Chapter 59: The Conferment of Godhood on New Year's Eve! From now on, the Lu family will bear the surname Su!
On New Year's Eve, Beijing experienced its heaviest snowfall in years.
The snowflakes weren't drifting; they were falling down.
Starting at dusk, an impenetrable silence was about to engulf the entire capital city.
The green tiles and flying eaves of the Lu family compound were all covered with a thick layer of white velvet.
The row of newly hung red lanterns under the eaves, bathed in the snowy mist, took on a hazy warmth.
Outside, it was a world of ice and snow, but inside the kitchen of the Lu family's main residence, a bustling scene of everyday life unfolded.
Su Wanqing was wearing only a thin sweater, with the sleeves loosely rolled up to her elbows, revealing arms that were as white as cold porcelain.
She was the commander-in-chief of this family dinner battle.
On the long table in front of him, chicken, duck, fish, meat, seafood, and delicacies had all been prepared and were lined up neatly like soldiers waiting for inspection.
"Yaoyao, turn the heat down a notch when cooking Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and remember to skim off the oil."
"Aunt Wang, let me take another look at the filling of the Eight Treasure Duck."
She didn't raise her voice, yet her tone was loud enough to drown out the clamor of voices and the crackling of the stove fire, carrying an undeniable composure.
The kitchen helpers, including Lu Yao, subconsciously followed her instructions, working tirelessly but without any disorder.
This is Su Wanqing's first truly meaningful year of family reunion since marrying into the Lu family.
This was also the first New Year for the Lu family's behemoth after it had almost capsized.
Grandpa Lu Zhenguo declared that this year's New Year's Eve dinner must be a grand and lively affair to wash away all the bad luck of the past year.
The head chef of this family banquet trusted no one but specifically named Su Wanqing.
This high regard is weighty; everyone can feel its significance.
"Sister-in-law, take a break, you're all sweaty."
Lu Yao brought over a cup of hot tea, her eyes filled with heartache as she looked at the fine beads of sweat on Su Wanqing's smooth forehead.
Su Wanqing took the teacup, her fingertips burning from the heat. Her gaze swept over the dishes that were beginning to take shape, and a genuine smile appeared in her eyes.
"Not tired."
"Seeing the whole family sit down together for a meal is better than anything else."
As soon as he finished speaking, half a figure peeked in through the kitchen doorway.
She is Lu Zhanjun's wife, Li Juan.
She was wearing a newly tailored cotton-padded jacket, but her hands were twisted into a pretzel in front of her. Her usually harsh face was now plastered with a stiff smile, like a failing mask.
They wanted to come in, but didn't dare.
Ever since the enormous crisis at Huichuntang was turned around by Su Wanqing and Lu Zhanting, Lu Zhanjun's branch of the family has been completely demoralized.
They finally realized, belatedly, that this "country girl" they had looked down upon from the bottom of their hearts had quietly become the pillar of the Lu family through her skills and connections.
And her man, Lu Zhanting, protected her to an extreme degree, without any bottom line or fear of gods or Buddhas.
Awe and fear have long since replaced the contempt of the past.
Lu Zhanjun privately berated Li Juan and gave her a death order: today she must swallow her pride and beg Su Wanqing for reconciliation.
"Big...Sister-in-law..."
Li Juan mustered all the courage she had in her life, but the voice she uttered was as faint as the flapping of a mosquito's wings.
The lively atmosphere in the kitchen instantly froze.
The smile on Lu Yao's face vanished instantly, replaced by a wary glint in her eyes.
Su Wanqing, however, seemed oblivious to the myriad emotions in that voice. She turned around naturally, without even a change in tone.
"Second sister-in-law, is something the matter?"
That cry of "Second Sister-in-law" was like a needle, gently piercing Li Juan's tense nerves.
Her eyes suddenly reddened.
She thought that Su Wanqing would never acknowledge her as her second sister-in-law again.
"I...I saw you were all busy, so I thought...I wanted to lend a hand." Li Juan stammered.
Lu Yao pouted, about to retort, but Su Wanqing silenced her with a look.
Su Wanqing nodded her chin at a bowl of green vegetables in the sink, her tone as indifferent as if she were instructing a maid.
"That's perfect, help me wash these vegetables."
"Rinse it twice more. Grandpa has a weak stomach and can't eat anything unclean."
She neither refused nor made any polite formalities.
