When I looked toward the two familiar figures walking through the doorway, I suddenly froze in place.
Curious, I walked out of the kitchen.
My aunt, who had been watching TV, noticed the movement behind her.
She turned around, immediately recognized the visitors, and exclaimed in pleasant surprise, “Oh! Sis, Brother-in-law, you’re finally back! I missed you so much.”
Yes, the people standing at the door were my parents, whom I had not seen for a long time.
They looked travel-worn, with traces of fatigue on their faces.
Even so, it could not hide their charm.
My father had been a top student at a prestigious university.
After graduating, he worked in scientific research for the military.
Although he possessed the refinement of an intellectual, his years in the army had given him a tall, upright figure and a strong, heroic build that clearly showed his military bearing.
My mother had been a beauty in her youth and looked very similar to my aunt, though she possessed a more classical elegance.
Even after the passage of time, she had not changed much; instead, she appeared even more graceful and poised.
Facing my aunt’s warm welcome, my father looked very doting toward his younger sister and carefully tidied her slightly messy hair.
However, he did not forget to ask my little aunt, who was taking the briefcase from him, “By the way, where’s Tongtong?”
“She’s over there watching.”
Following the direction my little aunt pointed, my mother finally noticed me standing in front of the kitchen.
“Tongtong.”
Even though we had spoken on the phone many times before, hearing this familiar call in person made me realize that some emotions could not be suppressed.
Looking at that familiar face, my nose suddenly stung as I came back to my senses.
The emotions I had been holding back surged uncontrollably, and I threw myself into the open arms before me.
“Mom, Dad… I missed you so much…”
In my previous life’s memories, my parents had gone to the border when I was seventeen to participate in a secret national research project.
Everything had been going smoothly, but right before summer vacation, they lost their lives in an experimental accident caused by an explosion.
After my rebirth, it seemed that due to this parallel world, my parents had not encountered any accident.
Instead, because the experiment succeeded, they were able to return home before the end of summer vacation.
I had learned all this from previous phone calls with them.
This was also why I had accepted my current identity so quickly after being reborn.
After all, nothing was more important than having my parents alive and well.
Right now, I just wanted to pour out all the long and deep longing I had accumulated, including from my previous life.
Seeming to sense my emotions, my mother pulled me into her embrace with heartache and gently comforted me.
“Don’t cry, don’t cry, Tongtong. We’re back now. It’s all Mom and Dad’s fault for making you suffer so much here by yourself.”
“I’m… I’m fine. I don’t blame you at all. You two have worked so hard over there. I’m just glad you came back safely.” I shook my head.
Having been reborn once, I naturally understood that my parents had had no choice in the matter.
“Tongtong has become so sensible. She knows how to be considerate of us now.” My mother looked somewhat relieved and gave my father a slightly reproachful glance. “Why don’t you say something? You’ve been thinking about her nonstop.”
“Haven’t you already said everything?” My father replied helplessly.
After a brief hesitation, he still reached out and gently ruffled my hair.
The fatigue in his eyes was replaced with deep warmth, and a gentle, kind smile appeared on his usually serious face. “Our Tongtong has grown up and become more understanding.”
“Dad.” I held onto my father’s broad hand, feeling the warmth coming from it, and my heart grew warm along with it.
The family was finally reunited.
Even though there were not many words spoken, the warm atmosphere was palpable.
My aunt and little aunt stood quietly to the side with gentle smiles, not interrupting.
Until my mother noticed the two new little guests in the living room. “Oh? Who are these two adorable children?”
Only then did I remember that Evin and Cecilia were still there.
They had definitely seen me acting spoiled just now.
My face instantly turned bright red. “They are my new friends.”
While introducing Evin and Cecilia to my parents, I shot them a look, signaling them not to say anything strange.
Fortunately, both girls knew when to behave.
They each politely greeted, “Hello, Uncle. Hello, Auntie.”
Combined with their obedient and cute appearances, they quickly won my parents’ favor.
Cecilia was probably still thinking about the dessert I was going to make for her.
As for Evin, just from the way her eyes were secretly darting around, I could guess she had something planned.
Sure enough, during dinner, this girl kept chatting with my parents, subtly trying her best to win their affection without being too obvious.
In the end, she put on a reluctant-to-leave act and successfully obtained permission to stay over whenever she wanted—including tonight.
“Why do I have to stay too?” Cecilia tilted her head.
“With you here, you can at least protect me in case someone tries to attack me in the middle of the night.” As I spoke, my gaze casually drifted toward a certain someone beside me.
“That’s so mean. Why would you suspect me like that? Can’t there be a little more trust between people, An An?” Evin put on an innocent expression.
“Put my pillow down first before you say that!”
“Tongtong, Evin, Cecilia, time to take a bath.” At that moment, my mother pushed open the door and brought in the change of clothes.
From behind came my little aunt’s voice. “The water is ready. Sister-in-law, tell them to come over quickly.”
This time, Evin surprisingly behaved herself and let me enjoy a comfortable soak in the bath.
After bathing and changing into pajamas, I returned to the room.
At Evin’s suggestion, we called my aunt and little aunt over to play a game of Monopoly together.
However, midway through, my mother called me out.
In my parents’ room, we talked about what had been happening with me recently.
They also told me some interesting stories from the military base.
Although they might seem ordinary to others, I still listened with great interest.
Unknowingly, we chatted until after ten o’clock before I said goodnight to my parents and returned to my room.
Evin and Cecilia had already fallen asleep in bed.
My aunt and little aunt had gone back.
The room was filled only with the sound of quiet breathing.
I smiled softly, climbed into bed, and lay down on the inner side.
After silently saying goodnight in my heart, I fell into a deep sleep.
Perhaps because my parents’ return had put my mind at ease, I slept exceptionally comfortably and soundly.
Usually I needed an alarm clock to wake up, but this time I woke up naturally before the alarm even went off.
Seeing the two little ones still sleeping soundly beside me, I did not disturb them.
I carefully got out of bed, washed up, and then pushed open the door to the living room.
To my surprise, I saw my parents about to head out.
“Huh? Tongtong, you’re up so early?” My mother was a little surprised to see me come out of the room. “Your Aunt Anrou went out to buy breakfast. If you’re hungry, wait a little while.”
“Mom, Dad, are you going out?”
“There’s some work at the company we need to handle,” my father said as he took the briefcase my mother handed him and explained.
From our chat yesterday, I had learned that my parents had started a company with a few friends they knew from the military.
It was still in its early stages, so there were many things to take care of.
I was not too surprised.
“Okay. Be safe on the way, Mom and Dad.”
“Don’t forget to do your homework. Summer vacation is almost over,” my mother smiled and gently patted my head. “Be good while we’re gone.”
I lowered my head guiltily. “Don’t worry… I’ve already done most of it. There won’t be any problems.”
“That’s good. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask Anrou and the others. When I come back tonight, I’ll check your homework to see if there are any mistakes,” my father nodded.
He left those words just before heading out the door with my mother.
A statement that made my heart tremble with fear.