Chapter 416: Chapter 416: Touched, Homecoming Apprehension

When it comes to physical stamina, women are still no match for men!

Every time Little Red Carp saw her big sister yawn, she would give Zhao Nuanyue a knowing look that made her blush.

Zhao Nuanyue was in charge of Little Red Carp and the food for the trip. Zhao Nuanyang, Zhang Hong, and Li Wei were responsible for carrying the luggage, which also included everyone’s heartfelt gifts for Li Qiong and the people of Nianqiao Village. They could just barely manage to carry it all.

The train station was just as crowded as always.

However, Zhao Nuanyue was in a different state of mind on this trip back, so she didn’t find the chaos so unbearable. Both Little Red Carp and Zhao Nuanyang were beaming with anticipation.

Little Red Carp couldn’t wait to play in the Dragon Palace and pay her respects to the old master’s stone statue. Zhao Nuanyang was dreaming of the scenery in Nianqiao Village. He wanted to paint there and see if his skills had improved over the past year.

Throughout the journey, Little Red Carp was cheerful and full of energy. She chatted with her brother and sister and raved to Zhang Hong and Li Wei about the unique beauty of Nianqiao Village. Her descriptions were so vivid that Zhang Hong and Li Wei found themselves captivated by the place before they had even arrived.

It was also the place where Elder Gu had once lived, and they wanted to see it for themselves.

Zhao Nuanyang had already sent a telegram to Miao Dahai in Nianqiao Village to let him know they were coming back for a visit.

Upon receiving the telegram, Miao Dahai was thrilled and went to tell Li Guihua and Li Jianjun the good news.

Li Jianjun knew how much Li Qiong cherished her friendship with Zhao Nuanyue, so he grabbed the telegram and ran to the Dragon King Temple to tell her.

Seeing her son dash off, Li Guihua chuckled. "That little rascal, look at him run. You can tell he dotes on his future wife."

Miao Dahai laughed along. "You’re truly blessed. Jianbin is coming back soon, Jianjun is about to marry Li Qiong, and Minglan is so smart and pretty. She’ll have no trouble finding a good family to marry into."

"Sigh... As long as my three children are well, I can finally face Old Li without any regrets," Li Guihua said with pride. ’I may not measure up in other areas, but here in Nianqiao Village, my children are second to none.’

Miao Dahai sighed wistfully. "My brother Li passed away too soon. He wasn’t fated to enjoy this. But you are. You’ve endured hardship, and now comes the sweetness. Your children and grandchildren will take good care of you."

"Let’s hope your kind words come true, Miao," Li Guihua said with a smile. "I haven’t seen Jianbin in years, and Duoduo must be a few years old now. I imagine she’s about the same age as Little Red Carp."

At the mention of her adorable granddaughter, Miao Dahai’s face lit up. "That’s right," he said. "We’ll be able to see them in a couple of days."

While the older folks were reminiscing, Li Qiong was washing clothes at the Dragon King Temple. When she saw Li Jianjun rushing over, she chided him playfully. "You silly goose, what’s the rush? Aren’t we supposed to not see each other before the wedding? Aren’t you afraid Director Li will be angry with you for running over here like this?"

Li Jianjun paid her no mind. He waved the telegram in his hand and said, "Li Qiong, Nuanyang sent a telegram! He said he, Nuanyue, and Little Red Carp will arrive in Nianqiao Village the day after tomorrow for our wedding!"

"What?" Li Qiong froze, then shrieked with excitement. "Let me see, let me see!"

Yang Guanghui, who had been practicing his calligraphy nearby, heard them and stopped to come out and see what was happening.

With trembling hands, Li Qiong excitedly opened the envelope. After reading it through once, she was so moved that her eyes began to redden.

Li Qiong was deeply touched that Zhao Nuanyue would travel so far to attend her wedding. It proved that Zhao Nuanyue’s feelings for her were genuine. As for what had happened between Zhao Nuanyue and Wang Yuan, Li Qiong didn’t know the details, nor did she intend to get involved.

"Li Qiong was just lamenting that I was her only family member here to support her, which wasn’t enough. Now that three more are coming, she’s feeling much braver," Yang Guanghui joked. "Time flies. It’s been over a year since Nuanyue, Little Red Carp, and the others left."

"You’re right!" Li Qiong exclaimed. "This is perfect. When she comes, we can ask Nuanyue what things are like outside so we can prepare ourselves."

"Heh, what’s there to ask?" Yang Guanghui chuckled. "Look at Professor and Mrs. Qian, and Professor He. It’s not just our village; I’ve heard that people from other villages have been gradually returning to the cities too!"

Li Qiong and Li Jianjun grew excited at the thought.

"That’s right! Hope is just around the corner. When Nuanyue comes, she’ll surely have more definite news for us," Li Qiong said, her voice filled with excitement. "Oh, I wish it were the day after tomorrow already! I can’t wait to see Nuanyue, Nuanyang, and Little Red Carp. I’ve missed them so much!"

Li Jianjun looked at the excited Li Qiong and thought to himself, ’She’s such a kind, straightforward girl, so sincere and good to everyone. I have to treat her well for the rest of my life.’

A buzz of excitement spread through several households in Nianqiao Village at the news of Zhao Nuanyue’s return.

Most of the sent-down youths in other villages couldn’t wait to leave and never look back. But Zhao Nuanyue was different. Even after making it to Jincheng City, she still remembered to come back for a visit. She hadn’t forgotten her roots. What a good girl!

The villagers had always found Zhao Nuanyue to be clever and brave, and now their impression of her was even better.

The day mentioned in the telegram finally arrived. Early that morning, Miao Dahai and Li Jianjun took the ox-cart to the county town to pick up their guests. By the time they reached the train station, however, Zhao Nuanyue’s train had been delayed and hadn’t arrived yet.

So, Miao Dahai and Li Jianjun waited outside, braving the wind and snow, bundled up in thick, fur-lined cotton jackets and army greatcoats.

Li Qiong had wanted to come along, but Li Jianjun talked her out of it, worried there wouldn’t be enough room on the ox-cart. They knew Zhao Nuanyue wouldn’t be arriving empty-handed; she would probably bring a lot of luggage and other things that would take up space.

The closer the train got to Labor County, the more excited Little Red Carp became. She was almost back to a place she knew and loved.

Zhao Nuanyue understood her excitement. She gently squeezed Little Red Carp’s hand and said, "We’re almost there. I wonder who will come to meet us?"

Little Red Carp thought for a moment, then grinned. "It must be Grandpa Miao and Jianjun coming to get us."

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