“Dad,” Shen Nian’an suddenly spoke, pausing his hand movements, “I plan to invest some money in my sister’s dance studio. Moreover, I also want to combine the studio’s promotion with our green food project. Dance emphasizes health and beauty, and our green food also emphasizes health and naturalness. Combining the two will definitely achieve a win-win effect.”
Shen Tingzhou raised an eyebrow, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and tied a neat knot in the hemp rope in his hand: "That's a good idea. The two siblings can do things better by working together. Nianxi is a strong-willed and enterprising girl, she's a good prospect. She loves to dance, if we can combine dance with our organic food, we might be able to find a new path."
Shen Nian'an smiled and nodded. He knew that his younger sister, Nianxi, had always had her own ideas and wasn't content to be just an ordinary dancer. She loved dance and she loved the land that nurtured her. Combining her studio with his organic food project would not only allow her to utilize her talents but also make her studio more unique—why not?
Lunch was exceptionally plentiful, featuring authentic farm-style dishes. Lin Wanqiu made stir-fried bok choy with her own homegrown bok choy; the aroma of minced garlic intertwined with the sweetness of the bok choy, creating a refreshing and delicious flavor. She also made scrambled eggs with ripe, juicy tomatoes and free-range eggs; the eggs were golden, and the tomatoes were sweet and sour—perfect for mixing with rice, making it easy to eat two extra bowls. She also stewed a pot of old hen soup; the chicken was stewed until tender, falling off the bone with a gentle touch, and the broth was rich and fragrant, sprinkled with chopped scallions, making it even more enticing. Shen Nianzu ate with great relish, his little belly round and full like a small ball. After the meal, he patted his belly and exclaimed, "Grandma's cooking is the best!" making the whole family laugh non-stop.
After dinner, the warm sunshine made everyone drowsy. Shen Nianzu was also a little sleepy, his little head nodding like a dozing penguin. Su Yue'e carried him to the bed in the guest room, covered him with a light blanket, and the little guy quickly fell asleep, a slight smile on his lips, probably still eating his grandmother's osmanthus cake in his dream.
The afternoon sun grew increasingly languid, like a gentle hand softly caressing the earth. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou sat in wicker chairs under the grape trellis, chairs handwoven by Shen Tingzhou himself, carrying the fragrance of bamboo. A pot of Biluochun tea sat before them, the tea leaves unfurling in the water, releasing a delicate aroma. Several plates of pastries, mung bean cakes and peach crisps made by Lin Wanqiu, sweet but not cloying. Shen Nian'an and Su Yue'e sat opposite them, while Shen Nianxi nestled beside Lin Wanqiu, engrossed in a dance magazine. Occasionally, a gentle breeze rustled the grape leaves, bringing a refreshing coolness. The grapevines had sprouted tender green buds, their tips still glistening with dew. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that fell to the ground like scattered gold, like fireflies.
"Xi'er," Lin Wanqiu gently patted Shen Nianxi's hand, her tone filled with concern, "Is everything arranged for the studio? Do you want Mom to go check out the venue for you?"
Shen Nianxi looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Mom. We've found a venue, and we're just waiting to sign the contract. The interior design drawings are also finished, and we can start construction in a few days." She paused, then added, "I also plan to hire a few experienced dance teachers and some children who love dancing. Once the studio opens, I'll definitely invite you to our first performance."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, her eyes full of anticipation: "Okay, Mom will definitely go. Mom wants to see how my daughter leads a group of children to shine on stage."
A bright smile spread across Shen Nianxi's face. She knew that her parents always looked forward to seeing her perform, whether it was in the dance troupe or in her future studio; they would always be her most loyal audience.
The afternoon passed quietly in warm conversation. The setting sun painted the sky a vibrant orange-red, like a richly colored oil painting, magnificent and grand. Shen Nian'an and Su Yue'e left with Shen Nianzu, and Shen Nianxi, reluctantly bidding farewell to her parents to check on the renovation site, hugged Lin Wanqiu's neck before leaving and softly said, "Mom, I'll definitely tell you first when the studio opens."
"Okay, Mom will wait." Lin Wanqiu ruffled her daughter's hair, her eyes filled with reluctance.
“Oh, right,” Lin Wanqiu suddenly remembered something, looked up at Shen Tingzhou, her eyes full of seriousness, “Nianxi’s studio is about to open, shouldn’t we prepare a gift?”
Shen Tingzhou nodded, reached out and took her hand, his palm warm and firm: "Of course we'll prepare. I've already decided, I'll send her a plaque that says 'Blooming Beauty'."
Looking into his eyes, Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth spread through her heart, like she was holding a warm stove. She knew that no matter when or where, he would always be by her side, her strongest support and her warmest harbor.
As night deepened, countless stars twinkled across the inky blue sky, like scattered diamonds. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou sat side by side under the grape trellis, gazing at the starry expanse, reminiscing about the past and sharing their hopes for the future. A gentle evening breeze carried the sweet scent of osmanthus blossoms and the tranquility of time.
Meanwhile, Chen Nianxi sat at her desk, pen in hand, diligently revising drawings. Under the lamplight, her profile was gentle yet resolute, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future. She knew that her dance studio was not just the starting point of a dream, but also a vessel for its legacy. She wanted to guide children who loved dance, helping them blossom on stage, and to let that love for dance, like dandelion seeds, fly to farther places.
Meanwhile, Chen Nian sat comfortably in his spacious, bright office, the city lights twinkling outside the window. He looked at the green food research and development plan on his desk, then at the promotional materials for his dance studio beside him, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. He knew that his sister's dance studio and his own green food project were both continuations of his mother's long-held wishes. He would dedicate himself wholeheartedly to working with his sister to make these two projects a success, ensuring that the names of Wanqiu Food Workshop and Fanghua Dance Studio would resonate throughout the country and reach a wider world. And in the near future, when Lin Wanqiu celebrates her 80th birthday, four generations of their family would gather in this small courtyard to celebrate those years filled with struggle and glory, and to savor this hard-won happiness and well-being.
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