In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 159, Section 158: Visitors from Kyoto. A Family Reunion. First Impressions.
After Zhao Guodong became the deputy secretary of the factory's Party committee, his work was like a tightly wound pendulum, leaving him no time to rest.

His desk was piled high with documents, meetings were one after another, and the phone rang incessantly. He was needed to coordinate and make decisions for workshops, departments, and higher-level units everywhere.

As his personal secretary, Yang Guangming naturally became an indispensable cog in this high-speed machine, spinning like a top.

He stepped into the office early in the morning, the air still carrying the chilly smell of the previous night, and immediately began to work on Zhao Guodong's schedule for the day, classifying documents and recording phone calls.

In the corridors of the factory building, one could often see his hurried figure, carrying a thick folder, moving between the secretary's office and various departments, delivering instructions, providing feedback, and coordinating implementation.

Zhao Guodong has high standards and acts decisively, while Yang Guangming must always be on high alert, anticipate needs, and ensure that every step is perfectly executed.

Fortunately, he was meticulous and organized, and no matter how complicated the matter was, he could always sort it out in an orderly manner.

He was like a sponge soaked with water, rapidly absorbing the experience and pressure that came with this position.

Busy days are like calendar pages flipped rapidly by an invisible hand, and before we know it, it's the end of December. The winter chill lingers on the banks of the Huangpu River, and under the gray sky, the chimneys of the Red Star State-Owned Cotton Mill still spew white smoke.

On Sunday morning, the sun, unusually, pierced through the clouds, casting a few thin rays of warmth.

The residential compound was much quieter than usual.

Zhao Guodong got up early, carefully shaved in front of the mirror, and changed into his old, dark gray woolen Zhongshan suit, buttoning the collar meticulously. He looked in the mirror, trying to smooth away the weariness and barely perceptible tension etched on his face.

"Knock knock," came the knocking at the door. Yang Guangming stood outside, wearing a faded but clean and crisp blue cotton-padded jacket, his face radiating the spirit unique to young people: "Uncle Zhao, the car is ready."

"Guangming, I told you to rest today, why did you come here again?" Zhao Guodong opened the door, his tone reproachful, but his eyes were warm.

“You’re just sitting at home doing nothing. You’ll be picking people up, and you’ll definitely have a lot of stuff to carry. It’ll be easier if someone helps out.” Yang Guangming smiled naturally. “Besides, I’m a more reliable driver, so you can talk to Auntie and Lele a bit more.”

Zhao Guodong didn't refuse again, patted him on the shoulder, and everything was understood without words.

The two went downstairs, where the black Volga sedan from the factory was already parked. Its body was polished to a gleaming shine, gleaming with a cold, hard sheen in the winter sun.

Yang Guangming opened the car door, skillfully sat in the driver's seat, started the engine, and the deep roar broke the tranquility of the residential compound.

Train stations are always the noisiest vortex in a city.

Beneath the enormous dome, a cacophony of voices filled the air: shouts from all over the country, the rolling of baggage tugs, and the clear, resonant arrival announcements from loudspeakers, all blending into a massive wave of sound that assaulted the senses.

Zhao Guodong and Yang Guangming squeezed at the front of the crowd waiting to pick up passengers, pressed tightly against the cold iron railings.

Zhao Guodong stood on tiptoe, craning his neck, his eyes scanning anxiously like searchlights as he looked at every figure emerging from the station.

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the railing, revealing his inner urgency. Two years—two whole years without seeing his wife and son. The last time they parted, his son Lele was only up to his chest; by now, he must have grown considerably taller.

Yang Guangming stood quietly half a step behind him, his eyes also searching through the crowd.

He had seen the family photo of the three of them on Zhao Guodong's desk. In the photo, Kong Yiqin had short, shoulder-length hair, wore a Lenin suit, had bright eyes, and a cheerful smile, exuding the capable and spirited air unique to northern women. Lele, on the other hand, had a chubby face and nestled between his parents, smiling brightly.

"Clang... Clang..." Another train pulled into the station, and the crowd surged out of the gate like a flood.

"Old Zhao!" A clear female voice pierced through the noise, filled with obvious excitement.

Zhao Guodong's body stiffened, and his gaze instantly locked onto the target.

Kong Yiqin!
She was wearing a slightly worn navy blue Lenin suit, still with her short hair, looking travel-worn, but her sharp and capable demeanor was undeniable.

He was carrying two bulging travel bags, but judging from the way he was carrying them, they weren't heavy.

