Chapter 340 Farewell
Chapter 340 Farewell
Lin Feng's hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly, and his heart skipped a beat.
If his father-in-law found out that he had four other wives in the Anning Quadrant... wouldn't he break his third leg?
He remained calm and smiled gently, "Of course we welcome Dad to come. I'll keep you company."
After finishing breakfast, Tang Xiaofu quietly cleared away the dishes and prepared to go to the kitchen to wash them.
Lin Feng immediately got up and followed him, saying, "I'll help you."
Not to be outdone, Tang Xiaorui skipped and hopped along behind, shouting, "Me too!"
For a moment, the three of them huddled together in the kitchen, chatting and laughing.
Tang Yuan sat on a chair in the restaurant, watching the three busy figures, slowly lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag.
After washing the dishes, Tang Xiaofu wiped her hands and said, "It's been a long time since our family took a proper photo together. Let's take a family portrait."
Tang Yuan paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Tang Xiaofu walked quickly to the study on the first floor, took out her camera, carefully set up the tripod, adjusted the height and angle, set the time-lapse, and then quickly ran back to the group.
Tang Yuan was already seated in the chair in the center, with Lin Feng standing behind him in the middle. Tang Xiaofu nestled to Lin Feng's left, while Tang Xiaorui leaned playfully to his right.
As soon as the four of them stood still and smiled together, the camera clicked softly, capturing this moment of warmth, peace, and happiness forever.
Tang Xiaofu walked quickly to the camera and gently pressed the preview button.
On the screen, four smiling faces were frozen in the morning light. Tang Yuan sat in the center, his expression gentle; Lin Feng stood behind him, handsome and dashing; his two daughters nestled on either side of him, their eyes overflowing with happiness.
"That's wonderful," Tang Xiaofu murmured softly, her eyes slightly reddening.
Tang Xiaorui leaned closer, resting her head on her sister's shoulder, and looked at the photos on the screen, remaining quiet for a rare moment.
Tang Yuan stood up, leaning on his cane, walked to their side, his gaze falling on the camera screen, and smiled gently:
"This photo is great. Print it out and give me a copy; I'll put it in my study."
"Yes!" Tang Xiaofu nodded vigorously. "I'll print it out as soon as I get back and send it to Dad."
Tang Yuan glanced at the clock on the wall: "It's about time. I'll take you out of the zoo."
Tang Xiaofu's heart tightened. She glanced at Lin Feng subconsciously, then looked at her father: "Dad, there are still three hours left. Let's stay with you a little longer..."
Tang Yuan shook his head: "After I drop you off, I can go to work. Otherwise, I'll keep thinking about when you'll be back, which will only make me anxious and unable to concentrate on my work."
As he spoke, he picked up his cane and slowly walked towards the door.
Tang Xiaofu and Tang Xiaorui exchanged a glance, then quickly stepped forward and took their father's arms on either side.
Stepping out of the small building, the morning sunlight shone on the bluestone path, the flowers and plants on both sides were still covered with dew, and the air was filled with a faint fragrance of grass and trees.
A few clear bird calls drifted from afar, mingled with the faint laughter of tourists.
Tang Xiaofu said softly, "Dad, if things get too busy at the garden, Xiaorui and I will come back to help you. Anyway, we don't have any fixed jobs right now, so we can come back anytime."
Tang Yuan shook his head: "With Luo Lei and the others around, there won't be any problems. Besides..."
He paused, his gaze fixed on the park he had guarded for half his life, his voice carrying a sense of relief.
"Now that the biggest threat has been eliminated, it's time for some leisurely days."
Tang Xiaorui clung tightly to her father's arm, her voice choked with emotion:
"Dad, you must come to see us in Anning Quadrant as soon as possible. Don't say you're too busy, don't make excuses, you absolutely must come."
Tang Yuan stopped, turned around, and gently stroked Tang Xiaorui's head with his palm, one stroke at a time, as tenderly as if he were stroking her when she was a child.
"It will be soon." His voice was deep and warm. "I'll come to see you after I've settled things in the garden."
Upon hearing this, Lin Feng's inner turmoil instantly intensified.
Tang Yuan paused, his gaze lingering on Tang Xiaorui's face for a moment, his tone now carrying a hint of fatherly admonition:
"Xiaorui, try to be more considerate of your older sister in everything, and don't always fight with her. When we were little, we fought over toys, when we grew up, we fought over clothes, and now..."
