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

The next morning, the northern winter sky was a clear gray-blue.

Yang Guangming politely declined Zhao Jianguo and Li Weidong's offer to take him to the train station, and left Tsinghua University alone, carrying his heavy suitcase filled with books and simple luggage.

The bus travels through the city, which is not yet fully awake, and outside the window, the street scene gradually becomes noisy.

Kyoto Station is always a bustling place.

Under the towering dome, travelers from all directions converged into noisy streams, a mix of local dialects, the long whistles of trains, and indistinct announcements from broadcasts.

Yang Guangming struggled through the crowd and found the platform for his train.

He found his hard sleeper berth according to his ticket, stuffed his heavy luggage under the bottom berth, and then sat down by the window.

The train started moving slowly and clumsily at first, but then the pace quickened.

The train platform outside the window, the familiar landmarks of Kyoto—the majestic Qianmen Gate and the dusty alley courtyards—rushed past, gradually blurred, and were finally left at the edge of my sight.

In its place lies the desolate and vast North China Plain in winter.

The bare yellow earth and the neatly arranged, leafless poplar trees create a monotonous yet profound scene under the leaden sky.

As he gazed at the scenery flowing past, Yang Guangming's chaotic thoughts seemed to gradually settle down and become calm, following the rhythmic clanging of the wheels hitting the rails.

The twenty-plus hours of the journey passed quietly by in reading, thinking, and intermittent rest.

He brought a professional book in English and occasionally glanced out the window. But more often, the image of home, his wife's gentle face, and his children's innocent smiles would uncontrollably surface in his mind, intertwining with his visions for the future.

When that familiar and warm female voice rang out again over the train's public address system—"Passengers, the next stop is Shanghai Station, the final destination of this train..."—Yang Guangming's heart involuntarily quickened, and a warm current mixed with eagerness and anticipation instantly surged through his entire body.

Shanghai, home, he's finally back!
This was the first time he had been away from home for so long, and his heart was filled with longing to return.

Carrying his luggage, he followed the surging crowd out of the Shanghai Railway Station exit. The familiar, humid air, carrying the moisture from the Huangpu River, immediately enveloped him.

This feeling is completely different from the dry, cold, and biting winds of the north; it is a warm, comforting feeling that seeps into your bones, a feeling that belongs to home.

Without any delay, because his luggage was quite heavy, he simply hailed a pedicab waiting for passengers in the station square and gave them the address "Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill Family Building".

The driver was a dark-skinned, lean middle-aged man. He shouted, "Alright, hold on tight!" and then pedaled hard.

The tricycles weave through the narrow yet vibrant streets of Shanghai.

The familiar alleyways, the shops with their colorful signs, the pedestrians hurrying by yet maintaining a composed demeanor... everything told him that he had truly returned home!
The closer you get to the factory area, the stronger the comfort brought by that sense of familiarity becomes.

Today is Sunday, and the residential compound of the Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill is much livelier than usual.

Children chased and played in the open space between the buildings, elderly people sunbathed and chatted under the walls, and a few people gathered together to play chess.

The air was filled with the languid and leisurely atmosphere unique to the weekend.

Yang Guangming carried his luggage up the stairs he had walked countless times, so familiar that he could walk them with his eyes closed and never make a mistake, until he arrived at his own front door.

The wooden door was tightly closed, but the sounds of her daughter Jing Shu and son Zhi Yuan laughing and playing could be clearly heard from inside, interspersed with Lin Jian Yue's gentle yet slightly helpless admonition: "Jing Shu, slow down, don't bump into your little brother... Zhi Yuan, you can't put that in your mouth..."

The everyday, warm sounds were like a gentle current, instantly washing away all the fatigue of his journey.

He stood at the door, took a deep breath, as if trying to imprint this familiar scent deep into his mind, and then knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Lin Jianyue's gentle voice came from inside, accompanied by footsteps approaching from afar.

The door creaked open from the inside.

Lin Jianyue stood at the door, wearing a faded blue apron and with some white flour on her hands, seemingly busy kneading dough or preparing some kind of noodle dish.

When she saw Yang Guangming outside the door, looking travel-worn and carrying a pile of luggage, her face first showed surprise, then turned into obvious worry.

