Upon returning home, the warm lights illuminated the entire house without reservation, and the warm yellow halo was like a gentle protective film, tightly enveloping the family.

The lights shone in every corner, making everything inside the house feel exceptionally warm, and everyone's smiles became even more vivid, as if telling the story of the family's journey of happiness and laughter.

The family sat around the dining table, the aroma of the food rising and filling the air. Every wisp of fragrance carried the taste of home, making one feel nostalgic.

The table was laden with a sumptuous feast, including Xia Jianguo's favorite braised pork, its glossy red color and rich yet not greasy texture; carefully simmered chicken soup, its golden broth exuding a rich, savory aroma; and a variety of fresh vegetables, the stir-fried greens vibrant and refreshing. This meal was not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a testament to the love and care within the family.

Xia Wan and Xia Tao, however, started talking about their plans to return to Yongmao County. "We also want to spend more time with you,"

Xia Tao put down his chopsticks, a hint of helplessness on his face, his brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes full of apology. "But I really can't leave work. There are still many things waiting for us to handle over there. The project is at a critical stage, and if I leave now, the progress will definitely be affected. Moreover, the client is pressing hard, and I need to communicate and coordinate many details."

Xia Tao explained the emergency at work to his family in detail, his words filled with a sense of responsibility for his career. As he spoke, he gestured with his hands to illustrate the project's process and the problems he encountered, hoping that his family could understand his situation.

Xia Xiong put down his chopsticks and looked at them intently, his eyes filled with reluctance. His gaze was like a thread, pulling at his deep affection for his grandchildren.

“I know you have your own careers and your own responsibilities.” He spoke slowly, his voice slightly hoarse, the marks of time clearly audible in his voice. “But the New Year is just around the corner, and it’s a rare opportunity for the whole family to get together. Why don’t you stay and celebrate the New Year before you leave? All year long, we look forward to this time when we can gather together in a lively atmosphere. How wonderful it would be if our whole family sat around the table for a New Year’s Eve dinner and talked about the joys and sorrows of the past year.”

As he spoke, he sighed softly, his eyes filled with a poignant sadness. He recalled the past, when the children were still young, and the joyful scenes of the family celebrating the New Year together. Now that the children have grown up, the time they spend together is becoming increasingly rare.

Xia Jianguo nodded, his eyes shining with anticipation like bright stars. His gaze held both understanding for the children and a longing for their company. Xia Wan's mother said softly, "We worry about you working outside, and we just hope to be able to see you properly during the Spring Festival."

These words made Xia Wan and Xia Tao reluctant to refuse. They exchanged a glance, seeing hesitation and inner conflict in each other's eyes. Thinking of their family's usual concern and their own helplessness at the thought of leaving home, they finally nodded and agreed to their family's request.

After dinner, the moonlight, like water, gently spilled into the quiet courtyard, covering the entire courtyard with a layer of silvery white gauze.

The flowers and plants in the courtyard cast dappled shadows under the moonlight, resembling a tranquil ink painting. Xia Xiong called Xia Tao to the study.

The study is filled with the faint scent of ink and books, the aroma of accumulated knowledge. The soft, warm light shines on the bookshelves, illuminating each book that bears the weight of time.

The bookshelf contains military works that Xia Xiong read in his youth, historical books he collected, and some old photo albums that record family stories.

"Taozi," Xia Xiong said earnestly, sitting in a chair and patting the empty seat next to him to signal Xia Tao to sit down, "you're not getting any younger, have you thought about what path you're going to take in the future?"

Xia Tao scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and said, "Grandpa, all I want to do is do my job well, earn more money, and give my family a better life. I want to move you to a more spacious place with better lighting so you can enjoy your retirement comfortably; I also want Mom and Dad to have less hard work and be able to travel more and relax."

As he spoke, he gestured, his eyes filled with care for his family, and his mind conjured up images of their happy life together.

Xia Xiong smiled, his eyes full of affection. He looked at Xia Tao as if he were seeing his younger self.

“I see you’re in good physical condition and have a lot of drive. Why don’t you consider joining the army?” he said slowly. “In the army, you can train yourself, hone your will, and contribute to the country. That’s an honorable thing. Just think, wearing a uniform and protecting the country, how prestigious that would be! Besides, you can learn a lot in the army, which will be of great help to your future life.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Tao's heart skipped a beat.

He recalled his childhood admiration for soldiers, seeing their heroic figures, their neat and powerful strides, their resounding slogans, as if they possessed boundless strength; and their heroic deeds in defending the country on the frontier, standing firm in the freezing cold, braving the howling winds, their upright posture, their unwavering courage, charging into battle amidst the flames of war, sacrificing their lives for the interests of the country and the people.

These images were like a seed, planting a longing for soldiers in his heart. At this moment, that seed seems to be sprouting and growing.

“Grandpa, I…I’m willing to join the army,” Xia Tao’s voice was filled with excitement, his cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyes were sparkling, but then he hesitated, “Isn’t it too old for me? I’m afraid I can’t adapt to the high-intensity training in the army. I heard that in the army, we have to get up before dawn every day for morning exercises, and the training is very strict. I’m afraid I can’t keep up.”

Xia Xiong shook his head, as if he could see through all the doubts in Xia Tao's heart. He reached out and patted Xia Tao's shoulder, "Age is not a problem. Going to the army is also to let you train and temper your character. Although the training in the army is tough, as long as you grit your teeth and persevere, you will gain growth."

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