The snow had fallen over the capital all night, draping the city in a silvery-white blanket. In the morning, Chen Shuang woke in the warmth of her bed, her first sight the snow-covered branches outside and the thick layer of snow in the courtyard.
“Awake?” He Yanzhi’s voice came from the doorway. He was already dressed, holding a tray. “Wang-ma made your favorite breakfast. Eat it while it’s hot.”
On the tray was a steaming bowl of millet porridge, two small flower-shaped buns, a small plate of pickles, and a bowl of golden chicken soup.
“Mom said we should have soup in the morning too,” He Yanzhi added, placing the tray on the bedside table. “Wang-ma got up before dawn to prepare it.”
Chen Shuang sat up, feeling the gentle movements of her little ones inside her belly. “What time is it now?”
“Almost nine.” He Yanzhi helped her with a coat. “No rush, take your time. Grandpa and Grandma are already here, talking with your parents downstairs.”
After washing up, Chen Shuang changed into the new cotton coat He’s mother had prepared—a pale pink wrap-style coat with soft white fur lining the collar and cuffs, both warm and elegant. She looked in the mirror; though her belly was clearly rounded, her complexion was rosy, her skin delicate, and she radiated a healthy glow.
Heading downstairs, she indeed found the two elders in the living room. Grandmother He’s silver hair was neatly arranged, wearing a dark navy cotton coat and holding a partially knitted sweater. Grandfather He wore a deep gray Zhongshan suit, standing straight as he spoke with He’s father.
“Shuangshuang is here!” Mother He was the first to spot her, hurrying over. “Did you sleep well? Come meet Grandpa and Grandma.”
Chen Shuang stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Hello, Grandpa and Grandma. I’m Chen Shuang.”
Grandmother He put down her knitting, standing shakily as she took Chen Shuang’s hands to examine her carefully. “Good child, so lovely. Yanzhi is truly fortunate.”
Grandfather He, though stern-faced, had gentle eyes. “Sit, don’t stand. You’re carrying twins—no, three now—so take care of yourself.”
Chen Shuang laughed at his words and obediently sat on the sofa. He Yanzhi placed a soft cushion behind her back.
Grandmother He picked up the half-finished sweater and handed it to Chen Shuang. “This is for my great-grandchildren. Yanzhi said your mother sent two; I’ll knit a few more so all three children can wear them in turn.”
The pale blue sweater was finely stitched with delicate patterns around the collar. Chen Shuang took it, feeling the soft warmth in her hands. “Grandma, your craftsmanship is amazing. The stitches are so even.”
“I’m old; my eyes aren’t what they used to be. I can’t knit much in a day,” Grandmother He said, her eyes full of satisfaction.
“Oh, by the way,” she suddenly remembered something and took a small wooden box from her bag, “this is a gift for the children to meet you.”
Chen Shuang opened it to find three translucent jade pendants, each carved with auspicious designs and tied with red cords.
“These are our family heirlooms,” Grandma He said affectionately. “I had three sons, each received one. Now you’re giving me three great-grandchildren—one for each.”
Chen Shuang held the box, her hands trembling slightly. The gift was precious, not only materially but as a weighty symbol of family legacy.
“Grandma, this is too valuable…”
“Take it,” Grandfather He’s voice left no room for refusal. “It’s for the children. You are part of the He family, and these children carry our bloodline. They deserve it.”
He Yanzhi whispered in her ear, “Accept it. It’s Grandpa and Grandma’s heart.”
Chen Shuang nodded, taking it and thanking them sincerely.
Grandfather He nodded in approval. “Good child. Yanzhi, you must treat Shuangshuang well.”
“I will, Grandpa,” He Yanzhi replied earnestly.
After breakfast, He Yanzhi accompanied Chen Shuang for a walk in the courtyard. The snow had stopped, and sunlight reflected dazzlingly off the snow. He Yanzhi held her carefully, each step steady.
“Cold?” he asked.
Chen Shuang shook her head, her breath forming little clouds in the crisp air. “Not cold. The air is so fresh.”
Just then, the sound of a car outside reached them. Soon, several people entered. Leading them was a man in his forties, bearing a resemblance to He’s father but slightly slimmer.
“Uncle, Aunt,” He Yanzhi greeted.
It turned out to be He’s father’s elder brother, He Jianye, and his family. Behind them were a young couple and a boy of five or six.
“Yanzhi is back!” He Jianye smiled, eyes on Chen Shuang. “You must be Chen Shuang! Excellent, Yanzhi has good taste.”
The aunt was gentle, holding Chen Shuang’s hands warmly. The young couple were He Jianye’s son He Yanhua and his wife Lin Meng; the little boy was their son, He Xiaobao.
