Happy times are always short, and soon it is time to say goodbye.
Although Dad Chen was reluctant, he understood that his daughters and son-in-law had their own lives and responsibilities.
He silently helped Zhou Ziwen move the luggage onto the carriage, his eyes full of concern and worry.
"Ziwen, be careful on your way back. Remember to write to me when you get to the city," Dad Chen reminded.
Zhou Ziwen nodded vigorously and said, "Dad, don't worry. I will take good care of Qiaoyi and Shiying. You should also take care of your health."
Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying were already in tears. They hugged Chen's father tightly and were unwilling to let go.
Chen Qiaoyi sobbed and said, "Dad, we will miss you. You should eat well on the farm alone and don't get too tired."
Father Chen patted their backs gently and comforted them, "Silly children, why are you crying? Daddy is here and everything is fine. You don't have to worry."
The carriage started slowly, and Zhou Ziwen's family waved goodbye to Chen's father and everyone else.
Little Yueyue, sitting in the carriage, also waved her hands and said in a baby voice, "Goodbye, Grandpa."
Father Chen stood there until the carriage disappeared from his sight, then he turned around and slowly left.
A few days later, they returned to Beijing safely. This visit to their relatives took about half a month.
By now, the Chinese New Year is almost here.
The streets and alleys of the old city are filled with the strong atmosphere of the New Year. People are busy buying New Year's goods. The streets and alleys are decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, creating a lively scene.
As soon as Zhou Ziwen and his family returned home, Zhou's mother came to greet them. She took Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying's hands, looked at them carefully, her eyes full of concern: "Are you tired from the journey? Come in and rest."
Little Yueyue ran around the house excitedly, full of curiosity about everything at home, and kept shouting, "Grandma, Grandma."
Mother Zhou smiled and picked up little Yueyue, kissing her again and again: "Oh, my dear granddaughter, do you miss grandma?"
Little Yueyue replied in a baby voice: "I miss grandma."
Zhou Ziwen looked at the heartwarming scene and felt warm in his heart.
He put down his luggage and said to Zhou Ma, "Mom, we are doing well outside, don't worry."
"Okay, come in quickly! It's cold outside." Mother Zhou held little Yueyue in her arms, fearing that she would get cold.
When I got home, the warm air hit me, dispelling the coldness I had felt along the way.
The interior of the house is still warm and cozy. The old photos on the wall record the family's past, and the familiar furniture is arranged in an orderly manner, making Zhou Ziwen and his friends feel a sense of belonging instantly.
…
In the following days, the family began to busy themselves with preparations for the New Year.
Dad Zhou took Zhou Ziwen to the market to buy Spring Festival couplets, blessing characters, firecrackers and other New Year's goods, and also bought some new clothes for everyone.
Chen Qiaoyi and Chen Shiying worked with Zhou Ma to clean the house and prepare ingredients for the New Year's Eve dinner.
Little Yueyue followed them like a little tail, making trouble from time to time and making everyone laugh.
Chen Qiaoyi's belly was slightly bulging, making it a little inconvenient for her to move, but she still insisted on helping.
Mother Zhou said distressedly: "Yiyi, you go and have a rest, we can do these chores."
Chen Qiaoyi smiled and said, "Mom, I'm fine. I also want to make some contribution to the family."
Chen Shiying also said, "Yes, Auntie, let's do it together, it will be faster this way."
Finally, it’s New Year’s Eve.
On this day, the eldest and second brothers also brought their wives and children home to celebrate the New Year.
The only pity is that my eldest sister can’t go home for the New Year because she is getting married.
The whole family sat around the table, which was filled with a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.
There are fragrant braised fish, which symbolizes abundance every year; there are steaming dumplings, which symbolize reunion and auspiciousness; and there are all kinds of delicious dishes that make people salivate.
Father Zhou took out a bottle of wine he had treasured for a long time and poured a glass for his eldest brother, second brother, and himself. He then poured a glass for Zhou Ziwen and said with a smile, "It's New Year's Day today, let's have a drink together. Ziwen, you've done well in the village. Dad is proud of you. This glass of wine is a toast to you."
Zhou Ziwen quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Dad, I did what I should do. I toast to you and Mom with this glass of wine. Thank you for raising me."
After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.
The eldest brother Zhou Jianhua also raised his glass, looked at Zhou Ziwen and said, "My dear little brother, you have worked hard in the village this year. Not only have you lived well, but you have also helped everyone to become rich. I admire you. I hope everything goes well for you in the new year."
The second brother Zhou Guohua followed up and said, "Yes, little brother, you are the pride of our family now."
Zhou Ziwen smiled and said, "Big brother, second brother, you are too kind. After the New Year, let's get together as brothers and I will tell you about the things happening in the village."
Everyone was eating New Year's Eve dinner and chatting. The children were laughing and playing nearby. Little Yueyue took a dumpling, ran to Zhou's father and said, "Grandpa, eat dumplings."
Father Zhou took the dumplings with a smile and said, "Little Yueyue is so good. Grandpa will eat them."
Sister-in-law Lin Xiaomei looked at little Yueyue and said with a smile: "This child is so cute. She looks more and more like Ziwen when he was a child."
Second sister-in-law Liu Huifang also nodded and said, "Yes, she is smart and clever, and she will definitely have a bright future."
Chen Qiaoyi smiled and said: "Little Yueyue is very naughty now. She runs around everywhere every day and never stops for a moment."
Zhou Ma said, "Children, it's better to be lively. By the way, Yiyi, you're pregnant now, so you should take care of yourself and don't get too tired."
Chen Qiaoyi nodded and said, "Mom, I understand. I will be careful."
After eating the New Year’s Eve dinner, everyone sat in front of the radio and listened to the New Year’s concert on the radio.
The melodious music echoed in the house, adding a special warmth to this New Year's Eve.
Little Yueyue leaned in Chen Qiaoyi's arms, her eyes gradually closed, and she fell asleep soon.
Chen Qiaoyi gently stroked her hair, a happy smile on her face.
Dad Zhou closed his eyes and listened to the music, nodding gently to the rhythm from time to time.
Mother Zhou was knitting a sweater, the wool moving through her hands as if she was weaving the future of her family.
Eldest brother Zhou Jianhua and eldest sister-in-law Lin Xiaomei were talking in low voices, discussing plans for the new year.
My second brother Zhou Guohua and my second sister-in-law Liu Huifang played simple games with the children, and the house was filled with laughter.
As time goes by, the New Year is getting closer.
Father Zhou looked at the clock on the wall and said, "It's almost twelve o'clock. Let's stay up together to celebrate the New Year."
Everyone nodded and sat together, waiting for the arrival of the New Year.
Zhou Xiaomei took out some candies and melon seeds and distributed them to everyone.
Zhou Ziwen smiled and said, "Little sister, you are quite well prepared."
Zhou Xiaomei said mischievously: "It's Chinese New Year, of course we have to have food and drink to be happy."
While eating snacks, everyone shared interesting stories of the past year and expectations for the new year.
When the clock struck twelve, the sound of firecrackers outside reached a climax.
Zhou Ziwen and Zhou Chaoyang brought the children back to the yard and lit the fireworks. The fireworks streaked across the night sky like shooting stars, bursting into brilliant and colorful light.
Dad Zhou, Mom Zhou and others also came to the yard to enjoy the beautiful night view together.
Dad Zhou looked at the fireworks and said with emotion: "The new year has begun. I hope our family can be healthy and safe."
Everyone nodded, their hearts filled with beautiful anticipation for the new year. (End of this chapter)
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