"Guangming, you... why are you back? It's not holiday time yet! Is... is something wrong?"

There was a hint of panic in her voice. As she stepped aside to let him into the house, she subconsciously wiped the flour off her hands with her apron, her eyes following him closely, trying to find the answer on his face.

Yang Guangming carried his heavy luggage into the small but incredibly cozy little house and placed the suitcase in the corner.

He first strode into the inner room and looked at his two children, who were sitting on a small rug playing with building blocks. Four-year-old Jing Shu looked up and saw him, immediately dropped her toys, happily shouted "Daddy!", and rushed over with her little arms outstretched.

One-year-old Zhiyuan babbled and wobbled towards him, his big, round eyes filled with curiosity and excitement at seeing his family.

After more than two months apart, it was clear that his son had not forgotten him.

Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart, as if he were filled with something. He bent down, took one in each arm, and hugged his daughter and son into his arms. He stroked their soft hair and kissed each of their delicate cheeks.

This brief moment of tenderness was enough to comfort him after days of travel and longing.

He straightened up and looked at Lin Jianyue, who was still standing at the door with a worried and questioning expression.

He smiled gently, as if to reassure her, "It's alright, nothing happened, it's a good thing. Don't worry." He stepped forward, took Lin Jianyue's hands, which were still slightly floury and cool, and led her to sit down on the bedside.

He looked into Lin Jianyue's confused eyes and said in as calm and clear a tone as possible, "Jianyue, I'm back because of important news. I've passed the school's selection process and qualified for a government-sponsored study abroad program. I'll be going to the United States soon, and it will probably take about three years."

Lin Jianyue's eyes widened instantly, her mouth slightly open, as if she hadn't heard clearly or couldn't believe what she had heard.

She stared blankly at her husband for several seconds before, as if finally processing the information, she repeated incredulously, word by word, "Government-sponsored study abroad? To...to America?"

“Yes, to Stanford University in California, to study computer science.” Yang Guangming nodded firmly, his tone steady.

Then, he briefly and clearly recounted to his wife the entire selection process, which was like a dream, as well as the intensive and extensive pre-departure training that had just ended in Beijing.

Lin Jianyue listened quietly, her worry and confusion gradually replaced by immense surprise and disbelief, like a thin mist blown away by a spring breeze.

Her eyes grew brighter and brighter, eventually sparkling like stars.

She certainly understood what "government-sponsored study abroad" meant in this era—it was an honor and an extremely precious opportunity that only the top elite talents could obtain!

Countless intellectuals dream of having it but cannot obtain it!

She never imagined that her husband, in less than a semester after entering Tsinghua University, would seize such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could change his life, thanks to his extraordinary abilities and rare chance!

"That's wonderful! Guangming! This...this is truly amazing news!" Lin Jianyue excitedly grasped Yang Guangming's hand.

Her eyes reddened slightly, and a layer of moisture quickly filled her eyes. "I knew you could do it! You've always been the best! It's just... I just didn't expect this opportunity to come so quickly, so suddenly!" Her voice trembled with excitement.

"Yes, I never expected that fate would be so kind to me." Yang Guangming felt the warmth and slight trembling of her palm, and his heart was filled with emotion. "The training just ended, and the organization gave us a special half-month vacation so that we could come back to take care of our family matters and reunite with our loved ones. Time is tight. We must return to Beijing to report on the 25th, and then depart from the capital together on the 26th."

"The 25th... you're leaving so soon..." The joy in Lin Jianyue's eyes faded slightly, immediately replaced by a deep sense of reluctance and attachment.

Three years, more than a thousand days and nights—that's no short time. Across the vast Pacific Ocean, how can this longing find its place?
"Yes, the schedule is very tight." Yang Guangming nodded, understanding his wife's feelings at that moment.

He then shifted his focus to practical matters, one of the core issues he needed to address upon his return: "By the way, how's the preparation at the new house going? Do Mom and Dad have any plans to move in?"

Mentioning her newly purchased house in a Shikumen (stone-gate) building, Lin Jianyue's attention was indeed diverted somewhat. She calmed herself slightly and said:

"With my parents' full support and arrangements, everything over there is basically ready."

