Time flew by in the bustle, and in the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve.
Early in the morning, the house was already lively.
Some hung lanterns, while others pasted paper-cut window decorations.
Grandma Huo brought out the red paper she had prepared in advance. Knowing Jiang Si had excellent calligraphy skills, she called her over.
"Si Si, why don’t you write this year’s Spring Festival couplets?"
Jiang Si was about to agree when her gaze suddenly fell on the Old Master nearby.
Remembering how the Old Master had been diligently practicing his calligraphy at home recently, Jiang Si smiled.
"Grandma, I haven’t practiced calligraphy in a long time, and my hand is out of practice. Let Grandpa write them instead."
She even added a compliment, "Grandpa’s handwriting is better."
Hearing this, the Old Master couldn’t suppress the corners of his lips from curling up.
Grandma Huo understood Jiang Si’s intention perfectly. "Alright, as you wish. Let your grandpa write them."
Though the Old Master’s chess skills were mediocre, his calligraphy was truly impressive.
Each stroke was forceful and penetrating, carrying an undeniable strength and structure.
Soon, the couplets were finished.
The Old Master admired his work for a long time before finally handing them to Huo Tingzhou with great satisfaction.
Worried he might not paste them properly, the Old Master supervised the entire process.
"A little to the left... now a bit to the right..."
It took nearly two hours to finally get the couplets up.
Normally, Grandma Huo would have scolded them by now, but since it was New Year’s Eve and everyone was in high spirits, she let them be.
At noon, everyone had a quick meal before diving into preparations for the New Year’s feast—some kneading dough, others mixing fillings.
This year’s reunion dinner was a collective effort.
Mother Huo had informed the family members long ago that each household had to contribute two signature dishes.
Eldest Brother Huo made a specialty from the Xinjiang region—big plate chicken, with tender potatoes and wide belt noodles.
The aroma alone was enough to make one’s mouth water.
His second dish was hand-torn lamb.
Having grown up in the northwest, this was a staple during the holidays, emphasizing the original flavors.
Paired with the leek flower sauce they brought, the taste was exceptional.
Second Brother Huo prepared a traditional Capital City must-have for the New Year—Four Happiness Meatballs.
Though called meatballs, each was the size of a fist.
This dish alone required several pounds of pork. Mother Huo had initially worried Second Brother would waste the meat, but the flavor turned out surprisingly good.
His second dish was mustard greens with cabbage stems—a sweet and sour dish that was refreshingly crisp.
Jiang Si wasn’t much of a cook, so this task fell to Huo Tingzhou.
He made braised prawns and steamed yellow croaker.
Uncle Zhong also contributed two dishes.
Both were homestyle Shanghai New Year staples: braised wheat gluten with mushrooms and Jiang Si’s favorite, "salted pork and bamboo shoot soup."
Since spring bamboo shoots weren’t in season yet, winter bamboo shoots were used instead.
The broth was rich and milky-white, packed with cured meat and tofu knots. One sip, and it was so delicious it could "make your eyebrows fall off."
Lastly, Old Fourth’s family prepared the children’s favorite—fried snacks.
Fried ribbonfish, fried lotus root sandwiches, fried crispy dough twists, fried radish balls...
The moment the frying began, the kids came running at the smell.
"Here, one for each of you. Be careful—it’s hot."
With such a large batch made, Mother Huo couldn’t resist doting on her grandchildren, feeding them straight from the wok.
Seeing Suisui and Zhaozhao smacking their lips, drool nearly dripping, Jiang Si couldn’t help but laugh.
"Not this year, my dears. You don’t have teeth yet. Next year, okay?"
No sooner had she spoken than Huo Tingzhou popped a fried radish ball into her mouth.
The crunch was loud—
The two little ones immediately perked up at the sound, their eyes full of curiosity.
Jiang Si froze mid-chew, afraid to make another noise.
Luckily, Mother Huo had already prepared apple puree for the babies.
A simple tap of the spoon against the bowl was enough to divert their attention.
After the sweet puree, the New Year’s feast was nearly ready.
The Huo family’s reunion dinner wasn’t bound by strict formalities. Once the dishes were laid out, the Old Master brought out his treasured liquor.
Those who could drink had their glasses filled, while the rest toasted with orange soda.
Even Suisui and Zhaozhao had their baby bottles filled with warm water for the occasion.
Amidst the crackling of firecrackers outside, the Old Master stood with a gratified smile.
"It’s rare for us all to gather so completely this year. The past year hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made it through safely."
"Enough talk—let’s raise our glasses and celebrate this reunion!"
"Dad, Mom, Happy New Year!" Father Huo and Mother Huo stood together.
The younger generation also raised their cups. "Wishing Grandpa and Grandma (Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandma) good health and all the best!"
"Cheers!"
After the lively feast, it was already late.
Next came the children’s most anticipated moment—red envelopes.
Once the excitement died down, Jiang Si looked at the thick stack of red packets in her hands and sighed to Huo Tingzhou.
"After this New Year, Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma’s salaries for the month are probably gone."
Huo Tingzhou, tidying the babies’ cribs, nodded.
"But spending this money makes them happy."
Jiang Si smiled and said nothing more.
Then, Huo Tingzhou walked over and handed her a red envelope.
Like last year’s, it was inscribed with "Peace and Health Year After Year."
But this one felt noticeably thicker.
"Why so much?" Jiang Si asked, puzzled.
Huo Tingzhou rubbed his nose. "I didn’t spend all the allowance you gave me."
Since Jiang Si raised his monthly allowance to twenty yuan last year, he had little to spend it on and saved every bit.
When Old Xiao learned about his twenty-yuan allowance, he nearly turned green with envy—Old Xiao only got ten.
Old Lei wasn’t much better off.
In comparison, Huo Tingzhou was the richest.
Jiang Si hadn’t expected the money to circle back to her, but it warmed her heart.
This was her second New Year in this era.
Outside, the wind and snow still raged.
But she could truly feel—life was getting better year by year!
...
After New Year’s Eve, the following days were spent visiting relatives and friends.
Jiang Si also kept her promise, bringing the twins to visit her master and his wife.
Even during the holidays, her master only had half a day free.
That afternoon, master and disciple talked at length.
Jiang Si sensed her master had high expectations for her and braced herself for new assignments.
Yet, to her surprise, he only reminded her to rest more.
At the time, she found it puzzling, as if there was more to his words.
Until a few days later, when she received a call from the Ministry of Construction—
