At this time, everyone’s snacks were running low.

During the New Year, having candy and pastries made everyone very happy.

Usually, their mothers kept track of their snack intake.

Such a delicious cake, and such a big one, was all for Cen Huai’an and the other kids to enjoy freely.

Hu Panden and the others were incredibly happy.

A large piece of cake was completely devoured by the kids, with not even a trace of the cream left from the bottom of the plate.

After the cake, there were delicious dishes, some of which Hu Panden and the other children had never seen before.

There were garlic fish slices, cumin lamb, sweet and sour pork, stir-fried potatoes with meat, and lamb stew with cabbage.

None of the dishes had chili peppers, but they were all incredibly tasty.

The steamed buns had red dates on them, and the kids ate ravenously.

In front of Cen Huai’an was a bowl of noodles with very few toppings.

The soup was milk-white, with just a poached egg and the words “Happy Birthday” carved out of carrot, along with a sprinkle of scallions.

“This is longevity noodles,” Chuxia said with a smile to Cen Huai’an. “You need to eat the noodles in one continuous strand without breaking it, symbolizing a long life.”

Longevity noodles were something Cen Huai’an had never eaten before.

He looked at the noodles in his bowl, unsure of what to say, feeling an overwhelming emotion he couldn’t express in words.

“Mom.” Cen Huai’an couldn’t help but turn around and hug Chuxia’s waist, rubbing against her.

He really, really loved today’s birthday!

Chuxia gently patted his back. “I’m here.”

Cen Huai’an hugged her for a moment and, under the gaze of all the other children, blushed and sat back down to eat his noodles carefully, making sure not to break the strand.

Of course, although Chuxia made the noodles one long strand, it wasn’t extraordinarily long.

After finishing the noodles, there was still a lot of delicious food left.

Cen Huai’an finished his noodles completely.

When eating the carrots, he felt a bit sad about eating the carefully made birthday words.

To Cen Huai’an, this bowl of noodles was as delicious as the cake and better than any noodles he had eaten before!

After finishing the noodles, Cen Huai’an, like the other kids, ate the dishes with great enthusiasm.

Hu Panden had eaten so much that he felt he couldn’t eat any more.

But he still took another bite of the cumin lamb and a sip of sweet soup, saying in a naive tone, “Auntie, if only you were my mom, I could have such delicious food every day.”

Before Chuxia could respond, Cen Huai’an quickly swallowed the meat in his mouth, grabbed Chuxia’s hand, and glared at Hu Panden. “She’s my mom! Don’t think about it!”

Hu Panden sighed regretfully, looking at Cen Huai’an with sincere admiration. “An An, you’re so lucky.”

His little face made it hard not to smile.

Cen Huai’an nodded, his expression calm as if there was nothing to be proud of about what Hu Panden said.

But Chuxia saw the tail that he couldn’t help but wagging.

She exchanged a glance with Jiang Shengnan and couldn’t help but smile, reaching out to ruffle Cen Huai’an’s head.

In the end, all the food on the table was eaten clean, with nothing left except for some soup.

Hu Panden and the other kids leaned back in their chairs, their bellies full and round, feeling completely stuffed.

They rubbed their stomachs, regretting that they didn’t have a bigger appetite to eat more.

Only Cen Huai’an and Xiao He remained seated properly.

Cen Huai’an’s good eating habits were a result of Cen Huai’an’s constant reminders to eat until only 80% full, never exceeding 90%.

Having been reminded so many times, this eating habit became a physical memory for him, and he would stop eating when he reached that amount.

Xiao He was naturally more restrained and mature compared to Hu Panden and the others.

After the meal, Cen Huai’an and Cen Father cleaned up the dishes, astonishing the group of children.

“An An, can you wash dishes?”

“My mom never lets me do that. She says boys shouldn’t do housework.”

Cen Huai’an said, “Why shouldn’t boys do it? My mom says everyone in the family should help. Since Mommy and Grandma work hard to cook, of course, washing the dishes is up to me and Grandpa.”

Hu Panden thought Cen Huai’an’s reasoning was very sound. “I think you’re right. But my mom doesn’t let me because I always break dishes.”

He scratched his head and laughed, “Every time I go to wash dishes, I break a few, and my mom scolds me for wasting things.”

The children were still debating whether their own moms were right or if An An was right.

But Xiao He had already started helping with the cleaning, and Hu Panden went over too.

Cen Huai’an pushed him away, saying with a wary look, “Don’t come over. What if you break our dishes?”

“I want to help too!” Hu Panden said anxiously. “Good friends should work together!”

Cen Huai’an pointed to the broom by the door. “Then you can sweep the floor.”

The other children hesitated for a moment, but seeing Cen Huai’an and Hu Panden working so happily, they quickly joined in.

“An An, I’ll help you with the plates.”

“I’ll take this bowl.”

“I’ll handle the chopsticks.”

When they reached the kitchen, Cen Father was washing the dishes alone and wouldn’t let Cen Huai’an and the others touch them.