Beside her, a boy of about ten years old was turning his head and looking around curiously. His brand-new blue cotton-padded jacket made his little face look particularly bright. It was Zhao Le'an, who was ten years old.

He had indeed grown much taller, and one could vaguely see the shadow of Zhao Guodong in his eyebrows and eyes, but the lines were softer, like his mother's.

"Yiqin! Lele!" Zhao Guodong's voice suddenly rose, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, as he waved his hand forcefully.

Kong Yiqin also saw Zhao Guodong, and a big smile appeared on her face. She pulled Lele and quickly squeezed through the crowd.

The two finally met up inside the railing.

Zhao Guodong took the travel bag from his wife's hand, feeling its heavy weight. His eyes remained fixed on her, his Adam's apple bobbing. A thousand words were stuck in his chest, but in the end, they only turned into a greeting in a heavy northern accent: "You must be exhausted from the journey?"

Kong Yiqin's eyes were slightly red, but her smile remained unchanged as she shook her head: "It's alright, it just took a long time. Lele was very well-behaved the whole way." Her gaze then fell on Yang Guangming, filled with inquiry and goodwill.

"Hello, Auntie!" Yang Guangming immediately stepped forward with a sincere smile and naturally reached out to take the other travel bag from Zhao Guodong's hand. "I'm Yang Guangming, Secretary Zhao's secretary. You must be tired from your journey."

"Oh, Comrade Guangming! Hello, hello! Old Zhao often mentions you in his letters, saying that you are young but very capable!" Kong Yiqin looked the tall and handsome young man up and down, her tone warm and cheerful, with the open and straightforward spirit unique to northerners.

At this moment, Zhao Le'an, who had been standing beside his mother, looking at his father with a bit of restraint and unfamiliarity, was also drawn to Yang Guangming.

This older brother who suddenly appeared was tall and upright, with a warm smile and bright eyes, very different from the serious uncles and elders around his father that he had imagined.

Yang Guangming seemed to only then notice Lele. He bent down, his gaze level with Lele's, and his smile deepened: "You must be Lele! You look much more energetic than in the photos! Uncle Zhao talks about you every day."

Lele felt a little embarrassed by his gaze and shrank behind her mother, but she still couldn't help but steal curious glances at him.

As if by magic, Yang Guangming pulled two items out of his worn canvas satchel.

In the left hand was a square tightly wrapped in tin foil, gleaming strangely under the dim platform lights; in the right hand was a small metal airplane model with smooth lines and painted blue and white, the details of the wings and tail clearly visible.

"Here, a little gift." He handed the chocolate and the model airplane to Lele together. "The chocolate is sweet. The model airplane is very pretty, but it can't fly."

Lele's eyes lit up instantly, glued to the two novel objects as if drawn by a magnet. He had only ever seen chocolate in magazines, and these shiny airplane models were treasures he had never owned before! He glanced hesitantly at his mother.

Kong Yiqin smiled and nodded: "Aren't you going to thank Brother Guangming?"

"Thank you... Brother Guangming!"

Lele's voice was filled with excitement as she carefully accepted the gift. She clutched the chocolate tightly in her left hand, while her right hand lovingly stroked the metal fuselage of the airplane model. The slight awkwardness she felt towards her father was temporarily overshadowed by immense novelty and joy.

Zhao Guodong watched as his son was instantly "tamed" by Yang Guangming, a look of relief mixed with some complex emotions appearing on his face.

He reached out to pat his son's head, but Lele subconsciously tilted his head slightly, his gaze still fixed on the airplane model.

Zhao Guodong's hand paused in mid-air for a moment, then he naturally withdrew it and patted his son's shoulder: "Good lad, you've grown taller!"

"Let's go, the car's outside." Yang Guangming spoke up at the right moment, easily lifting a travel bag in each hand. "Is this all the luggage, Auntie?"

"There are a few large items that have been shipped out; they won't be ready for pickup for another two days," Kong Yiqin replied.

“Okay, I’ll help Secretary Zhao with the paperwork later,” Yang Guangming said, leading them outside.

The Volga sedan was parked quietly in the square in front of the station.

Yang Guangming opened the back door, and Zhao Guodong gestured for his wife to get in first. Kong Yiqin got in, and Zhao Guodong followed her in.

Yang Guangming put the two travel bags into the trunk. As soon as he closed the trunk, Lele, like a nimble little fish, darted into the passenger seat, clutching his airplane model and chocolate tightly in his hands, his little face full of excitement and anticipation.

Yang Guangming got into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and skillfully started the car. The engine roared smoothly.

