After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The two of them argued a bit late yesterday, and almost missed their flight this morning.

Yan Yuan and Lin Jianwei landed in Xi'an.

The ancient city still has a lot of tourists in June.

They strolled hand in hand through the streets of this ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.

It still started with a meal.

Yan Yuan, being half a Shaanxi native, took Lin Jianwei, a girl from the south, to experience the Northwest culture.

This was also Lin Jianwei's first time visiting Xi'an.

"Come on, I'll take you to eat Qin Yu Roujiamo!" Yan Yuan, familiar with the place, pulled Xiao Lin into an old shop with a long queue at the door.

"Xiao Yan, I seem to remember this restaurant was featured on 'A Bite of China'."

"Yes, this place smells amazing. It's an old establishment. Let me show you around."

When Lin Jianwei took the bulging, piping hot roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and carefully took a bite...

The crispy bread crust, along with the juicy and fragrant braised pork, instantly filled Lin Jianwei's mouth, and he squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

"Mmm! This is delicious! A million times better than those modified Chinese dishes in Britain!"

"Right... Roujiamo has to be the authentic one from Xi'an..." Yan Yuan really likes it.

Next up is rice noodles.

The translucent rice noodles, paired with refreshing cucumber shreds and bean sprouts, and then drizzled with bright red chili oil and special sauce, are mixed well and then put into your mouth. The result is a tangy, spicy, and refreshingly chewy treat.

"Delicious!" Lin Jianwei exclaimed, her forehead slightly sweating as she ate.

They also ate mutton stew at Lao Sun's house.

This time, Lin Jianwei learned her lesson. She watched Yan Yuan break the bread and tried to do the same. Although the bread pieces were uneven, she had a great experience.

When the steaming bowl of paomo (pita bread soaked in mutton soup) was served, sprinkled with cilantro and chili sauce, the young couple ate with great satisfaction, praising it repeatedly.

After filling their stomachs, they climbed the magnificent Xi'an City Wall.

As evening falls, the setting sun casts its light on the thick blue bricks, creating a unique atmosphere.

The two rented a tandem bicycle and leisurely rode along the wide city wall, enjoying the breeze of the ancient capital and gazing at the Xi'an skyline.

"Oh, right! Let's take some photos in Hanfu!" Lin Jianwei suggested enthusiastically when she saw many tourists wearing Hanfu on the city wall.

Girls who come to Xi'an usually don't forget to take photos in Hanfu (traditional Han clothing).

Hanfu culture has become a standard feature of tourism in Xi'an.

Yan Yuan readily agreed.

The two each chose a set of Tang Dynasty Hanfu. Lin Jianwei wore a gorgeous Qixiong Ruqun, which was elegant and graceful.

Yan Yuan was dressed in a Tang Dynasty round-necked robe with gold patterns, looking heroic and upright, and he even wore a wig.

Once they were dressed up, they walked on the city wall.

The two took a series of memorable photos against the backdrop of the majestic city gate and huge red lanterns.

Lin Jianwei is very fond of these ancient costume couple outfits that she photographed.

"I can't believe it, my goodness, you look much better in period costumes than in modern clothes."

"What you're saying? You look just as beautiful as a fairy in ancient costume."

Suddenly, Yan Yuan came up with a bold idea.

"Hey, Weiwei... what do you think... how about we try wearing ancient costumes when we play together sometime?"

"Hmm?...It's not impossible..."

The young couple's life is getting more and more exciting.

……

After sightseeing, the main purpose of this trip to Xi'an was to return to my hometown to visit relatives.

According to the address my dad gave me.

Yan Yuan and Lin Jianwei drove to a village near Xi'an, the ancestral home of the Yan family and the place where Yan Zhen'an was born and raised.

Before going, Yan Yuan carefully prepared a gift.

He bought his second uncle, Yan Zhendong, two bottles of top-grade Moutai and several cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes; and his second aunt a set of skincare products from a top international brand.

