They bid farewell to their old friend and set off again. Along the way, Shen Qingchen kept asking Jiang Zhi about their son's situation. Jiang Zhi answered him one by one, each detail absorbing Shen Qingchen's attention. He imagined his son growing up, feeling both guilty and excited. As the car slid along the winding mountain road, the scenery outside the window receding, and Shen Qingchen's heart grew increasingly anxious.
After a long time, the car stopped in front of a secluded courtyard. Compared to the old friend's residence, this courtyard was even more secluded, surrounded by green trees, as if isolated from the world. Jiang Zhi was the first to get out of the car, walked to the gate, and gently knocked on the doorknob. After a moment, the door slowly opened, and a kind old woman appeared before him. Jiang Zhi called out respectfully, "Grandma Zhang, I'm here to pick up the children." The old woman nodded slightly and stepped aside to let them in.
In the yard, a little boy was sitting on a stone bench, reading a book intently. He was a little thin, but his eyes revealed a calmness beyond his age. Hearing the noise, the little boy looked up and saw Jiang Zhi, his eyes flashing with surprise: "Mom!" He put down the book and ran to Jiang Zhi. Jiang Zhi hugged him and kissed his forehead: "Xiao Ze, Mom missed you so much."
Shen Qingchen stood aside, watching this scene quietly, with mixed feelings in his heart. This is his son, and he has missed so much time when his child grew up. At this moment, guilt and fatherly love are intertwined, making him almost unable to breathe. Jiang Zhi turned around, walked to Shen Qingchen with the child in his arms, and said softly: "Xiao Ze, this is Dad." Xiao Ze blinked and looked at Shen Qingchen. There was no timidity in his eyes when Xiao Nian first saw him, but instead a bit of scrutiny. After a while, he stretched out his little hand and said, "Dad." Shen Qingchen hurriedly held his son's hand, his eyes red: "Xiao Ze, Dad is sorry for you, Dad will never leave you and Mom again in the future."
Xiaoze nodded, not quite understanding, and leaned back into Jiang Zhi's arms. Jiang Zhi looked at the two children, then at Shen Qingchen, his heart full of emotion: "Qingchen, from today on, our family will never be separated again." Shen Qingchen nodded vigorously, and hugged Jiang Zhi and the two children in his arms.
They paused briefly in the courtyard, where Jiang Zhi exchanged a few pleasantries with Granny Zhang and expressed their gratitude once again. Then, the family set off on their journey home. In the car, Xiao Nian and Xiao Ze leaned against each other, curiously eyeing each other, occasionally whispering to each other, their innocent laughter echoing. Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen sat in the front seat, holding hands, listening to the children's laughter, their hearts filled with joy.
Returning home, Shen Qingchen gazed upon the familiar yet strange house, a flood of emotion washed over him. Once, due to various misfortunes, this place had been filled with depression and pain, but now, with the return of his family, it had once again been filled with warmth. Jiang Zhi led the children into their respective rooms, helping them pack their clothes and set them aside. Shen Qingchen assisted, watching Jiang Zhi and the children busy at work, and he secretly vowed to spend the rest of his life making amends and giving them a happy and fulfilling home.
At night, the stars are twinkling, and the moonlight shines into the house through the window. Jiang Zhi coaxed the children to sleep and came to the living room, where she saw Shen Qingchen sitting on the sofa, staring out the window in a daze. She walked over gently and sat next to Shen Qingchen. Shen Qingchen turned her head and held Jiang Zhi's hand: "Zhi'er, when I saw the children today, I really felt that our life has started again. It has not been easy for you these years. From now on, let me take care of you." Jiang Zhi smiled slightly and leaned on Shen Qingchen's shoulder: "Well, our family will work hard together, and the future will definitely get better and better."
Shen Qingchen hugged Jiang Zhi tighter, and the two of them quietly enjoyed this moment of peace. They knew that there might still be bumps on the road ahead, but as long as the family worked together, nothing could stop them from pursuing happiness. Outside the window, the night was like water, and inside the house, love was everywhere. This family that had experienced hardships finally welcomed their reunion and peace.
In the days that followed, Shen Qingchen turned down many unnecessary social engagements and devoted more time to his family. Every morning, he would get up early and prepare breakfast for the family. Seeing the children eating happily, he felt a sense of accomplishment. Jiang Zhi would accompany the children to study and play, teaching them how to read and write, and how to behave in society. Xiao Nian was lively and cheerful, always pulling her parents and younger brother to play games together, and her clear laughter often echoed in the house. Although Xiao Ze didn't talk much, he was very sensible. He would take the initiative to help his mother with housework, and would humbly ask for help when he encountered questions he didn't understand while reading.
On weekends, the family goes out together. They fly kites in the park, watching the colorful kites soar through the sky, the children cheering with joy; they go to the beach to play in the waves, collect shells, and experience the vastness and inclusiveness of the ocean; they visit museums to learn about history and culture, broadening the children's horizons. Every trip is a beautiful memory, strengthening the cohesion of this family.
Shen Qingchen also created a dedicated study for the children, filled with books and toys. He hopes they can swim in the ocean of knowledge and have a happy childhood. Jiang Zhi planted flowers in the yard, filling the house with fragrance year-round. In their free time, the family would sit in the yard, drinking tea and chatting, enjoying warm family time.
As time passed, the children grew up. Xiao Nian blossomed into a graceful young lady, inheriting Jiang Zhi's intelligence and kindness, and showing a keen interest in medicine. Shen Qingchen hired the best teachers and carefully nurtured her. Xiao Ze, on the other hand, displayed a remarkable business acumen, always offering unique insights into the family business. Delighted, Shen Qingchen began to intentionally guide him, hoping that he would one day become the pride of the family.
Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen's relationship has only grown stronger over the years. They support each other, facing life's joys and sorrows together. Past pain has become the foundation for growth, allowing them to cherish their present happiness even more. Every year on their anniversary, Shen Qingchen meticulously prepares a trip to places they've visited to relive those beautiful memories. Jiang Zhi also personally cooks a sumptuous dinner for Shen Qingchen to express her love and gratitude.
Looking back, they've endured countless hardships to reach this point. Looking forward to the future, they are filled with confidence and anticipation. This family, carrying love and hope, steadily moves toward a brighter tomorrow. Over the years, their story will continue to unfold, becoming a tale to be told, inspiring everyone around them to bravely pursue happiness and uphold love and justice.
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