The autumn sun warmed the dirt roads of the Hongqi Production Brigade, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of newly harvested corn and the aroma of firewood rising from the chimneys of every household. The Shen family courtyard was already bustling with activity. Shen Tingzhou, climbing a ladder, hung red paper lanterns from the branches of the old locust tree. The orange-red light filtered through the paper, casting dappled patterns on the blue brick floor, like a sprinkle of crushed rouge. Lin Wanqiu, holding Shen Nianxi wrapped in a bright red swaddling cloth, sat at the wooden table in the main room, clutching a silver longevity lock—an old item she had found in her spatial storage. The lock was engraved with the seal script characters for "Long Life," and small bells adorned the edges, making a crisp sound with every movement, causing Nianxi in her arms to giggle.
"Mommy, my little sister's longevity lock is so pretty!" Shen Nian'an leaned closer, her little finger gently touching the bell, her eyes shining like stars. "When the guests come later, I'm going to tell them that Mommy specially prepared this for my little sister!"
Lin Wanqiu smiled and patted her son's head, her fingertips brushing against the soft wisps of hair on his forehead: "Okay, but Nian'an, remember to greet the guests politely and don't wander off, okay?"
"I know!" Shen Nian'an nodded vigorously, then turned to help Shen Tingzhou hand over the lantern, standing on tiptoe like a little adult, afraid of dropping what he was holding. Lin Wanqiu watched his busy figure, her heart filled with tenderness—the once thin and timid child who would hide from people was now able to help with chores at home, which made her more gratified than any wealth.
Shen Tingzhou climbed down the ladder, dusted off his hands, and walked to Lin Wanqiu's side. His gaze fell on Nianxi, and his tone was full of doting: "This girl is in such good spirits today. It seems she knows there's going to be a lively time at home." As he spoke, he reached out and gently touched Nianxi's little face. The little girl immediately reached out her little hand, grabbed his fingertips, and laughed even more happily.
"That's right, she didn't sleep after I fed her this morning. Her eyes were still bright, just like when you were little. She loves being around people." Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, then suddenly remembered something and added, "By the way, have Mom and my sister-in-law arrived yet? I asked you to go and call them this morning, so they wouldn't be late."
"Don't worry, I already told Mom when I passed by this morning. She and my sister-in-law are helping out in the kitchen, saying they want to show us their skills." Shen Tingzhou said, pointing towards the kitchen. "Listen, the sound of chopping meat, it must be Mom making her best pork and cabbage dumplings."
Lin Wanqiu listened intently and, sure enough, heard the rhythmic chopping of meat filling coming from the kitchen, mixed with the voices of Old Mrs. Shen and Zhang Lan. Although there were occasional arguments, there was mostly cheerful laughter. A wave of emotion washed over her—Old Mrs. Shen used to make things difficult for her in every way, and Zhang Lan couldn't stand to see her doing well. Now that Nianxi was born, the atmosphere at home was gradually improving. Perhaps this was the blessing that children bring.
Just then, a flurry of footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate, accompanied by the loud voice of their neighbor, Aunt Wang: "Wanqiu, Tingzhou, we've come to give Nianxi a full moon celebration gift!"
Lin Wanqiu quickly picked up Nianxi and stood up, walking to the door to greet them. There, she saw Aunt Wang carrying a basket of eggs, followed by several neighbors, each carrying various gifts—homewoven cloth, freshly dried red dates, and little shoes made for Nianxi. The gifts were piled up on the stone table by the door, like a small mountain.
"Aunt Wang, you're too kind. You've come all this way, bringing so many things." Lin Wanqiu quickly invited them into the house. "Come in and sit down. Tingzhou, quickly pour everyone a glass of water."
"Don't mention it. Nianxi's one-month celebration is a joyous occasion, and as her neighbors, we naturally had to come and share in the happiness." Aunt Wang smiled as she entered the house, her gaze falling on Nianxi. She couldn't help but praise, "Oh my, this girl is so pretty! Her eyes are so big and bright, just like yours, Wanqiu. She'll definitely grow up to be a beauty!"
The other neighbors chimed in, praising Nianxi one after another, and the house suddenly became lively. Shen Nian'an stood to the side, listening to everyone praise her sister, her face full of pride, and she would occasionally add, "My sister can also grab things; she was just holding onto my dad's finger and wouldn't let go!"
Lin Wanqiu hugged Nianxi and thanked everyone for their gifts, her heart filled with warmth. She knew that these neighbors had come to congratulate her sincerely. When she was first reborn, her family was so poor that they couldn't even afford to eat. It was these neighbors who would help her out from time to time, bringing her some food and vegetables. Now that she was doing well, everyone was genuinely happy for her.
Before long, more guests arrived, including workers from the workshop, comrades from the commune, and relatives from Lin Wanqiu's maternal side. The courtyard quickly filled with people, and laughter echoed throughout. Shen Tingzhou was busy greeting the guests, offering cigarettes and pouring tea; Shen Nian'an was playing hide-and-seek in the courtyard with several children about his age, their laughter ringing out from time to time; Old Mrs. Shen and Zhang Lan were busy in the kitchen, and the aroma wafting out made everyone's mouths water.
Lin Wanqiu, holding Nianxi in her arms, sat in the main seat of the hall, receiving everyone's congratulations. Looking at the lively scene before her, her heart was filled with happiness. In the past, she was an orphan in modern times and had never experienced such a joyous family gathering. Now, in this unfamiliar era, she not only had a loving husband, but also a sensible son and a lovely daughter, and so many caring relatives and friends. It all felt like an unreal dream, yet it was truly in her hands.
"Wanqiu, congratulations! This is a gift I prepared for Nianxi's one-month celebration, just a small token of my appreciation." A familiar voice came from inside. Lin Wanqiu looked up and saw it was Director Li from the commune. He was holding a red cloth bag and smiling as he handed it over. "I misunderstood you about the workshop last time, please don't take it to heart. I'm here today to congratulate Nianxi and to tell you that your workshop's business license has been approved. I'll have someone deliver it to you in a couple of days."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com