Perhaps not wanting Shen Zhi Qiu to dwell on her memories any longer, Lu Xiao Yu came up with a bowl of fresh grapes and greeted her with a smile, "Sister Zhi Qiu, I picked some grapes, let's eat together?"
Hearing Lu Xiaoyu's voice, Shen Zhi Qiu seemed to wake from a dream. She quickly wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down. Then, carrying Niannian, she walked towards the long table with light but firm steps.
By the time she sat down at the long table, Shen Zhi Qiu had already composed herself.
"Sister Zhi Qiu." Lu Xiaoyu looked at her slightly swollen eyes and felt a surge of inexplicable heartache. He gently handed her a tissue, his voice filled with concern and tenderness, "Wipe your tears."
"Thank you." Shen Zhi Qiu took the tissue and thanked him softly.
"Grapes!" Niannian shook her little braids, adorned with two pink ribbons that swayed gently behind her head with her movements, making her look both lively and adorable. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation, like the brightest stars in the night sky, captivating all who looked away. She stretched out her chubby little finger, pointing at the fresh and tempting grapes, her little mouth pouting, revealing her eagerness.
Looking at her adorable appearance, Lu Xiaoyu couldn't help but smile. He quickly peeled a grape, carefully tore it in half, and gently put it into Nian Nian's mouth. The sweet juice of the grape immediately burst in her mouth, and her eyes lit up, as if the whole world had become beautiful. She savored the sweetness of the grape, her face filled with a satisfied and happy smile.
Seeing that Niannian liked to eat grapes, Zhaozhao also tiptoed and picked up a grape. He imitated Lu Xiaoyu, carefully peeling it and then tearing it in half. He stretched out his little hand and held the grape to Niannian's mouth.
Niannian gently opened her mouth, took a bite, and slowly chewed, saying indistinctly, "Thank you, Brother Zhaozhao." Her voice was soft and adorable, warming everyone's heart. Zhaozhao looked at her with doting eyes, still holding the other half of the grape, waiting for Niannian to finish before feeding her the rest. The interaction between the two little ones was heartwarming and touching, as if the whole world had quieted down, leaving only their laughter.
Watching this scene, Shen Zhi Qiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She felt incredibly happy and content, because she knew that these small moments were the most precious treasures in her life. Seeing Zhao Zhao's care and protection of Niannian, she was filled with gratitude and respect.
"Zhao Zhao is such a good older brother," Lu Xiaoyu praised with a smile. His voice was full of praise and affirmation, making Zhao Zhao's little face blush slightly. But he didn't stop what he was doing, still clumsily but earnestly peeling grapes for Niannian.
"How about I take you two little ones up the mountain to pick grapes?" Lu Xiaoyu suggested, looking at them.
Niannian's eyes lit up instantly. She turned around happily and looked at Shen Zhi Qiu with anticipation.
“Okay, Niannian wants to go, does Zhaozhao want to go?” Shen Zhi Qiu looked at Zhaozhao and asked with a smile.
Looking at Niannian's happy little face, Zhaozhao nodded without hesitation.
After breakfast, they walked towards the hillside.
Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting a golden glow on the verdant hillside. Rows of neat grapevines, their tendrils intertwined and shaded by green leaves, resembled a meticulously woven green barrier by nature.
Large bunches of grapes hung heavily on the vines, each one plump and round, like sparkling gems that had fallen to earth. The purple grapes shimmered alluringly in the sunlight, releasing a rich, fruity aroma.
A gentle breeze rustles the grape leaves, making a soft sound as if telling of the joy of harvest. Occasionally, a few dewdrops slide from the tips of the leaves and fall onto the grapes, adding a touch of life and vitality.
Niannian tilted her head back, her bright eyes fixed curiously on the bunches of large grapes before her. A slight smile played on her lips, revealing a few small, white teeth. Her warm smile was so captivating that it made anyone who saw it feel happy too.
At Niannian's feet, the round ball shuffled around with tiny steps. It seemed to want to join in the joy of picking grapes, but Niannian's attention was completely drawn to the grapes, and she paid no attention to it. The round ball didn't seem to mind, just silently staying by her side, occasionally glancing up at the grapes, then looking down again to continue shuffling around.
Zhao Zhao stood to the side, frowning, like a little adult. He carefully held Niannian's arm, afraid that she would fall or get hurt.
"Mommy, hug me!" Niannian called out to Shen Zhi Qiu. Her voice revealed an eagerness and anticipation, as if only by being held by her mother could she better appreciate these delicious grapes.
Shen Zhi Qiu smiled gently, bent down, and picked up Niannian. Niannian eagerly reached out her little hands, wanting to pick the bunch of grapes in front of her directly from the vine. But the grapes were too heavy, even though Niannian used all her strength, even her usual strength for breastfeeding.
Niannian's face gradually turned red, and her brows furrowed tightly, clearly showing she was trying hard. However, no matter how hard she tried, the grapes refused to yield. In the end, she could only helplessly let go, looking disappointedly at the grapes still hanging on the vine. Her once expectant eyes were now glistening with tears.
Just then, Zhou Xiaoran walked over. Seeing Niannian's disappointed look, she couldn't help but laugh. She went to Niannian's side, took out a pair of scissors from the bamboo basket, and carefully cut off a small section of grapes. She placed the cut grapes in Niannian's palm and said with a smile, "Niannian, is this okay? Auntie will cut them for you, and Niannian can put the grapes in the basket so we can pick them together."
She waved the grapes in her hand happily, as if they were a victory flag proclaiming her successful harvest. She nodded to Zhou Xiaoran, her innocent little face beaming with joy. She said in her childish voice, "Thank you."
Zhou Xiaoran reached out and patted Niannian's head gently, saying, "You're welcome, Niannian. As long as you're happy." Her tone was full of affection.
Working together, the two of them, one big and one small, quickly picked a basket full of grapes.
"Alright, shall we come again tomorrow?" Shen Zhi Qiu gently took Niannian's hand off the other bunch of grapes and said softly, "Niannian, that's enough for today, we can't pick any more."
"Mommy." Niannian pouted, looking at Grape with anticipation, clearly not yet satisfied.
“Let’s come again tomorrow. Otherwise, the grapes that Uncle Xiaoyu and the others worked so hard to grow will go to waste, which would be a waste of food. Do you want to do that, Niannian?” Shen Zhi Qiu patiently guided her.
Upon hearing the words "waste food," Niannian thought of the story Shen Zhi Qiu had told them before. Although she still looked at the grapes with lingering affection, she shook her head firmly.
"Baby is so good." Shen Zhi Qiu kissed Niannian's forehead.
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