Chapter 415 Where to stretch your hands? !
At dinner time, the Shen family's big round table was packed with fragrant dishes, and the atmosphere was very lively.
After everyone was seated, Mr. Shen cleared his throat, his face flushed with satisfaction. He raised the teacup in front of him and began his pre-dinner speech in a resounding voice:
"Today is such a rare day! Finally everyone is here! Our family has finally come to their senses and brought back such an outstanding girl like Xia Ran!"
As he spoke, he glanced at Xia Ran, who was a little embarrassed, with appreciation, and then turned his gaze to Mu Nanyan and Lu Yiran.
"And our Nan Yan has officially brought Yi Ran home for dinner! Great! That's great! I'm so happy!"
As soon as the old man finished speaking, there was a burst of laughter at the table.
As a mother, Xu Wenxin also had a smile on her face, but her eyes showed a sense of confusion and anxiety that had not yet fully recovered.
She finally couldn't help it and started to attack her son Shen Changfeng across the table:
"Changfeng! Tell mom the truth, you and Xia Ran... when did this happen between you two? Why didn't you say a word before, and then suddenly brought someone back today? I was shocked!"
This question echoed the thoughts of many people at the table. Even Shen Zhenguo put down his chopsticks and looked at his son curiously.
Shen Changfeng was interrogated by his mother in public, and his ears were a little hot, but under Xia Ran's encouraging gaze, he cleared his throat and explained:
"Mom, don't worry. We...just officially confirmed our relationship two months ago."
He paused, as if trying to organize his words, his tone carrying a hint of helpless laughter:
"Actually... I really didn't think about it this way before. It was Xia Ran... she was more proactive."
As soon as these words came out, a meaningful "Oh" sound suddenly rang out at the table. Even Mr. Shen raised his eyebrows and looked at Xia Ran with interest.
Xia Ran felt a little embarrassed by being stared at, and lowered her head slightly, but there was a faint, sweet smile on the corner of her mouth.
Shen Changfeng quickly continued to explain, trying to help his girlfriend:
"It's mainly because the city hospital and our military region have a long-term cooperative project, and Xia Ran is one of the medical backbones assigned there. Because of this working relationship, we have many more opportunities to meet each other, and slowly... we became familiar with each other. Later, I felt that we got along quite well. It was just a natural process, a smooth development."
"Work cooperation? Let things take their own course? You know how to find opportunities!"
Shen Zhenguo rarely joked with his son, his tone was a bit military-like and straightforward, with some praise.
"Dr. Xia Ran is obviously an excellent comrade! You've got good vision for grasping this opportunity!"
"That's right! Sister Xia Ran is beautiful and amazing! Cousin, you have to treat her well!"
Mu Nanyan immediately joined in with a smile, and the atmosphere at the table was instantly ignited.
Several people were chatting animatedly about the love story of Shen Changfeng and Xia Ran, laughing constantly.
At this moment, Mrs. Shen, who had been smiling and listening to the younger generation's conversation, caught the "little action" of her husband beside her with her sharp eyes. Her voice suddenly rose, with unquestionable majesty:
"Hey! Old man! What are you doing? Where are you putting your hands?!"
Before he finished speaking, there was a light "pa" sound. Old Mrs. Shen was quick-witted and slapped back Old Man Shen's hand that was quietly reaching for the bottle of white wine on the table.
The attention of everyone at the table was instantly drawn there.
Old Master Shen, like a child caught stealing candy, withdrew his hand awkwardly, putting on a flattering smile, trying to get away with it:
"I'm just... just smelling it. I'm not going to drink it. I really don't want to drink it..."
"I wouldn't believe you!"
Old Mrs. Shen exposed him mercilessly and moved the bottle to her side.
"Last time I secretly drank two glasses, and in the middle of the night, whose blood pressure spiked and I felt dizzy? I forgot what the doctor told me."
Seeing this, Xu Wenxin also quickly joined the persuasion alliance, speaking in a gentle but firm tone:
"Yes, Dad. The physical examination report just came out two days ago. The doctor repeatedly emphasized that your high blood pressure must be strictly controlled. You really can't drink alcohol at all. Let's have tea instead of wine. It's just as lively!"
When Mr. Shen saw that he was outnumbered, he immediately became like a deflated ball, his shoulders slumped, and he muttered softly, with a bit of grievance and displeasure like an old child:
"That's all I love... It's the only thing I've ever loved in my life... Now I'm not even allowed to smell it... What's the point of living like this..."
His pitiful appearance and aggrieved tone made everyone laugh.
Mu Nanyan quickly served the old man a bowl of hot soup and smiled to smooth things over:
"Grandpa, try this soup. My aunt spent the whole afternoon stewing it. It's so delicious! It tastes much better than wine!"