The walls have been repainted, the old floors have been repaired and sanded, and the basic furniture, such as beds, tables, and cabinets, has been mostly installed. Although it looks a bit rudimentary, it's perfectly habitable.

She paused for a moment, then continued to explain the family's arrangements in detail: "The details of how we'll live after moving in have also been decided."

My parents live in the building in front; it's well-lit and spacious there.

The eldest sister lived in a three-story house with her two children, Honghong and Amao. Although the ceiling was a bit low, the house was spacious enough for the three of them.

My second sister and Xiaowen stayed in a small room in the pavilion. Although it was small, it was decorated quite warmly.

The living room was reserved for the two of us, because they said it was a square room, and it would be more convenient for us with Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan.

At this point, Lin Jianyue showed a helpless yet touching smile. "Originally, my parents insisted on giving us the best front room to live in... but I always felt that my parents are elders who have worked hard all their lives and deserve to live in the best room."

I had to plead and beg them until they finally agreed to the arrangement and agreed to live in the front building.

"As for the moving time," Lin Jianyue continued, "my parents want to move there before the Spring Festival, so that we can say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new, have a fresh start, and have a lively New Year in the new house."

Yang Guangming listened attentively, pondered for a moment, quickly weighed the options in his mind, and then made a decision: "Jianyue, my idea is that this time, you, Jingshu, and Zhiyuan should also move with Mom and Dad. You can live there permanently while I'm abroad."

Lin Jianyue was clearly surprised to hear this. She blinked and said, "We're all moving there? Then... what about the houses the factory allocated here? If they're just sitting empty and no one lives there, and we're occupying such nice houses, won't that... cause the neighbors to gossip? Besides, this is, after all, our own little home..."

Her tone revealed a hint of longing for her little family.

Yang Guangming understood his wife's feelings, but he considered things from a longer-term and more realistic perspective.

He spoke gently and explained, “I’ll be gone for several years, and you’ll be in school with a heavy workload. The two children are still young, so you’ll mainly need your parents to help take care of them.”

If you still live here, you'll have to run between the school, the dormitory, and your new home every day. You'll have to worry about your studies and take care of your child, which is really too tiring and inconvenient.

Moving in with my parents and sisters will be more convenient, as we can support each other and the children can grow up in a better environment.

This way, I can feel more at ease and at ease while studying and working away from home.

He paused, looked at Lin Jianyue's thoughtful eyes, and continued, "Besides, this house is different; it's a welfare house allocated to employees by the factory."

I'm about to go abroad to study, and after I graduate, according to the policies and development trends, there's no way I'll be assigned back to work at the Hongxing State-Owned Cotton Mill.

Since I no longer work here, I have to return this house to the factory sooner or later, both morally and logically.

We don't need to, and shouldn't, keep occupying this house. It's unfair to the factory and other colleagues who need housing more.

We now have our own new house, which is large enough for our whole family to live in.

"I plan to take advantage of this trip back to formally complete the procedures for returning this factory-allocated apartment to the factory," Yang Guangming finally revealed his plan.

"Check out?" Lin Jianyue was surprised again, even more so than when she heard that the whole family was going to move to a Shikumen.

This small apartment, with its inner and outer rooms, may not be large, but it was their first home after marriage, holding countless precious memories from their honeymoon to the birth of their children.

Every corner bears traces of their shared life.

Moreover, in an era when housing was extremely scarce, with many people crammed into small rooms or even attics, voluntarily giving up a fairly decent public housing unit required considerable determination and courage.

"Yes, check out."

Yang Guangming's tone was very certain, and he further explained, "This is a very real problem. Even if we don't withdraw now, when I return to China after completing my studies in a few years, I will definitely be assigned to a new workplace, and at that time, I will still have to go through the check-out process here."

Since you'll have to retire sooner or later, you might as well do it sooner.

Our family bought a detached Shikumen house, which is probably no secret in the factory. Many people probably know about it and are envious.

If we continue to occupy this public housing unit, someone might already be reporting this issue to the factory behind our backs.

I'm about to go abroad, so these rumors or gossip won't affect me much, but they're still something to talk about. There's no need to leave such a small stain before I leave, making people think we're greedy.

"Take the initiative and back decisively; it shows our noble character, saves the factory leaders from embarrassment, and makes everyone look good."

