Jiang Zhida shouted enthusiastically, “Xixi, you’re amazing! You danced even better than the child stars on TV!”

Jiang Weixi giggled, hugging Cen Huaian’s arm, and looked up at him with her large, sparkling black eyes. “Big brother, did I dance well? Did I sing well?”

Cen Huaian gave her a thumbs-up. “Absolutely! Xixi is the most talented little performer I’ve ever seen.”

The adults praised her one after another, making Jiang Weixi’s face light up like a flower.

Her eyes curved into crescent moons, and she wore a broad smile that didn’t fade.

Xi Wang glanced at her own two children, lingering on Cen Huaixin with a slight sense of disappointment.

Years ago, she had wanted her daughter to learn something, but it was never meant to be; Cen Huaixin either found things too painful or too tiring, and eventually, all her lessons fizzled out.

Now, Xi Wang regretted her softness back then.

If she hadn’t given in, her daughter would be performing here, too, and not all the attention would be on Jiang Weixi.

Grandfather Jiang was delighted and waved over to Jiang Weixi, asking, “Xixi, you’re so talented! Is there any reward you’d like? Great-grandfather can make it happen for you.”

Jiang Weixi thought carefully and replied, “Great-grandfather, I want a big doll, one I can dress up.”

“Sure thing.” To Grandfather Jiang, buying a doll was no big deal.

He knew he could find one in any store, or even order one from abroad if necessary.

Luo Peng, who was nearby, said, “Grandfather, Xixi already has many dolls at home; maybe she doesn’t need another?”

“It’s alright; today is New Year’s, so this can be my New Year’s gift to her. There won’t be any more after this.” Luo Peng nodded in agreement, then turned to Jiang Weixi. “Xixi, quickly thank your great-grandfather.”

Jiang Weixi earnestly thanked Grandfather Jiang, who grinned even wider.

At his age, he cherished every moment with his family and hoped to enjoy as much time as he could surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren.

But this year, there was a tinge of regret as Grandfather Jiang looked around.

Among the children playing together, Jiang Zhiyi and Zhang Lu were missing, and it felt incomplete.

Just then, the phone rang.

Jiang Zhida got up to answer it, initially wearing a casual smile as he asked who was calling.

Suddenly, his smile froze, and his tone became surprised and loud. “What did you say? Where are you?”

The other person said something that made Jiang Zhida even more shocked.

Everyone turned to him, curious about who could be on the other end of the line. “Alright, wait there. I’ll come to pick you up right away.”

Jiang Zhida grabbed his keys, and the others looked at him.

Yang Mei asked, “Who called? Why do you need to go to the airport to pick them up?”

Looking at the family members who were gazing at him in confusion, Jiang Zhida shook his car keys and said, “It’s Zhiyi. Grandpa, Mom, Dad, you all go ahead and eat; don’t wait for us.”

Then he rushed out, heading to the car parked in the alley.

Inside the house, no one felt like preparing dinner anymore.

They all looked at each other, and then their gazes fell on the family of Jiang’s second uncle.

Zhou Huaying had stiffened upon hearing Jiang Zhida’s words, remaining motionless for a long moment.

Jiang’s second uncle was more expressive, his face lit with excitement as he grabbed his older brother’s arm and asked, “Brother, did I hear that right? Zhida said Zhiyi is back, right?”

Jiang’s older uncle nodded, understanding his brother’s excitement. “Yes, Zhiyi is back.”

Zhou Huaying lowered her gaze, continuing to peel an orange, though her expression betrayed her inner turmoil.

She finished peeling the orange but accidentally threw away the fruit segments and nearly put the peel into her mouth.

Fortunately, Bai Han, who was sitting next to her, grabbed her arm to stop her.

With the New Year’s feast prepared, everyone decided to wait for Jiang Zhiyi’s return before they began eating.

They knew the journey from the airport was long and would take time.

The adults could wait, but the children were hungry.

Aunt Li served dumplings to the kids and to Grandfather Jiang, who needed special care due to his age.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhida arrived at the airport and spotted Jiang Zhiyi sitting in the lobby, looking out.

She was tanned, looked more mature, and had cut her hair short, giving her a composed and capable appearance, far from the sweet look she had in her school days.

“You…how did a trip abroad end up changing you so much?” Jiang Zhida teased, though his eyes were filled with concern.

Jiang Zhiyi laughed, showing her bright white teeth, and opened her arms to him. “Brother, I’m back.”

Jiang Zhida felt a surge of emotion and hugged her, patting her back with a hint of relief. “It’s good to have you back.”

He had always cherished this sister, and seeing her now, he could imagine the hardships she must have endured.

“Come on, let’s go home. The whole family is at Grandpa’s place, and they were just about to start the New Year’s dinner when I left.”

Jiang Zhiyi only had a small suitcase.

