Wen Ruan was quite embarrassed by the praise from the Song family. They all said they would buy more newspapers to keep as souvenirs and asked Wen Ruan and Song Yan to tell their mother-in-law the good news when they delivered the mooncakes.
In the afternoon, the two arrived at the Wen family home, bringing holiday gifts and the reply from the Beijing newspaper. They showed it to Mr. and Mrs. Wen, who were overjoyed. They knew their daughter was a good student, but they never expected her to write an article that would be published in the newspaper. Mr. Wen, in particular, was delighted, even though he hadn't seen the article himself. He had heard from Wen Ruan that it was about their steel factory, and he couldn't wait for the newspaper to be distributed so that his old friends could see it.
After dinner, the two returned to the Song family home. Wen Ruan felt that the acceptance of this manuscript was a great encouragement to her, but it was nothing. She was just standing on the shoulders of giants, imitating the style of the commentator's articles in her previous life, and expressing some of her own thoughts. Although it might not be useful, she was still very happy to see that someone resonated with her and recognized her.
Before she knew it, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. This was Wen Ruan's first Mid-Autumn Festival since she transmigrated. It was supposed to be a happy day for family reunion, but there was still some regret that she couldn't spend it with her parents.
Early in the morning, the whole family was busy with preparations. Yesterday, under the guidance of Song's mother, Song's father and Song Heng went to various parts of Beijing to buy all kinds of ingredients in preparation for a good holiday.
Wen Ruan said that she doesn't usually do much, but since it's a holiday, she wanted to show off her skills and let everyone taste her cooking. She even kicked Song's father out of the kitchen, telling him to keep Song's mother company, and that the younger generation could handle things here.
Just as Wen Ruan was busy in the kitchen, she heard the door open, as if someone had come to visit. Then, a burst of lively laughter came from the living room. Wen Ruan was a little unsure, but she thought she heard her parents' voices.
She peeked out of the kitchen and saw her parents looking towards it. Wen Ruan was overjoyed and excitedly exclaimed, "Dad, Mom, what's going on?" She was so surprised that she couldn't speak.
"It's all because of Xiao Yan. After you left yesterday after delivering the gifts, he came back a little while later. He insisted that your father and I come to your house today for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Your father said he wouldn't come, but that kid insisted that it was your first year of marriage and he was afraid you wouldn't be used to it, and that we old folks would find it too quiet. He persuaded your father for half an hour, and now..." Mother Wen said with a smile and a helpless expression.
Wen Ruan was touched and turned to look at Song Yan, who was busy pouring water for his parents.
After pouring the water and telling the elders what to do, she prepared to go to the kitchen to continue her work. As she passed Wen Ruan, she raised an eyebrow at her and whispered, "I'm mainly worried that someone might miss home at night and cry in bed." A faint smile played on her lips.
Wen Ruan was so angry that she gritted her teeth. How come she never noticed Song Yan's "cheap" nature before? Every time she was moved, he could instantly ruin everything. She used to think he was aloof and serious, but now she realized that she had definitely misunderstood him.
It had been a long time since either family had celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival so joyfully. The elders were overjoyed, and Mr. Song even opened his treasured wine, which he had kept for several years, to drink with Mr. Wen. Seeing this auspicious occasion, the two mothers didn't stop them, only reminding them to drink less.
At the dinner table, Song's mother started praising her daughter-in-law again, showering Wen Ruan with compliments on her dexterity, exceptional culinary skills, quick wit, and overflowing talent. She kept saying that her family had married a treasure, and that even her youngest son was more charming than before. Then she held onto Wen's mother's hand tightly, expressing her deep gratitude to the Wen family for raising such an outstanding daughter.
Wen's mother and father smiled with delight.
After dinner, the two families chatted happily for a while. After finishing the mooncakes, Wen's father said it was getting late and he had to go home to rest. Wen Ruan and Song Yan got up to see the two of them home.
After washing up, they lay in bed, each occupying one side as usual.
Wen Ruan thought for a moment and then said, "Brother Song Yan, thank you for today."
"Ruan Ruan, you never need to thank me," Song Yan said, reaching out to pat her head.
"Sweetie, go to sleep."
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, it was time for Song Heng to return to his unit. His mother was busy at home preparing various local specialties for him. He had originally brought only a simple bag with some daily necessities and gifts, but by the time his family saw him off at the train station, he had four large bags. Song Heng insisted that he had everything he needed at his post and was worried he couldn't carry all that. But his mother seemed unsatisfied, prompting her to retort, "Such a big man, and you can't even carry this much? You're useless. No wonder you can't find a girlfriend."
During his few days back home, Song Heng noticed that, especially after his younger brother got married, his mother would connect any displeasing thing she saw to the fact that he couldn't find a wife. Song Heng felt both helpless and warm.
Song Heng has already used up his vacation this year, and he probably won't be back until next year. Ever since her eldest son joined the army, it has felt like the family has had a hard time getting together. Thinking about how tough the training is every day, and how dangerous the missions are, her heart aches even more, and she is very reluctant to let him go. Every time her eldest son comes back, Wen's mother wants to persuade him to find an opportunity to transfer out of the military, but she has never said it out loud. She knows that her two children have been stubborn since they were young, and once they have made up their minds, no one can persuade them. She can only watch him leave time and time again.
Song Heng told the elderly couple to take good care of themselves, then looked at Song Yan and said, "Take good care of Mom and Dad." Song Heng patted Song Yan's shoulder, and the two hugged, exchanging words of advice.
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