Chapter 64: Staying Up All Year Long
When Lu's mother was making dumplings, she put six coins in the dumpling filling, which indicated that the person who ate them would have great wealth in the new year. She also put ten peanuts, which symbolized health and longevity. She also made eight sugar dumplings, which symbolized sweetness.
As soon as the first pot of dumplings was cooked, it was served on the table for Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu to eat first. Grandpa Lu took the first bite of the peanut, and then Grandma Lu ate the first coin.
In the second pot of dumplings, Jiang Ruoxi ate three coins, two peanuts, and a sugar dumpling by herself, and Lu Tingxiao also ate a coin, three peanuts, and two sugar dumplings. Lu's mother said that in the new year, the young couple would make money, be healthy and happy.
After eating dumplings, the family sat happily around the warm stove.
On the stove, the water in the teapot gurgled and rolled, emitting a wisp of tea aroma; on the side, peanuts and oranges were roasted by the charcoal fire, gradually taking on attractive colors and emitting bursts of sweetness.
Everyone was talking at once, from the interesting things that happened in the past year to their aspirations for the new year. Laughter and joy echoed in the house, and the warm atmosphere became even stronger. Before I knew it, time had passed quietly and it was almost twelve o'clock.
Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu are old, and although they are reluctant to let go, their eyelids are already drooping and they can't hold on for much longer.
As the New Year's bell rang and amidst the blessings of everyone, Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu stood up slowly with satisfied smiles on their faces, supporting each other and going back to their room to rest.
Aunt Chen and Aunt Lan had been busy all day and were already exhausted. They went to bed early to recharge their energy for the new day.
At this moment, only Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, Mr. Jiang, and Mr. Jiang, as well as Lu Tingxiao and his wife, were left in the house. They were still immersed in the relaxed and happy atmosphere, continuing the unfinished topic.
Father Lu enthusiastically shared his memories of the Chinese New Year when he was young. Those simple yet joyful times made the young people look longing. Mother Lu smiled and recalled the funny things that happened when Lu Tingxiao and his brothers and sisters were little, making everyone laugh.
After chatting for a while, Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu as well as Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Jiang saw that the young couple was trying to stay alert but their eyes were full of fatigue, so they urged them to go back and rest with concern.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi stood up, holding hands and walking briskly back to their cozy little home under the concerned gazes of their elders.
The house has regained some tranquility, with only the occasional crackling sound from the stove, as if whispering about the happiness and reunion of this evening, and this warmth will continue to spread into the new year.
Mr. and Mrs. Lu and Mr. and Mrs. Jiang also understood that they had to pay New Year's greetings on the first day of the new year and could not afford to be in low spirits, so they did not stay too long and went back to their rooms to rest.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the morning light shines through the window and gently into the house.
The first ray of sunshine of the New Year awakened people who were still immersed in their dreams. Everyone got up early to welcome this hopeful Spring Festival.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi did not sleep in today. They got up from the bed in high spirits. They dressed carefully and prepared to pay New Year's greetings to Grandpa Lu, Grandma Lu and both sets of parents.
They first wished a happy new year to Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu. As soon as they saw Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu, they smiled, bowed respectfully, and said in unison: "Grandpa and Grandma, Happy New Year! I wish you two good health and all the best in the new year!"
Grandma Lu smiled so hard that her eyes narrowed into slits, and the wrinkles on her face were filled with joy. She quickly took out a thick red envelope from her pocket, handed it to Jiang Ruoxi, and said kindly: "Good, good, Happy New Year, you are all good children, Xixi, this is the New Year's money that grandma gives you. In the new year, you must be happy and healthy!"
Jiang Ruoxi felt a little embarrassed to accept the red envelope, and subconsciously looked at Lu Tingxiao. Lu Tingxiao smiled and nodded, indicating that Jiang Ruoxi could accept the red envelope from her grandparents. Jiang Ruoxi then took the red envelope with both hands, sincerely thanked Grandpa Lu and Grandma Lu, and carefully put the red envelope away.
Afterwards, the couple came to Mr. and Mrs. Lu and gave their New Year's greetings again: "Happy New Year, Mom and Dad! May your work go smoothly and everything goes well in the new year!"
Mr. and Mrs. Lu were also smiling happily. They stuffed the prepared red envelopes into their hands and asked them to take care of each other and live a good life in the new year.
Then, they paid New Year's greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, and also received two big thick red envelopes filled with love and blessings.
After paying New Year's greetings, the family gathered in the living room. Enticing aromas wafted from the kitchen. Aunt Chen and Aunt Lan were preparing a sumptuous New Year's breakfast. Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi were not idle either. They took the initiative to help set the table. The family sat around the dining table, eating breakfast in a lively atmosphere and sharing the joy of the New Year.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, after breakfast, Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi dressed warmly, said goodbye to Grandpa Lu and the others, and then went out hand in hand to pay New Year's greetings.