After putting it in the trunk, she sat in the passenger seat and smiled, saying, “Perfect timing! I’m starving. I can’t wait to dig in! You don’t know how much I missed home-cooked food while I was abroad.”

As he started the car, Jiang Zhida’s lips curved into a smile. “Then you’re in for a treat. Now that you’re back, I’ll take you to eat something delicious every day. By the way, are you planning to leave again?”

Jiang Zhiyi shook her head. “No, I’m not leaving. I’ve decided to move my work back to China.”

Over the past few days, she had been busy abroad, working on exactly this.

She hadn’t been sleeping well, hoping to wrap everything up in time to be home for the New Year.

However, she had underestimated the complexity of the situation.

Her work schedule had been delayed by two days, and only now was she finally able to return home.

Jiang Zhiyi looked at her with a wide smile. “You’ve figured it out?”

“I have. I’ve seen many different things abroad, and while the opportunities there are abundant, I can’t completely let go of the people I have back home.”

Jiang Zhiyi had truly thought it through; if she hadn’t, she wouldn’t be back now.

“Where will you be working from now on? Still in Yangcheng?”

Jiang Zhiyi shook her head. “After I finish handing over my responsibilities, my position will be transferred to a newspaper in Beijing. I’ll be working in the capital from now on, though there might be many business trips.”

Her work abroad had been impressive. Jiang Zhiyi was dedicated, and her reporting had brought to light numerous shocking stories.

Her office in Yangcheng and the one in Beijing were part of the same organization.

Jiang Zhiyi had wanted to work in Beijing to spend more time with her grandfather.

She no longer feared her parents’ disapproval because she had gained the ability to protect her dreams.

Because of that, she requested to be based in Beijing.

After evaluating her work performance and achievements, the office quickly approved her request.

Of course, the process was filled with twists and turns, but Jiang Zhiyi didn’t feel the need to share those details—she had already dealt with them.

Jiang Zhida was overjoyed, his eyes full of smiles.

He raised his eyebrows and said, “Beijing is great. If anything happens, the family will be close enough to help.”

Being abroad or in another province would make it harder for the family to lend support.

“Xiaoran is in Beijing too,” Jiang Zhida added casually. Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiyi didn’t respond for a long time.

After a while, she spoke in a somewhat hoarse and bitter voice, “Brother, I owe Xiaoran an apology. Right now… I…”

Jiang Zhiyi frowned, struggling to put her thoughts into words.

After a moment, she finally mustered the courage to ask, “Brother, Xiaoran and I haven’t been in touch much lately. I’ve been busy, and so has he. Has he… gone on any blind dates?”

Jiang Zhida gazed ahead, his voice calm but sharp. “Weren’t you the one who said you’d give up love for your career? Now that you’re back, are you hoping to rekindle that love?”

“Brother!” she retorted in a tone tinged with both embarrassment and frustration.

She shot him an annoyed look, but soon her anger faded as she admitted, “Brother, I’ve thought long and hard, and I can’t let go of Xiaoran.”

“Then go find him. You know how busy I’ve been with my wedding preparations. I don’t have time to keep track of whether Xiaoran has been on blind dates or found a new girlfriend. Besides, do you really not know what kind of person Xiaoran is?”

Someone like Qianran would never go on a date with another girl without first making things clear with Jiang Zhiyi.

He was too honorable for that, let alone start a new relationship without resolving things.

Jiang Zhiyi’s voice dimmed. “I know, but Brother, I’m scared.”

She was afraid she had come back too late, even though she knew deep down that Xiaoran wouldn’t do the things she feared.

Jiang Zhida glanced at her. “What are you scared of? You’re already back. Call him when you get home.”

“Mm.”

Finally, Jiang Zhida drove back to their grandfather’s house.

Just as he parked the car, they heard another vehicle pull up behind them.

Jiang Zhida and Jiang Zhiyi got out and walked toward the trunk.

They noticed that the car behind them was a taxi, a common sight on the streets of Beijing.

Just as Jiang Zhida was about to look away, the rear door of the taxi opened, and a short-haired figure stepped out.

The person’s skin was just as tanned as Jiang Zhiyi’s. Dressed in a military uniform and wearing combat boots, the figure was sharp and cool.

Jiang Zhida’s eyes widened in surprise. “Lulu?!”

“It’s me!” Zhang Lu waved excitedly at them. “Uncle, Aunt, wait a moment while I grab my luggage!”

Zhang Lu used to be quite tomboyish, but she still had some feminine traits, with her short, ear-length hair giving her a sunny, cheerful appearance.

But now, Jiang Zhida couldn’t deny that Zhang Lu no longer resembled a girl; she looked more like a dashing young man, the kind who could easily attract the admiration of many girls.

Zhang Lu pulled her luggage from the car, paid the driver, and walked over to them, rubbing her stomach. “Finally, I’m here!”