After a long period of busy work, Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen realized that family cohesion needs to be nurtured with love and companionship. As their children grew older and shouldered heavier responsibilities, they decided to temporarily put aside their overwhelming workload and take Xiaorui and Xiaoyou on a family trip away from the hustle and bustle, seeking out the warmth and tranquility they had long missed.
Their carefully chosen destination was a small mountain town nestled amidst a serene backdrop. It felt like a paradise, the air, meticulously filtered by nature, so fresh that every breath seemed to cleanse the soul. The rolling hills resembled a sleeping beast, draped in a lush green carpet. Mist shrouded the mountains, creating a fairyland-like scene. A crystal-clear stream gurgled through the town, its water crashing against rocks, splashing crystal clear water and creating a melodious melody, as if welcoming guests from afar.
The family arrived in the small town in the early afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the landscape. The small villa they stayed in was uniquely charming, its wooden structure exuding a rustic air. Verdant vines climbed the walls, and small, unnamed flowers bloomed, as if telling a gentle story of time. The courtyard was small, yet warmly and elegantly decorated. Pots of vibrant flowers were arranged in a staggered pattern. In the center stood a quaint stone table, surrounded by stone benches, as if quietly waiting for the family to gather and share a moment.
As soon as they put down their luggage, Xiaoyou was like a happy little deer, and couldn't wait to pull her brother Xiaorui to rush to the world outside the courtyard. Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen smiled at each other, their eyes full of doting, and followed slowly behind. They strolled along the winding path, and from time to time a few unknown little insects jumped out of the grass beside the road, causing Xiaoyou to exclaim. Xiaorui, like a little adult, patiently explained the habits of these small creatures to his sister. Jiang Zhi took Shen Qingchen's arm, raised her head slightly, and enjoyed the unique tranquility and freshness of the mountains. The breeze blew, and her hair fluttered gently. She whispered, "I haven't been so relaxed for a long time, and the children look very happy too." Shen Qingchen nodded slightly and held her hand tightly: "Yes, such time is so rare. We must make more time to come out in the future."
Soon, they came to the stream that runs through the town. The stream water sparkled with silver light under the sunlight, like a flowing Milky Way. Xiao Rui and Xiao You excitedly took off their shoes, rolled up their trouser legs, and stepped into the stream. The cool stream water instantly wrapped around their feet, making them giggle. Xiao Rui was sharp-eyed and saw small fish swimming in the water. He immediately called out to his sister: "Xiao You, come quickly, there are so many small fish here!" Xiao You came over after hearing the sound, squatted down carefully, stretched out her little hands, and tried to catch those smart little fish. But the little fish was very clever. With a flick of its tail, it slipped away from her fingertips, splashing a small string of water and wetting Xiao You's skirt. She was not annoyed, but laughed even more happily.
Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen stood by the stream, watching the children playing, their faces filled with happy smiles. Shen Qingchen found a large flat rock, helped Jiang Zhi sit down, and sat beside her, his arm naturally around her shoulders. Jiang Zhi leaned on Shen Qingchen's shoulder, his eyes always following the figures of the children, and said softly: "Look at them, how carefree they are. I really hope time can pass slower so that they can always be so happy." Shen Qingchen lowered his head slightly and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head: "Don't worry, we will always protect their innocence."
Tired of playing, Xiao Rui and Xiao You returned to the stream and sat next to their parents. Xiao You's face was red, like a ripe apple, and her hair was a little messy. While panting, she excitedly shared the fun of catching fish just now: "Mom and Dad, do you know? I almost caught a small fish just now. It was so slippery and slipped out of my hand in an instant." Xiao Rui smiled and added: "Yes, my sister's anxious look is so cute, but those small fish are really hard to catch." Jiang Zhi smiled and helped Xiao You to tidy up her hair, and said gently: "It doesn't matter, just have fun. If you catch all the fish, the stream will not be so lively." Shen Qingchen also smiled and nodded, took out a few bottles of water from the backpack beside him, and handed them to the children: "Come, drink some water and replenish your energy."
In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the entire town an orange-red, like a gorgeous oil painting. The family slowly walked back to the villa. Along the way, the neighbors greeted them warmly, their words simple but full of sincerity. Back at the villa, Jiang Zhi walked into the kitchen to prepare a heartwarming dinner for her family. The kitchen facilities were simple but fully equipped. Jiang Zhi skillfully tied her apron and opened the refrigerator. The fresh ingredients inside filled her heart with joy. She decided to make a few home-cooked dishes that the children would love, so that the warmth would reach their hearts from their taste buds.
Xiaoyou followed Jiang Zhi like a little tail, curiously watching her mother busy. She blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mom, can I help you with anything?" Jiang Zhi smiled and handed her a handful of vegetables: "Then Xiaoyou, can you help me wash the vegetables?" Xiaoyou nodded vigorously, took the vegetables, and washed them carefully. Shen Qingchen and Xiaorui were not idle either. Shen Qingchen was responsible for setting the tableware, while Xiaorui helped out by chopping green onions and passing seasonings. The family was busy in the small kitchen, but they were also happy, and laughter echoed continuously.
Soon, several plates of delicious dishes filled the table. There was Xiaorui's favorite, sweet and sour pork ribs, bright red and sweet and sour; Xiaoyou's favorite stir-fried seasonal vegetables, fresh and nutritious; and Shen Qingchen's favorite, steamed fish, tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Jiang Zhi took off her apron, looked at the table full of food, and said with satisfaction, "Okay, everyone, come and eat." The family gathered around the table, enjoying this loving dinner. Every bite was filled with the taste of home, and as they ate, they shared their feelings about the day. Xiao Rui swallowed a mouthful of spareribs, gave a thumbs up and said, "Mom, your cooking is so delicious. It's better than those big meals outside." Xiao You also echoed, "Yes, yes, I like eating mom's cooking the most." Jiang Zhi smiled and picked up dishes for the children, "As long as you like it, eat more. You are tired from playing today." Shen Qingchen looked at the heartwarming scene and was deeply moved. He raised his water glass and said, "Come on, let's have a drink as a family to celebrate this wonderful day." Everyone raised their glasses, and the crisp sound of collision rang out in the room, as if it were a happy melody.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Library Category Author Full Book Ranking
Home Page Click List Recommended List Collection List Temporary Bookshelf
PC Version All Novels Latest Updates Site Map Member Bookshelf
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
