Chapter 523

At noon, Lin Shengli and Lin Zhengpeng came back.

The dining table was full of dishes: braised pork belly, stir-fried greens, egg drop soup, and the sweet soup the children loved.

"Today's dishes are really fragrant." Lin Shengli picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of braised pork belly and put it in his mouth, "Home-cooked food is still the best."

Zheng Juan smiled and served him a bowl of soup: "If it's tasty, eat more. How's the test flight going?"

"Everything is going smoothly." Lin Shengli took a sip of soup, "All preparations are progressing; we can conduct the test flight on schedule early next month."

The children chattered away, and the courtyard was filled with laughter and joy.

Zheng Juan didn't mention the rumor, and Lin Shengli didn't notice.

He was immersed in the joy of scientific progress, cherishing the present family warmth even more.

Afternoon.

Shazhu and Xu Damao, heads lowered, stood at the gate of the Lin family's large siheyuan.

They didn't dare speak loudly, only softly toward the courtyard direction: "We were wrong; we shouldn't have spread gossip, and we won't dare to do so again."

Having said that, the two hurriedly left.

Passing neighbors all pointed and gossiped.

Xu Damao's face flushed red, and he lowered his head even further.

Back at the old siheyuan, Xu Damao kicked Shazhu hard: "It's all your fault! If you hadn't begged your sister, would we have been this embarrassed?"

Shazhu didn't fight back, just squatted by the wall smoking.

He knew that this time he could pass, thanks entirely to He Yushui.

From now on, he would never dare provoke the Lin family again.

In the Lin family's large siheyuan, Zheng Juan was taking the children out to fly kites in the courtyard.

Watching the children's running figures, a gentle smile appeared on her face.

This minor disturbance just passed like that.

As long as the family is safe, and as long as Lin Shengli can focus on his research, this bit of grievance and trouble is nothing.

The setting sun cast its golden afterglow over the courtyard.

Lin Shengli returned from work, and from afar he saw the lively scene in the courtyard, his mouth unconsciously curling upward.

Peace and prosperity for the country and family, harmony among relatives—this is the life he wanted.

Lin Shengli had just reached the courtyard gate when he saw the kite caught on the top of the wall.

His young son tiptoed, jumping anxiously: "Dad! The kite is stuck!"

Lin Shengli walked over smiling, raised his hand and took the kite down.

"Run carefully, don't fall." He ruffled the child's head.

Zheng Juan walked over and handed him a towel: "Wipe your sweat."

Lin Shengli took it, had just wiped twice, when he heard familiar footsteps behind him.

"Shengli."

It was Hanna's voice, with a hint of a newly learned Daxia accent, soft and clear.

Everyone turned around.

Hanna wore a light gray dress, her hair loosely tied back, holding a small paper bag.

She had just come from the Research Base, her face showing a bit of fatigue, but seeing the lively courtyard scene, her eyes lit up instantly.

"Aunt Hanna!" The younger children immediately gathered around her.

Hanna squatted down, took out several delicately wrapped candies from the paper bag, and gave them to the children: "You behaved well today, here's a reward."

The children took the candies, crisply shouting "Thank you, Aunt Hanna," then ran back to chase the kite.

Lin Shengli walked over and naturally took the paper bag from her hand: "Why did you come over? Didn't you go back to the dorm to rest first?"

Hanna stood up, moved closer to him, her tone gentle: "The final data for the test flight procedure has been compiled; I wanted to come see you, and also try your home cooking."

She is a top materials expert from Hans; for Lin Shengli's sake, she resolutely gave up Hans's favorable conditions and followed him to Daxia.

At first she was a bit unaccustomed, but now she has fully integrated into life here.

"I saved you a seat." Zheng Juan walked over, smiling at Hanna: "Xiao'e made soup, the kind you love most."

Hanna nodded, linked arms with Zheng Juan: "Thank you, big sister, for always bothering you."

"We're family, what's trouble." Zheng Juan patted her hand: "Go inside and rest; I'll check the kitchen."

In the courtyard, the children's laughter rose and fell.

Hanna and Lin Shengli stood side by side under the corridor, watching the children's running figures.

"Is the data all clear?" Lin Shengli asked.

"Mm." Hanna nodded, "All parameters have been triple-checked, with no error, fully meeting the test flight standards."

She paused, glanced at him: "These days you've been too tired; the red bloodshots in your eyes haven't faded. After the test flight ends, you really need to rest a few days."

Lin Shengli turned his head, meeting her gentle gaze.

They met at a Hans scientific exchange conference; she was a spirited expert on stage, he was a attentive listener in the audience.

After repeated technical discussions, she was drawn to his talent and patriotic spirit, while he was moved by her professionalism and sincerity.

Their cross-border love led her to come to his side without hesitation.

"Good." Lin Shengli took her hand, feeling the warm touch at his fingertips: "When the test flight succeeds, let's go out to the countryside as a family."

Hanna smiled, her eyes crescent moons: "Sure, I want to try the home-cooked dishes you mentioned."

The evening breeze slowly blew in, carrying the fragrance of the courtyard flowers.

He Yushui approached with washed fruit, handing Hanna a piece: "Try this, just bought peaches, very sweet."

"Thank you, Yushui." Hanna took it, bit into it, her brows and eyes curving: "Really sweet."

Qin Jingru and Han Chunyan also came over, and several people gathered together, chatting about the children's amusing antics, occasionally interjecting a few reminders about the test flight; the atmosphere was harmonious and warm.

Lin Shengli looked at everything before him, his heart full of peace.

There is a homeland to defend, loved ones by one's side, and the children's laughter and joy—this is the most fulfilling day.

At dinnertime, the table was set more abundantly.

Stewed soup, stir-fried greens, braised pork, plus the Hanna-brought Hans little snacks, a Chinese-Western combination, especially abundant.

Lin Zhengpeng poured Hanna a glass of juice: "Hanna Auntie, this time the coating can meet the standard; you've made an indispensable contribution."

Hanna smiled and waved her hand: "It's the result of everyone's joint effort; your breakthrough in the fire control system is also crucial."

Su Qing placed a piece of braised pork beside the little girl: "Hurry up and eat, then go play with your sister after."

The children chattered, while the adults talked and laughed.

Hanna occasionally asked about how to make Daxia home-style dishes; Zheng Juan and Lou Xiao'e patiently explained, sometimes demonstrating a few simple motions.

She studied earnestly, her eyes full of her integration into and love for this family.

After dinner, the sky gradually darkened.

Lin Shengli accompanied Hanna for a walk in the courtyard.

The streetlights came on, warm yellow light spilling onto the two of them, stretching out two side‑by‑side shadows.

"Do you miss home?" Lin Shengli asked.

Hanna shook her head, gripping his hand: "Where you are is home."

Lin Shengli stopped, turned, and embraced her.

The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the lingering warmth of late summer.

Not far off, the children were still chasing kites; Zheng Juan and the others sat in the corridor chatting, their laughter drifting on the evening breeze.

The years were peaceful, the beloved beside.

This is what I wanted, the best of times.