She kneaded a dough, rolled it into a flat round shape, and then topped it with sliced squid rings, bell peppers, chicken cubes, halved red cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Then, similar to steaming buns, she steamed this "seafood pie" in a pot.

She opened the lid at the right time, and along with the wafting steam came the aroma of the pie crust and the fragrance of the seafood and other ingredients.

Shen Lie looked at the freshly steamed seafood pie and said, "Well, it smells good, but will Dawa and the others accept it?"

"Just like when I made hamburgers and French fries before, they haven't seen the real thing. If I tell them it's pizza, then it's pizza," Ning Tang replied.

"But will it taste good?"

"Don't worry, with so many ingredients added, even if it were steamed insoles, it would taste delicious."

Indeed, Dawa and the others readily accepted it. Ning Tang brought the "pizza" to the table, and they all exclaimed, "Wow," with Erniu even saying, "It smells amazing."

"It smells good," Ning Tang said, "Let's eat. This is pizza, Western fast food."

Dawa asked, "How should we eat it?"

Ning Tang cut it into eight slices with a knife and said, "Here you go, each person takes one piece."

Sanwa took a slice, tasted it, and said, "It's delicious. So this is the pizza that foreigners eat."

Shen Lie was skeptical but also took a slice and, hey, he had to admit, it really tasted good. Essentially, it was a seafood-filled pie.

After finishing their lunch, the three little ones didn't go out to set off fireworks like they usually did.

Shen Lie asked them why they didn't go, and Dawa patted his chest and said, "I'm a junior high school student now, not a little kid. Why would I set off fireworks?"

Erniu exposed him, saying, "You're just tired of playing."

Since the three little ones didn't want to go out and play, Ning Tang assigned them a task: to make dumplings for dinner.

Dawa, Erniu, and Sanwa were already skilled at wrapping dumplings. It wasn't like the first time when they ended up with loose dumplings that turned into noodle soup as soon as they hit the pot.

When Dawa saw Ning Tang taking out the long-unused clay pot, he asked, "Mom, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to make 'digging for treasure'." Ning Tang casually replied.

"Digging for treasure?" Erniu asked.

"Yes," Ning Tang said.

During the Lunar New Year in previous years when they were at home, Sun Aiju would steam a pot of preserved meat rice every New Year's Eve. She would bury some water chestnuts in the rice, and whoever dug up a water chestnut would be considered to have found a treasure, earning double the New Year's money.

Every time, it was her who dug up the "treasure," and Ning Xue even complained, saying that Sun Aiju must have cheated by making the preserved meat rice herself.

This year, she also let Dawa and the others dig for treasure once, to experience the fun.

In the evening, the preserved meat rice was steamed, and Ning Tang gave Dawa, Erniu, and Sanwa each a spoon. "Whoever finds the treasure will receive double the New Year's money this year."

The three little ones looked at each other and raised their spoons, saying in unison, "I'm definitely going to find it!"

In addition to the preserved meat and water chestnuts, the preserved meat rice also contained peas, wax sausages, eggs, and diced mushrooms. Dawa, Erniu, and Sanwa stirred it with their spoons, and the aroma filled the air.

Shen Lie took a deep breath, turned on the TV, and said, "Let's watch the Spring Festival Gala."

Once the news of the first Spring Festival Gala was confirmed, it was reported in the newspapers.

Shen Lie cut out the news article and pasted it next to the TV. Every day, the three little ones would pass by and read the article, counting the days until they could watch the Spring Festival Gala.

The Spring Festival Gala began with a speech by Teacher Zhao Zhongxiang, followed by the introduction of the attending guests and New Year's greetings to the entire nation. The first performance was a song called "New Year's Greetings" by Teacher Li Guyi.

The Spring Festival Gala was broadcast live, and Li Guyi faced the camera, her singing voice sweet and touching. Her singing was melodious and smooth, "After passing the thirty-first day, it's the new year..."

Dawa and Yuan Bao forgot about digging for treasure and waved their spoons along with Li Guyi's singing.

Erniu threw her spoon, ran back to her room, and took out her notebook, which she specifically used to transcribe lyrics. She squatted in front of the TV and quickly transcribed each line as Li Guyi sang.

Sanwa glanced at the TV, then at his older siblings. He didn't understand why they were watching the singer on TV when they could just listen with their ears while digging for treasure.

He grabbed his spoon and intensified his efforts. Today, he vowed to dig out the treasure from this big pot of preserved meat rice.

