191: Happy New Year

The small town was crowded with people.

It was almost New Year's, and everyone was shopping frantically.

At the newly opened supermarket in the town, long queues had already formed at the cash registers.

Chinese people always hold a deep, deep obsession with celebrating the New Year.

No matter where they wander, they always hope to return home for the New Year, celebrating a happy, peaceful, and prosperous year.

Yaoyao loved going to the supermarket, buying yogurt, chips, White Rabbit candy, chocolate, duck necks, and other snacks she enjoyed.

Bai Yan also couldn't resist snacks; she even picked out a large bag herself.

Wu Fan acted as the porter, carrying a bag in his left hand and one in his right.

He also bought all kinds of fruits: sugar cane, bananas, small tangerines, cherry tomatoes, grapes, Hami melon, small melon, mango, durian, apples, cherries, prunes, pears, and ponkan oranges.

At Bai Yan's suggestion, they also bought a pair of large red lanterns, couplets, large red 'Fu' (Fortune) characters, red refrigerator magnets, and many other festive items.

After the group returned home, they immediately started pasting the couplets and hanging the lanterns.

After decorating the house thoroughly, the New Year atmosphere immediately enveloped them.

The entire house was adorned festively.

His mother happily said, "After all these years, we can finally celebrate a truly happy New Year."

Wu Xiong was reluctant to spend money and disliked these superficial items, but he didn't say anything.

He grew up enduring hardships. Although he had more money in his pocket now, he was fundamentally accustomed to frugality and still wouldn't spend money carelessly.

His spending philosophy was often on his lips: "Money must be spent where it counts."

If it needed to be spent, he would spend it; if it was optional, he tried not to spend it; and if it shouldn't be spent, he absolutely wouldn't.

He genuinely lived by this principle.

Wu Fan had transferred so much money to him over time, but apart from what he spent on house renovations, the rest remained untouched, deposited in the bank.

His mother, however, was quite good at spending money.

Whether it was good dishes and fruits for the family or food for entertaining guests during the New Year, she bought high-quality items.

All the household goods were purchased by his mother; the set of red bedding in Wu Fan's room was bought by his mother at a high price.

She was quite willing to discard old items in the house.

The couple had argued countless times over throwing away old clothes!

A few days ago, his mother complained to Wu Fan that the Old Man couldn't bear to throw away old clothes he had worn for over ten years.

After his mother secretly disposed of them, his father was furious, shouting, "Old clothes are comfortable and not torn, why throw them away?"

His mother retorted, "Wearing those old clothes outside is actually embarrassing your son."

That statement carried weight and immediately silenced the Old Man.

Throughout his life, the Old Man had devoted himself entirely to his family and son without complaint; he had truly fulfilled his duties.

Every father's capabilities differ, but as long as they put in the effort, whether the family is poor or rich, children should always show filial respect.

After all, there is no father who doesn't want to provide better living conditions for his child.

As descendants, we have no right to complain; instead, we should be filled with gratitude.

For raising children to adulthood, every parent deserves immense credit and respect.

Wu Fan was extremely familiar with his parents' temperaments.

The Old Man would be happy as long as there was some savings in his bank card.

The Old Woman, on the other hand, was satisfied just having cash in her pocket that she could withdraw and spend at any time.

Their personalities were vastly different.

Facing his parents, Wu Fan adopted the method of giving them money separately.

This way, both elders could freely manage their money according to their preferences and philosophies while living comfortably and contentedly—a truly ingenious solution.

On the morning of Lunar New Year's Eve, before the sun had risen and the entire village still seemed immersed in peace and tranquility, Wu Fan's home was already bustling with activity.

The whole family, young and old, got out of bed one after another and plunged into the busy and joyful atmosphere.

Peals of laughter echoed from the kitchen.

Wu Fan and Bai Yan were making dumplings together with the adorable Yaoyao!

They sat around the table. Wu Fan skillfully rolled the dough, while Bai Yan filled the wrappers and pinched the edges, placing the exquisite dumplings on a plate like works of art.

At the same time, Xiao Ai and his mother began preparing the lavish and delicious New Year's Eve dinner on the other side.

The two worked together seamlessly, chopping vegetables, stir-frying, stewing soup... Every dish was so tempting and mouth-watering!

And at this moment, his father Wu Xiong was also busy—he was focused on firing up the ancient, traditional earth stove!

The firewood burned fiercely, licking the bottom of the wok, and the food inside gradually came to a boil.

He constantly added wood to the stove, and the fiery red glow illuminated his face.

His mother used a metal spatula to turn the food cooking in the wok, and bursts of aroma wafted out.

This was the taste of home!

The whole family worked together, each performing their role, jointly adding more warm and beautiful memories to this special day.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, everyone didn't forget to tease and joke with each other, their laughter echoing in every corner of the house.

After having lunch, Wu Fan took Bai Yan to his third uncle Wu Taiheng's house.

He sincerely invited him to celebrate the New Year at his home, but his third uncle firmly refused.

He felt he was an inauspicious person, and if he celebrated the New Year at Wu Fan's house, he would affect the family's happy atmosphere.

He spoke highly of Bai Yan and instructed Wu Fan to treat and cherish her well.

When Wu Fan left, he forcefully gave his third uncle a red envelope containing ten thousand yuan.

It was considered a small token of goodwill from a junior relative.

In the evening, the aroma of food permeated the air. The family gathered around the dining table and started their lavish New Year's Eve dinner.

Wu Xiong looked at the table full of dishes and couldn't help but smile.

He said to his wife, "You worked hard for this meal today."

His mother smiled and replied, "With the whole family gathered together, celebrating the New Year lively, I'm too happy for it to feel like hard work!"

"Actually, Xiao Ai deserves the most credit for this table of food."

Xiao Ai merely pursed her lips and smiled softly.

When the Spring Festival Gala started playing on TV, the New Year atmosphere instantly reached its peak.

Yaoyao grabbed Wu Fan's phone and excitedly played with the camera.

After chatting for a while, everyone started anticipating the family tradition—giving out red envelopes.

As the head of the household, Wu Xiong stood up with a smile, ready to fulfill his duty.

He slowly pulled a stack of bright red envelopes from his pocket. Each one was bulging, seemingly filled with blessings and care.

He first walked up to Bai Yan and said emotionally, "Happy New Year, and may you achieve academic success."

Bai Yan quickly stood up and bowed, "Thank you, Uncle."

Next, Wu Xiong walked toward his wife, "Wife, you've worked hard. I have a bad temper sometimes, please don't take it to heart."

His mother laughed happily and said, "I don't dare accept this red envelope if I still have to put up with your bad temper."

"Hahaha..."

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing that.

Wu Xiong then distributed large red envelopes to Wu Fan, Xiao Ai, and Yaoyao.

The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and peaceful.

After the red envelope distribution ended, Wu Fan announced loudly, "Let's go set off fireworks."

Yaoyao was the first to jump up excitedly, "Great, that's wonderful!"

"I couldn't wait any longer!"