After a simple lunch, everyone got busy.
The men pasted couplets and hung lanterns, while the women gathered in the kitchen to start preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Recently, there have been many happy events at home, and everyone was beaming with joy. The kitchen was bustling with lively chatter.
When Han Chaoxu returned, Chu Zhenhua was following him, and although everyone was curious, no one directly asked about it.
Su Aihong saw her second son and his future bride return and greeted them with a smile, "Zhenhua, come sit here."
Chu Zhenhua seemed a bit embarrassed, "Auntie, my second aunt’s sister was ill and had surgery a few days ago, so my second aunt’s family went to the neighboring city to visit the patient during these New Year days."
Han Chaoxu, sensing her embarrassment, chipped in, "It was a last-minute decision for my second aunt’s family. When I found out, I went to get Chu Zhen and brought her here to celebrate New Year with us."
Su Aihong started laughing, "It’s good you’re here. The more people we have, the merrier. Sister Chen is a great cook, and we’ll definitely have a feast tonight."
Initially, Chu Zhenhua worried that the Han Family might have objections, but seeing He Jinxuan there gave her peace of mind.
The dishes were set on the table, and everyone raised their glasses to celebrate.
With Gu Wanqing returning, plus Chu Zhenhua and He Jinxuan joining, and Granny Zhang - a great benefactor to the Han Family - present, the New Year was celebrated with the utmost joy and harmony.
Xinyan was awakened by the sound of firecrackers outside. Remembering it was the first day of the New Year, she didn’t dare indulge in bed any longer.
When she was ready and stepped out, she saw Gu Wanqing and Han Jingchen standing outside her room.
Xinyan knew Gu Wanqing had been waiting for her to greet them, "Dad, Mom, Happy New Year."
Hearing Xinyan’s greeting, Gu Wanqing was thrilled, "Oh, yes, yes, Happy New Year."
And then she didn’t forget to hand over the prepared red envelope.
Xinyan accepted it with a smile, "Thank you, Mom."
Seeing Xinyan accept it, Gu Wanqing said, "After breakfast, let’s have a good chat, just the two of us."
Xinyan nodded in agreement, "Okay."
Indeed, it was time for a good talk. She hadn’t disturbed them earlier firstly because it was nearly New Year, and there were many things not suitable to discuss that might affect everyone’s mood during the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Secondly, she didn’t want to disturb the couple. After all, they’ve been apart for so many years and there’s surely much for them to talk about.
The dumplings were made last night as everyone stayed up late.
Just boil them today.
Han Chunxue urged Sun Baowei and the children to quickly eat breakfast as they were to drive back to the countryside later.
Every year on New Year’s Eve, Sun Baowei took his family back to the countryside to join his family for the New Year’s Eve dinner, a habit he maintained even after his parents passed away.
They stayed because Gu Wanqing returned, and Han Jingchen hoped they could all celebrate the New Year together, fulfilling a long-held wish.
Sun Baowei then called the village, arranging to return for the New Year’s visit on the first day.
After breakfast, Han Chunxue and Sun Baowei, along with the family, drove Han Jingchen’s car back to the countryside.
Han Jingheng also gathered his family to prepare to return to the old house, as Han Chaoxu’s wedding was coming up on the nineteenth day of the first lunar month, with many preparations needed.
Han Jingchen took He Jinxuan out to visit nearby leaders for New Year greetings.
Xinyan was also pulled into the room by Gu Wanqing.
The two chatted for a long time, with Xinyan curiously asking, "Mom, what kind of people were the ones who harmed the Gu Family back then?"
Thinking of those people, Gu Wanqing’s eyes simmered with undisguised hatred. If not for their selfishness in bringing down the Gu Family, she wouldn’t have been separated from her husband and daughter for so long, nor would her parents have been forced to leave their homeland.