At lunch time, a table full of sumptuous dishes was laid out. There was braised fish, which symbolizes abundance every year. The fish body was burnt to a bright red color, exuding an attractive aroma. The scales on the fish body shone under the light, like a fine work of art; there were dumplings, which symbolize reunion. The plump dumplings were like gold ingots, neatly arranged on the plate. The dumpling skin was crystal clear, and the fillings inside could be faintly seen; there were also various delicious vegetarian dishes and soups, with a combination of meat and vegetables, rich in nutrition. The family sat around the dining table, with happy smiles on their faces. Before starting to eat, everyone raised their glasses and drank together. Jiang Tingyan took the lead and said, “In the new year, I wish our family peace and harmony.” Everyone responded and said in unison, “Cheers!” The wine glasses collided together, making a crisp sound, as if it was a symphony of good wishes for the New Year.

At the table, everyone was enjoying the food while continuing their pleasant conversation. Lin Yizhi put a piece of fish in her daughter’s bowl and said with a smile: “Baby, eat more fish, you will be smart. This fish is very fresh, Dad went to the market to pick it specially.” The little niece nodded obediently and replied in a baby voice: “Thank you, Mom, I will become as smart as my brother.” Lin Wanyi also picked up food for her parents: “Mom and Dad, please try this. This is a new dish I learned. I don’t know if it suits your taste.” The parents smiled and nodded, and the father said: “It’s delicious, delicious, my daughter’s cooking skills are getting better and better.” The mother also echoed: “Yes, it’s the happiest thing for a family to sit together and eat like this.” The children’s laughter added more joy to this lunch, and the adults enjoyed the fusion of family affection and the comfort of the soul at this warm moment. The first day of the new year slowly kicked off in this big family full of love and warmth. Every moment was like a precious gem, embedded in the depths of their memories, becoming an eternal beauty.

After dinner, the children gathered in the yard to play. Lin Ruize took his niece and Lin Yuelin to set off small fireworks. He held the firework stick carefully, and the firework stick seemed to be a precious treasure in his hand. After he lit the fuse, he quickly stepped back a few steps, and brilliant sparks burst out instantly, and the colorful light illuminated the children’s happy faces. The little niece clapped her hands and screamed excitedly: “It’s so beautiful! I want to see more!” Lin Yuelin smiled and cheered for the beauty of the fireworks: “This firework is so beautiful! It’s like a fairy wand!” Lin Ruize looked at their happy faces and showed a bright smile on his face. He said: “As long as you like it, I will set off more.”

Inside the house, the women were clearing the table. Lin Wanyi’s mother looked at her busy daughters with concern and said, “Don’t be too tired. You should take a good rest during the New Year. I’ll take care of these things later.” Lin Yizhi smiled and responded, “Mom, this is what we should do. It’s more lively when the family works together. And you’ve been busy all morning. Go and have a rest.” Lin Wanyi also said, “Mom, don’t worry. We’ll be done soon.”

The men moved to the study. Jiang Tingyan and Gu Jiang accompanied their father-in-law to talk about the family’s past. The father-in-law sat on the armchair and said slowly: “Thinking back then, our family has experienced a lot of ups and downs to get to where we are today. The living conditions were difficult at that time, but everyone worked together and supported each other to overcome one difficulty after another. Like one time, there was a food shortage at home, and everyone tightened their belts and distributed the only food to the elderly and children. The young and middle-aged people went out to find work and tried their best to keep the family alive.” Jiang Tingyan listened attentively and said, “These stories are really touching. We must also pass on the family spirit, let the children also understand the family history, and know how to cherish their current life.” Lin Ruize would occasionally come in to listen. He was deeply attracted by the stories of the past and had a deeper respect and sense of belonging to the family. He stood quietly by, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration, and couldn’t help asking: “Grandpa, what happened later? How did things get better?” His father-in-law looked at him lovingly and replied: “Later, everyone’s hard work paid off, and life gradually improved. This is the power of family unity.”

