In the spring of 1987, the morning light flowed through the Shen family courtyard like melting honey, warming the blue brick floor. The crabapple tree transplanted the previous year in the corner had sprouted new branches, pink and white buds adorning its tips, trembling gently in the breeze, as if eager to embrace the spring sunshine. Lin Wanqiu sat in a wicker chair under the grape trellis, her hand lightly resting on her slightly protruding belly, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Shen Tingzhou approached with a bowl of freshly warmed bird's nest porridge, carefully helping her sit up straight, his voice so gentle it could melt water: "Wanqiu, drink slowly, be careful it's hot."
A few bright red goji berries floated in the porridge bowl, their warm aroma lingering in the air. Lin Wanqiu sipped her porridge, her gaze falling on the open space not far away—Shen Nian'an was squatting there, explaining math problems to his younger sister, Shen Nianxi. Sunlight filtered through the grape leaves, casting dappled shadows on his blue and white school uniform. The twelve-year-old boy had grown to Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, the childishness gone, replaced by a more mature air. Only when he spoke of math did his eyes retain the fervor of youth. Shen Nianxi sat on a small stool, clutching a rag doll, listening intently, occasionally tilting her head to ask, "Brother, why is this formula used like this?" Her soft voice was like a feather brushing against one's heart.
"Nian'an, that child, is truly dedicated to math." Lin Wanqiu put down her bowl of porridge, her fingertips gently tracing the rim, her eyes filled with satisfaction. Since entering junior high school last autumn, Shen Nian'an's math scores had consistently ranked first in his grade. Last month, he even represented the school in the provincial math competition, winning a second-place award. Remembering how thin he was when she first transmigrated, barely daring to speak loudly, and now a confident and cheerful young man, a warm feeling welled up in Lin Wanqiu's heart—this was the happiness she had strived so hard to protect, a fulfillment earned through countless days and nights of hard work.
Shen Tingzhou followed her gaze, a smile playing on his lips. "Whatever you say, you're reliable and conscientious in your work." He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Lin Wanqiu's ear, his fingertips brushing against her earlobe. The warm touch made them both pause slightly, then they smiled at each other. Since their wedding ceremony last year, their understanding had deepened. No words were needed; a single glance was enough for them to understand each other. Shen Tingzhou looked at her slightly protruding belly, his eyes filled with anticipation. "The doctor said you'll give birth in three months. If it's a girl, we'll name her Nianyao, to make a pair with Nianxi, 'Xiyao.' If it's a boy, we'll name him Nianheng. I hope he'll have a safe and smooth delivery."
“Nianyao, Nianheng, both are beautiful names.” Lin Wanqiu leaned on his shoulder, the faint scent of soap wafting from him, her heart filled with peace. She remembered the joy she felt last winter when she learned she was pregnant—that day, she had just returned from the food market when she suddenly felt nauseous. Shen Tingzhou was so worried that he immediately took her to the hospital. When the doctor smiled and said, “Congratulations, you’re two months pregnant,” this usually composed man’s eyes welled up with tears. He held her hand and repeatedly said, “That’s wonderful, Wanqiu, that’s wonderful.” After returning home, Shen Nian’an and Shen Nianxi doted on her even more. One said, “Mom, I’ll help you with the housework,” and the other said, “Mom, I’ll tell my younger brother and sister stories.” Even Grandma Shen specially rushed back from the park to make chicken soup to nourish her body, and kept reminding her, “Don’t overwork yourself, and don’t touch cold water.”
As they were talking, Old Mrs. Shen returned from outside carrying a bamboo basket filled with fresh shepherd's purse and bamboo shoots. "Wanqiu, quickly try the shepherd's purse I just dug; it's very tender. I'll make shepherd's purse dumplings for you at noon." Old Mrs. Shen placed the basket on the stone table and gently touched Lin Wanqiu's lower abdomen, her movements as tender as if she were handling a rare treasure. In the past year or so, she seemed like a different person. Her former meanness and sharp tongue had vanished, replaced by kindness and gentleness. Every day, besides taking a walk in the park, she would think about how to cook delicious meals for Lin Wanqiu. Even the neighbors would laugh and say, "Old Mrs. Shen now loves her daughter-in-law more than her own mother."
Lin Wanqiu grasped Old Lady Shen's hand and said with a smile, "Mother, don't tire yourself out. Digging for wild vegetables is hard work." Old Lady Shen patted her hand, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepening. "It's not hard work. Seeing you and the children doing well makes me happier than anything else. Back then, I was so foolish, always thinking you were an outsider and targeting you at every turn. Now, thinking back, I truly regret it to the core." As she spoke, her voice choked slightly. "If it weren't for your kindness and forgiving nature, how could this old body of mine enjoy such great blessings?"
Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth in her heart and gently patted Old Mrs. Shen's hand: "Mother, let's not dwell on the past. We're family now, and living a good life is the most important thing." Old Mrs. Shen nodded, wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and turned to busy herself in the kitchen. Watching her retreating figure, Lin Wanqiu was filled with emotion—she had once thought that this mother-in-law would be the biggest obstacle in her life, but unexpectedly, she had become the family member who loved her the most. Perhaps this is life; it always surprises you unexpectedly, making you realize that all your efforts will eventually be rewarded.
When the shepherd's purse dumplings were served at noon, their aroma instantly filled the entire house. Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi couldn't wait any longer, each holding a pair of chopsticks, their eyes fixed on the plate. Shen Tingzhou first put a dumpling on Lin Wanqiu's plate, then one on Grandma Shen's plate, smiling as he said, "Mom, you should try some too. Your dumplings are the best." Grandma Shen beamed, taking a bite of the dumpling. The tender shepherd's purse filling burst in her mouth, a taste of spring: "Delicious! Homemade dumplings are the best."
At the dinner table, Shen Nian'an's eyes lit up when she mentioned the school's spring outing: "Dad, Mom, we're going to the botanical garden in the suburbs for our spring outing. The teacher said we can bring family members. Can you come with me?" Shen Nianxi immediately raised her hand: "I want to go too! I want to see the peonies!" Lin Wanqiu looked at Shen Tingzhou and said with a smile: "Sure, I also want to go out for a walk and get some fresh air." Shen Tingzhou nodded: "No problem, I'll drive you there, and we'll prepare some food. We'll have a great day."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com