Nianxi's homecoming banquet was lively yet restrained. Gu's parents arrived with heartfelt sincerity, sitting with the Shen family around the table. The toasts were filled with expectations for the newlyweds and the harmony between the two families. Shen Nian'an and his wife were busy attending to the guests, while Shen Nianzu ran around the courtyard like a little firecracker, occasionally jumping into Nianxi's arms for candy. His soft, sweet voice filled the room with warmth. Looking at the scene of her children and grandchildren surrounding her, and the joyful atmosphere of relatives and friends, Lin Wanqiu felt the emptiness that had arisen from her daughter's marriage gradually being filled with a solid sense of happiness.

That evening, after the homecoming banquet, Shen Tingzhou moved two camphor wood chests, which had already been packed, to the center of the courtyard. Moonlight shone on the brass locks of the chests, reflecting a shimmering silver light. "Have you checked everything?" Lin Wanqiu walked over, her fingertips tracing the smooth wood grain of the chests. These chests were part of her dowry from the Lin family years ago. Now, they contained not the simple clothes she wore when she first married, but the valuables she had accumulated over the years and her heart full of dreams.

Shen Tingzhou held her hand, the warmth of his palm seeping through the thin fabric of her clothes, calm and reassuring: "Everything is settled. Nian'an said he'll send a car to pick us up tomorrow morning. He's already arranged for someone to take over the food shop, so you won't have to worry about those trivial matters anymore."

Lin Wanqiu gazed at the familiar Shen family courtyard. The trumpet creeper on the green bricks and gray tiles still exuded a faint fragrance under the moonlight. The old locust tree in the corner of the wall cast shadowy shadows, and the millstone in the corner of the courtyard still bore the crooked marks that Nian'an had carved when she was a child. This place bore all the hardships and glories she had experienced since her transmigration, from being pushed into the river and facing death, to her desperate counterattack after activating her space; from struggling to raise Nian'an alone, to reuniting with Shen Tingzhou and joining hands; from a small food stall to a well-known food shop, every inch of this land was etched with her struggles and growth, and every breath of air was filled with the warmth and life of bygone years.

"I'm actually a little reluctant to leave," she sighed softly, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes.

Shen Tingzhou followed her gaze, his eyes filled with tenderness: "This is our root. We can come back to visit anytime we want. But from now on, it's time for us to live for ourselves." He raised his hand to wipe away the tears from the corner of her eyes, his tone gentle and undeniable, "You've suffered with me for so many years, it's time for you to enjoy your retirement."

Lin Wanqiu laughed through her tears and playfully punched him, saying, "Who's suffering? My life is much better than my last." Though she said this, her heart felt as if it were being soaked in warm water, completely softened. Yes, she had suffered, she had been tired, she had struggled, and now that her children were all doing well, she could finally put down the burden on her shoulders and spend the rest of her life peacefully with the person beside her.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the sound of a car horn came from outside the courtyard gate. Shen Nian'an had come to pick them up himself, with Su Yue'e carrying Shen Nianzu behind them. The little guy was wearing tiger-head shoes, clutching a rag doll, and chattering, "Grandpa, Grandma, let's go to the new house!"

Shen Tingzhou loaded the camphor wood chest into the car. Lin Wanqiu took one last look at the courtyard, and as she locked the gate, she felt both reluctance and anticipation for the future. The car slowly drove away from the Hongqi Production Brigade, the familiar rice paddies and village houses gradually receding into the distance, replaced by the fresh scent of grass and trees in the countryside. The tall, straight poplar trees lining both sides of the road rustled in the wind, as if bidding them farewell, or perhaps cheering them on.

Half an hour later, the car entered a wide-open area nestled against the mountains and beside the water. In the distance, a villa with blue bricks and gray tiles stood quietly amidst the green trees and flowers. Unlike the red brick buildings in the city or the courtyard layout of the countryside, it possessed a touch of modernist simplicity while incorporating the dignified grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture. The courtyard wall was a low bamboo fence, covered with tender green vines. Two tall osmanthus trees stood on either side of the entrance; although not yet in bloom, they were already lush and vibrant.

"We've arrived," Shen Tingzhou said softly, opening the car door first.

The moment Lin Wanqiu stepped out of the car, she was stunned by the scene before her. The fresh air carried the fragrance of earth and the scent of grass and trees; taking a deep breath, she felt as if her entire being had been cleansed and refreshed. The villa was a two-story building with a warm, light gray exterior. Large windows allowed sunlight to stream into the interior, making the entire building bright and airy. In front of the house was a neat lawn, with a gravel path winding along its edge, leading to the hillside and stream behind the house.

"So, do you like it?" Shen Tingzhou walked to her side, his gaze fixed intently on her. He had secretly bought this villa a few years ago, deliberately choosing this secluded and scenic spot, hoping to provide her with a peaceful and comfortable life once the children were settled. He had studied the layout, referencing many modern architectural concepts, aiming for both comfort and practicality, while also catering to her love of nature.

Lin Wanqiu nodded, her eyes filled with joy: "I love it so much, this place is like a paradise." She took Shen Tingzhou's hand and walked along the gravel path, her fingertips brushing against the vines on the bamboo fence, feeling the natural vitality.

Stepping inside the villa, she was immediately struck by its beauty. The first floor featured a spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, devoid of unnecessary partitions, creating a remarkably airy feel. The living room floor was covered in light brown wooden flooring, which creaked softly underfoot, exuding warmth and comfort. Against one wall stood a set of light green fabric sofas adorned with floral cushions, next to an open wooden shelf neatly displaying numerous books and decorative items. At the far end of the living room was a huge floor-to-ceiling window, offering views of a lawn and distant mountains; standing there, it felt as if she were embracing all of nature.

The dining area is adjacent to the living room, with a long, light wood table in the center, paired with six black Windsor chairs—simple yet stylish. A round pendant light hangs above the table, its polka dot pattern adding a touch of playfulness. The kitchen features white cabinets and a stainless steel countertop, clean and bright, with a small bar area nearby, a perfect spot for enjoying tea and conversation.

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