“We have Nian’an.” Shen Tingzhou saw through her thoughts and gently patted the back of her hand. “This child is steady and intelligent. She has been helping you manage the food factory for years and is already capable of handling things on her own. Besides, she has Old Zhang, Uncle Li and other old partners to help her. There won’t be any problems.”

He paused, then added, "Besides, we're not just going on trips for fun. Xixi said in her letter that people abroad also really like our traditional Chinese food. We can take this opportunity to check out foreign markets and see if our traditional products can be sold overseas."

These words instantly resonated with Lin Wanqiu. As a food blogger, she had an innate passion for food. And as the founder of Chenji Food Factory, she naturally hoped that her hard work could go further.

“Okay.” Lin Wanqiu took a deep breath, all hesitation in her eyes vanishing, replaced by anticipation and longing. She looked at Shen Tingzhou and nodded vigorously. “Old Shen, let’s go on a trip. Let’s see the world, taste the local cuisine, and see if our products can make a name for themselves abroad.”

Upon hearing her agree, Shen Tingzhou burst into laughter, scooped her up in his arms, and spun her around. Lin Wanqiu was startled by his sudden action, but then couldn't help but laugh too. Her laughter was clear and loud, carrying far and wide in the quiet night.

The osmanthus flowers outside the window seemed to be infected by this joyful atmosphere, and their fragrance became even stronger.

In the days that followed, the household was filled with busyness and anticipation. Shen Tingzhou was busy processing his travel documents and arranging his itinerary; Lin Wanqiu, on the other hand, was busy packing her luggage. She opened the camphor wood trunk that had been with her for many years, inside which were her best clothes: a navy blue khaki jacket, a pair of beige polyester trousers, and a red knitted sweater, which Shen Tingzhou had bought for her years ago with his hard-earned allowance.

She carefully folded the clothes and put them into her brand-new suitcase. She then took out some commonly used medicines, some homemade osmanthus cakes and pickles from her storage space, packed them in airtight jars, and added them as well. These were her favorite things, carrying the taste of home, comforting her homesickness wherever she went.

Nian'an and Xiaoya were very supportive when they learned that their parents were going on a round-the-world trip. Xiaoya went to the supply and marketing cooperative in the county town and bought two brand-new pieces of Dacron fabric to make two beautiful dresses for Lin Wanqiu. "Mom, you'll definitely look beautiful in these dresses on your trip," Xiaoya said with a smile, her eyes crinkling.

Nian An pulled Shen Tingzhou along, carefully instructing him: "Father, when you take Mother out, you must take good care of her. Mother's health is not good, so she can't be too tired. Also, the food habits abroad are different from ours, so please be more accommodating to Mother. If you encounter any difficulties, send a telegram home. Xiaoya and I will be waiting for you."

Looking at his son's serious expression, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but chuckle and patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, your father may not have many other skills, but taking care of your mother is more than enough."

Nianxi was incredibly excited, holding Lin Wanqiu's hand and chattering away about the customs and culture of Europe, the beautiful scenery, the delicious food, and the warm hospitality of the people. "Mom, when you get to France, you must try the wine and bread. When you get to England, you must see Big Ben. When you get to Italy, you must try the pizza and pasta." As she spoke, she took out the souvenirs she had bought in Europe and showed them to Lin Wanqiu, "Mom, look, this is the silk scarf I bought for you, and this is the lighter I bought for Dad."

Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she looked at her daughter's excited expression. She gently stroked her daughter's hair and said with a smile, "Okay, Mother will listen to you. When Mother gets to those places, I will definitely take a good look around and taste the delicious food, and I'll tell you about it when I get back."

When the villagers learned that Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were going on a round-the-world trip, they all came to congratulate them. They gathered in the Shen family's courtyard, chatting excitedly.

"Late Autumn Girl, Brother Shen, you two are so lucky! Being able to travel abroad is truly enviable!"

"Yes, yes! When you go abroad, don't forget to bring us back some rare and interesting things so we can broaden our horizons!"

"Chenji's food is so delicious. When you go abroad, you must let the foreigners try it and let them know how great the products from our Hongqi Production Brigade are!"

Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou smiled and readily agreed, their hearts filled with gratitude. These simple and honest villagers had witnessed their growth and the rise of Shenji Food Factory. Their blessings were sincere and warm, comforting their hearts.

The day of departure has finally arrived.

That morning, just as dawn was breaking, a crowd gathered in front of the Shen family's house. Nian'an, Xiaoya, Nianxi, and the villagers had all come to see them off. A tractor chugged along and stopped at the door, ready to take them to the county train station.

Lin Wanqiu wore the new dress Xiaoya had made, with a navy blue coat over it. Her hair was neatly combed, and she wore light makeup, looking radiant and several years younger. Shen Tingzhou, on the other hand, wore a smart Zhongshan suit, his posture upright, still as spirited as he had been in the past.

The two stood hand in hand in the courtyard, looking at the familiar faces before them, their hearts filled with reluctance and emotion.

"Father, Mother, have a safe journey!" Nian'an and Xiaoya said in unison, their eyes filled with reluctance.

"Mom, Dad, you must take good care of yourselves and remember to write home!" Nianxi said, her eyes red.

"Don't worry, children, we will." Lin Wanqiu looked at the children, forcing back tears, and said with a smile.

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