It is a sunny day outside and the streets are filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year. Children are wearing new clothes, running and playing with laughter. The air is filled with the smell of fireworks after firecrackers and the aroma of delicious food cooked in each household.
They first came to Teacher Xie's house. As soon as you enter the door, the house is bustling with laughter. Teacher Xie and Aunt Xie came over with smiles on their faces. Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi quickly gave them sincere New Year wishes: "Teacher Xie, Aunt Xie, Happy New Year! I wish you good health and everything goes well in the new year!"
Teacher Xie laughed heartily, took Lu Tingxiao's hand, and greeted him warmly, talking about the work in the past year and the outlook for the new year, his words full of care and expectations. Jiang Ruoxi sat aside with Aunt Xie, chatting about family matters and sharing the trivialities of life.
After saying goodbye to Commander Xie’s home, they went to Political Commissar Zhou’s home. However, in sharp contrast to the liveliness of the Xie family, Political Commissar Zhou's home seemed deserted. When they thought about Zhou Liqing, Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi felt mixed emotions. Zhou Liqing's previous behavior caused considerable trouble to the couple. Later, Zhou Liqing fell ill again. Political Commissar Zhou and his wife had no choice but to send her to Aunt Zhou's parents' home to recuperate. Zhou Liqing was unable to return home this New Year.
Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi knocked on the door. When Political Commissar Zhou and Aunt Zhou saw them, a complex look flashed across their eyes, one of guilt and relief. Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi still bowed politely and wished a happy new year: "Political Commissar Zhou, Aunt Zhou, Happy New Year!" Political Commissar Zhou forced a smile and asked them to sit down. The atmosphere in the room was a bit depressing. After a few simple greetings, Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi felt the tiredness and loneliness of Political Commissar Zhou and his wife, so they didn't bother them any more and stood up to say goodbye.
After leaving Political Commissar Zhou's home and walking on the way home, the warm winter sun shone on their bodies, but it could not dispel the melancholy in their hearts.
Jiang Ruoxi sighed softly, took Lu Tingxiao's arm and said, "I really hope Zhou Liqing can get better soon, and I also hope that Political Commissar Zhou and the others can put these troubles aside as soon as possible. Although this matter is not your fault, it is still caused by you!"
Lu Tingxiao nodded, held Jiang Ruoxi's hand tightly, and said, "Everything will be fine in the new year. We should cherish the life we have now and help those around us more!"
When we got home, the family sat together, talking and laughing. Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi joined in, sharing their experiences of New Year's greetings, and the house was filled with warmth and joy again.
Not long after they got home, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang and his wife, and Battalion Commander Qin and his wife, also came over to wish Lu Tingxiao and Jiang Ruoxi a happy new year. Although they were a little younger, he was the regiment commander and everyone in the army respected him. They got along well with him on weekdays, so it was reasonable for them to come to their home to wish them a happy new year during the Chinese New Year.
Hearing the knock on the door, Lu Tingxiao quickly got up to open it, only to see Deputy Head Zhang with a smile on his face and fruit in his hand, followed by Mrs. Zhang, who also looked very happy. "Captain Lu, Happy New Year!" Deputy Captain Zhang said enthusiastically as soon as he entered the door.
Lu Tingxiao quickly welcomed them in and responded with a smile, "Deputy Captain Zhang, come in quickly. It's New Year's Day, what else do you need to bring?"
Jiang Ruoxi also came out of the kitchen and greeted everyone with a smile: "Deputy Captain Zhang, Mrs. Zhang, please sit down and have some hot tea!"
Before we finished the greetings, the doorbell rang again. Battalion Commander Qin and Mrs. Qin also arrived. Battalion Commander Qin joked as he entered the room: "Oh, it seems we are not too late and have not missed the fun!"
Everyone laughed and the room instantly became lively. Everyone sat in the living room, eating melon seeds, sipping tea, and sharing interesting stories of the past year and plans for the New Year.
Deputy Head Zhang said with emotion: "Head Lu, over the past year, following you, our group has achieved a lot. In the new year, we will have to rely on you a lot!"
Lu Tingxiao waved his hand modestly: "This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. It is inseparable from the dedication of every comrade. In the new year, let's continue to fight side by side and make persistent efforts!"
Captain Qin also echoed, "That's right, Captain Lu is young and promising, and has many ideas. I feel at ease working with you."
The men were talking about men's topics. Mrs. Zhang took Jiang Ruoxi's hand and said affectionately, "Sister-in-law, you will give birth soon after the Chinese New Year. I wish you and Captain Lu a sweet and happy new year!" Mrs. Qin also nodded at the side: "Yes, seeing you two loving each other, we are all happy."
Jiang Ruoxi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled and said, "Thank you, Sister Zhang, Sister Qin, and I wish you a happy and healthy new year!"
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