In early winter of 1985, a light snowfall blanketed Hongqi Commune, covering the fields and rooftops in a pristine white. Only the bare branches of the old locust tree at the village entrance pointed towards the sky, exuding a sense of desolation. Old Shen, carrying half a sack of freshly ground flour, trudged home through the snow, his cotton boots crunching on the ground, his breath quickly dissipating in the cold air. Thinking of the drafty roof of his house and the children's red, frostbitten hands, he couldn't help but sigh—this was the old house he and Shen Tingzhou had lived in as children, with peeling paint and drafty doors and windows. Every winter, the whole family had to bundle up in thick cotton-padded coats just to get through.
"Honey, you're back!" Outside the courtyard gate, his wife Wang Guiying was standing on tiptoe, looking around. When she saw Shen Laoda, she quickly went to greet him and took the flour sack. "Tingzhou called earlier and said he has something important to discuss with you. He wants you to call back!"
Old Master Shen's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly went into the house. There was no stove lit inside, and the cold seeped straight to his bones. The two children were doing their homework around the kang table, their little hands so frozen they could barely hold their pens. He rubbed his numb hands, walked to the table, and picked up the phone, his fingers trembling slightly with nervousness. Since Old Madam Shen passed away and Zhang Lan was divorced and sent back to her parents' home, their relationship with Shen Tingzhou's family had improved somewhat, but Shen Tingzhou was now a cadre in the city and had married the capable Lin Wanqiu, living a prosperous life. He always felt there was a barrier between the two families, and he wondered what the sudden phone call was about.
"Hey, Tingzhou, it's your older brother." Shen Laoda's voice was a little reserved.
Shen Tingzhou's gentle voice came from the other end of the phone: "Big brother, how's everything at home lately? It's so cold, are the kids warm?"
"Everything's fine, everything's fine, the children are all well," Elder Shen said quickly. "You said you had something important to discuss with me, is something wrong?"
“It’s like this,” Shen Tingzhou paused, his tone becoming somewhat serious, “After Wanqiu and I moved to the city, our old house has been empty and easily damaged without anyone looking after it. Wanqiu and I discussed it and were thinking of having your family move there so you could help us look after the house. What do you think?”
Old Master Shen froze, nearly dropping the phone. Thinking he'd misheard, he quickly asked, "Tingzhou, you...you're telling the truth? That house belongs to you and Wanqiu, how can we live there?"
“Brother, you’re being too polite.” Shen Tingzhou’s voice remained gentle. “We’re brothers, and it’s a waste for the house to be empty. You can move in and improve your lives while also helping us look after the house. It’s a win-win situation. Besides, Wanqiu said that you can use all the furniture and household items in the house, so don’t be shy.”
After hanging up the phone, Boss Shen stood there, stunned, his heart pounding. Wang Guiying leaned closer, her eyes full of anticipation: "Honey, what did Tingzhou say? Is there any good news?"
"Brother Tingzhou... Brother Tingzhou wants us to move into his and Wanqiu's old house!" Old Master Shen's voice trembled, too excited to speak coherently. "That house is big and warm, and it even has a yard. The children won't have to suffer from the cold anymore!"
Wang Guiying was stunned, and tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped her eyes and choked out, "Really? That's wonderful! The children can finally have a warm house!" The two children also stopped writing, their eyes filled with joy. The youngest son, Shen Xiaobao, couldn't help but ask, "Dad, can we really move to the big courtyard? Can we build a snowman in the yard?"
Old Master Shen nodded vigorously and reached out to pat his son's head: "Yes! Yes! We'll pack our things tomorrow and move over as soon as possible!"
The next morning, the Shen family began packing. Wang Guiying carefully folded the old clothes and bedding, while Shen Laoda busied himself repairing the damaged wooden chest. The two children helped pack their books and toys, creating a busy yet joyful scene inside. When the neighbors heard they were moving to Shen Tingzhou's old house, they all came to help. Some helped move furniture, others brought homemade pickled vegetables, constantly expressing their envy: "Laoda, you're so lucky! Tingzhou and Wanqiu are such kind people!"
As he thanked them, Old Man Shen was filled with gratitude. He knew that Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu had given them such a nice house not only because of their brotherhood, but also because Lin Wanqiu was kind-hearted and didn't look down on their poor circumstances. Thinking of this, he secretly made up his mind to take good care of the house and repay them properly in the future.
The day they moved to the old house, the sun shone exceptionally brightly. The snow gradually melted under the sunlight, and the air carried a touch of warmth. The Shen family walked into the courtyard, and seeing the spacious yard, the neat house, and the morning glory vines still clinging to the walls, they couldn't help but smile. Wang Guiying went inside, touching the clean walls and sturdy doors and windows, and tears welled up in her eyes again—this was the best house she had ever lived in. It was not only spacious and bright, but also had a stove, making the house warm and cozy; she would never have to suffer from the cold again.
"Mom, look! There's a small kitchen here!" Shen Xiaobao pulled Wang Guiying's hand and ran into the small kitchen next door. It was fully equipped with pots, pans, and utensils, and there was also a brand-new coal stove. "From now on, we can cook here, and we won't have to build a stove in the house anymore!"
Old Master Shen entered the east wing and saw a large kang (heated brick bed), a wardrobe, and a desk—it was the room Shen Nian'an used to live in. He touched the desk, his heart filled with emotion—Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu not only let them live there but also left them all the furniture; he would never forget this kindness.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate. Old Shen looked up and saw Li Xiulian and several workers from the food workshop carrying baskets filled with sesame crisps, jujube paste cakes, and some vegetables. "Brother Shen, we heard you moved here, so we came to see you and bring you some food," Li Xiulian said with a smile. "Director Lin specifically instructed us to take good care of you. If you need any help, just let us know."
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