He slowed his speech, looked at his wife with gentle eyes, and asked softly in a consultative tone, "Jianyue, what do you think? This is just my personal opinion, and I'd like to hear your opinion."

Lin Jianyue lowered her head, unconsciously twisting the corner of her apron with her hands, clearly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Her original desire for a completely independent and undisturbed home was indeed very strong, a common expectation of many young couples.

However, since she was admitted to Fudan University through her own efforts, the heavy academic pressure has suddenly increased. She shuttles between school and home every day, and taking care of two young children has really made her feel overwhelmed. During this period, she has been able to barely get by thanks to the help of her parents-in-law and sisters-in-law.

If I move to a Shikumen (stone gate house) and live with my parents-in-law and sisters-in-law, I will definitely receive more help in my daily life. Not only will I be able to better take care of and educate my children, but I will also be able to focus more wholeheartedly on my studies.

As for independent private space... as Yang Guangming said, there's still a long way to go.

Not to mention that after he returns from his studies, high-level talents like him, who are sent abroad by the state to study, will definitely be given priority by the organization to be allocated larger and better housing when they are assigned to new important positions.

Even if Lin Jianyue is just an ordinary college student, after graduating with a four-year bachelor's degree, her new employer will usually provide her with housing.

In the future, they will definitely not have to worry about not having their own more comfortable and spacious house.

If you want to have a completely independent living space, you can wait until he finishes his studies and returns, and you graduate from university and have a stable job before making a long-term plan.

At this stage, the most important task is to ensure that children grow up healthily and happily, while also taking care of their own studies.

Based on this practical need, moving in with your in-laws is clearly the most convenient, safest, and wisest choice.

Having figured these points out, she raised her head, her gaze becoming clear and firm, the previous hesitation and lingering affection vanished:

“You’re right, Guangming. With you abroad and me busy with school, living with our parents and sisters is indeed the most convenient and safest option.”

With more people around, it's lively and we can look out for each other. You'll feel more at ease, and I'll be able to relax a lot more.

This house…

She glanced around her small home, her eyes still showing reluctance, but her tone had become resolute, "Go ahead and leave, I support your decision and will follow your arrangements."

Seeing his wife's understanding and reasonable nature, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He held her hand tightly, his voice low and full of emotion:
"Jianyue, thank you for your understanding and support."

Don't worry, and please believe me, when I return from my studies abroad, we will definitely have a bigger, better, and more comfortable house.

When you look back at that time, you might even find this little suite adorably cramped.

We will cherish the memories here forever, but life must always move forward.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too."

Lin Jianyue smiled with relief, her smile warm and bright. "I'm just a little reluctant to leave. After all, this is our wedding room. We've spent so many days here, and we've grown attached to every table and chair."

But that's the reality; we can't let a small loss cause a bigger one. So be it. Living together as a family, supporting each other, is fine too.

She paused, then asked, "So...when exactly should we start moving? We need to be prepared."

"Now that the new house is all set up and everything is ready, let's get it done as soon as possible."

Yang Guangming is always decisive and efficient. "While I'm still at home, we'll start moving in the next few days. Once everything is arranged, I can leave with more peace of mind and without any worries."

He stood up and said, “Let’s go, let’s take the kids to the Shikumen area now, tell our parents the good news in person, and officially finalize the move. We can all discuss it together.”

"Okay!" Lin Jianyue immediately stood up, neatly took off her apron, and began to put coats on the children and pack their bottles, diapers and other personal belongings.

Her movements were light and quick. Although there was still a hint of reluctance on her face as her husband was about to leave, there was more of an anticipation for the new life that was about to begin and a determination to face the future together with her family.

The family quickly tidied up, locked the door of their home, which would soon no longer be their main residence, and went downstairs.

Yang Guangming carried his son Zhiyuan, while Lin Jianyue held his daughter Jingshu's hand as they walked towards a Shikumen house in the old city. Back in the familiar Shikumen alleyway, as soon as they entered the courtyard, a rich, mouthwatering aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Zhang Xiuying was busy at the stove, the spatula clanging against the iron pot.

Xiaowen, Honghong, and Amao were playing hopscotch in the courtyard, their silvery laughter echoing through the yard.