He glanced at Lin Feng, smiled slightly, and didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
Tang Xiaorui blushed, pouted, and muttered softly, "I didn't..."
Tang Yuan patted his youngest daughter on the back, his tone turning serious:
"Also, learn to be a little more mature."
"Once you're married, you're not a child anymore. You need to be considerate of your husband and manage the household. You can't always do whatever you want, understand?"
Tang Xiaorui raised her head, her eyes still red, but nodded vigorously: "Yes, I understand, Dad."
Tang Yuan smiled with satisfaction, then looked at his eldest daughter.
Tang Xiaofu met her father's gaze gently and said softly, "Dad, I will take good care of Xiaorui, don't worry."
"I've always been at ease with you and me." Tang Yuan sighed with emotion. "You've been sensible since you were little and never caused us any worry. On the contrary, Xiaorui has caused you a lot of trouble over the years."
Tang Xiaofu shook her head and looked at her sister gently: "Xiaorui is my sister, and I'm happy to take care of her."
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaorui felt a lump in her throat again, hugged her sister's arm tightly, and buried her face in her shoulder.
The three walked for a while longer, passing through a tree-lined path, and could already see the zoo gate in the distance.
Tang Yuan suddenly stopped and looked at Lin Feng:
"By the way, Lin Feng, how are things with your parents? I've never heard you mention them before."
Lin Feng was slightly taken aback, then answered honestly:
"Dad, my parents are in the real world, China, and they can't come over for the time being."
Tang Yuan nodded, his eyes showing understanding:
"There is always a layer separating the real world from this place."
He looked at his two daughters:
"You married Lin Feng, so his parents are your parents now."
"If you have the chance to meet them in the future, you must treat them with the same respect you showed me, understand?"
Tang Xiaofu nodded gently: "Dad, I understand."
Tang Xiaorui nodded in agreement, unusually serious: "Yes, I will, Dad."
Tang Yuan smiled with satisfaction and continued walking forward.
Finally, the group of four arrived at the entrance of the zoo.
Tang Yuan stopped and turned around to look at the three people in front of him.
"I'll leave you here." His voice was calm, but a slight ripple appeared in his eyes.
He first looked at Lin Feng and extended his hand.
Lin Feng immediately clasped his hands together and said solemnly, "Dad, take care of yourself. We're waiting for you to come."
Tang Yuan squeezed his hand tightly and nodded: "Treat them well."
"must."
Tang Yuan released his grip and turned to Tang Xiaofu.
Tang Xiaofu's eyes were already red. She stepped forward and gently hugged her father.
Tang Yuan leaned on his cane with one hand and gently patted her back with the other: "Take care, call Dad if anything happens."
"Mmm." Tang Xiaofu buried her face in her father's shoulder, her voice muffled. "Dad, you have to take good care of yourself too."
"Dad's doing well." Tang Yuan smiled, patted her, and let go.
As soon as he loosened his grip, Tang Xiaorui rushed forward, hugging her father tightly around the waist, tears streaming down her face.
"Dad... I'll miss you..."
Tang Yuan's eyes were also slightly red, but he still smiled, gently stroking her hair with his large hand:
"Silly girl, it's not like we'll never see each other again. Dad will come to see you soon."
"Then you must hurry." Tang Xiaorui looked up at him with teary eyes.
"Definitely." Tang Yuan wiped away her tears and smiled gently.
He released his youngest daughter, took a step back, and scanned the faces of the three people one by one, as if trying to imprint their current appearance in his heart.
Then, he raised his hand and waved it gently.
"Let's go."
Tang Xiaofu bit her lip, fighting back tears, and took Tang Xiaorui's hand.
Lin Feng stood beside them, putting an arm around each of their shoulders and patting them gently.
The three turned around and slowly walked towards the door.
After taking a few steps, Tang Xiaorui suddenly turned around and shouted, "Dad—! You must come—!"
Tang Yuan stood inside the door, the morning light shining on him, casting a long shadow.
He smiled and waved again.
"Okay, go ahead."
Tang Xiaofu turned around, her eyes blurry with tears, and saw her father still standing there, like an old tree that had weathered many storms but still stood tall.
She took a deep look, then turned around and walked towards the teleportation hall ahead with Lin Feng and her sister.
Tang Yuan stood there, watching the three figures gradually disappear into the distance.
After a long while, he slowly turned around, leaning on his cane.
He was the only one left at the deserted zoo entrance.
He raised his head, looking at the azure sky above, and a gentle smile slowly curved his lips.
It's good that everyone is doing well.
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