He didn't even glance at Li Juan, but simply gave her a very simple task.
This step was presented in a cold manner, yet it was also presented steadily.
Li Juan, like a prisoner granted a pardon, practically rushed to the sink, nodding repeatedly, "Yes, yes! I'll wash right away!"
Her movements were clumsy, splashing water everywhere. It was clear that she rarely did any housework, but her earnestness was genuine.
Seeing this scene, Lu Yao's anger inexplicably dissipated, leaving only a barely audible sigh.
This family may really be getting better.
The family dinner started promptly at 7 p.m.
On a huge mahogany round table that can accommodate twenty people, a dazzling array of dishes are laid out, their aromas weaving together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Lu Zhenguo sat upright in the main seat, wearing a brand-new Zhongshan suit, which was pressed and straight, making his face glow with health, and even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were full of smiles.
To his left were Lu Zhanting and Su Wanqing.
On the right are Lu Zhanjun and Li Juan.
Lu Yao sat next to Su Wanqing.
The hierarchy of seating arrangements, reflecting the closeness or distance between relatives, is immediately apparent.
Lu Zhanting's hand never left Su Wanqing's chair, his knuckles occasionally resting on her shoulder, a silent declaration that marked out his territory.
"Let me say a few words before we start eating," Lu Zhenguo said, raising his glass and clearing his throat.
The room filled with noise, then abruptly fell silent.
All eyes were immediately focused on him.
"This first cup of wine is to toast the great contributor of our Lu family."
Lu Zhenguo's gaze swept over the crowd and landed steadily on Su Wanqing's face, filled with undisguised pride and admiration.
"To my dear granddaughter-in-law, Wanqing."
Su Wanqing instinctively tried to get up, but Lu Zhanting pressed down on her shoulder with a steady, unyielding force.
"Grandpa, I..."
Lu Zhenguo waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit down.
“Back then, when that rascal Zhan Ting ‘kidnapped’ you and brought you home, this old man still has a grudge against him,” Lu Zhenguo said frankly.
"It turns out I'm getting old and my eyesight is failing. The best thing Zhan Ting ever did in his life was marrying you."
"You saved my life, preserved the reputation of the Lu family, and with your intellect, paved a new path for the Lu family."
"It is a blessing that our Lu family has you!"
The old man's voice was not loud, but every word was like metal and stone, striking everyone's heart.
"Today, in front of everyone, I have an announcement to make." Lu Zhenguo's gaze swept over Lu Zhanjun and his wife, carrying a hint of warning authority.
"From today onwards, this household is officially handed over to Wanqing to manage!"
"She makes all the decisions in the family, big and small. My words carry less weight than hers!"
This wasn't a suggestion; it was an order.
It was a belated but incredibly significant decree to pass on the family headship.
Lu Yao was the first to jump up and clap her hands: "Grandpa is wise! I'm the first to support my sister-in-law in charge!"
Lu Zhanjun and Li Juan exchanged a glance, both seeing a sense of relief in each other's eyes.
The next second, the two of them stood up at the same time, holding their glasses.
Lu Zhanjun's face turned a deep purplish-red. He took a deep breath and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle towards Su Wanqing and Lu Zhanting, a posture he had never done before.
"Big brother, sister-in-law."
That cry of "Big Brother" was hoarse, but it carried no trace of resentment.
"I was a fool before, I was blind to your true nature, I was blinded by greed! I... I'm so sorry!"
He tilted his head back and poured a glass of strong liquor down his throat, burning like fire.
He poured another glass.
"This second cup is on behalf of my father and our entire family to thank my sister-in-law for saving our lives! Thank you, brother and sister-in-law, for not holding grudges!"
"From now on, if I, Lu Zhanjun, even frown when I am given any orders, I am not human!"
The words were spoken, and the wine glass was empty.
His apology was thorough and resolute.
The restaurant was eerily quiet.
Lu Zhanting remained expressionless and didn't even look up at him.
Su Wanqing knew it was her turn to speak.
She stood up, picked up the juice in front of her, and looked calmly at Lu Zhanjun.
"Second brother, we're all family, no need for formalities."
"The past is the past, let's turn the page."
"From now on, with the whole family working together, life will only get better and better."
Her voice was gentle, yet it possessed a power that could smooth out all wrinkles.
It is both forgiveness and a warning.
Lu Zhenguo breathed a sigh of relief and nodded heavily.