He adjusted the rearview mirror and smiled at Zhao Guodong and his wife in the mirror: "Auntie, Lele, hold on tight, we're going home."

The car smoothly drove away from the bustling station square and merged into the relatively sparse traffic of Shanghai on a Sunday. Yang Guangming drove very steadily, without any rush or impatience, seemingly having a thorough understanding of the road conditions, avoiding potholes and choosing the smoothest route.

The car fell silent for a moment.

In the back seat, Kong Yiqin asked Zhao Guodong in a low voice about his recent health and whether he was working too hard. Zhao Guodong answered her questions one by one, his voice deep and gentle.

Lele was completely captivated by the novel perspective from the passenger seat and by "Brother Guangming" who could drive.

He would glance out the window at the unfamiliar street scenes rushing by—the exotic Western-style buildings, the narrow alleyways, and the people dressed in various ways—and then steal a glance at Yang Guangming's smooth movements as he controlled the steering wheel and shifted gears, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Brother Guangming, you drive so well!" Lele finally couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, with a hint of shy affection.

Yang Guangming turned his head and smiled at him: "You'll get used to it after driving it a lot. When Lele grows up, she can learn too."

"Mmm!" Lele nodded vigorously, his little face full of longing. Then he lowered his head and started fiddling with his model airplane, carefully turning the wings with his fingers. "This... can't it really fly?"

"This is just a model, it can't fly. But I can fold a kind of paper airplane, and I'll teach you later. We'll find a spacious, windy place, like a grassy area in a park, and throw it out. It can fly quite far," Yang Guangming said confidently.

"Great!"

Lele cheered and completely relaxed. She started chattering away, asking all sorts of questions, like whether Shanghai had a zoo, whether there were any tall buildings, and what Guangming did at the factory. Yang Guangming patiently answered each question in a relaxed and funny tone, making Lele giggle.

Looking in the rearview mirror, Zhao Guodong saw his son standing next to Yang Guangming, displaying a lively and cheerful demeanor he had never shown in front of him before, and felt a mix of emotions.

I was relieved that my son had finally shown his childlike side, but I also felt an indescribable sense of loss and jealousy.

The invisible barrier between him and his son still stood clearly. He silently watched his son's excited profile and made a silent resolution: this time, no matter what, he would make up for the lost time together and not let his son treat him like a familiar stranger again.

Kong Yiqin also noticed her husband's subtle emotional change. She quietly reached out and placed her hand on the back of Zhao Guodong's hand, which was resting on his knee, and gently squeezed it.

Zhao Guodong snapped out of his reverie, met his wife's understanding and comforting gaze, and grasped her hand tightly, conveying a silent promise.

The car drove into the Hongxing Factory residential compound and stopped in front of Zhao Guodong's red brick building. Yang Guangming parked the car, got out first, and quickly opened the trunk to take out the luggage. Zhao Guodong and Kong Yiqin also got out of the car.

The new home was a cadre housing unit allocated by the factory, which was considered quite spacious and a cadre's privilege in those days.

The room was very clean, the cement floor was polished to a shine, the white walls looked a bit bare, and there was not much furniture—a square table, a few chairs, a chest of drawers… reflecting the simplicity and desolation of a bachelor’s dwelling.

Yang Guangming put his luggage in the corner of the living room.

Kong Yiqin looked around at the unfamiliar new environment, her eyes filled with anticipation for her new life and a sense of urgency to tidy up and organize.

Zhao Guodong poured her a cup of hot water: "Rest for a while, have some water to calm down."

Lele was full of curiosity about the new home, looking around and touching everything. Soon she went over to Yang Guangming and started playing with his airplane model.

After sitting for a while, the clock on the wall pointed to 11:30. Kong Yiqin put down her water glass, rolled up her sleeves, and said, "Old Zhao, Guangming, you sit for a while. I'll go check the kitchen and make some noodles for a quick meal. I don't feel comfortable eating on the train."

She was a capable person and habitually wanted to take on the responsibilities of the mistress of the house.

"Auntie, please don't rush!" Yang Guangming quickly stopped her, his smile gentle yet firm. "You and Lele just got off the bus, you must be exhausted. How long has Secretary Zhao been looking forward to this day? We absolutely have to have a meal at a restaurant today, as a welcome-back dinner, and it'll be a good opportunity to try some local Shanghai cuisine. It's different from what you're used to, so it'll be a pleasant experience!"

