It was not a weekend; just a single day off.

Cen Zhengnian looked at the calendar on the wall, placed a hand on his forehead, and couldn’t help but chuckle.

As soon as he got home, he relaxed.

He went to the bathroom to freshen up.

While he was in the Northwest, he had been so busy with work that he didn’t even dare look at his own reflection, not knowing how long it had been since he shaved.

If Chu Xia had seen him like this earlier, she would definitely not have recognized him.

After cleaning up, Cen Zhengnian started tidying up the house.

The three dogs, not having seen their owner for a long time, circled around him.

The freshly mopped floor soon bore their black paw prints, and dog fur began to fall.

Cen Zhengnian had no choice but to put them in the backyard first and wait until the floor dried before letting them back in.

Cen Huai’an had come home earlier.

Today was Arbor Day, and the teacher had asked all students to bring buckets and shovels for tree planting.

When Cen Huai’an came home, he was also carrying a shovel and a small bucket.

He placed his things by the door.

When he unlocked it, he noticed something odd; the door wasn’t locked.

Thinking that his mother might have come home early, he opened the door and looked up, only to see Cen Zhengnian sitting on the sofa, reading a book, and gently stroking Huang Zi’s head.

The small bucket in Cen Huai’an’s hand dropped to the floor with a thud, and his eyes lit up with surprise. “Dad!”

Cen Zhengnian, hearing the noise, looked toward Cen Huai’an.

He put down the book, his eyes also showing joy, and his lips curved into a smile.

“An’an, I’m back.”

Cen Zhengnian got up and walked over to Cen Huai’an, bending down to hug him.

Cen Huai’an’s body stiffened for a moment but soon relaxed.

However, Cen Zhengnian let go after a brief hug, bent down to pick up the bucket on the floor, and took the shovel from Cen Huai’an’s hand. “Why did you bring these to school today?”

Cen Huai’an changed his shoes and said, “Today is Arbor Day.”

Cen Zhengnian put the items in the storage room and understood.

Schools often organized tree planting activities for Arbor Day.

“What do you want to eat tonight? I’ll cook.”

Since Cen Huai’an had finished school and it was almost time for Chu Xia to get off work, Cen Zhengnian put on an apron and asked Cen Huai’an.

Cen Huai’an looked conflicted and said, “Dad, why don’t I cook instead? You can help me.”

“No need.”

Cen Huai’an had worked hard planting trees at school.

As his father, Cen Zhengnian felt he should perform well after being away for months.

Cen Huai’an wasn’t worried about his father cooking.

He actually wanted to eat his father’s cooking.

But his dad really wasn’t someone who cooked well.

“Dad, there are dumplings in the fridge. I’d like to eat dumplings. Noodles are okay too.”

Cen Huai’an sighed inwardly, thinking that among other dishes, these two were safe bets for Cen Zhengnian.

“Alright.”

Cen Zhengnian went into the kitchen.

At this time, Chu Xia was in Director Lin’s office, discussing a potential aid opportunity.

“Dr. Luo, this is a chance for you. Aren’t you going to apply?”

Director Lin wanted to give young doctors more opportunities for growth.

If Chu Xia applied and came back with progress, she would have a solid footing at the affiliated hospital.

Chu Xia shook her head. “Director, my husband is not home right now, and my child is preparing for the high school entrance exam this year. If I apply, there will be no one to take care of my child.”

Director Lin, who hadn’t paid attention to the personal circumstances of the doctors, only knew Chu Xia was married with children.

He sighed regretfully. “That’s indeed a problem.”

Director Lin knew from Dr. Yan that Chu Xia was very skilled.

He wanted her to make full use of her abilities at the hospital.

But given her situation, he could only feel sorry for her.

Chu Xia left Director Lin’s office, feeling a bit down.

Back in her own office, she took out the application form again, looked at it for a while, and then put it back in the drawer.

Since she couldn’t go, it was better not to look at it.

Chu Xia packed up and prepared to go home.

She was especially happy that she didn’t have a night shift today.

In her previous life, she had fixed night shifts every week.

As she arrived home with her bag, Chu Xia didn’t notice anything unusual.

Smelling the delicious aroma from the kitchen, she called out to Cen Huai’an, “An’an, did you make dumplings today?”

“It’s not An’an; it’s me.” A gentle, magnetic male voice came from the kitchen.

Chu Xia’s movements stopped instantly as she turned her head toward the kitchen.

There, Cen Zhengnian, wearing an apron, was bringing out a plate of dumplings, looking at her with a smile and a gaze full of longing.

“You…” Chu Xia blinked, confirming she wasn’t mistaken.

Various emotions surged within her: joy, a tinge of sadness, and reassurance.

“Zhengnian, when did you come back?”

Chu Xia quickly changed her shoes, washed her hands in the bathroom, and when she came out, Cen Zhengnian and Cen Huai’an had already brought out all the dumplings and prepared the dipping sauces.

“This afternoon. Try my cooking and see if I’ve lost my touch.” Cen Zhengnian served Chu Xia a dumpling, his eyes never leaving her face, looking at her with longing.

After being away in the Northwest for so long, he had no way to see Chu Xia and Huai’an except through photos.

His longing had taken root in his heart.

