Chapter 90 Moving to the Siheyuan
Time flies by like a white horse passing by in the blink of an eye. In the blink of an eye, Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi have been on campus for two weeks. Jiang Ruoxi missed Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu, so she brought the two old people to the courtyard, making the home even more warm and cozy.
On the Saturday of the first week of school, the phone rang suddenly. Jiang Ruoxi's eyes flashed with anticipation, and she quickly picked up the phone. Lu Tingxiao's apologetic voice came from the receiver: "Wife, the training intensity this week is too high. I can't go back. Let's see if I can take a leave next week!"
Jiang Ruoxi was filled with disappointment, but when she thought of his identity and responsibilities, she swallowed the urge to stay and replied softly, "It's okay, just focus on your training, the children and I will wait for you to come back!"
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Ruoxi felt empty inside, but she quickly adjusted her mood. On the weekend, when the sun was shining, she took her three children to Jiang's home.
Along the way, the children laughed and talked happily, curiously discussing what gifts to bring for their grandparents. When they arrived at the Jiang family, Jiang's father and mother were already waiting at the door. When they saw the children, their faces blossomed and they hurriedly welcomed them into the house. The family sat together, Jiang Ruoxi shared the trivialities of life, Jiang's father listened carefully and gave suggestions from time to time; Jiang's mother held the children's hands, asking about their well-being. The kitchen wafted with the aroma of food, full of the taste of home.
After dinner, Jiang Ruoxi accompanied her parents for a walk in the yard. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, casting long shadows. Father Jiang looked at his daughter and said earnestly, "Xixi, Tingxiao's job is special, you have to bear more responsibility. If there are any difficulties, don't handle them alone!" Jiang Ruoxi's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded in response, but her heart was warm.
Back in the house, the children were playing in the living room. Jiang Ruoxi and her mother sat aside picking vegetables. She listened to her mother talking about interesting things in the neighborhood and occasionally interjecting a few words. Time seemed to slow down at this moment.
As the sky gradually darkened, Jiang Ruoxi took the children to say goodbye to their parents. While leading the children to the car, Jiang Ruoxi turned her head and told Jiang's father and mother: "Dad, Mom, if anything happens, you must call me!"
Mother Jiang's eyes flashed with surprise, then she moved closer and asked curiously, "Xixi, do you have a telephone at home?"
Jiang Ruoxi raised the corners of her mouth and explained with a gentle smile: "Well, before Tingxiao went to the military academy, he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to find us if something happened, so he asked someone to arrange it. If you have any problems in the future, just call me. If I'm not at home, Aunt Chen and Aunt Lan are here too, so they will definitely answer the call!"
After hearing this, Jiang's mother was very pleased. She patted Jiang Ruoxi's hand and said, "Okay, Mom knows. Tingxiao is really thoughtful!"
Then, she looked at the children who were already sitting in the car, her eyes full of concern, and urged: "You and the children should leave quickly. If you don't leave now, it will be dark and the road will be unsafe!"
Jiang Ruoxi nodded and got into the car. The car started slowly and she waved goodbye to her parents through the window. As I watched my parents gradually disappear into the sunset, a warm feeling welled up in my heart.
On the way back, the children were tired from playing and fell asleep in the car. Jiang Ruoxi looked out the window, the lights of the city flickered. She was looking forward to Lu Tingxiao's return and the next family reunion. She believed that the short separations in the ordinary days would eventually be filled with the joy of reunion.
Back in the courtyard, Jiang Ruoxi was busy washing and coaxing the children to sleep amid their laughter. When everything quieted down, she sat alone in the living room, looking at the brand new phone, her thoughts drifting to Lu Tingxiao who was far away in the military academy. She thought silently in her heart, how nice it would be if she could dial the phone at this moment and hear his voice.
