Lin Wanqiu leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder and said softly, "Old Shen, we are family, and it is only right that we support each other. Although Mother has passed away, we will always keep her last wishes in our hearts. In the future, we will not only live our own lives well, but also do more public welfare work to help more people in need, so that Mother's kindness can continue."
Shen Tingzhou nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you. By the way, Nian'an seems to have something on his mind lately, he's always absent-minded, have you asked him what's wrong?"
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "I asked him. This child has grown up and has his own little secrets. He said he has a girl he likes, who is his classmate named Su Xiaoya. She is very well-behaved and sensible, and she is also very good at studying. Nian'an said that he wants to get engaged to Xiaoya after graduation."
A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Tingzhou's eyes: "Oh? Really? That's wonderful. Nian'an has been sensible since he was little. Now that he has a girl he likes, we as parents should support him."
Lin Wanqiu nodded: "Yes, I've talked to Xiaoya's parents, and they're very satisfied with Nian'an. I'm thinking of holding an engagement ceremony for them after Nian'an graduates, and setting the wedding date for the following spring. Spring is a season of renewal and good fortune, which also symbolizes their new life, full of hope like spring."
Shen Tingzhou grasped Lin Wanqiu's hand, a long-lost smile appearing on his face: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Once Nian'an is engaged, our family will be even more complete. Mother in heaven will be very happy to see Nian'an find her happiness."
Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing the two of them in a gentle, tranquil glow. The soft lighting in the living room illuminated their smiling faces. Although Grandma Shen's passing had brought sorrow to the family, life had to go on, and happiness awaited them just around the corner.
Shen Nian'an's engagement ceremony drew near amidst everyone's anticipation. The workers at Shenji Food Factory were all happy for Shen Nian'an and offered their blessings. The villagers in the brigade also knew the good news and were all looking forward to drinking Shen Nian'an's engagement wine.
Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou began to busy themselves with preparations for their engagement ceremony. They didn't go to great lengths; they simply invited relatives and friends from both sides, as well as some villagers from the brigade, to hold a simple and warm engagement ceremony in the auditorium of Shenji Food Factory.
On the day of the engagement ceremony, the sun shone brightly under a cloudless sky. The auditorium of Shenji Food Factory was brightly decorated with red lanterns and ribbons, and the air was filled with a festive atmosphere. Guests arrived in an endless stream, all with smiles on their faces, to congratulate Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu.
Shen Nian'an, dressed in a sharp Zhongshan suit, looked handsome and composed. He stood at the entrance of the auditorium, warmly welcoming the guests who had come to offer their congratulations, his face beaming with a happy smile. Su Xiaoya, wearing a pink dress and with two braids, had a faint blush on her face, appearing shy and beautiful. She stood beside Shen Nian'an, glancing at him from time to time, her eyes filled with admiration and shyness.
Wearing a red dress, Shen Nianxi, like a happy little butterfly, ran around the hall, helping to greet the guests. She looked at her brother and future sister-in-law with a joyful smile, constantly calling out "Brother, Sister-in-law," eliciting laughter from the guests.
Lin Wanqiu wore a lake-blue silk dress, her hair styled in an elegant updo, and her face lightly made up, making her appear graceful and poised. She moved among the guests, warmly greeting everyone, her face beaming with happiness. Shen Tingzhou, dressed in a crisp military uniform, looked imposing and handsome. He followed beside Lin Wanqiu, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with the guests, his eyes filled with doting affection and pride for his family.
The engagement ceremony officially began amidst laughter and joy. Zhao Jianguo, the brigade secretary, served as the officiant and delivered a passionate speech, wishing Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya a lifetime of happiness and union. Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu also spoke, expressing their blessings and hopes for the couple. Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya then went on stage to offer tea to their parents, expressing their gratitude for their upbringing.
The moment Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya exchanged engagement rings, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, bathing the couple in a golden glow, making them appear incredibly happy and sweet.
Lin Wanqiu gazed at the blissful scene before her, her heart filled with contentment. She recalled the beginning of her rebirth, when she and the frail Nian'an endured endless hardship in the Shen family. It was the spatial dimension that gave her hope, and it was her own hard work that brought her and her child a better life. She remembered Shen Tingzhou's "resurrection," how the two went from initial misunderstandings to working side-by-side, fighting villains, building wealth, and protecting their family. She remembered Nianxi's transformation from a naive little girl into a gold medalist in the National Children's Dance Competition, Nian'an's displayed mathematical talent, Old Mrs. Shen's dying confession and last wishes, and how this family gradually moved towards happiness and fulfillment.
Tears blurred Lin Wanqiu's vision again, but this time, they were tears of happiness. She knew that there would be more challenges and difficulties in the future, but as long as the family worked together, cared for each other, and supported one another, they would surely overcome all difficulties and live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Shen Tingzhou walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, gently took her hand, and said with tenderness and affection in his eyes, "Wanqiu, thank you. Because of you, this family is so happy."
Lin Wanqiu leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, a happy smile on her face: "Old Shen, we are family, no need to thank me. In the future, we will work together to make our lives better and better, so that our children can grow up healthy and happy, and so that Mother's spirit in heaven can feel gratified."
The laughter and joy in the hall continued, a festive atmosphere permeating every corner. The sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze blew, and this loving family, after weathering the storms, finally ushered in a bright future for them. The engagement of Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya added new hope and happiness to this family, foreshadowing a future as vibrant and full of life as spring.
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