"Dad, Mom, we're back!" Yang Guangming shouted, his loud voice filled with barely suppressed joy.

"Grandpa! Grandma!" Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan called out in their childish voices, vying to be the first to call out.

Hearing the sound, Zhang Xiuying poked her head out from the kitchen, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweat.

Yang Yongkang, who was tidying up his belongings in the courtyard, also stopped what he was doing and looked up at the door.

Upon seeing the sudden appearance of sunlight, the elderly couple showed obvious surprise and confusion.

Zhang Xiuying wiped her hands with her apron as she came out, looking her son up and down with concern and confusion in her voice:
"Guangming? You shouldn't be out of school for the holidays yet, right? Why are you home so early? Is... is something wrong at school?" She subconsciously thought the worst, her brows furrowing slightly.

Yang Guangming handed his mother a bag of dried fruit and other local specialties he had brought back from Kyoto, his face beaming with an irrepressible smile. He said in a loud voice, "Dad, Mom, don't guess yet, I have some amazing news to tell you!"

"What good news? Look at your beaming face, it's like you've found a gold ingot." Yang Yongkang also came over, his tone calm, but his eyes revealed curiosity.

Yang Guangming stopped teasing and revealed the answer directly: "I passed the school's rigorous selection process and qualified for a government-sponsored study abroad program! I'm leaving in a few days to study in the United States for about three years!"

"Government-sponsored study abroad?" Zhang Xiuying didn't react for a moment, or rather, the term was too far removed from her daily life, and she was stunned for a moment.

Yang Yongkang was jolted, his expression immediately turning extremely serious, even somewhat grave. He took a step forward, staring intently into his son's eyes:
"What's going on? Going to America? Explain yourself clearly!"

In this day and age, going abroad, especially to the United States, is an extremely important matter, even shrouded in a certain mystery.

So, Yang Guangming patiently and meticulously recounted the entire story to his parents, including how he gained the professor's appreciation, how he passed through layers of assessments, how he finally obtained the spot, and the pre-departure training, even more in detail than he had told Lin Jianyue before.

After listening to their son's clear and logical explanation, Zhang Xiuying and Yang Yongkang were stunned, as if they had been frozen in place.

The expressions on their faces went through a series of stages: from initial confusion to extreme shock after understanding, and finally to unbelievable ecstasy after digesting all the information!

"Oh my God! A government-sponsored study abroad program! To...to America!"

Zhang Xiuying slapped her thigh suddenly, her voice rising high and shrill with extreme excitement. Her eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up in them. "My Mingming... my Mingming is going abroad to study! This... this is truly a blessing from our ancestors, a stroke of good fortune! It's truly a stroke of good fortune!"

She was so excited that she became somewhat incoherent. She stepped forward and grabbed Yang Guangming's arm tightly, as if trying to confirm through this contact that what was happening before her eyes was not a daydream.

Although Yang Yongkang didn't show his emotions as openly as his wife, the wrinkles on his face smoothed out, clearly indicating that he was also excited.

He said "Good!" several times in a row, his voice loud and powerful.
"Good! Good! Guangming! Good lad! You've brought great honor to our Yang family! This is an opportunity that's extremely rare!"

In his mind, being selected by the country to study abroad was even more honorable than being admitted to Tsinghua University for graduate studies! It was a glory to bring honor to one's ancestors and a name to be recorded in the family genealogy!

During this period in Shanghai, due to the profound influence of early Shanghai culture, people generally held great admiration and envy for the ability to "go abroad".

In the eyes of Yang Yongkang and Zhang Xiuying, Yang Ming's qualification for government-sponsored study abroad is not only an achievement for their son, but also an unparalleled honor for the entire Yang family!

"Such a joyous occasion must be celebrated! It absolutely must be celebrated!"

Zhang Xiuying finally recovered a little from the initial shock. She rubbed her hands excitedly and looked towards the kitchen. "I'm going out now to the market to buy some hearty dishes! I'll buy a live fish and some spare ribs! We'll have a good meal tonight, a lively family gathering!"

She started to untie her apron and walk outside.

During this period of renovating the new house, although Yang Guangming had set aside money, she was always careful with her money and still had to supplement a lot of her own savings. She usually tried to save money on household expenses, but today, she was determined to have a big celebration.