Zhao Guodong immediately nodded in agreement, "Guangming is right! Yiqin, let's listen to Guangming today and go out to eat. You should try the local cuisine." He looked at his wife, his eyes questioning, but his tone was firm. Kong Yiqin hesitated, "This...isn't that too expensive? We can just eat something simple at home..."

“Auntie, you’re being too polite,” Yang Guangming said with a smile, his tone sincere. “Uncle Zhao has always taken good care of me, so you have to give me a chance to show my appreciation at this welcome-back dinner. Besides…”

He looked at Lele, who was fiddling with the airplane wings, and said, "Lele must also want to try some local delicacies, right, Lele?"

Lele immediately looked up at her mother with bright eyes and nodded vigorously: "Yes! Mom, I want to eat!"

Her son's longing and her husband's warm hospitality made Kong Yiqin give up her insistence.

She herself longed for the exquisite and refined local cuisine, which she felt was more delicate and refined than northern cuisine.

She smiled helplessly but with a hint of expectation: "Well... alright, I'll do as you say. But it's a promise, this is a one-time exception, Guangming."

“Okay, this time it’s fine!” Yang Guangming readily agreed and turned to Zhao Guodong. “Uncle Zhao, there’s a restaurant called ‘Chunfeng Restaurant’ not far from the entrance of the residential compound. It serves authentic local cuisine and the environment is clean. What do you think?”

“You’re familiar with it, so I’ll follow your instructions.” Zhao Guodong nodded.

"Shall we head out now? Let's go early, so it won't be crowded during mealtimes," Yang Guangming suggested.

The four of them went out again. This time, Lele took Yang Guangming's hand and looked up at him, asking, "Brother Guangming, what kinds of local dishes are there? Are they sweet?"

"There are sweet ones and savory ones, like braised pork, stir-fried shrimp, and pickled bamboo shoots with pork... You'll see when you try them, I guarantee there'll be something you'll love." Yang Guangming patiently explained, leading him forward.

Zhao Guodong and Kong Yiqin walked side by side behind.

Looking at her son's natural affection for Yang Guangming, Kong Yiqin softly remarked to her husband, "Guangming is such a friendly child. Lele is completely at ease with him."

Zhao Guodong looked at the two figures, one tall and one short, ahead of him and hummed in agreement: "They're good prospects, and their intentions are sound. We'll talk about it later."

Chunfeng Restaurant has a small storefront with white walls and a black signboard, but the interior is spotless. Although it has the simple style common in state-run restaurants, the tables, chairs, and tableware are all polished and gleaming, without any grease. At noon on Sunday, there were already a few tables occupied, but it wasn't too noisy.

Yang Guangming was clearly a regular customer; he nodded to the waiter behind the counter and led them to a square table by the window. The waiter quickly came over with a handwritten menu and a small notebook.

Yang Guangming took the menu but didn't order for himself. Instead, he handed it to Kong Yiqin first: "Auntie, take a look and see what you'd like to eat? These are all local specialties." He then tilted the menu towards Lele, "Lele can take a look too."

Kong Yiqin quickly declined, saying, "Guangming, you can order. We're not familiar with each other, so just arrange what you're good at and don't go overboard."

She glanced at the menu; most of the dishes were unfamiliar, and the prices were quite expensive for a housewife like herself who was used to being frugal.

Zhao Guodong also spoke up: "Guangming, you decide. We'll go along with whatever you say."

Yang Guangming stopped refusing, put away the menu, and directly ordered the dishes to the waiter in a steady and clear voice: "Comrade, please: Crystal shrimp, braised eel in sizzling oil, braised fish tail, pickled bamboo shoots with pork, stir-fried pea shoots, and stir-fried rice cakes with pickled mustard greens and shredded pork. Rice as the staple food."

He ordered classic Shanghainese dishes, balancing local specialties, flavors, and a good mix of meat and vegetables. Six dishes—a rather respectable meal these days. He added at the end, "And another bottle of Qibao Daqu."

The waiter quickly jotted down the order in his notebook, took the menu, and left.

Hearing that so many dishes had been ordered, and that wine was also requested, Kong Yiqin couldn't help but whisper to Zhao Guodong, "Old Zhao, this... is too much of a burden for Guangming."

She knew that Zhao Guodong, as the deputy secretary, had a high monthly salary plus subsidies, but his rations and quotas were not much different from those of ordinary families, only slightly more.

Such a large meal and drinks would be quite an expense even for a leader like Zhao Guodong. For a young man like Yang Guangming, it could be a significant burden.

