The midsummer breeze, carrying the rich fragrance of gardenias, drifted across the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade, brushed against the carved windows of the Shenji Food Factory's office building, and stirred up a rustling rain of blossoms in the courtyard. At this moment, the Shen family home was already enveloped in a festive atmosphere—red ribbons hanging under the eaves swayed in the wind, jasmine flowers on the windowsill were in full bloom, and even the old yellow dog, who always loved to curl up in the corner to bask in the sun, seemed to sense something unusual, wagging its tail from time to time and gazing towards the village entrance.
Lin Wanqiu, wearing an apron, was bustling about in the kitchen. On the cutting board were neatly sliced lotus root and water chestnuts, along with shrimp and mushrooms taken from her spatial storage. Beside the stove, the simmering duck soup bubbled and steamed, its rich aroma filling the entire courtyard on the breeze. Fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, but she didn't seem to care, a smile she couldn't hide always playing on her lips.
"Slow down, slow down, this osmanthus cake is freshly steamed and very hot." Shen Tingzhou carefully carried a tray of freshly steamed osmanthus cakes into the kitchen. Seeing that she was about to reach for the lid of another pot, he quickly reminded her.
Lin Wanqiu turned around, a smile in her eyes: "I know, and don't keep carrying that plate of cakes around; let it cool on the table. Nianxi and the others are arriving today, so I need to prepare all the dishes. We can't let the children feel that we're neglecting them."
Shen Tingzhou smiled helplessly, placed the osmanthus cake on the table beside him, walked over, picked up a handkerchief, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead: "What's the rush? The train won't arrive for another two hours. You've been busy all morning, aren't you tired?"
"Not tired at all." Lin Wanqiu slapped his hand away, her eyes crinkling. "This is Nianxi's first time bringing her boyfriend home. As her mother, I'm overjoyed. You didn't see it, but Nianxi praised Gu Yanchen to the skies in her letter, saying he dances well, is steady, and like her, has our roots in his heart."
When she spoke of her daughter, her tone was full of pride, but a hint of anxiety flashed in her eyes: "I just don't know what this child looks like? Is she a good person? Will she get along with our Nianxi?"
Shen Tingzhou held her hand, the warmth of his fingertips comforting and reassuring: "Don't worry, Nianxi's judgment is impeccable. Besides, anyone our daughter has chosen must be a good kid."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, her heart still pounding with trepidation, like a rabbit trapped in its shell. She recalled her daughter's letter, where she learned that Gu Yanchen was of Chinese descent, born in Paris, but had grown up learning Kunqu Opera and calligraphy from his grandparents, demonstrating a deep love for traditional Chinese culture. This alone made her feel a greater sense of goodwill towards this young man she had never met.
The commotion in the courtyard startled Shen Nian'an and Su Yue'e inside the house. Shen Nian'an, carrying the six-month-old Shen Nianzu, came out with Su Yue'e. Little Nianzu, dressed in a pale yellow onesie, had a pair of big, bright eyes on his delicate, sculpted face, curiously observing everything in the courtyard, babbling adorably.
"Mom, are you busy again?" Su Yue'e stepped forward and said softly, "Take a break, I'll cook these dishes for you."
"No need, no need." Lin Wanqiu quickly waved her hand. "You're pregnant, you can't overexert yourself. Take the baby back to your room and rest. Nianzu, that little guy, is here to join in the fun today. He'll probably be overjoyed to see his aunt and uncle later."
Su Yue'e smiled, looked down at Xiao Nianzu in her arms, her eyes full of tenderness. Shen Nian'an held her son, leaned closer to the table, smelled the aroma of the osmanthus cake, and said with a smile, "Mom, your cooking skills are getting better and better. When Brother Gu comes later, he'll be amazed by your dishes."
Lin Wanqiu laughed out loud at his words: "You're so sweet-talking. By the way, go to the village entrance and see if you see Nianxi and the others. If you do, come back and tell them right away."
"Okay!" Shen Nian'an replied, picked up his son, and turned to walk towards the village entrance. Su Yue'e watched his back, shook her head helplessly, and followed him, reminding him, "Walk slowly, don't drop the child."
The sun grew increasingly intense, baking the earth until it felt warm and cozy. Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a crowd of villagers had gathered to cool off. Everyone was curious after hearing that the second daughter of the Shen family was bringing her boyfriend back from overseas; they gathered in small groups, discussing the matter animatedly.
"I heard that the second daughter of the Shen family brought home a man who is an overseas Chinese! He's also a ballet dancer, and he's very handsome!"
"Of course! Director Lin's children are all very successful! Nian'an went to Singapore to do business, and Nianxi went to Paris to dance. They are both very capable!"
"The Shen family is really getting better and better. Who would have thought that Lin Wanqiu, a widow, could live such a good life..."
The murmurs were filled with envy and admiration. Shen Nian'an, holding his son, stood under the locust tree, listening to these words, his smile deepening. He looked up into the distance, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
Finally, after a series of clanging train whistles, a green train slowly pulled into the platform. A short while later, two figures emerged from the carriages, one after the other.
Walking in front was Shen Nianxi. She wore a light blue dress, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her brows and eyes showed the weariness of her journey, yet she couldn't hide her indescribable joy. In her hand, she held the hand of a young man.
The man wore a crisp white shirt, and black trousers that accentuated his tall and slender figure. His features were deep and handsome, with a gentle smile in his eyes, a high nose, and slightly pursed thin lips, exuding an air of refined elegance. He carried a suitcase of moderate size, and his gaze was full of doting affection when it fell on Shen Nianxi.
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