“Go play. I can handle the rest by myself.”

Cen Huai’an didn’t leave and continued washing dishes with him.

The other children also stayed, and soon they were playing with water while washing.

If it weren’t for Cen Father’s stern face, they might have washed the dishes forever.

In the afternoon, Jiang Shengnan and Cen Father went to work.

Cen Huai’an sat on the sofa, unwrapping gifts, while Hu Panden and the others gathered around, their eyes wide with curiosity.

Cen Huai’an first unwrapped Chuxia’s gift, which was a new Go set he had always wanted but hadn’t been able to persuade his mother to buy due to its high price.

When Chucia took him to the department store, his eyes were glued to the Go pieces.

Cen Huai’an had been using cheap glass pieces that were smooth but didn’t compare to the better ones he longed for.

Chuxia had noticed his interest and had secretly bought this set, waiting to give it to him on his birthday.

Cen Huai’an was overjoyed, caressing the pieces and even wanting to immediately play a game.

He spent so much time admiring the pieces that Hu Panden couldn’t wait any longer and urged him to open the next gift.

Especially since the large gift from Cen Huai’an’s father had everyone curious about what was inside.

Cen Huai’an reluctantly set the Go set aside and opened the large gift.

It was a rocket model, the same one he had seen in Cen Zhengnian’s room during the New Year.

“Wow!” Hu Panden and the other children recognized it immediately, their eyes widening in envy of Cen Huai’an.

This model had been their favorite when they saw it before, as it was big and perfectly made, looking just like the real thing.

Hu Panden couldn’t resist touching the model. “An An, this is the one from Uncle’s room!”

“An’an, this model will be yours from now on,” Cen Zhengnian said.

“I wish I had a model like this,” Cen Huai’an replied, still in disbelief that his father had given him a beloved model.

He knew the story behind the rocket model was that his father had spent a lot of effort and time making it.

“Mom, did Dad really give this to me?” Cen Huai’an asked.

“Yes,” Chuxia, sitting nearby with a smile, nodded. “The gift from your dad is, of course, yours.”

Cen Huai’an couldn’t help but smile, feeling very happy.

He loved all the gifts from his parents!

He then began unwrapping the gifts from Jiang Shengnan and Father Cen.

They had chosen gifts they thought Cen Huai’an would find useful.

Jiang Shengnan had given him a pair of small leather boots, lined with soft fleece, which were warm and stylish.

Father Cen had given him a book of chess strategies.

Cen Huai’an flipped through it and saw that it was a collection of classic chess strategies, very precious.

He couldn’t put the book down after seeing the first page.

Chuxia reminded him to put the gifts away in his room first and then to enjoy playing with Hu Panding and the others who had come to celebrate his birthday.

Hu Panding and the other children helped Cen Huai’an take his gifts to his room.

Cen Huai’an then played Go with Xiao He in the living room, using the chess pieces that Chuxia had given him.

Xiao He hadn’t learned Go, so they played Gomoku instead.

Holding a black piece, Xiao He said determinedly, “This time I’m going to win!”

Cen Huai’an looked at him and replied, “I won’t lose.”

Though they were just two kids, the atmosphere between them suddenly became competitive.

Chuxia didn’t join the kids’ games.

She arranged the candies, snacks, and drinks on the table and then went to her room to work on her physics exercises, leaving the living room to the children.

Even though she didn’t see the game, Chuxia knew that Cen Huai’an won in the end.

As the sun began to set, when Chuxia and Cen Huai’an were sending the children home, Xiao He, still not satisfied, said to Cen Huai’an, “An’an, I’m going to learn Go too. I’ll beat you with Go next time!”

He wasn’t discouraged by the losses; instead, it made him more determined.

Cen Huai’an replied confidently, “I won’t give you a chance to win.”

After a moment of eye contact, Hu Panding pulled Xiao He away, saying, “What’s so great about playing Go? It’s enough to give you a headache. Xiao He, hurry up and go home for dinner. I’m starving.”

Chuxia looked at the lively children and smiled even more broadly.

Once the children’s figures disappeared in the distance, Chuxia and An’an closed the door and entered the house.

Just as they entered the living room, they heard the phone in the study ring.

Jiang Shengnan ran out of the kitchen to answer the phone.

A few seconds later, she shouted from the study, “Chuxia! An’an! It’s Zhengnian on the phone, he’s looking for you!”

Chuxia had never been to the study before. Even when Cen Zhengnian was around, she didn’t go in because it was Father Cen’s study.

He often worked in there at night, dealing with confidential documents and discussions.

Although Jiang Shengnan, Father Cen, and Cen Zhengnian had never explicitly said she couldn’t enter, Chuxia was aware of the boundaries and had no interest in the military affairs.

Cen Huai’an was also reminded not to go into his grandfather’s study or touch his things.

Of course, if Father Cen wasn’t working, Cen Huai’an could do his homework or play chess with his grandfather in the study.

Father Cen liked having his grandson around.

This was Chuxia’s first time in the study.

