Looking at Lin Xue's expectant face, Mo Yuan asked softly, "How about we go find a place to buy some things first?"
Although they brought a large number of packages, due to the long journey, most of the items they carried were local specialties and gifts.
For example, there's the high-quality, beautifully patterned Lu brocade, and other souvenirs with local characteristics.
As for food, they only brought some local mountain products, such as dried mushrooms and wood ear fungus. Even so, these items filled their bags to the brim.
For this reason, Mo Yuan and Lin Xue had already agreed before setting off that if they could buy non-essential items locally, they should do so.
That's why Mo Yuan asked that question. Lin Xue originally planned to buy the necessary items first before returning home, but when she saw that she and Mo Yuan were both carrying large bags and small packages, she really felt a bit overwhelmed and could hardly carry any more items.
After a moment's thought, she said, "Let's go home first. Otherwise, given our current condition, we probably won't be able to carry anything else. We can think about shopping after we've settled our luggage."
Mo Yuan nodded, indicating his agreement with Lin Xue's idea. Indeed, after all, they hadn't returned for several years, and the most important thing at the moment should be to confirm whether anyone was home.
And so, Mo Yuan followed Lin Xue to a quiet and secluded alley.
The buildings here look weathered and worn, as if they bear the memories of a long history.
The walls are slightly mottled, and the bricks and stones reveal traces of erosion over time, suggesting that it was built a long time ago.
Lin Xue slowly walked towards the inside, explaining to Mo Yuan beside her: "These houses were all built forty or fifty years ago and look quite old. Later, they were assigned to the school where my father worked and used as dormitories for faculty and staff. My family's situation is quite similar to that of Teacher Zhou's family; both my parents are engaged in teaching."
Back then, because my father had a good relationship with the highly respected old principal of the school, he was given a heavy 'hat' and sent to the remote Northwest region.
We grew up and lived here, and countless wonderful memories are held here. Mo Yuan, be careful of both sides when you walk, okay? Let's keep walking further in; my home is deeper inside…”
As she spoke, she led Mo Yuan deeper into the building. It was midday, and perhaps because of the limited living space, the kitchen in the hallway was a common area for everyone to use.
Many residents were busily preparing lunch, and the entire space was filled with the aroma of cooking.
Upon seeing Lin Xue and Mo Yuan, two unfamiliar faces, someone curiously stepped forward and asked, "Young ladies, who are you two looking for?"
Upon hearing someone's inquiry, Lin Xue stared at the person before her, feeling a sense of déjà vu about the face. She narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing the person carefully. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and a joyful smile bloomed on her face. She exclaimed excitedly, "Aunt Wang, it's you! It's me, Xiaoxue, Lin Xue! I'm back! Are my parents back too? I came back specifically to visit them!"
Aunt Wang, who was busy in the kitchen, stopped abruptly when she heard Lin Xue's voice.
She slowly turned around, her gaze fixed on Lin Xue's direction, and then she walked closer with somewhat hurried steps, scrutinizing Lin Xue just as intently.
After a while, Aunt Wang finally recognized the graceful young woman in front of her as Lin Xue, the lively and adorable little girl from years ago. She exclaimed in surprise, "Oh my! It really is Lin Xue! My goodness, it's been so many years since I last saw you, and you've grown into such a beautiful young woman! I remember when you were little, you were the most bright and clever of all the children around here. You were clearly a natural beauty, and now you've grown even more beautiful! You're like a fairy who stepped out of a painting! By the way, who is this...?"
Seeing that Aunt Wang had shifted the topic to Mo Yuan beside her, Lin Xue, though eager to ask about her parents, suppressed her anxiety and patiently explained with a smile, "Aunt Wang, this is my husband, Mo Yuan. We're married now, and we came here specifically to visit my parents! Aunt Wang, I wonder what my parents are like..."
However, before Lin Xue could finish speaking, Aunt Wang interrupted her excitedly: "Oh my, so this is your lover! What a handsome and dashing young man!"
Aunt Wang's undisguised praise attracted the attention of others around her, and people curiously gathered around. When they learned that Lin Xue had returned, the scene immediately erupted in chatter and discussion.
Especially when they learned that Mo Yuan came from a small county town and was from a rural area, everyone showed an expression of extreme surprise.
They simply couldn't understand why a woman as beautiful and outstanding as Lin Xue wouldn't choose to return to the city to find her ideal husband, but instead would willingly stay in this remote place to marry Mo Yuan.
Although Mo Yuan does indeed appear to be a handsome man, he is ultimately just a native of the countryside.
With Lin Xue's stunning beauty, wouldn't she be able to choose any outstanding man she wanted once she returned to the city?
As a result, people couldn't help but recall the rumors that had been circulating among the neighbors, and suddenly realized what had happened. Then, they all turned their complicated expressions to Lin Xue and Mo Yuan.
Some people shook their heads and sighed, feeling that Lin Xue's actions were a great pity; others looked disdainful, seemingly not optimistic about the marriage.
Seeing how everyone viewed her lover Mo Yuan, Lin Xue was extremely anxious but didn't know how to explain herself.
Just as she was at a loss, Mo Yuan gently reached out and pressed her shoulder, signaling her to calm down.
Immediately afterwards, Mo Yuan, with a smile and in a polite manner, asked the woman addressed as Aunt Wang, "Aunt Wang, may I ask if my father-in-law and mother-in-law live here?"
Hearing this, Aunt Wang suddenly snapped out of her daze and quickly replied, "Oh dear, what a forgetful thing I am! I completely forgot about the important matter! Yes, yes, Teacher Lin, your Lin Xue is back..."
As she spoke, Aunt Wang shouted loudly towards the depths of the alley.
Not long after, three figures hurriedly walked out. Lin Xue looked closely and saw that they were her parents and younger brother, whom she had been thinking about day and night.
In an instant, her eyes welled up with tears, which streamed down her face like a burst dam. She choked out, "Dad, Mom, little brother, I'm back!"
...
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