Where the heart finds peace
After being away for several months, everything in the workshop seemed normal, yet something was different. The way his coworkers looked at him, besides the familiarity of a long-awaited reunion, also held a subtle, almost imperceptible, respectful admiration.
That harrowing accident, his resilience in escaping death, and his unwavering composure and professionalism upon his return all contributed to his growing importance in the workshop.
Old Li patted him on the shoulder, deeply moved, and the factory leaders also spoke with him at the opportune moment—given his years of technical expertise, hard work and integrity, and prestige among the workers, as well as his quick return to work after recovering from his injury and even solving several remaining technical problems, they decided to promote him to the head of the machine repair team.
A promotion means more responsibility, and also... an increase in income. Although the team leader's salary increase wasn't extravagant, for Qi Shuo at this moment, every penny of the increase was especially important.
Holding his new pay slip, he and Tan Huaiyu, under the desk lamp, calculated and recalculated the accounts together in the ledger.
Qingran's recovery requires long-term investment; nutrition, possible psychological counseling, and special training courses all represent significant expenses.
Although Sister Jin insisted on not receiving any money, they couldn't simply ignore it. While the rent at Yucaiyuan wasn't high, the utilities and property management fees added up to a fixed expense.
Although Tan Huaiyu's law firm is gradually improving, the initial investment was large and the return will take time, and he also needs working capital.
Most importantly—the small Yucaiyuan (a private educational institution) became increasingly strained after accommodating Qingran. Tan Huaiyu spent more and more time sleeping on the sofa bed, and fatigue occasionally surfaced in his eyes.
Qi Shuo felt extremely distressed; he knew it was time to make a change.
“Let’s go look at houses.” One weekend evening, after Qingran had fallen asleep, Qi Shuo said to Tan Huaiyu, who was leaning against the sofa looking at case files, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable determination.
Tan Huaiyu looked up, shifting his gaze from the file to Qi Shuo's deep, resolute eyes, and instantly understood his meaning. Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded: "Okay."
So, the two embarked on a long house-hunting journey over the next few weekends.
Their first choice was a new development in a commercial district. The location was prime, with mature amenities and significant future appreciation potential. However, after touring the show flat, listening to the ceaseless traffic outside, and seeing the staggering price per square meter and the staggering monthly mortgage payments, the two exchanged a glance and tacitly withdrew.
It's too noisy and too expensive, not suitable for Qingran who needs a quiet environment, nor does it fit their current economic situation.
Secondly, there are garden villas in the suburbs. They offer a tranquil environment, spacious layouts, and relatively affordable prices.
It takes almost an hour to drive there, and there are almost no amenities nearby; you have to go a long way just to buy groceries.
Considering that Sister Jin is getting older and Qingran needs to go to the hospital for check-ups frequently, it would be inconvenient for them to live too far away.
Tan Huaiyu's job also requires him to frequently travel to and from the city, making his commute too time-consuming. The two shook their heads again; it was too far, too remote, and inconvenient for daily life.
After several setbacks, even Qingran, who had initially found it novel to follow them around, became somewhat listless and dozed off in the car while hugging a rabbit doll.
Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu were also a little annoyed, but neither of them said they would give up.
It wasn't until the real estate agent led them into a quiet area of the old town that things calmed down. There were no skyscrapers here, only older residential buildings; the streets were clean, the trees were shady, and the atmosphere was full of life.
The agent pointed to a newly built, modern-looking medium-sized residential community not far away: "The houses in this community were handed over last year. The quality is good, the plot ratio is low, and the key is that it is next to that well-established city park, so the environment is excellent. Moreover, it is only two streets away from the old residential compound where Teacher Jin lives, which you mentioned. It takes at most fifteen minutes to walk there."
Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu had a sudden thought at the same time.
Walking into the residential complex, it was indeed as the real estate agent had described: excellent landscaping, spacious building spacing, and remarkably quiet, with only the faint sounds of birdsong and music from elderly people exercising in the distant park. They had their eye on a corner unit on the 16th floor.
The reason for choosing the 16th floor was simply because Qingran saw the floor buttons in the elevator and insisted on pointing to the highest number, shouting, "High! Ranran wants to live high!"
The top floor had already been chosen, so Qi Shuo wanted to choose a lower or middle floor for easy access and safety. However, he couldn't resist the girl's longing gaze, and Tan Huaiyu also smiled and advised him, "A higher floor offers a better view and is quieter." So he had to compromise and choose the 16th floor, which was located in the upper middle range.
