Homeward Journey
Two days after deciding to return home, Mo Zhichi didn't rush to pack, instead spending time with Lan Tongtong and Mo Xiaochi. During those two days, the atmosphere at home, previously heavy and oppressive, was now filled with lighthearted laughter and joy.
Mo Xiaochi fully displayed her lively personality, enthusiastically planning her itinerary: "Dad! You finally have a break, so you have to listen to me these two days! We have to check out all the new delicious and fun places in the city!"
On their first day, they went to a famous local restaurant downtown. Mo Xiaochi ordered a large table full of signature dishes: braised pork, stir-fried shrimp, pickled mustard greens with preserved vegetables... She kept serving food to Lan Tongtong, muttering, "Tongtong, eat more! You're so thin! Make up for it! Dad, eat too! Stop thinking about saving money!" Mo Zhichi watched his daughter chattering away, and Lan Tongtong's face lit up with a long-lost, relaxed smile, her eyes gentle, and her appetite improved.
In the afternoon, they visited the City God Temple, wandering through the bustling crowds, sampling various snacks and watching artisans make dough and sugar figurines. Mo Xiaochi dragged Lan Tongtong around to take photos at the various stalls, while Mo Zhichi trailed behind, occasionally being pulled in for a photo by his daughter, a smile of resignation yet indulgence on his face. As the sun set, they sat in a teahouse by the Nine-Curve Bridge, sipping tea and watching the lights come on, savoring a rare moment of leisure.
The next day, Mo Xiaochi suggested a walk to the suburban wetland park. The autumn air was crisp, the sky azure, the reeds a golden hue, and waterfowl dancing. They rented a three-person bicycle, with Mo Zhichi steering the front while Mo Xiaochi and Lan Tongtong sat in the back, slowly pedaling along the lakeside path. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, filling the air with the refreshing scent of green grass and lake water. Mo Xiaochi sang the entire way, and Lan Tongtong couldn't help but hum along. Although Mo Zhichi didn't speak, a slight smile permeated his lips.
That evening, instead of going to a restaurant, they bought groceries and went home, where the three of them cooked a hearty dinner together. Mo Zhichi, donning an apron for once, showed off his culinary skills, though not particularly refined, with genuine effort. Mo Xiaochi washed and cut the vegetables, chattering and directing them, while Lan Tongtong quietly assisted. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, like a real family. At the table, they drank tea instead of wine, celebrating the end of the storm and wishing Mo Zhichi a safe journey home.
For the past two days, they'd studiously avoided all unpleasant topics, focusing solely on enjoying the moment's relaxation and companionship. Lan Tongtong felt as if the heavy weight weighing on her heart had truly melted away in the warm sunshine and joyful laughter. She watched the rare relaxation between Mo Zhichi's brows and Mo Xiaochi's carefree smile, and her heart was filled with gratitude and reluctance to leave.
She knew that such carefree days would be short-lived, that Mo Ge would soon leave, and that the future was full of uncertainty. But these two days of joy were like a powerful healing medicine, enough to heal many wounds and build up the courage to face the future.
On the third morning, just after dawn, Mo Zhichi's luggage was packed and placed in the trunk. He stood by the car. Mo Xiaochi held his arm, her eyes red as she naggingly instructed him, "Dad, when you get home, make sure you eat on time, smoke less, spend more time with grandpa and grandma... If you miss me, just video chat..."
Mo Zhichi patted the back of his daughter's hand with a gentle look in his eyes: "I know, you too, work hard and take care of yourself." But his eyes involuntarily drifted towards the entrance of the corridor, as if waiting for something, with a barely perceptible expectation and a hint of loss.
Time passed minute by minute, but Lan Tongtong still did not appear.
"Sister Tongtong may still be sleeping. She slept late last night." Mo Xiaochi said in a low voice, trying to explain.
A hint of sadness flashed across Mo Zhichi's eyes. He took a deep breath and opened the car door. "Okay, I'm leaving. You can get in."
Just as he was about to get in the driver's seat and start the car—
"Brother Mo! Wait!"
A clear and urgent voice came from behind.
Mo Zhichi paused and turned back suddenly.
Lan Tongtong was seen trotting out of the hallway. She was no longer in her usual work or casual attire, but in a simple, fitted dress, the hem of which fluttered gently in the breeze, accentuating her beauty with a touch of maturity. She wore light makeup and looked healthy, but her eyes were remarkably determined. What surprised Mo Zhichi and Mo Xiaochi even more was that she was dragging a small suitcase!
Mo Zhichi was stunned, holding onto the car door, and for a moment, he forgot what to do. Mo Xiaochi also opened his mouth in surprise.
Lan Tongtong ran to the car, panting slightly, and looked straight at Mo Zhichi. Her clear eyes showed nervousness, shyness, but more of an unquestionable determination. She took a deep breath, as if she had exhausted all her courage, and asked softly but clearly:
"Lao Mo," she stopped calling him "Brother Mo," as this name carried an unprecedented intimacy and equality. "Can I...can I go back with you?"
The air seemed to freeze.
Mo Xiaochi was the first to react. She covered her mouth in surprise, looked at her father with sparkling eyes, then looked at Lan Tongtong, her face full of excitement and blessings.
Mo Zhichi stared at Lan Tongtong in amazement, taking in her meticulously dressed appearance, the suitcase in her hands, and her earth-shattering question. A myriad of complex emotions instantly surged through his deep eyes—surprise, disbelief, a hint of panic—but ultimately, all of them coalesced into a deep and scorching emotion.
He understood. This seemingly fragile girl responded to all his efforts and protection in the most courageous way. She wasn't asking for protection, but declaring her loyalty.
He didn't answer immediately, but instead looked deeply into her eyes, as if to confirm the resolve in her eyes. After several seconds, the corners of his tightly clenched mouth slowly relaxed, a gentle, relieved arc rising. He reached out to take her suitcase, his voice low and filled with unmistakable warmth:
"There are a lot of things in the car, and putting the boxes in the trunk might be a bit crowded." He paused and looked at her softly, "Let's put them in the back seat, and you sit in the front."
No questions asked, no hesitation, only the most natural acceptance and arrangement.
When Lan Tongtong heard this answer, a bright and brilliant smile instantly bloomed on her face, and tears of happiness flashed in her eyes. She nodded vigorously.
Mo Xiaochi was so excited that she almost jumped up. She rushed over and hugged Lan Tongtong tightly, whispering in her ear, "Sister Tongtong! Come on! I'll go back to see you when I have a holiday!" Then she hugged her father and said, "Dad! Take good care of Sister Tongtong!"
Mo Zhichi rubbed his daughter's hair and nodded.
Lan Tongtong opened the passenger door and got in. Mo Zhichi closed the door for her, walked around to the driver's seat, and started the car.
The car slowly drove out of the residential complex and headed towards the highway leading to my hometown. The rising sun cast a golden light on the road ahead.
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