from yesterday have also been processed. Please take a look."

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