Chapter 63

The Bonds of Family The early winter wind brought a hint of chill. Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen were in the living room of their home, having a video call with Lin Xiaoxiao's parents. On the screen, the warm and kind smiles of the elderly couple were evident. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, seeing you both so happy really puts our minds at ease," Lin Xiaoxiao's father said in the video. Lin Xiaoxiao smiled in response, "Dad, Mom, we miss you too and hope to see you soon." Lu Tingshen nodded, "Yes, Dad, Mom, we plan to come home to visit you during the New Year." As the New Year approached, the two began planning their trip home. They hoped to bring some special gifts to their family to express their longing and gratitude. "Xiaoxiao, I want to buy some health products for Mom and Dad. What do you think?" Lu Tingshen asked. Lin Xiaoxiao nodded, "Good idea. We can also prepare some books and music they like." The two started searching online for suitable gifts while planning their trip home. They decided to spend a few days with their family during the New Year holiday, enjoying the warmth of reunion. "Tingshen, I also want to host a small New Year party at home and invite some relatives and friends over," Lin Xiaoxiao suggested. Lu Tingshen smiled, "Sounds great. We can plan the party together." In the following days, the two were busy with work while preparing for their trip home. They carefully selected gifts, planned the itinerary, and started organizing the details of the New Year party. "Xiaoxiao, I contacted a restaurant, and they are willing to provide catering services for our New Year party," Lu Tingshen said during dinner. Lin Xiaoxiao was very excited, "That's great. This way, we can focus more on other preparations for the party." On New Year's Eve, the two set off on their journey home with full luggage and carefully prepared gifts. "Xiaoxiao, I'm so glad we can go home together. It means a lot to me," Lu Tingshen said on the train. Lin Xiaoxiao nestled against his shoulder, "Tingshen, me too. I feel very happy to go home with you." Back home, Lin Xiaoxiao's parents warmly welcomed them. The family sat around the dining table, enjoying the long-awaited reunion. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, seeing you so loving makes us very happy," Lin Xiaoxiao's mother said. Lu Tingshen held Lin Xiaoxiao's hand, "Auntie, we also cherish the time we spend with you." On New Year's Day, Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen hosted a New Year party at home. Relatives and friends gathered to celebrate the arrival of the New Year together. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, Happy New Year! May your life become sweeter and sweeter," the guests toasted. Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen also expressed their gratitude, "Thank you, everyone. We wish you a Happy New Year and all the best." After the party, the two sat quietly on the balcony at home, enjoying the tranquility of the night. "Xiaoxiao, spending this New Year with you makes me very happy," Lu Tingshen said softly. Lin Xiaoxiao nestled in his arms, "Tingshen, me too. I hope we can always be this happy." The New Year's bell rang in the distance, and under the starry sky, they made their New Year's wishes, looking forward to more happiness and beauty in the coming year.