Zhao Guodong waved his hand, his voice not loud but loud enough for Yang Guangming to hear: "Let him go. This kid is now a level 6 clerk at the 24th administrative level, earning 43 yuan a month. He only gives 5 yuan to his family, so he's well-off. One meal won't bankrupt him, don't worry."

Upon hearing this, Kong Yiqin looked at Yang Guangming in surprise.

She remembered her husband mentioning this young secretary in his letter, and knew that he had just turned eighteen and had only been working at the factory for a few months.

In just a few months, she jumped from an ordinary young cadre to administrative level 24? This rocket-like speed was completely beyond her comprehension.

Her gaze towards Yang Guangming held not only gratitude, but also a hint of inquiry and disbelief. This young man was no ordinary person. She would definitely have to ask Old Zhao about him when they got back.

Lele's mind was entirely on the food that was about to be served. She took a sniff of the faint aroma wafting through the air, her face full of anticipation.

The dishes weren't served very quickly, but each one, with its perfect color, aroma, and taste, immediately attracted everyone's attention.

The crystal shrimp are translucent and snow-white with a springy texture; the braised fish tail is glossy and reddish-brown, rich in oil and sauce, and has an irresistible aroma.
When the piping hot braised eel is served, hot oil is poured over minced garlic and shredded ginger, making a sizzling sound and releasing a fragrant aroma; in the milky white stew of pickled bamboo shoots and pork, salted pork, fresh pork, and bamboo shoots are stewed until tender.
The bright green stir-fried pea shoots look refreshing; the soft and sticky stir-fried rice cakes with pickled mustard greens and shredded pork exude a homely warmth.

Yang Guangming got up and poured Qibao Daqu for Zhao Guodong and himself. He then took an empty cup and poured a small cup for Kong Yiqin as well: "Auntie, would you like some? This liquor isn't strong; it's locally produced. Have a taste?"

Kong Yiqin hesitated for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Okay, then I'll have a little drink with you, but not too much." She wasn't a big drinker, but as a northern woman, she could drink a little.

"Lele, this is for you." Yang Guangming placed a bottle of orange soda in front of Lele. Lele happily took it, took a big gulp, and squinted her eyes contentedly.

"Come on." Zhao Guodong picked up his wine glass, his face showing a rare ease and genuine joy. "The first glass is to welcome Yiqin and Lele to Shanghai! Now, our family is finally reunited!" His voice was somewhat emotional.

"Welcome, Auntie! Welcome, Lele!" Yang Guangming also raised his glass.

"Thank you, Guangming!" Kong Yiqin smiled and raised her glass.

The three glasses clinked together softly. Lele, imitating him, raised his soda bottle and joined in the fun.

The atmosphere immediately became lively.

Zhao Guodong took a bite of the braised eel with hot oil. The eel was tender and smooth, with a rich garlic aroma and a perfect balance of salty and savory with a touch of pepper. He nodded in approval and said, "Mmm, authentic! The Bright Society really knows how to pick a place."

He picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and handed it to Kong Yiqin: "Yiqin, try this, it's a local specialty."

Kong Yiqin tasted it and her eyes lit up: "It's delicious! It's so fresh and tender, and the way it's prepared is really different from what we do back home."

She picked up another crystal shrimp, which was crisp and tender with a hint of vinegar and ginger. She nodded repeatedly, saying, "This is good too, it's refreshing."

For her, who was used to the heavy flavors of northern cuisine, the salty, slightly sweet, and delicate cooking techniques of Shanghainese cuisine, which emphasize the original flavors and the precise control of heat, brought a sense of novelty.

Lele then set his sights on the plate of glistening, red braised fish tail, and Yang Guangming helped him pick up a large piece and put it in his bowl.

The fish, soaked in the sauce, melted in your mouth, a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Lele, her mouth glistening with oil, mumbled, "Delicious! Much better than the boxed lunches on the train!"

During the meal, the conversation naturally became lighthearted.

Zhao Guodong asked his wife about the final details of her job transfer: "Yiqin, have you finished all the paperwork on your end? Can your personnel file be transferred over?"

Kong Yiqin swallowed the bean sprouts in her mouth and nodded: "Everything is settled. The acceptance letter from the district women's federation has been issued, and I'm just waiting to report for duty. I'll have to wait for notification about which department I'll be assigned to and what I'll be doing." She used to work for the women's federation in Kyoto, and this time it's a lateral transfer.

“Yes, you’re familiar with the work of the Women’s Federation, so you’ll be able to get up to speed quickly in your new position.” Zhao Guodong nodded and didn’t ask any more questions about the specific job assignments.

