He pondered to himself that if Wanwan really went to the army, he could be more at ease with the environment and atmosphere there, at least knowing that she was growing up in a safe and positive place.

There, she could receive rigorous training, cultivate a tenacious character, and hone herself through sweat and hard work; she could also make like-minded comrades, gain sincere friendships during the days of fighting together, and have an unforgettable youth, which will be the most precious treasure in her life.

Xia Wan felt a warmth in her heart, and an indescribable feeling of emotion welled up inside her.

She stepped forward, affectionately took Xia Xiong's arm, and smiled warmly: "Grandpa, don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I've finished dealing with things over there."

When that time comes, I'll keep you company every day, telling you interesting stories about Yongmao County and sharing everything I've seen and heard there.

I'll tell you about the interesting little trinkets at the Yongmao County market: colorful hand-woven ornaments, each stitch and thread imbued with the artisan's hard work; and lifelike little animals carved from wood, as if they could come to life at any moment.

There are also heartwarming stories that happen among neighbors. When a child gets into a good school, everyone celebrates as if it were their own child, sharing the joy with firecrackers and laughter.

When an elderly person in a household is unwell, neighbors take turns caring for them, delivering groceries, helping with housework, and supporting one another. This strong sense of community warms the heart.

Her voice was clear and melodious, full of promises, like the warm sun in spring, shining directly into Xia Xiong's heart and slightly comforting his originally disappointed mood.

Xia Xiong patted her hand with a smile and said repeatedly, "Okay, okay, Grandpa will wait."

That smile reflected trust in Xia Wan, a belief that she had the ability to pursue her dreams.

He also looked forward to their future reunion. He seemed to have already seen a future day when Xia Wan returned home, sat beside him, and excitedly recounted the details of Yongmao County. He listened with great interest, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter. Those stories about Yongmao County seemed to transport him to that vibrant place, allowing him to feel the warmth and beauty of a distant place.

That night, the atmosphere at the Xia family's home was somewhat subtle.

With Zhao Guodong under investigation, the shadow that had shrouded the family for years finally dissipated, and everyone felt a sense of relief.

Over the years, Zhao Guodong's case has weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like a boulder, making them live with a sense of caution.

Now that the boulder has finally been removed, they can finally breathe freely and relax. But at the same time, the news that Xia Wan and Xia Tao are about to leave adds a touch of melancholy to this relief.

The family sat around the slightly worn dining table and enjoyed a dinner that, while not lavish, was exceptionally warm and cozy.

The aroma of food from the dining table filled the entire room—the smell of home, familiar and warm.

The warm yellow light shone on everyone's faces, outlining a cozy silhouette and capturing the beauty of this moment.

Xia Jianguo silently served food to Xia Wan and Xia Tao, his eyes filled with a father's care and worry.

He worried that Xia Wan would encounter difficulties upon returning to Yongmao County, where she had unfinished business, unknown challenges, and the cutthroat world of business, where every decision could determine success or failure.

The trivial troubles of life—renting a place, eating, getting along with others—can all become a source of annoyance.

He feared his daughter would be wronged, facing the storms of life alone with no one to confide in.

He was also worried about whether Xia Tao's life in the army was going well. The army training was tough, with high-intensity physical training that pushed the body to its limits every day.

The tactical training was complex, and every command and every action had to be executed flawlessly. He hoped his son could adapt, take good care of himself, thrive in the army, and become a true man.

Although he was not good with words, every little gesture he made was full of deep fatherly love. The piece of braised pork that he put into Xia Wan's bowl, which was her favorite dish, was red and shiny and had a wonderful aroma. It was a testament to his deep love for his daughter. The spoonful of hot soup he added to Xia Tao's bowl was steaming hot. It warmed his son's stomach and, more importantly, his heart. These were all expressions of his love.

Xia Shuhua shared some everyday anecdotes about life in Beijing. She vividly described the interesting things happening on the streets and alleys, such as which interesting little shop had just opened, filled with strange and wonderful trinkets, and a retro camera that seemed to allow one to see the past through it.

Each of these uniquely shaped ornaments has its own story.

Recently, some new gadgets have become popular, and young people are keen to play with these novel things. Colorful Rubik's Cubes are spinning rapidly at their fingertips, testing people's thinking and hand speed.

The smart speaker can play various kinds of music and even chat with people to relieve boredom. Her laughter was hearty, and her words were full of love for life, hoping to dispel the sadness of impending separation.

She described the shop's decor with great enthusiasm, noting that the retro wooden bookshelves were filled with books, each exuding a faint scent of ink.

The walls are covered with old photos, recording the traces of time; and the green plants placed in the corner are full of vitality, adding a touch of freshness to the whole shop.

His exaggerated actions made everyone laugh, temporarily forgetting the sadness of parting, and filling the dinner with joy and laughter.

After dinner, Xia Wan returned to her room alone and quietly closed the door.

She went to the bedside and began packing her luggage.

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