Looking at Shen Zhi Qiu, who was sobbing uncontrollably, Lu Jia felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart tightly, causing him so much pain that he could hardly breathe.

The fragments in his mind finally pieced together. Although he didn't remember many details, he was very certain that the crying woman in front of him was the figure that had appeared countless times in his dreams.

Without any hesitation, he strode forward and stood in front of Shen Zhi Qiu.

Shen Zhi Qiu raised her head, her vision blurred by tears, but she still recognized Lu Jia's familiar face.

With trembling hands, Shen Zhi Qiu gently stroked the wound on Lu Jia's cheek, her voice choked with emotion: "Does it hurt a lot?" Her fingers lightly traced his wound, and images of him being injured and in unbearable pain flashed through her mind.

Seeing her like this, Lu Jia was immediately filled with guilt and self-reproach.

He had learned from his bodyguard that Shen Zhi Qiu had experienced a lot of pain and torment during the year he was gone.

Her eyes were filled with love and tenderness, like the morning sun shining through layers of mist, warm and bright. That deep affection was like a key, precisely unlocking the long-sealed memory box deep in his heart.

The girl with the ponytail and a bright smile like the warm spring sun looked at him with clear, transparent eyes, gently extended her hand to him, and said in a sweet and kind voice: "Hello, Lu Jia, my name is Shen Zhi Qiu..." At that moment, her smile was like a bright pearl, illuminating his dark world.

The number that hadn't been flashing for a long time, and the cautious voice, "Lu Jia, can you help me..." The helplessness and trust in that voice stirred his protective instincts, and he couldn't help but want to shield her from the wind and rain.

The figure in the white dress, ethereal and otherworldly, appeared in Chengdu. She moved gracefully through the mountains and fields, her skirt fluttering in the wind...

She gracefully pushed open the study door, carrying a cup of hot milk, and peeked out cautiously, afraid of disturbing him, only to see his gentle smile as he turned to look at her...

The girl who had stayed by his bedside day and night after his car accident, her eyes brimming with tears, flashed before my eyes—her worry and love were all there. She gently held his hand, tenderly stroking his cheek: "You must get better soon..."

That resolute voice, sobbing uncontrollably, pushing him away from the ship...

He took a deep look at the girl before the ship exploded, his heart breaking.

All the fragments kept flashing through his mind. It was as if an exceptionally brilliant firework had been set off in his heart, waking up all his memories. Those little things that had been forgotten in the corners of his mind were now vividly emerging in his brain.

"Zhi Qiu, I'm back."

He called her name softly, his voice choked with emotion, as if something was blocking his throat, as if each word carried a thousand pounds of weight. He reached out and gently wiped away her tears, his voice as tender as ever: "Zhi Qiu, don't cry. I'm back, and I'll never leave you again."

Hearing Lu Jia's words, Shen Zhi Qiu's tears flowed even more fiercely.

The tough exterior they usually maintained completely collapsed at this moment.

She could no longer control her emotions and threw herself into Lu Jia's arms, hugging him tightly. Her tears soaked his shirt. Lu Jia sighed softly and hugged her back, as if trying to melt away all the longing and grievances of the past year in this embrace.

Lu Jia carefully raised his hands and gently stroked her hair. The long-lost touch brought tears to his eyes instantly. This love, lost and regained, was uncontrollable.

"Zhi Qiu, I'm sorry. I've made you suffer. It's my fault for making you wait so long." His voice was full of self-blame and guilt, as if he was the one who caused the pain at this moment.

Shen Zhi Qiu's tears fell even harder. Even though he was the one who suffered so much outside and experienced life and death separations, he subconsciously felt that she had suffered a lot of suffering and grievances.

She gently raised her head, looked into Lu Jia's deep eyes, let the tears stream down her face, and said in a trembling voice, "Lu Jia, you're finally back."

Lu Jia's heart was deeply moved the moment he heard those words. He gripped her hand tightly, his eyes resolute: "Zhi Qiu, I will never leave you again. I swear!"

Lu Wei stood by the sofa, wiping away her tears. Rong Mo handed her a tissue at the right moment.

"dad."

"Mother."

Two clear sounds suddenly rang out, like two crystal-clear pearls falling into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

Everyone present was stunned. The air seemed to freeze at that moment, and all eyes were involuntarily drawn to the two small figures.

Niannian and Zhaozhao had already broken free from Zhou Xiaoran and Lu Xiaoyu's embrace.

Their innocent little faces beamed with smiles, and their bright, dark eyes intently observed Lu Jia and Shen Zhi Qiu. Their little hands were clasped tightly together, as if giving each other courage and support.

They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with determination and anticipation.

Then, almost simultaneously, they called out those two heart-wrenching words to Shen Zhi Qiu and Lu Jia, who were embracing each other—"Dad" and "Mom."

The voice, though young, was full of sincere emotion. Each word was like a tiny musical note, and together they formed a moving melody.

Upon hearing their shouts, Shen Zhi Qiu and Lu Jia revealed indescribable complex emotions in their eyes. Looking at the two little lives before them, their eyes were filled with love and tenderness.

Shen Zhi Qiu, holding Lu Jia's hand, slowly walked to the two little ones, Zhao Zhao and Niannian. She bent down slightly, squatting down to bring her eye level with the children so she could better communicate with them. Her eyes were full of tenderness and expectation, as if waiting for the children's response.

“Zhaozhao, Niannian,” Shen Zhi Qiu called their names softly, her voice gentle. “What did you call him just now?” She pointed at Lu Jia.

Zhao Zhao and Niannian looked puzzled and curious. They tilted their heads and carefully examined Lu Jia with their big, bright black eyes. Although Lu Jia had some scars on his face, in their young hearts, he was still the familiar and loving father. Their brows furrowed.

"Yes, Daddy's back." Tears welled up in Shen Zhi Qiu's eyes, eventually sliding down her cheeks. She quickly raised her hand and gently wiped away her tears, afraid of frightening the children.

Shen Zhi Qiu slowly released the two little babies.

Just then, Zhao Zhao suddenly opened her arms and looked at Lu Jia with a serious and determined look in her eyes.

Lu Jia's eyes instantly reddened, and she hugged Zhao Zhao tightly.

Niannian was a little timid, but seeing that Zhaozhao had already taken the first step, she also staggered a couple of steps and hugged Lu Jia's arm.

Lu Jia embraced both children.

Zhao Zhao and Niannian rested their little heads on Lu Jia's shoulders, one on each side, their small voices filled with affection and tenderness: "Daddy."

Lu Jia could no longer hold back his tears. He held his two little ones tightly, as if he wanted to freeze this moment of happiness in his heart forever.