The program lineup for the Spring Festival Gala was very exciting, featuring riddles, cross talk, poetry recitation, Huangmei opera, sketches, Peking Opera performances... It had everything that the audience could think of, and there was nothing they couldn't perform.

During the show, the host announced the program schedule once again.

Dawa widened his eyes and exclaimed, "Why are there so many programs?" He clapped his hands and said, "Great! We can watch for a long time."

Shen Lie said, "Because they will perform until midnight to keep us company for the New Year's Eve."

Suddenly, Sanwa shouted, "I found it!"

Ning Tang leaned over to take a look, and there was a perfectly intact water chestnut lying on Sanwa's spoon. She smiled and said, "This year, Sanwa will receive double the New Year's money as a prize."

Shen Lie nodded and said, "If Sanwa can find the treasure, he will definitely have good luck in the new year."

Sanwa grinned, scratched his head, and said to Dawa and Erniu, "Don't worry, I will share the extra New Year's money with you."

Erniu was busy watching the show and waved her hand, saying, "Keep it and spend it on yourself."

Dawa said, "I won't be polite with you. Tomorrow, I'll treat you to the newly arrived sour plums from the supply and marketing cooperative."

On the TV screen, the scene shifted, and the camera focused on the audience seats. Erniu exclaimed, "So many people!"

Ning Tang glanced at them. Some of the audience members were celebrities with social status, some were representatives of various ethnic groups, and others were on-site staff or family members of the performers in the Spring Festival Gala.

Erniu held her face in her hands and said dreamily, "If one day I could perform on that stage too, that would be great."

Ning Tang said, "When that day comes, your dad, Dawa, Sanwa, and I will sit in the audience and applaud for you."

Dawa stood with his hands on his hips and said, "I don't want to watch Erniu perform. I want to perform myself."

Sanwa chimed in, "Me too."

Shen Lie laughed, "What can you two perform? Show us how you can cause trouble?"

Dawa said, "I'll perform... riding a bicycle."

Sanwa said, "Then I'll perform 'digging for treasure.'"

Time passed amidst the noisy voices of the three little ones, and the clock on the wall pointed to one minute before eleven.

Ning Tang counted the time and said, "Let's do a countdown. I'll count down from five, and when I say 'ten, nine...' we'll start shouting. How does that sound?"

Dawa's heart was pounding, and he exclaimed, "Okay, let's shout together!"

Shen Lie curved his lips and joined in their excitement, "Ten, nine..."

Ning Tang continued, "Eight, seven..."

The three little ones chorused, "Three, two, one!"

As their voices fell, the hour and minute hands on the clock both pointed to twelve o'clock. At the same time, the sound of firecrackers erupted outside, and the sky was lit up with dazzling fireworks.

Shen Lie glanced at the fireworks outside and then at Ning Tang, saying, "It's another year."

Ning Tang smiled in response, "Yes, it's another year."

This year, with the television and the Spring Festival Gala to watch, the New Year's Eve was livelier than previous years, and the three little ones had already had a great time playing.

Although they said they would stay up late, it wasn't even three o'clock yet, and their eyelids were drooping.

Dawa squinted his eyes and mumbled, "I... I won't go upstairs to sleep. I... I want to stay up."

Ning Tang ushered them back to their rooms and scolded, "Stay up my foot! Your dad and I will stay up. Hurry back to your rooms and go to sleep."

Dawa, Erniu, and Sanwa stumbled up the stairs like three little quails and went to their respective rooms.

Shen Lie helped tuck them in, and Ning Tang placed the prepared New Year's money under their pillows. As promised, she gave Sanwa double the amount.

After leaving their rooms, they gently closed the doors.

The two of them exchanged a glance.

Ning Tang blinked her eyes and asked, "Shen, do you still feel sleepy?"

Shen Lie also blinked his eyes and replied, "A little drink?"

Ning Tang agreed, "Let's go."

They prepared some cold dishes and brought out the pear wine they had soaked, filling two glasses.

Ning Tang raised her glass, "Cheers to the new year."

Shen Lie clinked his glass with hers, downed it in one gulp, and turned the glass upside down, not leaving a single drop. "Happy New Year."

Ning Tang was slightly tipsy, and two rosy blushes appeared on her face like peach blossoms. "Happy New Year."

The New Year holiday passed in a flash, and before they knew it, it was almost time to go back to school.

In the week before school started, it was time for the three little ones at home to work their magic with "one pen, one lamp, and create a miracle."

