After AFK for five years, I returned to be number one in the entire server.

The high-speed train journey from Ningchuan to Linhai isn't long, but for Shen Yi, those few hours felt exceptionally long.

As the train slowed down, the announcement board in the carriage revealed the name of Linhai Station.

Shen Yi's fingers unconsciously gripped the edge of the seat, and her heartbeat, which had just calmed down, quickened again.

She turned to look at the platform gradually coming into focus outside the train window, a hint of barely concealed unease flashing in her eyes.

Lin also stood up, took the black suitcase from the overhead luggage rack, and led Shen Yi off the high-speed train.

It wasn't until she got into the taxi back to Lin Ye's house and looked out at the unfamiliar city that Shen Yi's anxiety reached its peak.

She rehearsed in her mind what her first words should be when they met, afraid that she wouldn't be likable enough.

The taxi stopped in front of the community gate, and the two carried their luggage up the stairs to the familiar security door.

Lin had just knocked on the door when it was opened from the inside.

The moment the door opened, Shen Yi's heart leaped into her throat. She instinctively straightened up, clutching the hem of her winter coat tightly with both hands. Just as she was about to call out, Zhou Qiaoyun strode out.

"Oh dear, it's so cold outside, let's come inside!"

A bright smile bloomed on Zhou Qiaoyun's face. She glanced at Lin Ye when she opened the door, then ignored him and walked directly to Shen Yi, naturally taking Shen Yi's slightly cold hand in hers.

Zhou Qiaoyun looked the girl up and down, her affection overflowing: "When Lin Ye told me about this on the phone, I couldn't believe it. How could our family have such a beautiful and charming girl? Her eyelashes are so long, and her eyes are so pretty. Are you cold? Come in quickly."

Shen Yi had prepared a reserved speech for the whole journey, but it was instantly interrupted by Zhou Qiaoyun's sudden and unpretentious enthusiasm.

She paused for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly with shyness, and said in a soft but earnest voice, "Hello, Auntie, hello, Uncle. My name is Shen Yi."

Lin Changhe also came over from the living room at this moment. He had a kind and calm smile on his face. He didn't say much, but simply took the suitcase from Lin Ye's hand naturally.

"Alright, alright, please sit down." Lin Changhe greeted them with a smile.

Upon entering the house, the warm, cozy atmosphere, mingled with the subtle aroma of food, wafted towards me.

Zhou Qiaoyun pulled Shen Yi to sit down on the sofa. The coffee table was already filled with washed fruit and all kinds of snacks.

She handed Shen Yi a peeled apple in a familiar manner, her tone carrying a touch of everyday intimacy.

"Are you tired from the car ride? Have some fruit to tide you over. Lin Ye is such a quiet kid, he hardly ever says a word. It's really a shame you have to take care of him all the time."

Shen Yi took the apple with both hands, feeling the coolness from her fingertips and the warmth in Zhou Qiaoyun's words. Her heart, which had been hanging in suspense all the way, finally slowly settled down.

From the moment she stepped inside, it was as if she had always been a natural part of this family, just a child who had finally come home for winter vacation.

After chatting for a while, Zhou Qiaoyun stood up and rolled up her sleeves.

"You two can watch TV in the living room for a while. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare the remaining two stir-fries. Then we'll get ready to eat."

After saying that, she turned and walked towards the kitchen.

Shen Yi immediately put down the apple in her hand, stood up, and quickly walked to the kitchen door.

"Auntie, let me help you."

Zhou Qiaoyun turned around and saw Shen Yi come in. She waved her hands repeatedly, half scolding and half feeling sorry for her, and said, "No need, no need. How can you let a girl who is visiting for the first time do chores in the kitchen? Go and let Lin Ye watch TV with you."

Not wanting to leave an impression of being lazy, Shen Yi walked to the sink and said softly, "Auntie, I often cook. Let me help you out; I feel uncomfortable sitting outside alone."

She longed to be a part of the family and needed to do something to prove her worth.

Looking into Shen Yi's clear eyes, which held a hint of expectation, Zhou Qiaoyun's keen maternal instincts allowed her to understand the girl's inner turmoil.

Her smile softened further, and she stopped refusing, instead taking a clean apron from the hook next to her.

"Alright then, Auntie is indeed a bit too busy cooking by herself. Could you wash the scallions and garlic in the basket over there for me? I'll let you try Auntie's cooking later."

Shen Yi responded with a sigh of relief, took the apron, tied it on, and began to wash the vegetables carefully.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the clatter of chopping vegetables and the light, quick movements of stir-frying with spatulas, accompanied by Zhou Qiaoyun's occasional laughter as she shared cooking tips.

Lin sat on the sofa in the living room, listening to the sounds of an old man and a young man coming from the kitchen, looking relaxed.

Steaming hot dishes were quickly laid out on the table: braised pork ribs, stir-fried shrimp, and tender, flavorful pork rib and corn soup—all authentic home-style dishes.

The four sat around the dining table, and Zhou Qiaoyun's face was always beaming with smiles. She didn't even care about eating herself, and kept piling up several of the best ribs and shrimp for Shen Yi until Shen Yi's bowl was piled up like a small mountain.

"These are live shrimp that your uncle picked out at the morning market. They're very fresh, so eat more." Zhou Qiaoyun's tone was full of elder's affection.

Lin Changhe chimed in with a smile, "From now on, treat this place like your own home. Just tell your uncle and aunt what you want to eat."

The meal lasted a long time and was quite lively.

During the meal, the two elders would chat about interesting things in Linhai City, and talk about the embarrassing things Lin Ye did when he was a child. They would occasionally ask Shen Yi if she was used to life in Ningchuan and if the food suited her taste.

They tacitly avoided all topics related to family background and their parents' current situation.

This is almost impossible for parents of this age. Normal parents would definitely want to find out everything about their daughter-in-law's family background when she visits for the first time.

Shen Yi knew in her heart that Lin Ye had taken care of everything in advance on his phone.

She doesn't need to reopen old wounds; she just needs to enjoy the warm atmosphere before her.

As night deepened, it was time to rest.

Lin Ye's family home is a typical old-style two-bedroom apartment. Besides the parents' master bedroom, there is only Lin Ye's not-so-big room.

Zhou Qiaoyun took out brand-new bedding from the cabinet and made it neatly on Lin Ye's bed.

"I'm sorry you had to make do with this doghouse of Lin Ye for the night. The sheets and blankets were freshly washed and dried. I let him sleep on the sofa; he's tough enough not to get cold." Zhou Qiaoyun patted the soft blanket.

Shen Yi stood by the door, feeling a little embarrassed. After washing up, she finally lay down in the sun-scented quilt.

At midnight, all was quiet.

The entire neighborhood was asleep, with only the occasional sound of a car speeding by outside the window.

The living room lights were off, with only the faint light from the streetlights filtering through the gaps in the curtains.

Lin lay flat on the sofa with her eyes closed. A slight sound broke the silence of the living room.

A person slowly walked to the sofa, knelt down, and put their hand under the blanket, holding Lin Ye's hand with a mixture of tenderness and warmth.

She buried her head and gently rested it against Lin Ye's chest.