In the evening, the family sat together again and started making glutinous rice balls. Lin Yizhi kneaded the glutinous rice dough skillfully. Her hands seemed to have magic, kneading the dough smooth and delicate. She smiled and said: “This glutinous rice ball, it is better to wrap it round and full, which means the reunion of the family.” Lin Wanyi taught the children how to make good-looking glutinous rice balls: “Come, put the fillings in like this, then slowly close the mouth and gently roll it into a round shape.” Lin Ruize was clumsy at first, and the glutinous rice balls in his hands were always shapeless, but under the patient guidance of his sisters, he gradually mastered the skills. Although the glutinous rice balls he made were not very regular in shape, they were full of heart. He said a little embarrassedly: “My wrapping is not very good-looking.” Lin Wanyi comforted him: “It doesn’t matter, it’s great to be able to wrap it like this for the first time. The important thing is the fun of everyone working together.” Lin Yuelin joked on the side: “Brother, although your glutinous rice balls are a little ugly, they must taste sweet, because they are all your love.” Everyone laughed when they heard it.

When night fell and the moon was high in the sky, the family came to the yard and lit up the red lanterns. The dim light of the lanterns swayed in the night, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. Everyone ate steaming dumplings while admiring the fireworks blooming in the night sky. Bursts of firecrackers were heard from the distance from time to time, and the whole world was immersed in the joy and peace of the New Year. Lin Ruize looked at his family around him and made a silent wish in his heart, hoping that in the new year, his family would be healthy and safe, and that his friendship with Jiang Yan would last forever and that he would make greater progress in his studies. He looked at the bright lanterns, as if he saw the light of hope for the future. At this moment of reunion, he felt the beauty of life and the true meaning of happiness.

At this moment, the phone in Lin Ruize’s pocket suddenly vibrated. He was moved and hurriedly took out his phone. The screen lit up. It was indeed a text message from Jiang Yan. “Ruize, Happy New Year! May you be happy every day and everything goes well in the new year.” Jiang Yan’s words seemed to have magic. Through the screen, like a warm current, they slowly flowed into Lin Ruize’s heart, dispelling the chill of winter. The corners of his mouth rose uncontrollably, outlining a gentle and happy smile. In his eyes, bright light flickered constantly, just like the brightest stars in the night sky, full of joy and relief.

Lin Yuelin was standing aside, holding a firework stick in her hand, and the brilliant sparks were flying in front of her eyes, illuminating her delicate face. Originally, her attention was all attracted by the charming fireworks, immersed in the unique joyful atmosphere of the New Year. However, an inadvertent glance up allowed her to keenly capture the sudden smile on her brother’s face. That smile was too special, different from the usual cheerfulness when getting along with her family, but a look with a hint of shyness and sweetness. A trace of doubt flashed across her smart big eyes, and her heart was like a kitten scratching, thinking to herself: What’s wrong with my brother? Usually at this time, he should devote himself to the happy family gathering, laughing and playing with everyone, but now he is laughing so happily alone at his mobile phone, as if the whole world is only him and the small screen of the mobile phone. She tilted her head slightly, staring at Lin Ruize curiously, her feet seemed to be out of control, unconsciously moving a few steps in the direction of her brother, her eyes full of desire to explore, wanting to find out.

Lin Ruize was immersed in the joyful world of texting with Jiang Yan. He tapped his fingers briskly on the screen of his mobile phone and replied, “Jiang Yan, Happy New Year! I also hope that you will be full of happiness in the new year. This New Year, I am with my family and it is very lively. How about you?” After sending the text message, he was still thinking about every bit of communication with Jiang Yan. The smile on the corner of his mouth was like a flower brushed by the spring breeze, which had not faded for a long time. So much so that he did not notice his sister approaching quietly.

Lin Yuelin finally walked to her brother’s side. She stretched out her hand and gently pulled the corner of Lin Ruize’s clothes. The action was gentle but full of persistence. Her crisp voice rang out: “Brother, who are you chatting with? You are laughing so happily.” Lin Ruize was startled by the sudden voice and his body trembled slightly. The phone almost slipped from his hand. A trace of panic flashed in his eyes for a moment, like a disturbed deer. He hurriedly hid the phone behind his back and stammered: “No, no one, just a New Year’s greeting from a classmate.” As he spoke, his cheeks quickly flushed, and the color was like the sunset on the horizon, spreading out, as if someone had seen through the most secret thoughts in the depths of his heart.

