It was soon noon. Luo Qingyuan, Liang Mo, Duan Ze, and Duan Sheng cooked a lot of food, thinking that there were many people in the family. But unexpectedly, before they could even eat, Duan Kai took his men out.

When Duan Kai returned, Duan Ze asked, "Dad, aren't those uncles eating at home?"

Duan Kai: "No, thank you."

Duan Kai didn't explain anything, so no one asked any further questions.

The food was served quickly, but only Miao Suzhen came down to the table.

Duan Ye: "Where's Grandpa? I'll go get him..."

Just as Duan Ye was about to stand up, Miao Suzhen said, "Let's eat. I'll get him some later."

Duan Ye had no choice but to sit down again.

Under the table, Luo Qingyuan squeezed Duan Ye's hand and whispered, "I'll go with you to see Grandpa later."

Duan Ye forced a smile: "Okay."

As a result, everyone's spirits were somewhat low during the meal.

After the meal, Duan Kai left temporarily, but before leaving, he got a lunchbox and some paper money.

Then everyone suddenly remembered that there was still a summer in the house.

Everyone felt a little guilty because since returning home, they had only thought about their grandfather and forgotten about Shengxia.

While everyone was silently grieving, Duan Kai had already arrived at Sheng Xia's memorial tablet and lit three incense sticks.

Then, just like countless times before, he sat down, took out the wine, set out the dishes, and chatted with Shengxia about the people and things he had encountered during this period.

"Summer, it's been a very, very long time since you last visited me."

Only at this moment did Duan Kai's eyes begin to show a hint of sadness, because he couldn't even remember the last time he dreamed of his wife.

It seems like it's been a really, really long time.

Duan Ye and Luo Qingyuan carried the food into the study.

As soon as the study door opened, Duan Jiancheng was seen looking at photos in an album.

Seeing them come in, Duan Jiancheng smiled and said, "Xiao Ye and Qing Yuan are here. Come on, come here."

Duan Ye: "Grandpa, let's eat first."

Duan Jiancheng smiled and said, "Okay, let's eat first."

So the table was filled with food, all stewed meat and vegetables that were very tender.

Duan Ye sat there and said, "Grandpa, I'll feed you."

Duan Jiancheng wanted to refuse, but seeing Duan Ye's expectant look, he finally nodded.

With Duan Ye feeding him, the old man still ate a large bowl of rice and vegetables.

After dinner, the old man held a photo album. The people in it were all very young faces, and the photos were old black and white pictures, but they were very well preserved.

The old man pointed to one of the young girls and said, "This is my sister. She was a field doctor. She passed away before she could find me a brother-in-law. She was only twenty-three years old when she left. Communication wasn't as advanced back then. By the time news of her death reached our home, it was already the following winter."

Duan Ye and Luo Qingyuan didn't know what to say, and their eyes welled up with tears.

"And this is my second brother. I only met him when I was little because he joined the army at sixteen and died before he was twenty. His remains haven't been brought back yet, and I'm afraid I won't live to see him..."

"This is my fourth brother. He was very skilled, a renowned sharpshooter in the army, but he was later captured..."

Duan Jiancheng couldn't continue speaking; tears streamed down his face.

"Ono..."

"Grandpa, I'm here."

"After Grandpa passes away, you must remember to visit them every year, taking Luoluo and Chenchen with you. Tell them what China is like now, and how the Duan family children are doing..."

Duan Ye choked up, "Grandpa, please don't say that. You'll get better."

Luo Qingyuan felt heartbroken watching this.

At that moment, Duan Kai sensed someone behind him. He turned around and saw Duan Renji, Liang Mo, and... Duan Ruijun.

"Dad," the three of them called out in unison.

Duan Kai then stood up, turned his back and wiped away his tears: "You're all here. Come on, kowtow to your mother."

Duan Renji led Liang Mo by the hand, and Duan Ruijun knelt behind them.

The three of them obediently kowtowed to Sheng Xia.

Duan Kai: "Have you visited your grandfather?"

Duan Renji: "Grandpa is talking to Ono and his wife."

Duan Kai: "Okay, then you guys go take a look too."

Duan Renji took Liang Mo downstairs.

"Rengui?"

Duan Ruijun said, "Dad, I also want to talk to Mom."

Duan Kai nodded and left for the time being.

Duan Ruijun knelt there, looking at Sheng Xia's memorial tablet, and the grown man couldn't help but have tears well up in his eyes.

He was young when his mother passed away, and as he grew up, he had very few memories of her.

only...

"Mom, I'm in love."

The surroundings were quiet, and no one answered him.

So Duan Ruijun could only hold back his tears and continue burning paper money with his head down.

"Mom, she is my leader's daughter and also a soldier. Mom, it's a pity that she went on a mission and I can't bring her to see you."

No one answered him.

Duan Ruijun burst into tears: "Mom, you're the first person in this family to know this news."

A long time passed.

Duan Ruijun said, "Mom, I miss you."

Finally, Duan Ruijun broke down in tears.

Duan Kai stood outside the door, feeling a suffocating tightness in his chest, but there was nothing he could do.

Without the height of summer, the years felt far too long for both father and son.

It's been so long that he finds it difficult to remain calm whenever he thinks about his wife.

It was an ordinary day. He prepared a meal and waited with his two children for them to come home for dinner. But to his surprise, neither the meal nor his wife came.

And now, he may be about to lose his father.

Duan Kai was exhausted, but he had no one to confide in.

Everyone gradually entered the old man's room, and the old man went to bed very early that night.

Not long after, Ding Yifen arrived, and Duan Sheng took her home. After dinner, everyone went back to their bedrooms.

In the bedroom, Duan Ye was the one who was holding Luo Qingyuan's waist, unable to fall asleep at all.

Luo Qingyuan gently patted his back: "It's okay, I'll always be here."

She knew how painful it was to lose a loved one.

Duan Ye sighed: "Yes, I know."

Luo Qingyuan smiled and rubbed his face: "You're a father now, why are you still so spoiled?"

Duan Ye looked up: "Is this how you use the word?"

Luo Qingyuan smiled immediately: "It's good that you reacted."

Duan Ye leaned closer again; Luo Qingyuan's embrace was a great comfort to him.

"I've arranged for you to take about two weeks off from Jinhe. It's almost Chinese New Year, so let's go back after the holiday."

"Once we're settled here in a couple of days, we'll bring the children over..."

"A family should always be together."

They came in too much of a hurry to travel with such a small child.

Duan Ye felt a slight tightness in his chest.

reunion?

Will they be able to reunite this year?

In the end, Duan Ye simply hugged his wife's waist and said, "Okay, whatever you say."