Chapter 900 The Grand Finale At this moment, the final and most impressive dish, candied apples, was served.

The hot apples were coated in a golden, crisp sugar shell, and glistening sugar threads stretched out on the plate, eliciting cheers from the children.

In the midst of this sweetest and most lively moment, Zhou Zhe, who hadn't said much until now and was working at the Light Industry Bureau, cleared his throat and picked up his teacup.

"On the occasion of the grand opening of Qingyang's new store today, with all my old classmates and good friends here, I have some good news to share with you all: I'm getting married."

"Yo!"

"Really? Congratulations!"

A chorus of sincere congratulations immediately erupted from the table.

Zhao Rui even punched him on the shoulder: "After all these years, you've finally achieved your goal! Congratulations!"

Zhou Zhe smiled a little shyly: "I'm inviting everyone to my wedding."

"Of course! We all have to go!"

"Definitely, definitely." Zhou Zhe nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with anticipation for his future life.

In this era, marriage is one of the most important milestones in a person's life at their age.

Lu Qingyang raised his teacup: "Come on, let's toast to the grand opening of our new restaurant, to Zhou Zhe's upcoming wedding, and to our years of friendship. Let's drink to tea instead of wine!"

"cheers!"

Several teacups clinked together, making a crisp sound.

Little Stone quickly raised his camera again and quietly pressed the shutter to capture this precious moment of clinking glasses and beaming smiles.

...

As night deepened, the streetlights in the alleyway cast a dim yellow glow, lengthening the shadows of those returning home.

Lu Qingyang, slightly tipsy but still walking steadily, held the hand of the sleepy-eyed Xiaoyuer in one hand and Xiaoshitou carefully protecting his camera on the other. The family walked into the familiar courtyard.

Aunt Liu hadn't gone to sleep yet, and with the light on, she rushed over to greet them when they returned: "You're back? Oh, Qingyang must be so happy, he's had quite a bit to drink."

She took Lu Qingyang's coat and urged the two younger children, "Go wash up and go to bed. You have school tomorrow."

After the children turned off the lights in their rooms, the yard quieted down again, with only the occasional chirping of autumn insects remaining.

Lu Qingyang washed his face with cold water to dispel some of the effects of the alcohol, and walked over to Shen Mo, who was sitting under the lamp and seemed to be lost in thought.

He was truly happy tonight. The new store opening went smoothly, the reunion with old friends was delightful, and Zhou Zhe's good news was the icing on the cake. That warm, comforting sense of satisfaction that belonged to ordinary days filled him with contentment.

But he noticed that Shen Mo's teacup was full, and she seemed to have only drunk water tonight.

Moreover, she has been quieter than usual since she returned, as if she is pondering something.

"What's wrong? You're being so mysterious. I felt like you had something to say ever since we were eating. What is it that you can't say in front of Lao Zhao and the others?"

Shen Mo raised her head, and the warm yellow light cast a soft shadow on her face.

"Qingyang, I... my period is almost two weeks late this month, and I've been feeling easily fatigued lately. My stomach is also acting strangely; I feel nauseous when I smell greasy food... It feels a bit like when I was pregnant with Xiaoyuer and the others."

"You mean...there's another one?"

Shen Mo nodded gently, then frowned slightly, her hesitation becoming more pronounced: "It's just a suspicion; I haven't gone to the hospital to confirm yet."

"Yes! Of course we want it! We must keep it; it's not like we can't afford to raise it."

"Okay. Then... I'll go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow."

“I’ll go with you!” Lu Qingyang said immediately.

Just then, the door to Xiaoyuer's room opened slightly, revealing a crack. The little girl, rubbing her eyes and hugging her teddy bear, asked sleepily, "Daddy, Mommy, why aren't you asleep yet? What are you talking about?"

Lu Qingyang and Shen Mo exchanged a smile.

Lu Qingyang walked over, picked up his daughter, and gently rubbed his stubble-covered chin against her little face, his voice filled with undisguised joy: "I have some great news to tell you, Little Fish, you might soon become a big sister."

Little Fish's sleepy eyes suddenly widened: "Really?"

Shen Mo nodded with a smile.

...

Autumn a year later.

In the same yard, the leaves on the grape trellis have turned yellow again, but there's a brand new baby cradle under the trees.

Lu Qingyang squatted beside the cradle, touching the pink and tender cheek of the baby inside with his fingers.

The little one had just finished nursing, and with his big, bright eyes wide open, he unconsciously stared at the swaying light and shadows above him, making babbling sounds.

“Look, Daddy’s little old man,” Lu Qingyang’s voice was so gentle it could melt water, “is so sturdy and energetic.”

Chen Mo sat on a rattan chair to the side, her body had recovered and her face was rosy.

The sounds and aromas of Aunt Liu preparing dinner came from the kitchen. Inside, Xiaoyuer was teaching Xiaoshitou how to draw a portrait of his younger sister that wouldn't scare her. Xiaoshitou listened intently, looking both serious and troubled.

Shen Mo asked, "Little Stone is named Lu Lei, and Little Fish is named Lu Yu. When do you plan to name this old man?"

"His name is Lu Xiao, Xiao as in dawn."

As dawn breaks, the radiance shines across the land.

This name contains his simplest wish as a relative.

May her world always be filled with light;

It also contains his insights from his journey: no matter how long the night or how deep the undercurrents, life and hope will always arrive as promised, ushering in a new dawn.

Life is like this: there is the warmth of everyday life, and there are also hidden battles; there are the trivialities of daily life, and there are also the struggles that come with it; there are unexpected storms, and there are also unexpected gifts.

And home is the anchor point of all this; it is the starting point and the direction of return.

Lu Qingyang knew that the road ahead was long, the challenges would be numerous, and the covetousness from the shadows would not cease.

But as he held Shen Mo's hand and looked at the vibrant life in the courtyard, he felt a fullness he had never experienced before.

The story ends here, like a warm pause.

But the symphony of life, about protection, about growth, about love, about the little boat called home that sails steadily through the tides of time, its melody will continue forever.

(Complete)