As soon as you open the door, sunlight floods the entire living room. The apartment is well-ventilated, with three bedrooms, one living room, one kitchen, and two bathrooms. The layout is square, and each room has a bright bay window.
The master bedroom is spacious and has an ensuite bathroom, which is reserved for Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu.
The second bedroom faces south, has excellent natural light, and is warm and comfortable. It can be used by Sister Jin or Qingran.
There is also a smaller guest bedroom facing north, but with some furnishing, Xiao Jue and his group, or occasional guests, can stay there.
Two bathrooms avoid congestion during rush hour. The kitchen is open-plan with ample workspace. Most importantly, standing in front of the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows, you can overlook the lush green park next door, offering a wide and refreshing view.
"This is it." Qi Shuo turned to look at Tan Huaiyu almost without hesitation. The latter was also looking at the park scenery outside the window, his eyes showing the same satisfaction and a hint of anticipation.
He turned around, nodded to Qi Shuo, and a faint, warm smile appeared on his lips.
Although the price was high, it was still within their means. The down payment required most of their savings, but with some subsidies from Qi Shuo's factory, a portion of Tan Huaiyu's advance dividends, and the money they had saved over the years, it was still enough.
The remaining loan means a considerable monthly payment burden for the next ten years or so, but looking at this sun-drenched, possibility-filled space, the two felt not heaviness, but a weighty force called hope and responsibility.
It's worth it for this family.
Signing contracts, applying for loans, running errands... a series of tedious tasks were completed efficiently by the two of them through their orderly division of labor and cooperation.
Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu both let out a long sigh of relief, then smiled at each other. Their smiles contained weariness, relief, and boundless anticipation for the future.
This time, they didn't do everything themselves like they did when setting up Yucaiyuan. Tan Huaiyu used his connections to contact a reputable interior designer.
When discussing their needs, the two were surprisingly in agreement: simplicity, practicality, warmth, and environmental friendliness, with particular consideration for Qingran's safety and comfort.
It should have enough storage space, be easy to clean, have soft and bright colors, and be made of safe and harmless materials.
The designer quickly created several sets of renderings. That night, after Qingran fell asleep, the two of them squeezed together on the small sofa in Yucaiyuan, heads touching, discussing and revising the 3D renderings on the tablet computer, bit by bit.
A closet needs to be added here, the lighting there needs to be softer, Qi Shuo insisted that the bed in the master bedroom be large and sturdy, the curtains in the second bedroom should be the light yellow that Qing Ran likes, and the bed in the guest bedroom should also have storage function... Every detail reflects their imagination and care for their future life.
"Here, by the window, we can put a small desk. Ranran can draw or read picture books here in the future," Tan Huaiyu said, pointing to the rendering of the second bedroom.
"Hmm, let's put a small bookshelf next to it," Qi Shuo added, tapping the screen with his finger. "We can put a large green plant in this corner of the living room to bring life to it. We can enclose the balcony and turn it into a relaxation area, with a rocking chair so we can sunbathe when the weather is nice."
"The bathroom should have a wet and dry separation, and the floor tiles should be non-slip," Tan Huaiyu reminded.
"The height of the kitchen cabinets can be determined according to your height; I don't care," Qi Shuo said.
"Nonsense, you cook more, of course we'll do it your way." Tan Huaiyu glared at him.
Under the lights, the two talked in hushed tones, occasionally arguing over a small detail, but quickly reaching an agreement.
A tranquil and warm atmosphere permeated the air, as if the empty house had been gradually filled with color, warmth, and the breath of life through their words and ideas.
Outside the window, autumn was in full swing, and the night was cool and still.
But inside, the two hearts, drawn together by a common goal, felt incredibly warm.
The blueprint for their new nest has been drawn up. The next step is to use sweat, time, and love to transform it from a blueprint into reality, into a true home where they can live together and find shelter from the wind and rain.
In late spring of the following year, the sun shone brightly, and the breeze carried the fresh scent of flowers and grass. After several months of hard work, the new home was finally completed, transforming from a cold, unfinished house into a warm, bright, and inviting haven.
We chose a weekend for the housewarming celebration, which was also a small family reunion.
Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu got up early to do a final check on every corner of their new home. Sunlight streamed in through the clean French windows, filling the room with brightness.