Yan Yuan also didn't forget his cousins ​​Yan Xiaoqiang and Yan Xiaoyue, who were in their second year of high school.

After careful consideration, he decided that buying practical electronic products for his two children was the most suitable option.

Therefore, Yan Yuan bought his younger cousin and his younger cousin each a brand-new high-performance laptop and a smartphone.

As the car drove away from Xi'an city, the scenery outside the window gradually opened up, with farmland and villages coming into view.

The countryside today.

It is no longer as backward as Yan Zhen'an remembered or as Yan Yuan vaguely recalled in his childhood.

Smooth cement roads lead to every household.

The former low mud-brick houses have been replaced by neat brick and tile bungalows or small buildings, and many people even have cars parked in front of their houses.

Although this place can't compare to the hustle and bustle of the city.

But everywhere you look, there's an atmosphere of abundance and peace.

"What a big change!" Yan Yuan exclaimed. "I remember when I was a very young child, I would come back with my dad, and the roads were still dirt roads. On rainy days, we would be covered in mud. It's so much better now."

Lin Jianwei also looked out the window with curiosity.

"Yes, the rural areas in the north look very clean and peaceful, which is a different style compared to the rural areas in the south."

Following the navigation, they quickly found their second uncle's house.

A courtyard surrounded by a wall, with its iron gate wide open.

The two parked their car and carried bags of gifts into the yard.

A dark-skinned, lean-built, and simply dressed middle-aged man was pulling a cart of grass out of the backyard, preparing to feed the sheep.

Yan Yuan shouted in the Guanzhong dialect.

"Second Uncle!"

Lin Jianwei quickly and obediently followed suit with a greeting.

"Hello, Second Uncle!"

Yan Zhendong turned around upon hearing the sound.

He squinted at the well-dressed, distinguished young couple at the door, but didn't recognize them at first glance.

A few seconds later, his eyes widened suddenly, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out with surprise and joy.

"Oh! It's...it's Yuanwa?! Oh dear! What brings you back?! Quick! Come inside! Honey! Come out quickly! Look who's here! Yuanwa has brought his wife back!"

My second uncle hurriedly put down his work, rubbed his hands which were covered in grass clippings, and warmly greeted him.

Hearing the noise, a similarly simple woman wearing an apron ran out of the house, her hands still covered in soap bubbles. She was Yan Yuan's second aunt.

She was both surprised and delighted to see Yan Yuan.

"Oh my! It's really Yuanwa! You've grown so much! Come in and sit down! It's cool inside!"

Yan Yuan smiled and pulled Lin Jianwei in front of him to formally introduce her.

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, this is my girlfriend, Lin Jianwei, from Hangzhou. Weiwei, this is my second uncle and second aunt."

Lin Jianwei greeted her again in a poised and generous manner.

"Hello, Second Uncle and Second Aunt. I've often heard Yan Yuan mention you. It's great to finally meet you today."

"Good! Good! The girl is so beautiful! Come in and have some tea!" Auntie was overjoyed and quickly invited them to sit down in the living room. She then busied herself pouring water and washing fruit.

(Heartache: Guanzhong dialect, meaning beautiful)

The living room was clean and tidy. Although the furniture was simple, it exuded a down-to-earth feeling unique to rural homes.

Uncle Yan Zhendong was clearly still in a state of great surprise. Looking at his nephew, whom he hadn't seen for many years, who was tall, handsome, and had an extraordinary temperament, he was both happy and a little embarrassed.

"Yuanwa, are your dad... are they all alright? Why did you suddenly come back? You didn't even call ahead!"

"Everything's fine, Second Uncle," Yan Yuan replied with a smile. "My parents are both doing very well. We decided to come to Xi'an on a whim, and we just wanted to come back and see you and Second Aunt. My dad specifically told me to come back and give you his regards, saying that we've been so fortunate to have you take care of the family all these years."

"Oh, it's nothing, it's all my duty..." Uncle waved his hand, his tone sincere.

