On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the dawn, like a gentle messenger, slowly brought warmth to the world, gradually dispelling the chill of the night.
Thin clouds, like a light veil, stretched leisurely across the sky, partially obscuring the sun that was gradually emerging.
The soft rays of light, like fine golden gauze, carried the unique warmth of the New Year, and poured into the Xia family's courtyard.
This rustic farmhouse, with its blue bricks and gray tiles arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern, bears the marks of time in every brick and stone. Under the gentle caress of the sunlight, it should be overflowing with joy and warmth.
In the corner of the courtyard, several red plum trees bloom proudly in the snow. Their scattered crimson blossoms are like clouds falling from the sky, adding a touch of brightness to the otherwise monotonous winter courtyard.
The faint fragrance of plum blossoms drifted gently in the air, mingling with the occasional sound of firecrackers in the distance. It was the unique liveliness and jubilation of the Spring Festival, and laughter should have echoed everywhere.
After all, the second day of the Lunar New Year is an important day for daughters to return to their parents' home. It is a warm moment for the whole family to gather together, share their feelings, and carry the expectations of countless people who have been away from home to return and the joy of family reunion.
However, at this moment, the Xia family was quietly shrouded in an unusual atmosphere, as if an invisible haze was quietly covering up the liveliness and joy that should have been there, plunging the entire courtyard into a strange sense of oppression.
The Xia family has three daughters, and on this special day, they should all be returning home with their families in a lively celebration.
Early in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Xia Jianguo got up very early.
He was wearing a slightly faded but clean cotton-padded jacket, bustling about inside and out.
He first picked up a broom and carefully swept every corner of the yard, not missing a single fallen leaf or speck of dust, cleaning the yard until it was spotless.
Then he brought over a ladder and carefully pasted the brand-new Spring Festival couplets on both sides of the gate.
The festive red color shone brightly in the morning light, conveying abundant New Year blessings and wonderful expectations for the coming year.
Xia Xiong sat under the old locust tree in the courtyard. This old locust tree had witnessed the ups and downs of the Xia family and carried countless memories.
Although Xia Xiong didn't say much, his eyes were full of anticipation. He kept glancing towards the courtyard gate, as if hoping that the children would appear soon.
He clutched the pipe that had been with him for many years, occasionally taking a puff. The smoke swirled around him, highlighting his inner anticipation.
Xia Shuqin and Xia Shufang arrived early, close to noon.
Their husbands were also there, and as soon as they entered the courtyard, they greeted Xia Jianguo warmly, then rolled up their sleeves and naturally joined in the busy preparation of lunch.
Xia Shuqin's husband, Lao Zhang, was a cheerful and easygoing man. He hummed an off-key tune, a tune full of the joy of life, as he skillfully washed the fresh vegetables.
The glistening water droplets sparkled and danced in the sunlight, like translucent pearls, sliding down the vegetable leaves and dripping into the water basin, splashing up tiny water droplets.
Xia Shufang's husband, Xiao Li, was carefully arranging firewood to prepare for the stove fire.
He would occasionally chat with Xia Jianguo about this year's crop harvest, his face beaming with a simple smile that reflected his satisfaction with life and his hopes for the future.
Others were carefully arranging the tables and chairs, making sure they were neat and tidy, paying attention to every detail, and even wiping them down again with a cloth, all in preparation for this family reunion lunch.
Everyone chatted and laughed, and the courtyard was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere, like a cozy family reunion picture for the Spring Festival.
However, as time went by and the sun rose higher, the light and shadows moved slowly in the courtyard, but Xia Shuhua never appeared. Zhao Guodong had no choice but to come to the appointment alone.
Xia Shuqin was sharing the new fabric she had bought before the Lunar New Year with her family. The fabric was brightly colored and had exquisite patterns. They stroked the fabric and discussed what kind of clothes would look good made from it.
Seeing Zhao Guodong step into the courtyard from the corner of her eye, Xia Shuqin's smiling face instantly fell, her eyes filled with doubt and dissatisfaction.
"Guodong, where's Shuhua? Why did you come back alone?" Her voice was sharp and urgent, particularly loud in the courtyard. Her tone was clearly questioning, as if she wanted to pierce through Zhao Guodong's heart and find out the truth.
This shout, like a sudden note, shattered the harmonious atmosphere, instantly silencing the once lively courtyard, and everyone's eyes involuntarily turned to Zhao Guodong.
Zhao Guodong was caught off guard by the sudden questioning. He managed to force an awkward and stiff smile, which revealed his unease and guilt.
Her lips trembled slightly as she stammered, "She...she has something to do and can't get away."
His eyes darted away, avoiding Xia Shuqin's gaze. He looked away nervously, his hands unconsciously twisting at the hem of his clothes, his fingers turning slightly white with tension, making him appear uneasy.
His heart was pounding, as if it would burst out of his chest, and fine beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, glistening in the sunlight.
"What could be more important than going back to your parents' home?" Upon hearing this, Xia Shuqin became even more agitated, her brows furrowed, and she took a sudden step forward, almost touching Zhao Guodong.
"Did you two have another fight? Are you deliberately preventing her from coming back?" Her words came out like a machine gun, one after another, giving Zhao Guodong no chance to catch his breath.
Her hands were on her hips, her face filled with anger and anxiety, her eyes seeming to want to extract a satisfactory answer from Zhao Guodong, eager to know why her sister hadn't returned.
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