Today is the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month.
"You're already twenty-five, and you haven't even prepared for the New Year yet. Xiao Li, Xiao Wu, go and buy some meat and vegetables for frying New Year's treats. We'll fry some New Year's treats today and make some dumplings at the same time."
Yang Yufen called out to the kitchen, and Xiao Wu and Xiao Li came out.
"Professor Qin."
The two looked at Qin Nian, whose eyes were already red, and Shen Xianjun held Qin Nian's hand tightly.
"Go buy it, Mom. Just tell me what you need, and we'll buy it all."
Shen Xianjun looked at Yang Yufen, wanting to go forward to help her, but he didn't dare.
"mom."
Qin Nian called out softly.
"Niannian likes vegetarian meatballs, Liwu likes meatballs, Liwen likes cat ear-shaped meatballs, buy some mutton, make mutton and chive dumplings, Xianjun likes them."
"Okay, ma'am, we'll go buy it now."
"Dumplings taste best when the dough is kneaded, rolled out, and wrapped by hand."
As Yang Yufen spoke, she walked toward the kitchen, and Shen Xianjun silently followed, turning over the flour sack.
"Mom, I'll knead the dough. I'm strong, you watch."
"Okay, you never add the right amount of water when you knead the dough. Crack two eggs in with it and add some salt."
Yang Yufen kept talking, and besides Shen Xianjun, Li Wen also silently surrounded her, supporting her with one hand while keeping up with her conversation.
"Grandma, tell me, is there anything else you need? I'll help you."
Qin Nian stood there, tears streaming down her face. Even Li Wu, with his thick skin, sensed something was wrong, but refused to believe it.
"Mom, Grandma, she..."
"Don't say anything, just stay with your grandma."
Qin Nian raised her hand to wipe away her tears, forced herself to smile, and left Li Wu behind, joining him.
"Mom, I'll help too."
"Hey, don't move, let Xianjun and the others do it. If women are doing the work, there will always be work to be done."
Yang Yufen grabbed Qin Nian with one hand.
"We're making dumplings today. I'll invite your teacher's wife and the others to come over for dinner. Go call them and invite your Aunt Wang too. It's been a long time since we've all sat down to eat together. The last time we had a family reunion for the New Year was back in the family compound."
"Okay, Mom, I'll go make the call right now."
Qin Nian nodded repeatedly and went out. She went upstairs to her room, her eyes already blurred with tears. She wiped them again and again and took out her phone to make a call.
Professor Wen and Aunt Wang were the first to arrive.
"Why didn't you tell us you were making dumplings and frying New Year's goods sooner? We could have come and helped you sooner."
The two walked tacitly to Yang Yufen's side.
"We've been waiting for you. Look, I just bought the groceries."
Wow, you've prepared so much!
Aunt Wang looked at the pile of ingredients.
"Not many, not many. Everyone has different preferences. Professor Wen likes cabbage dumplings, and you like sauerkraut dumplings. There are many people, so we can make them in no time."
Everyone was laughing. As the meatballs went into the pot, the unique aroma of fried food immediately filled the air.
Yang Yufen still habitually handed the first batch of food that came out of the pot to Qin Nian and the child.
"Eat, it's most delicious when it's fresh out of the pot."
Just as Gui Xiang and her family arrived, Dean Hu also came, followed by Hu Jun, Zhou Ang, and Wang Shuo, one after another.
"Grandma Yang, we've all come to see you."
"Alright, alright, the meatballs are freshly fried, have some to tide you over."
The four families gathered together in perfect unison.
The plump dumplings came out of the pot, and amidst the steaming air, everyone ate them while holding their bowls.
"Nian Nian, Nian Nian, take a picture."
Yang Yufen changed into a new outfit.
Gui Xiang and the others silently turned away to wipe their tears.
"It's so wonderful to have met you all in this lifetime. Nian Nian is doing well, and the children are doing well too. Xian Jun, you should cherish your blessings."
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