In the early spring of 1991, the chill of winter had not yet completely faded, but the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade were already bursting with life. The newly sprouted wheat seedlings stretched out like a green carpet, and willow branches sprouted tender yellow buds that danced lightly in the breeze. Inside the "Natural Taste" food workshop, the lanterns above the vermilion gate still hung high, and the machines inside operated with a steady, orderly rhythm, no longer hurried, but with a more composed and confident air. Shen Tingzhou had been back from his injury for over three months. He had kept his promise made upon discharge, entrusting the daily management of the food workshop to Director Zhang and other core staff, and handing over the scholarship fund to a professional team. He himself had completely shifted his focus to his family, making up for the shortcomings of the past years with companionship.

The morning sunlight filtered through the thin mist, gently bathing the Shen family's courtyard. The courtyard was spotless and tidy; a few late-blooming buds remained on the wintersweet in the corner, emitting a delicate, refreshing fragrance. Several potted plants sat on the windowsill, their leaves glistening with dewdrops, brimming with life. In the kitchen, Lin Wanqiu, wearing a plain apron, was busy at the stove. She wore a light pink cardigan, her long hair loosely tied back, her profile appearing exceptionally gentle in the morning light. The iron wok sizzled, golden fried eggs releasing an enticing aroma, while in the clay pot beside her, millet porridge simmered until soft and thick, steaming gently.

Shen Tingzhou tiptoed into the kitchen, gently embraced her from behind, rested his chin on the top of her head, and his warm breath brushed against her ear: "Making the kids' favorite fried eggs again?" His voice was deep and gentle, with the languor of someone who had just woken up. His embrace was firm and warm, unlike his usual resolute military uniform. At this moment, he had a more domestic and gentle demeanor.

Lin Wanqiu turned her head to look at the smile in his eyes, her heart filled with warmth: "You're awake? Nianxi said she wanted to go to the park in town to feed the pigeons today, but we need to make sure the children are full before we go." She raised her hand to smooth the wrinkles in his collar, her fingertips tracing his collarbone, still bearing faint scars, her eyes full of tenderness. That harrowing injury was like a brand etched into their hearts, making them cherish their time together even more.

Shen Tingzhou held her hand, gently stroking the calluses on her fingertips—traces left by years of hard work in the kitchen and managing the business. "You've worked so hard all these years." His eyes were full of guilt and tenderness. "I used to always think about tasks and responsibilities, neglecting the family and making you shoulder so much alone." During the days he was injured and bedridden, he recalled the past countless times, from his "sacrifice" in the early 1960s to the infrequent meetings after their reunion, the hardships Lin Wanqiu endured raising the child alone, dealing with difficult relatives, and establishing the food workshop. Scenes flashed through his mind, making him hate his absence even more.

“It’s all in the past.” Lin Wanqiu shook her head with a smile, taking out one hand to stir-fry the vegetables in the pan. “Now that you’re with us, that’s better than anything.” She turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Go wash up, the children should be waking up soon.”

Shen Tingzhou nodded, and as he turned to leave the kitchen, his steps still carried a hint of unsteadiness, yet each step was firm and grounded. He walked to the door of the west wing and gently pushed it open. Ten-year-old Shen Nianxi was curled up in bed, her small body wrapped in pink blankets, her long eyelashes like two small fans, a faint smile on her lips, lost in a sweet dream. This was his and Lin Wanqiu's youngest daughter, lively and adorable from a young age, like a little sun, bringing endless joy to the family.

Shen Tingzhou walked quietly to the bedside, leaned down to gaze at his daughter's sleeping face, his eyes filled with tenderness. He had always felt he owed Nian'an too much. Even after Nianxi was born, he was still busy with various matters and had very little time to spend with his daughter. Now, he finally had the opportunity to make up for this regret.

"Dad." Shen Nianxi seemed to sense something, slowly opened her eyes, and upon seeing Shen Tingzhou, immediately flashed a bright smile, like a blooming sunflower, "Aren't you going to work today?"

"Daddy took Xixi to the park to feed the pigeons today." Shen Tingzhou gently stroked her soft hair, his voice so gentle it could melt water. "Get up and wash up quickly, Mommy made your favorite fried eggs."

"Great!" Shen Nianxi excitedly climbed out of bed, quickly dressed, her little face full of anticipation. Before, her father was always busy and rarely had time to take her out to play. She was always envious when she saw other children with their fathers. Now that her father could finally spend more time with her, she wanted to be with him every single day.

At this moment, Shen Nian'an also came out of the east wing. He was a sophomore majoring in mathematics at Peking University, and was at home during the winter break. Dressed casually, he stood tall and straight, his features possessing both the gentleness of Lin Wanqiu and the heroic spirit of Shen Tingzhou. Seeing Shen Tingzhou, he smiled and said, "Good morning, Dad."

"Good morning, Nian'an." Shen Tingzhou looked at his son, who had grown into a young man, his eyes filled with pride. "Have you finished your winter vacation homework?"

“I finished it a long time ago. I even helped Mom organize the scholarship fund information yesterday.” Shen Nian’an walked to the dining table, picked up a steamed bun, took a bite, and said, “Dad, are you fully recovered now? Should we go to the hospital for a check-up?”

"Don't worry, Dad's fine now." Shen Tingzhou patted his son's shoulder. "The doctor said he's recovering very well. He just needs to rest and exercise more in the future."

The family sat around the dining table, enjoying breakfast in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on the table and making it warm and bright. Lin Wanqiu placed a fried egg on Nianxi's plate and served Shen Tingzhou a bowl of millet porridge: "Drink more porridge; it's good for your stomach."

Shen Tingzhou took the bowl of porridge, his heart filled with warmth. This simple yet cozy breakfast time was something he had longed for but rarely had. Before, he was always in a rush, and having a meal with his family was a luxury. Now, such days had finally become the norm.

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