Sometimes people really can't resist the pull of longing. Jiang Ruoxi sat alone on the sofa. The silence around her made her thoughts drift far away. Her mind and eyes were filled with Lu Tingxiao's figure. She was holding her chin with a blank look in her eyes, immersed in the thoughts of her lover, when suddenly a knock on the door broke the silence.
It’s so late, who could it be? She began to wonder in her heart, stood up suspiciously, walked quickly to the door, and asked softly through the door: "Who is it?"
"Wife, open the door, it's me!" The familiar voice instantly entered Jiang Ruoxi's ears. She could not believe her ears. Surprise instantly surged into her heart. Her eyes widened and the corners of her mouth rose uncontrollably.
She didn't even have time to think about it. Her fingers hurriedly unlocked the door and pushed open the gate.
Indeed, Lu Tingxiao stood tall outside the door, looking dusty but smiling brightly. Jiang Ruoxi's eyes reddened slightly. Without saying a word, she reached out and pulled Lu Tingxiao into the yard, blurting out a series of questions: "Tingxiao, why are you back? You didn't even tell me in advance. Did you eat?"
Lu Tingxiao reached out and scratched her nose, then explained with a smile, "I just wanted to give you a surprise. Is there any food at home? I rushed home right after class and didn't have time to eat!"
"Wait a minute, I'll cook for you. We have rice at home, so I'll make you fried rice and another dish!" Jiang Ruoxi said as she walked towards the kitchen.
"Wife, there's no need to go through so much trouble. Just having something to eat will do!" Lu Tingxiao held her back, feeling distressed.
"No trouble, frying rice is quick and will be ready in a moment. Go wash up first, you're covered in dust!" Jiang Ruoxi gently patted the dust off Lu Tingxiao, her eyes full of concern and tenderness.
Lu Tingxiao couldn't persuade her, so he had to agree and turned around to wash up. Jiang Ruoxi walked quickly into the kitchen, quickly turned on the fire and poured in the oil. After a while, the pan wafted out an enticing aroma. While she was stir-frying, she silently complained about Lu Tingxiao's sudden return in her heart, but she couldn't help but smile.
Soon, a plate of fragrant fried rice and a dish of refreshing and delicious side dishes were served on the table. Lu Tingxiao finished washing up and walked out refreshed. Looking at the food on the table, he was deeply moved.
He pulled Jiang Ruoxi to sit down, and just as he was about to start eating, he stopped, looked at her seriously, and said, "Wife, you have worked hard these days, taking care of the children and the family alone."
Jiang Ruoxi's eyes were filled with tears and she shook her head. "It's not hard, as long as you're safe. By the way, how long can you stay this time?" A trace of worry flashed in her eyes, fearing that Lu Tingxiao would leave again soon.
Lu Tingxiao held her hand and comforted her, "I can only stay for one day this time. I will return to the team tomorrow night. I can spend the day with you guys tomorrow!"
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Jiang Ruoxi asked, feeling sorry for Lu Tingxiao running back and forth.
"It's okay. It's been two weeks. I missed you and the kids so much. Next time I'll try to improve the quality of my training so I can take a few more days off!" Lu Tingxiao said nonchalantly.
"But this is too hard for you!"
Lu Tingxiao raised his eyes and looked at Jiang Ruoxi affectionately and said, "For you and the child, I will do anything without any hardship!"
Under the warm light, the two of them ate their meal and shared every detail of their time. Jiang Ruoxi told the children's interesting stories, and Lu Tingxiao listened with great interest, laughing heartily from time to time.
After finishing the meal, Lu Tingxiao took the initiative to clean up the dishes. The two of them worked together in the kitchen, smiling at each other from time to time. The air was filled with the smell of happiness.
After cleaning up, they sat in the yard, the moonlight like water, sprinkling on them. Lu Tingxiao gently hugged Jiang Ruoxi, and Jiang Ruoxi leaned in his arms, feeling the long-lost warmth and peace of mind.
