In the early autumn of Hongqi Production Brigade, a chill had crept into the air, but the new house site of Lin Wanqiu's family remained perpetually steaming with heat. When the last rafter was firmly placed on the roof beam by Chen Tingzhou, the bricklayer, Master Wang, tapped the blue bricks on the wall with his trowel, his booming voice echoing across the open space: "It's done! The main structure of this house is completely finished!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding villagers burst into cheers. Aunt Li put down her broom, wiped the sweat from her brow with her apron, and looked at the square brick house, her eyes reddening slightly. "Wanqiu, look at this house! How impressive it is! The walls are even neater than the brigade headquarters. You and your daughter will finally have a safe and secure place to live." Sister Zhang, who was helping to hand her tools, chimed in with a smile, "Indeed! This house is spacious and bright. I think your house is the most respectable in our production brigade!"

Lin Wanqiu stood in the center of the courtyard, looking up at the brand-new roof beams. The setting sun hung obliquely on the treetops to the west, its golden light filtering through the window frames that hadn't yet been fitted with lattices, casting crisscrossing shadows on the ground. The blue bricks on the walls, wet with water, gleamed with a warm, dark hue, and the roof tiles were stacked neatly in rows, even the eaves exuding exquisite detail. She raised her hand and touched the brick wall beside her, feeling the solidity of the bricks under her fingertips. The tension that had been hanging over her for so long finally settled firmly in her heart.

"Thanks to everyone's help." Lin Wanqiu turned around and bowed deeply to the villagers who had gathered around. "You've all worked so hard these past few days. Without you, this house wouldn't have been built so quickly. I've prepared some good food and drinks for tonight, so please don't leave. Let's have a good time."

"Hey! Then we won't stand on ceremony!" The members laughed and agreed, busying themselves with packing up their tools, muttering about wanting to try Wanqiu's cooking that evening. Shen Tingzhou jumped down from the roof, covered in dust, but it didn't affect his upright posture at all. He walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, naturally taking the handkerchief from her hand and wiping the dust off her cheeks: "You must be exhausted. I can't see you've been sleeping well these past few days."

Lin Wanqiu shook her head, her eyes full of smiles: "Not tired at all. Seeing the house finished is better than anything else." She turned to look at Shen Tingzhou and found his gaze softened as well, a warm feeling suddenly welling up inside her. Since her rebirth into this era, she had stumbled and suffered a lot of injustices, but now, she not only had a house to shelter her from the wind and rain, but also someone to rely on. Even Nian'an was much more cheerful than before. This kind of life was something she hadn't even dared to dream of when she first transmigrated.

Just then, Shen Nian'an ran over carrying a teddy bear. The teddy bear, which Lin Wanqiu had taken from her spatial storage, was spotless and incredibly cute with its fluffy texture. Shen Nian'an ran to Lin Wanqiu's side, tilting her little face up, her eyes sparkling: "Mommy, can we live in our new house now?"

"Yes." Lin Wanqiu squatted down and patted her son's head. "We'll be moving in in a couple of days. Nian'an, would you like to have a room of your own?"

"Really?" Shen Nian'an's eyes widened even more, and she almost dropped the teddy bear in her hands. "I can have my own room? Just like Mom used to tell me, with a small bed, a desk, and a place to put my toys?"

"Of course." Shen Tingzhou squatted down and ruffled his son's hair. "Dad has already discussed it with Master Wang. That little room on the east side will be your room. We'll also build you a small desk so you can write and read in there. You won't have to squeeze in with your parents anymore."

Upon hearing this, Shen Nian'an jumped up with joy, hugged his teddy bear, and ran around the yard, shouting repeatedly, "I have my own room! I have my own room!" Watching their son's cheerful figure, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with tenderness.

As evening fell, several large tables were already set up in the courtyard. Lin Wanqiu took out a lot of ingredients from her spatial storage: fresh pork, chicken, various vegetables, and even a few bottles of good wine. Aunt Li and Sister Zhang were helping out in the kitchen; the stewed pork, cabbage, and vermicelli in the pot was bubbling away, its aroma filling the entire courtyard. The villagers sat around the tables, some chatting, others playing with Chen Nian'an, creating a lively atmosphere like a New Year's celebration.

Grandma Shen and Zhang Lan also arrived. They had come specifically because they heard the house was finished that morning, hoping to get a free meal and perhaps even squeeze some more money out of Lin Wanqiu. But seeing the lively scene in the courtyard, and witnessing the affectionate relationship between Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, Grandma Shen felt a lump in her throat, unable to shake off her unease. Zhang Lan, on the other hand, stared intently at the meat and vegetables on the table, her eyes practically bulging, her mouth constantly agape, yet she didn't dare to rush forward and grab them as casually as she used to.

Lin Wanqiu merely nodded indifferently upon seeing them, offering no greeting. Shen Tingzhou, however, frowned, walked up to them, and asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"

Grandma Shen was taken aback by his question, then put on her mother-in-law's airs: "I've come to see my son's new house, what's wrong with that? Can't I come to see this house?"

“This house was built brick by brick by Wanqiu, it has nothing to do with you,” Shen Tingzhou said bluntly. “If you’re here for dinner, behave yourself and don’t cause trouble. If you’re looking for trouble, leave now and don’t spoil everyone’s mood.”

Old Mrs. Shen was speechless after being rebuked by Shen Tingzhou, her face turning pale and then red. Zhang Lan tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Mother, let's eat first. We can talk about it after we finish eating." Old Mrs. Shen glared at her, but knew that now was not the time to cause trouble, so she could only reluctantly find a corner to sit down.

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