Gu Jinchen wrote, while Yun Mu and the others helped paste [red couplets for the New Year].
It didn't take long before the residence was pasted with the couplets, a blanket of red spread across the entire residence, creating a new atmosphere for the New Year that filled one's heart with joy.
For the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, Luo Ge naturally had to show off her culinary skills, so she was in charge of the main dishes today, with Gu Jinchen assisting her.
Originally, it was thought that Elder Mr. Xu and Little Yi Chen would stay here to celebrate the New Year.
They had even arranged to gather here today on New Year's Eve, so they wouldn't have to spend it coldly at the study hall, just the two of them, an elder and a child.
However, a few days ago, Mr. Xu's family suddenly came and took them away, so that plan was canceled.
It seemed that there were some changes in Mr. Xu's family, and he had been frequently traveling during this period.
...At dinnertime in the evening, a large table was filled with an array of delicacies and fine wine.
It was the big New Year after all, so a few drinks were definitely in order.
The four members of the Gu family, plus Qiu Niang, Uncle Song, and Gu Dong, the group filled the hall and made it quite lively.
"Today is New Year's Eve, a good day for celebration. Since we all live under the same roof, we are one family.
You don't need to be so formal, eat and drink as you please and be merry," Luo Ge said, seeing that they had taken their seats while Qiu Niang and the others were still standing.
The more people gathered together on a big occasion like the New Year, the more festive it felt.
They all came from ordinary backgrounds and didn't want to be too ceremonious.
Luo Ge had had enough of the lonely feeling of spending the New Year alone in the past.
"Yes, thank you, Mrs. Luo."
After a moment of hesitation, seeing Luo Ge's insistence, Qiu Niang and the others finally sat down.
Through their interactions, they had come to understand that Luo Ge and her husband were easy-going and kind people.
It was their good fortune in this life to encounter such a warm and welcoming master family.
In this joyful atmosphere, seeing that they had started drinking, Luo Ge also poured herself a small cup to taste.
Seeing her flushed cheeks after taking a sip of wine, Gu Jinchen's gaze softened.
"Don't drink too much, just a taste is enough. Be mindful of your body," he reminded her like a caring mother.
"I know, we still have to stay up and welcome the New Year tonight." She knew she couldn't drink too much.
"Good girl."
...On New Year's Eve, every household's lights were shining bright.
After dinner in the evening, the young couple cuddled in the pavilion, watching Yun Mu, Yun Yi, and Ze Han playing together.
"How wonderful," Luo Ge suddenly murmured.
"Hmm?" It was a soft whisper, and Gu Jinchen didn't quite catch it at first, so he looked down at her.
"What did you say just now?"
Luo Ge smiled up at him in response. "I said, days like this are truly wonderful."
"Having you all by my side is wonderful."
She didn't have to be alone like before, with the joy and happiness of the New Year having nothing to do with her.
These moments were truly wonderful.
Hearing her words and seeing the expression in her eyes, recalling her background, Gu Jinchen's heart ached. He stroked her hair and hugged her close.
"Every day from now on will be like this."
His words seemed both reassuring and promising.
"Hmm."
...............
At the same time, far away in a city hundreds of miles away, in a grand mansion.
"Child, daughter-in-law, grandson, we wish father, mother (grandfather, grandmother) success in all endeavors in the new year."
On New Year's Eve, the son, accompanied by his wife and child, extended their New Year's greetings to their parents, with three generations gathered together, a joyous reunion around the table.
But as she watched this scene, the middle-aged beauty sitting in the main seat seemed to recall something, staring blankly at a spot not far from the table.
The handsome middle-aged man beside her squeezed her hand, noticing her expression.
Everyone else exchanged glances.
"Child knows that mother loves Buddhist rituals. This is a string of precious sandalwood beads I obtained from a foreign domain on this trip. See if you like it, mother."
Finally, it was the son who spoke up with a smile, taking out a gift he had prepared and offering it to the beautiful woman, trying to change the subject and cheer her up.
Little did he know that he had only made things worse, earning him glares from his father, wife, and children.
He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth and fell silent awkwardly.
The beautiful woman, however, didn't say anything. She withdrew her gaze, accepted the gift, and nodded at him with a smile.
"You were thoughtful; mother appreciates it very much." Then she turned to the others and smiled.
"Sit down, why are you all standing there? This is Auntie Mei's handiwork for today; you shouldn't let her efforts go to waste."
"Good grandson, come, sit with grandmother."
Seeing her demeanor, everyone smiled and took their seats, but their hearts were still unsettled.
Yet, looking at the empty seat at the table that was left vacant every year, their hearts still ached.
It seemed that they were all together, but that empty seat was a stark reminder that someone was missing.
...After the meal, the beautiful woman went to the Buddhist shrine she visited daily and stared blankly at the small memorial tablet on the altar.
"Ying Mei, you said 'when the time comes.' But when exactly will that time come for me to find her?"
When will the opportunity arise for me to bring her back?
"Madam." The maid called Ying Mei opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but the words caught in her throat when she saw the tears in her mistress's eyes.
Yet, looking at that small memorial tablet, Ying Mei knew clearly that it would never be possible to bring that person back.
The young lady, she had witnessed her last breath with her own eyes.
But seeing the madam possessed by this belief for all these years, convinced that the young lady was still alive, praying fervently before the Buddha every day, Ying Mei could never bring herself to tell her the truth.
Without Ying Mei noticing, the beautiful woman lowered her head, also aware of the change in her expression.
In fact, what Ying Mei wanted to say, she understood better than anyone, but she still held on to a sliver of hope.
She hoped that what she saw in her dreams was real, and that what that person told her was also true.
That sliver of hope was all she could cling to.
