Before long, the announcement of the train's arrival sounded at the high-speed train station entrance.

They're coming, and Zhao Heng started feeling a bit uneasy inside.

Studying in North City for five years, plus the working time now, it's almost six years. In these six years, Zhao Heng only went back for a few days during winter and summer vacations, spending very little time with his parents.

This time the parents came, and Zhao Heng decided to let them stay for a while.

"What's up, a bit nervous?"

Seeing Zhao Heng eagerly waiting, Xu Man Ni helped him straighten his clothes and said with a smile.

"A little, mainly because I don't know how many people will come."

Zhao Heng honestly replied.

Pfft!

Hearing what Zhao Heng said, Xu Man Ni couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Thinking of the crowd that might come surging out, all surrounding Zhao Heng, Xu Man Ni felt a bit sorry for him.

However, isn't there a saying that happiness is built on other people's sorrow?!

After a while, the train arrived, and people came out in twos and threes.

"Xiao Heng!"

Not far away, Zhao's father came out from the station exit, shouting Zhao Heng's name and waving vigorously.

Next to him, Zhao's mother was also looking at Zhao Heng's direction, very excited.

Zhao Heng saw his parents and quickly stepped forward to take the woven bag from his father's hand.

"Where are Uncle and Aunt?"

Seeing only his parents, Zhao Heng asked somewhat puzzledly.

"They're coming behind, we weren't in the same carriage."

Father Zhao replied.

"Xiao Heng, who is this?"

As Zhao's mother came out of the station, she immediately noticed the extraordinarily beautiful and elegant Xu Man Ni standing beside her son.

"Mom, this is my colleague who came to pick you up."

Zhao Heng introduced.

"Hello, Auntie, I'm Xu Man Ni."

Xu Man Ni also took a package from Zhao's mother, smiling as she spoke.

"Colleague? This girl is too pretty, like a big star."

Zhao's mother muttered to herself as she stared at Xu Man Ni.

"Son, haven't you been eating well? You look like you've lost weight."

Zhao's mother turned her focus back to her son, expressing concern.

Mothers everywhere think their sons look skinnier if they haven't seen them for more than two days.

It's just like how moms always think you need an extra pair of long johns.

"Look, Mom brought preserved chicken, preserved duck, and your favorite preserved ribs. I'll cook it for you later."

Zhao's mother opened the woven bag in her hand, showing it off as if it were a treasure.

"Yes, you can't get this taste anywhere in North City."

Seeing the familiar preserved foods, Zhao Heng couldn't help but recall his childhood. Whenever he scored first place, his mom would take a piece of preserved ribs from the ceiling, make a pot of old soup with it, and pair it with fragrant rice. It was a cherished memory for Zhao Heng.

"Come on, Xiao Heng can eat anything in the big city. Stop showing off your preserved ribs."

Zhao's father zipped up Zhao's mother's open bag, taking a glance at Xu Man Ni standing beside Zhao Heng, then commented.

The girl beside his son looked like she grew up in a big city, and if she came to pick them up together, there had to be more to their relationship. She might even be Zhao Heng's future daughter-in-law, so they shouldn't look inferior in front of her.

"Auntie, these preserved ribs look delicious, how about letting me take some back for my family to try too?"

The clever Xu Man Ni, of course, noticed the subtle hint in Zhao's father's words, and smilingly said to Zhao's mother.

"Sure, sure, dear, let me tell you, when making preserved ribs, you must add star anise and peppercorns to make them tasty. Eat as much as you want, and after you finish, I'll send you more."

Hearing Xu Man Ni's words, Zhao's mother's nervous heart suddenly relaxed, and she spoke very happily.

Even Zhao's father felt an instant ease.

The atmosphere became very harmonious all of a sudden.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Heng couldn't help but glance at Xu Man Ni, who kept smiling.

This sister, she's amazing!

So effortlessly, she's already winning over his parents.

Meanwhile, Zhao's father, using the time waiting for relatives, pulled Zhao Heng aside, and seriously asked: "Son, is this girl my future daughter-in-law?"

"Well, sort of."

Zhao Heng thought for a moment and replied.

Although he and Xu Man Ni hadn't yet officially acknowledged it, they both had a tacit understanding in their hearts.

"It either is or isn't, what do you mean by 'sort of'?"

Zhao's father was a bit dissatisfied with this answer.

"Your uncle and aunt will come out soon, find a nice hotel so they don't look down on our family."

Seeing his son didn't reply, Zhao's father temporarily put aside the future daughter-in-law matter, took a small cloth bag from his pocket, and handed it to Zhao Heng.

"Dad? What's this?"

Zhao Heng looked at his father questioningly as he solemnly took out the small cloth bag, not knowing what was inside.

"This is a ten thousand yuan I've saved. You take it. Your uncle's family isn't having it easy either, they've almost spent all their money on this illness. Hospitality takes money too, and our family should help as much as we can."

Zhao's father spoke sincerely.

"Dad, I have money. Take this and use it."

Zhao Heng was suddenly overwhelmed with warmth.

"What money do you have? I saw on those documentaries on TV, they say living in rented basements, money doesn't grow on trees in big cities, it's not that easy to earn!"

Zhao's father insisted on putting the small cloth bag into Zhao Heng's hands, continuing to speak.

At this moment, Zhao Heng was filled with mixed emotions. Although his father cared about appearances, he also understood how tough it was for Zhao Heng in the big city.

The feeling of being understood like this can only come from family.

"Dad, I really have money, I got a permanent position, and the hospital gave me a house too. You and Mom take this money to buy some things."

Zhao Heng pushed the bag back to his father, speaking earnestly.

"Really?"

Zhao's father asked hesitantly, seeing how serious his son was speaking.

Although he was at the old home, he kept up with modern communications and even used a smart phone for seniors, occasionally watching some videos on social media.

So, he wasn't completely ignorant of the challenges young people faced living and working in North City.

"Really, Dad, I'll take you to see the hospital's house later."

Zhao Heng nodded.

"Great, great, son, I've been waiting for this day."

Getting his son's definite answer, Zhao's father realized that his son had truly established himself in the big city and was overjoyed.

On the other side, Xu Man Ni and Zhao's mother were chatting and laughing, the atmosphere very friendly.

"Dear, it's so fortunate for Xiao Heng to have you looking after him in North City."

Zhao's mother looked at Xu Man Ni and said.

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