"It's delicious, so well made!"
Yang Yufen praised as she finished the dish, prompting Li Wu to raise his chin proudly at Li Wen.
Li Wen ignored him, silently serving more food to Yang Yufen instead.
Military academy leaves were brief and rare—just two days a month, and not every month at that.
Li Wen, however, had far more free time, especially when winter arrived and Yang Yufen moved back from the orchard to the villa. He seized every opportunity to return home.
"Grandma, the pear tea is warm now. Remember to drink it."
Li Wen placed the cup beside Yang Yufen.
"Alright, alright. Why aren’t you studying in the study? The TV might disturb you."
"It won’t. When I focus, outside noise doesn’t bother me."
Li Wen nestled close to Yang Yufen and buried himself in his work.
The cold weather made Qin Nian and Shen Xianjun more eager to return home—no snowfall could deter them.
Every time they saw Yang Yufen’s warm, smiling welcome, they felt a deep sense of happiness.
"Grandma, I’m on leave!"
Li Wu strode in with his backpack, surprised to find the whole family gathered.
"Dad, Mom, Li Wen."
"Welcome back. Stay by the door first—let the chill wear off before coming in."
Shen Xianjun’s words halted Li Wu mid-step.
"Where’s Grandma?"
Li Wu instinctively looked for Yang Yufen.
"Grandma isn’t feeling well today. She just fell asleep, so keep your voice down."
Li Wen took Li Wu’s belongings as he spoke.
"Grandma’s unwell? Did she see a doctor? What’s wrong? I’ll change and tiptoe in to check on her—I won’t wake her."
Li Wu’s brows furrowed, his usually bold features now etched with concern and maturity.
"How long is your leave? Spend as much time with Grandma as you can."
Qin Nian handed Li Wu a cup of ginger tea.
He drank it obediently. Though confident in his robust health, he wouldn’t risk passing any illness to his grandmother.
"Two weeks."
Once the cold had left him, Li Wu showered and changed before quietly visiting Yang Yufen.
But the moment he cracked the door open, she sat up.
"Li Wu’s back! Why so cautious? Come here, dear."
"Grandma, did I wake you? I should’ve waited longer."
Li Wu rubbed his neck sheepishly.
"I woke up on my own. At my age, sleep is light and short. My, you’ve grown taller! Is this your holiday?"
Yang Yufen’s voice was tender.
"Yes, two weeks off. I’ll spend New Year’s with you. I’ve missed your homemade treats."
"Two weeks? Wonderful! Tell me what you’d like, and I’ll make it."
Yang Yufen agreed without hesitation.
"No rush, Grandma. Rest first. Did you catch a chill? Did the doctor check you?"
"The doctor said I’m fine. With all of you home, I’ll recover faster."
Yang Yufen, in high spirits, insisted on getting up. Li Wu couldn’t stop her, so he helped her into her shoes and draped a thick coat over her shoulders.
"Mom, why are you up?"
Qin Nian and Shen Xianjun arrived just as Li Wu supported Yang Yufen toward the stairs.
The three-story villa had once housed Yang Yufen on the ground floor after her leg injury, but Qin Nian later moved her to the second floor—warmer in winter, cooler in summer, better for her health.
"I’m feeling better now. What’s the date today?"
Yang Yufen frowned slightly, trying to recall.
"It’s the 25th of the twelfth lunar month."
"Already the 25th? We haven’t prepared for New Year’s yet! Little Li, Little Wu, go buy meat and vegetables for frying snacks. We’ll make dumplings too."
Yang Yufen called toward the kitchen, and the two helpers emerged.
"Professor Qin."
They glanced at Qin Nian, whose eyes had reddened. Shen Xianjun gripped her hand tightly.
"Go ahead and buy what’s needed. Mom, just tell us what you want—we’ll get everything."
Shen Xianjun hesitated, wanting to steady Yang Yufen but holding back.
"Mom."
Qin Nian’s voice was soft.
"Nian loves vegetable fritters. Li Wu likes meatballs, Li Wen prefers crispy twists, and Shen Xianjun favors lamb and chive dumplings."
"Got it, ma’am. We’ll head out now."
"Homemade dough makes the best dumplings."
Yang Yufen shuffled toward the kitchen, Shen Xianjun trailing behind as he fetched flour.
"Mom, let me knead the dough. I’m stronger. You guide me."
"Fine. You always add too much water. Crack in two eggs and a pinch of salt."
Yang Yufen chattered on, with Li Wen quietly joining in, one hand steadying her while responding.
"Grandma, what else? I’ll help."
Qin Nian stood frozen, tears spilling over. Even Li Wu, usually oblivious, sensed something amiss but refused to acknowledge it.
"Mom, is Grandma…?"
"Don’t say it. Just cherish this time with her."
Qin Nian wiped her cheeks, forced a smile, and hurried over.
"Mom, let me help too."
"Oh no, let the men handle it. Once women start working, the tasks never end."
Yang Yufen caught Qin Nian’s hand.
"Invite your mentor’s family and Aunt Wang for dumplings. Call them now. It’s been so long since we all celebrated together—last time was back in the old compound."
"Of course, Mom. I’ll call right away."
Qin Nian nodded rapidly before retreating upstairs. In her room, tears blurred her vision as she dialed.
Professor Wen and Aunt Wang arrived first.
"You should’ve told us earlier! We’d have come to help sooner."
They flanked Yang Yufen naturally.
"Perfect timing—the ingredients just arrived."
"So much food!" Aunt Wang eyed the spread.
"Not at all. Everyone has their favorites—Professor Wen likes cabbage dumplings, you prefer sour cabbage. With many hands, we’ll finish quickly."
Laughter filled the air as the first batch of fritters sizzled in oil, their aroma wafting through the house.
Yang Yufen, as always, handed the crispiest ones to Qin Nian and the children.
"Eat up. Fresh from the pan is best."
Gui Xiang’s family arrived next, followed by Dean Hu, Hu Jun, Zhou Ang, and Wang Shuo.
"Grandma Yang, we’re here to see you!"
"Wonderful! The fritters are ready—have some first."
Four families gathered, lively and complete.
Plump dumplings were served steaming hot, and everyone ate heartily from their bowls.
"Nian, Nian, take a photo."
Yang Yufen had changed into new clothes.
Gui Xiang and the others turned away, discreetly wiping tears.
"What a blessed life, to have met all of you. Nian, take care. The children too. Xianjun, cherish your fortune."