This year, the start of school was particularly challenging for Dawa because he entered junior high school, which meant he had eight subjects to learn, and that also meant he had eight winter vacation assignments to complete!

Dawa threw his pen and exclaimed, "Heavens, when will I finish writing all of this?"

Shen Lie replied, "No use complaining, hurry up and write. If you can't finish, I'll give you a palm slap."

Dawa was on the verge of tears. "Can I go back to elementary school?"

Shen Lie was puzzled. "Why?" It was hard enough for him to be promoted to this grade.

Ning Tang said, "Because in elementary school, he only had to learn Chinese and math, so he would have six fewer winter vacation assignments."

Shen Lie chuckled, "Dawa, you're really something."

The three little ones rushed to complete their assignments just in time, the day before school started.

In the blink of an eye, two months had passed since the start of school.

One afternoon after school, Sanwa said, "Mom, can you make me a pair of swim trunks?"

Ning Tang asked, "Why do you need swim trunks?"

Sanwa replied, "Principal Lu asked me to participate in a swimming competition and told me to bring my own swim trunks."

"A swimming competition?" Ning Tang was taken aback. "What swimming competition?"

Sanwa shook his head. "I don't know. Principal Lu didn't explain it in detail."

Dawa, who knew about it, chimed in, "It's a swimming competition held in our junior high school. Principal Lu organized it, and those who want to participate can sign up. The fastest swimmers will receive certificates and prizes."

The island's elementary and junior high schools had the same principal, Principal Lu, but the vice principal was in charge of their daily affairs.

"That's a good opportunity," Ning Tang said. "I'll sew two pairs of swim trunks for you." She then asked Erniu, "Are you participating too?"

Erniu shook her head. "I'm not interested, and Principal Lu didn't ask me either."

After all, the swimming competition was mainly for junior high school students, as they were the ones being selected. The elementary school students were too young to be involved.

Ning Tang was puzzled. "Then why did you sign up, Sanwa?"

Sanwa scratched his head. "I don't know. I just thought I'd participate since there are prizes."

This kid still had a fixation on the prizes for the school anniversary celebration.

When Shen Lie came back and heard about this, he knew more than the three little ones. He said, "...in recent years, the higher-ups have been attaching more importance to sports. We're competing with foreign friends, and we... haven't been performing up to par. So they said they want to select talents on a large scale, aiming for excellence in both academics and sports. Events like track and field, gymnastics, table tennis, swimming, they're conducting selections at the national, provincial, and county levels, regardless of background, as long as there are strengths in any field."

Being an island by the sea, the children near the coast had good swimming abilities, so this time they were selecting swimming talents mostly from coastal cities.

Ning Tang nodded. "I see, that's why they're organizing the competition, to select talents."

She told Dawa and Sanwa, "I'll make two pairs of swim trunks for you later." Then she added, "Even if you don't win any prizes, it's okay. The important thing is to participate."

Living on an island by the sea, there were plenty of children with good swimming abilities. Dawa and Sanwa might not necessarily swim faster than others.

Dawa pouted. "Mom, can't you have a little faith in us?" He clenched his fist and declared, "I'll definitely get first place."

Ning Tang chuckled. "Come on, you're not faster than Sanwa yet."

She went upstairs and brought down two pieces of fabric. "Principal Lu really knows how to make things difficult. Doesn't he know I'm not bad at sewing? I don't want you to have a wardrobe malfunction while swimming."

Dawa thought about it and said, "Then I'll wear another pair of underpants underneath."

Principal Lu wasn't trying to trouble everyone. It was mainly because there would be leaders coming to observe the swimming competition, and wearing those triangular trunks wouldn't make a good impression. So they suggested that for those who could afford it, they should wear square-cut swim shorts to look neater.

Fortunately, in the past couple of years, restrictions had been loosened. The factories were producing fabrics on a large scale, and the distribution was no longer limited. Every household, as long as they had some extra money, had stocked up on fabrics. The children now had more colors in their clothes, and there was enough fabric to make these swim trunks.

Ning Tang smiled and decided to make swim trunks for Dawa and Sanwa. She sewed them into square-cut shorts and added small silver fish and coconut tree patterns on them, showing her creativity.

Ning Tang unfolded the finished swim trunks and was very satisfied. Over the years, her sewing skills had improved. While they might not be as exquisite as Zeng Xinlan's work, at least they wouldn't fall apart, right?

With their new swim trunks, Dawa and Sanwa were thrilled and couldn't wait to participate in the swimming competition.

