Chapter 53 Happy Times

chs.At this moment, Yan Luoxi no longer cared about Li An's threats; she only struggled and cursed: "You shameless scoundrel, what do you want Let me leave this cursed place..."Hearing Yan Luoxi's war...Chapter 53 Happy Times

In Zhou Guangtao's call, Yan Luoxi slowly lifted her head from her father's shoulder. Her expression was still filled with sorrow and tears streamed down her face as she stared blankly at Zhou Guangtao. Through the blur of tears, his face was somewhat hazy, but she clearly saw his smile, a warmth she had never experienced before, almost touching her heart.

"Mr. Yan, let Luoxi come to my place for a bit; look how upset the child is," Aunt Liu reached out with love towards Yan Luoxi. Sniffling twice, Yan Luoxi hesitated not and threw herself into Aunt Liu's arms.

Yan Yongsheng's heart was instantly touched. If his wife were as kind and understanding as Liu Meizi, their marriage wouldn't have deteriorated to this point, nor would their daughter be in such a pitiful state.

From that day on, Yan Luoxi lost her mother but gained another home.

Schooling at Copper Drum Lane Elementary School, every afternoon Zhou Guangtao waited for her at the school gate and led her back to his house.

Yan Luoxi was very happy to walk with Zhou Guangtao. Three years older than her, Zhou Guangtao stood out as the most outstanding figure in their elementary school. His academic achievements were exceptional, and he held the title of city champion for the international chess youth group. Tall and handsome, courteous and reserved, every move he made exuded a sense of pride.

When they returned home each day, Aunt Liu hadn't yet finished work; sensible Zhou Guangtao stood on a small stool to cook.

Absent his father since childhood, Zhou Guangtao was exceptionally sensible and knew how to cherish his mother. Not only could he take care of himself, but he also helped his mom with housework: washing clothes, tidying the room, washing vegetables, scrubbing bowls, all done proficiently.

Zhou Guangtao's cooking isn't great, but it's still edible. Yan Luoxi is not picky; she finds anything he cooks delicious.

After meals, Zhou Guangtao would patiently help her with homework, explaining the steps of math problems clearly. Once she solved them, he'd pat her head and smile at her approvingly.

On weekends, Zhou Guangtao would walk far to the outskirts and pick large sunflowers for Yan Luoxi from the fields. He’d place big bunches of flowers in her small room; whenever she saw these flowers, she wouldn’t miss her mother and could sleep peacefully.

In those fearful years after losing her mother, Zhou Guangtao was the warmest light in Yan Luoxi's life. Even later on, having experienced countless people and things in this world, she still felt that among all men, only Zhou Guangtao treated her best.

Yan Yongsheng worked as a driver with irregular working hours; when he came home late, Yan Luoxi would stay at the Zhou family's house. Aunt Liu liked Yan Luoxi very much and treated her like her own daughter.

This went on for some time until Mr. Yan felt embarrassed and started helping them with physical labor within his ability. Whenever there were company benefits or fresh produce, he’d bring it directly to the Zhou family.

Mr. Yan lived without a wife while raising his daughter, and Aunt Liu was also living without a husband while raising her son; eventually, some kind-hearted neighbors began introducing them to each other as potential partners.

The rough Mr. Yan clashed with the sharp-tempered Ms. Xue Liping whenever they met, whereas he got along very well with the gentle and virtuous Aunt Liu. Upon hearing about this possibility from their neighbors, his interest was piqued.

Zhou Guangtao's father had passed away when Zhou was still young; after years of widowhood, Aunt Liu knew all too well how tough life could be without a man around. Mr. Yan’s presence and help over the past half year solved many practical issues for her, and she found him to be an excellent person.

The two adults spontaneously felt positive about this natural proposal, but they also simultaneously considered the children's feelings. Children from broken families are especially sensitive; they couldn't just think of themselves and hurt their kids' hearts.

When Zhou Guangtao heard his mom mention this matter, he behaved maturely. At eleven years old, he furrowed his youthful brows, worriedly asking his mother, "Will Uncle Yan fight with you like he fights with Aunt Xue"

"Mom doesn't want to say any bad things about your Aunt Xue, but many things aren't caused by just one person. Mom won't argue with Uncle Yan, so he can't start a fight on his own."

"I don't oppose you marrying Uncle Yan, but I hope that he will drink less alcohol in the future. Drinking isn't good for anyone, including himself."

Aunt Liu looked at her mature and懂事son with immense satisfaction; such a young child could see to the heart of the matter and express what she had in mind.

Aunt Liu conveyed Zhou Guangtao's hope to Yan Yongsheng. Yan Yongsheng's face showed both shame and unmistakable joy. He wholeheartedly promised to drink less alcohol from then on.

Regarding her dad marrying Aunt Liu, Yan Luoxi had no principles or stance; she was just happy that she could live with Zhou Guangtao every day henceforth and call him brother openly, nodding eagerly.

Yan Yongsheng married Aunt Liu. This newly formed family of four garnered high attention from their neighbors, while the four of them did exceptionally well. Yan Yongsheng and Aunt Liu never quarreled; Yan Luoxi and Zhou Guangtao got along harmoniously.

This was a period that Yan Luoxi cherished dearly as happy times. Back then, the sky was always blue with cotton candy-like clouds floating above, green trees provided shade in the wilds, and one could smell the scent of fresh grass.

Every holiday, Yan Yongsheng would drive the car, taking Aunt Liu and his two children to play in the countryside. With a gentle breeze brushing against their faces, they enjoyed the carefree laughter of Yan Luoxi while Zhou Guangtao sent up into the sky the kite that Yan Yongsheng had bought for him.

During those days, Yan Luoxi felt that her life couldn't be more beautiful.

However, fate was unkind to them. A car accident took away Yan Yongsheng's life and destroyed this family which had just begun to show signs of happiness.

The car accident involving Yan Yongsheng wasn't an ordinary one. To put it more accurately, the people in his car went to make a deal with others but later got into an argument that escalated into a fight. As the driver, Yan Yongsheng could have escaped, but he was loyal and got out of the car to help his companions, only to be run over by the opponent driving a large vehicle.

At her father's funeral, staring at the black-veiled photograph, Yan Luoxi wailed loudly. After losing her mother, she had now lost her father, leaving her an orphan.

"This is Yan Ah Yao's daughter" A deep and magnetic voice echoed above Yan Luoxi.

Yan Luoxi wiped away her tears and looked up curiously. There stood a towering middle-aged man in front of her, so dignified that she was frightened into forgetting to cry when his eyes glanced at her faintly.

In the large funeral hall, because of this imposing man's presence, it turned deathly silent. Only those accompanying him whispered respectfully, "Yes, Mr. Li, this is Yan Yongsheng’s daughter."g the door a crack.Through the small gap, he saw Yan Luoxi smiling like spring flowers blooming. She was gesturing animatedly at something she was telling the man opposite her, looking very intimate a...