Rebooting 60, let's go on a rampage with the orange cat!

That evening, the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window into the kitchen, bathing the entire space in a warm golden light.

He Shuyi was standing in front of the stove, skillfully stir-frying the dishes in the pot, and a fragrant aroma filled the air. On the cutting board next to her, several ingredients were laid out to be processed.

Meanwhile, Li Hanchen sat on a small stool, carefully picking green beans. His temples were already gray, and time had left deep and shallow marks on his face, but his eyes remained gentle.

As he picked through the green beans, he exclaimed, "I never expected that Sixth Sister would be so ambitious and get into such a good university!" His words were full of pride and satisfaction.

Hearing her husband's words, He Shuyi stopped what she was doing, turned around and smiled, saying, "This child is quite lucky!" Then she continued cooking.

After a while, Li Hanchen suddenly stopped what he was doing, looked up at He Shuyi, smiled bitterly, and asked softly, "I guess she'll be going to school to register in a few days. Lao Wu said she promised to come to our house, but I don't know... will she come?" His voice was filled with uncertainty and anticipation.

Upon hearing this, He Shuyi paused in her actions, stood there for several seconds, and then slowly said, "Sigh, she may still resent us... After all, back then..." As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly, her heart filled with guilt and longing for her daughter.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the door, and a woman's voice asked, "Is Sister He home?"

He Shuyi felt a jolt in her heart...

Immediately afterward, Li Huaiyuan's excited voice echoed throughout the room: "Huai'an, why didn't you tell me you were coming! Uncle Shi, Aunt Shi, hello, please come in quickly!" Then, he hurriedly called out into the room, "Dad, Mom, Huai'an's here—"

He Shuyi froze, her hands stopping washing the pot. Upon hearing the shout, Li Hanchen hurriedly put down the kitchen utensils he was wiping, casually wiped his wet hands with a towel, and then dashed out of the kitchen like an arrow.

Upon seeing Shi Renmei, he immediately stepped forward warmly and grasped her hand tightly, his excitement overflowing: "Oh, Old Shi! It's been so long since we last met! Please sit down, and my sister-in-law and Huai'an, don't stand, please sit down!"

His eyes were a little moist as he looked at Huai'an. This daughter, whom he had never paid much attention to, had grown up so much. When he took her out, she was just a tiny baby, but now she had grown into a beautiful young woman.

At this moment, Xiuzhi and Huai'an smiled and gently placed the gifts they were carrying on the table. Xiuzhi said politely and humbly, "We are so sorry that we came without prior notice. We hope you don't think we are being too presumptuous."

While tidying her slightly disheveled hair and clothes, He Shuyi quickly walked out of the kitchen, her face beaming with a warm smile. "Don't mention it," she said. "I'm so glad you could come. These are truly honored guests! Please sit down and rest for a while. I'll go to the kitchen to add a couple more dishes, and we'll be eating soon."

As she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Shi Huai'an, her eyes filled with anticipation and admiration. The fifteen-year-old girl before her had already blossomed into a graceful young woman, exuding a unique and elegant aura that drew attention from all who beheld her.

Shi Renmei said with a big smile, "Hehe... I'm here to report good news. Huai'an has been admitted to the Beijing Medical University's integrated undergraduate, master's and doctoral program in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's such a wonderful thing, I can't wait to set off firecrackers."

Li Hanchen, beaming with pride, said, "The kid's doing great, let's keep a low profile... Come on, sit down, let's have a couple of drinks to celebrate later..."

Upon seeing Li Hanchen and He Shuyi, Xiuzhi gently pushed Huai'an forward without hesitation and said with a smile, "Huai'an, look, these two are your biological father and mother. Quickly call them Dad and Mom."

At this moment, Li Hanchen and He Shuyi's eyes had already become moist, their gazes filled with expectation and longing, like long-lost relatives, staring straight at Huai'an.

Li Huaiyuan and Li Huaizhen stood quietly to the side, their eyes also fixed on Shi Huai'an, as if afraid of missing any subtle change in his expression.

Shi Huai'an took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Her cheeks flushed slightly, as if she were a little shy, but she finally mustered her courage and softly called out, "Uncle and Aunt, hello!"

Upon hearing this address, Li Hanchen and He Shuyi were stunned, as if petrified, clearly not expecting Huai'an to address them in this way.

At this moment, Li Huaiyuan hurriedly stepped forward and anxiously said to Huai'an, "Huai'an, quickly change your address to call them Mom and Dad! Your adoptive parents have already agreed!"

