Fireworks bloom

In 1977, on New Year's Eve, in Beijing, at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang.

The Zhao family's New Year's Eve dinner was very rich, with chicken, duck, fish, and meat all prepared.

Since Zhao Dongchuan was recruited to work in a unit, the family's conditions had significantly improved.

For the past two years, he had sent a lot of money home from Huangyuan, mostly under the pretext of 'writing fees,' hoping his family would be more comfortable.

He also sent many national coupons he received from the black market... Overall, their family's conditions were much better than before.

As for the money, Zhao Dongchuan estimated that most of it had been saved by his mother, Guo Ping, for his wife's dowry.

Of course, even if only a portion was used, it was much more comfortable than before; Guo Ping could buy better medicinal herbs... At this time, Spring Festival was not a holiday, and New Year's Eve was still a workday, though they finished earlier than usual. So, with the meal prepared, the family waited for Zhao Zhengguo to return.

Winter in Beijing was exceptionally cold, with the wind howling outside. Today, heavy snow had fallen, covering everything in silver, making the old Four-Nine City appear even more clean and solemn.

On such a day, eating a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve was people's greatest comfort, soothing the scarred hearts from the difficult past year.

Zhao Zhengguo, wearing a thick cotton-padded jacket, gloves, and a scarf, pushed his bicycle into the courtyard.

He quickly parked the bike, looked at the newly pasted Spring Festival couplets on the door, and then hurried into the house.

"Oh, didn't I tell you to eat first and not wait for me?"

He came in to find everyone waiting for him to start dinner; he said it, but his heart warmed.

"It's okay... We just had some meat soup to tide us over..."

Guo Ping said with a smile.

With everyone present, it was time to eat.

Zhao Dongchuan took out a bottle of Red Star Erguotou he had bought during the day and poured a glass for his cheap dad.

He also poured a small amount for Guo Ping and Tian Runye.

"I'll make a toast first. Dongchuan, Runye, congratulations on your upcoming marriage... I wish you a happy and harmonious life together and many children!"

Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye naturally stood up immediately, and the four clinked glasses in a toast.

Runye was either shy or flushed from the bit of wine she had, her face a beautiful, captivating red... After they had eaten and drunk for a while, Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye also stood up and toasted Zhao Zhengguo and Guo Ping.

"To Mom and Dad, good health and a Happy New Year!"

"Hahaha, good, good, good!"

...

Everyone ate while listening to programs on the Central People's Broadcasting Station.

Outside, the sound of firecrackers and fireworks occasionally rang out.

Last year, the "Gang of Four" was overthrown, and many rules slowly disappeared... Beijing also regained some of its former vitality... Zhao Dongchuan had also bought some fireworks and firecrackers, planning to liven up the courtyard after the New Year's Eve dinner.

At this time, fireworks and firecrackers were not prohibited, and it was New Year's, so no one would bother you... He held a lighter and a bag of fireworks and firecrackers, followed by Tian Runye, Guo Ping, and Zhao Zhengguo.

Arriving in the courtyard... he spread out the firecrackers, lit them with the lighter, and immediately moved away... followed by a burst of crackling sounds... This startled the other families in the courtyard, bringing them out.

"Oh, you even bought firecrackers... and fireworks..."

He Yuzhu, the older bachelor, immediately grinned and eagerly approached.

The other children in the courtyard also happily ran over, searching for surviving small firecrackers among the scattered debris.

"Hahaha, why don't you try? I bought quite a few..."

"No need, I..."

He Yuzhu was about to politely decline, but seeing Zhao Dongchuan about to light them with the lighter, he immediately rushed over.

"I'll do it, I'll do it..."

Heh heh, I won't indulge you... Zhao Dongchuan chuckled to himself.

Then came another round of firecrackers...

"Runye, you light these fireworks..."

Zhao Dongchuan handed the lighter to Runye.

Tian Runye nodded. It was her first time lighting fireworks. Yuanxi County was relatively remote and economically undeveloped, so few people bought or set off fireworks.

Beijing was just recovering from the turmoil, and there were still relatively few people setting off fireworks.

Most people went to Tiananmen Square to watch fireworks during the New Year... There were special firework displays prepared there.

Amidst the anticipation of the courtyard residents, Tian Runye lit the fireworks... As the fireworks bloomed in the night sky, their vibrant colors displayed their charm, making Beijing's night sky exceptionally beautiful.

At this moment, even the usually sharp-tongued Old Lady Jia quietly admired the beautiful scenery.

"It's truly beautiful..."

Tian RunyeTake the initiative to hold Zhao Dongchuan's hand，Muttered：

"Hahaha, if you want to see them, I'll set them off for you every day..."

"No, that would be too wasteful..."

...Amidst the cheers of the crowd and the clamor of children, the lively New Year's Eve passed.

The New Year began, and everything was renewed!

The next day, early in the morning, Zhao Dongchuan got up early. Today, he was taking Tian Runye to visit his grandparents at his uncle's house... Since he brought his partner back this year, it was natural to go and pay respects.

He didn't take the bus but rode his bicycle, taking Tian Runye, slowly strolling through the Four-Nine City.

They admired the scenery and chatted.

Soon, they arrived at his uncle's house.

He saw his aunt and grandparents, whom he hadn't seen in a year.

"Oh, Runye... what a lovely girl..."

Grandma held Runye's hand, smiling cheerfully.

Tian Runye, blushing, smiled and said, "Grandma, Happy New Year..."

"Good, good, good!"

Grandpa came out from the inner room at this point, took out a red cloth, wrapped a jade pendant in it, and handed it to Tian Runye.

"This is an old family heirloom. It was left behind when our Zhao family ancestors were prosperous. It's not worth much, but you take it..."

Runye looked at Zhao Dongchuan with a hint of surprise; she hadn't expected this.

He didn't know either. Logically, if such a thing were to be given, it would be Guo Ping, so why did Grandpa and Grandma give it?

"Grandpa, isn't this unnecessary?"

"Keep it. Xiaofei also got one when he got married... We discussed all this a long time ago..." Grandma said, smiling cheerfully at the two.

Seeing this, Zhao Dongchuan nodded to Runye, signaling her to accept it.

Runye reached out and accepted the jade pendant wrapped in red cloth.

"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma!"

"Hey... haha."

Looking at the happy expressions of the two elders, Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of happiness in each other's eyes.

"Eat lunch at our house... I'll go cook for you..." His aunt said with a cheerful smile and went into the kitchen to start cooking.

Tian Runye also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She had been quite worried that Zhao Dongchuan's relatives might be complicated, but she didn't expect them to be so harmonious, with no conflicts.

And her in-laws seemed very easy to get along with.

Thinking of this, she felt even more strongly how correct her choice was... This was already so much better than most families, saving her so many worries... Not to mention Zhao Dongchuan's own conditions...