Chapter 259 Year-End Summary

The Yao family set up two tables for their New Year's Eve dinner.

There was really no other way; there were too many people in my family, about twenty in total, including adults and children.

The two tables in the kitchen were crammed full.

The dishes on the table were very plentiful; basically everything available in the market appeared on Old Yao's table.

Each table had six cold dishes and six hot dishes, plus a soup and a sweet rice dish with ginkgo nuts. If you included the bowls and chopsticks, there was almost no room on the table.

Adults and children alike crowded around the table, all eagerly waiting for Grandma Yao, the highest authority in the Yao family, to speak.

Grandma Yao looked at everyone with great satisfaction.

Grandma Yao glanced at the dishes on the table again. The food was better than last year's, and she was even more satisfied.

"Everyone has worked hard this year! No matter who it is, you've all been busy all year."

The eldest son and his wife continue to work hard for the family, and it seems to be paying off; the eldest son is now helping with chores around the house.

"My eldest son has been very busy these past two days! He must continue to work hard and strive to make the most of his diligence every day. He can't be like he used to be; he's doing very well now." Grandma Yao first praised Uncle Yao.

Uncle Yao chuckled dryly twice...

Uncle Yao is heartbroken! Life used to be so good. He's retired now, and before, after finishing his meal, he would just push his bowl away, put his hands behind his back, and go out to find someone to play chess or cards with. Then he would come back around mealtime. Those days were so carefree!

But later, God probably got a little envious of how carefree I was...

It's all their fault. They were always thinking about finding a boyfriend for their niece, and look what happened—not only did they not find her a boyfriend, but...

He has so much work to do right now!

Every day he gets up to either take care of his grandson or clean the yard; he hasn't gone to play chess or cards with his old friends in a long time.

When will this ever end?!

Uncle Yao didn't dare say anything, he just smiled awkwardly. At this time, it was best to just listen quietly and not express any opinions.

After praising Uncle Yao, Grandma Yao looked at Aunt Yao.

"The eldest daughter-in-law has also done very well this year. She no longer quarrels with her granddaughters-in-law and knows how to be considerate of them."

That's great! Look how considerate you are of your granddaughters-in-law, and they all treat you well in return.

Look at what you're wearing and what's in your pocket—it's all from your granddaughters-in-law.

"Your good days are yet to come!" Grandma Yao praised Aunt Yao again.

Aunt Yao stood up straight.

The old lady was right. Her new clothes and the money in her pocket were all provided by her four daughters-in-law. Not only did they make her new clothes, but each of them also gave her money for the New Year.

Look at all the mothers-in-law around me, who is as lucky as I am!

Last time I argued with my neighbors, the moment I opened my mouth, all four of their daughters-in-law rolled up their sleeves and came out...

Thinking back to how I used to constantly cause trouble for my daughters-in-law... I must have been out of my mind.

"Mom, you've done a great job steering the ship!" Aunt Yao quickly offered her compliments.

Grandma Yao smiled and continued to praise her grandsons and granddaughters-in-law!

In Grandma Yao's eyes, her grandsons are all hardworking, honest, and have made certain contributions to the family.

The granddaughters-in-law also do their best for this family.

As for those great-grandchildren... although they are still young, their contribution to the family is that they don't cause trouble.

After saying all that, Grandma Yao gave special praise to Yao Chunian and Yao Shula.

"Over the past year, Chun Nian has undergone a complete transformation, becoming a completely different person from Chun Nian a year ago."

Spring has completely forged its own path.

"Chunian, keep up the good work next year, and you'll definitely have a great life." Grandma Yao looked at Yao Chunian encouragingly.

Yao Chunian quickly added that her smooth progress was inseparable from the help of her family, and that everyone had helped her get through it. She also expressed her special gratitude to Yao Shula.

After praising Yao Chunnian, Grandma Yao immediately praised Yao Shula.

"If I had to pick the hardest working person this year, it would be Shura."

Shura took care of her younger siblings and managed the household perfectly on her own.

Look, Shuxin not only became the top scorer in the high school entrance exam and got into the No. 1 High School, but she also ranked first in the final exam this time. Isn't she a potential college student?

And then there's Shuli, who didn't like studying much before, but under Shula's guidance, he now enjoys studying and has made great progress this time!

"This is all thanks to Shura!" Grandma Yao said happily.

"Grandma, this is the result of Shuxin and Shuli's hard work and dedication. I just... did a good job in logistics." Yao Shula quickly stated.

“No, it’s all thanks to our eldest sister’s good management!” Yao Shuxin and Yao Shuli said at the same time.

Grandma Yao was even more satisfied.

See, this is what loving siblings should look like!

"Okay, everyone is doing well! I also believe that everyone will be even better next year!"

Come on, everyone, let's get started! Hopefully, next year will be even better!

Everyone immediately raised the cups next to them.

The adults are like wine glasses, while the children's glasses are filled with either malted milk powder or the Arctic Ocean soda that Zhong Xiaochun brought back.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Everyone enjoyed the meal, and Grandma Yao kept serving food to the younger generation.

Like everyone else, Yao Shula led her younger siblings in toasting and wishing their elders a Happy New Year.

Compared to last year's New Year's Eve dinner, this year's New Year's Eve dinner had a different flavor.

...

After finishing the New Year's Eve dinner, Yao Shula took the dishes prepared by her grandmother home.

After putting the food in the cupboard in the kitchen and locking it, Yao Shula, along with her younger siblings, burned paper money for Shuman.

After burning the paper money, Yao Shula placed three fresh fruit platters in front of Shuman's photo.

Yao Shuxin and Yao Shuli both stared at Schumann's photo without saying a word.

After a long while, Yao Shuli finally asked.

"Big sister, Mom must be very happy!"

“Yes, Mom will be happy if we’re doing well!” Yao Shula said with a smile.

"Mom, I got first place again. I'm sure I'll get into university," Yao Shuxin said earnestly, looking at Shuman's photo.

Yao Shula had her arm around Yao Shuxin on the left and Yao Shuli on the right.

"Mom, we're doing great! Really! You don't need to worry about us anymore."

Whether you're comfortable or stressed, you'll definitely have a good time.

"Sister, you must live a good life too!"

"Yes! Big sister will definitely have a good life!"

Yao Shula was very satisfied with the current atmosphere. What a great atmosphere! It would be a waste not to say something!

“Okay, then what do you think you should do to make your eldest sister’s life better?” Yao Shula asked promptly.

"Study hard and get into a good university!" Yao Shuxin said eagerly.

"Yes, I will study hard and try to get into the junior high school of No. 1 Middle School first," Yao Shuli said.

"Great, keep up the good work!" Yao Shula hugged her younger brother and sister.

...

In a machinery factory under Yun County, the workshops were empty, and the dormitories were also mostly deserted.

Yao Guohua sat alone in his dormitory. On the small table in front of him were a plate of peanuts, a plate of smoked chicken, a bowl of mixed stew, and a bowl of four meat chunks.

This is his New Year's Eve dinner!