On a cold winter evening in Beijing, the biting wind howled like a ferocious beast, its sound echoing through the streets and alleys, carrying a chilling cold.

However, the Xia family's thick doors and windows kept this chill out completely.

The warm afterglow shone through the window like a golden veil, gently spilling into the Xia family's slightly old-fashioned living room, casting a warm, nostalgic hue over every object in the room.

Xia Xiong sat on the wooden sofa that had been with him for many years. The edges of the sofa were worn from long-term use, revealing the wood grain inside, but it carried countless precious memories.

Xia Xiong unconsciously clasped his hands on his knees, his slightly forward-leaning body revealing his anxiety and concern.

He opened his mouth, and the words he had used to persuade Xia Wan to stay in Beijing rolled on his tongue countless times, each word filled with his deep reluctance to part with his granddaughter and endless worry.

He thought of the prosperity and tranquility of Beijing, where towering buildings witnessed the development of the times, and convenient living facilities were readily available.

Here, you'll find the warmth of family by your side, and whenever you turn around, you'll see the smiles of your loved ones. There are also many more opportunities here—a vast workplace and abundant learning resources—that will give Xia Wan a brighter future.

He so wished that Xia Wan could start a new life in this familiar place, instead of having to go far away to face the unknown storms alone. But before he could say it, Xia Jianguo reached out and stopped him.

Xia Jianguo stood to the side, his posture still upright. Time had left its mark on his face; the fine lines at the corners of his eyes and the gray hair at his temples all spoke of the passage of time.

But his face still carried his usual composure and gentleness, a calmness that comes with the passage of time, which put people at ease.

He said softly, "Dad, there are still some things to take care of over there. Let Xiaowan decide for herself. She's grown up now and has her own thoughts and plans. We should respect her."

Xia Jianguo's voice was not loud, but it spread steadily like ripples on a calm lake, carrying a convincing power.

Seeing the disappointment in his father's eyes, he felt a pang of sadness. These days, he had watched Xia Wan rack her brains for her future, and every time she discussed future plans with her daughter, the light in her eyes was a longing for the future and a pursuit of her dreams.

He knew that growth is accompanied by separation and adventure, just as a fledgling eagle must leave its nest to soar in the vast sky.

As a father, all he can do is offer silent support from behind, providing his daughter with the strongest support.

"Okay... but if you have any difficulties, you must call home and come back to visit often when you have time."

Xia Xiong sighed and reluctantly gave in, his eyes instantly filled with disappointment and reluctance.

His gaze slowly swept over every corner of the room, starting with the yellowed family photo on the wall. The family in the photo smiled brightly, capturing a beautiful moment from the past.

Then there's the small suitcase Xia Wan left in the corner when she first arrived. Now it sits there quietly, carrying the memories of Xia Wan's unfamiliarity and unease upon her arrival.

He seemed to be searching for traces where the past and present intertwined, and images of children laughing and playing around him flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

On a summer afternoon, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns in the yard. Children chase butterflies, their cheerful laughter echoing throughout the small courtyard.

On a cold winter night, the family sat around a warm fireplace, the flames flickering and illuminating their faces as they shared the day's events, creating a cozy atmosphere throughout the room.

Now, they are all about to spread their wings and fly high to embrace their own sky. Xia Xiong's heart is filled with emotion and reluctance.

His appearance made Xia Shuhua laugh. Xia Shuhua's lips curled up slightly, and her eyes were filled with a teasing smile: "Dad, this is not like you at all!"

Recalling the past, Xia Shuhua couldn't help but sigh. Back then, which of her sisters hadn't been sent to the army by their father for a few years of training? At that time, her father always said, "Women can hold up half the sky," and he arranged everything for them in a decisive manner, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination.

But now, seeing Xia Wan leave, her father is so reluctant to let her go, which makes Xia Shuhua feel both amused and touched.

During their time in the military, the intense training and strict discipline caused them a lot of hardship.

Before dawn, the sound of bugles broke the silence. They quickly got up and began a long run in the darkness. Sweat soon soaked their clothes, and the biting cold wind stung their faces like knives.

During tactical training, they fell and got up again and again, their bodies covered in bruises. After each training session, their whole body ached, and it was difficult to even lift their arms. The muscle soreness seemed to be destroying their will as well.

But it is precisely those experiences that have forged them into the strong and independent women they are today.

In the military, they learned perseverance, gritting their teeth and getting through no matter how difficult it was; they learned teamwork, understanding that one person's strength is limited, and only by uniting as one can they overcome difficulties; they learned responsibility and commitment, taking on the heavy responsibility of protecting their country once they put on their uniforms.

Xia Xiong glanced at Xia Shuhua with feigned anger, "What do you know? Wanwan is different. She's never been with us since she was little. We finally found her, and I'm still feeling warm inside. And now she's leaving again."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Xia Wan again, his eyes filled with love and concern, as if he wanted to imprint her image deep in his heart, afraid that once she left, she would gradually fade from his memory.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!