Seeing the expectation in Shen Tingzhou's eyes, Lin Wanqiu also picked up a piece of rib, took a bite, and said with a smile, "It's really good. I didn't expect you to have this skill."

Shen Tingzhou smiled smugly: "I'll learn more in the future and cook more delicious food for you all."

On weekends, Shen Tingzhou would take his family on trips to the surrounding areas. Sometimes they would go for a walk in the mountains and forests outside the city, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful scenery; sometimes they would visit nearby ancient towns to experience the rustic cultural atmosphere; and sometimes they would go to the provincial capital's zoo and botanical garden to broaden the children's horizons.

Every time they went out to play, Shen Tingzhou would carefully prepare food and water, taking care of Lin Wanqiu and the children's daily needs. He would hold Nianxi's little hand and patiently explain the plants and animals they saw to her; he would discuss academic problems with Shen Nian'an and encourage him to pursue his dreams; he would always pay attention to Lin Wanqiu's condition, finding a place to rest when she was tired and handing her a water cup when she was thirsty.

Watching Shen Tingzhou's busy figure, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of happiness and contentment. She used to think Shen Tingzhou was someone who wasn't good at expressing himself or being romantic, but now she realized that his love was hidden in his small actions. He remembered her favorite dishes, would massage her when she was tired, and would support her when she faced difficulties. This kind of companionship touched her heart more than any sweet words.

Shen Nian'an also clearly sensed the change in his father. Before, his father was always serious and stern, rarely talking to him. Now, his father not only actively cared about his studies and life, but also chatted with him like a friend. Once, he encountered a very difficult math problem, struggling for a long time without any clue, and became extremely frustrated. Shen Tingzhou, seeing this, didn't directly give him the answer, but patiently guided him, helping him analyze the problem-solving process, and ultimately he successfully solved the difficult problem.

"Dad, thank you," Shen Nian'an said gratefully.

"You're welcome." Shen Tingzhou patted his shoulder. "Learning is like climbing a mountain. It's normal to encounter difficulties. As long as you persevere, you will definitely reach the summit. Dad believes in you. As long as you work hard, you will definitely realize your dreams."

Shen Nian'an nodded, a determined light shining in his eyes. His father's encouragement gave him even more confidence to face the challenges of his studies.

Shen Nianxi's changes are even more noticeable. She used to be somewhat timid and introverted, and didn't dare to talk to strangers. But since Shen Tingzhou spent more time with her, she has become more and more cheerful and lively, like a little chatterbox, able to chat enthusiastically with people wherever she goes. She is also particularly attached to Shen Tingzhou, needing to listen to her father's stories every night before she can fall asleep, and on weekends she wants to be by her father's side all the time.

That evening, after taking a bath, Shen Nianxi, wearing pink pajamas, ran to Shen Tingzhou's side, took his hand, and said, "Daddy, I'm going to participate in the dance class selection tomorrow. I'm going to the provincial capital to participate in the national children's dance competition!" Her little face was full of anticipation and nervousness.

Shen Tingzhou's heart skipped a beat. He knew his daughter had always loved dancing, and Lin Wanqiu had even enrolled her in dance classes. He hadn't expected her to be participating in a national competition so soon. "Really? Xixi, that's amazing!" he said with a smile. "Dad will go with you to the audition tomorrow to cheer you on!"

"That's great!" Shen Nianxi jumped up excitedly. "With Dad here, I'm sure I'll succeed in the selection!"

Lin Wanqiu walked over, patted her daughter's head, and said with a smile, "Xixi has been working very hard and practices dancing every day. She will definitely be selected." She turned to look at Shen Tingzhou, her eyes full of satisfaction, "I'll go with you tomorrow to cheer for Xixi."

Shen Tingzhou nodded, his heart filled with anticipation. Looking at his daughter's excited expression, he recalled his own childhood dedication to his dreams, and silently prayed that his daughter would achieve hers.

On the day of the audition, Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu accompanied Shen Nianxi to the dance school in the provincial capital. The audition site was bustling with people, and the young contestants from all over the country were all dressed up beautifully and full of energy. Shen Nianxi wore a pink dance costume and had her hair tied in a high ponytail. Her little face showed a little nervousness, but her eyes were still firm.

When it was Chen Nianxi's turn to perform, she took a deep breath and walked to the center of the stage. As the music began, she danced gracefully, her movements fluid and beautiful, like a light butterfly. Her dance was natural and expressive, her expressions vivid and lifelike; every movement was full of childlike innocence and vitality, deeply moving the judges and audience.

Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu sat below the stage, their eyes filled with pride and nervousness. Shen Tingzhou held Lin Wanqiu's hand tightly, his palms slightly sweaty. He looked at his daughter on stage, his heart overflowing with mixed emotions. This was the first time he had watched his daughter dance so closely, and seeing her confidently radiate on stage, he suddenly realized that his daughter had grown up and had her own pursuits and dreams.

After the performance, Shen Nianxi bowed and left the stage. She then ran to Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu and asked eagerly, "Dad, Mom, did I dance well? Will I be selected?"

"You danced wonderfully!" Lin Wanqiu hugged her daughter tightly and said with a smile, "Xixi is the best! She'll definitely be selected!"

Shen Tingzhou patted his daughter's head and said firmly, "Xixi jumped very well. Dad believes you can succeed."

A few days later, the selection results were announced, and Shen Nianxi was successfully selected, qualifying to participate in the National Children's Dance Competition. The whole family was overjoyed upon hearing the news. Shen Nianxi was so excited she couldn't sleep, practicing her dance even more diligently every day, hoping to achieve good results in the national competition.

Watching his daughter's hard work, Shen Tingzhou felt full of support and encouragement. He would take time every day to practice with her, correcting her movements and encouraging her not to be nervous and to stay confident. Lin Wanqiu also specially prepared nutritious meals for her daughter to replenish her energy.

Shen Nian'an also returned from school to cheer on his younger sister: "Xixi, you're working so hard, you're sure to achieve great results in the competition. I believe in you, and I'll definitely be there to cheer you on when you compete."

With the support and encouragement of her family, Shen Nianxi's dance skills have improved rapidly. She is full of confidence for the upcoming national children's dance competition and looks forward to the future. Shen Tingzhou, watching his daughter's busy and fulfilling figure, is also filled with anticipation. He knows that his daughter's dance dream is about to blossom on a bigger stage, and he will always be by her side, her strongest support.