81: Chapter 81 New Year

When he opened his eyes again, the sky was already bright.

The space beside him was empty, still retaining Lin Wan's body heat and a faint, pleasant fragrance.

Chen Fan stretched, feeling every pore in his body exuding comfort.

Those dozen days of walking on thin ice, constantly on edge, felt like a lifetime ago.

He got out of bed and pushed open the door.

In the faint morning light, the small courtyard was perfectly still.

Slight movements came from the kitchen where Lin Wan was preparing breakfast.

Nuannuan was sleeping soundly in her cradle, her little face flushed.

This was life.

No slaughter, no conspiracies, no temperamental powerful figures who viewed human life as mere grass.

There was less grandeur, but more peace and happiness.

After breakfast, Lin Wan held the child in the courtyard to bask in the sun, while Chen Fan began practicing his fist techniques in the center of the yard.

The Longxing Sect's fist techniques were broad and open, emphasizing ferocity and strength.

With every punch and kick, the wind whistled.

As he performed the techniques, his Internal Energy surged and flowed through his Meridians.

Those three Qi Condensation pills were highly effective.

In just a few short days, his Realm as an 8th Grade Martial Artist had completely stabilized, even showing signs of pushing toward the Peak.

But he was not in a hurry.

On the path of the Dao of martial arts, haste makes waste.

Besides, he had plenty of time.

After finishing his practice, covered in a light sweat, Lin Wan would hand him a warm towel she had prepared.

Life just continued, plain and simple like water.

During the day, apart from practicing martial arts, Chen Fan spent his time with his wife and daughter.

He would make all sorts of strange-looking wooden toys for Nuannuan, making the little one giggle.

He would also accompany Lin Wan to the market in the south of the city to buy groceries, listening to her chat about the trivial matters of the neighborhood.

The night was for the couple's intimate time.

He gradually discovered that Lin Wan's body was like an unpolished piece of jade; under his guidance, it gradually bloomed with astonishing splendor.

The techniques he had learned in the brothel, which he had long cast aside, now became the best catalyst.

The image of that crazy woman, Su Xin, and the cold face of Princess Jingping were gradually fading from his memory.

It was like an absurd nightmare.

The dream had ended, and life continued as before.

And so, the days passed, and in the blink of an eye, more than a month went by.

Yanzhou city welcomed the liveliest festival of the year: the New Year.

This was the first New Year Chen Fan had spent since his Transmigration into this world.

The entire Yanzhou city seemed to be draped in festive red.

In front of every household, brand-new red lanterns were hung, and auspicious Spring Festival couplets were pasted.

The streets were surging with crowds, shoulder to shoulder.

The sound of firecrackers rose and fell, never-ending, and the air was filled with the scent of saltpeter.

Chen Fan's small courtyard was, of course, no exception.

Lin Wan had cleaned the yard spotlessly early on, pasted the "Welcoming Spring and Receiving Fortune" couplets on the door, and put beautiful window paper-cuts on the windows.

She had also specially bought new cloth to make new clothes for the family of three.

Nuannuan wore a red cotton-padded jacket, her little face bundled up tightly, revealing only a pair of large, dark, rolling eyes as she curiously sized up this novel world.

Lin Wan wore a pale cyan long dress, covered by a white fox fur cloak, which highlighted her slender figure and beautiful, clear features.

Chen Fan was also in a brand-new blue long gown, looking much more spirited.

"Let's go, I'll take you out for a stroll."

Chen Fan held Nuannuan in his arms, wrapping her well in thick swaddling clothes, leaving only her little head exposed.

The family of three left the small courtyard and merged into the ocean of joy.

The streets were simply packed with people.

Vendors selling candied haws, sugar figurine makers, acrobats, opera singers... all kinds of stalls and performances made one's eyes dazzle.

A mask vendor, seeing Nuannuan in Chen Fan's arms, smiled and picked up a rabbit mask, waving it in front of her.

"Young Master, buy a mask; I guarantee your baby will love it!"

Nuannuan was indeed attracted by the cute rabbit mask, stretching out her chubby little hands, babbling as she tried to grab it.

Chen Fan smiled, took out a few copper coins, and bought the mask.

He didn't put it on Nuannuan, but just held it in his hand to tease her.

Lin Wan followed at his side, her face always carrying a gentle smile.

She looked at her husband and the daughter in his arms, feeling a satisfaction and happiness she had never experienced in her life.

Not far away, there was a deafening sound of gongs and drums.

It was a Dragon dance troupe, dancing from one end of the street to the other.

That golden Dragon, manipulated by over a dozen strong men, leaped and dived, looking vivid and lifelike, drawing cheers from the surrounding commoners.

Chen Fan held Nuannuan, squeezing into the crowd, watching with great interest.

This was the smoke and fire of the human world.

Real, and warm.

After strolling for a long time, the sky began to darken.

Chen Fan bought a large bag of snacks and candies, then, satisfied, headed home with his wife and daughter.

Returning home, he closed the courtyard gate, and the roaring noise outside seemed to be instantly cut off.

Inside the room, a charcoal brazier had long been lit, warm as spring.

Lin Wan placed the New Year's Eve dinner she had prepared onto the table one by one.

Although there were only three dishes and one soup, they were all carefully prepared by her.

The family sat around the table, eating this simple yet heartwarming New Year's Eve dinner.

Outside the window, fireworks rose and bloomed in the night sky with brilliant colors, illuminating the entire small courtyard, flickering light and dark.

After eating, they tidied up the bowls and chopsticks.

Chen Fan carefully placed the sleeping Nuannuan back into her cradle.

He turned around and saw Lin Wan standing by the window, staring blankly at the fireworks outside.

The brilliant light reflected on her plain face, coating it in a dreamy halo.

Chen Fan gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

Lin Wan's body trembled slightly, then relaxed, leaning her head against his chest.

"It's so beautiful."

She said softly.

"Yeah."

Chen Fan replied, resting his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the faint fragrance in her hair.

This moment of peace was something he had traded his life for.

He suddenly felt that everything before had been worth it.

"Husband."

"Yeah?"

"It's New Year."

"Yes, it's New Year."

Chen Fan tightened his arms, pulling her entire petite body into his embrace.

He lowered his head and kissed those warm, moist lips.

Lin Wan responded clumsily, her hands instinctively climbing up to his neck.

Outside the window, the fireworks continued.

Inside the room, the candlelight was gently extinguished by a hand.