Natasha's voice was like music to Shengbei's ears as he stood at the doorstep, looking a bit uncertain. He had grown so much since they last met, and yet, he still felt like the same boy who had left China years ago.
"Look how you've grown, you're now a man, not a boy," Natasha said, her eyes shining with a warm smile. "Long time no see. I couldn't even recognize you. Come on in, enter and get yourself a seat."
Shengbei smiled, feeling a bit self-conscious as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of Natasha's perfume brought back memories, and for a moment, he felt like he was back in China, surrounded by family.
"You've also changed a lot, and I couldn't even recognize you either," Shengbei said, taking a seat on the couch. "Okay, we have all changed."
Natasha chuckled, sitting down beside him. "How is China? Where is Uncle? Have you visited your former house?"
Shengbei took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Actually, China is fine. Dad has remained there. He fears Mom's life memories in America. Speaking of visiting our former home, I fear to go there alone because the place has a lot of memories that will make me cry like a baby."
Natasha's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll escort you there. You won't be alone. I'll even escort you on your job search journey."
Shengbei's eyes welled up with gratitude, and he smiled, feeling a sense of comfort. "Thank you, Natasha. I appreciate it."
Natasha smiled back, her eyes shining with kindness. "Rest for some time, and we'll go visit the former house together. You've had a long journey, and you need some rest."
As they chatted, Shengbei couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. He had missed this, missed the warmth and comfort of family.
But amidst the warmth, a pang of sadness struck him. He thought of his mother, and the memories they had made in this very house. He thought of the life they had built, and the life he had left behind.
Shengbei's eyes dropped, and he felt a lump form in his throat. Natasha noticed the change in his expression and squeezed his shoulder gently.
"It's okay, Shengbei. It's okay to remember. It's okay to miss her."
Shengbei nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he wasn't alone, and he had people who cared about him.
As they sat in silence for a moment, Shengbei realized that he had grown so much, and yet, he still had so much to learn. He was no longer the boy who had left China, but he was still finding his way.
Natasha's voice broke the silence, "Let's get you settled, and then we'll head out. You've got a lot to catch up on."
Shengbei nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Natasha. He knew he had made the right decision, coming back to America.
As they stood up, Shengbei felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was ready to face whatever came his way, ready to take on the world.
The city was a dark and scary place, but Shengbei was not afraid. He was ready to face whatever came his way, ready to take on the world.
And as he walked alongside Natasha, he knew that he wasn't alone. He had people who cared about him, and he had a future to build.
The journey was far from over, but Shengbei was ready. He was ready to face whatever came his way, ready to take on the world.
As they walked, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city. Shengbei smiled, feeling a sense of hope wash over him. He knew that no matter what came his way, he would always have the memories of this moment, the memories of warmth, and the memories of love.
The city was a dark and scary place, but with Natasha by his side, Shengbei felt like he could conquer anything. He was home, and he was ready to start his new life.
The chapter was far from over, but Shengbei was ready. He was ready to write his own story, and he was ready to make his mark.
As they disappeared into the night, the city was quiet once again, but for how long?