In early spring of 1992, the chill of winter was fading, and warmth was growing. Forsythia in the city were in full bloom, their tender yellow petals adorning the branches, swaying gracefully in the breeze and releasing a delicate fragrance. The plane trees lining the streets sprouted new green leaves, their buds gleaming in the sunlight, creating a vibrant scene of life everywhere. The Shen family chose this auspicious day of renewal to move into their new home. Their new home was located in the Happiness Community, where Lin Wanqiu's family lived, only two buildings away, truly fulfilling their wish of "living close by and looking out for each other."
On the day of the move, just as dawn was breaking, Shen Tingzhou and Shen Nian'an arrived at the small courtyard where Shen Laoda used to rent. The courtyard wasn't large, but it was clean and tidy. Packed luggage and furniture were piled up in the corner. Shen Laoda was busy carrying a large wardrobe onto a tricycle, and fine beads of sweat were already forming on his forehead. Zhang Lan was moving around inside and outside the house, carefully checking to make sure nothing was left behind. Old Mrs. Shen sat on a chair by the door, watching her busy family members with a contented smile on her face.
"Big brother, let me help you." Shen Tingzhou quickly stepped forward, took the wardrobe from Shen Laoda's hands, and easily carried it onto the tricycle. He was wearing a dark blue casual outfit, with an upright posture. Although he had deliberately reduced high-intensity activities after recovering from his injury, his military background was still there, and he was still steady and strong when doing physical labor.
Old Master Shen took a breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said with a smile, "Tingzhou, thank you for your hard work. If it weren't for you and Wanqiu helping us find a house and negotiate the price, we wouldn't have been able to move into such a nice house so quickly."
Shen Nian'an also stepped forward to help carry some of the lighter luggage, and said with a smile, "Uncle, don't be so polite, we're all family. Now that we live close by, it's only right that we help each other out."
Lin Wanqiu arrived with Shen Nianxi. She wore a light green knitted sweater and beige trousers, her long hair loosely tied back, making her look gentle yet capable. She carried a thermos filled with freshly cooked millet porridge and eggs, and said with a smile, "Big brother, sister-in-law, Mom, haven't you had breakfast yet? Have some porridge to tide you over. Moving is hard work, you can't go hungry."
Holding a rag doll, Shen Nianxi ran to Grandma Shen's side and said sweetly, "Grandma, we've come to help you move! We can play together more often now, and I can even dance my award-winning dance for you!"
Grandma Shen took Shen Nianxi's little hand, patted her head, and said with loving eyes, "Good, good, Nianxi is so good. Grandma will be able to see Nianxi dancing every day from now on. I'm so happy."
Zhang Lan took the thermos from Lin Wanqiu, a sheepish smile on her face: "Wanqiu, thank you for going to so much trouble again. Over the years, we've really been so grateful for your and Tingzhou's care; we don't know how to thank you enough."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, we're all family, so there's no need to be so formal. We'll live closer to each other in the future, and we can look after each other. Our lives will only get better and better."
As they spoke, the moving company's truck arrived. The workers quickly and efficiently loaded the furniture and luggage onto the truck, while Shen Tingzhou and Shen Laoda directed the operation, ensuring that every item was safely loaded. Lin Wanqiu sat with Old Lady Shen in the truck, offering her water and peeling oranges, taking meticulous care of her. Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi played nearby, occasionally helping to pass her small items, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
The convoy slowly drove towards Xingfu Residential Area, the road bustling with traffic and people, showcasing the city's prosperity and vitality. Looking out the window at the unfamiliar streets and skyscrapers, Old Mrs. Shen's eyes were filled with wonder and emotion. Having lived most of her life in the countryside, this was the first time she had lived in such a bustling place, and she felt both nervous and excited.
“Mom, we’ll settle down here from now on. The community has a nice environment and complete facilities, including a farmers market, supermarket, and hospital, making life very convenient.” Lin Wanqiu saw through Grandma Shen’s thoughts and said with a smile, “Once you’re familiar with the environment, you can take walks, chat, and practice Tai Chi with the other elderly people in the community. Life will definitely be very comfortable.”
Grandma Shen nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Wanqiu, thank you. I was foolish before and treated you badly, yet you are still so filial to me, I really..." As she spoke, her eyes reddened.
Lin Wanqiu held her hand and said gently, "Mom, the past is the past, let's not talk about it. We are family, we should be tolerant and take care of each other. Let's live a good life together from now on, that's more important than anything else."
Grandma Shen nodded vigorously, tears streaming down her face. Over the years, she had witnessed Lin Wanqiu transform from a wronged widow into a renowned entrepreneur, not only without holding a grudge against her past harshness but also consistently taking good care of her and Grandpa Shen's family. This magnanimity filled her with both guilt and gratitude.
When the convoy arrived at Xingfu Community, the sun was already high in the sky. The community was shaded by green trees, blooming with flowers, and neatly parked cars lined the clean and tidy roads. Elderly people were exercising in the fitness equipment area, and children were playing in the children's playground, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere everywhere.
The Shen family's new home is on the third floor. It's a two-bedroom apartment with excellent natural light and ventilation. The living room is spacious and bright, and the balcony offers views of the community's greenery. Both bedrooms are clean and tidy, with the furniture arranged neatly. Lin Wanqiu had already arranged for someone to renovate the apartment and furnish it with the necessary furniture and appliances, so the Shen family could move in immediately.
The workers carried the furniture and luggage upstairs, Lin Wanqiu and Zhang Lan were busy tidying up, Shen Tingzhou and Shen Laoda were installing the air conditioner and washing machine, Shen Nian'an was helping out, and Shen Nianxi was showing Grandma Shen around the house.
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