1952: Walking through Nantongluo Alley

As the sun sets, Chen Xiao and Qin Huairu sit under an old tree in the courtyard, enjoying the cool breeze. Their faces are covered with traces of time, but their eyes are filled with happiness and satisfaction.

"Back then, this courtyard was bustling with activity!" Chen Xiao said with deep emotion, gently holding Qin Huairu's slightly rough hand. His eyes slowly swept across the familiar yet unfamiliar courtyard before him, as if he could see the prosperity of the past through the dust of time.

Qin Huairu smiled slightly, and that smile was as elegant as a blooming chrysanthemum: "That's right, everyone is living a good life now." Her eyes also fell on the yard, and her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the past.

Just then, a few children, like a flock of cheerful birds, dashed past them, laughing and playful. These children brimmed with innocent energy, their silvery laughter echoing in the air. They looked at the two elderly people sitting on the bench with curiosity, just as the people in the courtyard had once curiously gazed at the young Chen Xiao and Qin Huairu.

"Our days have flown by so quickly." Qin Huairu tilted her head back slightly, leaning gently against Chen Xiao's broad shoulders. Chen Xiao nodded heavily, agreeing with his wife's words. He closed his eyes, and his mind reeled back to the memories of the past—the hardships they had endured together, the countless arguments and bickering, the support they had given each other through thick and thin... Thinking back on it now, everything had become a precious and beautiful memory.

A gentle breeze blew past, caressing their faces softly and bringing a touch of coolness and comfort. The wind seemed to carry a faint floral scent, making them feel relaxed and happy. Chen Xiao and Qin Huairu snuggled together quietly, neither of them speaking, just silently enjoying this moment of peace and warmth.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and the entire world was filled with only the two of them. They knew that even though most of their lives had already passed, as long as they could be by each other's side, the remaining time would still be filled with hope and warmth. Just like the setting sun, its afterglow filled the entire courtyard, tinting this small world with a golden glow.

At this moment, a young man came over and said respectfully to Chen Xiao and Qin Huairu: "Grandpa Chen, Grandma Qin, the factory sent some gifts to you two, saying that it is to thank you for your previous contributions to the factory." Chen Xiao waved his hand and smiled: "It's all in the past." The young man put the things down and left.

Chen Xiao looked at the pile of gifts and said with emotion, "What a difference! If we had so many things back then, the whole hospital would be envious." Qin Huairu echoed, "That's right."

Suddenly, Qin Huairu seemed to recall something and whispered, "Xiao, do you remember when we first moved into this courtyard? We were so poor back then, and everyone was fighting over things." Chen Xiao nodded slightly, "I remember. Although those years were hard, they also had a unique flavor."

The sky gradually darkened, and stars appeared in the sky. Chen Xiao slowly stood up, took Qin Huairu's hand and said, "Let's go back to the house. It's getting cold." The two of them slowly walked towards the house. The small courtyard behind them was immersed in silence, as if telling the story of their ordinary yet touching life.