Another year has passed.
The end of the twelfth lunar month slipped by quietly amidst the increasingly strong festive atmosphere and the ever-stretching north wind.
The plane trees along the street have shed their last few withered leaves, their bare branches pointing towards the gray sky. New paper-cut window decorations and red lanterns have been pasted on the windows of every household, and the air is filled with the mixed aroma of roasted nuts, cured meat, and fried food—a warm and bustling atmosphere unique to the end of the year.
For the "family," this year's Spring Festival was both somewhat different and similar to previous years.
As usual, Sister Jin started cleaning early, steaming buns, frying meatballs, smoking fish, and braising meat, filling the small two-bedroom apartment to the brim with a lively atmosphere.
Qin Zhou was on winter vacation and became her most capable "helper". Although he mostly caused trouble and was chased and scolded by Sister Jin as a "little rascal", the house was also very lively because of him.
Song Yungui also came, bringing several thick exercise books. He spent most of his time quietly in Qin Zhou's room, only to be dragged out by Qin Zhou under the pretext of "relaxing during the New Year" to help out, or the three of them would squeeze onto the sofa to watch TV, their laughter and noise enough to lift the roof off.
But some things are ultimately different.
Qi Shuo and Xiao Jue both became unusually silent. This silence was not indifference, but a heavy, unspoken quiet.
Qi Shuo still went to work and came home, helped with the New Year's shopping, and occasionally went to the library, but his eyes were deeper, like a frozen lake with unseen undercurrents beneath.
He would often stare blankly at a certain place, or stand on the balcony for a long time late at night, letting the cold wind fill his clothes.
Qin Zhou and Song Yungui both keenly noticed this change, and would subconsciously lower their voices when joking around, or restrain some of their overly exaggerated jokes in front of Qi Shuo.
Xiao Jue became even busier.
The law firm is busy at the end of the year, and he also has to go to the rehabilitation hospital. Every time he comes back, his face is covered with an inescapable fatigue, and the dark circles under his eyes have never faded.
But he tried his best to put on a good show in front of Sister Jin and the children. He would play games with Qin Zhou, patiently answer Song Yungui's legal questions, help Sister Jin in the kitchen, and chat about trivial matters.
But that smile rarely reached the depths of his eyes. Occasionally, he would look at Qi Shuo's back, or walk to the balcony after receiving a phone call, his brows unconsciously furrowing. The heaviness that was revealed in that instant made Sister Jin, who happened to catch a glimpse of him, feel a pang of anxiety.
The existence of "Qingran" became an open secret in the family, but one that no one dared to mention.
Sister Jin knew. That chance encounter outside the cake shop at the hospital that day, Xiao Jue's sorrowful words, "Her name is Qing Ran," and the thick red envelope that followed, had already explained everything.
She didn't ask, but silently and in various ways fed Xiao Jue, reminding him to take care of his health, her eyes filled with unconcealed heartache and worry.
Occasionally, she would give Xiao Jue some soft clothes or snacks that little girls would like, whispering, "Give this to that child... It's cold, don't let her get cold."
Xiao Jue accepted it, his Adam's apple bobbing, and he thanked him softly, without saying a single extra word.
Qin Zhou and Song Yungui also vaguely sensed something. They had seen Xiao Jue return home exhausted late at night, seen Shuo Ge occasionally staring blankly at his phone, and had also keenly noticed the unspoken atmosphere between Sister Jin and Xiao Jue.
But they were very sensible, or rather, intimidated by some invisible atmosphere, and never asked many questions. It was just that Qin Zhou would deliberately lose to Xiao Jue when playing games, shouting "Brother Xiao Jue is still as good as ever"; Song Yungui would quietly place the warmed milk next to Xiao Jue.
This is a silent act of care, and also a careful act of protection—protecting the hard-won peace in this family, and protecting the wounds that the brothers do not want to be touched.
On New Year's Eve, light snowflakes drifted down from the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. Early in the morning, Sister Jin was busy in the kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans filling the air with delicious aromas.
Qin Zhou was being directed around like a headless chicken, putting up Spring Festival couplets, hanging Chinese knots, and decorating the house in a festive red hue. Song Yungui was helping to wash vegetables, her movements meticulous.
Qi Shuo and Xiao Jue also got up early. The two tacitly divided the work: one was responsible for cleaning the balcony and corridor, and the other checked the water, electricity and gas.
They spoke very little, but their every move conveyed an unspoken understanding. Occasionally, their eyes would meet, and they would exchange a quick glance, a look that contained concern, weariness, and a shared, unspoken burden.
Xiao Jue's phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and glanced at it; it was a message from a caregiver at Kangfu Hospital, with a photo attached. In the photo, Qing Ran was wearing the pink down jacket with bunny ear hood that Sister Jin had bought for her, wrapped in a light gray scarf, and was leaning against the windowsill of the ward, her nose pressed against the glass, curiously watching the snowflakes falling outside.
The caregiver said she was in good spirits today and watched the snow for a long time.
