New ink fragrance in old times

Zhao Yue'e suddenly heard a slight sound of footsteps in the yard, followed by the creaking sound of the kitchen door being pushed open.

Zhao Yue'e was delighted and looked up, just in time to see Lin Xueqin walking into the kitchen.

There was a hint of fear and surprise in Zhao Yue'e's voice: "My enemy, why are you back?"

She quickly turned around and shouted to the people warming themselves by the fire, "Go get some ginger soup!"

Lin Xueqian: "Mom, I'm back."

When Xing'er and Hua'er heard Lin Xueqin's voice, they immediately put down their work, took their younger brothers Lin Sizhe and Lin Siheng's hands, and ran towards Lin Xueqin together.

"Daddy, Daddy!"

Lin Xueqian turned around and saw the children running towards him. A loving smile immediately appeared on his face. He opened his arms and took the children in one by one, feeling the long-lost family love and warmth.

For a moment, the kitchen was filled with laughter and the warm atmosphere seemed to dispel the cold of winter and fill everyone's heart with warmth.

Shen Xin carefully handed the hot ginger soup to Lin Xueqian, his eyes full of concern:

"Hurry up and drink this bowl of ginger soup to warm yourself up. It's snowing hard outside, don't get frozen."

Lin Xueqin took the ginger soup and took a sip. The warmth instantly spread from the tip of his tongue to his whole body. He looked at Shen Xin gratefully and nodded.

At this time, Zhao Yue'e also walked to Lin Xueqian's side. She looked at Lin Xueqian's tired but smiling face and asked distressedly:

"Boss, why are you back at this hour? Did you travel overnight? It's snowing so hard, there's no need to rush home."

Zhao Yue'e's words were full of concern for Lin Xueqin.

Lin Xueqian put down the bowl, wiped the soup stains from the corners of his mouth, and explained with a smile:

"No, Mom. I arrived in town yesterday afternoon and wanted to go straight home, but the weather wasn't good and I was worried the road might be unsafe, so I stayed overnight at my father-in-law's house. This morning I happened to run into my second brother in town, and we came back together."

After hearing this, Zhao Yue'e felt relieved. She patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good, that's good. I thought you were worried about your family and rushed back regardless of everything."

After she finished speaking, she turned to look at Lin Xuejin and asked with concern, "Second Brother, you too, right? Did you encounter any problems on the road?"

Lin Xuejin smiled and shook his head: "It's okay, Mom. My brother and I were very careful along the way, and nothing happened."

Seeing that everyone had almost finished roasting, Zhao Yue'e smiled and said, "Everyone has finished their ginger soup, let's set up the table and eat. The meal has been prepared for a long time and we are just waiting for you."

After dinner, Lin Xuejin and Lin Xuebao walked side by side, leading Lin Xueqian and slowly into the new space of this house.

Lin Xueqian looked around, his eyes filled with emotion. He turned to Lin Xuejin and Lin Xuebo and said, "Second brother, third brother, I wasn't home and couldn't help much. Thank you for your hard work."

Lin Xuejin gently dusted off his hands and replied with a smile, "Brother, we are all family. What are you saying?"

Lin Xuebo also echoed: "Yes, brother."

The three of them smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding and warmth between brothers flowed quietly in the air.

Then, Lin Xueqian suggested, "Let's help Third Brother move the wood to the kitchen so he doesn't have to run back and forth later."

Lin Xuejin immediately nodded in agreement: "Okay, big brother."

The three of them worked together to lift the heavy wood one by one. Lin Xuebo walked in front and reminded them from time to time: "Big brother, second brother, watch your step."

Lin Mo and several other friends squatted aside, staring at Lin Xuebao's dexterous hands without blinking.

Lin Xuebao was concentrating on carving the piece of wood in his hand. The wooden knife jumped between his fingers as if it had life. Every fall was precise and accurate. Amidst the flying wood chips, an exquisite pattern gradually emerged.

Although the weather was cold, Lin Mo didn't want to leave this magical little corner at all, especially the warmth coming from the fire, which made him even more reluctant to move.

"Skewer."

"Is Chuanzi at home?"

A sudden shout came from outside the house, breaking the silence inside.

Lin Xuebo paused slightly on the wooden sword in his hand. He put down his work and looked at the other people in the room: "Who is it?"

