By the time they reached the entrance to the residence, the small vermilion gate looked neat and elegant, while the faint aroma of food drifted out from the courtyard.
Even before they entered, they could hear the subtle sounds of movement inside. Clearly, Jiang Nannan's mother had been busy for quite some time.
Jiang Nannan gently pushed open the courtyard gate, stepped aside to let Li Changsheng enter first, and said softly:
"Come in."
Stepping into the small courtyard, they found it clean and orderly, with flowers and plants scattered about in a simple, cozy arrangement.
The lights inside were bright, and warmth filled the house.
Hearing the sounds from the courtyard, Jiang Nannan's mother, who had been busy in the kitchen, immediately dried her hands and came out, her face full of a gentle smile.
"Changsheng is here. Come in and sit, come in and sit."
"Were you tired from the journey? Don't be reserved. Just treat this as your own home."
The woman's eyes were filled with affection and gratitude.
She had watched her daughter escape the desperate plight where she had been at others' mercy, step by step gaining dignity, an education, and a stable home, completely breaking free from the suffering and darkness of her previous life.
All of this had been bestowed by the young man before her.
Li Changsheng looked gentle as he gave a slight nod. "You're too kind, Auntie."
Jiang Nannan's mother's smile became even more kindly as she warmly urged him:
"You don't need to stand on ceremony with me. There's nothing expensive today, just some home-cooked dishes I made myself."
"It's only a small token of thanks for looking after our Nannan all this time and helping us mother and daughter so greatly."
Li Changsheng looked at the woman's sincere,