Yang Yufen was also worried about people overworking themselves. Originally, she had planned to add mutton soup and skip the cold noodles since the mutton soup noodles would be quicker to prepare. But Gui Xiang and her husband, undeterred by the extra effort, also added dumplings to the menu, making the offerings even more diverse.
"Understood. We’ll work until noon on the 30th, then take a break until after the fifth day of the new year. The kids are home for the holidays and can help out wherever needed. It won’t be too tiring."
"Why work until noon on the 30th? Taking a break a couple of days earlier wouldn’t make much difference."
If not for the healthy plumpness on Gui Xiang’s face, Yang Yufen would have feared she’d collapse from exhaustion.
"There are many families with no one to cook for them. The busier it gets toward the end of the year, the more they rely on us. At least they can have a proper meal at noon and buy some dumplings to take home, so they don’t have to go hungry on New Year’s Eve."
Hearing this, Yang Yufen said no more.
The two women returned to the shop early, and there was already a long line of customers waiting for breakfast.
"Aunt Yang!"
Yang Yufen turned to see Little Zhang, though this time he was accompanied by a man dressed like a wealthy businessman.
"Little Zhang."
"Yeah, I brought someone here for breakfast."
"Alright, enjoy your meal."
After exchanging greetings, Yang Yufen and Gui Xiang headed to the back.
"Cousin, is this money-making method of yours really reliable?"
Little Zhang had recently started seeing a girl, but since he didn’t have a stable job—even though he earned a decent amount each month—her family disapproved. They insisted he secure proper employment and provide the "three rounds and one sound" (bicycle, sewing machine, wristwatch, and radio) along with the "forty-eight legs" (a full set of furniture)—none of which could be skipped.
But that wasn’t the hardest part. The real challenge was that another suitor, with better prospects, was also pursuing the girl he liked, and her family favored that man over him.
Yet, Little Zhang was utterly smitten. The girl was not only beautiful but also highly educated, fair-skinned, and refined. He had fallen for her at first sight. He had considered giving up, but the more he thought about it, the more unwilling he became—so much so that he even forgot the fear he once felt after being robbed.
"Of course it’s reliable. You’ve been stuck in one place for too long and haven’t seen the opportunities outside. Let me tell you, small investments aren’t even worth their time. If it weren’t for the fact that you’ve got some savings, I wouldn’t even bother mentioning it to you. Without an introduction, you wouldn’t even get a chance to participate."
"So if I invest, I really don’t have to do anything, and in a month, I’ll get my principal back plus this much interest?"
"Where do you think I got all this from otherwise?"
The man tugged at his collar and flicked his wrist, revealing a thick gold chain and a gleaming watch that practically blinded anyone who looked.
"Make up your mind soon. If you’re coming with me, we leave tomorrow. Get your money ready. Miss this chance, and there won’t be another. If you can bring in more investors, you’ll earn even more."
He spoke in a hushed, mysterious tone before wolfing down his breakfast, despite his earlier complaints about the food.
"I’m leaving now. It’s up to you."
Little Zhang finished his meal in silence. Yang Yufen and Gui Xiang had overheard the conversation—their spot near the back made it impossible not to.
"Yufen, do you really think such a windfall could just fall from the sky?"
"Of course not."
After a moment’s thought, Yang Yufen walked over to Little Zhang.
"The heavens don’t drop that many free meals. It’s always better to stay grounded and work hard."
With that, she picked up her things and left.
Little Zhang watched her retreating figure, remembering how she had helped him during his toughest times. He closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and forced the image of the gold chain and watch out of his mind.
He still had his parents to support. If this was truly a missed opportunity, then it simply wasn’t meant to be. He couldn’t risk it—traveling so far with all his savings, only to lose everything and be unable to return.
Once he made up his mind, he exhaled deeply, feeling the weight lift from his chest. He had deliberately brought his cousin here today, wrestling with the decision for days. Running into Aunt Yang felt like a sign from fate.
Yang Yufen didn’t dwell on it. Once home, she busied herself with chopping and slicing, the sound of her knife against the cutting board never pausing.
Professor Wen took care of the kids while Aunt Wang assisted with preparations, bringing over grains and ingredients.
The oil in the wok heated up as dough pieces were fried, reshaped, and fried again—twisted into crispy twists or coated in sesame for thin wafers.
After hours of frying pastries, they moved on to meatballs.
The children ran back and forth, their pockets stuffed with snacks, their hands shiny with grease.
"Did you know Journey to the West is premiering on New Year’s Day?"
The news spread quickly among the kids.
"Wow! The one with Sun Wukong causing havoc in heaven? I want to watch it!"
"My family has a TV!"
"So does mine! My dad just bought one!"
Hu Zhenghao perked up at his friends’ words. His family had a TV too—and so did Granny Yang’s house! Perfect!
"Granny, Granny! I want to watch Sun Wukong!"
Dabao’s voice rang out before he even stepped through the door.
"What?"
Yang Yufen didn’t catch it clearly.
"The kids are talking about Journey to the West. It’s airing on New Year’s night. If they all behave, they can watch it!"
Professor Wen was well-informed about this.
"Then do you know which classic novel Sun Wukong comes from?"
She threw out a pop quiz.
"Journey to the West!"
Wang Xing was the first to answer correctly.
"Very good! Besides Sun Wukong, who else do you know from the story?"
This time, Hu Zhenghao jumped in eagerly.
"Alright, who can summarize the story?"
Though they hadn’t seen the show yet, some had read the comic versions—Hu Zhenghao and Wang Xing included.
Yaoyao and the twins shook their heads.
The children huddled together, munching snacks while recounting the tale, with Professor Wen filling in the gaps. By the time they finished, the story had already captivated them—long before the premiere.
"Old Hu, we’re spending New Year’s Eve at Yufen’s place. Will you be able to take time off?"
Professor Wen handed her husband a cup of warm water when he returned late that night.
"I was just about to say—I might not be back for the next few nights. The research institute is swamped. I’ll have to leave the kids to you."
Dean Hu looked at his wife with guilt.
She shouldn’t have retired so early, but for his sake—for their family—she had stepped back, sacrificing her career to support his and ease his burdens.
"Just take care of your health too. I’ll pack your things so you can bring them tomorrow."
Professor Wen understood her husband’s struggles well.
"Our in-laws have helped us so much, and with Niannian away, I’ll have to rely on you more."
"I know. I’ve also asked Little Jun to look after Xianjun more. We’re family."
After a brief conversation, one of them drifted off to sleep almost instantly, the dark circles under his eyes unmistakable. The other quietly dimmed the lights and moved softly to avoid disturbing him.
At the hospital, Zhou Ang studied under the lamplight. Medicine was a boundless field—she had trained in Western medicine, but her family’s roots lay in traditional Chinese medicine. Many texts had been lost during turbulent times, taking with them invaluable knowledge. Now, she could only piece together what remained through self-study.
Across the sea, Qin Nian channeled all her longing into her studies, not daring to pause for even a moment—especially during the holidays, when homesickness hit hardest.
