Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Over the weekend, we met privately at a cozy café to discuss our plans to return to our hometown of Kyoto.

Shi An gently stirred his coffee and spoke first: "My project has recently come to an end, so I have some time. I was thinking we should go back to Kyoto together to visit my parents. I bet Xin Yao has grown quite a bit taller."

Chen Yu put down his coffee cup and nodded slightly: "My business has stabilized for the time being, so I can go back and visit my aunt and uncle. Shi Ning, how about you? Are you able to manage your work?"

Shi Ning blinked, a hopeful look on her face: "I'll just ask my boss for leave. It's rare for everyone to have free time, and I want to go home too. Su Nian, what about you?"

Su Nian put down her spoon, smiled, and said, "I'm fine with that too. I've been wanting to go back and see the food Auntie makes for a long time. Plus, our whole family can take a family photo together, which would be so meaningful."

Shi An looked at everyone and said seriously, "Okay, let's set a time. How about next weekend? We have plenty of time and won't be too rushed on the way."

Chen Yu frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "I'm fine with next weekend, but I don't know if there will be traffic. If we're driving back, we'll have to leave early."

Shi Ning tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suggested, "Why don't we take the high-speed rail? It's fast and convenient, and we don't have to worry about traffic jams."

Su Nian nodded in agreement: "I think Shi Ning is right, taking the high-speed rail is more convenient. And once we get to Kyoto, it will be very convenient to take a taxi home."

Shi An tapped the table and said, "Okay, it's settled then. We'll take the high-speed train back to Kyoto next weekend. Oh, and we need to tell Mom and Dad in advance, so they won't be caught off guard."

Chen Yu smiled and said, "I think when we tell them, we should say it's a surprise and not tell them the specific time in advance. We should tell them when it's almost here."

Shi Ning's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "That's a great idea! Mom and Dad will definitely be very happy. And when we go back, we'll bring them some local specialties so they can try them out."

Su Nian also smiled and said, "Yes, I know a shop that has really delicious pastries. I'll go buy some to take home. Auntie will definitely like them."

Looking at everyone, Shi An felt a surge of warmth in her heart: "With you all here, the journey home feels even more meaningful. Let's go back this time and spend some quality time with our families, enjoying this reunion."

Chen Yu raised his coffee cup and said with a smile, "Then let's look forward to our trip to Kyoto next weekend!"

Shi An, Su Nian, Chen Yu, and Shi Ning returned to their hometown in Kyoto. As soon as they entered the house, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen greeted them.

Looking at the children she hadn't seen in so long, Jiang Man's eyes reddened slightly, and she said with heartache, "You're finally back. You've all lost a lot of weight."

Shi Ning affectionately linked arms with Jiang Man and said in a coquettish tone, "Mom, we're just busy. But the thought of going home makes it all worth it, no matter how tired we are."

Chen Yu greeted them with a smile, "Uncle and Aunt, we've come back to see you."

Qin Yi smiled and nodded, gesturing for everyone to sit down quickly.

After resting for a while, Shi An suggested, "Mom and Dad, it's been a long time since our family took a group photo. The weather is so nice today, why don't we go take one?"

Jiang Man's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied, "Great! I've been looking forward to this day for a long time."

As she spoke, she went and picked up her little sister, Xinyao.

The family visited an old photo studio in Kyoto, a place that holds many fond memories for them.

The owner of the photo studio was still that kind uncle. He smiled and said, "Oh, your family is here again. Your children have all done well!"

When taking photos, Shi An and Su Nian stood in the back row. Shi An gently put his arm around Su Nian's waist, and Su Nian's face was filled with a happy smile.

Chen Yu and Shi Ning stood to one side. Shi Ning leaned on Chen Yu's shoulder, while Chen Yu lowered his head slightly, looking at her tenderly.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen sat in the front row, with Jiang Man holding Xinyao in her arms. Xinyao waved her little hands excitedly, and the family was enjoying a happy time together. With a "click," the photographer pressed the shutter, capturing this blissful moment.

Looking at the developed photos, Jiang Man's eyes were full of smiles: "This photo is really well taken. Our whole family is in it. It's so perfect."

Back home, the family sat around in the living room, sharing their experiences while enjoying the long-awaited reunion.

Shi An recounted the new breakthroughs he had achieved in the field of technology, while Su Nian shared the joy of the successful advertising campaign.

Chen Yu then talked about the latest developments in his business, with Shi Ning occasionally adding her comments, making everyone laugh.

As evening fell, Jiang Man sat in a rocking chair in the yard, watching the children laughing and playing inside the house, her thoughts drifting away.

She recalled the days when she and Qin Yishen first met and fell in love when they were young. Although living conditions were tough back then, the two supported each other and were full of hope for the future.

Later, with the arrival of Shi'an and Shi'ning, life became busy and fulfilling.

To provide a better life for their children, she and Qin Yishen worked hard and took care of all the household affairs.

Every moment of the children's growth flashed through her mind like a movie clip.

Now that her children have grown up, have their own careers and love lives, she feels incredibly gratified.

She looked at Qin Yishen beside her and said softly, "Old Qin, you know, our lives have gone by so fast."

Qin Yishen held her hand and nodded, saying, "Yes, but seeing how happy the children are, all our hard work over the years has been worth it."

Jiang Man recalled how Shi An was naughty and mischievous when he was a child, causing them a lot of worry, while Shi Ning was well-behaved and sensible, always taking good care of the family.

Now, Shi An has found the gentle and kind Su Nian, and the two are successful in their careers and have a sweet relationship. Shi Ning and Chen Yu are also in love and working hard together for the future. And there's the lovely Xin Yao, who brings endless joy to this family.

Jiang Man couldn't help but sigh, "Our family has been through thick and thin, but we've always managed to pull through together. Seeing how successful our children are, I feel like the luckiest and happiest person in the world."

Qin Yishen smiled and said, "It's all thanks to you for taking such good care of the household and allowing the children to grow up in a loving environment."

Jiang Man shook her head: "This is all thanks to us. And now, the children know how to be grateful and support each other. I believe their future will be better and better."

At this moment, Shi An and Su Nian came out. Su Nian smiled and said, "Auntie, we heard you chatting. You've worked hard all your lives, so enjoy your retirement now."

Shi An nodded in agreement: "Yes, Mom and Dad, don't worry about us, we'll take good care of ourselves."

Jiang Man looked at the children in front of her, her heart filled with warmth.

She knew that no matter how long the road ahead might be, this family would always be filled with love and happiness.

And this good fortune and happiness will continue to endure through the years.

She was reborn, forced to choose, yet also actively choosing, a path completely different from her previous life.

But happiness still awaits her, and belongs to her. (End of Chapter)