Chapter 323 – Arrived Home
“Let’s hurry up and go home. Your mother is waiting for you at home,” Xu Aiguo said. “There are too many people at the station, and it’s not a good place to catch up.”
So, Xu Aiguo took Xu Jinning, Song Yi used his brother’s bicycle to take Xu Fanghua, and Song Feng was taken by Xu Xiangdong.
Xu Xiangdong looked at his father’s face full of envy.
He also wanted to take his little sister.
Xu Jinning couldn’t remember how many times she had sat on the back seat of her father Xu Aiguo’s bicycle.
However, she remembered that the first time she sat there was the second day after she had just transmigrated. Her father took her to the county to buy things. It was that trip that gradually opened Xu Jinning’s tightly closed heart.
Now sitting on her father’s bicycle again, he still rode very steadily.
His back was broad and strong, as if no matter what happened, he could always provide a safe haven for Xu Jinning, giving her a full sense of security.
“Aiguo, who do you have on the back of your bike?”
“Oh, Ningning is back.”
“Ningning and Fanghua are back for their holiday.”
…
Along the way back to the village, they met many fellow villagers also returning to the village.
Especially after entering the village, they encountered even more villagers.
Everyone was very happy about Xu Jinning’s return.
In their hearts, Xu Jinning was a lucky star. Her return meant that their village might be blessed and everything would go better in the coming days.
Xu Jinning didn’t know what the villagers were thinking, she just knew that everyone was as enthusiastic as before.
Soon, they were almost home.
Sitting on the back of the bicycle, Xu Jinning couldn’t help but stick her head out and look forward.
In the distance, she seemed to see three familiar figures standing at their gate.
The bicycle quickly reached the gate, and Xu Jinning saw clearly who was standing there.
It was her mother, her second brother, and her pregnant sister-in-law, Wen Yulan.
At the same time, she also saw two little boys holding the hands of her mother and second brother.
The two little ones were curiously looking in Xu Jinning’s direction.
“Mom, sister-in-law, second brother,” Xu Jinning immediately got off the bicycle as soon as it stopped.
“Hey, Ningning, be careful,” Xu Aiguo said, worried as he saw her jump off the bike before it fully stopped, and quickly reminded her.
But Xu Jinning had already thrown herself into her mother’s arms.
“Mom, I missed you all so much.”
“Ningning, we missed you too,” Zhang Ailian said, hugging Xu Jinning. As soon as her youngest daughter was in her arms, her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall.
“You all finally came back.”
“Yes, Mom, I missed your cooking.”
“There is plenty of food ready. Come inside, and you can eat,” knowing that her daughters and sons-in-law were coming back today and that her daughter loved her cooking, Zhang Ailian had prepared a full table of dishes, waiting for them to return.
Xu Jinning held her mother tightly. Perhaps only after experiencing separation could one understand the depth of longing and how precious a reunion after separation could be.
Zhang Ailian hugged Xu Jinning and then embraced Xu Fanghua.
Unfortunately, Xu Fanghua had to go with Song Yi to the Song family, where a lot of delicious food had also been prepared.
But it was fine, as her eldest daughter would have plenty of chances to eat her cooking later.
Xu Fanghua knew that the Song family was waiting for her and Song Yi, so she didn’t stay long and left soon after.
Xu Jinning, holding her mother’s hand, walked inside.
“Sister-in-law, how are you feeling? Is it very tiring? By the way, when did the doctor say you would give birth?” Xu Jinning asked, concerned about her sister-in-law’s pregnancy and her future niece or nephew.
Wen Yulan, touching her belly, with her other hand held by her husband Xu Xiangdong, smiled and replied, “I’m doing well. This little one is considerate and doesn’t trouble me much. The due date is these days, but there’s been no movement so far.”
“I also think that this little one is waiting for her aunt to come back before she comes out.”
“Really?” Xu Jinning leaned in to look at Wen Yulan’s belly. “Sister-in-law, can I touch it?”
“Of course.”
Xu Jinning tentatively placed her hand on Wen Yulan’s belly. To her amazement, she suddenly felt the belly move slightly, as if a little foot gently kicked her hand.
It was the first time Xu Jinning had touched someone’s belly and felt the tiny life inside.
With just that gentle movement, she was instantly stunned.
The feeling was magical and hard to describe.
Xu Jinning was so taken aback that her eyes widened.
“Wow, Ningning, the baby is saying hello to you,” Wen Yulan said with a surprised smile.
To be honest, she also found it quite miraculous. Ningning had just come back and placed her hand on her belly, and the baby, as if sensing it, immediately kicked, responding to her aunt.
It seemed that this baby was really connected to Ningning.
“Yes, sister-in-law, she just kicked, saying hello to me.”
“It seems that this child will be close to you in the future,” Zhang Ailian added with a smile.
Xu Jinning was even happier. “I will definitely love her dearly in the future.”
As she spoke, she gently stroked Wen Yulan’s belly again, as if greeting the baby inside, “Little one, your aunt is back. When will you come out to meet me?”
“But you have to be good and not trouble your mom, or your aunt will spank your bottom.”
As if in response to Xu Jinning, her hand was lightly kicked again.
“Wow, she agreed. Sister-in-law, did you feel that? She agreed.”
“Yes, she did,” Wen Yulan confirmed with a smile.
After looking at Wen Yulan, Xu Jinning’s gaze naturally shifted to the two little boys beside her.
The two short, chubby little ones were fair and plump, with delicate features that perfectly inherited their parents’ best traits.
“Do you two little ones remember me?” Xu Jinning asked, though she knew they probably wouldn’t.
When she had left home to study, the two boys were only half a year old, and young children tend to forget quickly.
As expected, after Xu Jinning asked, the two little ones looked at her with confusion.
“Xiaofeng, Xiaojing, this is your aunt. Come on, say ‘auntie,'” their mother instructed.
“Auntie~” the two boys called out softly.
“That’s sweet,” Xu Jinning said, patting their heads.
Children seem to have an innate ability to sense people’s intentions. Realizing Xu Jinning’s affection, they quickly warmed up to her, following her around and calling her “auntie” incessantly.
“You didn’t even ask how I’ve been doing lately,” Xu Xiangbei said, feeling slightly neglected.
Xu Jinning looked at her second brother’s expression, finding it amusing.
“Is my second brother sulking?”
“Brother, even if I don’t ask, I know you’re doing great.”
“I heard you’ve taken over several stalls at the county market and are selling clothes, making quite a bit of money.”
“Brother, I always knew you had a knack for business. You’re really impressive.”
Saying this, Xu Jinning gave Xu Xiangbei a thumbs up.
“Of course I’m impressive. I’m your big brother,” Xu Xiangbei said, his earlier slight disappointment vanishing with his sister’s praise and compliments. His expression now showed pride and satisfaction.
It was like a primary school student receiving praise and recognition from the teacher in class—such happiness was indescribable.
“That’s also because of your reminder back then.”
“Oh right, Ningning, I’ve kept a lot of pretty clothes, pants, and skirts for you and big sister. I’ll go get yours for you in a moment.”
“Okay, then I’ll have clothes for Chinese New Year.”
Her second brother’s concern touched Xu Jinning deeply.
This feeling of being constantly cared for by family was truly wonderful.
