In the golden autumn of October, the sky is high and the clouds are light. The clear sky is like a sapphire that has been carefully polished by an artisan, spotless. The warm sun pours down, gilding the white walls and gray tiles of the suburban villa covered with green vines with a golden halo. Even the two vigorous and upright osmanthus trees at the gate seem to be wearing a golden robe. The delicate golden osmanthus petals fall softly, covering the bluestone path. The air is filled with a rich and sweet fragrance that is refreshing and invigorating.
Today is Lin Wanqiu's 80th birthday.
The villa, inside and out, had been completely renovated. Bright red lanterns hung under the eaves, swaying gently in the breeze. Auspicious longevity characters adorned the clean glass windows. On the rosewood octagonal table in the center of the living room sat a three-tiered longevity peach cake, its cream frosting exquisite and delicate, each plump peach lifelike. Fresh seasonal fruits were also scattered around it, their aromas mingling with the scent of milk, making one's mouth water.
As dawn broke, the courtyard was already bustling with activity. Shen Tingzhou, dressed in a dark blue Zhongshan suit, his hair meticulously combed, the silver strands gleaming warmly in the sunlight, was personally directing the servants in arranging the courtyard. Though a hint of weariness from the busy work lingered in his eyes, he couldn't hide the joy and pride that emanated from his heart. His gaze would occasionally drift towards the bedroom on the second floor, where his beloved wife, with whom he had shared more than half a century, resided—the most cherished treasure of his life.
"Grandpa, Grandpa, take a rest. Leave these chores to us young people!" Shen Nianzu, dressed in a sharp suit, held a cute little baby in his arms. That was his son, the eldest grandson of the Shen family, and the fourth generation of the family. The little guy had just turned one year old. He was dressed in a bright red Tang suit, with a chubby face. He was looking around curiously with his big, dark eyes, babbling and occasionally reaching out his chubby little hands to grab the pocket square on Shen Nianzu's chest.
Shen Tingzhou turned around and looked at the energetic grandfather and grandson in front of him. A gentle smile instantly appeared in his cloudy eyes. He reached out and gently rubbed the baby's head. His voice was a little hoarse, but full of love: "Grandpa is not tired. Today is your great-grandmother's big day. Grandpa will personally decorate the yard beautifully so that she will be happy."
As they were talking, the bedroom door on the second floor was gently pushed open. Lin Wanqiu was wearing a crimson silk cheongsam, embroidered with lifelike longevity symbols, and the collar and cuffs were trimmed with delicate piping, making her appear vigorous and radiant despite her advanced age. Her hair was carefully styled into a bun, adorned with a jade hairpin, and her face wore a gentle smile, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes filled with the tenderness and kindness that comes with age. Shen Nian'an and Su Yue'e supported her on either side, both wearing respectful and joyful smiles.
"Mom, why did you come down? Go back to your room and rest. We're here." Su Yue'e quickly stepped forward, carefully supporting Lin Wanqiu's arm, her tone full of concern.
Lin Wanqiu smiled and waved her hand, her gaze slowly sweeping over every corner of the courtyard. Looking at the bright red lanterns, the golden osmanthus petals scattered on the ground, and the familiar smiling faces, an indescribable warmth welled up in her heart. She gently patted Su Yue'e's hand, her voice gentle yet firm: "I'm not tired. Today is a good day. I want to see all my children gathered around me, celebrating my birthday in a lively and joyous way."
No sooner had she finished speaking than a clear car horn sounded outside the courtyard gate. Immediately afterward, Shen Nianxi, carrying an exquisite gift box, strode in. She wore a light pink dress, her figure still slender, though her eyes showed a hint of travel-worn weariness, which couldn't hide her joy. Behind her followed her husband and their two children; her daughter had grown into a graceful young woman, and her son a handsome young man. Both carried carefully prepared gifts, their faces beaming with smiles.
"Mom! May you have boundless happiness and longevity!" Shen Nianxi walked quickly to Lin Wanqiu, grasped her hand tightly, her eyes slightly red, and her voice choked with emotion, "Look, I brought all the children to celebrate your birthday!"
Lin Wanqiu looked at her two grandchildren, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears. She reached out a trembling hand and gently stroked the girl's cheek, then patted the boy's shoulder, her voice filled with excitement: "Good, good, good, you've both grown up, and you're getting more and more handsome. Come on in and sit down, it's windy outside."
As they spoke, more guests arrived in the courtyard. Among them were capable employees from Shen Nian'an Company, outstanding students from Shen Nianxi Dance Studio, and many old neighbors from the Hongqi Production Brigade. They had all witnessed Lin Wanqiu's transformation from a pitiful widow into a respected entrepreneur. Each person wore a sincere blessing and held carefully prepared gifts. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the courtyard, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
The living room was filled with warmth and affection. Lin Wanqiu sat in the center of the room, surrounded by everyone, with Shen Tingzhou beside her. The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of understanding and tenderness. Shen Nian'an and Su Yue'e were busy greeting guests, serving tea and water, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Shen Nianxi chatted with her mother, recounting interesting stories from the studio and the children's growth. Shen Nianzu held his son, making the little guy giggle, his clear laughter like a spring flowing into everyone's hearts.
"Great-Grandma, Great-Grandma, have a longevity peach!" The little baby was carried by Shen Nianzu to Lin Wanqiu. The little guy stretched out his chubby little hand, grabbed a longevity peach, and tremblingly held it to Lin Wanqiu's mouth, babbling, "Great-Grandma, live a long and healthy life!"
本小章还未完，请点击下一页继续阅读后面精彩内容！
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com