The mid-autumn morning light bathed the Hongqi Production Brigade like shimmering gold. Inside the courtyard of the Shenji Food Factory, osmanthus blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate golden stamens adorning the branches. A gentle breeze carried their sweet fragrance, mingling with joy, throughout the entire village. That morning, the Shen family's courtyard was unusually lively. The sounds of suitcases rolling, clothes rustling, and family members' words of advice mingled together, breaking the usual tranquility—Shen Nianxi was about to travel to Europe with the National Youth Dance Troupe to participate in an international cultural exchange performance, spreading the charm of traditional Chinese culture to a foreign land.

Shen Nianxi wore a light pink dance practice outfit with a beige knitted cardigan over it. Her long, black hair was styled in a high ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead and delicate features. She had just turned sixteen this year, with a slender and upright figure, like a bamboo shoot just emerging after the rain. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation for the future and a hint of trepidation about her upcoming journey. She stood in the center of the courtyard, letting her mother, Lin Wanqiu, adjust her collar. Her fingertips unconsciously gripped the hem of her dress, her heart filled with both longing for the stage and reluctance to leave her family.

"Xixi, take good care of yourself abroad. Eat and rest on time, don't overwork yourself practicing dance." Lin Wanqiu's voice was gentle, tinged with a sob. She carefully smoothed the wrinkles on her daughter's clothes, her gaze lingering on her daughter's face as if trying to etch her image into her heart. Over the years, she had watched her daughter grow from a lively and active little girl into the graceful young woman she was today, passionate about dance, filling her heart with joy and pride. But the thought of her daughter going overseas to face an unfamiliar environment alone filled her with worry.

“Mom, I understand, don’t worry.” Shen Nianxi looked up at her mother’s worried eyes and gave her a bright smile. “I’m all grown up now and can take care of myself. Besides, there are teachers and friends in the dance troupe, so we’ll look after each other.” She reached out and gently hugged her mother. “Mom, you and Dad should also take care of yourselves and not overwork yourselves. No matter how busy you are at the food factory, remember to eat and rest on time.”

Shen Tingzhou stood to the side, watching the mother and daughter embrace, his eyes filled with reluctance and expectation. He stepped forward, gently patted his daughter's shoulder, and said in a steady and firm voice, "Xixi, this performance abroad is not only about showcasing your dance talent, but also about representing the country to spread traditional Chinese culture. It's a great responsibility. When you're abroad, you must abide by the rules, respect local customs, perform well, don't embarrass the country, and don't let us down."

"Dad, I remember!" Shen Nianxi nodded emphatically, her eyes full of determination. "I will definitely do my best to show the best Chinese dance to foreign friends and let them feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture."

Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya stood to the side, their faces showing reluctant smiles. Shen Nian'an stepped forward and handed her younger sister a beautifully wrapped box: "Xixi, this is a gift that your sister-in-law and I prepared for you. Inside are some commonly used medicines and skincare products, as well as your favorite osmanthus cake. If you miss home while you're abroad, try some osmanthus cake, and it will make you feel just like you're at home."

Su Xiaoya smiled and said, "Xixi, these are some English conversation manuals and some commonly used translation cards that I prepared for you. Communication might be a little inconvenient when you're abroad, so these things should be helpful. If you encounter any difficulties, remember to write home or tell your dance troupe teachers. We will support you."

Shen Nianxi accepted the gift, hugged it tightly, her eyes filled with emotion: "Thank you, brother, thank you, sister-in-law. Don't worry, I will definitely write home often, and I will take good care of myself."

The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms in the courtyard grew stronger, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that captured this heartwarming scene forever. The words of advice and blessings from her family flowed into Chen Nianxi's heart like a warm current, giving her boundless strength and courage.

On the day of departure, the commune's tractor was parked early in front of the Shen family's house, specially to take Shen Nianxi to the county town to meet up. The villagers also came to see him off, their faces full of simple smiles and their mouths full of auspicious words.

"Nianxi, have a safe journey! Perform well abroad and bring glory to our Red Flag Production Brigade!"

"Nianxi, remember to bring back some rare and interesting things from abroad so we can broaden our horizons!"

"Girl, take care of yourself, we're waiting for your good news!"

Shen Nianxi smiled and waved goodbye to her fellow villagers, her eyes filled with gratitude. Over the years, she had grown up with the love of her family and the support of her fellow villagers; this land had given her warmth and strength. She secretly resolved to do well abroad and live up to everyone's expectations.

Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou accompanied their daughter to the county train station. Seeing her daughter in her dance troupe's uniform, carrying her luggage, standing with the other members, her face radiating youthful energy, Lin Wanqiu's eyes welled up with tears again. She stepped forward, tidied her daughter's hair one last time, and whispered, "Xixi, when you get abroad, eat well and rest well. Remember to write home regularly. No matter what difficulties you encounter, remember that home will always be your strongest support."

"Mother, I understand, don't worry," Chen Nianxi said, choking back tears, and hugged her mother tightly. "Mother, Father, please take good care of yourselves. I will miss you."

Shen Tingzhou patted his daughter on the back, his voice a little hoarse: "Go, do well over there, we'll be waiting for your good news."

The train slowly started moving. Shen Nianxi stood by the window, waving goodbye to her family with all her might. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou also jogged after the train, waving back until the train gradually disappeared into the distance. Only then did they stop, their eyes filled with reluctance.

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