Li Panmei straightened her back, trying to regain some confidence in her familiar yet unfamiliar home. The stone path under her feet was slippery with snow, but her heart was burning with excitement and trepidation as she stepped towards the unknown "reunion".

Stepping into the vermilion courtyard is like falling into a beautiful dream of bygone days.

With its carved beams and painted rafters, the vermilion lacquer gleamed with an ancient and serene light under the sunlight. The rooms were neatly arranged, and the interiors were elegantly furnished. From carved beds to wooden tables and chairs, everything was complete. The unique decorations showcased the splendor of the past, leaving everyone dazzled and as if they had traveled back in time.

"Young Master Panmei, a meal has been prepared in the front hall. Please put your luggage away and have your meal there!"

Uncle Fu stood upright, with a smile on his face, neither humble nor arrogant. His demeanor was like that of a loyal servant from a noble family in the old days, exuding sophistication and refinement.

Li Panmei stared at him, her eyes full of inquiry. Although her memory was hazy, she felt inexplicably familiar with him, as if she had once had a fleeting encounter with him in her youth, hidden in the folds of time, and now it was being quietly stirred up.

After settling their luggage, Li Xin and Li Yu skipped into the courtyard, where they ran into Li Su, Li Wen, and Li Xin, who was home for the holidays.

The five of them froze, staring at each other in disbelief, the atmosphere momentarily tense. The snow in the courtyard hadn't melted, reflecting on their bewildered yet curious faces.

In the midst of the stalemate, Li Xin grinned and broke the silence. He was a bit thick-skinned, so he stepped forward, opened his arms, and shouted heartily, "Hey, brothers, we've finally met!"

As he spoke, he hooked his arm around the shoulders of the two people next to him, pulled them together with a strong hug.

The others were taken aback at first, then their lips curled up, and the tense atmosphere instantly thawed.

Li Xin scratched his head and chuckled. Li Yu patted Li Xin on the back and said with a laugh, "You're such a troublemaker!"

Li Su and Li Wen exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with the joy of reunion. It was their first time meeting, yet there was no sense of unfamiliarity between them.

The five of them huddled together, chatting and laughing, as they walked toward the front hall where the aroma of food wafted through the air. Warmth flowed gently through the cold courtyard.