Of everyone at the table, Yaya was the most focused.
She had practically buried her whole little face in her bowl, wielding her chopsticks at lightning speed. Her cheeks bulged as she ate, and her eyes narrowed happily into crescents. Every so often, she looked up at her mother and Chen Yue, then quickly lowered her head and resumed her assault on the food.
To Yaya, these past few days in the county town had been more wonderful than the sweetest dream.
After more than half an hour, the simple yet heartwarming housewarming feast finally came to an end. Yu Kan and Ma Jun helped clean up, chatted for a while, then took their leave.
Mother Chen and Auntie Li gathered the bowls and chopsticks and took them to the kitchen to wash. Father Chen didn't go back inside right away. Instead, he led Chen Yue to stand beneath the eaves.
Moonlight flowed like water across the courtyard.
Father Chen remained silent for a long time, quietly gazing at the moonlit courtyard and the warm yellow light shining through the kitchen window. He listened to the homely conversation and the sound of running water from within.
At last, Father Chen slowly turned to look at his son, who had already grown a little taller than him.
"Ah Yue, in my heart... I'm just afraid I'll wake up one morning and find myself back on that broken boat..."
A bright, resolute smile appeared on Chen Yue's face. "Dad, this isn't a dream. From now on, our lives will only get better!"
The night deepened, and all was silent.
On their first night in the new home, Father Chen, Mother Chen, and Auntie Li and her daughter went to sleep early.
But in his little room, Chen Yue didn't rest right away.