Qin Nian saw Zhou Ang off but wasn’t in a hurry to pick up the children.
"Mom, did you do that on purpose?" Qin Nian turned to Yang Yufen for an answer.
"I really did go to buy things for you. I didn’t expect to run into them. When things got heated and your sister-in-law showed up, I thought I might as well lend a hand."
Old grudges were finally settled—she got off easy!
With no plans to go out, Hu Jun working overtime, and Dean Hu busy managing the entire research institute, Professor Wen simply brought the children to Qin Nian’s place, where everyone prepared New Year’s goods together.
"Those vegetarian meatballs you fried last year were so delicious. I tried making them myself but failed. This year, I’ll assist you so we can make more." Professor Wen tied on an apron to help.
"It’s just fried vegetable meatballs—the only thing I’m good at. Your hands are meant for holding pens. If you mastered everything, what would be left for people like me? Look how finely you chop the vegetables."
Yang Yufen kneaded dough, energized by the lively atmosphere. Tasks that usually seemed tedious no longer felt bothersome with everyone around.
Qin Nian tried to help in the kitchen but was shooed away to watch the children. Left with no choice, she held a book in one hand while keeping an eye on the kids.
With Hu Zhenghao entertaining the twins and Little Baby gnawing on a sweet potato strip in the crib, there wasn’t much to supervise.
"Auntie, auntie! It smells so good! What are Grandma Yang and Grandma making in the kitchen?" Hu Zhenghao dashed over with Dabao and Erbao in tow.
Qin Nian, absorbed in her book, only snapped back to reality when the aroma of food reached her.
"Let me check for you. Don’t go into the kitchen—they’re frying stuff, and you could get burned."
After giving instructions, she stood up, but before she could reach the kitchen, Professor Wen emerged with a large bowl of snacks.
"Perfect timing. Take these first. Your mother-in-law is so thoughtful—she even prepared pear soup to go with them, so they won’t dry out your throat. I’ll bring the soup."
"Wow! The food’s here!" Hu Zhenghao cheered excitedly, and Dabao and Erbao clapped along—only to startle Little Baby awake.
Just as Qin Nian moved to comfort the baby, Hu Zhenghao had already darted to the crib.
"Don’t cry, Little Baby! Your brothers are here. It’s my fault."
Hearing familiar voices, the baby’s wails softened. Hu Zhenghao expertly reached into the swaddle and checked.
"Dry. Guess I just woke him up. Heh."
Professor Wen saw this but didn’t scold him. Instead, she smiled knowingly and set down the pear soup.
"Little Baby’s slept enough—time for his bottle."
"Let me handle it, Professor."
Finally able to help, Qin Nian fumbled a little but managed to feed Little Baby, change his diaper, and burp him.
Afterward, she exhaled deeply.
Babies were so soft. When she had returned, her twins were much older, already feeding themselves. The difference of just three or four months was staggering.
She had missed so much of their growth. If not for the photos her mother-in-law had taken, she might have regretted it forever.
On New Year’s Eve, the two families gathered for the reunion dinner. Qin Nian worried her mother-in-law might feel down—after all, Shen Xianjun was still alive, and his absence during the festivities must weigh on her.
"Come, come! Red envelopes for everyone!"
After the meal, Yang Yufen cheerfully handed out red packets wrapped in festive paper.
"Wow! Thank you, Grandma Yang!" Hu Zhenghao rushed forward first.
"Good children, these are for New Year’s Eve. Remember, there’s another one tomorrow morning for greetings!"
Yang Yufen beamed as she distributed the envelopes. Noticing her daughter-in-law watching, she pressed the last one into Qin Nian’s hand.
"You get one too, Nian. Take it."
With the envelopes given out, Professor Wen turned on the TV.
"Quick, kids! The Spring Festival Gala’s starting—right on time!"
The children crowded around.
"Come, in-laws! You’ve worked hard all year—time to relax."
"Coming! Want some melon seeds? And I’ll grab peanuts too."
As the two women settled in, Zhou Ang brought them tea.
"What’s got you so lost in thought? Here—your brother and I got you a red envelope too."
She pressed one into Qin Nian’s palm.
"Sis, I’m a mom now. You and Brother shouldn’t be giving me these." Qin Nian flushed.
"Of course we should. Age doesn’t matter. You’re his only sister—spoiling you is natural. Keep it. I need to head back for my shift. Take care of things here."
"Alright. Be safe, Sis."
The TV blared the jubilant melody of "Congratulations for the New Year."
One entertaining performance after another kept everyone laughing and wide awake as the countdown to the new year ticked closer.
"Grandpa, grandpa! It’s almost midnight! Let’s set off fireworks!"
Dean Hu had no choice but to stand as his grandson tugged at him.
"Dabao, Erbao, come on! Fireworks time!"
Hu Zhenghao didn’t forget the twins. Hearing the commotion, Qin Nian stood.
"Mom, I’ll watch the two."
"Go ahead."
The chime of midnight was drowned out by firecrackers.
Meanwhile, deep in the suburbs, a car crashed into a tree with a deafening impact.
"Cough… You’re a Communist?!"
Brother Lan stared in disbelief. After repeated mission failures, he’d grown suspicious and laid a trap. Despite all the previous tests, he’d still misjudged.
"……"
Shen Xianjun stayed silent—he couldn’t speak. The crash was intentional. If he hadn’t done it, Brother Lan would’ve escaped. This man was tied to too many operations; letting him go wasn’t an option.
"Rot here. There’s a bomb in the car. One blast, and you’ll be pulp."
Brother Lan dragged his injured leg away, oblivious as the barely conscious Shen Xianjun in the wreckage aimed a weapon at his back.
The gunshot guided rescuers to the scene.
"Stay awake! We’ll get you out!"
"Bomb… inside…"
With those final strained words, Shen Xianjun blacked out. A shard of metal pierced his abdomen, blood pooling beneath him.
---
Military Hospital
"Dr. Zhou, emergency case incoming—critical condition. Orders from above: do everything to save him."
Zhou Ang stood immediately. Before the patient arrived, the entire hospital mobilized.
"He’s lost too much blood. Without a transfusion, he won’t survive surgery."
The dean acted fast, and soon, a line of military donors formed to give blood.
