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"Sweetheart, today Daddy is going to take you out to see the world. It's a wonderful place out there!" Lu Zean said gently, playfully tapping the baby's little nose. The baby seemed to understand, waving his lotus root-like arms and giggling nonstop, with drool glistening in the sunlight like a string of sparkling pearls. That laughter was crisp and melodious, as if it could dispel all the gloom in the world, echoing through every corner of the Siheyuan, causing the little birds under the eaves to chirp joyfully in response.
Lu Zean carefully cradled the baby in his arms, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world. He stepped steadily out of the Siheyuan's gate. At the entrance stood a shiny old-fashioned bicycle, its black paint gleaming in the sunlight. A small, delicate brass bell hung from the handlebars, and when a gentle breeze passed by, it rang out a cheerful tinkling sound, like a joyful morning tune. On the front handlebars of Lu Zean's bicycle hung an exquisite Bamboo Basket, lined with a thick, soft blanket and featuring the baby's favorite little cloth tiger toy. He gently placed the baby into the Bamboo Basket, adjusting him to ensure he was comfortable and secure.
"All set, my little darling! Let’s get going!" Lu Zean squatted down and softly spoke to the baby in the Bamboo Basket, his eyes filled with affection and tenderness. After saying that, he lightly rang the bell; its sound drifted through the quiet alley, startling a few cats napping by the wall. Lu Zean steadily mounted his bicycle and began pedaling slowly forward.
As they traveled along, a gentle breeze brushed against their cheeks, carrying with it hints of floral fragrance and the fresh scent of freshly turned soil. The willow trees lining the street drooped their tender green branches like carefully woven green curtains swaying in the wind, occasionally brushing against Lu Zean and the baby's faces. The baby's eyes were wide open like two black gemstones, curiously observing everything around him. His long eyelashes fluttered with each blink, resembling butterflies gently flapping their wings.
Passing by a stall selling Sugar Figurines, colorful and uniquely shaped creations instantly caught the baby's attention. His eyes lit up at once as he fixated on those Sugar Figurines; his little mouth opened slightly in an adorable shape as drool threatened to spill out again. His small hands waved excitedly in the air while he squirmed restlessly in the Bamboo Basket, making cooing sounds that seemed to urgently convey to Daddy that he wanted that beautiful Sugar Figurine.
Seeing this, Lu Zean quickly stopped his bicycle and cheerfully said to the vendor, "Sir, please give me one of those little rabbit Sugar Figurines—make it quick! My baby is eager!" The vendor was an elderly man with gray hair and exceptional skills; he smiled in response and swiftly picked up his tools to get started. In no time at all, a vividly lifelike little rabbit Sugar Figurine was ready—its red eyes and long ears made it seem as if it would hop away any moment. Lu Zean took the Sugar Figurine and playfully waved it in front of the baby, teasingly saying, "Look! A little rabbit! Isn’t it just as cute as our baby?" The baby reached out his chubby little hand eagerly trying to grab hold of the Sugar Figurine; his excited expression was utterly endearing. Lu Zean brought the Sugar Figurine closer so that his tiny hand could gently touch it. The baby's eyes squinted into slits from joy as he smiled even brighter; two dimples appeared on his face like blooming daisies.
Continuing on their way, they encountered several Old Neighbors basking in the sun and chatting at the alley's entrance. Lu Zean promptly stopped his bicycle and greeted them with a smile. The Old Neighbors gathered around upon seeing Lu Zean's adorable baby. With pride beaming from his face, Lu Zean lifted the baby high in front of him as if showcasing a rare treasure and introduced him: "This is my little one; just turned one year old—such a mischievous cutie!" The baby was not shy at all; he grinned widely at everyone, revealing a few small milk teeth that had yet to fully grow in—those teeth sparkled like tiny grains of corn under the sunlight. His little hands waved excitedly in greeting, eliciting compliments from all around.
"What a handsome child! Look at those big eyes—they seem almost alive!"
"Indeed! That chubby little face is just too lovable!"
The praises from the Old Neighbors flowed one after another; Lu Zean felt delighted hearing them and smiled even wider. He gently bounced his baby in his arms and said, "Did you hear what Grandma and Grandpa said about you? You’re everyone’s little joy!" The baby seemed to understand Daddy's words even more clearly now; he laughed even more joyfully, his laughter echoing through the alley for quite some time, adding warmth and happiness to this tranquil morning.
Before long, they arrived at the market. It was bustling with people; sounds of chatter and vendors calling out intertwined to create a unique symphony of life. Lu Zean held tightly onto his baby as they carefully navigated through the crowd, wary of bumping into anyone who might jostle him. As they walked along, he occasionally stopped to point out various fresh and interesting items around them: "Look! That’s a Big Red Lantern; we hang it at our door during New Year—it’s so festive! And those are Colored Threads; you can weave beautiful bracelets from them—they look lovely when worn!" Although the baby might not fully grasp what Daddy was saying, his eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement as he turned his little head back and forth eagerly exploring this vibrant world.
Suddenly, a melodious sound from an Erhu caught their attention. The baby's gaze instantly shifted toward a musician playing nearby; he wore an expression of rapt concentration on his face. Following his gaze, Lu Zean slowly walked over while holding him close. In front of the musician sat an old bowl scattered with coins inside. Lu Zean pulled out a bill from his pocket and gently placed it into the bowl before turning to his baby: "Sweetheart, this is an Erhu—doesn’t Uncle play beautifully?" Enchanted by the music, the baby swayed his little head gently along with its rhythm while humming an off-key tune himself; this adorable sight drew curious glances from those around them who were charmed by this innocent little one.
After wandering around for some time at the market, Lu Zean glanced up at the sky before looking down at his slightly drowsy baby; he decided it was time to head home. He gently placed him back into the Bamboo Basket on his bicycle and tucked him under a small blanket before softly saying: "Baby, let’s go home now for a nap." The baby blinked sleepily before yawning widely; rubbing his eyes with tiny hands, he obediently closed them and soon drifted off into sweet dreams. Watching over his sleeping child filled Lu Zean's face with happiness as he pedaled slowly back toward Siheyuan; each turn of the wheels on cobblestone echoed rhythmically like telling a beautiful story about their day together.
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