Hard work after winning the lottery

Old Master Hua Mutou paused in his grip on the chess piece, and a genuine smile flashed in his cloudy old eyes.

He snorted and slammed the "cannon" in his hand heavily onto the chessboard.

"Checkmate!"

……

Happy times always slip away quietly, like sand through your fingers.

Zhou Yanjin and Zhou Yinchuan have been staying in Baixi Village for more than half a month without realizing it.

In the past two weeks, Zhou Yanjin seemed to have completely shed his image as the domineering CEO of City A, and turned into an ordinary man who would play with his children, help his father-in-law feed sheep, and play chess with Grandpa Hua.

The warmth and humanity emanating from him grew stronger day by day.

However, the phone calls from City A were like a death knell, coming on more and more frequently each day.

The group has a mountain of backlogged affairs, and several major projects that require his personal approval have reached their final deadlines.

In the east wing, Chen Xu's voice came through the phone, his initial respectful report gradually tinged with an undisguised anxiety.

"President, the board of directors has already pressed us three times regarding the acquisition of the British company... You must return to take charge."

Zhou Yanjin leaned against the window, watching Hua Yun teaching the children to weave little rabbits out of foxtail grass in the yard. The sharpness in her eyes had long been replaced by tenderness.

He hummed in response, his voice slightly hoarse.

"I see."

After hanging up the phone, the tenderness in his eyes did not fade, but deep down, there was a heavy sense of helplessness.

It wasn't just him.

Grandpa Zhou Yinchuan stayed here for more than a month, taking walks in the mountains every day and eating simple meals prepared by Grandma Hua. His energy and spirit improved visibly, and even his blood pressure stabilized considerably.

But he was getting on in years, and the medical team in City A was calling him three times a day, urging him to go back for a comprehensive physical examination.

The atmosphere of parting, like a silent drizzle, quietly spread.

That afternoon, the two old men sat under the grape trellis drinking tea.

Zhou Yinchuan held the rough porcelain teacup in his hand, remained silent for a long time, and then solemnly looked at his old comrade-in-arms.

"Old Hua."

His voice carried the composure and solemnity unique to soldiers.

"Yan Jin and I have to go back in a couple of days."

Hua Mutou puffed on his pipe, nodded, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but said nothing.

He understood the principle that all good things must come to an end.

Zhou Yinchuan put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and looked at his weathered eyes with an unprecedented seriousness.

He spoke each word as if making a solemn promise.

"Once Yan Jin's parents, Zhou Ye and Lin Yi, return from abroad, I will personally take them, prepare generous gifts, and formally propose marriage!"

These words resonated deeply.

It's not about discussing, but about informing; it's a sign of genuine respect and recognition.

Zhou Yinchuan stared intently into Hua Mutou's eyes, his tone earnest.

"You must give them a warm welcome then!"

Hua Mutou was stunned, and then a smile brighter than the sun bloomed on his weathered face.

He slapped his thigh hard, put his pipe on the table, and reached out to grasp his old comrade's calloused hand.

"rest assured!"

His voice was loud and clear, filled with heartfelt joy.

"We'll definitely welcome you with open arms! If you come, I'll have my wife slaughter the fattest sheep in the yard!"

He shook Zhou Yinchuan's hand forcefully, his eyes slightly reddening.

"We elders are happier than anything that Yun'er has found a home!"

Two elderly people, whose combined age is over 150, clasped hands, their silent promises and trust flowing quietly in the air.

The night was as still as water.

Zhou Yanjin found Hua Yun, who was counting the fodder next to the sheepfold.

The evening breeze ruffled her hair, and she carried a faint scent of grass, a unique fragrance that brought him peace of mind.

He approached from behind, without saying a word, simply standing quietly beside her.

Hua Yun sensed his presence, stopped what she was doing, and turned her head to look at him.

"Grandpa and the others...have they all made up their minds?"

"Um."

Zhou Yanjin responded, his gaze falling on her delicate profile, his eyes filled with deep affection.

He was silent for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, as if he was organizing his thoughts.

"Yunyun".

He called her name, his voice low and gentle.

"Would you like to come back to City A with me... and the children?"

He looked into her eyes, his tone filled with anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

"I want to see you every day when I open my eyes, I want to send the children to school, I want to... start our real family life."

Hua Yun's heart was struck hard by his words.

Go to City A, with him and the children, and start a new life.

The scene was so beautiful, just imagining it, that she almost nodded in approval.

but……

Her gaze swept over the sheep farm she had built with her own hands, over her brightly lit home not far away, and over the pasture on the western hills in the distance, where all her hopes were placed.

Her career is just beginning, and the blueprint for the future of Baixi Village is just unfolding.

My grandparents, parents, and other family members all need someone to take care of them.

And the children... They're used to the freedom of the mountains and fields, can they immediately adapt to the fast-paced life in the concrete jungle of City A?

Her eyes, initially filled with excitement, gradually became clearer and, little by little, filled with remorse.

She met Zhou Yanjin's expectant gaze and gently, yet with unwavering determination, shook her head.

The light in Zhou Yanjin's eyes dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

A sharp pang of disappointment pierced his heart.

Hua Yun's heart ached when she saw his injured expression. She quickly reached out and grasped his slightly cool fingers.

"Yan Jin, listen to me."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried a calming power.

"Give me a little more time, okay?"

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with sincerity and reluctance.

"This is my home, and my career has just begun. I can't just walk away like this. I also can't leave my elders behind."

She paused, then continued, "Most importantly, it's about the children. I want them to enjoy a little more of their carefree childhood here."

Zhou Yanjin remained silent and did not speak.

He simply turned his hand over and tightly enveloped her soft hand in his own palm.

How could he not understand her concerns?

She was not a vine clinging to him; she was a tree with its own roots, resilient, upright, and with her own pursuits and responsibilities.

Isn't that exactly what made him fall in love with her?

After a long while, the surging disappointment in his chest was replaced by a deeper understanding and love.

He raised his other hand and gently stroked her cheek, his fingertips caressing her delicate skin.

"it is good."

One word, carrying both a sigh and a promise.

"I'm waiting for you."

He leaned down and placed a precious kiss on her forehead.

"I will come back to see you often. I will come back whenever I have free time."

The day of parting finally arrived.

Zhou's bodyguards, Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li, drove two SUVs and parked at the entrance of Hua's courtyard.

The triplets seemed to sense the atmosphere of separation, and they all looked listless, lacking their usual liveliness.

When Si Tao saw Zhou Yinchuan walking out with his cane, she, who had been following him around, exclaimed "Wow!" and rushed over like a little cannonball, grabbing her great-grandfather's leg and refusing to let go.

"Great-Grandpa, don't go! Don't go!"

The little guy buried his face in Zhou Yinchuan's trouser leg, his voice muffled and trembling with sobs.

Zhou Yinchuan's heart softened instantly. He bent down and stroked his great-grandson's soft hair with his rough hands, his eyes reddening.

"Good child, your great-grandfather will come back to see you soon and bring you a big airplane, okay?"