Now, seeing Chu Xia and Huai’an, his longing had grown into a towering tree.

He could only look at them to slowly suppress its growth.

Chu Xia looked at the dumplings in her bowl, glancing at Cen Zhengnian.

These dumplings were made by her and Huai’an, and he only cooked them, so there was no question of whether he had lost his touch.

Yet, she ate the dumplings with a sweet feeling in her heart, nodded at Cen Zhengnian, and said, “They taste great.”

Of course, they tasted good.

She had prepared the filling herself.

Cen Zhengnian’s smile lifted at the corners as he continued to serve Chuxia dumplings.

She stopped him, saying, “You eat too.”

Cen Huai’an ate his dumplings quietly, trying to make himself less noticeable.

Even the love between his parents was a bit overwhelming.

Once he finished eating, Cen Huai’an quickly wiped his mouth, stood up, and took the three dogs, saying rapidly, “Mom, Dad, I’m taking the dogs for a walk.”

Without waiting for Cen Zhengnian and Chuxia to respond, he ran out the door with the three dogs.

“Slow down, don’t run right after eating!” Chuxia shouted after him.

Having finished eating herself, Chuxia saw Cen Zhengnian clearing the table.

When he came out of the kitchen, Chuxia patted the sofa next to her and said, “I want to talk to you about something.”

Cen Zhengnian dried his hands and walked over, sitting down beside Chuxia.

His strong presence, now unmasked, completely enveloped her, making her feel a bit uneasy.

She had to reacquaint herself with his presence and get used to him occupying her space again after his long absence.

“What’s up?” Cen Zhengnian asked gently, peeling an orange and placing the peeled fruit in Chuxia’s hand, his fingers lightly caressing the back of her hand.

Chuxia explained the hospital’s aid project and the changes that would occur if she participated or did not.

After listening, Cen Zhengnian placed the peeled orange in Chuxia’s palm, held her hand, and said, “I’ve completed my mission and have some time off.”

He had originally planned to take Chuxia and Cen Huai’an out during this time.

He had already planned the nearby places they could visit.

However, Chuxia’s aid project was more important to her.

He kept his thoughts to himself and said gently, “So I can take care of Cen Huai’an. You should apply for the aid project. Both An’an and I will support your work.”

Chuxia looked up at Cen Zhengnian, her eyes filled with emotion.

Her heart was overwhelmed with warmth and a bit of a tearful feeling.

“Zhengnian.”

Chuxia didn’t know what else to say.

She just reached out and hugged Cen Zhengnian tightly, letting him feel her unstable emotions.

Cen Zhengnian held her, gently patting her back. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

He would never clip his wife’s wings; instead, he would help her soar to greater heights, just as she supported him.

When Cen Huai’an returned from walking the dogs, Chuxia’s emotions had calmed down.

She chatted with Cen Zhengnian about what had happened at home during his absence while watching TV.

She didn’t mention the incident with the young man at Yunmengze, as it was a resolved issue, and she didn’t want to worry Cen Zhengnian further.

Instead, she talked about the fun things at Yunmengze, and even though there had been an unpleasant experience at the ice rink, it was still one of her favorite places.

“You’re on vacation now; you and Huai’an can go there. Yunmengze is different from other entertainment venues. Everyone has to register upon entry, and the staff there are stricter than the police about the dark things.”

Cen Zhengnian showed some interest. “Since you recommend it so much, I’ll definitely check it out.”

“Mom, Dad,” Cen Huai’an said as he came back from his walk, drenched in sweat and looking excited with the dogs.

“Anan, I want to discuss something with you,” Chuxia said.

Cen Huai’an, like his father, showed no reluctance and was fully supportive of Chuxia participating in the aid project.

Just as Chuxia supported his study of Go and mathematics, Cen Huai’an could see his mother’s desire to go, and with his father away, he also wanted her to go.

Cen Huai’an even thought more deeply.

The aid project wasn’t new; his mother only mentioned it today because his father had returned.

If his father hadn’t come back, his mother might not have told him about it.

Cen Huai’an couldn’t confirm his guess with his mother.

He glanced up at Chuxia and quickly lowered his head, saying, “I’m going to take a shower.”

He was afraid his emotions would be too evident and that his mother might see how distressed he felt.

Cen Huai’an had always known his mother had sacrificed a lot for him.

But now, understanding the specifics, his emotions were beyond his control, filled with a bittersweet feeling.

In the bathroom, Cen Huai’an turned on the faucet and splashed water on his face, looking at himself in the mirror.

He had never wished so much to grow up quickly, to be able to make his mother feel secure and not have to sacrifice her career and hobbies for him.

Chuxia noticed Cen Huai’an’s emotions and turned to Cen Zhengnian, asking, “Is An’an…?”

“No,” Cen Zhengnian said, hugging Chuxia’s shoulders. “He’s just growing up.”

Chuxia understood, her expression a bit complicated. “I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing for him.”

Cen Zhengnian said, “But you’ve indeed done a lot for An’an. He understands and is grateful. You should feel comforted.”

---

The next day, Chuxia submitted her application form to Director Lin, who looked surprised. “Doesn’t your son need someone to look after him?”

“My husband is back,” Chuxia replied with a smile.