The living room is decorated in a soft off-white tone, paired with natural wood furniture. The sofa is large and comfortable, covered with a smoky gray blanket chosen by Tan Huaiyu. The large green plant that Qi Shuo specifically requested—a lush and vibrant Happiness Tree—stands in the corner of the living room. The balcony has been enclosed as a small sunroom, furnished with a rattan rocking chair and a small coffee table, offering an excellent view overlooking the lush greenery of the entire park.
In the kitchen, the cabinets, custom-made to fit Tan Huaiyu's height, were very convenient to use, and the brand-new kitchenware gleamed.
The second bedroom has a light yellow theme, with small floral patterns on the curtains. Sure enough, there is a small desk and bookshelf by the window, with several coloring books and boxes of crayons already placed on it.
The master bedroom is simple and elegant, with a large double bed taking center stage. The bedding is navy blue, chosen by Tan Huaiyu, which is calm and comfortable.
The guest bedroom was also decorated in a clean and pleasant style. Both bathrooms had separate wet and dry areas, and the floor tiles were made of carefully selected non-slip material.
"It's finally looking decent." Qi Shuo looked around, his eyes filled with a sense of accomplishment and an indescribable tenderness.
Every brick, tile, table, and chair here embodies their collective hard work and expectations for the future.
Tan Huaiyu stood beside him, gently took his hand, and intertwined their fingers: "This is our home now."
Yes, home.
It was no longer a rented temporary residence, but a real home that belonged to the three of them, a place where they could shelter from the wind and rain and rest in peace.
As noon approached, the doorbell rang one after another, and things got lively.
The first to arrive were Xiao Jue and Lin Ye. Xiao Jue's voice preceded his arrival, his booming voice echoing through the hallway: "Brother Shuo! Attorney Tan! Congratulations on your move!"
He carried two bottles of fine wine and a potted red palm tree, symbolizing "prosperity and good fortune," while Lin Ye held an exquisite pastry gift box, his smile gentle. As soon as they entered, they were attracted by the spacious and bright space, praising it repeatedly.
"Wow, Brother Shuo, you picked a great house! The view is amazing!" Xiao Jue went straight to the balcony, marveling at the park view. Lin Ye, on the other hand, was more observant, noticing many thoughtful design details, and whispered to Tan Huaiyu.
Immediately after, Qin Zhou and Song Yungui arrived. Qin Zhou still maintained his elite demeanor, but the sharpness in his eyes had softened considerably, and he was carrying a smart home kit that looked quite expensive.
Song Yungui held a large bouquet of fresh lilies and sunflowers, his smile clean and warm: "Brother Shuo, Huaiyu, congratulations on moving! This is just a small token of my appreciation to add some life to your new home."
"It's good that you're here, don't bring anything." Qi Shuo said, but his face was full of genuine smiles. He took the bouquet, put it in a vase, and the faint fragrance immediately filled the living room.
Tan Huaiyu accepted Qin Zhou's gift and thanked him. The two exchanged a knowing glance—Qin Zhou had been a great help behind the scenes during this time, whether it was legal advice or expediting certain documents.
Finally, Sister Jin arrived, leading Qing Ran by the hand. Sister Jin looked much better than before; the fatigue on her face was replaced by a warm smile. She was carrying a thermos containing corn and pork rib soup that she had cooked early that morning, a soup that both Qi Shuo and Qing Ran loved to drink.
Qingran was wearing a brand-new light yellow dress, her hair was styled into two neat braids, and she was still holding the rabbit doll in her arms. As soon as she entered the door, she opened her eyes wide and looked around curiously.
"The new house is so beautiful!" she exclaimed softly. She broke free from Sister Jin's hand and, like a bird returning to its nest, lightly circled the living room before heading straight for the second bedroom—her room.
Upon seeing the yellow and white curtains and the desk, she exclaimed "Wow!" with delight, rushed to the desk, and lovingly touched the smooth surface.
"Ranran, do you like it?" Qi Shuo walked over, squatted down, and asked softly.
Qingran nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling: "I love it! Thank you, brother! Thank you, Huaiyu brother!" She was in much better shape than last winter. Although she was still a little mentally behind and her emotions were occasionally unstable, she was happy and content most of the time. She could express her preferences clearly, she was clingy, and she smiled more and more.
However, in her world, it seems that the name Shen Ci and everything related to it have never appeared again.
The deepest scars left by that storm were carefully sealed away in a corner of her memory, untouched, as if they had never existed.