"Mom, stop what you're doing and listen to me."

Yang Guangming quickly stopped his mother, knowing how hard she worked to manage the household. "Cooking at home is a hassle, you have to cook and wash. This celebratory lunch is on me!"

Our whole family, including my eldest and second eldest sisters, went out to eat together!

Let's go to that pretty good local restaurant we went to last time. I'll order some of their signature dishes and a bottle of good wine, and our family will have a proper celebration, a little housewarming party to mark our upcoming move!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiuying instinctively wanted to scold her son for wasting money and thinking that eating at home was more economical.

But as the words reached his lips, looking at his son's confident, composed face, radiating joy and success, and realizing that this was indeed a momentous occasion worthy of celebration, he swallowed his words, his face beaming with joy, and replied repeatedly:
"Alright! Alright! Whatever you say! Let's splurge today and enjoy my son's hospitality! Let's eat out!"

For a time, the entire Shikumen was filled with joy and as lively as during the Chinese New Year.

Hearing the unusual noise downstairs, Yang Guanghui and Li Guihua also came downstairs to see what was going on.

Upon learning that their younger brother had been awarded a government-sponsored scholarship to study in the United States, the two were so surprised they couldn't stop smiling. They immediately offered their congratulations, their voices filled with heartfelt envy and pride as the elder brother and sister-in-law.

While the whole family was immersed in joy, Yang Guangming took the opportunity to bring up the matter of moving and his decision to return the housing allocated by the factory.

He explained his considerations to his parents and siblings again—that it would be inconvenient for Lin Jianyue to take the child to school, that the house would eventually have to be returned, and that he should return it voluntarily to avoid gossip, etc.

"Now that the new house is all set up, I think we shouldn't wait until the New Year. Let's move in these next few days while I'm still home."

I can lend a hand and help with the arrangements, so I'll feel more at ease when I set off.

Yang Guangming continued, "I'm planning to go to the factory tomorrow to find the manager and process the move-out procedures for the apartment that was allocated to me by the factory."

From now on, Jianyue, Jingshu, and Zhiyuan will all be living with Mom and Dad, and my two older sisters. With you all looking after them, I feel completely at ease while I'm away.”

Hearing that her son would be leaving home again so soon, and for three long years in a distant foreign country, Zhang Xiuying felt a strong sense of reluctance and worry. However, this feeling was quickly overshadowed by the immense joy of moving to a new house and her son's great success.

She and Yang Yongkang exchanged a glance when they decided to cancel their booking, and both nodded without hesitation in support.

"It's good that you've returned it, you should have!" Yang Yongkang tapped his pipe forcefully, his tone resolute. "Now we have our own houses, private property rights, we feel secure living here, and we're not taking advantage of the public! Guangming did the right thing, his intentions are upright, and he has a long-term vision! We, the Yang family, should act with integrity!"

Zhang Xiuying immediately chimed in, "That's right! From now on, we'll live in our own big house! We'll feel at ease! Mingming, don't worry, leave Jianyue and the two children to us, we'll take good care of you and make sure you're healthy and well-fed!"

You should focus on your studies abroad, acquire real skills, and come back to contribute to the country!

She patted her chest and assured him, her tone filled with a mother's responsibility and pride.

The matter was settled happily.

At noon, the whole family, young and old, walked out of the Shikumen gate in a lively manner, heading towards the local Shanghainese restaurant they had visited before with a good reputation.

This time, Yang Guangming was very generous, ordering a table full of hearty dishes:

The restaurant served a variety of dishes, including glistening braised pork, steamed sea bass, sweet and sour spare ribs, braised eel in sizzling oil, and eight-treasure duck. They also ordered a bottle of expensive Moutai liquor.

During the meal, glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, and everyone was filled with good wishes for a bright future and anticipation for the upcoming family gatherings.

This meal was exceptionally enjoyable.

Over the next few days, Yang Guangming was unusually busy, and time seemed to be fast-forwarded.

He first went back to the Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill, went directly to the factory director's office, and reported to the factory director, Zhao Guodong, in person that he had been awarded a government-sponsored scholarship for studying abroad and would be departing soon.

Zhao Guodong was both surprised and delighted. He patted Yang Guangming's shoulder vigorously and said repeatedly, "Good lad, you've really brought honor to our factory!"

