Outside the window, plum blossoms bloom proudly in the cold wind, their pink and white petals adorning a corner of the courtyard.

The morning sunlight streamed into the villa's bedroom through the gaps in the curtains. Shen Qingge woke up early and, listening to her daughter's even breathing beside her, a gentle smile involuntarily curved her lips.

Today is the second day of the Lunar New Year. According to the customs of Yuncheng, we should visit our maternal grandparents' home to pay New Year's respects.

Shen Qingge got out of bed quietly, trying not to make any noise, for fear of waking Hai Ruoxi who was sleeping next door.

The sound of firecrackers drifted in from outside the window; the festive atmosphere of the New Year had not yet completely dissipated.

Compared to the tense and uneasy days of the past, this Spring Festival brought Shen Qingge an unprecedented sense of peace.

Since Hai Ruoxi was born, the repressed relationship between her and Hai Ze has undergone a subtle change.

After their daughter was born, Haize seemed to lose interest in Shen Qingge, but was willing to support her career, which relieved Shen Qingge.

This relationship, which is more distant than friendship yet harmonious, has become her most satisfying state at present.

In particular, being freed from Haize's suffocating sexual demands allowed her to rediscover herself.

In front of the dressing table, Shen Qingge carefully applied light makeup to herself.

Looking in the mirror, her eyes were clear, and her complexion was much better than it had been a few months ago.

The progress of her career and the joy of becoming a mother for the first time made her radiate a healthy and confident glow.

"Qingge, are you awake?"

The door was gently pushed open, and Haize stood in the doorway wearing a dark blue casual suit, holding Hai Ruoxi, who was still sleepy, in his arms.

The little guy is looking around with his innocent big eyes.

"Ruoxi cried in the middle of the night last night. Don't overwork yourself. I'll drive today." Haize's tone was calm but concerned.

Shen Qingge nodded and took her daughter from his arms: "Thank you. Go and get ready. We'll leave at nine o'clock."

Such a calm and natural conversation would have been unimaginable in the past.

After having a child, a delicate balance quietly emerged between the two.

Their conversations then focused on Hai Ruoxi's growth: how much milk the child drank today, whether she slept well, and whether she had a fever.

These trivial yet real daily routines became the bond connecting the two.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the family of three set off on time.

The streets of Yuncheng were bustling with people, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year had not yet completely dissipated.

Most of the shops on both sides of the road had couplets pasted on their doors and red lanterns hanging up. Although the first day of the Lunar New Year had passed, the festive atmosphere was still strong.

The car drove smoothly along the familiar streets. Shen Qingge held Hai Ruoxi in the back seat, occasionally teasing her daughter and occasionally looking at the scenery outside the window.

Soft music played in the car as Haize focused on driving, occasionally glancing at the mother and daughter in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

This harmonious scene, like the daily life of an ordinary family, gave Shen Qingge a rare sense of peace.

When they arrived at the Shen family's old residence, Shen Zejun, the father, was already waiting at the door.

Seeing Haize carrying Hai Ruoxi out of the car, the old man's face immediately lit up with a loving smile: "My precious granddaughter has arrived!"

Seeing this scene, Shen Qingge felt a warmth in her heart.

"Happy New Year, Dad and Mom," Shen Qingge and Haize said at the same time.

"Alright, alright, come inside quickly, it's cold outside." Shen's mother came out of the house to greet Hai Ruoxi, her eyes fixed on her. "My dear granddaughter, let Grandma give you a hug."

As Shen Qingge entered the living room, she looked around.

The house was decorated the same way as in previous years, with several pots of blooming clivia in the living room and a sumptuous spread of New Year's goods on the coffee table.

Candy, nuts, fruit, and rice cakes and steamed buns made by Shen's mother.

Shen Qingshuo and Su Wanyu had already arrived and were chatting with several elders.

Upon seeing Shen Qingge and her family enter, Su Wanyu stood up to greet them: "Qingge, President Hai, Happy New Year."

Although she and Shen Qingshuo had disagreements about their careers a few months ago, they maintained a facade of harmony at this family gathering.

"Wanyu is here too, Happy New Year." Shen Qingge replied with a smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, the family sat together, enjoying a warm and harmonious time.

Shen's father, abandoning his usual sternness, held Hai Ruoxi in his arms, unable to put her down: "This child is getting more and more beautiful. Her eyes are like Qingge's, and her mouth is like Haize's."

"Dad, you have excellent taste," Haize said with a gentle smile, his attitude respectful yet warm.

Shen's mother nodded repeatedly, "Yes, this child is very smart; he can recognize people at only a few months old."

Seeing her parents' doting love for Hai Ruoxi, Shen Qingge felt a mix of emotions.

From childhood to adulthood, her father's demands on her were always strict and demanding, and he rarely showed such a loving side.

Seeing his doting affection for his granddaughter, she couldn't help but think: perhaps her father does have love in his heart, but he's just not good at expressing it.

At lunchtime, the table was filled with traditional New Year's dishes: braised pork, poached chicken, sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried beef with scallions, and Shen's mother's specialty, sweet and sour fish.

The aunt specially cooked rice porridge for Hai Ruoxi, and Shen Qingge chatted with her family while taking care of the child.

"Qingge, I heard your 'Shen Qingge Series' is progressing well?" Shen's father suddenly asked, his tone probing.

Shen Qingge paused for a moment, feeling a little nervous.

Ever since she insisted on operating the series independently last time, she has been worried that her father would be unhappy.

"Yes, the response has been quite good. The data sent by hand is pretty good," she replied, trying to remain calm.

"Hmm." Mr. Shen nodded and did not ask any further questions.

Shen Qingge breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Haize, who was focused on feeding the child rice cereal, his movements gentle and patient.

This man just loves to show off and always wants to maintain a good image.

Shen Qingge was happy to cooperate, after all, he really cared about his daughter.

After dinner, the whole family rested and chatted in the living room.

Mr. Shen finally took out the red envelope and gifts he had prepared for a long time.

"Ruoxi, this is your New Year's money from Grandpa." He smiled and handed a thick red envelope to Haize.

"Thank you, Dad." Haize accepted the red envelope. "This is too much."

"This is our token of love for our granddaughter." Mr. Shen waved his hand, his face beaming with joy.

At 3:30 p.m., the family prepared to leave.

As they parted, Shen Qingge held Hai Ruoxi in her arms, watching her father's smiling face as he told Hai Ze to take good care of the child. She was filled with mixed emotions.

"Qingge," her father said to her one last time, "no matter what path you choose, I will support you. I just hope you can balance your career and family."

This was the first time her father had said such a thing, which made Shen Qingge's eyes well up with tears: "I will, Dad."

When I left the Shen family home, the winter sun was still warm, shining on my father's silver hair and casting a soft halo over his figure.

Shen Qingge glanced back at the old house that was gradually disappearing into the distance, a complex emotion rising in her heart.

Her father's love for Hai Ruoxi made her see the warmth between family members;

The harmonious relationship Haize had with her family made her feel the atmosphere of a complete family.

These heartwarming moments make it seem as if she truly has a happy home.

But the voice inside her grew clearer and clearer: she had to do a good job with the "Shen Qingge series." She had to have the ability to take control of her own life.

It was not only to prove himself and protect his daughter, but also to set an example of independence and self-reliance for Hai Ruoxi.

She wanted her daughter to know that women can stand on their own two feet in this world through their own efforts and talents.

She wanted Hai Ruoxi to see how her mother created her own business with her own hands.

The car drove through the streets of Yuncheng, the scenery outside the window constantly changing, but Shen Qingge's determination only grew stronger.

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