Their second uncle warmly invited them to stay for dinner.

Yan Yuan politely declined, saying that he had come over for a meal and that he mainly came back to visit and bring some gifts.

He asked Lin Jianwei to bring out the gifts for his second uncle and aunt. When his second uncle saw the expensive cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics, he repeatedly declined.

"Oh dear! Yuanwa, why spend this money! It's too extravagant! No, no! Take it back, take it back!"

"Second Uncle and Second Aunt, please accept this. It's just a small token of our appreciation from Yan Yuan and me," Lin Jianwei gently persuaded. "Yan Yuan often says that he's not in the country, and we're so grateful for your care back home. This is nothing."

After much refusal, my second uncle and his wife finally accepted it, feeling embarrassed.

Yan Yuan asked again.

"Where are Xiaoqiang and Xiaoyue? Aren't they home?"

"Both kids are in high school, still in the county town. They have a lot of schoolwork, and they haven't had a holiday yet," the second uncle replied.

Yan Yuan nodded and took out the computer and mobile phone he had bought for his younger cousins.

"Second Uncle, these are for Xiaoqiang and Xiaoyue. The two kids are about to go to university, and these things will be useful for their studies and for contacting home," he said in a low voice.

"Second Uncle, I know the kids are playful, so you and my second aunt can keep these for them and hide them well. We'll give them to them when they get into university, as a gift for their graduation."

Upon seeing this valuable gift, the second uncle withdrew his hand as if he had been burned, shaking his head vigorously.

"No, this won't do, absolutely not! It's too expensive! The kids don't need something this good! How much money would this cost?! No way!"

Yan Yuan and Lin Jianwei then gave another round of earnest persuasion, saying that college students all use this now, it's a necessity, not a luxury.

It was only with great difficulty that my second uncle reluctantly accepted it, while he kept muttering, "This is too much of a waste."

After chatting about everyday things for a while, drinking tea, and eating fruit, Yan Yuan felt that the time was about right.

He gave Lin Jianwei a wink, then spoke to his second uncle.

"Second Uncle, I haven't been back for many years. The village has changed so much. Can you take me out for a walk and show me around? Let Weiwei keep Second Aunt company."

My second uncle readily agreed.

"Come on! Your second uncle will show you around our village!"

Lin Jianwei and Yan Yuan's second aunt started chatting.

Yan Yuan and his second uncle left the courtyard and walked on the clean cement village road.

Looking at the neat houses on both sides and the lush green farmland in the distance, he said sincerely.

"Second Uncle, the village is so well developed now."

"Yes, life is much better than before. Now the village has convenient transportation, water and electricity supply." Uncle nodded and smiled.

Reaching a secluded, shady spot under a tree, Yan Yuan stopped, his expression turning serious.

"Second Uncle, actually, the main reason I came back this time is that my father has a very important matter to ask me to do it."

His second uncle looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"What's wrong? Your dad could just call and tell you what's going on, why did you have to make such a long trip?"

Yan Yuan took a deep breath and decided to get straight to the point.

"Second Uncle, I'm playing professional football in England now, and my dad also has a good job with a decent income."

He carefully chose his words, noticing that his second uncle's brow furrowed slightly when he heard the word "income."

Yan Yuan continued earnestly.

"I know that my parents have been living abroad for many years. Everything in our hometown, the old house and fields left by my grandparents, and the tomb sweeping during Qingming Festival and other holidays, has been taken care of by you and my second aunt through hard work."

My father has always felt extremely guilty and grateful to you. He said that as the eldest brother, he felt ashamed for not being able to stay by your side to fulfill his filial duties. Therefore, he felt he had to express his gratitude no matter what.

As he spoke, Yan Yuan took out the bank card his father had given him from his inner pocket.

This card has already been processed at a domestic bank, and the one million pounds in it has been converted into the corresponding amount of RMB.

