Chapter 308 Eating Dumplings
Shen Xiaoxiao stood to the side, her eyes fixed on the dumplings bubbling in the pot, her chopsticks constantly stirring to ensure that each dumpling was heated evenly and wouldn't stick together.
"Xiaoxiao, go set out the bowls and chopsticks. The dumplings will be ready in a bit." Ma Aning stood in front of the stove, skillfully cooking dumplings, and said to Shen Xiaoxiao without turning her head.
Upon hearing her mother's instructions, Shen Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement and quickly took the bowls and chopsticks out of the cupboard, arranging them neatly on the dining table.
She also thoughtfully placed a pair of chopsticks and a small dish in front of each person's seat, and then brought out several dishes of vinegar and minced garlic and placed them in the center of the table for everyone to dip in.
Just then, Shen Xiaochuan helped Shen Zishan slowly walk out of the house.
Although Shen Zishan had drunk some wine and rested for so long, he had recovered, but his movements were still a bit slow.
With Shen Xiaochuan's help, he sat steadily in a chair at the dining table.
Several people sat around the dining table, waiting for the dumplings.
"The dumplings are here!" Ma Aning's voice came from the kitchen. She carried a large plate of dumplings, her face beaming with smiles, and quickly walked to the dining table, placing the dumplings in the center of the table.
"Wow, it smells so good!" Shen Xiaoxiao couldn't help but exclaim as the rich aroma of dumplings instantly filled the entire room.
Shen Xiaoxiao picked up a dumpling and carefully placed it in her father's bowl: "Dad, please try it. Mom rolled out the wrappers, and my brother and I made them ourselves."
Shen Zishan smiled and nodded, picked up a dumpling, took a bite, and praised it repeatedly: "Delicious, delicious! Our little one's cooking skills are getting better and better."
Shen Xiaochuan also picked up a dumpling, carefully put it in his mouth, and slowly chewed it, savoring the taste of the dumpling.
Shen Xiaoxiao looked at Shen Xiaochuan expectantly and asked impatiently, "How is it? Is it delicious? Has it improved?"
Shen Xiaochuan nodded quickly, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Mmm...delicious, so delicious! These dumplings taste better than any I've ever had outside."
Hearing Shen Xiaochuan's praise, Shen Xiaoxiao was very happy, "If it's delicious, then eat more!"
After finishing the dumplings, the family set off firecrackers together, the crackling sounds echoing throughout the yard, creating a lively atmosphere.
After setting off the firecrackers, everyone returned to their rooms to rest and recharge for the new year.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, sunlight streamed through the windows into the Shen family's courtyard, adding warmth and joy to the small space.
The Shen family courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, with bright red lanterns hanging high and red Spring Festival couplets pasted on the doors, exuding a strong festive atmosphere.
Shen Xiaoxiao got up early and saw the lanterns and Spring Festival couplets hanging up. "Finally, good days are coming."
After admiring the scenery for a while, Shen Xiaoxiao went to wash up. After washing up, she went to the kitchen to help her mother, Ma Aning, prepare tea, snacks, and candies for the guests.
At this very moment, Shen Xiaochuan was sitting with his father, Shen Zishan, in a spacious and bright main room, each with a steaming cup of tea in front of them.
“Xiao Chuan,” Shen Zishan said with a smile, looking at his son. “Our family is so much more lively than ever this year because you’re home for the New Year!” His words revealed his joy and satisfaction at his son’s return.
Shen Xiaochuan smiled and nodded. "Dad, don't worry. I will come back to spend the New Year with you, Mom, and my sister whenever I have time."
Just as the father and son were talking, a series of light footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.
"Come on, the village chief and the others are here. Let's hurry and get together," Shen Zishan said, leading Shen Xiaochuan and Shen Xiaoxiao out of the courtyard. They greeted the villagers they met and went to the brigade headquarters together.
After all the men and children in the village had arrived, they marched in a large group to the first house, which was Shen Xiaoxiao's house.
Shen Xiaoxiao quickly returned home and prepared snacks for the villagers who came to pay New Year's visits with Ma Aning.
Shen Zishan and Shen Xiaochuan arrived home first, followed by several elders from the village leading a group of children in.
With beaming smiles, they clasped their hands in greeting and said in unison, "Happy New Year! Happy New Year!"
Upon seeing this, Shen Zishan and Shen Xiaochuan quickly stood up to greet them, warmly exchanging pleasantries with the elders.
Shen Xiaoxiao, carrying a plate full of tea and snacks, greeted them with a smile: "Uncle, Aunt, Happy New Year! Please come in and sit down, have a cup of hot tea to warm yourselves up."
Ma Aning brought out plates of candy and melon seeds from the kitchen and warmly greeted everyone: "Come on, have some candy." Then she grabbed a handful of candy for each child.
One after another, villagers came to Shen's house to offer New Year's greetings.
Everyone sat together, chatting about everyday things, and laughter filled the air.
Shen Xiaoxiao and Shen Xiaochuan busied themselves serving tea and candy to the guests, their faces always adorned with smiles.
"Xiaoxiao, I heard you got into university? That's amazing!" An auntie held Shen Xiaoxiao's hand tightly, her face full of envy, and exclaimed sincerely.
Shen Xiaoxiao smiled a little shyly and replied modestly, "Auntie, you're too kind. I was able to get into university just because I was a little bit lucky."
At this moment, another uncle came over, gently patted Shen Xiaochuan's shoulder, and said with a happy smile, "Xiaochuan, you must stay for a few more days this time you come back."
"Among all the families in our village, yours is the most successful! Look, Xiaoxiao got into university, and you yourself are doing exceptionally well in your work in the army. It's truly something to envy!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiaochuan quickly nodded with a smile, indicating that he would definitely stay for a few more days.
Seeing that the villagers wanted to continue the conversation, he quickly got up and went to talk to a few young people.
Shen Xiaoxiao quickly followed, otherwise the topic of college entrance exams would continue; she had been talking about it everywhere she went these past few days.
Seeing that most of the guests had arrived, Fifth Uncle slowly stood up, smiled, and said to everyone, "Alright, it's about time. We should go visit other people's homes to offer New Year's greetings!"
Because Shen Xiaochuan's house is located at the very back of the village, everyone unanimously starts their New Year's greetings from his house every year.
The villagers, young and old, would visit each other's homes to offer New Year's greetings. When they were about to arrive at a particular house, the family would rush home in advance to prepare tea and snacks to welcome the visiting guests.
In any case, everyone will give the host some face, sit for a while, and enjoy some tea and snacks.
Shen Xiaochuan and Shen Xiaoxiao walked out of the house together.
After meeting up with a group of young people in the village, they followed behind the old man, chatting and laughing as they went to offer New Year's greetings.
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