On New Year's Eve, the streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with joy and the sound of fireworks.
The Ning family's old house was bustling with people coming and going.
The Ning family members are all very busy people, and it's rare for them to get together even during holidays.
Later, the eldest grandfather gave everyone an order: everyone could have small gatherings at other times, but everyone had to come back for the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and no one could be an exception.
Therefore, the most lively meal for the Ning family every year is the New Year's Eve feast.
Two weeks ago, the Ning family's chefs called each of the young masters to ask what they wanted to eat this year.
The Ning family members are not picky eaters; everyone says that the kitchen can handle the arrangements.
The chef finally drafted a long menu and personally went to "Yipinxiang" to consult Ning Lang before finalizing the menu.
In the past, Ning Lang was the head chef for the family reunion dinner, but this year she said she couldn't leave. She prepared the ingredients, and the rest was cooked by the family chef.
Nevertheless, she still arrived at the old house ahead of time to help.
The weather was still a bit cold, but the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year was so strong that it seemed to have diluted the chill a lot.
She was wearing a lot of clothes, and after greeting her grandfather, parents, and other elders, she took off her coat and went to the kitchen to give instructions.
Ning's mother squinted at her daughter's back and said, "A-Lang seems to have gained some weight recently."
"You must be mistaken. You said the same thing last time," Ning's father said gently. "Her face is still so thin, and her legs are still like matchsticks. We can't comment on the aesthetic standards of young people these days. In the past, people would have looked down on someone as skinny as her."
Ning's mother's eyes flickered slightly, as if she had remembered something.
"By the way, I heard that Ah-Xuan has been getting very close to her lately, and it seems that their relationship goes beyond just that of subordinate and boss."
Mr. Ning smiled but said nothing, and continued drinking his tea.
A moment later, Ning Rui strode in with a big smile, "Hello, Uncle! Hello, Aunt! Happy New Year!"
Ning's mother smiled kindly and took out a red envelope to give to him.
"Find a good partner next year, and your aunt will be waiting for your red envelope."
According to Rongcheng's old tradition, elders must give children red envelopes (containing money) if they are not married and have established their own careers, regardless of their age. If they are married, then they are the ones who should give red envelopes to their elders.
Ning Rui chuckled and said, "Because of the red envelopes you and my uncle gave me, I've made up my mind to stay single for a few more years!"
"Naughty!" Ning's mother said gently, "By the way, I asked you to invite A-Xuan to come for the family reunion dinner. Will he come?"
“Definitely.” Ning Rui slumped onto the sofa, grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds, and started cracking them open. “Even if I don’t call, he’ll come. He and A-Lang are practically inseparable now—hehe!”
I've known this "frenemies" for over a decade, and their best period wasn't during their wedding two months, but rather recently.
Ning's mother chuckled and nodded, "He'll probably go to the old house to find Lao Qing first. He'll invite him over for the reunion dinner and keep us company on New Year's Eve."
"Don't worry!" Ning Rui spat out a sunflower seed shell and raised an eyebrow. "Your future son-in-law will definitely be there. I promise you."
Ning's mother nodded in satisfaction and turned to get busy.
At this moment, the eldest son of the family, Ning Gu, walked out with a cane. Although he was nearly eighty years old, he was still vigorous and energetic.
The crowd stood up one after another, went to greet him, and surrounded him.
The old man's gaze swept over the younger generation, and he asked gently, "Where is that girl, A-Lang?"
Ning Rui quickly replied, "Grandpa, she's helping with the preparation of ingredients in the main kitchen."
He hugged the old man's arm and said in a spoiled tone, "Grandpa, you always ask A-Lang first, can't you ask me first? No way, I'm going to be jealous this time!"
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