The decor was very much like Father Cen—stiff and carrying the military’s aura.

She didn’t look around much, focusing only on the phone on the desk.

She took the receiver from Jiang Shengnan.

“Hello?”

After a long time, Cen Zhengnian finally heard his wife’s familiar voice.

His expression softened immediately.

“Chuxia, it’s me.”

Cen Zhengnian remembered it was Cen Huai’an’s birthday today.

After a busy day, he finally found some time in the evening to call home.

“I know,” Chuxia said, noticing Cen Zhengnian’s tired voice. “How long has it been since you had a break?”

Cen Zhengnian rubbed his temples, sitting in his chair, and closed his eyes.

He hadn’t had a proper rest since arriving at the base and had been busy nonstop.

“I’m fine,” he reassured Chuxia, trying to sound upbeat to comfort her.

Since it was Cen Huai’an’s special day, Chuxia didn’t talk much with Cen Zhengnian.

She just asked about his situation at the base and then handed the phone to Cen Huai’an, who had been waiting nearby.

“Dad.”

Hearing his son’s voice, Cen Zhengnian couldn’t help but smile, his voice gentle, “An’an, happy birthday.”

Cen Huai’an radiated happiness, “Dad, I love the model you gave me!”

Though Chuxia couldn’t hear what was said on the other end, she saw Cen Huai’an’s small smile grow, showing how pleased he was.

Chuxia and Jiang Shengnan quietly left the study to let Cen Huai’an and his father talk.

As they came out, Jiang Shengnan sighed and looked back at the study. “Chuxia, you’ve worked hard. Zhengnian isn’t a good husband and father.”

Cen Zhengnian’s work, for the sake of the country, required certain sacrifices.

While he had great love for his country, he felt he was failing his family.

It wasn’t just him or just the Tian Gong Base; many researchers in the country faced similar situations.

They sacrificed a lot in silence.

People only saw the research achievements reported in the newspapers, celebrating the country’s growing strength, but few knew the stories and efforts behind these achievements.

Chuxia pressed her lips together and smiled, “Mom, we’re a family.”

Since they were family, they should support and understand each other.

There was no way to demand Cen Zhengnian leave the base.

Besides, she and An’an had grown accustomed to his absences.

They had their own studies and lives and could still live happily without him.

Though they missed him, they didn’t dwell on it.

Jiang Shengnan was moved by Chuxia’s words and wished she could give her the best of everything.

After Cen Huai’an finished talking to his father, he called out for “Mom” from the study.

Chuxia hurried back in.

Cen Huai’an handed the phone to her and said, “Mom, Dad wants to talk to you.”

“Chuxia, I want to discuss something with you,” Cen Zhengnian’s voice had a rare hint of hesitation.

Chuxia asked, “What is it? Go ahead.”

As Cen Zhengnian was about to speak, Chuxia heard Yu Tian’s loud voice over the phone.

“Zhengnian! There’s a data issue. We’ve tried several times, but it’s still wrong. Come over quickly and check where the data problem is!”

Chuxia quickly said, “You go take care of it first. We can discuss the matters later.”

“Okay.”

Yu Tian’s call indicated that the data issue was urgent, and he needed to resolve it immediately.

The discussion with Chuxia would have to wait until the problem was fixed.

The next day was the Lantern Festival.

Although there were no lantern displays in the military camp, they still celebrated the festival.

Chuxia learned from Jiang Shengnan that the mess would serve sweet rice balls (tangyuan) for lunch.

Additionally, Jiang Shengnan and Chuxia had bought tangyuan and dumplings in advance.

Chuxia got up early to cook tangyuan and dumplings.

Outside, firecrackers were still going off, and Chuxia was already awake.

When she emerged from her room, she saw Jiang Shengnan and Cen Father sitting downstairs having breakfast.

Before she could even go downstairs, Cen Huai’an also came out, rubbing his eyes. “Mom, it’s so noisy outside.”

Jiang Shengnan and Cen Father looked up when they heard the noise and saw the two of them.

Jiang Shengnan immediately smiled and said, “The food is ready. It’s all in the pot. Go wash up, and I’ll serve it for you.”

Without waiting for Chuxia to say anything, she got up and went to the kitchen.

The tangyuan was filled with a sweet and fragrant filling of pork fat, sugar, and black sesame.

It was very hot inside, so you had to be careful not to burn your mouth.

Chuxia hadn’t told Cen Huai’an to take small bites yet, and he had already taken a big bite of the tangyuan.

The filling immediately oozed out, and he had to spit the tangyuan back into the spoon because it burned his mouth.

“Did you burn your mouth?” Chuxia and Jiang Shengnan quickly set down their bowls to check Cen Huai’an’s mouth.

He shook his head and dodged their hands. “No.”

Even though Chuxia saw his face wrinkle in pain, he still insisted he wasn’t hurt.

She ignored his protest and opened his mouth to check, making sure he wasn’t burned before saying, “Don’t rush when eating tangyuan. Don’t bite too big a piece; the filling is very hot.”