The biggest unresolved issue at this family dinner has been resolved.
The oppressive ice layer shattered inch by inch, and true warmth began to flow through the room.
"My goodness, sister-in-law, your cooking is amazing! This Dongpo pork melts in your mouth, it's even more authentic than the old chefs at state-run restaurants!" Lu Yao's mouth never stopped.
Li Juan finally dared to chime in softly, "Yes, this fish soup is so delicious. I've never had such a good soup before."
Su Wanqing smiled, picked up a piece of glistening sweet and sour pork ribs, and put it into Lu Zhanting's bowl.
"Eat more of your favorite food."
Lu Zhanting looked at the ribs in the bowl, then at his smiling wife beside him.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and he felt the beating thing in his chest being soaked by the warm tide, swelling and softening.
He didn't touch his chopsticks, but instead picked up his wine glass.
This time, he had no one else in his sight; he was focused solely on tracing Su Wanqing's eyebrows and eyes inch by inch.
"I toast my wife."
He spoke, his voice low and clear, yet it carried throughout the entire restaurant.
"Thank you."
Thank you for traveling thousands of miles to come to my side.
Thank you for giving me a place called "home".
All the words in the world can be summed up in these three simplest words.
Su Wanqing's eyes suddenly welled up with tears. She picked up her juice and gently clinked it against his wine glass.
The crisp sound was a silent answer.
"Thank you too."
The wind and snow outside the window grew stronger, but the room was warm and cozy.
The songs and dances from the Spring Festival Gala on TV, along with the laughter and chatter of family members, intertwined to create the most beautiful New Year's Eve symphony.
This was the warmest and most peaceful New Year that Su Wanqing had ever experienced in both her lives.
After the meal, Lu Zhenguo called the younger generation to the living room and gave them lucky money.
Everyone has a bulging red envelope.
When it was Su Wanqing's turn, Lu Zhenguo handed her a red envelope and a small, antique velvet box.
"Open it and take a look." The old man smiled like a child.
Su Wanqing lifted the lid of the box with a puzzled look.
A jade bracelet, entirely emerald green, lay quietly on dark red velvet.
That green color was like a pool of spring water, warm and clear, shimmering with light, clearly a rare treasure passed down through generations.
“This is your grandmother’s dowry.” Lu Zhenguo’s gaze became distant. “She said back then that this bracelet would only be passed down to the future mistress of the Lu family.”
"Now, Grandpa will give it to you."
This bracelet carries more weight than those words.
This truly handed over the power and inheritance of the Lu family's inner quarters to her.
"Grandpa, this is too precious, I can't..."
Before Su Wanqing could finish speaking, Lu Zhanting had already taken the box from her.
He took out the bracelet, and without saying a word, took her hand and put it on her wrist himself.
The cool jade bracelet touched the warm skin, and its size was exactly the same.
That vibrant emerald green made her wrists appear even more radiant and snow-white.
"nice."
Lu Zhanting held her wrist, looked down at her, and spoke with genuine admiration.
The clock is about to strike midnight.
In the courtyard, Uncle He had already prepared fireworks and firecrackers.
Lu Zhanting pulled Su Wanqing along as they walked out of the warm living room.
Are you cold?
Without waiting for her reply, he unbuttoned his military overcoat and wrapped her tightly in his arms.
The familiar, chilling scent of his burning body instantly enveloped her.
"I'm not cold." Su Wanqing buried her face in his firm chest, her voice muffled.
"Happy New Year, Battalion Commander Lu."
Happy New Year, Mrs. Lu.
Lu Zhanting lowered his head and planted a kiss precisely on her forehead.
At that very moment, a huge firework exploded in the distant sky with a loud "boom"!
Golden brilliance instantly tore through the night, illuminating the falling snow.
Then, one after another.
Colorful and dazzling.
The deafening crackling of firecrackers, carrying with them the joy of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, resounded through the sky.
Su Wanqing and Lu Zhanting embraced, looking up at the magnificent spectacle.
The light from the fireworks shone on their faces and in their eyes, as bright as stars.
Behind him, the laughter and joy of his family filled the air.
In my arms, she is the only one in my life.
Su Wanqing leaned against Lu Zhanting's chest, feeling his steady and powerful heartbeat, and felt more at ease than ever before.
She knew.
Starting from this new year, everything will be reborn.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com