On the day of the Great Cold, snow fell softly, fluttering and scattering like cotton wool over the green tiles and eaves of the Li Mansion. It was as if the heavens had specially sprinkled handfuls of broken silver, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility to this ancient and solemn mansion, but it could not conceal the overflowing liveliness.
The courtyard house seemed to have been enchanted, its former tranquility completely shattered. Cars came and went at the entrance, their wheels leaving tracks in the snow, just like the hurried footprints of time.
The truck was unloaded with bags and packages, filled with hopes for the New Year and wishes for family reunion. The New Year's goods were piled up like a small mountain, foreshadowing the abundance and grandeur of this festive feast.
The men of the Li family, wearing aprons, were busy moving about in every corner, showing great diligence.
Li Qiang, strong and healthy, usually quiet and reserved, was now filled with trepidation. He kept piling firewood in his hands, muttering to himself, "Big brother, will Aunt be happy this time? I've prepared a big red envelope for her."
Her quiet face was filled with anticipation for her aunt's approval, and the tension in her eyes was like a taut string, as if her aunt's attitude would determine the fortune of the year.
Li Xin patted Li Qiang on the shoulder, looking confident and speaking in a cheerful voice: "Hey! It's all set. As long as your aunt likes you, you'll get your grandma and great-grandma's forgiveness."
After saying that, he picked up a bundle of firewood and strode towards the stove, his footsteps kicking up the snow on the ground and splashing up small "snow waves".
The kitchen was steaming and filled with the aroma of cooking, and Shangguan Wenyan was like a bright pearl fallen into this mundane world.
He was tall and handsome, and should have been a refined scholar who would wield his brush and compose poems under the moon. But now he was holding a long spoon and moving around in front of the stove.
The hot oil sizzled in the wok, and he skillfully stir-fried the dishes, one after another, delicious and colorful dishes were served, all of which were Pear Blossom's favorites.
The firelight illuminated his face, and the few strands of hair hanging down his forehead did not diminish his composure in the slightest. His focused expression made it seem as if this small stove was his stage.
In the courtyard, firecrackers crackled and popped, paper scraps danced with snowflakes, and the air was filled with the pungent yet festive smell of gunpowder.
The crisp, pleasant sound of mahjong tiles clashing drifted from the main room. The women smiled, their eyes crinkling into slits, as they played their tiles, enjoying this rare moment of leisure and joy.
Li Zhongguo stood under the eaves, raising his hand to catch the falling snowflakes, and turned to ask Li Fagui, who was busy preparing vegetables, "Fagui, have you arranged for someone to take the photos?"
His voice carried the composure of a head of the family, yet also held a deep longing for this reunion to be captured in time.
Li Fagui didn't even look up, deftly breaking off pieces of vegetable leaves with his hands, and replied, "Dad, don't worry! I spent a lot of money, so I'll definitely make you look handsome in the photos."
After he finished speaking, he looked up at Shangguan Wenyan, who was busy in the kitchen, and his lips curled up slightly with a hint of schadenfreude. He thought to himself that it was a pity that such a handsome man was "trapped" in the kitchen, but it was also his own fault. Who told his mother not to like him?
This year's Spring Festival is a reunion that the Li family has been eagerly anticipating. Young and old alike are gathered together, and the bonds of blood are strengthened amidst laughter, fireworks, and busy activity.
However, there was a subtle, different atmosphere, as if it knew that this was the most complete gathering, and that with the changes of people and the passage of time, it would be difficult to have such a scene again, like a carnival before the end of a grand feast.
_
The room was warm and cozy. Ma Lihua was sitting comfortably in a grand chair, peeling an orange. She put each juicy segment of the orange into her mouth, and the sweet and sour taste spread on her tongue.
Suddenly, "Hiss..." A sharp pain struck her chest without warning, and she froze, still holding half a segment of orange in her hand. Her movements were frozen in mid-air, her brows furrowed, and the comfort on her face was instantly replaced by pain.
"What's wrong, Pear Blossom?"
Just then, Ma Linghua lifted the curtain and entered the room. Seeing Lihua's appearance, her heart clenched. She hurriedly stepped forward, took Lihua's arms with both hands, her eyes filled with anxiety and concern, and her voice involuntarily rose and trembled.
"It's okay, milk. It's probably because you ate too many oranges. I'll drink some water to calm down."
Despite her discomfort, Ma Lihua forced a smile to comfort her mother, reached for the cup beside her with practiced ease, and took a sip.
The warm water flowed down her throat, seemingly with a soothing force, and the stinging sensation subsided considerably, like the tide receding. Her expression also softened.
"Mom, what are you doing inside? Time to eat."
Ma Hehua's clear, resonant voice rang out loudly from outside the door.
"They're here, stop shouting."
Ma Linghua turned her head and responded, her face instantly switching to a gentle expression as she lightly patted Ma Lihua's hand, "Lihua, let's go! It's time to eat."
"Okay!
Ma Lihua got up, and the grandmother and granddaughter walked side by side to the door.
At this point, the lively atmosphere inside the house had moved to the dining room.
Three tables were arranged in an orderly fashion. The men's table was packed with thirteen men, chatting and laughing heartily. Their topics ranged from farming in the fields to their novel experiences outside, and their heroic spirit was evident in their words.
The women's table also gathers nine people, chatting about family matters, embroidery, and cooking, their soft words filled with the warmth of everyday life.
The three members of the Ma family had a table to themselves. There was nothing I could do; I had to forgive their habit of eating together, as they wouldn't feel comfortable doing it with me.
The most lively table was the children's table, where eight big kids chattered away, sharing funny stories and clattering their bowls and chopsticks.
Meanwhile, the glass of water that Ma Lihua had just drunk from on the table was slowly and eerily turning black, unnoticed by anyone, as if something mysterious was quietly lurking, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding liveliness.
As dusk settled and the aroma of food still lingered in the room, Ma Hehua leaned closer to Ma Linghua and whispered, "Mother, we're going to Fa Gui's house tomorrow. What should I bring?"
His words were carefully chosen, his eyes held a hint of expectation, and his fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of his clothes.
Upon hearing this, Ma Linghua tilted her head slightly, closed her eyes, and fell into deep thought.
A moment later, as if an idea had come to him, his eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh confidently, saying, "Take the bottle of alcohol that your dad hid!"
His expression was full of satisfaction with the idea, as if he knew that the wine would definitely come in very handy tomorrow.
"Do you know where it is?"
Ma Hehua pressed for an answer, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
"Hey, I know. We'll go dig under that locust tree by the door when it gets dark. I saw him dig up a few bottles the other day!"
Ma Linghua had a sly smile on her lips, as if she could already see the scene of the wine buried deep underground being dug up.
"Milk, is there only wine?" Ma Lihua interjected, blinking her bright eyes, her tone full of doubt.
"Tsk! That's a bit of a hassle, and it's a bit too little! How about this, don't we all bring a pig during the New Year? Tomorrow, we'll have Fa Gui carry a pig and we'll go. That'll be all we have."
With a wave of her hand, Ma Linghua made the final decision, her aura leaving no room for doubt.
"Yes! That's right, Mother. I think it's perfectly safe."
Ma Hehua nodded repeatedly, her face beaming with smiles. She was filled with emotion at receiving such a generous gift from Fa Gui. This gesture not only fulfilled the proper etiquette but also showed her heartfelt intentions. She hoped that tomorrow's gathering would be lively and joyful for everyone.
Li Fagu, who wanted to fight the pigs: "…………………………"
Stop joking, okay? No, he doesn't want this generous gift.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