Zhao Guodong, after a slight surprise at Yang Guangming's decision to voluntarily return the factory-allocated housing, expressed his high appreciation and support.

"Comrade Guangming, your thinking and actions demonstrate a high level of awareness!"

Zhao Guodong said with emotion, "Indeed, once you go abroad and return after completing your studies, you will definitely have a more important position. Our small temple can no longer keep such a great Buddha like you."

Since the family already has a new house, it's excellent that they voluntarily returned the old one. This avoids gossip and prevents the factory from causing further trouble. It also sets a good example for other colleagues.

That's truly admirable!

The check-out process went exceptionally smoothly.

Yang Guangming signed the relevant documents, but the keys can only be officially returned after the move is completed.

Although he still felt a little reluctant to leave this little home that held so many memories for him, he felt more relaxed after shedding his burden.

The following days were filled with the hectic process of moving.

This is the largest group activity the Yang family has held recently.

With the strong support of the Yang Guanghui and Yang Guangyao families, as well as several friends such as Chu Dahu who came to help after hearing the news, the old furniture, trunks and miscellaneous items that had been used for many years and were full of affection in the old Shikumen house, as well as Yang Guangming's necessary items, books and clothes in the factory dormitory, were transported to the newly renovated Shikumen house in an orderly manner, truckload after truckload.

Throughout the moving process, Yang Guangming paid special attention to the two boxes of valuable medicinal herbs.

He personally supervised the moving, ensuring that they were safely and securely placed in the new house, and carefully stored under the bed in the living room.

After transferring these two boxes of valuable items, which could be considered his "family fortune," to his private residence, Yang Guangming felt more at ease.

The newly purchased Shikumen house, after careful renovation and furnishing, appears bright, clean, spacious, and airy.

The furniture is mostly simple, but neatly arranged, giving it a fresh and new look.

Zhang Xiuying, like a composed general, directed everyone to arrange furniture, assign rooms, and organize the storage of items with great energy. She was so busy that her feet barely touched the ground, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, but her face was always filled with a satisfied and joyful smile, as if she had become several years younger.

Watching his parents, sisters, and children quickly settle into the new house, everyone's face beaming with satisfaction with the new environment and anticipation for the new life to come, Yang Guangming finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart.

The stability and harmony of home are his strongest support and warmest harbor, allowing him to focus wholeheartedly on his endeavors after leaving home.

In between his busy moving, he also took half a day to invite his whole family to a high-quality photo studio to take a formal family portrait and several other photos.

In the photo, Yang Yongkang and Zhang Xiuying sit in the middle, while Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue hold their child. They stand in the back row with Yang Guanghui, Yang Guangyao, Yang Xianglan, and Yang Xiangmei, each with a bright smile full of hope for the future.

The siblings then took a separate family photo of their respective small families, and everyone had a bright smile on their face.

Yang Guangming even took a photo of himself and Lin Jianyue together.

In the photo, Lin Jianyue leans slightly against her husband, her face bearing a gentle and slightly shy smile, but her eyes are filled with an intense reluctance and longing.

In Yang Guangming's heart, these few small photos will be the most important spiritual comfort and source of strength for him as he struggles alone in a foreign land in the coming years.

He also took the time to visit several elders and former leaders, including Leader He, who had always cared for and helped him, to bid them farewell in person and to thank them once again for their care and support over the years.

As for his parents-in-law, he couldn't neglect them either, so Yang Guangming took his whole family to visit them.

Upon hearing the good news, his elders were all delighted and offered him their earnest advice and best wishes.

The two-week holiday, filled with busyness, joy, and a touch of melancholy, has passed by in the blink of an eye. The day of parting is drawing ever closer, like an inescapable countdown.

Although the house was filled with the joy of moving to a new home and the warmth of family reunion, a faint sense of sadness and parting inevitably permeated the air as well.

Zhang Xiuying tried every possible way to cook delicious meals for her son, wishing she could make all his favorite dishes again before he left home, to make up for the "taste of home" that he might miss in the next few years in a foreign land.

She often stared blankly at her son's busy back, then secretly wiped the corner of her eye.

Lin Jianyue, on the other hand, appeared more calm and reserved.