The two of them whispered sweet words, enjoying this rare tranquility and sweetness, as if time had stopped for them.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi talked quietly, their words full of concern for each other, and then they walked quietly into the children's room together.
The moonlight shines through the window and onto the children’s tender sleeping faces. Their breathing is even and gentle, with sweet smiles on their lips, and they are immersed in beautiful dreams.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi looked at each other, their eyes full of parental tenderness and love. They stood quietly by the bed, staring at the children for a moment before quietly leaving the room.
After returning to the bedroom and washing up, Lu Tingxiao couldn't wait to hug Jiang Ruoxi in his arms. He hugged Jiang Ruoxi's waist tightly, as if he was afraid that she would disappear if he let go. There was an imperceptible tremor in his voice as he expressed his endless longing for her in the past two weeks in the military academy: "Xibaoer, you don't know how I have survived these days. Every minute without you is so long. Except when I was on a mission, we have never been apart for such a long time!" As he spoke, his lips gently covered Jiang Ruoxi's, with a passionate attachment and love.
This kiss was like igniting a long-simmering flame, and the two of them were instantly immersed in it. Lu Tingxiao breathed rapidly, slowly turned over and pinned Jiang Ruoxi under him. His dark eyes were full of affection and desire, and he asked in a hoarse and difficult voice: "Xi Baoer, can you? You don't know how much I missed you in the military academy. I missed you so much that I was almost going crazy!"
Jiang Ruoxi's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with shyness and love, and she nodded gently. She raised her hand and gently stroked Lu Tingxiao's cheek, her fingertips touching the slightly prickly stubble on his chin, her heart filled with the joy of reunion and love for her lover.
The lighting in the room is soft and warm, as if creating a romantic atmosphere for the long-parted lovers. The moonlight outside the window sprinkles on the windowsill as gently as water, illuminating the figures of the two people who are tightly leaning on each other in the room. At this moment, the whole world seems to be left with only each other's heartbeats and ardent love, interweaving into a moving love song.
The morning light filtered through the thin curtains, gently spilling into the bedroom. Jiang Ruoxi slowly woke up and subconsciously reached out to her side, but what she felt was a chill. The seat next to Lu Tingxiao was already empty.
She sat up lazily and rubbed her sleepy eyes. At this moment, Lu Tingxiao's hearty laughter came from outside the window, accompanied by the crisp sounds of children playing, like the most beautiful music in the morning, and penetrated into her ears. The corners of Jiang Ruoxi's mouth rose uncontrollably, and her eyes were filled with a happy smile.
She quickly got up, tidied up and washed up, then walked briskly into the yard. As soon as she stepped into the yard, the three sharp-eyed children spotted her instantly and jumped around her like three happy little deer.
"Mom, you got up late again!" the children said in baby voices, with a bit of playfulness and innocence in their looks.
Jiang Ruoxi pretended to be angry and cast her eyes towards Lu Tingxiao. There was a gentle complaint in her eyes. Seeing this look, Lu Tingxiao touched his nose a little embarrassedly, and hurriedly smiled to help Jiang Ruoxi out of the predicament: "It's not that mom wants to sleep in, it's that mom is too tired from school. Yesterday, when I had a day off, I took you to your grandparents' house. I was busy running around. Mom is too tired and needs to sleep a little longer. Besides, today is Sunday, what's wrong with letting mom sleep a little longer?"
As he spoke, he walked forward, naturally put his arm around Jiang Ruoxi's shoulders, and squeezed them gently, his eyes full of doting.
Jiang Ruoxi leaned against Lu Tingxiao and said to the children with a smile, "Dad is right. Mom needs to combine work and rest!" Then, she looked around and asked curiously, "What are you guys playing? Why are you so happy?"
Sanbao excitedly grabbed Jiang Ruoxi's hand and said, "Dad is playing with us to play the handkerchief game. It's so much fun! Mom, why don't you come and play too!"