Ning Tang asked, "Where will the competition be held?"

Dawa replied, "Right by the seaside. They'll set up a line, and the first one to swim to the finish line wins."

Sanwa said, "Mom, Big Sis, will you come to watch?"

After asking about the timing, both of them said they wouldn't go. Erniu was busy listening to the radio, as Li Jun had released a new song.

Ning Tang couldn't wake up early, and the seaside was too sunny for her. But to encourage Dawa and Sanwa, she said, "We'll support you in spirit."

Erniu asked, "I wonder what the prizes are? Pens, notebooks, enamel basins?"

Sanwa said, "I want an enamel basin."

Since Erniu had treasured the enamel basin that proclaimed 'Women Can Hold Half The Sky' and didn't let anyone touch it except Ning Tang, there was an incident last time when Sanwa got curious and tried to touch it, resulting in Erniu chasing him around for half a military housing compound.

Their participation in the swimming competition would only take up one day.

Ning Tang checked the time and estimated that they should be back soon. Just as she was about to go to the kitchen to cook, she heard the sound of a bicycle bell. Dawa hurriedly ran into the house and said, "Mom, Dad, Principal Lu is coming to our house soon."

Ning Tang was taken aback and asked, "Why is he coming to our house?" He furrowed his brows and continued, "Tell me, what trouble have you kids gotten into this time? Is it a big deal or not?" Without waiting for Dawa to answer, he added, "I guess it must be significant if Principal Lu is coming to our house."

Dawa shook his head and said, "We haven't done anything wrong."

What trouble could they have caused by participating in a swimming competition?

Sanwa puffed up his chest and said, "We didn't do anything wrong. We performed really well. I even got first place in the swimming competition. But Principal Lu said they will give me the prize and certificate tomorrow."

Ning Tang waved her hand and said, "No matter how big or small the matter is, eating is the most important thing. Let's eat first. If there's something, we'll talk about it when Principal Lu arrives."

While the family was having dinner, Principal Lu first went to the military unit and then rode his bicycle to the Shen family.

He arrived quite late, and by the time he arrived, Ning Tang was discussing supper with the three kids.

Ning Tang welcomed Principal Lu into the house and said, "Principal Lu, please come in. Is there something important?"

What significant matter could bring him to their house in the evening?

Shen Lie stood up and said, "Did Dawa and Sanwa cause any trouble? You can tell me, I will definitely educate them properly."

Principal Lu took a sip of tea that Ning Tang had poured for him, waved his hand, and smiled, "No, they didn't cause any trouble. I'm here to deliver some good news to you."

Ning Tang and Shen Lie exchanged a glance. "What good news?" they asked.

Principal Lu smiled and said, "The good news is that Shen Xiangdong has been selected for the Navy swimming team."

Ning Tang exclaimed, "The Navy?"

Shen Lie exclaimed, "Swimming team?"

In unison, they both said, "Selected?"

"Yes," Principal Lu said. "The swimming competition that was held was meant to select talented individuals for the swimming team." He looked at Ning Tang and Shen Lie, "You're aware of this, right?"

Of course, they knew about it, but they didn't take it seriously.

Principal Lu continued, "Shen Xiangdong (Sanwa's proper name) swam so fast. By the time others had just started, he was already halfway through, and he reached the finish line while his competitors were still struggling in the middle of the pool."

Principal Lu was being modest. During the competition, Sanwa was like a lightning bolt, swiftly passing by and creating a splash of white waves. Principal Lu turned around to say a few words to someone else, but when he looked back, his eyes nearly popped out because that kid had already reached the finish line.

The leaders who were watching the competition with Principal Lu immediately stood up and pointed at Sanwa, saying, "Who is this kid? We want him!"

Especially considering that Sanwa was competing against a group of middle school students while being an elementary school student himself, he left everyone behind. His talent was limitless.

Principal Lu was very pleased. Fortunately, when the leader of the Navy swimming team asked him to organize the swimming competition, he remembered Sanwa's exceptional performance in diving and suggested that he participate.

Hey, unexpectedly, not only did Sanwa win first place, but he also caught the attention of the leader of the Navy swimming team.

What do you call this? It's called a talent scout finding a hidden gem.

Principal Lu was the talent scout, and Sanwa was that extraordinary gem.

Principal Lu recounted the events of the swimming competition and then said, "Bid farewell properly in these few days. At the latest, this Friday, Shen Xiangdong will have to leave and go to the Navy swimming team's training base."

