The autumn morning light, like crumpled gold foil, filtered through the layers of sycamore leaves, casting dappled shadows on the cement road of the Hongqi Production Brigade. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, mingled with the rich aroma of ripe grains from the distant fields, creating a breathtaking autumn scene. Shen Nian'an rode a brand-new Forever brand bicycle, with a smiling Su Wanqing on the back. The two traveled slowly along the country road carpeted with fallen leaves, the wheels rustling softly over the leaves, like a lighthearted love song.
Su Wanqing wore a pale white polyester shirt paired with a navy blue khaki skirt. Her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, with a small white jasmine flower tucked behind her ear—the very one Shen Nian'an had specially picked for her a few days earlier. She gently wrapped her arms around Shen Nian'an's waist, her cheeks slightly flushed, her gaze curiously taking in the scenery along the way—heavy ears of rice bowed low on the paddy fields, unknown wildflowers bloomed freely along the edges, and wisps of smoke rose from the scattered farmhouses in the distance, occasionally punctuated by the crows of roosters and the barks of dogs. Everything exuded a simple and vibrant atmosphere, completely different from the hustle and bustle of the provincial capital.
"The scenery here is so beautiful, like a painting," Su Wanqing exclaimed softly, her voice as melodious as a mountain stream. Having grown up in the provincial capital, she had never experienced the autumn scenery of the countryside so closely before. The fresh air made her take a few deep breaths, and her smile grew even brighter.
Shen Nian'an's grip on the handlebars tightened slightly, a mixture of indescribable joy and nervousness welling up inside him. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Su Wanqing's smiling profile. The morning light cast a soft glow on her fair skin, and her long eyelashes fluttered gently like butterfly wings, making her breathtakingly beautiful. "Later, I'll take you to see my mother's vegetable garden. There are lots of fresh vegetables, and your favorite strawberries, which are just ripe this season." His voice was gentle, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation. "My mother has also prepared a lot of delicious food for you, all of her specialties."
"Won't this be too much trouble for Uncle and Aunt?" Su Wanqing said somewhat shyly, her fingers gently twisting the hem of her clothes. It was her first time visiting her elders, and she couldn't help feeling a little nervous. She worried that her behavior might not be appropriate, and she feared disappointing Shen Nian'an's parents. Before setting off, she made sure to wear her most presentable clothes and had her mother prepare a carefully chosen gift—a bottle of royal jelly that her father had treasured for many years, and a pair of pillowcases she had embroidered herself, decorated with a double lotus flower pattern, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
"It's no trouble at all. My parents are really looking forward to seeing you." Shen Nian'an sensed her nervousness, slowed down the car, and spoke in an even gentler tone. "My mother often says that it's my blessing to have met such an excellent and kind girl like you. You don't need to feel any pressure. Just make yourself at home here."
As they spoke, the bicycle arrived at the Shen family's gate. It was a spacious and bright courtyard house with walls made of blue bricks, covered with lush green ivy. Two pots of blooming chrysanthemums, one golden and the other snow-white, stood on either side of the gate, creating a charming contrast. The courtyard was paved with smooth cement. Several fruit trees grew on the east side, their branches laden with bright red apples and golden pears, emitting an enticing fragrance. On the west side was a vibrant vegetable garden, with lush green vegetables, bright red peppers, and glistening purple eggplants, a dazzling array of thriving produce.
Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were already waiting at the courtyard gate. Lin Wanqiu wore a navy blue corduroy jacket, her hair was neatly combed, and a gentle smile graced her face, her eyes brimming with anticipation and joy. She had gotten up early to tidy the courtyard and changed into her newly made clothes, hoping to leave a good impression on her future daughter-in-law. Shen Tingzhou, on the other hand, wore a sharp Zhongshan suit, his posture upright and his face handsome. His usually serious expression softened, and his gaze, when it fell on Su Wanqing, held a mixture of scrutiny and satisfaction.
"Father, Mother, we're back." Shen Nian'an stopped the car and carefully helped Su Wanqing out, his voice filled with undisguised excitement.
Su Wanqing quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou. Her voice was clear and respectful: "Uncle, Aunt, hello! My name is Su Wanqing. It's a pleasure to meet you." She handed over the prepared gift with both hands, her cheeks slightly flushed, but her eyes were very sincere. "It's just a small gift, nothing special. I hope you like it."
Lin Wanqiu quickly stepped forward, accepting the gift with a beaming smile, and carefully examined Su Wanqing's hand. The girl was beautiful, with delicate features, a gentle temperament, clear eyes, and graceful manners; she was clearly a well-educated and sensible young woman, perfectly matching Lin Wanqiu's expectations. "Miss Wanqing, please come in and sit down. You must be tired from your journey," Lin Wanqiu said in a voice so gentle it could melt water, holding Su Wanqing's hand tightly. "You silly child, you've come all this way, why bring a gift? It's too formal."
Shen Tingzhou nodded, his tone calm and gentle: "Welcome to my home. Please come inside; it's windy outside."
The group entered the main room, which was simply yet warmly furnished. A square table stood in the center, surrounded by several solid wood chairs. On the wall hung an embroidered painting of "Pine and Crane for Longevity," hand-embroidered by Lin Wanqiu. A black-and-white television set, a rarity in those days, sat on a cabinet in the corner, next to a radio that occasionally played melodious opera tunes.
Lin Wanqiu pulled Su Wanqing to sit down in a chair and hurriedly asked Shen Nian'an to pour tea: "Nian'an, quickly pour Wanqing a cup of chrysanthemum tea. I saw that she liked to drink this when she came to the factory last time." She then turned to Su Wanqing and said, "These chrysanthemums are grown by myself and pickled with honey. They taste fragrant and sweet. Try them and see if you like them."
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