Lin Yuelin was not easily fooled. She blinked her bright and cunning eyes, fixed her gaze on her brother, and continued to ask relentlessly: “Is it really just a classmate? I don’t think so. Brother, are you hiding any secrets from your sister?” There was a hint of coquettishness in her tone, as if she was playing with her brother, but the persistence in her eyes exposed her determination to find out the truth. Lin Ruize looked at his sister helplessly. He knew her temper very well and knew that she would not give up easily. He had to pretend to be calm and tried to make his voice sound steady and natural: “It’s really just a classmate, sister, don’t guess blindly. Let’s go and set off fireworks with everyone.” As he said, he tried to divert his sister’s attention, and his feet had already stepped towards the place where the fireworks were placed, but the slightly trembling fingers revealed his inner tension and anxiety.

Lin Yuelin looked at her brother trying to cover up, and she was more and more convinced that things were not that simple. She crossed her arms, looked at Lin Ruize with a half-smile, and said, “Brother, don’t try to get away with it. How can I not see from your expression?” Lin Ruize’s forehead was covered with tiny beads of sweat. He avoided her eyes and did not dare to look directly at his sister. He just smiled dryly and said, “Sister, it’s really nothing. Let’s go set off the fireworks first. Everyone is waiting.”

Just when the two were in a stalemate, Jiang Tingyan walked out of the house, saw the brother and sister standing there, and asked: “What are you doing here? Why don’t you go play with everyone?” Lin Yuelin said first: “Dad, my brother seems to have something on his mind, I’m asking him.” Lin Ruize hurriedly explained: “Dad, it’s nothing, sister misunderstood.” Jiang Tingyan looked at his son’s flushed face and his daughter’s inquiring eyes, and seemed to understand something, but he didn’t point it out. He just smiled and said: “Okay, okay, it’s New Year’s Day, don’t make trouble here. Let’s go to the yard together.”

Lin Ruize felt as if he had been pardoned, and hurriedly followed his father to the yard. Lin Yuelin followed closely behind, staring at her brother’s back from time to time, thinking that she must find an opportunity to ask him again.

When they got to the yard, the fireworks were still blooming, and the colorful lights illuminated the entire yard. Lin Ruize tried to calm himself down and joined the team setting off fireworks. He picked up a firework stick, lit it, and looked at the brilliant sparks, trying to divert his thoughts from the previous episode. But Jiang Yan’s text message and his sister’s questioning were like two big stones, weighing heavily on his heart. He held the firework stick absent-mindedly, and the ashes of the fireworks fell on his hands without him noticing.

Lin Yuelin stood aside, watching the fireworks, but her mind was on her brother. Seeing her brother pretending to be calm, she decided to find a chance to have a good chat with him. She walked to Lin Ruize, bumped his shoulder and said, “Brother, look at how beautiful the fireworks are, why don’t you seem happy?” Lin Ruize forced a smile and said, “No, sister, I’m very happy.”

After a while, Lin Wanyi invited everyone to come in and eat glutinous rice balls. The family sat around the table, and the steaming glutinous rice balls exuded an enticing aroma. Lin Ruize ate the glutinous rice balls silently, and occasionally secretly glanced at his mobile phone, looking forward to whether Jiang Yan would send another message. Lin Yuelin saw all this. She took advantage of the gap between everyone chatting, gently touched Lin Ruize’s arm, and whispered: “After eating the glutinous rice balls, let’s go to the backyard to chat.” Lin Ruize was startled and wanted to refuse, but seeing his sister’s firm eyes, he had to nod helplessly.

After eating the glutinous rice balls, Lin Ruize followed Lin Yuelin to the backyard. The backyard was relatively quiet, with only the faint sound of fireworks coming from afar. After Lin Yuelin stood still, she turned to look at her brother and said directly: “Brother, can you tell me now, who sent you a text message just now? Are you in love with that classmate?” Lin Ruize’s face flushed red all of a sudden, he lowered his head, hesitated for a while, and whispered: “Sister, it’s Jiang Yan. I… I don’t know if I like her, but I’m very happy and comfortable when I’m with her.” (End of this chapter)