In the golden autumn of 1982, the wind carried the sweet fragrance of osmanthus across the paddy fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade. Golden waves rippled across the rice paddies, the heavy ears of rice nodding in the wind as if celebrating the joy of a bountiful harvest. In the orchards, apples and pears hung heavy on the branches, red as the sunset, yellow as honey, the air filled with the fragrance of fruit and earth, refreshing and invigorating. Outside the new factory of the "Natural Taste" food workshop, dried fruits and vegetables were bathed in warm sunlight, and workers were busy sorting and packaging them. The roar of the machines mingled with the sounds of laughter, creating a vibrant and prosperous scene.
Lin Wanqiu had just finished sending off an order for strawberry jam destined for Thailand. Her pale white shirt accentuated her even more upright posture. Over the years, time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her, shedding the hardships of her youth and cultivating a calm and gentle demeanor, though the unwavering determination in her eyes remained unchanged. Standing by the drying yard, watching the workers busily at work, she felt a deep sense of peace—the food workshop was growing rapidly, the planting base had introduced improved varieties from the existing space, resulting in both increased yield and quality, and overseas market channels were becoming increasingly smooth. Orders from Singapore and Malaysia were pouring in, and even European distributors had expressed interest in cooperation through their trading companies. But more than the success of her business, what worried her most was her daughter, Chen Nianxi, who had just started primary school.
"What are you looking at? Your brows are furrowed." Shen Tingzhou's voice came from behind, carrying a familiar calmness. He had just returned from the equipment supplier in the county town, wearing a dark gray jacket with the cuffs casually rolled up, revealing his strong forearms. The mature charm that time had bestowed upon him made him even more steady and reliable than in his youth. Over the years, he had long since completely shed the burden of his confidential mission, devoting himself wholeheartedly to his family and career, becoming Lin Wanqiu's strongest support. The two of them worked side by side, building "Natural Delight" into a well-known brand.
Lin Wanqiu turned around, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes: "What else could it be? I'm worried about Xixi. Today is her third day of elementary school. I wonder if she can adapt to school, if she has any conflicts with her classmates, and if she can sit still in class."
Shen Tingzhou chuckled, reaching out to pull her into his arms. The warmth of his palm seeped through her clothes, soothing her anxieties: "Our Xixi is so lively, clever, and polite; she'll definitely get along well with her classmates. You, you just worry too much. Back when Nian'an first started school, you were just as anxious, but she still got first place every year, didn't she?"
Despite this, Lin Wanqiu's concern remained undiminished. Shen Nianxi was her precious treasure after her reunion with Shen Tingzhou. Growing up in a privileged environment, she was neither arrogant nor impatient, possessing a lively and cheerful personality, especially gifted in dance. From her first steps, whenever she heard music, she would sway her little body to the rhythm, her graceful movements always reminding Lin Wanqiu of the dancers who shone brightly on stage in her past life. She had always wanted her daughter to receive professional dance education, but the resources in the county were limited. Now, she had enrolled her in the best primary school in the county, hoping only that she could be happy and develop her talents.
Just then, Old Zhang from the gatehouse strode over with a smile on his face: "Wanqiu, Tingzhou, your Xixi's teacher called and said she has some good news to tell you!"
Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly followed Old Zhang to the office. On the other end of the phone came the gentle voice of Ms. Li, Shen Nianxi's homeroom teacher: "Hello, Ms. Shen Nianxi, this is Ms. Li. I have some good news to share with you today. Nianxi is incredibly talented in dance!"
Lin Wanqiu's hand tightened slightly on the receiver, her heart filled with both surprise and joy: "Teacher Li, please tell me quickly, what's wrong with Xixi?"
"It's like this," Teacher Li said, her voice brimming with joy, "This morning our school organized a talent show for new students, and Xixi volunteered to perform a dance. She improvised to the music playing on the loudspeaker, her movements were light and graceful, and her eyes were lively, immediately attracting everyone's attention! The school's arts teachers all praised her as a natural talent for dance and wanted her to become a key member of the school's arts program, responsible for organizing arts activities for her class and the school. I wonder if you parents agree?"
Lin Wanqiu's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, instantly settled down, replaced by a feeling of great relief and pride: "Agreed! Of course I agree! Teacher Li, thank you and Teacher Wenyi for your help. We parents are so happy that Xixi has this opportunity!"
After hanging up the phone, Lin Wanqiu turned to look at Shen Tingzhou, her eyes slightly red, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement: "Tingzhou, Xixi has been selected as a key member of the school's arts and culture program! The teacher said she has a great talent for dance and performed exceptionally well in the freshman talent show!"
Shen Tingzhou smiled broadly and reached out to ruffle her hair: "I told you our daughter is amazing! She didn't disappoint us. Let's celebrate tonight and make Xixi's favorite sweet and sour pork ribs and fried chicken legs."
As the sun set, its afterglow painted the sky a vibrant orange-red. Lin Wanqiu closed the food shop early, bought fresh ribs and chicken legs, and enthusiastically busied herself in the kitchen. Shen Tingzhou went to pick up Shen Nianxi from school. As soon as the father and daughter entered the yard, they heard cheerful singing coming from the kitchen. Shen Nianxi broke free from Shen Tingzhou's hand and, like a joyful little bird, flew towards the kitchen door.
"Mom!" Shen Nianxi was wearing a brand-new primary school uniform, with a bright red scarf on her chest. Her little face was flushed with excitement, and the wisps of hair on her forehead were blown slightly up by the wind. Her big eyes shone like two black grapes.
Lin Wanqiu quickly put down the spatula in her hand, bent down and picked up her daughter, kissing her soft cheeks again and again: "My darling daughter is so great! You did so well at school today and even became a key member of the arts and culture group. Tell Mom, were you nervous during the performance?"
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