Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, gently bathing the two of them. Lin Wanqiu leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, her heart filled with peace and happiness. She knew that this trip to Beijing had not only witnessed her daughter's growth and blossoming but had also filled her with even greater anticipation for the future.
The next day, Nianxi kept her promise and took her parents and brother to the most famous Peking duck restaurant in Beijing. The thin-skinned, crispy roast duck, served with sweet bean sauce, cucumber shreds, and lotus leaf pancakes, was incredibly delicious. The family sat together, enjoying the food and chatting in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Over the next few days, Shen Nian'an was busy investigating the Beijing market in preparation for the expansion of the food shop; Lin Wanqiu accompanied Nianxi to visit Beijing's famous historical sites. The red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City, the winding Great Wall, and the lakes and mountains of the Summer Palace all captivated the mother and daughter. Shen Tingzhou would occasionally visit the dance troupe to watch Nianxi rehearse, but most of the time he spent with Lin Wanqiu, enjoying this rare leisure time.
The day of parting finally arrived. Nianxi saw her family off at the train station, her eyes red-rimmed: "Mom, Dad, Brother, please be careful on your journey. Be sure to call me often when you get back. I will practice hard and strive to bring you an even more wonderful performance next time."
"Girl, take good care of yourself and don't overwork yourself." Lin Wanqiu hugged her daughter and said reluctantly, "If you need anything, just tell us and Mom will send it to you."
"Little sister, keep going! I believe you can become the best dancer." Shen Nian'an patted his sister's shoulder, his tone firm.
Shen Tingzhou looked at his daughter, his eyes gentle yet firm: "Girl, remember, no matter how far you go, home will always be your support. If you encounter any difficulties, call home anytime."
The train slowly pulled away. Nianxi stood on the platform, waving vigorously until the train disappeared from sight. Only then did she wipe away her tears, turn around, and return to the dance troupe. She knew that her family's support was her greatest motivation, and she was determined to go further and further on the path of dance, living up to her family's expectations.
On the train, Lin Wanqiu gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window, her heart filled with longing for her old neighbor: "I wonder how Aunt Wang is doing now? Back then, she always secretly gave me sweet potatoes from Ansai. I've always remembered that kindness."
"Don't worry, everything should be fine." Shen Tingzhou held her hand. "When we go back this time, let's spend some quality time with them and talk about the changes over the years."
Chen Nian'an sat to the side and said with a smile, "Father and Mother, I have asked the people at the food workshop to prepare a lot of local specialties, including our functional foods and freshly baked pastries. We will share some with our old neighbors later."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, a hopeful smile spreading across her face. She recalled the mud-brick houses of the Hongqi Production Brigade, the wild grass on the field ridges, and the simple, honest smiles of her neighbors, a warm feeling welling up inside her. Those were the places where she had endured her most difficult years, and where she had also found her most genuine friendship.
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