As dusk completely enveloped the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade, the dim yellow light of a kerosene lamp finally illuminated the window of Lin Wanqiu's new home. The light filtered through the cracks in the window, which was covered with fine cotton paper, casting a gentle halo around the courtyard. It made the newly built blue brick walls appear even more warm and inviting, and even the few holly bushes planted in the corner seemed to be coated with a layer of warm, sugary frost.
Shen Nian'an lay on the threshold of the small east hut, her little hands gripping the doorframe, her eyes fixed intently on the newly made wooden bed inside. The bed frame was made of old elm wood specially chosen by Shen Tingzhou, polished smooth and shiny, with even the edges carefully rounded to prevent the child from getting hurt. The small desk at the foot of the bed was the same style, its surface covered with a layer of light brown varnish, emitting a soft glow under the kerosene lamp. Lin Wanqiu was squatting beside the bed, neatly spreading out a thin quilt embroidered with a small tiger pattern—this quilt was made by her a few days ago during a free night, using fine cotton cloth taken from her spatial storage, and sewing it overnight according to the style of a modern children's quilt, with fine stitches, even the tiger's whiskers were embroidered clearly.
"Mommy, are the eyes of this little tiger embroidered with red thread?" Shen Nian'an finally couldn't resist. He tiptoed to the bedside and gently touched the tiger's eyes on the quilt with his little fingers, afraid of damaging the beautiful pattern. His voice still carried a trace of excitement, and he spoke faster than usual. His little face was flushed with excitement, like a ripe apple.
Lin Wanqiu looked up at her son, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind his ear. Her fingertips touched his warm skin, and her heart melted. "Yes," she said, "Mother specially chose the brightest red thread, so that when Nian'an sleeps at night, the little tiger can keep you company, just like Mother is by your side." She remembered when she was first reborn, this child was so thin he was practically skin and bones, even his voice was soft and delicate. Now, however, he was so vibrant, snuggling up to her and acting all cute. Suddenly, her eyes welled up with tears. This new house and new bed were not only providing her child with a stable place to live, but also a warm ending to her tumultuous rebirth.
Shen Tingzhou carried in a basin of warm water. Seeing the mother and son huddled together by the bed, a smile unconsciously curved his lips. He placed the basin next to the small desk, bent down, and patted Shen Nian'an's head: "Nian'an, wash your face and feet first, then play in bed, okay? Otherwise, if you fall asleep later, Little Tiger will think you're dirty." His voice was much gentler than usual, carrying the composure unique to soldiers, yet concealing an imperceptible tenderness—he used to feel he owed this child too much, but now, seeing him with his own room, laughing so carefree, the long-suppressed guilt in his heart finally began to dissipate.
Upon hearing that "the little tiger thinks it's dirty," Shen Nian'an immediately ran obediently to the basin and reached out his little hand to splash water. Lin Wanqiu quickly pressed his hand down, smiling and saying, "Slow down, the water's just been mixed, don't splash it on your clothes." She picked up a cloth beside her, dipped it in warm water, and gently wiped her son's cheeks and neck, then carefully washed his little hands and feet. Shen Nian'an stood obediently, but his eyes kept glancing at the little wooden bed, as if afraid that in the blink of an eye, the pretty little bed would disappear.
After washing his face and feet, Chen Nian'an eagerly climbed onto his little wooden bed, imitating the adults by pulling the blanket up to his chest, leaving only his round little head sticking out. He glanced at the teddy bear hanging by the bedside—Lin Wanqiu had taken it from her spatial storage, and it was now sitting on his pillow, as if keeping him company—and then at the several comic books in the desk drawer. His grin widened even further: "Mom, Dad, look, I have my own little bed now, and my own books. I don't have to share a bed with you anymore!"
“Yes, our Nian’an has grown up and has his own little world now.” Lin Wanqiu sat on the edge of the bed, gently patting his blanket. “From now on, Nian’an can write and read picture books at his desk. If he misses his mother, he can just call out and she’ll come right away.” As she spoke, she was already planning in her mind to take some colored pencils and drawing paper from her space when she had some free time in a few days. Lately, the child has been fond of drawing little flowers and grass on the ground. With drawing paper, he can draw quietly at his desk.
Shen Tingzhou sat down at the desk, picked up a comic book, and flipped through it. It was a copy of "Little Soldier Zhang Ga," the pages slightly yellowed, but Lin Wanqiu had specifically found it for him—she thought that since Shen Tingzhou was a soldier, reading such books would help the child learn courage. He pointed to the illustrations in the book and asked Shen Nian'an, "Nian'an, look how brave Little Soldier Zhang Ga is! You should be like him and protect your mother when you grow up, okay?"
“Okay!” Shen Nian’an immediately sat up straight, his little fists clenched tightly. “I want to be as brave as Brother Ga Zi in the future, and I also want to protect Mom and Dad!” He said it seriously, his little face full of determination, which made Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou laugh.
Before they knew it, the night outside the window had grown even darker. The chickens in the yard had long since gone back to their roosts, and only the occasional bark of a dog could be heard, making the house even quieter. Lin Wanqiu looked at the sky outside the window, then touched Shen Nian'an's forehead and said softly, "Nian'an, it's getting late. You should go to sleep. You have to get up early tomorrow to collect eggs with Hu Zi from Aunt Li's family."
“But Mother, I’m not sleepy yet.” Shen Nian’an held Lin Wanqiu’s hand and shook it gently. “I want to look at my little room again. This is my room. I love it so much that I can’t sleep.” There was a hint of grievance in his voice, as if he was afraid that if he fell asleep, all this beauty would turn into a dream.
Lin Wanqiu's heart softened; she knew the child was just too excited. She turned to look at Shen Tingzhou, and the two smiled at each other. Shen Tingzhou said, "Then Daddy will tell you a little story. After the story, we'll go to sleep, okay?"
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