With everyone present, the small house was instantly filled with laughter and joy. Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu ushered the men to chat on the living room balcony, while Sister Jin and Qi Shuo tied on aprons and went into the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous lunch.
After "inspecting" her room, Qingran sat obediently on the living room carpet, fiddling with the new puzzle that Xiao Jue and Lin Ye had brought. Occasionally, she would look up at the adults chatting and laughing, her little face beaming with a happy smile.
Soon, the kitchen was filled with the clatter of pots and pans and the aroma of food. Sister Jin was in charge of cooking, and Qi Shuo was assisting; the two worked together seamlessly.
Braised prawns, braised pork ribs, steamed sea bass, garlic broccoli, corn and pork rib soup, and several refreshing stir-fried seasonal vegetables—one after another, delicious and visually appealing dishes were served on the brand-new dining table.
"Dinner's ready!" With Sister Jin's call, everyone gathered around the table. For the first time, the long table was full of people. Although it was a little crowded, it was filled with a strong sense of family reunion.
"Come on, the first toast is to congratulate Qi Shuo and Huai Yu on moving to their new home. May their future be prosperous and harmonious!" Xiao Jue raised his glass first, as he was the one who set the mood.
"Congratulations!" Everyone raised their glasses, and even Qingran picked up her juice glass, clinking it together like an adult, which made everyone laugh.
Qin Zhou also raised his glass, saying little but full of sincerity: "May your new home be completed and everything go smoothly."
His gaze swept over Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu's clasped hands under the table, a hint of understanding and blessing flashing across his face.
Song Yungui added with a smile, "I also wish Ranran health, happiness, and joy every day!"
Looking at the table full of dishes and the children sitting around it, Sister Jin's eyes reddened slightly with joy: "Everything's good, you're all doing well, that makes me happy. Come on, eat more!"
The atmosphere was lively during the meal. Xiao Jue and Lin Ye shared funny stories from their work, making everyone laugh.
Qin Zhou and Qing Ran bickered as usual, while Song Yungui gently took care of Qing Ran, peeling shrimp and picking out vegetables for her. Sister Jin kept putting food on this person's plate and serving soup to that person, smiling from ear to ear.
Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu, as the hosts, were extremely busy greeting everyone, their faces showing unprecedented relaxation and joy.
Qingran ate with her little mouth glistening with oil, looking at this uncle and that brother with curiosity and joy in her eyes.
When Sister Jin put the deboned fish meat into her bowl, she suddenly looked up at the people at the table and said in a soft but clear voice, "So many people, so lively, Ranran is happy!"
Her innocent words silenced the lively table for a moment. Everyone looked at her, and seeing her pure and contented smile, a complex warmth welled up in their hearts. From last winter to this late spring, how precious it was for this family, this child, to regain such smiles and the joy of reunion.
"If Ranran is happy, then we are all happy." Tan Huaiyu gently ruffled her hair.
"Yes! Come often, it'll be even more lively!" Qi Shuo smiled and put a piece of Qing Ran's favorite pork rib on his plate.
"Cheers! To have fun!" Xiao Jue raised his glass again, and the atmosphere became lively again, with even more emotion and appreciation than before.
After dinner, the men helped clean up the mess, while Sister Jin pulled Qingran to the rocking chair on the balcony to bask in the sun and whisper to each other.
The warm sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating the smiling faces of everyone. The air was filled with the lingering aroma of food, the fragrance of flowers, and the rich, warm feeling of "home."
Qi Shuo stood in the center of the living room, watching Jin Jie and her sister cuddling on the balcony, watching Xiao Jue cutting fruit, watching Qin Zhou and Song Yungui clumsily but earnestly washing dishes in the kitchen, and watching Tan Huaiyu smiling and talking to Lin Ye. Qi Shuo's heart was filled with an unprecedented and overwhelming sense of happiness.
The house isn't big, and the decor isn't luxurious. There's still a lot of mortgage to pay, and life will present various challenges in the future.
Qingran's road to recovery is still long, Sister Jin will gradually grow old, and he and Huaiyu each have their own work pressures.
But at this moment, the room is filled with sunlight, relatives and friends are by my side, and my loved one is beside me.
This is the home he tried his best to protect.
Spring is in full bloom and the sun is warm. The new house is completed, old wounds have not yet healed, but life has already turned a new page.
The future is long, and there may still be storms, but they have each other and this home where they can withstand anything together.
Reunion is a time for celebration, and gathering in this moment is life's greatest reward for the brave.
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