Xin Jiuwei nestled in her grandmother's arms, feeling the familiar sandalwood scent and warmth emanating from the old woman. She softly hummed in agreement, her heart filled with peace and happiness. The loneliness and desolation of her past life, the destruction of her family, all seemed like a distant nightmare, vanished without a trace by the warmth that was within reach before her.
"That girl Xin Kui is also a lucky one," Grandmother said softly. "That silly boy Yun Zhou may seem carefree, but he's actually quite thoughtful and knows how to care for people. It's even more precious that your father agreed. Our Xin family doesn't care about those empty social statuses; noble character and mutual affection are more important than anything else."
“Grandmother is right.” Xin Jiuwei nodded, happy for her brother and Xin Kui.
“When spring comes, Xun’er will return to the capital on business. If you want to go and see him, you can go with him.” Grandmother patted her hand. “Young people, it’s good to travel and see more of the world. Your aunt will take care of things in Yuncheng, so don’t worry about us.”
Xin Jiuwei was deeply moved. Her grandmother was always like this, silently considering everything for her. "Thank you, Grandmother," she said, burying her head even deeper.
Outside the window, a light snow began to fall again. Inside the warm room, the candlelight flickered, and the soft whispers of the grandmother and grandson blended into the warm air, a scene of peaceful tranquility.
New Year's Eve is just around the corner.
The Xin family mansion was brightly decorated inside and out, with red lanterns reflecting off the white snow, creating a festive atmosphere. The New Year's Eve dinner was incredibly lavish, with dishes from all over the country filling three large round tables, symbolizing family reunion. The maternal grandfather was in high spirits, pulling Xin's father and two uncles to play drinking games, while Xin Yunzhou was surrounded by his cousins playing drinking games, creating a lively atmosphere.
Xin Jiuwei and Xin Xiyao sat at a table with their maternal grandmother and aunts, chatting softly about everyday matters. Xin Kui sat to Xin Jiuwei's left, quietly serving food and adding tea, a gentle smile always on her face. Although Xin Yunzhou was making a ruckus at another table, his gaze kept drifting over. Seeing that Xin Kui's wine glass was empty, he immediately gestured to the servant next to him to add hot tea. His clumsy yet thoughtful concern brought knowing smiles to the faces of the elders present.
Xiao Xun sat beside Xin's father, his demeanor impeccable and his speech measured, displaying both the bearing of a prince and a deep respect for the elders of the Xin family. As Xin's father spoke with him, satisfaction and appreciation gradually appeared in his eyes.
"Here, try this." Taking advantage of the noise at the table, Xiao Xun quietly picked up a piece of fish meat with the bones removed and put it in Xin Jiuwei's bowl, saying in a low voice, "Your favorite steamed sea bass."
Xin Jiuwei felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but pretended to be calm on the surface and picked up a piece of his favorite eight-treasure duck for him: "You eat too."
The two smiled at each other, their eyes meeting in a tacit understanding and affection that no one else could comprehend.
The moment of staying up all night finally arrived. Everyone moved to the warm, heated hall and sat down around several large braziers. Maids served steaming dumplings and various dried fruits and pastries. The children were the most excited, chasing and playing in the hall, waiting to receive lucky money.
As the patriarch, Mr. Xin took out the red envelopes he had prepared beforehand and distributed them to the younger generation one by one. Even Xin Kui received a thick red envelope. Holding the red envelope, Xin Kui's eyes reddened slightly, and she thanked them repeatedly. Next came her maternal grandparents, her two uncles and aunts, and everyone received one, with laughter and chatter filling the air.
Xiao Xun smiled and took out several exquisite brocade pouches, giving them to Xin Jiuwei, Xin Xiyao, and their younger cousins. Xin Jiuwei opened the pouch, and inside were a pair of small, exquisite, and lifelike gold-inlaid jade rabbit charms, delicate and cute, clearly carefully selected.
"So beautiful!" Xin Xiyao couldn't help but admire her pair of butterfly-shaped lucky coins.
Looking at the adorable little rabbit in her palm, and then at Xiao Xun's smiling gaze, Xin Jiuwei felt her heart overflowing with warmth.
After the New Year's money was distributed, the flower hall became even more lively. Xin Yunzhou was pestered by his younger cousins to tell him interesting stories about the martial arts world, Xin Xiyao led her younger cousins in cat's cradle games, and his maternal grandmother and aunts gathered together to study new embroidery patterns. Xin's father continued to drink tea and chat with his two uncles and maternal grandfather, discussing everything from the harvest to the future of their children and grandchildren, in a harmonious atmosphere.
Xiao Xun quietly tugged at Xin Jiuwei's sleeve and gestured towards the outside with his eyes. Xin Jiuwei understood, and the two slipped out of the warm and inviting flower hall under the pretext of refilling tea.
A chill swept in from outside, and fine snow fell silently. The red lanterns hanging in the courtyard cast a soft, warm glow in the snow. The two walked side-by-side on the cleared path, the snow crunching softly under their feet.
"Are you cold?" Xiao Xun naturally took Xin Jiuwei's hand and wrapped her slightly cool hand in his warm palm.
Xin Jiuwei shook her head, feeling the warmth of his palm, and felt at ease: "It's too noisy inside, it's good to come out for some fresh air." She looked up at the snowflakes falling from the sky, "Another year has passed."
"Mm." Xiao Xun responded, stopping and turning to face her. The lantern light softly illuminated his handsome profile. He reached out and brushed the snowflakes from her hair, his gaze focused and tender. "Wei'er, in the new year, may we meet often and be happy every year."
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly touched Xin Jiuwei's heart, carrying a solemn promise and expectation. She looked back into his deep eyes, where her own image was clearly reflected, as if filled with the entire galaxy.
"May we meet again every year, and may we be happy every year," she repeated softly, a happy smile curving her lips.
In the distance came the excited countdown of children: "Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!"
"Bang—pop!" Brilliant fireworks exploded in the night sky, instantly illuminating the dark night and the two people smiling at each other in the courtyard. The colorful light flowed in their eyes, making their smiles exceptionally clear and touching.
Xin Jiuwei looked at the person before her, listened to the deafening cheers and blessings coming from the flower hall behind her, and felt the firm warmth of Xiao Xun's hand in her palm. The bitter winds and rains of her past life, the careful planning of this life, all the hardships and calculations, were soothed at this moment by the warmth and peace of this ordinary human world before her.
All she wanted was this kind of life: her family safe and sound, her lover by her side, and peaceful days. Now, she truly holds all of this in her hands.
"Happy New Year, Xiao Xun," she said softly, her eyes filled with starlight and laughter.
"Happy New Year, my Wei'er." Xiao Xun gripped her hand tightly, his voice deep and powerful.
Snowflakes fell silently onto their shoulders and hair, only to be quietly melted by the warmth emanating from the flower hall. Deep in the courtyard, the old plum tree, weathered by time, stood proudly amidst the wind and snow, its buds quietly nurturing new life and hope in the flickering light of fireworks.
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