“Hello, sister-in-law!” He Yanhua and Lin Meng greeted warmly.
He Xiaobao looked curiously at Chen Shuang’s belly. “Aunt, do you really have three babies in there?”
Chen Shuang bent down slightly. “Yes, soon there will be three little brothers or sisters.”
“Wow!” He Xiaobao’s eyes went wide. “Then I’m the big brother!”
Everyone laughed. Lin Meng whispered to Chen Shuang, “Sister-in-law, pregnancy is tough. Let me know if you need any help.”
“Thank you, everything’s fine for now,” Chen Shuang smiled.
Soon, He’s second brother’s family arrived. He Jianmin, He’s father’s younger brother, had taken leave to come to the capital for the reunion. His wife was lively, grabbing Chen Shuang’s hand and chattering nonstop.
The living room became lively. Wang-ma brewed tea and brought snacks, He Qingqing helped entertain guests, and He Yanzhi stayed by Chen Shuang’s side, careful not to let her tire.
At noon, the whole family gathered around the big round table. Mother He and Wang-ma had prepared a lavish spread—braised fish, braised pork elbow, clear chicken soup, Four Happiness meatballs, and several seasonal vegetables.
“Shuangshuang, eat more,” Grandmother He kept serving Chen Shuang. “You’re eating for four now.”
Chen Shuang’s bowl quickly piled high. She felt a little embarrassed. “Grandma, I can manage.”
“Don’t be polite. Here, we’re all family,” Second Aunt said with a smile.
During the meal, everyone shared updates on their lives. He Jianye worked in the Ministry of Industry, He Jianmin was a deputy county head locally, He Yanhua was a doctor, and Lin Xiaoyue a nurse. Each had their own story, but together, they felt like one warm family.
“What does Shuangshuang do for work?” He Jianye asked.
He Yanzhi answered for her, “Shuangshuang is a translator. She just completed translating a set of agricultural technical books, 1.2 million words.”
The table went quiet for a moment, then broke into admiration.
“1.2 million words!” He Yanhua exclaimed. “Sister-in-law, you could teach at a university with this skill!”
He Jianmin nodded. “Translation isn’t easy. It requires solid language skills and professional knowledge. Shuangshuang is impressive.”
Chen Shuang replied humbly, “I just did what I could.”
“You’re too modest,” Lin Meng said. “Sister-in-law, you’re amazing.”
He Xiaobao, curious, asked, “Aunt, can you speak foreign languages?”
Chen Shuang smiled, answering in English, “Yes, I can speak English.”
He Xiaobao’s eyes widened even more. “Wow! Aunt, you’re amazing!”
The meal was filled with laughter and joy. Afterwards, the women gathered in the living room to chat, while the men talked business in the study. Mother He sat Chen Shuang on the sofa, gently rubbing her belly.
“Shuangshuang, what did the doctor say? Everything alright?”
“The doctor said the babies are developing well, and I’m fine too,” Chen Shuang replied truthfully.
“That’s good,” Mother He’s eyes were full of affection. “You’re the most precious person in our family now. Don’t worry about anything—take care of yourself.”
In the afternoon, sunlight poured through the windows, warm and bright. Chen Shuang leaned back on the sofa, listening to the family chatter, feeling the babies move inside, her heart filled with peace and happiness.
This was the first reunion she felt as part of a big family in the winter of 1967, at the He family home in the military district of the capital. Though her parents had passed, here she had family again, a sense of belonging.
By evening, relatives gradually said their goodbyes. Mother He saw them off, repeatedly reminding them to be careful on the way.
Once the guests left, the house grew quiet. Mother He held Chen Shuang’s hand. “Shuangshuang, you must be tired. Rest early.”
“Mom, I’m not tired. Today was wonderful,” Chen Shuang said sincerely.
Mother He’s eyes glistened. “Good child, having you in this family is our blessing.”
Back in her room, Chen Shuang stood by the window, watching the sky darken. The snow in the courtyard shimmered softly under the moonlight.
He Yanzhi gently hugged her from behind. “Thinking about something?”
“Just thinking… I’m really lucky,” Chen Shuang whispered. “To have you, and to have a family like this.”
He Yanzhi kissed the top of her head. “We’re the lucky ones, having you.”
The little ones in her belly stirred gently, as if agreeing with their father. Chen Shuang smiled, rubbing her belly, silently telling them: You will be born and grow in a family full of love. Here are grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many relatives. You will be surrounded by love, growing up safe and happy.
Outside, the snow began to fall again, drifting softly like a blessing from the sky. And in this warm home, a new day, a new hope, quietly took root.