Li Hanchen frowned and said to Li Huaiyuan with slight dissatisfaction, "You stand aside and stop giving orders here."

Li Huaiyuan felt somewhat resentful when his father said this, but he didn't want to show it in public.

Just then, Li Huaizhen, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke coldly: "Hmph, since you don't want to acknowledge your parents, why did you come all this way? Dad's health isn't good, why come here to upset him..."

Her words were cold and distant, making everyone feel alienated and unfamiliar. For a moment, the atmosphere became extremely tense, and everyone fell into an awkward silence.

Shi Renmei and Xiuzhi were also surprised that Huai'an would address his biological father and mother in such a way, and they didn't know how to comfort him.

Li Hanchen glared at Li Huaizhen, then smiled and said understandingly, "Huai'an is a good child. The kindness of raising is greater than the kindness of giving birth. Huai'an is not forgetting his roots. Good child, we are very happy that you came to recognize your family. We heard that you were admitted to university. We are really happy for you. Write home when you have time."

Huai'an wanted to tell Huaizhen that it wasn't you who was sent away, so you have no right to say that; there aren't that many people in this world who can truly empathize, so why force it?

Shi Huai'an thought for a moment and then remained silent. He was very grateful for his biological father's understanding. He was now surnamed Shi, not Li, so there was no need to explain.

There aren't that many truly wicked people in this world; perhaps more often, people are forced into situations they have no choice in.

She understood, and no longer hated her birth parents. People only hate and resent when things don't go their way, and when things reversed, she felt a bit lucky. After all, her adoptive parents were truly devoted to her, so what was there to resent?

He Shuyi held back her tears and nodded, saying, "Huai'an didn't call us wrong. Huaizhang also calls us uncle and aunt in the same way. That's good enough. I'll go cook some dishes. Dinner will be served soon. You two chat first."

She hurriedly prepared to go into the kitchen, then turned back to Huaiyuan and said, "Go and call Huaizhang over so he can meet Huai'an and the two siblings can get to know each other."

Li Huaiyuan quickly agreed, borrowed Huai'an's bicycle key, and rode off on his bicycle.

Xiuzhi called to He Shuyi, "Don't bother. We came without telling you, so we brought some braised meat and roast chicken. Just put them on a plate." She quickly took out two oil paper packages from the bag and went into the kitchen with He Shuyi.

Shi Renmei also took out a bottle of baijiu from the things she brought and said, "I haven't drunk alcohol in a long time. Huai'an told me to drink less, but today we'll make an exception and have a couple of drinks."

Just then, Li Huaijin and her husband Yang Changhua returned home at just the right moment.

As soon as they entered, they saw Huai'an. Li Huaijin immediately went up to him and hugged him happily, saying excitedly, "The medicine you gave me is simply amazing! Since taking it, I haven't vomited at all, and my appetite has become exceptionally good!"

At this moment, He Shuyi and Xiuzhi hurriedly brought the carefully prepared dishes to the table one by one.

He Shuyi placed a bowl of steamed egg custard in front of Huai'an and said, "Your mother said you love steamed egg custard, so you should try it... my cooking."

Looking at the bowl of golden egg custard sprinkled with chopped scallions and sesame oil, Huai'an's vision almost blurred. This was the first time he had eaten egg custard made by his birth mother, and he was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

Everyone gathered around the round dining table, enjoying the delicious food and chatting happily.

During the meal, Yang Changhua was particularly lively. With a smile on his face, he raised his glass high and said loudly and heartily, "Our sixth sister is truly remarkable! She's the only one in our family to have been admitted to university! Here, I sincerely wish Huai'an a bright future and smooth sailing!"

Faced with such enthusiastic blessings, Huai'an felt a little embarrassed, but she quickly picked up her teacup and gently clinked it against Yang Changhua's in place of wine, blushing as she said, "Thank you, brother-in-law!"

Xiuzhi, standing to the side, couldn't help but mutter, "Oh dear, it just took too long to study! From undergraduate to master's to doctoral, it took a full eight years! By the time we graduated, we were already twenty-three years old."

Upon hearing this, He Shuyi quickly took over and shook her head to explain, "Don't say that, Xiuzhi. Our Huai'an is exceptionally gifted and skipped grades. For most people, it would take until they are around thirty to complete their doctoral degree! So, Huai'an is indeed a very promising child! It's all thanks to your excellent upbringing."