Shen Xin: "From the sound of his voice, it's Uncle Chen."

Lin Xuebo nodded, stood up and walked towards the courtyard gate, responding as he walked: "Hey, coming here."

The door creaked open, and the cold wind took the opportunity to sneak into the house, bringing a hint of coolness.

Standing outside the door was an old man from the village named Chen. Everyone called him Lao Chen. He was wearing a thick cotton coat, an old cotton hat, and had a warm smile on his face.

Lin Xuebo: "Uncle Chen is here, come in quickly."

As soon as Old Man Chen entered the room, his eyes were attracted by the wooden blocks placed in the kitchen. He asked curiously:

"Hey, Chuanzi, what are you busy with?"

Lin Xuebo smiled and replied, "I plan to make a wooden box."

As he spoke, he pointed to the fire beside him and motioned Old Man Chen to sit down and warm himself by the fire.

When Zhao Yue'e and Lin Wenhong saw Old Man Chen, they both smiled and quickly invited him to sit by the fire.

"Old Chen, it's so cold, why are you still going out? Come sit by the fire and warm yourself up."

As Zhao Yue'e spoke, she moved a small stool and placed it next to the fire.

Old Man Chen took the bench with a smile: "My old bones are still strong. I just heard that your family has been quite busy recently, and I wanted to come over and see if there is anything I can do to help."

Lin Wenhong smiled and shook his head: "Old Chen, you're too polite. What can our family do for you to help?"

Old Man Chen laughed heartily. "Well, I heard you went out to chop down some trees yesterday. I'm curious, so I wanted to ask you what big job you were planning to do."

Lin Wenhong smiled and replied, "Oh, that's the dowry I prepared for my niece. She's getting married soon, and as her uncle, I have to give her something nice."

Old man Chen nodded, a glint of appreciation in his eyes. "Well, that's good. With an uncle like you loving her, Qianqian will have a prosperous future. So when is she getting married? I'll have to prepare a generous gift and attend the wedding."

Lin Wenhong smiled and replied, "The date hasn't been finalized yet, but it shouldn't be far away. I'll be the first to let you know when the time comes, Old Chen."

During the conversation, Lin Mo and others were still squatting aside, silently watching Lin Xuebao doing carpentry work.

Their eyes were filled with admiration and curiosity for Lin Xuebao's superb skills. Occasionally, they would whisper to each other and discuss in low voices how Lin Xuebao skillfully carved the wood with the wooden knife in his hand.

Suddenly, Old Man Chen changed the subject and looked at Lin Xuebao: "By the way, Chuanzi, I have a job I want to find you recently. I want you to help me carry a load. The wages are negotiable."

Lin Xuebo's face showed a hint of surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "Oh? Uncle Chen, you need a load? I can take on that job. But, as you know, I've been busy at home lately, so I might need to find some time."

Old man Chen smiled and waved his hands: "No hurry, no hurry. You can make it whenever you are free. I am not in a hurry to use it. Mainly because I trust your craftsmanship and want you to help me make a better carrying pole."

Lin Xuebo nodded solemnly: "Uncle Chen, don't worry. I will definitely make you a sturdy and beautiful shoulder pole, and I guarantee that you will be satisfied."

Old man Chen nodded and said with a smile: "Okay, I won't bother you anymore. I'll go back first. You guys go about your business."

Lin Wenhong quickly called out, "Old Chen, please sit for a while. It's not too late to leave after warming yourself by the fire."

Old man Chen waved his hand and said with a smile: "No, no, there are things waiting for me at home, I will go back first."

Seeing this, Zhao Yue'e stood up and said, "Then I'll see you off."

After Old Man Chen left, Lin Xuebao excitedly shouted to Lin Wenhong and Zhao Yue'e, who had just entered the kitchen, "Dad, Mom! Did you see that? Someone asked me to make something! This is the first job I've received since I came back! I'll give it to Uncle Chen right away, and I guarantee he'll be very satisfied!"

Lin Wenhong frowned slightly, stopped Lin Xuebao, and said earnestly, "Third Brother, don't be impatient. Count on the other carpenters' delivery days first, and then you can finish it a few days later and give it to Old Chen."

Lin Xuebo said, "Yes, Third Brother, Dad is right about this matter. There's no need to rush."