She silently packed her husband's luggage for his long journey, folding each shirt and coat neatly with sharp corners. She checked the list repeatedly, afraid of forgetting any necessities.

She carefully poured her boundless care and reluctance into the folds of every piece of clothing and packed them into every corner of her suitcase.

Finally, December 23rd arrived.

Tomorrow, December 24th, Yang Ming will once again pack his bags, board the train back to Kyoto, and from there fly to the distant and unfamiliar United States.

That evening, in the living room of their new home, a brand-new eight-immortal table was set with an exceptionally sumptuous reunion dinner prepared by Zhang Xiuying and Lin Jianyue.

The food was delicious, but everyone ate somewhat absentmindedly.

Zhang Xiuying kept piling food into her son's bowl, making it as high as a small mountain. Her eyes were always red, but she held back her tears and kept repeating, "Eat more, eat more."

Yang Yongkang didn't say much, but he would occasionally raise his glass to clink with his son's, then repeatedly remind him of the same things he had said many times before: "Be careful out there... safety first... write back often..."

After dinner, the children were coaxed to sleep.

The adults sat around in the living room, under the dim yet warm light, giving each other another round of detailed and trivial instructions.

From the weather there, to the food habits, to the interpersonal relationships... it seems there are endless things to say and countless concerns to express.

The next morning, a thin mist, typical of winter in Shanghai, lingered in the courtyard, and the air was damp and cold.

Yang Guangming, carrying the already packed suitcase filled with his family's endless worries, stood in the courtyard of his new home, ready to set off.

"Dad, Mom, everything at home... I'm entrusting it all to you." Yang Guangming bowed deeply to his parents, his voice choked with emotion.

"Don't worry, we've got you covered for the family." Yang Yongkang patted his son's shoulder heavily, his tone steady and powerful, just like his responsibility as the head of the family.

“Mingming, you must take good care of yourself out there… Remember to eat on time, wear more clothes when it gets cold, and don’t overwork yourself while studying… Your health is the most important thing…” Zhang Xiuying finally couldn’t hold back her tears, which welled up in her eyes. She wiped them haphazardly with the back of her hand, choking back sobs, unable to continue.

Yang Guangming felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He stepped forward, opened his arms, and hugged his mother's increasingly thin shoulders tightly, feeling that familiar warmth and a trembling reluctance.

Then, he looked at Lin Jianyue, who was standing next to his mother.

Lin Jianyue held Zhiyuan, who was still babbling and not quite understanding what was happening, in her arms, while her other hand held Jingshu, who seemed to sense the atmosphere of parting and appeared somewhat quiet.

Her eyes glistened with tears, yet she struggled to maintain a gentle, reassuring smile on her face.
"Be careful on the road. When you get there, you'll be in a completely unfamiliar place, so start from scratch. Don't rush, take your time. Once you're settled, write back as soon as possible to let them know you're safe."

All the words in the world can be summed up in this simplest yet most heartfelt advice.

"Yes, I will. I'll write back as soon as possible. Thank you for everything at home." Yang Guangming looked at his wife, a thousand words stuck in his chest, but in the end, they all turned into this heavy sentence filled with infinite guilt.

He leaned down and first placed a deep kiss on his daughter Jing Shu's smooth forehead, the kiss carrying the slight prickliness of her father's stubble, and softly said:

"Jing Shu should listen to her mother and grandparents at home and study hard."

Then, he kissed his son Zhiyuan's chubby, milky-smelling cheek.

Then, he resolutely straightened up, picked up the heavy suitcase placed at his feet, and took one last deep look at his relatives standing at the door, as if he wanted to etch their figures firmly into his heart.

Turning around, he strode out of the heavy door of his new home, his figure quickly disappearing into the hazy morning mist of Shanghai, gradually fading into the distance.

He didn't dare to look back.

He was afraid that if he turned around, he would see his mother leaning against the door, weeping with reluctance; his father, trying to appear calm but filled with worry; his wife, with her gentle yet strong smile; and his children, with their innocent yet affectionate eyes…

These things would instantly shatter his resolve to travel far away, making it impossible for him to take the steps to leave.

The warmth of home, like an invisible yet resilient thread, will forever bind his heart, no matter where he goes. (End of Chapter)