Shi Renmei, slightly tipsy, waved her hand modestly and said, "It's because of your good genes. You reap what you sow. There's a saying, 'The student surpasses the teacher...'"

Everyone burst into laughter. Just then, Huaiyuan brought Huaizhang in. Huaizhang was a 22-year-old young man who had started working as a technician in a compressor factory. He walked over to Huai'an and smiled, saying, "We've known each other for a long time. I even cheered you on in your ping-pong match."

Huai'an blushed and nodded, calling out, "Third Brother!"

The group then chatted with laughter about the Shi family elders sending Huai'an to the capital to study. He Shuyi said, "You two are truly amazing to Huai'an. We are ashamed of ourselves in comparison. Huai'an is also very filial. It's a good opportunity for him to accompany you to the capital. So many people never get to go there in their entire lives..."

Xiuzhi smiled broadly and said, "Huai'an is such a filial child. He has never caused us any worry about his studies and always thinks of us. We are content."

Huai'an then said to Huaiyuan, "Huaiyuan, I've also bought you a train ticket for the day after tomorrow. I'd like you to go to Beijing with me. When you come back, you'll have to come with my parents. They've never traveled far before, and I'm worried about them. When we get back, you can use my bicycle. I don't need it for now, and my parents both have their own."

Li Huaiyuan was already 17 years old and had never left the city. He was overjoyed when he heard this. He glanced at his parents and saw them nodding and smiling. He quickly said, "Great! I also want to go to the capital. Anyway, it won't interfere with the start of school."

Li Huaizhen looked displeased and muttered under her breath, "Huaiyuan has never traveled far before. Huaizhang and I can go with him."

Li Huaijin immediately smiled and advised, "It's a long journey of seventeen or eighteen hours. There are all sorts of people on the train, it's very chaotic. You're so clean, you definitely won't be able to handle it. If there's a chance in the future, I'll take you to the capital to see Huai'an."

Yang Changhua, beaming, chimed in, "That's right! I've never been to the capital before. If we ever have the chance, we definitely have to go together. Huai'an, would you welcome us then?"

Upon hearing this, Huai'an couldn't help but smile. Accustomed to being wealthy and generous, she readily replied, "Then everyone is definitely welcome to come. If you can come, I'll cover all the expenses."

Seeing this, Yang Changhua deliberately teased her, saying, "Oh ho, you little brat, you're so young, but you've got quite the nerve. Tell me, where did you get so much money to treat us?"

Seeing this, Shi Renmei quickly stepped in with a smile to help Huai'an out of the predicament: "Haha, don't underestimate our An'an. She's quite capable, and people often come to her for medical treatment. Over time, everyone gives her some money as a token of gratitude, and that's how she's slowly accumulating her own little savings."

At this moment, Xiuzhi smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, yes, that's exactly right. Moreover, our Huai'an often goes up Nanshan Mountain to collect some precious herbs to sell. With her diligence and cleverness, she earns enough money not only for herself but also for us family members."

Hearing everyone praise him so much, Huai'an became a little embarrassed, giggled, and nestled into Xiuzhi's warm embrace, saying coquettishly, "Mom, you're exaggerating too much..."

A surge of indescribable emotion welled up in Huai'an's heart—a deep gratitude towards her parents. This gratitude, like a surging tide, crashed against the shores of her heart wave after wave. Whenever she recalled how her parents stood by her side without hesitation and protected her unconditionally, a warmth and peace of mind spread throughout her body like the warm spring sun.

At this moment, Huai'an felt as if her chest was filled with something soft and hot, so full that she could hardly breathe, yet at the same time, it was filled with endless happiness. This feeling of happiness was so intense that she could even feel a sweet tremor with each heartbeat.

Xiuzhi hugged Huai'an with doting eyes and exclaimed proudly, "Oh my, my daughter is simply a treasure!"

Everyone else wore bright smiles and nodded in agreement and congratulations, but only the fourth brother, Li Huaizhen, felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

She thought to herself: What does getting into university matter? If it weren't for the limitations imposed by my family's social class, all my siblings would probably have achieved top scores, and I certainly wouldn't be any worse off than them...

Despite feeling somewhat resentful, Li Huaizhen understood that it was all fate's arrangement, and no one could change it...

At this moment, He Shuyi stood aside, looking at the harmonious scene of Huai'an's family of three with complicated feelings, and couldn't help but feel endless emotions.

The warm and harmonious atmosphere seemed irrelevant to her, leaving her feeling a strange sense of loss and loneliness.