New ink fragrance in old times

The sun began to slant, its light spreading across the yard, bringing a touch of tenderness with the cool breeze.

Lin Mo sat in the yard, feeling the unique winter chill gradually seeping into his clothes. He couldn't help but tighten his shoulders, trying to resist the invisible cold.

Looking up at the sky, I saw that the sun was already setting in the west. The setting sun, which was about to sink into the horizon, was as brilliant as molten gold, but it also indicated that the warmest time of the day was about to pass.

The weather in winter is always so unpredictable. It may be sunny in the morning, but in the blink of an eye, the cold wind will blow, making it unpredictable.

Lin Mo's thoughts drifted away along with the unpredictable weather.

I began to miss my relatives who went to town to sell their family's handmade products, such as hand-woven baskets, cloth shoes, etc.

The days were short in winter, and Lin Mo couldn't help but feel a little anxious: I wonder when the people who went to town will come back. Have they sold all the things they brought? They won't really wait until they sell everything before coming back, right?

Such thoughts lingered in Lin Mo's mind, making him uneasy.

Just as Lin Mo was immersed in his own thoughts, a sudden donkey bray broke the silence.

The sound was distant and vague, bringing him back to reality from his reverie. Lin Mo listened carefully, but did not hear the donkey's bray for a long time.

Lin Mo couldn't help but shook his head, with a self-deprecating smile on his lips: I am really crazy, I am starting to hear the sound of a donkey.

After adjusting his mood, Lin Mo turned to look at Shen Xin who was busy, and said, "Aunt, I feel it's not warm enough outside. Let's go make a fire and warm ourselves."

Shen Xin looked up at the sky, frowning slightly, obviously noticing the change in the weather.

She nodded, agreeing with Lin Mo's suggestion: "Sanlang, thanks for reminding me. It's really getting late. It's time to make a fire to keep warm."

After saying that, she turned to look at Lu Yue who was mending clothes beside her. "Sister-in-law, let's quickly collect the quilts drying in the backyard. It's getting dark soon, so don't let the quilts get wet from the dew."

After hearing this, Lu Yue immediately put down the needlework in her hands, and the two of them hurriedly walked towards the backyard.

Shen Xin was holding the quilt she had just retrieved from the backyard. She paused slightly when she reached the center of the yard. She looked up at the place where firewood was piled not far away, thinking about the coming of dusk.

There is indeed not much firewood left in the kitchen. If it is not replenished in time, there may not be enough to burn at night.

Thinking of this, she turned to Xing'er, who was standing beside her, looking at her with sparkling eyes, and instructed:

"Xing'er, go and Hua'er and carry some firewood to the kitchen. Remember to pick some dry firewood, as we don't have much in the kitchen."

When Xing'er heard this, her eyes lit up immediately, as if she had received a long-awaited order, and she agreed crisply, "I understand, mother."

After saying that, he couldn't wait to grab his sister Hua'er's hand and ran towards the place where the firewood was piled.

Seeing this, Lin Sizhe felt itchy in his heart. He took a step forward and wanted to go over to find out what was going on, but was stopped firmly by Lin Mo.

Lin Mo smiled and whispered to Lin Sizhe, "Silang, the woodshed is small and there's too much room for people to move around. Let's not go there. Why don't we bring the benches into the house and get ready so we can help Auntie later."

Although Lin Sizhe was still a little unwilling in his heart, he nodded sensibly: "Okay, Third Brother."

Lin Sizhe turned around and, together with Lin Mo, carefully lifted the bench in the yard and walked towards the kitchen.

The two of them talked as they walked, and occasionally there were a few bursts of laughter.

Lin Mo secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally he managed to stop this little guy who might cause trouble if he went there.

Lin Mo and Lin Sizhe placed the bench steadily in the kitchen. Although they stumbled a bit, they cooperated well with each other. Not only did they save the adults a lot of trouble, they also quietly won the attention of Shen Xin who was busy nearby.

A satisfied smile appeared on Shen Xin's face, and his eyes showed approval of the two children's understanding.

When everything was arranged, she announced softly, "Sanlang, Silang, you two are so good that you both volunteered to help."

Shen Xin rewarded each of the four little ones who worked with half a piece of snack.

Lin Mo sat by the firewood, holding the half-piece of pastry in his hand. The firelight reflected on his face, outlining a soft and satisfied outline. He gently took a bite of the pastry. The delicate taste and just the right sweetness made him squint his eyes, enjoying this rare joy.

The happy feeling in my heart is not only because of the delicious snacks, but more because of the feeling of being with family. It’s so good.

With a creak, the kitchen door was slowly pushed open, and a gust of cold wind slipped into the house, but did not attract the attention of others.

Suddenly, Tang Qing's clear voice rang out in the kitchen: "Aunt, Aunt."

Lin Mo was attracted by the sudden call, looked up at the door in confusion, and muttered to himself: Tang Qing? Didn’t he go home? Why is he here again?

Shen Xin was busy picking vegetables. When he heard Tang Qing's voice, he unconsciously put down the vegetables in his hand and said in surprise, "Oh, Tang Qing is here! Come in and sit down. It's very cold outside."

Lu Yue was squatting in front of the stove, adding firewood to the stove attentively. She looked up at Tang Qing, her eyes full of concern: "Your face is red from the cold, come over and warm yourself by the fire. Sanlang, make room for your cousin so he can warm up too."

Lin Mo immediately moved the small stool he was sitting on, patted the empty seat next to him, and said to Tang Qing with a smile: "Cousin, come and sit here."

Lin Sizhe was squatting on the side at this time, looking at Tang Qing who had just entered the door with curious eyes. When he saw his cousin, he trotted over, hugged Tang Qing's legs, and said in a baby voice: "Cousin, why are you here? I missed you so much!"

Tang Qing smiled and replied, "I miss you too."

Shen Xin asked with concern: "Tang Qing, where are your grandfather and the others? Aren't they with you?"

Tang Qing smiled and replied: "They are behind me, let me come back first.

After hearing this, Lu Yue nodded, her brows relaxed a little: "Is that so? That's good. Tang Qing, you can warm yourself up here by the fire first."

Shen Xin said to Xing'er, "Xing'er, take care of your brothers and sisters. Your aunt and I will go out to meet them."

Xing Er nodded and said, "Okay, mother."

Lu Yue instructed: "Remember to add firewood to the stove."

After saying that, he hurriedly left the kitchen following Shen Xin.

Just as Tang Qing, Lin Mo and Lin Sizhe were sitting around the fireplace, enjoying the rare warm time and chatting about some "little things" that only they could understand, the return of Lin Siyuan and Lin Sixuan broke the tranquility.

As soon as Lin Siyuan entered the room, he heard their low conversation and laughter. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "What are you guys talking about? You seem so happy. Let me listen too."

There was a hint of teasing and a touch of intimacy in his voice.