Bright red lanterns were hung in the courtyard early on, and Spring Festival couplets written by Ye Xiang himself were pasted on the doors and windows, with vigorous strokes and a joyful atmosphere.

Chu Yan, along with Chu Zhenyuan, Ye Hui, Ye Yao, and the other men who had just returned, were setting off fireworks in the yard with the three little ones.

"Sizzle—"

Sparks flew from the thin wire, tracing golden arcs against the dark night sky.

Dada, Er'er, and San'san, dressed in thick tiger-head cotton-padded jackets, looked like three chubby little pandas. Each of them held a "cihua" (a type of snack), and they ran wildly in the yard, leaving behind a string of silvery laughter.

"Daddy! Look! My flower can spin around!"

"Grandpa! My flower is heart-shaped!"

"Second Uncle! Third Uncle! Eldest Uncle! Look at me! Don't I look like a fairy descended from heaven!"

San San waved her sparklers and spun around in place, her little face glowing red in the firelight, she was incredibly cute.

Chu Yan and the Ye brothers wore indulgent smiles as they carefully protected the children, afraid that a spark might burn their clothes.

This warm and lively scene dispelled all the chill of the winter night.

Finally, the last dish, the "Family Reunion" hot pot, was served.

A red lacquered octagonal table that can accommodate more than a dozen people is now crammed full of more than twenty dishes, a dazzling array.

The steaming heat and enticing aroma are enough to make your mouth water just by looking at it.

The Ye family, the Chu family... young and old sat together, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

As the two most senior members of the family, Chu Zhenyuan was the first to raise his glass, his face glowing with health, his voice loud and clear.

"Today is the first New Year our big family is spending in the new courtyard! It's the first reunion dinner as we bid farewell to the turbulent year of 1977 and welcome the hopeful year of 1978! It's truly significant!"