Courtyard Check-in: Starting with a Small World of Cultivation

April 18th, Grain Rain.

Spring is in full bloom in the small courtyard in front of the gate. The pomegranate tree is bursting with fiery red flowers, each blossom hanging from the branches like a small lantern. The roses in the corner of the wall are also in bloom, pink and white, their fragrance filling the entire courtyard.

Today is a big day – Nian An is turning one year old.

According to tradition, a "first birthday celebration" was to be held. Chen Yu got up early in the morning to set up the table. He placed an eight-immortal table in the center of the main room, covered it with a red cloth, and filled it with various small items: books, a writing brush, an abacus, copper coins, a small wooden sword, a medicine gourd, and a delicate little wooden ruler—which He Yuzhu had specially made.

"Nian'an, let's see what you can catch today." Chen Yu hugged his son and kissed him on the cheek.

Nian'an was wearing a bright red dress and a tiger-head hat. Her big eyes darted around, and when she saw something on the table, she reached out her little hand.

"Don't rush, we'll catch him when the guests arrive." Qin Huairu smiled and carried him back.

The guests arrived one after another. The He Yuzhu family, the Yan Bugui family, Zhang Xiulan, and several old neighbors from the alley all came with gifts. Ding Qiunan was the last to arrive, carrying a large box.

"Aunt Qiu Nan!" Nian An's eyes lit up when she saw her, and she reached out to hug her.

Ding Qiunan took him and kissed him on the cheek: "Nian'an, your aunt brought you a gift."

Opening the box revealed a set of exquisite little clothes—a jacket, pants, and a hat, all handmade and embroidered with adorable patterns.

"Qiu Nan, your cooking skills are getting better and better!" Qin Huairu exclaimed.

"It's for Nian'an, so of course we have to put our heart into it," Ding Qiunan said with a smile.

Everyone sat in a circle, and the baby's first birthday celebration began.

Chen Yu placed Nian'an on the octagonal table. Nian'an sat in the middle of a pile of things, looking left and right curiously. Her little hands first touched the calligraphy brush, then the abacus, and finally she grabbed the medicine gourd and hugged it to her chest, refusing to let go.

"A medicine gourd?" He Yuzhu chuckled. "You want to be a doctor someday?"

"Good morning, doctor!" Yan Bugui nodded. "Healing the sick and saving lives is an act of kindness and good deeds."

Ding Qiunan looked at Nian An with tenderness in her eyes.

Nian'an, clutching the medicine gourd, reached for the small book. With the gourd in one hand and the book in the other, she grinned.

"Is this like trying to be both a doctor and a scholar?" Zhang Xiulan laughed.

Everyone burst into laughter.

After the baby's first birthday celebration, a banquet was held. He Yuzhu was in charge of cooking and prepared a table full of dishes. Everyone ate, drank, and chatted about everyday life, creating a lively atmosphere.

Nian'an was held by Ding Qiunan and spun around in the crowd. He laughed whenever anyone teased him, his eyes curving into crescent moons.

"This child will definitely amount to something when he grows up," Yan Bugui said. "Look how clever he is."

Chen Yu looked at his son, his heart filled with pride.

It's been a year. From that wrinkled little thing, to the little person who can crawl, stand, and say "daddy" and "mommy," every day brings surprises.

After the banquet ended, the guests gradually took their leave. Ding Qiunan was also about to return to the clinic, but Nian'an clung to her leg and refused to let go.

"Nian'an, be good. Auntie will come again tomorrow." Ding Qiunan squatted down and kissed him on the cheek.

Nian'an then let go of her hand, watching her leave with tears in her eyes.

"This child is really close to Qiu Nan," Qin Huairu remarked.

Chen Yu nodded without saying anything.

In the evening, Chen Yu held Nian'an in his arms as they looked at the flowers in the yard. Nian'an pointed at the pomegranate tree and babbled something.

"Those are pomegranate flowers," Chen Yu taught him, "Pomegranate flower—"

"Stone...flow...flower..." Nian'an struggled to learn, but she was very serious.

"Yes, pomegranate flowers."

Nian'an then pointed to the roses: "Flowers! Flowers!"

"That's a flower too, a rose."

Nian'an remembered it, pointing to the rose: "Rose... rose..."

Chen Yu smiled and kissed him on the cheek: "My son is so smart."

Qin Huairu brought over a bowl containing well-cooked noodles, which was for Nian'an's dinner.

"Nian'an, dinner's ready."

Nian'an's eyes lit up when he saw the bowl, and he reached out to grab it. Chen Yu placed him on a small chair, and Qin Huairu fed him spoonful by spoonful.

"Dad...eat..." Nian'an pointed at Chen Yu, trying to bring the spoon to his mouth.

Chen Yu felt a warm glow in his heart and lowered his head to eat that spoonful.

Nian'an clapped her hands happily, then pointed at Qin Huairu: "Mom...eat..."

Qin Huairu also lowered her head and ate.

The family of three shared a bite, enjoying their meal together happily.

As night fell, Nian'an, tired from playing, fell asleep in Qin Huairu's arms. Chen Yu carried him to his crib and covered him with a blanket.

The two sat in the courtyard, looking at the stars in the sky.

"Chen Yu," Qin Huairu suddenly said, "what do you think Nian'an will be like when she grows up?"

Chen Yu thought for a moment: "I don't know. But no matter what, he's still our son."

Qin Huairu smiled and leaned on his shoulder.

"Yes, no matter what, he is still our son."

Night had fallen, and the courtyard was quiet.

The pomegranate blossoms swayed gently in the moonlight, emitting a faint fragrance.

A new year, new hope.

And their story continues.