Amid the city's flashing neon lights and bustling traffic, the mansion where Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen lived felt like a tranquil oasis. In the courtyard, a profusion of flowers bloomed, their fragrance wafting gently on the breeze, blending with the melodious sound of a nearby zither, creating a natural symphony.
Jiang Zhi, dressed in a moon-white dress, her soft hair casually draped over her shoulders, sat on a garden swing, holding an ancient book in her hands. Occasionally, she looked up at Shen Qingchen, who was pruning flowers not far away, her eyes full of tenderness. Shen Qingchen, dressed in dark home clothes, was focused on the flowers in his hands, each trimming was just right, as if he were carving a rare treasure. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves and fell on him, outlining his upright figure, like a beautiful painting.
"Qingchen, look how beautiful the flowers are blooming." Jiang Zhi called softly, her voice as pleasant as the gurgling of a spring stream.
Shen Qingchen turned around when he heard the voice, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes reflecting Jiang Zhi's appearance, as if nothing in the world could compare to her beauty at this moment. He put down the scissors in his hand, slowly walked towards Jiang Zhi, sat down beside her, gently held her hand, and said softly: "Just like you, time never defeats beauty."
Jiang Zhi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at him angrily, but she squeezed his hand even tighter, their palms transmitting warmth to each other. At this moment, a burst of cheerful laughter came from the house. It was the voices of the children, as clear as silver bells, adding a touch of vitality to this warm scene.
"Mom and Dad, come and see the painting we drew!" came the daughter's soft voice, full of expectation.
Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen smiled at each other, stood up, and walked into the house hand in hand. In the living room, their son and daughter were sitting around the coffee table. On the colorful drawing paper, they drew a picture of a family holding hands, and next to it was written "Happy Family" in childish handwriting. Jiang Zhi's eyes were filled with tears of emotion. She squatted down, hugged the two children in her arms, and said softly: "This painting is so beautiful. It's the best gift Mom has ever received."
Shen Qingchen stood aside, watching this scene, his heart filled with relief. He knew that those bloody days had now transformed into this ordinary and precious happiness before him. He had once groped forward in the darkness, seeking truth and revenge at all costs, but now, the laughter of his family and the company of his loved ones were the brightest lights in his life.
In the afternoon, the sun was getting lazier, and Jiang Zhi suggested that the family go for a picnic by the lake in the suburbs. This proposal was immediately cheered by the children, and Shen Qingchen readily agreed. They prepared a rich meal, filled the picnic basket, and drove to the suburbs.
The car was filled with laughter and joy all the way. The son excitedly recounted interesting stories from school, while the daughter hummed a tuneless ditty along with the car music. Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen occasionally chimed in, drawing further laughter from the children. Outside the car window, the scenery was picturesque, with rolling green mountains and clear waters, and the crops in the fields swaying in the wind, as if welcoming this happy family.
Arriving at the lake, the water shimmered like a giant mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The grass beside the lake was lush and green, dotted with wildflowers. Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen spread out the picnic blanket and laid out the delicious food, while their children, like unbridled ponies, frolicked around the lake, chasing butterflies flying low overhead.
Jiang Zhi leaned on Shen Qingchen's shoulder, looked into the distance, and said softly: "Qingchen, do you remember when we first met? Back then, I was full of hatred and never thought that I would have a life like this today."
Shen Qingchen raised her hand and gently stroked Jiang Zhi's hair, her eyes full of nostalgia, and recalled: "How could I not remember, you were like a stubborn star, shining alone in the darkness. The first time I saw you, I was attracted by the light in your eyes, and thought, this must be an unusual woman."
Jiang Zhi smiled softly, her thoughts drifting back to the past. New to the city, she was alone, her heart burning with only the flames of revenge. In those days, she traversed the streets and alleys, searching for clues, constantly burdened by exhaustion and loneliness. The appearance of Shen Qingchen initially caught her off guard. Love was a luxury to her, a possibility that would disrupt her plans for revenge. But Shen Qingchen's persistence, his pursuit as warm as a spring breeze, gradually melted the ice in her heart.
"If you hadn't always stayed with me, I might have been swallowed by the darkness long ago." Jiang Zhi's voice was choked with sobs.
Shen Qingchen hugged her tighter, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and said, "Silly girl, we are each other's salvation. You gave me a goal to strive for and made me understand the true meaning of love. Now seeing the children so happy, all the suffering is worth it."
At this moment, the daughter came running over breathlessly, holding a bunch of wild flowers in her hands. She handed it to Jiang Zhi like a treasure and said, "Mom, this is for you. I just picked them. Aren't they as beautiful as you?"
Jiang Zhi took the bouquet, her eyes full of surprise and emotion. She held her daughter in her arms, kissed her cheek, and said, "Baby, you are so beautiful. Thank you."
The son also ran over, holding a grasshopper he had woven with grass leaves, handed it to Shen Qingchen, and said proudly: “Dad, look at what I made, it’s amazing!”
Shen Qingchen took the grasshopper, looked at it carefully, and praised: “My son is great, his skills are almost as good as those of a professional.”
The family sat around on the picnic blanket, sharing delicious food and enjoying this rare leisure time. A breeze blew, carrying the moisture of the lake and the fragrance of flowers and plants. Jiang Zhi's skirt fluttered in the wind. Shen Qingchen smoothed her hair from time to time. The children entertained each other, and their laughter echoed by the lake.
In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky a vibrant orange-red, like a gorgeous oil painting. Jiang Zhi and his family packed up and prepared to return. Before boarding the bus, they paused to gaze back, taking in the stunning scenery of the lake and mountains. In that moment, happiness enveloped them like the rosy glow of the sky.
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