"Okay, go ahead and pack it. Put it in the car for me in a bit, and I'll be back before dinner."
Ten minutes later, Zhang Hongmei came downstairs. Zeng Zhongkang was standing by the car. When he saw Zhang Hongmei coming over, he nodded.
Driving aimlessly through the streets, I felt the joyful atmosphere of the New Year. Everyone had a smile on their face, even the poorest people in tattered clothes had a hopeful smile.
The car drove out of the city center, and the decision was made to head towards the sea. Feeling that no one was following him, he quietly put the large cardboard box into his ring.
He stopped by the roadside, gave Zhang Shouyi a brief note explaining the situation, and then paid no further attention.
It's still early, I think I'll go to the beach. My family across the ocean is busy as usual today.
An hour and a half later, we arrived at the beach. The cold sea breeze felt very uncomfortable on my face. All my emotions vanished. Shivering, I got into the car. I should just go home. I'm really not suited to this kind of melancholy.
When I got home at five o'clock, the steamed bun sellers had all returned, and everyone had a smile on their face, which meant everything went smoothly.
That's good. Hopefully, they'll be busy and won't overthink things or do anything reckless.
The house smells wonderful, and the neighbors' houses are even more lively. I haven't encountered anything like this since I moved in.
When Zhao Tiancheng saw Zhang Hongmei come in, he asked, "Hongmei, why didn't you wait for me when you went out?"
"Haha, no need, I can drive myself. Besides, I'm just going out for a walk to clear my head. Don't worry about me."
Uncle Zhao, it seems Zhao Haozheng and the others won't be able to come back today.
"Hehe, that's his job. Besides, my son and I rarely celebrate Christmas these days; we're used to celebrating the Spring Festival."
Zhang Hongmei couldn't ignore Zeng Zhongkang's gaze, so she had no choice but to smile and nod at him.
Cai Peilin carried a case of red wine into the dining room.
"This was a gift from a friend. Let's all have a few drinks today and soak up the festive atmosphere," Zhao Tiancheng explained with a smile.
Going upstairs back to my room, I sensed that Zhang Shouyi had already taken the box and his letter away.
I pulled it out and laughed. Is this guy using the phrase "On every festive occasion, one misses their loved ones even more" here? He's just trying to get his attention every single day.
The music could be heard from upstairs, which made my own home feel a bit quiet.
After changing my clothes, I went downstairs and went straight into the kitchen. The aromas there were even stronger.
"Hongmei, you went out?"
"Yes, I went for a drive. Aunt Wang, are you feeling alright?"
"No, and I'm hungry too. I feel like I could eat a whole roast suckling pig."
"Hehe, that's good. My Uncle Zhao even prepared some red wine today. Is it safe for pregnant women to drink?"
"Sure, but I don't like it. You can try it, though."
"Hehe, my brother Zhang said that I can't drink a drop of alcohol outside."
"Are you really that obedient?"
Of course.
They both laughed after saying that. Wang Xinyi knew perfectly well how Zhang Hongmei behaved in front of Zhang Shouyi; it was just that this girl didn't want to do something, so she used Shouyi as an excuse.
"Hongmei, the company also gave out perks today, a box of chocolates for everyone, and there's one for you too."
"That's great! I didn't even think of that."
"Aunt Wang, have we bought candy yet?"
"By the time you remember, it will be too late. Everything is already prepared."
"Hehe, it's so good to have Aunt Wang around. What would I do if I went back?"
"Haha, I'll go back with you."
"Please don't, my Uncle Zhao will get angry with me."
"Why would I get so worked up?" Zhao Tiancheng heard Zhang Hongmei's words as he entered.
Everyone in the kitchen laughed.
"Hehe, I said I'd accompany Hongmei back to China."
"Hehe, then I'll really get anxious, but maybe I'll go back to China too."
“I also hope our family can go back, but Haozheng should have a better future here, right?” Wang Xinyi said with emotion.
"Hehe, he's an adult, we don't need to worry about him."
Shen Yunfang took their words to heart. Yes, Zhang Hongmei would have to go back eventually. Should she go back with her?
She was a little distracted and almost cut her hand. Startled, she quickly regained her composure; that was something for later, there was still plenty of time.
When dinner was officially served at 8 p.m., seeing a table full of dishes really made it feel like a holiday.
Zhao Tiancheng busied himself pouring drinks for everyone, except for Zhang Hongmei, who received a glass of milk.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was wonderful, and no one said anything inappropriate. Looking at the smiles on everyone's faces, I truly felt that sometimes having more people around is a good thing.
Zeng Zhongkang held his wine glass, watching the little girl eating happily, and felt his mood soar as well.
Zhang Hongmei's favorite food was the chestnuts inside the turkey, and Cheng Guangxu, sitting next to her, kept putting chestnuts on her plate. Zeng Zhongkang, sitting opposite her, regretted not sitting next to Zhang Hongmei, so he could have taken care of her.
The meal lasted an hour and a half. The men were all slightly tipsy, while the women each had a drink to celebrate.
After dinner, everyone gathered in the living room. Someone suggested playing some games, but Zhang Hongmei wasn't interested. However, she didn't leave either. She sat there with a piece of candy in her mouth, smiling.
Finally, Miao Xinyue suggested a word chain game. Everyone agreed it was a good idea, so they started with Zhao Tiancheng. If anyone couldn't answer, they had to do twenty push-ups.
The few who graduated from school didn't have any major problems, but the few who were already working didn't have very high educational qualifications, so they encountered some difficulties, and some of them were still punished.
Wang Xinyi got a little tired after a while. Zhao Tiancheng apologized to everyone, and the couple went back to their room together.
It was well past midnight when Zhang Hongmei felt sleepy, but she couldn't bring herself to say she wanted to leave. She decided to just wait it out.
Kong Yushun checked the time and suggested they go back to their rented room. They needed to make steamed buns tomorrow, so the ten of them helped clean up and left.
Hongmei didn't enter the space; she lay down on the bed and fell asleep shortly afterward.
But Zhang Shouyi was very anxious. He had written her several letters, but she hadn't replied.
While working, she also had to keep an eye on things, which made her feel much less efficient. But as she waited and waited, it was almost dark, and there was still no response. It was no exaggeration to say that this girl was so happy that she forgot about home.
The next day, I woke up at my usual time and saw several letters from Zhang Shouyi. I wondered what was wrong with this guy. After reading the letters, I decided to reply to him as soon as possible.
Zhang Shouyi finally received a reply and was relieved. He knew his worries were unnecessary, but he couldn't help them.
No need to work overtime today. I'll go back and have a drink with my grandfather. The two of them have been incredibly busy lately, but my grandfather is in really good health. Otherwise, Zhou Shixiong wouldn't be so envious and concerned.
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