Lu Tingxiao echoed from the side: "Yes, let's play together and relive the fun of our childhood!"
Jiang Ruoxi smiled and nodded in agreement. The game began. The children formed a circle. Lu Tingxiao quietly threw a handkerchief behind Jiang Ruoxi. Jiang Ruoxi pretended not to know and waited for the children to remind her before she reacted and got up to chase after Lu Tingxiao.
Lu Tingxiao deliberately slowed down his pace, but was caught by Jiang Ruoxi, so he had to stand in the middle and sing. His voice was not professional, but it was full of affection. The children clapped along with the rhythm, and Jiang Ruoxi smiled from ear to ear.
After playing, the family sat on a bench in the yard to rest. Lu Tingxiao looked at Jiang Ruoxi and said softly, "It's a rare weekend, let's go out for a walk, go to the park or the suburbs, and relax!"
Jiang Ruoxi's eyes lit up and she nodded in agreement: "Okay, the kids will definitely like it. I'll go ask grandpa and grandma if they want to go."
"Okay, wife, you go ask grandpa and grandma if they want to go. I'll ask Aunt Chen and Aunt Lan to make some delicious food for us to take with us!" After saying that, he and Jiang Ruoxi went their separate ways.
When the children heard that they were going out to play, they cheered and began to discuss what snacks to bring. The family planned the upcoming trip with laughter, it was warm and sweet. This ordinary weekend became especially precious because of the company of family.
Jiang Ruoxi was looking forward to the whole family going out together, and she tiptoed to Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu's room. Inside the house, sunlight shone through the window onto the ground, forming golden spots. Grandpa Lu was sitting on a rattan chair reading a newspaper, while Grandma Lu was sorting clothes beside him.
Jiang Ruoxi had a gentle smile on her face and asked softly, "Grandpa, grandma, we are going to go out for an outing today. You can come with us. The air outside is great. Let's go out and relax!"
Grandpa Lu put down the newspaper in his hand, took off his reading glasses, looked at Jiang Ruoxi with a smile, and said, "Ruoxi, your grandma and I won't go. We are too old to play. You and Tingxiao can take the children to have fun and enjoy this rare time!"
Grandma Lu also came over, took Jiang Ruoxi's hand, and patted it lovingly: "Yes, you young people are more comfortable hanging out with your children, so we won't bother with you!"
Jiang Ruoxi still didn't give up and continued to persuade: "Grandpa, grandma, it will be more lively with you here, and the children are looking forward to being with you!"
Grandpa Lu waved his hand and insisted, "You two rarely have time to spend with your children, so we won't disturb your family of five. Don't worry, we are fine at home too!"
Seeing Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu's firm attitude, Jiang Ruoxi knew it was futile to persuade them any further, so she had to give up. She smiled helplessly but understandingly and said, "Okay then, Grandpa, Grandma, we'll try to come back as soon as possible!"
After coming out of the room, Jiang Ruoxi told Lu Tingxiao about the situation. Lu Tingxiao rubbed her head and comforted her, "Grandpa, grandma, they just want us to relax, so we can have fun with the children!"
So, Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi set off with their three children. Along the way, the children were very excited. They leaned against the car windows, looked out curiously, and chattered about what they would play first when they arrived at the park.
When they arrived at the park, the sun shone warmly on the grass. The family spread out a picnic mat on the soft lawn and placed a variety of delicious food on it. The children couldn't wait to fly kites, and the colorful kites flew high in the sky.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi sat side by side on the picnic mat, looking at the children and smiling at each other. Jiang Ruoxi leaned on Lu Tingxiao's shoulder and said with emotion: "This kind of time is so good. It would be even more perfect if my grandparents and parents were here too!" Lu Tingxiao gently held her hand and said, "There will be opportunities in the future. Next time, we will find another opportunity for our two families to go out and play together!" The family played in the park to their heart's content, enjoying this warm and beautiful weekend time, and their laughter echoed in the air for a long time.
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