"Boom—Bang!"
The last enormous "Golden Jade Abundance" firework exploded in the night sky.
Golden sparks cascaded down like a waterfall, illuminating every corner of the courtyard as bright as day.
The three little ones tilted their heads back until the last glimmer of firelight completely disappeared into the night before reluctantly turning their gaze away.
"Mommy, is that all?"
Dada tugged at Ye Nian'an's clothes, her little face full of regret.
No, that's all.
Ye Nian'an smiled and patted his little head: "The most beautiful things are always the shortest-lived."
"Clang—clang—clang—"
As soon as he finished speaking, the deep and melodious chimes of the Haicheng Clock Tower in the distance pierced through the night, striking one after another.
The New Year's bells have rung!
1978, at this moment, has officially arrived!
Happy Chinese New Year!
"Happy New Year!"
In the courtyard, the adults smiled and congratulated each other, while the children jumped and danced excitedly.
Just then, Chu Zhenyuan and Ye Xiang exchanged a glance, and both of them showed kind smiles.
As if they had planned it beforehand, they each pulled out a thick stack of brand-new red paper packets from their pockets.
"Come on, come on! Time to give out red envelopes!"
Chu Zhenyuan was the first to stuff a red envelope into the hand of the person closest to him.
"May our eldest son grow taller than his father and be more successful than his grandfather in the new year!"
"Thank you, Grandpa!"
Grandpa accepted the red envelope, his little mouth as sweet as honey, and said in a childish voice, "May Grandpa have boundless happiness and longevity!"
These auspicious words instantly made Chu Zhenyuan burst into laughter, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.
"Oh my, my grandson, he really knows how to talk!"
Ye Xiang also came over and handed Er Er a similarly thick red envelope: "Er Er, Happy New Year, I wish you happiness every day!"
Er'er followed suit and called out in a clear voice, "Thank you, Grandpa! I wish you all the best and that you always have a smile on your face!"
Chi Xinyao and Jin Xiangyu each took charge of one, stuffing the red envelopes into the hands of San San and the seven little babies babbling in the cradle.
"Thank you, Grandma! Thank you, Grandma!"
San San held two big red envelopes, her little face beaming with joy.
Even the seven little ones who knew nothing, with red paper packets stuffed into their hands, seemed to sense the festive atmosphere, waving their chubby little fists and giggling.
"Xin'er, Ye Sheng, you two come here too!"
Chi Xinyao smiled and waved to them.
Chu Xin'er and Ye Sheng exchanged a glance, both feeling a little embarrassed.
"Mom, we're all so old now, this red envelope..."
Chu Xin'er muttered softly.
"No matter how old she is, she's still my daughter!"
Without a word, Chi Xinyao shoved the red envelope into her hand: "Take it, for good luck! May the new year bring you smooth sailing!"
Ye Xiang also handed a red envelope to Ye Sheng: "You brat, don't complain about the small amount. In the new year, may your business flourish and don't embarrass me!"
"Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom!"
The two "big kids" were all smiles as they received their red envelopes.
Ye Yao and Ye Hui also received red envelopes and laughed heartily.
As for Yip Nian-an, she reaped an even greater harvest!
Three older brothers, my parents-in-law, and my parents.
I received a total of seven large red envelopes.
Then, Ye Nian'an took out the prepared red envelope and gave it to Chu Xin'er.
"Xin'er, I wish you a successful new year, both academically and in love!"
"Thank you, sister-in-law~ I knew you loved me~"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Chu Xin'er wanted to hug and kiss Ye Nian'an again.
This time, Chu Yan didn't let Chu Xin'er succeed, and directly reached out and grabbed her by the back of the neck.
"Stop arguing with your sister-in-law."
Chu Xin'er gritted her teeth in anger: "Damn it! You scumbag brother, I can't even kiss you! You bad guy!"
Chu Yan said in a serious tone: "No way, only your brother and I can kiss your sister-in-law!"
"This is warlordism! I'll fight you to the death!"
Chu Yan and Chu Xin'er, brother and sister, bickered, making everyone burst into laughter.
After handing out the red envelopes, Jin Xiangyu brought out a large enamel plate from inside the house.
It was piled high with colorful candies, mostly White Rabbit milk candies, which are children's favorite.
"Here, have some red envelope candy! Eating this candy will bring you a sweet new year from beginning to end!"
The three little ones cheered and pounced on the attack like three little bees, each grabbing a handful and stuffing their pockets bulging.
That night, the entire Chu family compound was immersed in boundless joy and warmth, with laughter and blessings lingering for a long time.
...
After the excitement subsided, the night had deepened.
The Ye family prepared to say goodbye and go home.
The babies are already fast asleep.
"Alright, stop seeing them off, they're just a few steps away."
Ye Xiang waved his hand, a satisfied smile on his face.
Chu Zhenyuan patted him on the shoulder: "My dear in-law, drive carefully. I'll come over to play another game with you tomorrow morning!"
"I'm ready anytime!"
Ye Nian'an and Chu Yan escorted them to the courtyard gate. Watching the two families bid each other a reluctant farewell, their hearts were filled with warmth.
"Brother, sister-in-law, I'm leaving too!"
Chu Xin'er waved to them.
Chi Xinyao gave Chu Xin'er a reproachful look: "You silly girl, why are you leaving during the New Year?"
"Pshaw, I don't want to stay and be a third wheel!"
Chu Xin'er didn't say anything that made her even more embarrassed.
These two couples are going to make a big fuss tonight...
In the end, won't I still have to bear everything alone?
Chi Xinyao guessed what Chu Xin'er meant and blushed.
Chu Zhenyuan was still grinning foolishly next to her, and Chi Xinyao, unable to contain her anger, stomped hard on his foot.
Chu Zhenyuan winced in pain, then looked at Chi Xinyao with a wronged expression.
Honey, I...I didn't do anything wrong just now?
After everyone had left, the courtyard finally quieted down.
Ye Nian'an and Chu Yan exchanged a smile, held hands, and slowly walked back into the house.
The charcoal fire inside was burning brightly, completely dispelling the chill of the room.
Chu Yan took off his military overcoat and casually draped it over the back of the chair.
Then he walked behind Ye Nian'an and gently embraced her.
He rested his chin on the top of her head and took a deep breath of her sweet fragrance.
Are you tired?
"Not tired."
Ye Nian'an snuggled closer to him, finding a comfortable position: "It's just... I drank a bit too much, and I feel dizzy."
We had a good time tonight, and everyone drank quite a bit.
Especially Ye Xiang and Chu Zhenyuan, the two leaders, started drinking contests.
To prevent him from getting completely drunk, his wife eventually forced him to stop.
Ye Nian'an was also forced to drink a few glasses of wine. The wine didn't have a strong aftereffect, but it was the most irritating.
At this moment, her face was flushed with an intoxicating blush, and her eyes sparkled with a captivating charm.
Chu Yan's eyes darkened, and he felt a dryness in his throat.
Under the influence of alcohol, the woman in his arms lost her usual competence and clarity, gaining a touch of naivety and charm.
Those watery eyes seemed to be veiled in a thin mist, which made his heart flutter and a lustful fire instantly rise in his lower abdomen.
Are you dizzy?
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