Lin Xiaoguai had just gotten off the bus when she saw Han Shouzhen waiting there.
"Sister?" Lin Xiaoguai asked, puzzled.
Han Shouzhen smiled and said, "I came to see how you’re doing, thinking you might not have come back yet, so I waited here."
The two walked side by side toward the compound, quiet and silent, with Lin Xiaoguai occasionally responding to the greetings of familiar faces.
Initially, the neighbors had been quite cold to their newly moved-in family. Lin Xiaoguai thought it was either the aloofness of the local residents or maybe because the man of the house had fewer dealings. It wasn’t until Shen Chi’s identity was no longer a secret that the warmth of those around them surged; it was only then, from Shen Chi’s explanation, that she understood the reasons.
The relationships within the Capital Military District were perhaps distant but also depended on the person. When they first moved there, they were in the Military Family Area for school-level officers. To be honest, grassroots backgrounds were rare at this level; everyone had some connections and support. With Shen Chi an airborne trooper, unknown in origin, it was natural that people showed little enthusiasm.
Though such neighborly relations were not pure, carrying with them ulterior motives, Lin Xiaoguai didn’t mind. After all, she wasn’t planning to find a confidante there. As long as there was a normal level of friendliness that didn’t affect their lives, it was fine.
When they arrived home, Lin Xiaoguai opened the gate and led Han Shouzhen in.
"Mom, you’re back." Shen Yinian was in the yard feeding a chicken that had grown into a rooster when he heard them and looked up, smiling with pursed lips, "Mom, elder aunt."
Four years had passed, and Shen Yinian was no longer the little radish head he once was. At eight years old, the little boy had delicate and adorable features, eyes brighter and calmer than others his age, but he also possessed the innocence that only a child has. No one would doubt that in time, this boy would grow up to be a man of stature, just like his father.
"Little Niangao, last time you said you’d come to auntie’s house to play, and you got my hopes up for nothing!" Han Shouzhen complained to him.
She had always adored this nephew, not just because he was her brother’s son but also because the child was really smart and sensible.
Shen Yinian scratched his head a bit sheepishly, "I was going to, but my teacher asked me to take part in a reading competition, and I ended up having no time."
"Reading competition?" Han Shouzhen’s eyes lit up, "What place did you get?" She had never seen a child more clever than her nephew, except for her own son.
"First place." Shen Yinian answered shyly, pride shining in his eyes.
Lin Xiaoguai patted his head, "Alright, go do your homework."
"I already finished it at school," Shen Yinian protested.
"Then go review your lessons or watch a cartoon," Lin Xiaoguai said. She didn’t forbid her son from watching TV, but it had to be controlled.
Knowing his mom wanted to send him away, Shen Yinian frowned slightly, unhappy, but he obediently went anyway.
"Is there still no news from Shoulu?" As soon as Little Niangao left, Han Shouzhen asked anxiously.
Lin Xiaoguai shook her head.
"How can there be no news at all after almost a year?" Han Shouzhen said irritably, "The old man too, when asked, he simply refuses to say what mission Shoulu has been assigned, and Brother Lian remains tight-lipped." She knew that such secret missions couldn’t even be disclosed to family members, but when it involved someone close to her, it was hard to stay calm.
Lin Xiaoguai lowered her eyes and softly said, "Let’s wait a little longer, perhaps there’ll be news soon." The reason she could remain so calm was due, first of all, to Shen Chi’s physical condition having been honed to its peak with her help over the years; secondly, she had prepared many life-saving medicines for him before he left; and thirdly, Shen Chi was wearing the sensing jade pendant she had given him, so she knew that he was not in mortal danger.
Han Shouzhen sighed, feeling helpless. Although she was worried, she was even more concerned that this young sister-in-law would not be able to take it. Even though Lin Xiaoguai seemed calmer than herself, she always feared she was suppressing her own feelings.
After Han Shouzhen left, Lin Xiaoguai went into the kitchen and spent half an hour preparing dinner for herself and her son.
"Mom, why isn’t dad back yet?" halfway through the meal, Shen Yinian suddenly asked, biting on his chopsticks.
"Is Little Niangao missing dad?" Lin Xiaoguai’s voice was gentle, as if he had not asked a sensitive question.
Shen Yinian nodded, "I haven’t seen dad for almost a year."
"Dad will be back soon," Lin Xiaoguai said calmly, her tone filled with strong confidence.