Chapter 92.2

After a not very extravagant but warm and round Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, it was time for the children’s long-awaited firecracker and fireworks activity.

Although the weather cleared up, it was colder after the snow had melted compared to the day it had snowed. Su Xiaoxiao carried a fire lantern, and Han Cheng took the children to a willow tree by the small river in front of the gate to prepare for fireworks and firecrackers.

The two sisters-in-law also came out, with Li Yufeng holding a few lit incense sticks and saying, “Use these to light it. Han Cheng, be careful, once it’s lit, run away. Cover your ears, kids, and stay back.”

Except for Da Bao and Xiao Bao, the other children were participating in such an activity for the first time and were somewhat afraid. They all stood far away. Su Xiaoxiao was also scared and walked the farthest with Xiao Doubao. She said to the other children, “These things can explode and hurt people badly. Just watch from a distance, okay?”

The children jumped and said, “Okay!”

In the distance, the sound of firecrackers continued to go off one after another. Han Cheng lit a small string, and it made a “crackling sound” a few times, making the children extremely excited. Xiao Doubao squinted his eyes and clapped his gloved hands, even though they didn’t make a sound.

Han Cheng lit another firework, and with a “whoosh” sound, the flames shot up and exploded with a “bang” above the weeping willow, illuminating the night of New Year’s Eve in Su Village.

The neighbors came upon hearing the sound and walked out of their homes to gaze at the small, fleeting fireworks in the air.

Yang Nanhuai’s family stood in the alley, watching the youngest two children from afar as the fireworks lit up the night sky.

The slightly older Fantuan stood at his father’s feet, tugging at his pants and saying something. Han Cheng rubbed the child’s head and bent down to talk to him.

The youngest, Xiao Doubao, was in Su Xiaoxiao’s arms. Su Xiaoxiao, who was gentle, pointed at the fireworks and said something to the child. The child was so happy that he closed his eyes, hugged her head, and kissed her on the cheek.

Feeling the gaze from the side, Su Xiaoxiao suddenly turned her head and looked towards the alley. She saw a family of three standing there.

Su Xiaoxiao was stunned for a moment, and then she smiled and nodded in that direction with a sweet little dimple on her face. She turned Xiao Doubao to face that way.

Dong Mingyue saw Xiao Doubao’s appearance and instantly teared up. She politely nodded back to Su Xiaoxiao, and Yang Nanhuai and Yang Lin also nodded at Su Xiaoxiao. Then, the three of them, in perfect harmony, turned around, with Yang Lin supporting the two elderly people who were walking unsteadily, and they slowly disappeared into the dark alley.

Su Xiaoxiao turned around and happened to meet Han Cheng’s gaze. The couple looked at each other silently and smiled.

Su Xiaoxiao wasn’t sad because she knew that these days wouldn’t last long. The two elderly people would soon return to their normal lives, going back to teaching and enjoying their retirement at the university.
At this time, there wouldn’t be a large-scale fireworks display. You couldn’t buy too many to begin with, and you certainly couldn’t set them all off in one night. In fact, many places didn’t even allow fireworks. In Su Village, it was acceptable to set off a few to mark the occasion.

According to the custom of Su Village, there was a competition to see which family could be the first to set off fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Day, hoping to bring a good start on the first day of the new year.

Su’s village didn’t have the tradition of staying up late on New Year’s Eve. In previous years, Su Zhenzhong, Su Zhenhua, and the brothers would come out at midnight to set off firecrackers before going to sleep. The children would go to bed early and couldn’t wait until midnight, so they set off the firecrackers a bit earlier.

Other fireworks and firecrackers should be reserved for the second day of the lunar new year, the seventh day (People’s Day), and the Lantern Festival to celebrate each respective occasion.

When the children were playing outside, Li Yufeng had already placed New Year’s money under each of their beds. Su Xiaoxiao and Zhang Chunying had a baby in their stomachs, so Li Yufeng didn’t forget to put one under their pillows.

Thinking of Han Cheng returning home for the New Year for the first time, she also put one under his pillow for good luck.

Su Xiaoxiao habitually picked up a pillow to dust it off before going to sleep, and a red envelope fell out. She was momentarily stunned and then immediately picked it up and waved it at Han Cheng. She was so happy that she had forgotten how long it had been since she received a red envelope from her elders.

“Han Cheng, look, it’s a New Year’s red envelope from my mom. I’m all grown up, but my mom still gave me New Year’s money.”

Han Cheng loved to see Su Xiaoxiao’s dimples appear when she was happy. “Maybe it’s for the baby in your belly.”

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t believe that; she thought it was for her. She picked up Han Cheng’s pillow, and sure enough, another red envelope fell out. She was so thrilled that she couldn’t contain her excitement. “See, it’s from my mom for sure! Look, you have one too!”

Han Cheng was also stunned. Since his immediate family members had passed away, he had not received any New Year’s money for many years. Unexpectedly, he could still receive it in his thirties.

“It’s thanks to your blessing. I’m sure that when Mom gave you one, she then decided to give me one as well.”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded and placed the red envelope back. “My eldest brother and second brother definitely didn’t get one.”

Su Xiaoxiao really guessed right, Su Zhenzhong and Su Zhenhua didn’t receive any.

Han Cheng somehow produced another red envelope and handed it to Su Xiaoxiao. “Here’s your New Year’s gift. I hope you can smile and be happy throughout the year and in the coming years!”

Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes widened in surprise, and she asked. “When did you prepare this?”

Han Cheng didn’t hide it from her: “Just now.”

Su Xiaoxiao noticed that he had taken the red envelope that was originally stuck on Xiaobao’s desk. She playfully said, “In our family, we’re not supposed to tear the red paper until after the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. If my mom finds out, she’ll scold you for sure.”

Han Cheng ruffled her hair and said, “It’s okay, your mom won’t scold me. I’ll find another piece of red envelope tomorrow.” He rarely made her so happy.

Su Xiaoxiao was indeed very happy. She stood up, hugged Han Cheng’s neck, and kissed him on the lips. “Han Cheng, Happy New Year!”

Han Cheng kissed her back and replied, “Happy New Year!”

‘May my Xiaoxiao always be happy.’

---

Lucia: Next update will be on Friday! Thank you for waiting patiently!

---