Every invited guest was present, and the rest of the process was over without the younger generation having to worry about anything. Deng Wanjun, visiting Suzhou for the first time, was filled with curiosity and a sense of novelty. Despite the unbearable summer heat, it didn't dampen her eagerness to explore the city.
So, Liu Yanran and Liu Guoxing led Deng Wanjun, along with Liu Yunfei, Liu Yunchu, Liu Yunjin, and the five Lin brothers and sisters, to a well-preserved ancient street. Because there were so many children, once they arrived, they scattered like unbridled horses, running and playing to their heart's content.
Seeing this, Liu Yanran and Liu Guoxing frantically tried to restrain the mischievous children, but to little avail. Deng Wanjun simply stood by, observing the chaotic scene with a smile. In her eyes, the children's vibrant energy and pure innocence were their most precious treasures. She couldn't help but pull out her camera to capture this unforgettable moment.
In the bustling ancient streets, people flowed back and forth like a tide, small vendors hawked their wares. Since the reform and opening up, more and more people were trying to sell small items. The clear, melodious laughter and excited shouts of children, like silver bells, mingled and echoed in the air for a long time, like a joyful and beautiful symphony.
These innocent children stared wide-eyed, filled with intense curiosity, looking around at everything around them. Whether it was colorful flowers, peculiarly shaped buildings or lifelike sculptures, every new and unique thing instantly attracted their attention and aroused their endless desire to explore.
Although Liu Yanran and the other two were already a little tired after a morning of play, when they saw the children's bright and innocent smiles, a warm feeling suddenly surged in their hearts, and all the tiredness instantly disappeared. They knew that as long as they could make the children feel happy and joyful, any effort would be completely worth it.
By noon, the hungry group had carefully selected a warm and inviting private restaurant. As soon as they stepped inside, a rich, mellow aroma filled their nostrils—the distinct aroma of home cooking. This restaurant is renowned for its authentic home-style cuisine, especially the steaming, sizzling dishes that are truly mouth-watering.
Not only that, the restaurant is also very generous, with generous portions for each dish. Seeing the overflowing plates of delicious food before them, the children eagerly picked up their chopsticks and began to dig in. They devoured the food with gusto, their little mouths stuffed to the brim, like adorable little hamsters.
In a short while, the food on the plates was cleared out, and the children's faces showed expressions of satisfaction, which melted the hearts of everyone present.
After a satisfying meal and drinks, the children began playing outside the restaurant. They laughed and played, letting their natural instincts run wild. Liu Yanran and the other two stood by, watching them with smiles. Then, Xiao Yunduo ran over, tugged at Liu Yanran's clothes, and said, "Sister, thank you for taking us out today! I've never been happier." He raised his head and gave Liu Yanran a sweet smile.
Liu Yanran's heart softened. She knelt down, touched his head, and said, "You're welcome. Seeing you so happy makes me happy, too." The other children gathered around, each expressing their gratitude. Liu Yanran's heart was filled with warmth as she looked at these adorable children. She knew this event had not only brought joy to the children but had also given her many valuable lessons.
Liu Yanran and the other two, along with their children, walked into the house and instantly felt a gloomy atmosphere. Their eyes simultaneously turned to the corner of the living room, where a strange figure sat.
Later, after some inquiries, Liu Yanran finally figured out the identity of the woman before her—she turned out to be Liu Chunling, her aunt who had married a wealthy businessman and gone to Shanghai, never to return home. At that moment, she was sitting there quietly with her child, her expression revealing an unconcealable weariness and helplessness.
Time, like a knife, mercilessly carved furrows on her face, the deep marks left by the years. The children stared with their big round eyes, curiously observing this person who was completely unfamiliar to them.
As for Liu Yanran, she felt a surge of inexplicable embarrassment and bewilderment. She wanted to say something to dispel the suffocating silence, but she racked her brains and couldn't figure out where to begin. After all, she herself knew nothing about this unexpected visitor.
Liu Pianran, however, had a vague memory of their encounter, having met her briefly when they were still young. Without hesitation, she was the first to ask, "Aunt, why have you returned so suddenly? You know, when my eldest and second brothers got married, we clearly sent you invitations, but you didn't show up. And yet, when we returned to China to celebrate this wedding, we didn't even tell you, yet you came uninvited." These words were like a stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring ripples and making the already tense atmosphere even more tense...
Liu Chunling slowly raised her head, a complex light flickering in her previously downcast eyes. She strained her lips, trying to force a smile, but it felt so forced, as if she had exhausted all her strength. She murmured in a voice so weak it was almost inaudible, "I... I just wanted to come back and see."
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
