When Chen Guanglin returned home that evening, he brought back a large piece of roasted lamb chops and a bunch of vegetables—there were so many people, he couldn't possibly cook all the dishes himself.

Although it cost a lot of money to hire people to set up this stuff during the Chinese New Year, Chen Guanglin was overjoyed and even hoped to add two more people in a couple of years.

The more the better, the more the better.

Firecrackers went off outside, and six people sat around the dining table, creating an unprecedentedly lively atmosphere.

Chen Lu sat next to Liang Zhirou, watching his wife timidly lower her head, and couldn't stop laughing.

They were just boyfriend and girlfriend last Chinese New Year, and now a year has passed and he's already certified to work.

"What are you doing? You're laughing like Pigsy from Journey to the West." Wang Xiaoxia looked at Chen Lu as if he were an idiot.

Chen Lu looked indignant. "I'm getting married, and you won't even let me smile?"

"You're laughing like a scoundrel, be careful you don't scare your wife away."

"Huh? I, I won't run away..." Liang Zhirou said blankly, seemingly not having heard what the two were saying. "I like him even though he's a rogue."

She subconsciously finished speaking before realizing something was wrong. She snapped back to reality and looked at everyone repeatedly, but it was too late.

Wang Xiaoxia and Xiao Xunfang exchanged a glance and couldn't help but giggle together.

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively, and the laughter and chatter of the group gradually drowned out the sound of the television, and even the fireworks and firecrackers outside.

Liang Zhirou was at a loss for words; this was the most lively Spring Festival she had ever experienced in her life.

As far as I can remember, we always had one more dish than usual, and then my mother and I would finish our meal while listening to the crackling of firecrackers and the noise from other people's houses. Then we would wash up and go to bed as usual.

Because her home seemed particularly quiet and deserted compared to other places during the Lunar New Year, she would go to bed earlier than usual.

Last year, Chen Lu was there for her; this year, they are family.

"Have a drink." Chen Guanglin poured Chen Lu a full glass of baijiu. "I got this from your Uncle Mo, so don't worry about it. Drink as much as you want."

"Okay."

Chen Lu nodded.

As Liang Zhirou was staring at Chen Lu's profile, she suddenly felt two pokes on her shoulder.

"Sister-in-law, let's have a drink too."

Chen Mo had been craving the bottle of wine that Chen Guanglin had brought back for a long time, but it seemed to be ridiculously expensive, so he had never been able to get his hands on it.

Now she's finally got her chance.

"I, I can't drink this..." Liang Zhirou waved her hands repeatedly, feeling that she couldn't stand the smell of the liquor alone.

"It's okay, it's okay, I'll go get you the red one."

Before Liang Zhirou could even retort, she rushed to the kitchen, rummaged through drawers and cabinets, and found the bottle of red wine.

While Chen Mo was pouring wine for Liang Zhirou, he kept secretly watching Wang Xiaoxia and Chen Guanglin's reactions.

Seeing that the two of them seemed completely unaffected and not at all distressed, she suddenly didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

Chen Lu was about to ask why she didn't wake up before drinking when he saw Chen Mo pouring wine for Liang Zhirou. He was immediately alarmed and shouted, "Don't let her touch the wine!!"

"Why?" Chen Mo asked.

"Your sister-in-law has a very low alcohol tolerance."

He couldn't very well say that this silly girl had been pinning him against the wall after getting drunk last time, could he? What about his and Liang Zhirou's reputation during the New Year?

He didn't even want to think about what he would encounter if Liang Zhirou got drunk again.

Chen Mo exclaimed in regret, "Oh dear, why didn't you say so earlier? I had already opened the red wine. Well, I guess I'll have to make do with this."

"..." Chen Lu rubbed his temples and said to Wang Xiaoxia in a deep voice, "Mom, do you know how we usually distribute these things? Don't be fooled by the fact that some people just barely passed; actually, she..."

"elder brother!"

The upcoming wedding added a joyous atmosphere to the Spring Festival. The entire New Year's Eve dinner was very lively, with the young couple exchanging glances and serving each other food, which everyone pretended not to notice.

When they had almost finished eating, Chen Guanglin filled his wine glass and slowly got up.

"I never imagined that another year would pass by so quickly."

He spoke softly, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Actually, people live for just a few things, and I'm just an ordinary person, so I can't escape them either. That's why I still have to thank everyone."

Thanks to Xiaolu and Xiaomo, I can see my children getting married, starting their own families, and living carefree and happy lives.

Thank you, Zhirou, for your patience and love for my son.

I also want to thank Sister Fang. It's been so hard for you all these years, raising my daughter-in-law to be such an outstanding person, and you still trusted us and became our in-laws.

Chen Guanglin raised his wine glass forward.

"Happy New Year."

Chen Lu was surprised that Chen Guanglin thanked everyone. He looked up and scanned the room, and saw that everyone had a slight smile on their face.

Although Wang Xiaoxia wasn't mentioned, their eyes were constantly locked on her, as if the couple were whispering to each other, everything understood without words.

"It's too early to say, it's too early to say. May next year be even better. Happy New Year!" Chen Mo smiled and raised his glass.

"Happy New Year!!"

A pile of wine glasses clinked together, producing a crisp and pleasant sound.

After a few more sips of baijiu, Chen Lu's throat still felt a little spicy, but a hint of sweetness filled his mouth.

Without realizing it, he took Liang Zhirou's soft little hand under the table and held it tightly.

Liang Zhirou blushed and looked around anxiously, indicating that there were other people around him. Seeing that he seemed not to notice them at all, she finally had no choice but to give up.

Chen Lu couldn't help but laugh when he saw this.

At this time last year, he felt that the coming year was the most anticipated year of his life.

Unexpectedly, the same thing happened this year.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!