As the ox cart moved forward, the outline of Dabazi Village became clearer and clearer.
The village monument at the entrance stood tall in the cold wind, as if welcoming their return.
This village monument was originally written by Zhou Ziwen.
The ox cart slowly drove towards Dabazi Village, getting closer and closer to the village entrance.
The cold wind blew the snow on the ground, making it swirl in the air.
"Zhou Zhiqing, we'll take you here." Uncle Liu shouted, and the ox cart slowly stopped.
Zhou Ziwen jumped out of the car first and reached out to help Chen Qiaoyi, Chen Shiying and the children get out of the car. Zhou Chaoyang also jumped out of the car and helped with the luggage.
"Uncle Liu, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, we would have had to walk for a long time in this icy and snowy place." Zhou Ziwen said gratefully. As he spoke, he took out some money from his pocket and handed it to Uncle Liu, "Here is the fare, please accept it."
Uncle Liu quickly waved his hands and declined with a smile: "Hey, Zhou Zhiqing, what are you doing? It's just a side job, why are you charging me for it?"
Zhou Ziwen insisted on giving it to him: "Uncle Liu, it's not easy for you to drive a sports car in such a cold weather. You must accept this money. Otherwise, I will feel bad."
But Uncle Liu refused to accept it: "If you say you don't want to accept it, then don't accept it. If you do this again, I will be angry!"
Seeing Uncle Liu's resolute attitude, Zhou Ziwen had no choice but to give up. He said sincerely, "Okay, Uncle Liu, thank you!"
Uncle Liu waved his pipe and said with a smile, "What are you thanking me for? It's quite cold outside. You should go back home!"
"Okay, Uncle Liu, please be careful on the road!" Zhou Ziwen said.
"Don't worry, let's go." After saying this, Uncle Liu drove the ox cart and slowly left the village.
After watching Grandpa Liu leave with the ox cart, Zhou Ziwen picked up his luggage and walked towards the village with the children, Chen Qiaoyi, Chen Shiying, and others.
Zhou Chaoyang followed behind, also carrying some things in his hands.
The village was quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing on the snow.
Most villagers are at home, enjoying the warmth of winter.
Occasionally, wisps of smoke would emerge from the chimneys of a few households, adding a bit of vitality to this cold village.
"I don't know what's going on at home. I haven't been back for such a long time, so it must have been very dusty," said Chen Qiaoyi.
"It's okay, we'll just come back and clean it up." Zhou Ziwen said with a smile.
"Yes, as long as the family is together, anywhere is home." Chen Shiying also agreed.
They walked along the familiar road and passed by the Youth League Home.
The gate of the Youth League Home was closed and it was quiet inside.
Soon, they returned home.
Zhou Ziwen put down his luggage, took out the key from his pocket and opened the door.
A familiar smell came to their faces, and Tayun, Xiaobudian, Niqiu, Juzi and Banban all ran out of the house.
The three eagles under the eaves flapped their wings and chirped happily, as if warmly welcoming their owner's return.
Tayun, Xiaobudian and Niqiu excitedly circled around Zhou Ziwen's family, wagging their tails like drums, humming in their mouths and rubbing their legs affectionately.
Orange and Spotted were also meowing nearby, rubbing their soft bodies against everyone's ankles. Their eyes were sparkling with bright light, filled with the joy of reunion after a long separation.
When little Yueyue saw these cute little animals, she immediately squatted down excitedly and stretched out her little hands to touch them.
Tayun and Niqiu tactfully moved their heads closer, allowing Xiao Yueyue's little hands to stroke their furry heads.
Xiao Yueyue's eyes sparkled with excitement. She gently scratched Tayun's ear and said with a smile, "Tayun, Tayun, did you miss me?"
Ta Yun seemed to understand what she said. He whimpered twice and licked Xiao Yueyue's hand with his tongue, making Xiao Yueyue giggle.
Next door, Zhao Xiaoya heard the noise and ran out to check what was going on.
She saw Zhou Ziwen's family at a glance, and a bright smile immediately broke out on her face.
"Brother Ziwen, Sister Yiyi, Sister Shiying, you are finally back! I missed you so much!"
Zhao Xiaoya said excitedly and walked forward quickly.
"Xiaoya, long time no see!" Zhou Ziwen responded with a smile.
"Yes, Xiaoya, how have you been doing recently?" Chen Qiaoyi asked with concern.
"I'm fine, but I feel a little lonely at home. Now that you're back, it's lively." Zhao Xiaoya said with a smile.
"Auntie Xiaoya!" When Xiao Yueyue saw Zhao Xiaoya, she immediately stood up and ran over to hold her hand.
"Xiao Yueyue, you have grown taller and become more beautiful!" Zhao Xiaoya praised with a smile.
She squatted down and looked at Xiao Yueyue, her eyes full of love.
"Do you miss your aunt?"
"Yes, Xiao Yueyue misses Aunt Xiaoya." Xiao Yueyue said in a baby voice.
Zhao Xiaoya gently pinched Xiao Yueyue's cheek, then stood up and said to Zhou Ziwen and his family, "You just came back, you must be tired, right? Do you want me to help you with something?"
"No need, Xiaoya, we can do it ourselves. You are very busy, so don't worry about us." Zhou Ziwen said gratefully.
"It's okay, Brother Ziwen. We are friends, and it's our duty to help each other." Zhao Xiaoya said with a smile.
"Well, thank you very much, Xiaoya. Please help me carry these luggage into the house."
Zhou Ziwen said this, pointing to the luggage on the ground.
He knew Zhao Xiaoya's character very well and knew that she was a people-pleasing person. If he didn't let her help, she would always feel guilty.
That's why Zhou Ziwen asked her to help with the luggage, which was also a chance for her to express her feelings.
"Okay, Brother Ziwen." Zhao Xiaoya agreed readily. She bent down to pick up the luggage, a happy smile on her face, as if it was an extremely happy thing to be able to do something for Zhou Ziwen's family.
After entering the house, Zhao Xiaoya put her luggage aside as if she was familiar with the place.
Zhou Ziwen looked at the layout of the house and could tell that Zhao Xiaoya often helped them clean the house during the time they were away.
The furniture was wiped clean and the items were neatly arranged. He felt a warm feeling in his heart and said to Zhao Xiaoya gratefully, "Xiaoya, thank you for your hard work and for helping us clean the house."
Zhao Xiaoya smiled a little embarrassedly and said, "Brother Ziwen, don't say that. I had nothing to do while you were away, so I came over to clean it up. Besides, this house is empty anyway, and cleaning it up will make you feel better when you come back."
Chen Qiaoyi also came forward, shook Zhao Xiaoya's hand and said, "Xiaoya, thank you. You are always so warm and helpful. It's great to have a friend like you."
"Sister Yiyi, you're welcome. We're friends, and this is what I should do." Zhao Xiaoya said sincerely. (End of this chapter)
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