As Pei Jingchuan and Pei Yanqing's footsteps gradually approached, Pei Tianxiong and Uncle Pei snapped out of their reverie, their gazes shifting toward the two young men descending the stairs.
Under the light, the young men's faces showed signs of weariness, yet their eyes sparkled with an excitement and satisfaction that they could hardly conceal.
Pei Tianxiong nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face, his eyes filled with a father's characteristic tolerance.
Uncle Pei followed with a nod, warmth shining in his eyes; he gently stubbed out his cigarette butt in the ashtray and settled into a more comfortable position, ready to listen to the nightly conversation of the younger generation.
"What are you two doing coming down so late?" Pei Tianxiong's voice was low and calm, he tried to keep his tone light, not wanting to put any pressure on the children.