Chapter 165: New Year's Eve Reunion
The Spring Festival holiday of Chen's company officially kicked off, and Su Nian finally took off the "armor" of work and welcomed his own "lying down" long vacation.
Having said that, this holiday is indeed long enough, after all, it comes with a luxurious gift package for childbirth and maternity leave.
Jiangcheng University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where Si Yan teaches, has already started its winter vacation mode some time ago.
Before Su Nian had his holiday, Professor Si could be called the "ceiling of time management": he would send Su Nian downstairs to the company every day without fail, and then he would go to the school laboratory to work on scientific research projects. In the afternoon, he would squeeze out time to see patients at Jishidiang. He was so busy that he was like a wound-up top. Su Nian even joked with him that "if he turned two steps faster, he would take off on the spot."
Now that the Spring Festival is approaching, the research team has temporarily stopped work, and Jishiditang has also hung up a sign announcing "Good Luck, Closed for Medical Treatment." Si Yan can finally confidently start his exclusive mission of staying home with his wife, and solemnly announces: "Reporting to Madam Si, the professional breeder is online!"
As soon as the words fell, the little ancestor in my belly suddenly kicked and expressed confusion: Daddy, are you raising my mom or me?
The kick was so powerful that Su Nian cried out "Ouch".
Si Yan quickly leaned over and touched her belly, his fingertips pressed against her pregnant belly and she chuckled softly, her tone as if coaxing a child: "What are you thinking about? Of course I want to raise this precious child of yours! Why, you're not happy?"
Su Nian was happy and laughed while touching her belly.
Professor Si continued with the prenatal education: "Well, that kick was in vain. Daddy's prenatal education class is directly teaching you to understand your place in the family!"
During the holidays, Su Nian completely achieved "sleep freedom".
That day she slept until she woke up naturally, and as usual, Si Yan was no longer by her side.
She woke up slowly that day, and Si Yan was no longer by her side. She sat up with the help of her heavy belly. The moment she opened the curtains, the sunlight poured in, and it was so warm that she wanted to sing "Thank You" on the spot.
Su Nian finished washing up slowly and found Professor Si sitting upright in the study. She couldn't help but complain, "Professor Si, you're not sleeping in on your day off. Is this a vacation or a 'self-discipline training camp'? What a waste of talent!"
Si Yan looked up from his book and pushed up his glasses. "Mrs. Si, you're wrong. I was just practicing getting up early to change my baby's diapers in the future."
This leisurely atmosphere was also mixed with the "New Year's goods bombardment" from both parents - fresh seafood still smelling of the sea, juicy fruits as if they had just finished a spa, beautiful steaks, crispy nuts... ... The food kept pouring into the house, and the young couple was so fed that they exclaimed: "If we eat any more, it will become New Year's goods!"
Old Mrs. Chen's cold was finally almost healed. Chen Ran and Su Hong took her home two days before the New Year and prepared a reunion dinner.
Su Nian and Si Yan also came back to stay for two days.
Si Yan knew that the old lady's illness had drained a lot of her energy, so he thought of bringing his wife back to stay for two days. During the rare free time, he could spend more time with the old lady and his parents-in-law to make the home more lively.
For the first time in his life, Chen Ran experienced the excitement of "the whole family gathered together". He was as happy as a child who got New Year's money. His smile never stopped. He handed fruits to the old lady, helped Su Hong pick vegetables, and was so busy that he kept humming a song.
Si Yan took the old lady's pulse. The situation was as he expected, but he still used his skills as a "master of language art" to make the old lady smile with just a few words, as if the pulse-taking just now was just a formality.
As soon as Su Nian saw the newly bought mahjong machine in the entertainment room, his eyes lit up immediately and he shouted that he wanted to "play a hand".
Chen Ran bought this specifically for fear that his wife Su Hong would be bored. When she has nothing to do, she can call a few good friends to play with her.
When the old lady heard the word "playing mahjong", she immediately became excited. Su Hong simply arranged for Si Yan to "join in", while she and Chen Ran became "kitchen shift workers", and whoever was free would go to the table to fill in.
After a few rounds, the old lady and Su Nian had the best luck - the old lady got a kang as soon as she touched the cards, and Su Nian got a waiting hand. The chips they won were piled up like a mountain, and they were grinning from ear to ear.
Su Nian shook her head proudly and patted her belly to show off: "See? With such luck, it would be a shame not to buy a lottery ticket!"
The "trophies" on the mahjong table hadn't been cleared away yet when the aroma of braised pork wafted from the kitchen. Su Hong calculated the time, stewing the meat until it was just tender. She called out from the doorway, "Have you all, 'Mahjong masters,' please stop for a moment! The Great Wall can be built anytime, and the braised pork won't taste the same if it gets cold! Wash your hands and eat!"
No one spoiled the fun. Even Su Nian, who was so happy with his win, immediately put down his cards and pulled the old lady to the restaurant. The old lady knew that this kind of lively day might be the last, so she cherished every minute and every second, eating, drinking, and playing, all happily joining in the fun.
New Year's Eve came in a blink of an eye. Since both families had elderly people, the young couple Si Yan and Su Nian started the "rush reunion dinner" mode: at noon at Su Nian's parents' house, and in the evening, they moved to the Si family's old house.
Su Hong and Chen Ran had been busy all morning. The dining table was filled with dishes. The hot steam and the fragrance filled the room so much that even the windows were fogged up.
Su Hong brought out the last plate of four-happiness meatballs. The shiny meatballs were topped with wolfberries, looking as festive as dolls in New Year paintings.
Chen Ran had already prepared the drinks and poured juice for the old lady and Su Nian. Si Yan accompanied his father-in-law and mother-in-law to drink some white wine.
Everyone raised their glasses joyfully, and Chen Ran said, "Today is the first time our family is so together. Thank you, Ah Hong, for giving me a happy home. Thank you, my daughter and son-in-law, for finally giving me some of the airs of an 'old father.' Come, let's toast together!"
The old lady also tremblingly raised the juice glass, and the crisp "ding" sound represented this hard-earned reunion.
She took a sip, her eyes warmed. "Great, great! I never thought an old woman like me could witness such a lively and happy New Year! Thank you, thank you..."
"Mom, please take good care of yourself. Good days are yet to come!" Su Hong continued with a smile.
"Mom knows, I must try my best to live!" The old lady wiped her eyes and burst into laughter.
She took out a few thick red envelopes from her pocket and handed one to Su Hong first: "Ah Hong, thank you, Mom. You are the 'number one hero' of our family."
Then she gave one to everyone, even Chen Ran got one. He was flattered: "Me too? Thanks, Mom!" After that, he gave the red envelope to Su Hong for safekeeping.
Immediately afterwards, Su Hong and Chen Ran each took out red envelopes and handed them to the children.
Without saying a word, Si Yan followed suit and handed it to Su Nian: "Here, the Financial Director, please take over."
Su Nian hugged a pile of red envelopes, her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled - this was probably the most comfortable way to celebrate the Chinese New Year: with food and drink, love and laughter, and even the air was filled with the sweet smell of reunion.
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