Xia Liang was very surprised. She hadn't expected that Gu Yanxiao would be the most enthusiastic supporter of her parents going back to their hometown to build a house. Full of doubts, she went directly to Gu Yanxiao, wanting to find out his true thoughts: "You're so happy that my parents are going back to build a house?" Her tone revealed a hint of incomprehension, and even a touch of mockery. If she didn't know Gu Yanxiao's character well, she would almost suspect that he was dissatisfied with her arranging for her parents to manage the factory.
However, Gu Yanxiao's answer surprised her: "Let's take all our daughters with us, so they won't go out with those stinky boys every holiday. Besides, they've never been to our hometown before, so let them come along and come back when school starts." His plan showed his concern for his daughters' growth.
After hearing this, Xia Liang was speechless for a moment: "..." She realized that Gu Yanxiao's consideration was not unreasonable. The children's experience of life in their hometown could not only enhance family affection, but also allow the children to better understand the roots of their family.
Finally, Xia Liang decided to personally accompany her parents and two children to their hometown. She knew her parents were getting older and needed someone to take care of them. Her eldest brother was busy with factory work and couldn't come, so as a member of the family, she naturally took on this responsibility.
This family trip back to their hometown is not only fulfilling the parents' wishes but also an investment in the children's growth. Xia Liang believes that this trip will bring unforgettable memories to the whole family and make everyone cherish each other's company even more.
Xia Liang meticulously planned their journey home, choosing train tickets for three days from now. There's no airport in their hometown, so taking the train was the only option. However, this time they weren't under time pressure and could enjoy a slower pace of travel. Chen Yanling and her three fellow apprentices also accompanied them; more people meant more fun and support on the road.
After a two-day train journey, they arrived in the provincial capital. They rested briefly, but didn't stay long. Zhao Danxiang, longing for home, said eagerly, "Let's go back to the county town. I want to see how our house is doing." After all, they had rarely returned since leaving, and the house had been neglected for a long time; she worried it might be damaged.
So the family rushed to the county town. When they arrived home, they were pleasantly surprised to find that the house was still sturdy, with no leaks or other damage. A weight was finally lifted from Zhao Danxiang's shoulders. Although the family no longer lacked houses, and all of them were properties in Beijing, this old home held extraordinary significance for her. It was her first home after moving to the city, carrying her emotions and memories.
After a short rest at home, Xia Liang took her two children out to buy groceries, preparing to cook a simple home-cooked meal. As they walked along the familiar streets, she told her children stories from her youth: "This is the factory where Mom worked for the first time, over there is the state-run restaurant where your father and I used to go on dates, and over there is the cultural palace, which is where your father and I first met."
The children listened to Xia Liang's narration with curiosity and interest in their eyes. These places and these stories gave them a deeper understanding of their parents' love and their family history. Xia Liang's heart was also filled with warmth and emotion. Looking back, she realized that the days she and Gu Yanxiao had spent together had accumulated so many beautiful memories.
The two daughters' curiosity was completely ignited. They surrounded Xia Liang, their eyes sparkling with excitement: "Mom, after dinner, can you take us to see it?" Xia Liang smiled and nodded in agreement. In her heart, she also longed to relive those beautiful past times, but she was a little disappointed that her husband, Gu Yanxiao, could not be by her side.
As night fell, the two excited little ones, after a day of novelty and curiosity, finally finished washing up and went to bed contentedly. Xia Liang sat by the bed, gently tucking them in, then took out her phone and called Gu Yanxiao.
On the other end of the phone, Gu Yanxiao's voice came through, tinged with curiosity: "Guess where I went today?" Xia Liang's tone was playful. Gu Yanxiao replied with a smile: "Where did you go?" Xia Liang continued: "I took the children to the place where we first met, the state-run restaurant we've eaten at many times, and the movie theater where we went to see a movie before."
Gu Yanxiao on the other end of the phone didn't speak immediately. He remained silent for a while, seemingly reliving those sweet memories in his mind. Then he said softly, "It's such a pity I can't go with you. When I have time, let's go together again and relive our love story."
Hearing her husband's words, Xia Liang felt a surge of warmth and emotion. Although they were currently in different places, their hearts remained closely connected through the phone call. She softly replied, "Okay, I'll wait for you, and we'll go together again."
During her two days in the county town, Xia Liang made a special trip to visit her aunt. Upon seeing Xia Liang, her aunt's eyes welled with tears: "When did you get back?" Xia Liang took her hand, feeling the long-lost warmth of family: "I just arrived yesterday, Aunt. How have you been lately?"
Xia Xiaogu replied with a smile, "I'm fine, but taking care of my two grandsons every day is really exhausting." Her tone carried a hint of helplessness, yet also revealed her sense of responsibility towards her family. Since her mother-in-law, Madam Ma, passed away, Xia Xiaogu's father-in-law and husband have been busy with work, leaving her to shoulder the heavy responsibility of caring for her two sons and quadruplets alone. Her life has been full of hardships and challenges.
When Xia Liang learned that she was going back to her hometown to visit her parents, Xia's aunt also expressed her willingness: "I'll go with you. Your grandparents' health has been getting worse lately, and I don't know how long they can hold on. I haven't visited them in a long time, so I'll take this opportunity to go back with you and help them out." Her tone revealed her deep concern for her elders.
Hearing her aunt's words, Xia Liang felt a warm current welling up in her heart, and she was naturally happy to go back with her aunt. In her heart, family reunion and mutual support were priceless treasures. Thus, the group returning to their hometown gained new members: Xia Xiaogu and her four lively and adorable grandsons.
Xia Dahe carefully selected some nutritional supplements for his parents. After a brief stop in the county town, the family embarked on their journey back to their hometown. As the car slowly drove out of the town, Xia Liang gazed at the familiar scenery outside the window, her heart filled with complex emotions. She knew that no matter where she went, her hometown and family would always be her deepest longing.
When Xia Liang and her group arrived at the familiar town, Xia's aunt called back to the village and asked her nephew, Xia Fu, to come and pick them up in an oxcart. The town's tranquility and simplicity gave Xia Liang a long-lost sense of warmth. She knew that although the journey from the town to her hometown was not short, it would indeed take a considerable amount of time to walk.
After an unknown amount of time, Xia Fu finally came into view. He was driving a traditional oxcart, its wheels slowly rolling along the country road, making a creaking sound—a rhythm and melody unique to the countryside. Xia Fu saw them and a simple smile appeared on his face. He warmly invited everyone to get on the cart.
The children were both curious and excited about this traditional mode of transportation. They chattered excitedly about what the oxcart looked like and the leisurely pace of the oxen. Xia Liang and Xia Xiaogu sat on the cart, swaying gently with its sway, enjoying the tranquility and leisure of the countryside.
As the oxcart moved slowly forward, Xia Liang's thoughts drifted away. She recalled her youth, the days when she carried eggs through the streets and alleys, now seeming distant and precious. Xia's aunt was beside her, chatting with Xia Liang about their hometown, their conversation filled with fond memories of the past and anticipation for the future.
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