Today is a day for family reunion; it's best not to discuss work-related matters too much.

Yang Guangming promptly added another piece of rice cake to Lele's plate. The rice cake was soft and chewy, wrapped in the savory flavor of pickled mustard greens and shredded pork, and Lele ate it happily.

He mainly chatted with Lele, asking him about his old school days, what he liked to do, and what fun places there were in Shanghai. He promised to take him to the City God Temple to eat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and to the Bund to see the big ships.

Lele was captivated by his words, and he was the most talkative and had the loudest laughter at the dinner table.

Zhao Guodong and Yang Guangming drank most of the bottle of Qibao Daqu, while Kong Yiqin drank about two liang (100ml). Her cheeks were slightly flushed, adding to her refreshing appearance.

The food was almost all eaten, and most of the plates on the table were empty.

In an era when material resources were scarce, a meal with fish and meat, and authentic flavors, was enough to bring great satisfaction and comfort to the mother and son who had traveled a long way.

"Have you finished eating?" Zhao Guodong asked, seeing that his wife and son had put down their chopsticks. After receiving an affirmative answer, he gestured to Yang Guangming: "Guangming, let's settle the bill. You've spent money today."

Yang Guangming got up and went to the counter to pay.

Watching his retreating figure, Kong Yiqin couldn't help but whisper to her husband, "Old Zhao, this kid... is he really eighteen? He's so experienced and thoughtful in handling things, and so careful with money... his level..."

Zhao Guodong picked up his teacup and took a sip. Looking at Yang Guangming's tall and straight back behind the counter, his eyes held both admiration and deeper meaning: "When we get home, I'll tell you all about it. This kid is talented and upright. He made a great contribution to bringing this case to a close so quickly." He only mentioned it briefly before stopping.

Yang Guangming returned with the invoice, and the group left the restaurant. The winter afternoon sun carried a lazy warmth. Back at their apartment building, Yang Guangming didn't follow them upstairs.

"Uncle Zhao, Auntie, Lele, you've just settled in, have a good rest this afternoon. I'll head back now so as not to disturb your family reunion." He stood at the building entrance, his smile gentle.

"Brother Guangming, where do you live?" As soon as Lele heard that he was leaving, she immediately ran over and grabbed his clothes, looking up at him with her little face full of reluctance.

This man, who can drive, plays with model airplanes, is funny, and even treated him to a lavish meal, has become the person he trusts most when he first arrives in this unfamiliar city.

Yang Guangming crouched down, his gaze level with Guangming's, and pointed to another red brick building further inside the residential compound: "Look, see that? That one, Building Number Three. Not far away, right? If you want to visit Brother Guangming anytime, just knock on the door!"

"Really?" Lele's eyes lit up; the closer proximity made him feel much more at ease. "Can I come see you tomorrow?"

"Of course! You're welcome anytime I'm home." Yang Guangming smiled and ruffled his hair, which felt prickly to the touch. "Alright, go upstairs with your parents. You've been on the train for so long, take a good nap."

Lele then let go of his hand and nodded vigorously: "Okay! Goodbye, Brother Guangming!"

"Goodbye, Lele." Yang Guangming stood up and said to Zhao Guodong and Kong Yiqin, "Uncle Zhao, Auntie, I'll be going now."

"Alright, go back and rest. You've worked hard today, Guangming." Zhao Guodong nodded, his eyes filled with the gentle warmth of an elder.

"Drive carefully," Kong Yiqin said with a smile.

As Yang Guangming turned around, his figure quickly disappeared into the corridor between the buildings.

Zhao Guodong picked up the remaining travel bag with one hand and naturally reached for Lele's hand with the other.

Lele, however, skipped and hopped ahead like a little deer, muttering, "Dad, Mom, hurry up! I want to see my room!" leaving her father with only the lively back of her head.

Zhao Guodong's hand paused in mid-air for a moment, then slowly withdrew and put it into his coat pocket.

He watched his son's small, energetic figure disappear into the distance, then turned and glanced in the direction where the sunlight had vanished.

The wind that swept through the hallway carried the chill of early winter. He exhaled softly, and the white mist quickly dissipated before his eyes.

In Zhao Guodong's eyes, there was a surge of joy at the reunion, as well as a deep expectation of rebuilding his relationship with his son.

He smiled at his wife and said softly, "Let's go home."

Kong Yiqin sensed the emotion in his words, returned his smile, and nodded silently. The family of three then climbed the stairs leading to their new home.

(End of this chapter)