New ink fragrance in old times

Tang Ming nodded in agreement and carefully held Tang Lin in his arms, his movements so gentle as if he was afraid of disturbing the tranquility.

Lin Xiya picked up the cloak beside her and put it on her shoulders. She also wrapped Tang Lin with a thick blanket to ensure that she would not catch a cold. The three of them got up and went to the kitchen.

When Tang Xin and Tang Shan saw Tang Ming and Lin Xiya, they were like two happy little beans, skipping to Tang Ming's side and shouting in unison: "Dad!"

The voices were full of childlike innocence and joy, as if the whole world became brighter because of their calls.

Tang Ming was surrounded by this sudden closeness. He bent down and gently touched Tang Xin and Tang Shan's heads, his eyes full of pampering.

Tang Zhi looked at Tang Lin in Lin Xiya's arms and asked, "Little girl, you're awake now. Why do you look listless? Did you catch a cold?"

Lin Xiya: "Uncle, Linlin just woke up and is confused now."

Tang Zhi nodded, his eyes flickering between Tang Ming and Lin Xiya. He casually asked, "Where's Tang Qing? Isn't he with you?"

Tang Ming was slightly startled and his eyes unconsciously turned to Tang Xin and Tang Shan who were warming themselves by the fire around him. The two children's little faces were rosy in the firelight, making them look particularly cute. Tang Ming hoped to get an answer from them.

Tang Shan immediately stood up excitedly and answered seriously, "Uncle, my brother went to pee!"

His words were direct and frank, making everyone present burst out laughing. Tang Ming laughed even harder. This kid was really straightforward, even speaking out about such a private matter without any hesitation.

After hearing this, Tang Zhi couldn't help but smile. He then nodded, stopped asking questions, and turned his attention back to the fire in front of him.

The flames crackled and the jumping flames reflected on everyone's faces. No one spoke, and only the occasional sound of firewood crackling broke the silence.

However, this tranquility did not last long. Tang Ming coughed lightly, breaking the long silence.

"Dad, uncle, it's been so long and Qing'er hasn't come back yet. Why don't I go out and look for her?"

Lin Wenhong looked up at Tang Ming and said, "No need. I think Tang Qing has gone to the backyard to watch his uncle work. Kids are like that. Let him have fun."

Tang Ming nodded slightly, then turned to look at the fire, his thoughts drifting far away. The atmosphere around the fire returned to calm again, only the flames continued to dance happily.

At this moment, Tang Zhi suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Come to think of it, I'm almost done warming up by the fire. The warmth of the fire is really making me lazy. I'm going to go out and see how the skewers are made. Maybe I can learn a trick or two."

There was a hint of curiosity in Tang Zhi's words.

Lin Wenhong nodded. "Okay, Brother Zhi, since you're interested, I'll take you to see it."

Tang Xin and Tang Shan, who were sitting nearby, immediately became excited when they heard this. Tang Xin blinked her eyes, clapped her hands excitedly, and said to Tang Ming:

"Dad, my uncle is amazing! He can do anything. Last time he even promised to make me a beautiful box!"

Tang Shan was not to be outdone. He pulled Tang Ming's sleeve and said expectantly, "You promised to make it for me too! Dad, we also want to go and see how our uncle makes things!"

Tang Ming looked at the two children's expectant eyes. He turned to look at Lin Xiya, asking for her opinion. Lin Xiya smiled gently and nodded.

After getting Lin Xiya's consent, Tang Ming stood up, dusted himself off, took Tang Shan and Tang Xin's hands, and walked towards the backyard.

Lin Mo stood in the yard, his eyes fixed on his father Lin Xuejin and his uncle Lin Xuebao. He saw that they were cooperating tacitly, fiddling with woodworking tools skillfully in their hands, as if they were performing a silent artistic creation.

Under their skillful hands, pieces of wood gradually transformed into the prototypes of doors and windows. Every detail reveals the craftsmen's care and concentration.

"Dad, you're so amazing! You can even make doors and windows!"

Lin Mo couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his tone filled with admiration and surprise. He had always known that his uncle was extremely accomplished in woodworking, and his works were lifelike and breathtaking.

