New Year’s Eve, Liu Yulan and Wang Pandi prepared a table full of delicious dishes with Wang Miaomiao. There was plenty of fish and meat. Of course, Wang Miaomiao was just there to lend a hand.
The family joyfully celebrated the New Year. During dinner, Wang Baoxing rarely enjoyed a good cup of wine and, bolstered by the drink, he seldom shared his feelings...
"This year... I feel especially happy, like I’ve hit great luck, everything is smooth and satisfying... I never thought I could have a day like today..."
As Wang Baoxing spoke, everyone smiled, but there was also a hint of contemplation in their expressions...
"Pandi, you’ve had a tough few years, don’t blame your mom for making you work in the kitchen at such a young age. She was doing it for your own good." Wang Baoxing seemed to recall the hardships of those years, tinged with both emotion and a bit of regret, "Those years were so poor, burdened with debt..."
"Alright, stop rambling just because you’ve had a drink... talk about something happy..." Liu Yulan kicked him under the table. On such a joyous day, why bring up old grievances.
Children from poor families often learn to take responsibility early; many start helping in the kitchen by the age of seven or eight. Compared to the later twins, she did show a bit of favoritism.
However, with five fingers there’s bound to be some difference in length, and it’s impossible to cover all bases in everything. Besides, her mindset during those years was very complicated. Looking back, she realized many of her decisions weren’t ideal, but everything has passed and can’t be undone. The past is like smoke, let it go with the wind...
"Oh, right, let’s talk about happy things." Wang Baoxing revived his enthusiasm. "But I must say one thing for your mom. She always said, if you know how to cook, you’ll never go hungry. You have good fortune waiting for you... Make sure to live well with Gangzi."
Wang Pandi had been doing better in the past six months and gradually came to understand things. She no longer obsessed over things as she did before, "I know, Dad, Mom, don’t worry, Gangzi and I will live well."
"Mm, good, good..." Wang Baoxing then looked at Wang Miaomiao, "Miaomiao is grown and sensible now, and she can even earn money. She’ll definitely have a bright future, and it makes Dad really happy." The changes in his daughter over these past six months have been astounding; he is proud to have such a daughter.
"Dad, Mom, I’m also very happy," Wang Miaomiao said with a smile. "I just hope the family stays well, that you two stay healthy, and that our lives get better and brighter."
"There will definitely be brighter days ahead. Your dad is full of energy now, haha..." Wang Baoxing was a hardworking man, and he managed smoothly at the steel factory.
Everyone laughed along with him.
Wang Baoxing then turned his gaze to Wang Jia Bao. Compared to his daughters who would eventually marry, he naturally paid more attention to his only son who would carry on the family name, "Jia Bao has also been working hard these past six months, keep it up. You’re the only boy in the family; the responsibility on your shoulders is not light..."
"Dad, I understand." Wang Jia Bao, thanks to Wang Miaomiao’s weekly tutoring sessions, finally saw results in his end-of-term exam, scoring well, placing fifth in the whole school, right before Liu Jianmin who placed seventh.
Of course, he could never surpass his older sister; in his mind, his third sister was an insurmountable presence. Always topping the class, earning bonuses until her hands were overloaded, and receiving monthly manuscript fees, tsk tsk... a glittering young rich lady indeed.
This time his good performance earned him a reward from his third sister, five yuan. It was the first time he received a reward due to his own efforts, and at that moment, he felt genuinely excited and was instantly filled with interest and motivation for studying.
Finally, Wang Baoxing looked at Liu Yulan, and the deep affection in his eyes was unmistakable. As his emotions surged, just as he wanted to say something, Liu Yulan halted him with a sharp look. Frightened, his courage buoyed by alcohol deflated; he meekly uttered under his breath, "Yulan..."
From his state, Liu Yulan could tell things might turn sour. After being married for years, she wouldn’t bear to lose face in front of the children. She picked up a piece of fatty and lean meat and placed it in his bowl, her expression shifting slightly, "Eat some meat, you’ve worked hard this year too. The kids and I remember your goodness."
"Oh, oh... good. You eat too, you’ve... worked harder..." Wang Baoxing was somewhat startled by her favor and quickly reciprocated by placing a good piece of meat in Liu Yulan’s bowl.
The Wang Family gathered in harmony, but far away in Beijing, the Jiang Family remained cold and silent.
Jiang Zhongyi phoned his eldest son Jiang Peng late that night, and Bai Li hurriedly packed up and brought Jiang Huilan and Jiang Shulan back to the Jiang Family.
They briefly tidied up before rushing to the hospital to take care of Grandma Jiang.
Upon entering, Bai Li was startled by the sight of her brother-in-law Cheng Hongbing on the neighboring hospital bed. Since the family hadn’t mentioned Cheng Hongbing’s situation, Bai Li was unaware.
Seeing Cheng Xue alone attending to two patients moved Bai Li to say, "It’s hard on Xiao Xue. Tonight, your Sister Hui Lan and I will take care here. You can take Shulan back for a good rest."
Jiang Peng and Bai Li married and had children later, and there’s only a one-year gap between Jiang Huilan and Cheng Xue, while Jiang Shulan was just eight.
"Yes, Xiao Xue, go rest." Cheng Hongbing was extremely concerned about his daughter and immediately added.
Cheng Xue was naturally exhausted. Hospital conditions made eating and sleeping difficult, and everything was inconvenient. She pondered that she hadn’t cared for herself for days and agreed, "I’ll return later tonight and come back early tomorrow morning. Thank you, Aunt Bai, Sister Hui Lan."
"No need for thanks, we’re all family." Bai Li, a typical virtuous wife and mother, as well as a teacher, exuded an aura that made people feel warm and want to be close.
With Bai Li and Jiang Huilan around, they took turns caring and everything became more orderly. Grandma Jiang and Cheng Hongbing’s injuries were not worsening, allowing everyone to finally relax a bit.
On New Year’s Eve, Jiang Zhongyi and Old Master Jiang arrived in the evening with food prepared by Aunt Li.
Aunt Li had been busy these days, cooking three meals a day, and on this New Year’s Eve after preparing dinner, she left early to celebrate at home.
The family arranged a few chairs together and shared a simple reunion dinner.
Although it was called a reunion dinner, not everyone was present; Jiang Peng, Jiang Yan, and Cheng Qi were at the military and hadn’t returned. Jiang Tao’s family was also far away in the northwest and didn’t come back. The news of Grandma Jiang’s situation hadn’t reached Jiang Tao, so he was unaware. Jiang Tao’s research institute was a confidential place, so whenever they worked on a project, it employed a closed-off process. Typically, they only had time for a break once a project was completed.
And Zheng Zhen, she was treated as if she didn’t exist, and no one paid her any attention. She wanted to stay and care for the patients, and no one stopped her, but if she didn’t come, no one would seek her out or show interest.
Perhaps due to feeling neglected over time, she eventually stopped appearing in this hospital room.
Now she sat alone, desolate in the Jiang Family’s living room.