Zhao Zhao and Niannian exchanged a glance, a tacit understanding only they could comprehend. They saw the joy and excitement in each other's eyes, as if saying, "Great! Our dad is back!" Pure smiles bloomed on their little faces, smiles as warm and bright as the rising sun.
Just as everyone was still immersed in the joy of finding what they had lost, Niannian in their arms suddenly struggled, her bright eyes sparkling with anticipation. She whispered in Lu Jia's ear, "Daddy, I'm hungry." Her voice was weak, but full of a child's innocence and dependence.
Lu Jia couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. Looking at Niannian's chubby little face, his heart was filled with doting affection. He kissed Niannian's little face and said gently, "Niannian, are you hungry? Then let's eat first."
The tranquility of the night, accompanied by soft lighting, creates a warm and reassuring atmosphere indoors.
Lu Jia lay in bed, her fingers gently turning the pages of a fairy tale book, tenderly telling stories to the children.
His voice, like a night breeze, gently caressed the children's hearts. Zhao Zhao and Niannian lay on their soft beds, their eyes wide with concentration as Lu Jia recounted the adventures of the brave prince and the wise princess. Their faces were filled with a dreamy expression, as if they had already embarked on a fantastical journey with the characters in the story.
Shen Zhi Qiu lay quietly on the other side, her gaze gently resting on Lu Jia's profile. She watched him as he spoke intently, occasionally casting a loving smile at him, her heart overflowing with happiness. In this tender moment, all weariness and sorrow vanished, leaving only their family of four and this loving little world.
As the last word fell, a brief silence descended upon the room. Zhao Zhao and Niannian's breathing gradually became steady and deep; they had drifted off to sleep peacefully, enveloped in the magic of the story. Lu Jia gently closed the fairy tale book, looked up at Shen Zhi Qiu, and their eyes met in the air, tenderly conveying their love for each other.
Lu Jia gently sat up, bent down, and kissed the two children's foreheads. His movements were gentle and full of love as he softly whispered, "Daddy loves you."
As they closed the door, Shen Zhi Qiu and Lu Jia exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with anticipation for the future and a deep appreciation for their family.
As night deepened, their hearts felt exceptionally fulfilled and peaceful because of this warmth and happiness.
Lu Jia naturally took Shen Zhi Qiu's hand and turned to walk towards the stairs. Their fingers intertwined, their eyes meeting, filled with love and unspoken understanding. They didn't speak, but their deep affection was enough to make the surrounding air sweet.
Lu Wei and Rong Mo sat on the sofa in the living room, watching this scene, and couldn't help but smile.
They were genuinely happy for Lu Jia and Shen Zhi Qiu's happiness.
Lu Xiaoyu huddled in the corner of the sofa. Hearing footsteps, he only glanced up briefly at them without saying a word. He picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, as if savoring the joy and relief of the day.
This day was significant for everyone. They finally shed their heaviest burdens and released their deepest emotions. Whether it was the joy of regaining something lost or the profound sorrow, all were expressed and released in this moment.
After watching Lu Jia sit down, Rong Mo said, "The family doctor will be here soon. He'll give you a quick check-up first, and then you can have a full check-up at the local hospital tomorrow. I've already made the arrangements." His tone was full of concern and care, making Lu Jia feel warm and at ease.
"Okay, thank you, brother." Lu Jia nodded with a smile. "Thank you for your trouble."
"We're family, no need for thanks." Rong Mo smiled with satisfaction, in high spirits. He reached out and patted Lu Jia's shoulder, everything understood without words.
"Brother Lu." Lu Xiaoyu, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up, her voice hoarse.
Perhaps a glass of wine gave him some courage, and he slowly walked up to Lu Jia. His steps were heavy, as if each step carried emotions. His slender figure looked lonely and desolate under the dim light.
When he reached Lu Jia, he hugged him tightly, as if seeking a long-lost sense of reliance and warmth.
His voice choked with emotion, carrying an undeniable vulnerability and sorrow: "Brother Lu, I miss you so much."
At that moment, everyone was moved to tears.
Everyone overlooked the fact that he was still just a child. He had simply been strong for so long, helping Lu Wei support the entire sanatorium and managing all its affairs, already appearing quite like an adult. His shoulders, though not yet broad enough, already bore an immense amount of responsibility and pressure.
Lu Jia tilted his head slightly, looking at Lu Xiaoyu, who was now a head taller than him, and felt guilty towards him. He sighed. Over the past year, he could imagine how Lu Xiaoyu had grown into a mature and steady person step by step, and how he had silently protected his hard work in his own way.
His eyes were filled with heartache and self-blame. He hugged Lu Xiaoyu tightly, his voice trembling slightly: "Xiaoyu, I'm sorry. It's because your brother didn't fulfill his responsibilities that you have to suffer so much."
Lu Xiaoyu shook her head, looking at the scars on Lu Jia's face, tears streaming down her cheeks: "Brother Lu, it's not your fault. I know you've suffered a lot too."
After saying that, Lu Xiaoyu hugged him even tighter, "Brother Lu, I'm so glad you're back! You're finally back!"
Only sobs remained in the living room, the long-suppressed emotions finally finding an outlet. But this time, unlike the grief of the past year, these were tears of joy, tears of relief at something lost and found, tears of anticipation for the future.
After a while, Lu Xiaoyu finally let go of Lu Jia. He took a step back, wiped away his tears with the back of his hand, and tried to appear stronger.
Unlike Lu Xiaoyu's outburst, Lu Wei's emotions were very restrained. She had always been a stoic person; that afternoon, she had only hugged her younger brother, without showing her pain. She didn't want to reopen her wounds and make Lu Jia feel guilty. Her eyes revealed a firmness and strength, a testament to her responsibility and commitment as an older sister.
At that moment, Lu Jia stepped forward and hugged Lu Wei. His movements were gentle yet firm as he whispered, "It's so good to have a family. Sister, I'm sorry for making you worry for so long." His voice was filled with guilt and self-reproach, but even more so with gratitude and appreciation for his family.
Lu Wei bit her lip, nodded vigorously, and hugged him back, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
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