The crisp, chilly morning light of early December filtered through the thin mist, casting a soft golden glow on the city streets and illuminating the gray stone pavement. Old Mrs. Shen, dressed in a navy blue, diagonally-buttoned cotton-padded jacket and a dark gray headscarf, strolled leisurely towards the city center park. Since Shen Tingzhou's "resurrection," Lin Wanqiu's food stall business had flourished, and the family's life had become increasingly prosperous. She no longer spent her days surrounded by the stove and housework, but instead had more leisure time, often strolling alone through the city.

At first, Old Mrs. Shen just wanted to see the new things in the city and alleviate her frustration. After all, back in the village, she always felt like a miserable old woman, her son "sacrificed," her daughter-in-law struggling to raise her grandson, and she had to worry about the family's livelihood while dealing with the gossip of the neighbors, leaving her feeling deeply resentful. But ever since Lin Wanqiu tore apart her awful relatives, managed the family affairs impeccably, and even opened a food shop, becoming a well-known "leader in getting rich," Old Mrs. Shen's resentment gradually dissipated. Especially seeing her two children, Nian'an and Nianxi, growing up healthy and happy, she felt genuinely gratified.

The city center park is one of the liveliest places in the city. Lush greenery and charming pavilions and terraces abound, and many elderly people come here daily for morning exercises, chatting, and playing chess. As Grandma Shen approached the park entrance, she heard melodious opera music and the hearty laughter of the elderly emanating from within. She hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside.

The park was bustling with activity. Several elderly people dressed in Tai Chi uniforms were practicing Tai Chi slowly in an open space, their movements graceful and fluid, like flowing clouds and water. In a pavilion not far away, several elderly people sat together, drinking tea and chatting, occasionally bursting into laughter. Other elderly people were playing chess under a tree, with a crowd of onlookers gathered around the chessboard, creating a lively atmosphere.

Grandma Shen found a quiet stone bench and sat down, looking at the lively scene before her, feeling a pang of envy. In her entire life, aside from working in the village, she had rarely enjoyed such leisurely days. Before, she always felt she was a miserable person, her mind filled with trivial matters and petty squabbles; now, she realized she had somewhat wasted this precious time.

"Ma'am, is this place taken?" A gentle voice rang in Grandma Shen's ear.

Grandma Shen looked up and saw an elderly woman in a gray cotton-padded coat smiling at her, carrying a bamboo basket filled with melon seeds and peanuts. The old woman had gray hair and a face full of wrinkles, but she was in good spirits, with gentle eyes that gave people a sense of kindness.

"No one's here, please sit down," said Grandma Shen somewhat reservedly.

After thanking her, the old lady sat down next to Old Lady Shen, took a handful of melon seeds from her bamboo basket, and handed them to Old Lady Shen: "Here, have a taste. I roasted these myself, they're so fragrant."

Grandma Shen hesitated for a moment, then took the sunflower seeds and said softly, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," the old lady said with a smile. "My name is Liu Guilan, and I live in the nearby residential compound. And you, ma'am? What's your surname?"

“My surname is Shen, and my name is Shen Guiying,” said Old Mrs. Shen. “I come from the Hongqi Production Brigade. My son and daughter-in-law run a food shop in the city, and I come to the city occasionally.”

"Oh? Hongqi Production Brigade? I know that place!" Liu Guilan's eyes lit up. "I heard that there's a woman in your brigade named Lin Wanqiu who runs a food shop, and business is booming, isn't that right?"

Grandma Shen was overjoyed, never expecting her daughter-in-law to be so famous in the city. She nodded, a hint of pride on her face: "Yes, that's my daughter-in-law."

"Oh my! So you're Lin Wanqiu's mother-in-law!" Liu Guilan became even more enthusiastic. "I love your daughter-in-law's fruit and vegetable steamed buns! My little grandson asks for them every day. Your daughter-in-law is such a capable person, so talented at such a young age!"

Hearing Liu Guilan praise Lin Wanqiu, Old Mrs. Shen felt very pleased. In the past, she always thought Lin Wanqiu was an immature daughter-in-law and found fault with her in every way. But now, seeing how successful her daughter-in-law was and how many people recognized her, her resentment gradually disappeared.

"It's alright," Grandma Shen said, feigning modesty. "This child is indeed quite capable, but he's a bit too stubborn."

“It’s good to be stubborn! People who can accomplish great things are never too soft-hearted,” Liu Guilan said with a smile. “When I was young, I was also stubborn, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to raise three children on my own.”

Then, the two started chatting, from family matters to interesting stories in the village, and from changes in the city to national policies. The more they talked, the more they clicked. Grandma Shen discovered that Liu Guilan was not only cheerful but also very knowledgeable. Talking with her gradually dispelled the worries in her heart.

From then on, Grandma Shen would come to the city center park every day to chat and take walks with Liu Guilan. Liu Guilan also introduced Grandma Shen to several other elderly women of similar age: Aunt Zhang, Aunt Li, and Aunt Wang. Aunt Zhang was cheerful and liked to joke; Aunt Li was gentle and virtuous, and had excellent needlework skills; Aunt Wang was kind-hearted and often helped others.

Grandma Shen quickly became friends with the other elderly women. Every morning, they would exercise together in the park, then find a place to sit and chat, sharing their interesting stories about life. Aunt Zhang would tell them about the latest happenings in the city, Aunt Li would teach them needlework, and Aunt Wang would organize everyone to go to the market to buy groceries, and then take turns cooking at their respective homes.

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