However, he never thought that his father, who looked honest and was always busy with farm work, was actually proficient in this craft.

Lin Xuejin felt warm at heart when he heard his son's praise, and a smug smile appeared on his face unconsciously. He glanced at Lin Xuebo next to him, with a hint of provocation and boasting in his eyes.

These past few days, Lin Mo had been constantly clinging to Lin Xuebo, pestering him to learn carpentry, which had made Lin Xuejin somewhat uncomfortable. Now, he had finally found an opportunity to showcase himself, and naturally, he had to seize it.

"Your father knows a lot more."

Lin Xuejin smiled mysteriously, his tone tinged with pride and satisfaction. He reached out and gently patted Lin Mo's shoulder: "You'll find out in the future that your father knows everything."

"Hahaha."

Lin Xuejin glared at Lin Xuebao who was standing beside him, pretending to hit him, but Lin Xuebao pretended to turn his head away.

After hearing this, Lin Mo's eyes lit up and he looked at Lin Xuejin with even greater curiosity, as if he had countless questions on his mind: "Really? Dad, is there anything else you don't know?"

His eyes were filled with curiosity about the unknown, and Lin Mo couldn't wait to unveil the mysterious veil surrounding his father.

Lin Xuebao watched the interaction between the father and son from the side, with a faint smile on his lips.

Lin Xuejin glanced at Lin Xuebao provocatively again, his face full of arrogance.

Lin Xuebao shook his head, pretending not to see Lin Xuejin's smug look, and secretly sighed in his heart: Second brother is really childish, he wants to argue over such a small matter.

Lin Xuejin's voice was filled with nostalgia and pride. "Back then, when your uncle was an apprentice, he would find scraps of wood around the house and secretly hone his craft. I helped him prepare the materials and clean up the sawdust. Over time, I gradually learned all the carpentry skills."

Lin Xuebo smiled and nodded, adding, "Yes, Sanlang, most of the things in our house were made by my second brother and I. Dalang and Erlang's desks, and the little bed you sleep in, were all made by your father and me, piece by piece."

"Dad, you are so awesome!"

"Wow, Uncle, you are so awesome."

Lin Sizhe and others who were warming themselves by the fire nearby also followed suit and praised.

Lin Mo exclaimed sincerely, his tone full of deep admiration for Lin Xuejin.

"My understanding of every member of the Lin family is too one-sided, and my level of understanding is not even as good as Shiro's."

Lin Xuejin waved his hand modestly, but the smile in his eyes could not be hidden:

"No, no, it's just average. My cooking skills are far inferior to your uncle's."

Lin Xuebo smiled and shook his head: "Second brother, don't be so modest. Besides, Sanlang is still here listening, you better not lead him astray."

Lin Xuejin laughed heartily, then changed the subject to Lin Mo: "But having said that, Sanlang, you really need to learn from us. Carpentry may look simple, but it actually requires a lot of knowledge."

Lin Mo nodded repeatedly and said confidently, "Don't worry, Dad. I will definitely study hard."

Lin Xuebo patted Lin Mo on the shoulder: "Well done, Sanlang!"

Lin Xuebao put the wooden sword in his hand aside and slowly walked to the fire. The firelight reflected on his face, adding a bit of warmth to him.

Squatting down, he stretched out his hand, feeling the warmth from the flames, his eyes filled with a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

"Tang Qing, your father is here today. Why do you look so worried?"

Lin Xuebao turned his gaze to Tang Qing, who was silent beside him, with a hint of concern and curiosity in his tone.

Tang Qing sat on the other side of the fire, his hands on his knees, staring at the jumping flames with empty eyes, as if his worries were deeper than the night.

Tang Qing tilted his head slightly, his eyes briefly meeting Lin Xuebo's, then quickly looked away, shook his head, and still said nothing. His lips were tightly pursed, and his eyes revealed an indescribable complex emotion.

Lin Xuebo couldn't help but find it funny. He reached out and patted Tang Qing's shoulder, then touched his head: "You are so young, why do you think so much?"