I know people can replace these words with a smile or nod.

我知道人们可以用一个微笑或点头来代替这些话。

youdao

With a nod and a smile, she took leave of her friends.

她点头微笑着向朋友告辞。

《牛津词典》

They depart, with a smile and a nod, and we miss them, and feel resentful.

他们微笑着点点头，离开了，而我们又怀念他们，又怨恨他们。

youdao