With the addition of Grandpa and Grandma Lu, Yu Yin's family of six had an even more fulfilling New Year.
In the kitchen, Lu Shurui and Yu Yin were preparing a feast, with chicken, duck, fish, and meat—everything was included.
In the living room, Grandpa Lu was teaching Pingping and An'an to write couplets, while Grandma Lu was cutting paper snowflakes and Manman was helping out.
She gradually became less active and did everything slowly, but whatever she did, she did it well and clearly.
"Yes, that's how you fold it, it's so well done!" Grandma Lu's praises came from time to time, her voice filled with joy.
"Quickly, be careful, it's not dry yet." An'an quickly grabbed Kuai Kuai's hand, rescuing the couplet that her great-grandfather had just finished writing.
"I wanted to help, but you all have things to do." Kuai Kuai looked a little disappointed and withdrew her hand.
"Kuai Kuai, help your brother hold the paper down so it doesn't move." Pingping, who was cutting the paper, called Kuai Kuai over. The two brothers worked together to cut several sheets of paper, enough for their great-grandfather to write on.
With the paper-cut window decorations and couplets pasted up, the New Year's atmosphere immediately became more intense.
"Dinner's ready! Wash your hands and eat!"
"Dad's going out to set off firecrackers, who wants to go?"
Yu Yin and Lu Shurui came out of the kitchen, one carrying dishes and the other holding firecrackers.
"I'll go, I'll go!" Kuai Kuai was the first to rush over; he had been waiting for ages.
"Dad, I want to go too." An'an also likes setting off firecrackers, so she ran to get dressed and also grabbed clothes for Kuai Kuai.
Pingping also came downstairs, already dressed.
There was only slowness, no interest, and no movement.
"Manman, come with your sister, it'll be so much fun!"
"No."
An'an wasn't disappointed that Manman didn't respond. She followed behind her father and the others, eager to try and start a fire.
Yu Yin and Grandma Lu brought dishes to the table, while Grandpa Lu pulled her slowly to wash her hands. The family, with both the old and the young, was exceptionally warm and loving.
In accordance with local customs, Yu Yin prepared a sumptuous meal, which tasted even better with the blessing of the sacred spring water.
Grandpa Lu raised his glass, and everyone else picked up their glasses as well. Except for Lu Shurui's, the others all had juice.
"In the new year, let's all do our part. Those who are in school, let's get good grades. Those who aren't in school, let's stay healthy. As a family, peace and safety are the greatest blessing!" Without fancy words, these simple and honest words brought tears to Yu Yin's eyes.
This is the life I've always dreamed of: a family with loving elders and lively younger generations, no arguments, no fights, just harmonious and happy living together. It's wonderful!
The sound of firecrackers on the first day of the Lunar New Year resounded in our ears. 77 years have passed, and 78 has begun!
Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu were heading home after breakfast. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, neighbors would visit each other, and other children would come to offer New Year's greetings.
Yu Yin and her family of six also went over to meet other relatives. They had nothing to do in the afternoon, so they could go for a stroll in the street.
In the alley, people come and go, visiting relatives and paying respects to leaders, carrying net bags and square pastries wrapped in oil paper. Everything is so real, and the feeling is natural and comfortable, something that can't be portrayed in nostalgic movies!
People wore gray Zhongshan suits, floral cotton-padded jackets, or khaki Lenin suits, with thick clothes underneath, making them look bulky. Occasionally, there were fashionable people who were well-off, wearing neat woolen overcoats and standing ramrod straight.
No matter what they were wearing, even old clothes with patches, everyone's face was filled with a joyful smile, and the children's silvery laughter echoed throughout the alley!
People's happiness comes from the heart and is a natural expression. Even an elderly person with a face full of wrinkles smiles feels warm and fuzzy.
Unlike in later generations, where people are busy every day and rarely smile, and even when they do smile, it's a forced smile that's worse than not smiling at all!
"You've come back from your grandson's house. You two are so lucky to have such filial children and grandchildren!" The neighbor, Grandpa Li, couldn't have been more envious.
Old Master Li's three sons fought so fiercely over housing that their heads turned to mush. Although they now live together, they don't speak to each other when they meet, and they even roll their eyes at each other. The children from each family also frequently get into fights.
Old Master Li's three sons lived like lonely old men, and all felt that he favored his other brothers.
Grandpa Lu knew that his old friend was just saying it for show and didn't need his comfort.
Grandpa and Grandma greeted familiar neighbors along the way, chatting about each other's younger generations. It took them over an hour to walk just a few meters; they knew so many people, had lived together for decades, and their bond was extraordinary.
Imagine decades from now, in a building, people who have lived across from each other for over a decade might not have exchanged more than a few words. Everyone keeps their doors tightly shut, and their hearts even tighter!
"Mom, we're going to play with our friends outside for a while. We won't go far; we'll stay in this alley." An'an and Pingping both have familiar playmates, and even Kuai Kuai has playmates of similar age.
"Okay, play for a while. If you get cold, go back to Great-Grandpa's house to warm up. Keep an eye on Kuai Kuai for Mom and make sure he's safe."
"Manman, do you want to play with your sister?" An'an knew that Manman probably wouldn't play with her, but she still asked her every time.
"don't want."
She slowly took her mother's hand and refused her sister's offer.
An An waved her hand, indicating that she understood.
Yu Yin and Manman slowly walked into Grandpa Lu's house, where Lu Shurui had already started boiling water.
"Manman, don't you want to play with your older brother and sister? How about you fold paper with Great-Grandma?" Grandma Lu asked Manman carefully, looking at her quiet demeanor.
"good."
Slowly let go of Mom's hand and take Great-Grandma's hand. She's recently taken a liking to origami and paper cutting.
"He has a steady temperament and is resilient."
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