Shen Changfeng also took the opportunity to change the subject and raised his teacup:
"Grandpa, I toast to you! I wish you good health! When I achieve merit and receive an award next time, please celebrate with me by serving me tea instead of wine!"
After being coaxed and persuaded by everyone, Mr. Shen finally smiled again, picked up the teacup, and temporarily put aside his thoughts about wine.
The lively atmosphere at the dinner table, which had just been interrupted, resumed with a more cheerful rhythm.
Lu Yiran sat quietly beside Mu Nanyan, his eyes slowly sweeping across the dining table.
The look on Mr. Shen's face after being "sanctioned" pretending to be aggrieved but unable to help but laugh; Mrs. Shen's seemingly stern but actually caring instructions; Xu Wenxin's swift and agile figure busily picking up food for one and adding soup for another; Shen Zhenguo's gaze, though silent, always with a smile; the occasional sweet and tacit glances exchanged between Shen Changfeng and Xia Ran; and the warmth and peace of mind in Mu Nanyan's eyes as she tilted her head to whisper to him...
All of this unfolded slowly before his eyes like a vivid and warm picture.
Once upon a time, he stayed away from such noisy and even somewhat chaotic family gatherings.
It's not that he doesn't like it, but he knows clearly that no matter how lively the scene is, the warmth and connection at its core have nothing to do with him.
He was like a person standing outside a glass window, looking at the bright lights inside but not feeling any warmth at all.
No matter how grand the business entertainment is, it is full of calculations and estrangements; no matter how luxurious a person’s home is, it is filled with cold silence.
But at this moment, sitting at this not-so-spacious dining table, with the noisy voices of people in his ears and the aroma of home-cooked dishes lingering around his nose, he could even feel the warmth from Mu Nanyue's arm beside him... An unprecedented feeling of solidity and fulfillment quietly enveloped him.
It turns out that this is the feeling of "home".
It’s not the cold property or the gorgeous decoration, but the sense of belonging that comes from being surrounded by unreserved liveliness, immersed in sincere care, and having your loved ones sitting by your side.
The bustle here is related to him.
He can blend in with the laughter here.
The warmth here is within his reach.
He turned his head slightly and looked at Mu Nanyan who was smiling and responding to Mrs. Shen's question. The light cast a warm halo on her soft profile.
He calmly held her hand on her leg under the dining table.
Mu Nanyan paused for a moment, feeling the warmth and strength from his palm. She understood and shook his hand back, then turned to smile at him. Everything was said without words.
The corners of Lu Yiran's lips unconsciously raised into a shallow but very real arc.
It turns out that this is what it feels like to own a home.
very nice.
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room and sat together drinking tea and chatting. The atmosphere was still relaxed and harmonious.
Chenchen had been playing all day and was now rubbing his eyes, leaning on Mu Nanyan's arms, drowsy.
Taking advantage of the time when everyone was chatting, Mu Nanyan gently patted her son in her arms, then looked at Mr. and Mrs. Shen, with a hint of apology in her tone, but with a very clear attitude, she said:
"Grandma, Grandpa, there's something I need to tell you two. This year's New Year... I might have to go back to the capital early and spend it there with Yiran and Chenchen."
As soon as these words were spoken, the living room, which was originally full of laughter, suddenly became quiet.
The teacup that Mr. Shen was about to bring to his mouth stopped in mid-air, and his brows subconsciously frowned.
The smile on Mrs. Shen's face also faded slightly, and there was obvious reluctance in her doubt:
"Ah? You're... going back now? There are still a few days until Chinese New Year! Yanyan, why don't you stay home for a few more days and leave after the New Year? Grandma is thinking of making your favorite dumplings for you."
The old couple had been looking forward to their granddaughter's return, and they were thinking that she could stay with them until after the New Year so that they could enjoy family happiness.
Unexpectedly, just after the reunion dinner, I heard the news of our impending separation, and my joyful mood was suddenly overshadowed by a layer of loss.
Mu Nanyan looked at the undisguised disappointment in the eyes of the two elders, and felt as if she was pricked by a needle. A wave of bitterness and pity suddenly surged in her heart.
She quickly sat up straighter and explained earnestly:
"Grandma, Grandpa, please don't misunderstand me. How could I not want to spend the New Year with you?"
"It's just... my work focus has always been in Haicheng, and Yiran has spent a lot of time here just to accompany me. The Chinese New Year is approaching, and if he can't even go back to the Lu family for the Spring Festival, it's unacceptable. I'm afraid the elders of the Lu family will have some opinions."
She paused, looked at Chenchen in her arms tenderly, and continued:
"Besides, I promised Grandma Lu that I would bring Chenchen back to see them. Chenchen has to go to school during the week, and I have to work. Throughout the year, the only time we have some free time is during the Chinese New Year when we can get together. Since I have decided to be with Yiran, his family is naturally my family too. I cannot ignore the feelings of the Lu family, and I have to take them into consideration."