"Second Uncle, this card contains a small token of my father's and my affection." Yan Yuan handed over the card, his tone heavy with sincerity, "It's not much money, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, Second Uncle Yan Zhendong suddenly took a step back as if he had been burned by fire, and his face changed instantly.

He held his hands tightly behind his back, as if the card were a hot potato, and refused repeatedly.

"Yuanwa, what are you doing! Take it back! Take it back now! What kind of talk is this? We're all family, what's with all this sentimental stuff? Your dad's being ridiculous! And you're joining in the nonsense!"

I'm doing fine farming and raising sheep at home! I have plenty of money! Put it away! That's absolutely unacceptable!

My second uncle reacted unusually strongly, his face turning red.

Yan Yuan was prepared; he knew his second uncle's temper and pride.

He didn't force it in, but withdrew his hand and spoke in a gentler tone.

"Second Uncle, don't be in a hurry, let me finish. This money isn't just for you."

Yan Yuan spoke earnestly,

"This money is for your family. Xiaoqiang is about to go to university, and later he will get married, buy a house and a car in the city. You see, none of these things cost money?"

And Xiaoyue, when my sister gets married in the future, she should also have a decent dowry, right? You and my second aunt are getting older, and if you get sick or something, having money in hand will put our minds at ease.

This money is for my younger brother and sister's future, and for the security of this family. Please consider it as an education and marriage fund saved in advance for my nephew and niece on behalf of my parents, and for their parents as their uncle and aunt. Is that alright?

Yan Yuan spoke these words with genuine sincerity.

It both respected the second uncle's pride and pointed out the practical needs, firmly binding the family's future and kinship together.

As the second uncle listened, his initially fiercely resistant expression gradually softened, his eyes became complicated, and his lips trembled as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

Yan Yuan's words touched upon the softest and most realistic part of his heart.

As a father, how could he not want a better future for his children? It's just that his abilities were limited…

Yan Yuan pressed his advantage, lowering his voice even further and becoming even more candid.

"Second Uncle, take this money. I'm not telling you to spend it right now."

It's okay if you don't know how to manage money. Just listen to me, put it in the bank and earn interest. The interest from that money will add up to a lot each year. Think of it as adding an extra layer of insurance for your family, so you can have it in case of an emergency.

"This is something you should keep to yourself. Don't tell your aunt and the children yet, lest they have any other ideas. Wait until the family really needs the money, then we can give it to them openly and honestly. Isn't that better?"

As the second uncle listened, his eyes gradually reddened, and a layer of tears welled up in his eyes.

He lowered his head, wiped his eyes hard with the back of his rough hand, and his voice was choked with emotion.

"Sigh, you kid, what am I supposed to say... Your dad... Your dad... He's having a tough time abroad... Why do you still keep thinking about home..."

"Second Uncle, my dad is doing quite well abroad, but he always feels like he owes the family something," Yan Yuan said softly, gently slipping the bank card into his second uncle's jacket pocket.

"If you accept the money, my father's worries will be resolved, and he can truly feel at ease. Just consider it... my father, as the eldest brother, doing his part, okay, Second Uncle?"

Uncle Yan Zhendong remained silent for a long time. Finally, with trembling hands, he pressed heavily on the pocket containing the bank cards.

He let out a long, deep sigh, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted.

Second Uncle raised his head, his eyes red as he looked at Yan Yuan, his voice hoarse.

"Good boy... when you get back, tell your dad... everything is fine at home... tell him... don't worry, we're all doing well, and tell him to come home and visit whenever he has time..."

"Yes! I know, Second Uncle." Yan Yuan smiled, a huge weight finally lifted from his heart.

The uncle and nephew stood under the tree for a while longer to calm themselves down before turning around and walking back.

On the way back, my second uncle became more talkative, constantly asking about my brother's family's situation abroad and Yan Yuan's job.

Yan Yuan patiently answered each question.

The uncle and nephew had a very pleasant conversation.

Yan Yuan fulfilled his father's wish, and the bond between the family became even stronger and deeper as a result.