Xiao Jue looked at the photo, his fingertips gently tracing the small figure on the screen. A faint, almost imperceptible tenderness flickered deep in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by a deeper worry. He quickly replied with a few words, gave some instructions, then put away his phone, took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed that concern, and continued with his work.
Qi Shuo was wiping the balcony railing, his movements slow and somewhat absent-minded. His gaze fell on the snow-covered rooftops in the distance, but his thoughts drifted to the white building on the outskirts of the city.
We had a quick lunch in the afternoon, but the real highlight was the New Year's Eve dinner in the evening.
Around three or four in the afternoon, Sister Jin began preparing a sumptuous dinner. Xiao Jue put on an apron and went into the kitchen. He was the best cook besides Sister Jin, especially skilled at making several complex New Year's dishes.
Qi Shuo assisted with washing vegetables, chopping ingredients, and handing out seasonings, working silently and efficiently. Qin Zhou and Song Yungui were relegated to setting the table, adjusting the TV, and preparing drinks.
The small kitchen was steaming and the range hood was humming. Sister Jin and Xiao Jue were busy working while chatting casually, talking about everyday things, whose child got into college, and where vegetable prices had gone up.
Qi Shuo mostly listened quietly, occasionally humming in agreement. But it was this ordinary, down-to-earth noise that strangely dispelled some of the lingering gloom, giving the New Year a touch of real warmth.
As evening approached, a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner was ready.
Sweet and sour fish, braised pork ribs, four-happiness meatballs, poached chicken, steamed sea bass, steamed assorted preserved meats, mixed vegetables, seafood soup... a dazzling array of dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, filled the table. In the center sat a steaming copper hot pot, the broth bubbling and releasing an enticing fragrance.
"Dinner's ready!" Sister Jin took off her apron, her face flushed with the rosy glow of her recent work and a satisfied smile, and waved her hand.
Five people sat around a round table, the warm light shining down and illuminating each face, whether smiling or tired. A festive pre-Spring Festival Gala program played on the television, the cheerful sounds mingling with the lively atmosphere inside.
"Come on, the first drink, wishing us a peaceful and healthy new year!" Sister Jin raised her glass full of drinks, her eyes a little red, but her voice was unusually loud.
"Peace and good health!"
Happy New Year, Sister Jin!
Happy New Year, everyone!
The glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound. The orange-yellow juice rippled in the glass, reflecting the light like flowing amber.
Qin Zhou was the most lively, wielding his chopsticks with incredible speed. While enjoying his meal, he excitedly recounted amusing anecdotes from school, making Sister Jin laugh heartily.
Song Yungui occasionally added a few words, a relaxed smile on her face. Xiao Jue smiled as he served food to Sister Jin, and piled it high in Qin Zhou and Song Yungui's bowls, but he himself barely ate anything. His gaze occasionally swept over Qi Shuo's calm profile, carrying a barely perceptible concern.
Qi Shuo also raised his glass, a faint but genuine smile on his face.
He ate his food, listened to Qin Zhou's jokes, and felt the liveliness and warmth of the room.
This is the taste of "home," a real warmth that he thought he had lost forever, but which was gradually filled back by Sister Jin and these relatives who were not related by blood.
The warmth soothed the cold corners of his heart, allowing him to temporarily forget the wind and snow outside the window, the pale figure in the suburban hospital, and the heavy past he carried on his shoulders.
The meal lasted a long time, filled with laughter. Afterwards, everyone cleared away the dishes together, then moved to the living room, gathered around the coffee table, and began making dumplings.
This is a tradition from Sister Jin's hometown. They say that dumplings must be made on New Year's Eve, symbolizing "the changing of the year" and a happy reunion.
Jin Jie had prepared the dough long ago, and the fillings were either pork and cabbage or chives and eggs.
Sister Jin scoops out the dough with lightning speed; the round dough pieces fly out one after another in her hands like obedient little elves.
Xiao Jue, Qi Shuo, Qin Zhou, and Song Yungui sat in a circle, each in charge of packing.
Qin Zhou's wrapping was crooked and often gave itself away, which led to Sister Jin jokingly scolding him for "wasting food."
Song Yungui was meticulous, wrapping them into small, exquisite pieces, each one resembling a tiny gold ingot.
Xiao Jue's technique was skillful; he wrapped the cloth quickly and well.
Qi Shuo hadn't done wrapping much before, so his movements were a bit clumsy, but he learned diligently, silently watching Sister Jin and Xiao Jue's techniques. Gradually, he began to wrap things quite well.
"Xiao Shuo is pretty good, he's talented!" Sister Jin glanced at him and praised him with a smile.
Qi Shuo didn't say anything, but the corners of his mouth curved slightly as he continued to work on the dough and filling in his hands.
The pliable dough and the savory filling are pinched together by your fingertips, turning into plump dumplings with decorative edges.
This process has a strange, comforting power, allowing one to temporarily set aside their thoughts and focus on the small space at their fingertips.