This unexpected news left the entire family stunned. Principal Lu had already left, but they hadn't even had time to process the information.

Ning Tang was instantly furious. "What farewell? Sanwa is still so young. Why would he go to a training base?"

Shen Lie and Erniu, being older, had a better understanding of the situation. Was Sanwa really going to leave?

The two children stood frozen in place, speechless.

Sanwa, still oblivious to the situation, asked, "Why is Principal Lu leaving? He hasn't given me the prize and certificate yet!"

Shen Lie angrily smacked his head. "At a time like this, you're still thinking about prizes and certificates?"

Being selected by the Navy swimming team was worth much more than any prize or certificate. No matter how rich the school was, the prizes and certificates they gave out were at most pens, notebooks, or enamel bowls.

If Sanwa went to the training base, at his age, he would become a reserve member of the swimming team. If he performed well, he might even make it to the national team. At that time, his future would be limitless.

Ning Tang turned her face away. "I disagree. Tomorrow, I'll talk to Principal Lu and refuse. I'll say that Sanwa won't go."

No matter how prestigious the title may sound, as long as it involved training, it was definitely not an easy place.

Shen Lie felt both bitter and melancholic in his heart. "This is a good opportunity."

Principal Lu said that out of the entire Hailang Island, including the neighboring Jiang City and Long City, only Sanwa was selected. One could imagine how rare this opportunity was.

Ning Tang said, "Sanwa is still so young. Can you trust him to handle it on his own?"

Sanwa puffed up his face. "I'm not young. I'm already ten years old this year."

Shen Lie gently advised, "Didn't Principal Lu say that he won't be alone? There will be other children who were selected going to the base as well. They will have nutrition teachers to take care of their health, as well as teachers for academic subjects so they won't fall behind in their studies."

Shen Lie paused for a moment. "With so many people taking care of him, maybe he'll be more comfortable there than at home."

Sanwa wasn't like Dawa, who excelled in mathematics, nor was he like Erniu, who did well in all subjects. His grades were average, always hovering around the passing line. It was not uncommon for him to come home with a red mark on his report card.

Shen Lie and Ning Tang sometimes worried that he wouldn't get into college, or even high school.

But if he joined the Navy swimming team, he would become an athlete in the future. No matter what, the country would definitely provide him with a bowl of rice to eat.

For Sanwa, it was truly a good opportunity.

Ning Tang understood this reasoning in her heart, but she couldn't bring herself to accept it. Even though they weren't his biological parents, they had been together for so many years that they had developed deep feelings. Suddenly taking the child away from her, anyone would find it difficult to bear.

Erniu had already started wiping her tears and held onto Sanwa tightly. Who would have thought that by participating in a swimming competition, her little brother would have to go to that training base? She didn't even know if she would be able to see him again. "Sanwa, let me take another look at you."

Dawa also said, "Before you leave, let's take a few more family photos."

After the Chinese New Year, Shen Lie bought a camera.

Sanwa also realized, "So, I have to go to Shanghai, to that training base of the Navy swimming team, to become an athlete?"

Ning Tang regained her composure slightly. "Hmm."

Sanwa shook his head. "I'm not going."

He didn't want to leave his dad, mom, siblings, or Hailang Island.

Shen Lie reproached gently, "It's not up to you to decide whether to go or not. Once you've been selected by the country, you have a responsibility to fulfill." He patted Sanwa's shoulder and whispered, "You're a young man, a child of a soldier. You have to be strong, show some happiness, and don't make your mom cry."

Sanwa pouted and responded with a low-spirited "Hmm."

Shen Lie continued to console Ning Tang, "Ten years old is not young. Remember when I joined the military at sixteen? I had to leave my hometown for so many years."

Ning Tang glared at him, "You just said it yourself. You joined the military at sixteen, but Sanwa is only ten. He's younger than Dawa. Do you want me to teach you that?"

Shen Lie coughed, "As Principal Lu said, the training base is not completely closed off. We can visit Sanwa, and during holidays and festivals, he can come home for a break."

Ning Tang also remembered that Principal Lu mentioned that the Navy swimming team's training base was in Shanghai. When Sanwa goes there, he won't be completely unfamiliar with the place. "Your eldest uncle is also in Shanghai. I'll write him a letter, and if there's anything you can't resolve with the teachers and leaders at the base, you can go to your eldest uncle for help."

The eldest uncle referred to Ning Jun, who was the director of the local police station in Shanghai.