Chuan Chuan and Yue Yue couldn't go out, so they peered out the window, looking on with longing. They were completely listless and wouldn't respond to any attempts to coax them.
Fang Qiao had no choice but to grab two handfuls of snow from outside, make two snowballs, and give one to each child, which finally made the two children laugh.
By the time Cheng Baidong had swept the snow out of the yard, Xiao Jing had just finished preparing breakfast.
We ate red bean buns that had been steamed a few days ago and drank thick, sticky porridge.
We cooked too much porridge, so the leftovers are perfect for making paste.
Paste, as a natural adhesive, is perfect for pasting couplets.
After dinner, the family busied themselves wiping windows, sweeping away cobwebs, and cleaning.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, you can't use scissors, brooms, or take out the trash, so you need to clean your house in advance and tidy up everything to avoid trouble on the day.
After cleaning, Cheng Baidong pasted the couplets and the character "福" (fortune) on the walls with paste.
With Sweetie's help, they attached the snowman's head to its body, shaped it, drew the facial features with their hands, used black glass marbles for eyes, a carrot tip for a nose, and Sweetie's red ribbon for a mouth. Finally, they stuck twigs on either side of the snowman as hands. A snowman that looked a bit ugly at first glance, and even more so upon closer inspection, was completed.
Cheng Baidong wasn't very satisfied, but fortunately the two children didn't mind and happily clapped and cheered around the snowman.
The morning passed by busily, and at noon, snow began to fall again.
The crackling of firecrackers echoed from afar, filling the air with the festive spirit and ushering in the eve of the Lunar New Year.
In the afternoon, Fang Qiao kneaded the dough and prepared both meat and vegetable dumpling fillings to make dumplings. Just like last year, Xiao Jing prepared coins in advance, washed them clean, and the dumplings would be cooked separately later.
In the evening, after the adults finished their New Year's Eve dinner, they stayed up all night to welcome the new year, while the two younger children couldn't stay awake any longer and went to sleep first.
Sweetie and An'an were too excited to sleep in bed, chattering away, which made the two little ones toss and turn.
Fang Qiao then told them to get up and go inside to play. Cheng Baidong turned on the radio and told them to stay inside and listen to the broadcast.
As the joyful songs from the radio and the sounds of firecrackers outside the window faded, the hands of the clock gradually pointed to twelve o'clock.
At midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Cheng Baidong lit the firecrackers at home on time. Hearing the firecrackers, Xiao Jing put the dumplings into the pot. Amidst the steaming heat, the new year arrived.
After eating the dumplings for New Year's Eve, the family went back to sleep.
In the latter half of the night, the heavy snow gradually stopped, and the first day of the Lunar New Year was a sunny day.
Early in the morning, Fang Qiao dressed the children in the new clothes that Xiao Jing had made for them. Xiao Zhuque also wore a red choker made of red cloth by Xiao Jing, with a small pocket sewn on it. It was exquisite and festive.
After they had all changed their clothes, washed their faces, and brushed their teeth, Fang Qiao took out the red envelopes she had prepared in advance and gave them New Year's money one by one.
"Here, this is sweet."
Sweetie happily accepted it, bowed and said auspiciously, "Thank you, Auntie! Happy New Year, Auntie! May everything go well for you!"
Fang Qiao then handed it to An An: "This is for An An."
An'an also bowed to Fang Qiao, just like Tian Tian, and said, "Happy New Year, Mom."
"Chuan Chuan and Yue Yue's."
Chuan Chuan and Yue Yue can't speak fluently yet; they're still babbling and learning to speak. Don't even think about hearing them wish you a Happy New Year.
Fang Qiao put the last red envelope into the small pocket on Niao Niao's red neck ring and said with a smile, "The last one is for Niao Niao."
Little Vermilion Bird looked delighted: "I have one too?"
Fang Qiao nodded and said with a smile, "Open them all and take a look."
Fang Qiao was generous, filling the red envelopes for the children with one-yuan bills each.
She doesn't confiscate her children's New Year's money. Once the money is given to the children, it's their own money, and they can spend it as they please.
Of course, only Tian Tian and An An have this opportunity. The two little ones can't even speak properly yet, so how can they afford to spend their own money? They'll have to wait another year.
Fang Qiao trusted Tian Tian and An An completely; they were both sensible children who wouldn't waste money. Tian Tian, in particular, was very good at planning how to spend her money.
Sweetie has already decided to buy colored pencils; she loves drawing.
Little Zhuque's red envelope was different from the others; it contained a shiny stone.
Although it is only the size of a fingernail, it contains a great deal of spiritual energy.
Little Vermilion Bird exclaimed with delight, "A top-grade spirit stone!"
Fang Qiao smiled and asked, "Do you like it?"
Little Vermilion Bird nodded vigorously: "I love it! I love it so much! Thank you, Sister Xiao Qiao! You're so kind, Sister Xiao Qiao!"
Fang Qiao said, "You should thank Brother Dong again; this is what he prepared."
"Mmm-hmm-hmm."
The little Vermilion Bird happily put away the spirit stones, flew to Cheng Baidong and rubbed against his arm: "Thank you, Brother Dong, you're so nice too. Can I disappear for a few days?"
It planned to find a quiet place to absorb and refine the spiritual energy inside.
Cheng Baidong understood its meaning, nodded slightly, and said, "Go."
"I'll be back as soon as I've digested the spiritual energy!" With that, the little Vermilion Bird eagerly flapped its wings and flew out of the house.
It soared into the sky, its back view radiating joy.
They seem genuinely overjoyed.
After breakfast, Fang Qiao and Cheng Baidong led the children to Wang Yun's house to offer New Year's greetings, and received another red envelope!
After returning from paying New Year's visits, it was time to head to the Forbidden City.
There weren't many people visiting the Forbidden City at this time; it was quiet and deserted, and there was no need to queue to buy tickets.
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