The Spring Festival Gala had already started on TV, with singing, dancing, laughter, and joy. Outside, some children had secretly lit fireworks; a brief, brilliant burst of light streaked across the night sky, accompanied by faint popping sounds and children's shouts.
Inside, the warm lighting, the sounds of laughter, the television, and the tapping of a rolling pin blended together to create a simple yet precious cacophony.
As midnight approached, the dumplings were put into the pot.
Steaming hot dumplings were served, dipped in fragrant vinegar and chili oil, making everyone sweat as they ate. Qin Zhou clamored to stay up all night on New Year's Eve, but Sister Jin slapped him on the back of the head: "Stay up all night what! We have to get up early tomorrow to visit relatives and friends! Go wash up and go to bed!"
Despite saying that, no one actually went to sleep. They cleaned up the mess together, washed up, and then gathered in the living room. Qin Zhou and Song Yungui squeezed onto the sofa to watch the New Year's Eve concert, while Sister Jin started yawning as she watched.
Xiao Jue and Qi Shuo sat in chairs by the window, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones, but mostly just quietly watching the sporadic fireworks rising outside the window.
The clock was about to strike midnight. The television broadcast the announcer's enthusiastic countdown: "Ten, nine, eight, seven..."
Everyone's eyes were involuntarily drawn to the television screen or looked out the window.
"Three, two, one! Happy New Year—!"
Cheers, from the television and perhaps from afar, blended together. The new year arrived amidst dazzling electronic fireworks and boisterous blessings.
"Happy New Year!" Qin Zhou jumped up and shouted.
"Happy New Year, Sister Jin! Happy New Year, brothers!" Song Yungui said with a smile.
"Happy New Year! May everyone be happy!" Sister Jin's eyes crinkled into crescent moons as she smiled, her gaze sweeping over the four young men in front of her, her eyes glistening with moisture.
This year has been filled with storms and hardships, but at this moment, they are all here for us, and that is the greatest blessing.
Xiao Jue and Qi Shuo also stood up, glanced at each other, and then looked at Sister Jin, saying in unison, "Sister Jin, Happy New Year."
A simple blessing, yet it carries a thousand words.
Just then, Xiao Jue and Qi Shuo's phones vibrated almost simultaneously. They instinctively took out their phones.
Xiao Jue glanced at it; it was a routine text message from the nurse on duty at Kangfu Hospital, along with a photo of Qing Ran sleeping soundly, her small face buried in the soft pillow. His eyes softened, and he quickly replied, "Thank you, you've worked hard, Happy New Year."
A new message popped up on Qi Shuo's phone. It was from a number whose name he hadn't saved, but which was already etched in his mind. The message contained only four simple words:
[Happy New Year. ]
Sender: Tan Huaiyu.
Qi Shuo stared at those four words for a few seconds, the light from the screen reflecting on his expressionless face.
Then, he twitched his thumb, didn't reply, simply turned off the screen, and shoved the phone back into his pocket. It was as if it were just an insignificant interruption that shouldn't have occurred at that moment.
The countdown ended, and the noise gradually subsided. Qin Zhou began setting off the small electronic firecrackers that Sister Jin had prepared beforehand. The crackling sounds exploded in the living room, carrying a festive yet tacky quality. Song Yungui covered her ears and laughed.
Sister Jin laughed and scolded Qin Zhou, "You little brat, you're so noisy!" but her eyes were full of smiles.
Xiao Jue walked to the window, looked at the deep night outside and the scattered lights still lit in the distance, and gently exhaled.
A new year has begun. Qingran has safely passed another year. Although the road ahead is still shrouded in mist, at least for now, she is sleeping peacefully where he cannot see her.
Here, there is warmth, there is concern, and there are people who need him and are needed by him.
Qi Shuo also walked to the window and stood half a step away from Xiao Jue.
Neither of them spoke; they simply gazed silently out the window.
Xiao Jue gently handed him the phone. Qi Shuo looked at the two photos the caregiver had sent him today, his fingers tracing the screen, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Happy New Year, little sister.
Snowflakes began to fall silently again, fluttering in the glow of the streetlights, quietly covering the city's hustle and bustle and its scars.
Inside, there was warm lighting, noisy voices, and a lingering sense of home.
Outside, there was a silent snowy night, an endless distance, and unspeakable secrets and weights hidden deep in everyone's heart.
The old year passed away amidst a mix of noise and silence, and the new year arrived amidst a coexistence of hope and apprehension.
They stood on the threshold of time, with long shadows trailing behind them and a vast, unknown snowy night stretching before them.
But at least, for this moment, they are together.
"Go to sleep," Sister Jin clapped her hands, her voice sleepy but unusually gentle. "Tomorrow morning, everyone better be quick and efficient. It's the first day of the new year, no sleeping in!"
Amidst laughter, the lights gradually went out. On the first night of the new year, the night slowly sank into silence with the soft sound of snowflakes falling.
Life will go on. With scars, with hope, and with silent support for one another, we will walk on, difficult yet resilient, through this mundane world.
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