On the second day of the Lunar New Year, following tradition, Xia Liang and Gu Yanxiao took their two daughters back to Xia Liang's parents' home. Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi followed their parents, preparing to spend the festival with their maternal grandparents.
Xia Rong, Gu Yunxi's maternal uncle, had already taken his family to his aunt's parents' home, making Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang's house unusually quiet. The elderly couple were very happy to see their daughter's family, and the house became lively with the children's laughter.
Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang stood at the door to welcome their daughter and granddaughters. Xia Dahe was dressed in a neat Tang suit with a kind smile on his face; Zhao Danxiang wore an elegant cheongsam and had a gentle demeanor.
Upon seeing Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi, Zhao Danxiang immediately stepped forward, took her two granddaughters' hands, and carefully examined them, her eyes full of affection: "Yunxi, Yuanzhi, you've grown taller and more beautiful."
Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi greeted their grandmother warmly before following their parents into the house. Xia Dahe chatted with Gu Yanxiao about everyday matters, their conversation revealing deep kinship and concern for their families.
The dining table inside the house was already laden with a sumptuous feast prepared by Zhao Danxiang herself, including traditional dishes such as rice cakes, fish, and braised pork. Each dish contained the taste of home and the blessings of the festival.
Xia Liang helped her mother set the table, chatting about the fun things that happened during the New Year while feeling the warmth of family. Gu Yanxiao and Xia Dahe talked about their achievements in the past year and their plans for the New Year, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
At lunchtime, the family sat around the table, raising their glasses to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Xia Dahe spoke first, wishing the whole family a happy new year and good health. Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi also extended their New Year's greetings to their maternal grandparents.
After the meal, Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi chatted with their grandparents, sharing interesting stories from their lives and their experiences at school. Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang listened with great interest, occasionally letting out knowing laughs.
Considering the needs of the elderly in her family, Xia Rong specially hired someone to take care of Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang's daily lives, ensuring that their lives were properly cared for. However, Zhao Danxiang was a thoughtful and family-oriented person, and during the Spring Festival, she thought that the helper at home also needed to go home to reunite with her own family.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, Zhao Danxiang said to the helper, "It's almost the New Year, and you also have family. Go back and reunite with them. We'll prepare the meals ourselves during this time, so you don't need to worry."
Hearing Zhao Danxiang's words, the helper was filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Aunt Zhao. You are so considerate. I'll go back now and come back after the New Year."
Zhao Danxiang smiled and nodded, watching the helper leave. She turned and went back to the kitchen to begin preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. Although she was getting on in years, she still maintained excellent culinary skills and was full of confidence in her cooking abilities.
Seeing his wife busy at work, Xia Dahe went into the kitchen to help: "Danxiang, is there anything I can do for you?"
Zhao Danxiang replied with a smile, "You just help wash the vegetables and chop things. I can handle the rest."
When Gu Yanxiao and Xia Liang returned home, they saw their parents busy in the kitchen and offered to help. Xia Liang said, "Mom, let me help prepare dinner. Don't work too hard."
Gu Yanxiao joined in: "Yes, Mom, we can all help."
Looking at the children, Zhao Danxiang felt a warmth in her heart: "Okay, let's all work together, that will be faster."
Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi were not to be outdone and actively participated in preparing dinner. Gu Yunxi said, "Grandma, I can help set the table."
Gu Yuanzhi excitedly said, "I can also help serve the dishes."
The family was busy in the kitchen and dining room; some were washing vegetables, some were chopping them, and some were cooking. Everyone was doing what they could. As one delicious dish after another was served, the atmosphere for dinner grew warmer and warmer.
With the family's combined efforts, the preparation of dinner gradually came to an end. The table was soon filled with all sorts of delicacies, from Zhao Danxiang's signature braised pork to Xia Liang's carefully prepared steamed fish, each dish exuding an enticing aroma.
Gu Yanxiao opened a bottle of his treasured red wine and poured a glass for everyone, adding to the festive atmosphere. He raised his glass and said, "Happy New Year, Dad and Mom. Thank you for your hard work and love all this time."
Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang smiled at each other, and Xia Dahe replied, "Yanxiao and Xia Liang, we are very pleased to see how filial you are. Yunxi and Yuanzhi are also becoming more and more sensible, which makes us feel very happy."
Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi also raised their glasses to wish their elders a happy new year: "Grandpa and Grandma, we wish you good health and all the best."
Dinner proceeded amidst laughter and conversation, with everyone eating and chatting, sharing the events of the past year and their hopes for the new year. Gu Yunxi recounted her experiences at school and her future plans, while Gu Yuanzhi excitedly talked about the fun things she had with her classmates.
Zhao Danxiang and Xia Dahe listened to their children's conversation with satisfied smiles on their faces. They were proud of their children's growth and progress, and also gratified by the harmony and happiness of their family.
After dinner, the family sat in the living room to watch the Spring Festival Gala and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The song and dance performances and comedy sketches during the gala frequently elicited laughter and applause from the whole family.
Gu Yanxiao and Xia Liang also took this opportunity to report to their parents on their work and life over the past year. Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang listened attentively and offered them encouragement and advice.
As night fell, the sound of firecrackers outside echoed, reminding people that the New Year had arrived. Families also came out to the courtyard to set off fireworks; colorful fireworks bloomed in the night sky, adding immeasurable joy to the Spring Festival.
Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi watched the fireworks with excitement, while Xia Liang and Gu Yanxiao accompanied their parents, sharing the warmth and joy of this reunion.
When Xia Rong's family returned from her mother-in-law's house, Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi heard the noise outside and excitedly ran out to greet them. They were very happy about their cousin Xia Xinran's arrival, because it meant the family reunion was more complete, and they could have more interaction and play with their cousin who was about the same age.
As soon as Gu Yunxi and Gu Yuanzhi saw Xia Xinran, they warmly surrounded her. Gu Yunxi took Xia Xinran's hand and said with a beaming smile, "Cousin Xinran, you're finally back! We've all missed you so much!"
Gu Yuanzhi jumped up and down happily, echoing, "Yes, cousin, we can play lots of games together during the Spring Festival, and we can also set off fireworks together."
Seeing her two younger sisters' enthusiasm, Xia Xinran smiled warmly and said, "Yunxi and Yuanzhi, I'm so glad to see you both. We do have a lot of fun things to do together."
Xia Rong and his wife were delighted to see their children interacting so affectionately. Xia Rong smiled and said, "It's been so long since you sisters have seen each other, and you still have such a good relationship."
Gu Yanxiao and Xia Liang joined the conversation. Xia Liang said gently to Xia Xinran, "Xinran, it's good to be home. Take this time to relax and enjoy the warmth of family with your sisters."
Dinner was more lively than usual at the Xia family's table. Xia Dahe and Zhao Danxiang prepared a more sumptuous meal to celebrate the family reunion. Everyone sat together, eating and chatting, sharing their stories and New Year's wishes.
After dinner, Xia Xinran, Gu Yunxi, and Gu Yuanzhi played games together in the living room, their laughter and cheers filling the house with youthful energy and festive joy.
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