Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 434 The Two Little Ones' Winter Vacation

Christmas was just over and winter break was approaching. Lin Yan didn't want to waste her two children's holidays on extracurricular classes at the Children's Palace.

So, they took Chenchen and Xixi to Switzerland and stayed in a forest villa at the foot of Mount Rigi.

The wooden terrace of the forest villa was covered with fresh snow, and a string of translucent icicles hung from the eaves.

The morning light filtered through the spruce forest, casting long, dappled blue shadows on the snow.

"Dad! Xiaoqi stole my snowball again!"

Xi Xi was wrapped up like a red ball, chasing a white light that was almost a blur on the snow, her little leather boots kicking up snowflakes.

Chenchen has already learned from Lin Gang how to compact the snow, and is now focused on building a base—he says he wants to build a fortress "as tall as Mount Rigi," although it only reaches his knees so far.

Lin Yan leaned against the door, holding a steaming cup of tea in his hand.

Looking at the two children frolicking in the snow, and Xiao Qi deliberately teasing them with its tail, a warm feeling welled up in her eyes.

The morning is skiing time.

On the wide ski slopes of Mount Rigi, which are suitable for beginners, Lin Yan skied steadily ahead, occasionally turning around.

Chenchen learns quickly. Although his movements are a little stiff, he can already control the direction. His little face is full of serious concentration.

Xi Xi was bold and outspoken. After falling down, she immediately giggled and got up. Lin Yan gently lifted her up with his true energy, and she felt like she was "flying" up, cheering with joy.

Xiao Qi was the most carefree, not using snowboards at all. Her four paws lightly touched the snow as if walking on flat ground. Occasionally, she would deliberately go around in front of Chen Chen, who was getting faster, which made the boy next to her exclaim in surprise.

The afternoon was spent hiking in the forest.

Walk along the frozen stream into the depths of the forest, identify animal tracks, and listen to the sound of woodpeckers tapping on tree trunks.

Lin Yan would point out some special plants and tell them their stories in local legends, or guide them to feel the different airflow under the sun and under the shade of trees.

The amount of exercise here is much greater than in Beijing. When we return to the villa, the two little ones are always so hungry that they can eat a whole serving of Lingwen mutton hotpot, their faces rosy and their eyes incredibly bright.

At night, in front of the grand piano, Lin Yan held their little hands and played simple Swiss folk songs note by note.

The sound of the piano blended with the snow and starlight outside the window, making time feel slow and fulfilling.

Over the winter break, the children grew taller.

Paris, New Year's Eve.

As the plane landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the familiar urban atmosphere greeted me.

Albert personally drove to pick them up, and his icy expression melted instantly when he saw the two small figures running out of the terminal.

"Uncle Albert!" Xi Xi rushed over like a little cannonball and hugged his leg.

Chenchen was a step behind, but she stepped forward, looked up, and said clearly, "Uncle Albert, Happy New Year."

Albert crouched down and picked them up, one in each arm.

"Young Master Chenchen, Miss Xixi, welcome back. Were you tired from the journey?"

His gaze swept carefully over the children, as if to make sure they were doing well in Switzerland.

Xi Xi started chattering about skiing and the deer she saw in the forest. Albert listened intently, his lips unconsciously curving upwards. Throughout the journey, Albert was kept in the suspense by the two of them.

The New Year's Eve reunion was arranged in an apartment on the banks of the Seine.

Not only Albert, but also Alexander, Marcus, James, Wang Qin, Lin Yi, Lin Er and others showed up on time.

The reason they are all gathered here now is only one—to give New Year's gifts and lucky money to the two young masters of the Lin family.

Alexander brought an exquisite set of mineral crystal specimens from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Marcus gifted a complete set of animal models hand-carved from rare African wood.

James brought Antarctic krill oil and soft cashmere blankets unique to Tasmania.

Wang Qin's gift was the most "down-to-earth": a pair of adorable clay rabbit figurines and a set of the latest domestically produced educational puzzles.

Lin Yi and Lin Er gifted two custom-made small astronomical telescopes.

Lucky money was put into all sorts of special red envelopes and stuffed into the children's hands.

Chenchen thanked her sincerely and then carefully handed the red envelope to Wang Yuling for safekeeping.

Xi Xi excitedly shook each one to hear the sound, which made the whole room burst into laughter.

January, USA, California, Disneyland.

Chenchen and Xixi rarely watch TV because Lin Yan takes them to read books, play the piano, and play games every night, so they are not familiar with Disney cartoon characters.

But this did not prevent the two little ones from feeling a vibrant and joyful surge the moment they stepped into Disneyland.

"Dad! That house is pointed and shiny!"

Xi Xi pointed at Sleeping Beauty Castle, her eyes wide open.

Chenchen, however, was completely captivated by the old-fashioned locomotive with steam billowing from the entrance.

For the rest of the day, the three adults of the Lin family underwent an unprecedented "test".

Xi Xi is full of curiosity about everything. She wants to try "interstellar travel" and "Peter Pan flight", and her screams are full of excitement.

Chenchen was relatively cautious, but when he saw the lifelike pirates and treasure scenes on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ship, he couldn't help but hold his father's hand tightly, his little mouth slightly open.

Standing in front of the classic carousel, Xixi couldn't move.

"Daddy, I want to ride the one with the golden mane!" she pointed to the most magnificent one.

Lin Yan naturally obeyed her.

As the music started and the carousel rose and fell and slowly rotated, Chenchen, riding the little white horse, seemed a little nervous, but soon a curious smile appeared on his face.

Lin Yan stood outside the fence, watching the two children's innocent backs rise and fall with the music, against a backdrop of a fairytale castle and blue sky. At that moment, time seemed to be bathed in a soft glow.

He took out his camera and captured the moment.

As night falls, dazzling fireworks burst across the sky above the castle, transforming the entire park into a dreamlike wonderland.

Exhausted from playing but still incredibly excited, Chenchen and Xixi eventually fell into a deep sleep, one resting on Lin Yan's shoulder and the other being held by Lin Gang.

He was still clutching the newly acquired Mickey Mouse balloon and star magic wand tightly in his hand.

On the way back to Laurel Manor, the car radio played news in a low voice, mentioning the ongoing turmoil in Eastern Europe and the subtle changes in the global market.

Lin Yan glanced at the children's peaceful sleeping faces and turned off the radio.