The room was filled with a familiar smell, and the furniture was still neatly arranged.
Mother Chen put the children on the sofa and then busied herself pouring tea for everyone.
Dad Chen and Zhou Ziwen sat beside them, asking about their journey.
Little Yueyue sat on the sofa, looking at everything around her curiously.
She found a small ornament, played with it in her hand, and muttered to herself.
Xiao Xuanxuan was babbling beside him, as if expressing his excitement.
Aunt Chen came over with tea and said with a smile, "Have some tea and take a rest."
Everyone took the tea, took a sip, and felt the warmth of home.
Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying got up, walked to the kitchen, and helped Chen's mother prepare the meal.
Bursts of laughter came from the kitchen, while Zhou Ziwen and Chen's father were chatting in the living room.
"Ziwen, I want to thank you. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have come back so soon." Dad Chen said with emotion.
He was sent to the farm because of an unexpected disaster.
If it weren’t for Zhou Ziwen, I don’t know if I could come back!
Zhou Ziwen quickly said, "Dad, don't say that. This is what I should do. You are Qiaoyi and Shiying's father. We are a family. It is natural for us to help each other."
Father Chen looked at Zhou Ziwen with satisfaction, his eyes full of gratitude and recognition: "Ziwen, you are a thoughtful child. Life on the farm was not easy, but every time I thought of you at home, I had the motivation to persevere."
Zhou Ziwen nodded slightly and said, "Dad, you've suffered. Things will get better and better in the future, so just enjoy your life."
At this time, Chen Ma's cheerful voice came from the kitchen: "The food is almost ready, everyone get ready to eat!"
After a while, Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying came out of the kitchen with steaming hot food, filling the table.
There are fragrant braised pork, steamed fish, sweet and sour spare ribs, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
Little Yueyue looked at the table full of delicious food and clapped her hands excitedly: "Wow, so many delicious foods!"
Everyone sat around the dining table and began to enjoy this sumptuous reunion dinner.
Mother Chen kept serving food to Yueyue and Xuanxuan, saying, "Eat more, my dears. You've lost weight."
Xiao Yueyue's mouth was full of oil, and Xiao Xuanxuan was also eating with relish as Chen Ma fed him.
Father Chen picked up the chopsticks and said to Zhou Ziwen with a smile, "Ziwen, try this braised pork. Your mother made it especially for you. It's your favorite."
Zhou Ziwen picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in his mouth, saying with satisfaction: "Well, the braised pork made by mom is still so delicious."
At the dinner table, everyone enjoyed the delicious food and shared interesting stories about their lives.
Chen Qiaoyi talked about her life in Dabazi Village, and recounted her experiences of farming, raising chickens and sheep with Zhou Ziwen, as well as her interactions with the villagers.
Chen Shiying also added on the side, describing the beautiful scenery and lively festive atmosphere of the village.
Mr. and Mrs. Chen listened attentively, as if they could see their daughters' lives in the village.
Mother Chen said with emotion: "Although your life in the village is hard, it is also fulfilling and happy. Seeing that you are living well, your father and I are relieved."
After dinner, the family sat in the living room and continued chatting.
Little Yueyue was playing with toys on the side, while little Xuanxuan was sleeping quietly in Chen Qiaoyi's arms.
Mr. and Mrs. Chen are very enthusiastic towards Zhou Ziwen, especially Mr. Chen, who was released because of Zhou Ziwen. His gratitude to Zhou Ziwen is beyond words.
It was a rare occasion that both Mr. and Mrs. Chen were present this time, so Zhou Ziwen decided to stay at Chen's house for a few more days.
Anyway, it’s still early before the Chinese New Year, so it would be nice for the two sisters to spend more time with their parents.
In the following days, Zhou Ziwen accompanied Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying, and took Yueyue to different places in Hangzhou every day.
They went to West Lake, strolled along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, and admired the scenery of the lake and mountains.
Little Yueyue ran around excitedly, chasing the ducks in the lake, while Zhou Ziwen patiently explained to her the legends and history of West Lake.
"Dad, why is this lake called West Lake?" little Yueyue asked curiously.
Zhou Ziwen smiled and replied, "It's called West Lake because it's to the west of Hangzhou. There are many beautiful stories here, such as the legend of White Snake and Xu Xian, who met by the West Lake."
Little Yueyue listened attentively, with curiosity shining in her eyes.
They also went to the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, which has a wide variety of plants and flowers.
Little Yueyue is like a happy little bird, flying among the flowers, marveling at their beauty from time to time.
Zhou Ziwen, Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying were admiring the beautiful scenery and enjoying their leisure time.
Dad and Mom Chen also participate in family activities together. Sometimes they go to the market together to buy vegetables, select fresh ingredients, and prepare a sumptuous dinner.
In the market, Yueyue was full of curiosity about all kinds of vegetables and fruits, and kept asking questions.
Dad Chen would patiently introduce different dishes to her and tell her which ones were fresh seasonal ingredients.
After returning home, Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying would work in the kitchen with their mother to prepare meals.
After playing in Hangzhou for so many days, the day of departure is approaching, but Mother Chen is a little conflicted.
Her eyes kept wandering over Chen Shiying and Zhou Ziwen.
After such a long period of contact, she also vaguely discovered that there was something wrong with the relationship between her eldest daughter and Zhou Ziwen.
Although they concealed it very well, due to her woman's sixth sense, Mother Chen still noticed something strange.
She decided to find an opportunity to talk to Chen Shiying alone and find out what was going on.
After dinner, while Zhou Ziwen took Xiao Yueyue to play in the yard, Chen Ma pulled Chen Shiying aside and asked softly:
"Shiying, I want to ask you something. Is there something between you and Ziwen that you're hiding from me?"
Chen Shiying's face flushed instantly, and she said nervously, "Mom, what are you talking about? There's nothing wrong between me and Brother Ziwen."
Mother Chen looked her in the eyes and said seriously, "Shiying, you are my daughter. How can I not know what you are thinking? Just tell me the truth. What is going on between you and Ziwen?"
Chen Shiying hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "Mom, actually, Brother Ziwen and I...we really love each other. But we also know that this situation is a bit complicated, so we haven't dared to tell you."
After hearing this, Mother Chen frowned slightly and said, "Shiying, do you know what this means? You and Qiaoyi are sisters. How will this relationship be perceived by others? Moreover, this will also affect your relationship with Qiaoyi."
Chen Shiying said anxiously, "Mom, I know what you're worried about. But Qiaoyi and I have already talked about it. She understands me and supports me and Ziwen being together. We don't want to hurt each other, and we will handle this matter well."
"Alas, you kids, why are you so troublesome?" Mother Chen slapped her thigh in anger. (End of this chapter)
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