Her explanation was reasonable, taking into account Lu Yiran's situation and showing respect for the elders of the Lu family.
Mr. and Mrs. Shen were both sensible people. After listening to their granddaughter's careful considerations, although they still felt as if a piece of their hearts had been hollowed out and were reluctant to let her go, the look of loss on their faces finally eased a lot.
They understand that their children have grown up, have their own families and responsibilities, and can no longer stay by their side like they did when they were little.
Mr. Shen took a deep breath, as if to suppress his melancholy. He waved his hand, his voice slightly hoarse, but he tried to sound open-minded:
"Hey, you're right, that's the truth. Yiran has indeed sacrificed a lot for you. It's only right to go back to his home during the New Year. We old guys... can't be too selfish."
Old Madam Shen also forced a smile again, although her eyes were still a little wet, she reached out and patted the back of Mu Nanyan's hand:
"Yanyan has grown up and is becoming more thoughtful. Have a good New Year at the Lu family. Please say hello to them on our behalf. When you are free, bring Chenchen back to stay for a while."
Having said that, the strong feeling of parting still permeates the air.
But beneath this reluctance, there is more understanding and support from the elders for the choices of the younger generations, which is a deeper and more selfless love.
Just when the sadness of parting was quietly spreading, Lu Yiran's steady voice rang out, clearly reaching everyone's ears.
He naturally noticed the two elders' reluctance and Mu Nanyan's embarrassment.
He leaned forward slightly, looking at Mr. and Mrs. Shen sincerely, his tone gentle but reassuring:
"Grandma and Grandpa, actually, my group has almost finished its major year-end affairs. Since it's so rare for you to come back, Nan Yan, Chen Chen, I can stay in Haicheng for a few more days to accompany you two. It's still completely in time to leave for the capital in two days. Do you think this arrangement is okay?"
These words were like a spring breeze blowing across the ice, instantly dispelling the slight sadness in the living room.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Shen was stunned for a moment, then his face was like a blooming chrysanthemum, his wrinkles turned into arcs of joy, and he nodded repeatedly:
"Hey! Good! Good! That's good! As long as it doesn't delay things!"
Old Mrs. Shen was even more overjoyed. The slight moisture in her eyes was immediately replaced by a smile. She looked at Lu Yiran with more satisfaction and kindness:
"Oh, Yiran, you're such a sensible kid! Okay, okay, then stay for two more days! I'll buy the freshest vegetables tomorrow and make delicious food for you!"
Mu Nanyan didn't expect Lu Yiran to offer to stay, and looked at him with some surprise.
Lu Yiran felt her gaze, turned his head, smiled at her, and gently shook her hand, as if to say, "Leave it to me."
This small concession instantly made the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful again.
The originally planned separation was postponed, which means that the time of reunion can be extended. This is undoubtedly the greatest comfort for the elderly who are looking forward to having their children and grandchildren around them.
In this way, Mu Nanyan, Lu Yiran and Chenchen stayed in Haicheng peacefully for another two days.
This short and precious extra time seems to be soaked in warm honey.
Mu Nanyan transformed herself into the most competent tour guide, taking Lu Yiran on a tour around Haicheng and also lingering in some new corners full of the atmosphere of life.
Most of the time, they stayed in the Shen family's courtyard which was filled with laughter and joy.
Lu Yiran patiently played chess with Mr. Shen on the stone table in the yard.
The old man played chess in a steady style, with the strategy of deploying troops on the battlefield, while Lu Yiran was neither hurried nor slow. He had the meticulous thinking of the business world, and knew how to "reveal a flaw" at just the right time, which made the old man smile from ear to ear and exclaim "it's so satisfying".
The figures of an old man and a young boy playing chess created a harmonious scene in the yard.
Mu Nanyan held Mrs. Shen's arm and soaked in the warm greenhouse, or took care of the carefully cultivated flowers and plants.
The old lady taught her with great interest how to prune branches and distinguish the wetness of the soil, and talked incessantly about the habits of each flower.
Mu Nanyan listened attentively and occasionally put her hands into practice. The sunlight shone through the glass ceiling, shining on the focused faces of the old and the young, a peaceful and beautiful scene.
Chenchen has become the "happy fruit" of the whole family. Sometimes he would go to his great-grandfather and watch him play chess, seemingly not quite understanding what he was doing. Sometimes he would touch the leaves in the greenhouse curiously. Most of the time, he would run and play carefree in the yard, and his clear laughter would fill every corner.
During these two days, there was no busy work, no complicated troubles, only the purest companionship and family affection.
The Shen family courtyard is filled with the contemplation of chess, the whispers of flower arrangement discussions, and the cheerful laughter of children. It is simple, yet full of the power to heal people's hearts.
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