Siheyuan: The Temptation of the Mountains

"Xiao Ze, do you like the mountains near your grandfather's home so much?"

Li Xiuzhen prepared a New Year's Eve dinner, but she could not eat any of it. Her eldest son had not been home for almost a year, and her youngest son, at such a young age, had already become like a man who had forgotten his mother now that he had a wife.

Lin Ze shoveled rice into his mouth while mumbling: "Well! It's fun in the mountains. You can catch fish, rabbits, and pick fruits to eat."

Li Xiuzhen sighed, "I provided you with delicious food and drinks, but you only thought about the mountain where your grandfather lived."

Lin Ze smiled and said, "Mom, don't be angry. When I grow up, I will definitely honor you well."

Li Xiuzhen was amused by his words, "You little brat, you only know how to say nice things. Come on, eat quickly, or it will get cold."

After finishing his meal, Lin Ze couldn't wait to run to the yard to set off fireworks. Li Xiuzhen stood at the door, looking at Lin Ze's cheerful figure, and felt relieved.

Suddenly, a firework whizzed up into the sky and bloomed into a gorgeous flower in the night sky. Lin Ze cheered, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Li Xiuzhen looked at him with a smile, her heart filled with warmth. At this time, Lin Ze ran over and held her hand.

"Mom, come and watch the fireworks together!"

Li Xiuzhen nodded and admired the beautiful fireworks with Lin Ze. At this moment, she forgot all her worries and immersed herself in the good time with her son.

Lin Zhengguo and Lin Sisi also walked out of the house at this time. The family looked at the fireworks in the sky, which was so beautiful.

Suddenly, Lin Ze seemed to have discovered something new and pointed to the sky and shouted, "Look, that firework looks like a falcon!"

The others looked in the direction of his finger and saw a firework of a peculiar shape, which really looked like a majestic falcon.

Lin Sisi smiled and said, "Brother has a really rich imagination!"

Lin Zhengguo also nodded, "Yes, he always sees the beauty that we can't see."

Li Xiuzhen looked at her husband and daughter and felt extremely happy. She knew that there would always be unpleasant things in life, but as long as the family was united, they could overcome any difficulties.

At this time, another firework bloomed in the air, lighting up the entire yard. Lin Sisi jumped up excitedly and shouted loudly: "Happy New Year!"

The whole family followed her and shouted, "Happy New Year!" Under the gorgeous fireworks, their smiles were particularly bright.

As the last firework faded away, the night returned to tranquility.

Lin Sisi yawned, rubbed her eyes, and said to her parents, "Mom and Dad, I'm sleepy." Li Xiuzhen smiled and touched her head, "Then go to bed. There are red envelopes to be received tomorrow."

"Yeah!" Lin Sisi ran into the house happily.

Lin Zhengguo looked at the children's backs and said to Li Xiuzhen with emotion: "It's rare for our family to get together and celebrate the New Year."

Li Xiuzhen nodded gently, "Yes, I hope our family can still be so happy next year."

The two smiled at each other and walked into the house hand in hand.

As the night deepened, a warm atmosphere filled the Lin family's house in the courtyard.

In the new year, they will face the challenges and beauty of life together with their love and blessings for each other.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly in the courtyard. Lin Ze got up early in excitement and jumped around in the yard in his new clothes.

"Brother, Happy New Year!" Lin Sisi also got up early and greeted Lin Ze with a smile.

"Sister, Happy New Year! Did you sleep well last night?" Lin Ze ran over and pinched Lin Sisi's face.

"Of course! I dreamed of lots and lots of red envelopes!" Lin Sisi said, blinking her big eyes.

Li Xiuzhen came out of the kitchen carrying breakfast, "Come and have breakfast, today is the first day of the new year, and we have to go to pay New Year's greetings later!"

The whole family sat around the dining table, eating and chatting, having a great time.

After breakfast, the family visited every household in the courtyard to wish each family a happy new year, and then set off to their grandfather’s home in the countryside.

Arriving at Grandpa's house, Lin Ze and Lin Hao ran straight to the back mountain like wild horses. After Li Xiuzhen told them to be careful, she prepared lunch with her parents-in-law. Lin Zhengguo took Lin Sisi to stroll around the village, feeling the rural New Year atmosphere.

At noon, the family gathered at the dinner table. Lin Ze told everyone about his interesting experiences in the back mountain, which made everyone laugh. After dinner, the grandfather took out the red envelopes, and the children happily took them, thanked the grandfather, and ran to the side to count the money.

In the afternoon, Li Xiuzhen helped her mother-in-law clean up the dishes, while Lin Zhengguo chatted with his father-in-law. Lin Ze led Lin Hao and Lin Sisi to fly kites in the yard, and their laughter echoed in the mountains.

In the evening, the family said goodbye to their grandparents and set off on the road home. The setting sun cast a golden and beautiful scene. Li Xiuzhen looked at the sleeping children on the oxcart, her heart filled with happiness. She knew that this was the truest form of life, plain but full of warmth.

As night fell, the oxcart slowly drove into the courtyard. The children were still asleep, Li Xiuzhen gently picked up Lin Sisi, while Lin Zhengguo carried Lin Ze and Lin Hao and walked into the house together.

Li Xiuzhen put the children on bed, covered them with quilts, then sat by the fire with Lin Zhengguo and chatted about family matters.

"This year's Spring Festival is so lively." Li Xiuzhen said with a smile.

"Yes, seeing the children so happy, I feel very satisfied." Lin Zhengguo nodded.

The two were silent for a moment, enjoying the quietness.

"By the way, what are your plans after the New Year?" Li Xiuzhen asked.

"Just work hard as usual to make our family better and better," said Lin Zhengguo.

Li Xiuzhen held Lin Zhengguo's hand and said, "With you here, I believe our days will become more and more prosperous."

The cold wind was howling outside the window, but the house was filled with a warm atmosphere. Li Xiuzhen and Lin Zhengguo relied on each other and looked forward to a better life in the future.

As the days go by, spring is approaching.

Lin Sisi was also old enough to go to school, and Li Xiuzhen and Lin Zhengguo discussed sending Lin Sisi to the school affiliated with the steel rolling mill.

One morning, Li Xiuzhen got up early to make breakfast for the children. Lin Sisi excitedly put on her new school uniform, put on her schoolbag, and waited to set off.

"Mom, will we make a lot of new friends when we go to school?" Lin Sisi asked curiously.

"Of course, you will learn a lot of knowledge and make many good friends." Li Xiuzhen replied with a smile.

After breakfast, Lin Zhengguo took Lin Sisi and Lin Hao to school. Li Xiuzhen stood at the door, looking at their backs as they left, feeling reluctant to leave but also full of expectations for the children's future.

After arriving at school, Lin Sisi quickly integrated into the new environment. She listened carefully, actively participated in various activities, and made many like-minded friends.

After school, Lin Sisi always couldn't wait to share every detail of her school life. Li Xiuzhen and Lin Zhengguo smiled with satisfaction as they listened to their excited stories.

As time goes by, the two children continue to make progress in their learning and growth. They become more sensible, confident, and learn to care about others.

Li Xiuzhen and Lin Zhengguo's lives became more and more fulfilling. They worked hard and their family became more prosperous.

In this small courtyard, the family's life is ordinary but full of happiness and hope.