Chapter 15.3

After the filling cooled, they added scallion and ginger juice into the fish paste three times, each time ensuring it was fully absorbed into the mixture.

In a 1:1 ratio, they combined the remaining pork filling with the fish filling, seasoned with salt and pepper, and added minced scallions, mixing everything evenly.

The mackerel dumpling filling was finally ready. It had taken two hours just to prepare this one filling — time-consuming and labor-intensive, all for the sake of that burst of freshness.

Ying’s dad was in charge of rolling out the dumpling wrappers, while Su Ying and her mom wrapped the dumplings.

The family sat together, wrapping dumplings while watching the Spring Festival Gala on TV, chatting from time to time. The atmosphere was warm and cozy.

Ying’s mom boiled a few newly swapped coins in hot water and secretly wrapped them into the mackerel dumplings. Whoever bit into one would have good luck in the coming year.

Before they knew it, they had filled a huge tray of dumplings. The finished dumplings were placed outside to freeze.

As the countdown for the Spring Festival Gala began on TV, the family paused their work and watched the screen together.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.”

Fireworks exploded outside. Stepping out of the main room, they saw brilliant fireworks blooming in the night sky.

On TV, the hosts of the Spring Festival Gala bid farewell as Teacher Li Guyi sang “Unforgettable Tonight”.

The dumplings were all wrapped and neatly arranged outside to freeze in rows.

Ying’s dad brought in a tray of dumplings and started boiling them in the kitchen. As the water boiled, he carefully pushed the dumplings with the back of a spoon to prevent sticking. The dumplings tumbled in the boiling water, symbolizing a lively and prosperous life.

The frozen dumplings outside were packed into bags, each holding just enough for one meal, and stored in the freezer. The New Year’s Eve dumpling-making marathon had officially come to an end.

All the pre-holiday tasks were finally completed. Now they could relax and enjoy the New Year festivities.

Su Ying also brought out the fireworks they had at home. She carried them to the doorway, lit the fuse, and watched as dazzling fireworks burst into the sky one after another.

Watching the fading sparks in the sky, Su Ying couldn’t help but think back to last New Year’s Eve.

Holidays used to be the busiest time at her old company, filled with endless events and promotions.

Even New Year’s Eve was spent in commercial complexes. While crowds in front were watching performances and counting down, she and her colleagues would be in the back, timing the last second of the countdown to release balloons or set off fireworks.

Back then, it was all about pleasing others. But now, the fireworks were for herself.

Not having to work like a horse is really wonderful.

The fireworks ended just as the dumplings were cooked.

“Come eat the dumplings,” Ying’s dad called.

The dumplings were scooped out, each one plump and round, with fillings generously stuffed inside. Everyone received a big bowl, and the different fillings were easy to distinguish by their different wrapping styles.

One steaming dumpling after another — the broth inside was rich and flavorful. The mackerel filling was the best, though the most troublesome to prepare.

The taste was fresh and bright.

When she bit into a dumpling, the delicious fish broth burst out. Mackerel dumplings were Su Ying’s favorite; she hadn’t eaten them even once during her years in S City.

Now that she was home, she had to savor them properly.

“Ah! I got the coin!”

Su Ying spit out the coin she had bitten into.

“Wishing our girl good luck in everything,” Ying’s mom blessed.

“Wishing our girl good health,” Ying’s dad added.

The family raised their cups together, the clinking sound crisp and joyful. Everyone’s face was full of happiness — it was wonderful to be reunited.

After finishing the dumplings, they could finally rest. The traditional New Year’s Eve vigil had come to an end, though the sound of fireworks still occasionally echoed through the village.