This was the first time Aunt Qian had such a lively New Year’s Eve. She was thrilled, prepared a table full of dishes, brought out the best meat, even slaughtered a chicken. There were so many plates that meat dishes outnumbered the vegetable ones.

After being fed, Xiaobao was lulled to sleep and tucked back into the room, allowing the adults to finally relax a bit.

Excited, Lin Erzhu brought out the wine and urged Zhou Song to drink a couple of cups with him. Afraid Zhou Song might refuse, he even brought up Shen Qingzhu, saying that it was their first New Year together as brothers-in-law, so they simply had to celebrate.

Zhou Song couldn’t argue with that and went along with his plan.

Aunt Qian served everyone a portion of the dishes. Seeing her son making such a fuss, she said, “You can drink, but don’t overdo it. You’ll stink up Xiaobao when you sleep.”

“I know, Mom. I can handle myself,” Lin Erzhu replied with a cheerful grin.

Zhou Song first made sure Shen Qingzhu had something to eat, then went to join the drinking.

Aunt Qian didn’t bother them further and instead focused on using a ladle and chopsticks to break apart the cooked chicken. She gave one drumstick to Liu Fang and placed the other in Shen Qingzhu’s bowl, adding some soup. “You two need to eat more meat and keep yourselves healthy. Qingzhu, don’t hold back with me.”

Shen Qingzhu took the bowl with a smile and said, “Alright, I won’t be polite with Auntie.”

“That’s the spirit.” Aunt Qian was very pleased and even ladled some soup for Wu Lanshu, tearing off a chicken wing for her.

As for the two drinking boys, she left them alone. If they wanted to eat, they could help themselves.

Shen Qingzhu took a few sips of the soup and then looked over at Zhou Song, who was already on his second cup of wine. He picked up some food with his chopsticks and placed it in Zhou Song’s bowl. “Don’t just drink.”

Zhou Song had planned on eating anyway, so he looked at Shen Qingzhu, said nothing, but nodded and obediently ate the food given to him.

Sitting across from them, Lin Erzhu felt a twinge of jealousy. He looked over at Liu Fang and said, “Wife, I want some food too.”

“Can’t you use your own hands?” Before Liu Fang could respond, Aunt Qian shot him a look of disdain. “It’s your job to look after your wife.”

Lin Erzhu sighed, accepting his fate with a sigh, “Fine, fine, I’ll serve my wife then.”

Unexpectedly, Liu Fang pushed his hand away, “No, thanks. All I can smell is alcohol.”

Everyone at the table burst into laughter, with Lin Erzhu stunned for a moment, then shoving the food into his own mouth, “Fine, I’ll eat it myself!”

The laughter grew even louder, and even Zhou Song couldn’t help but smile.

After the laughing and bantering subsided, Aunt Qian looked around the table, feeling a sense of comfort. She said seriously, “From now on, we are all one family. Maybe not blood-related, but closer than family. No matter what happens, we will always be here to support and rely on each other. Next year, life will only get better.”

Her heartfelt words brought a quiet moment to the table, not out of awkwardness but a shared feeling.

Wu Lanshu’s eyes turned slightly red, reflecting on the decision to bring her young master to Qi Shan Village. She had been hesitant, fearing hardship and that he wouldn’t be happy here, afraid she’d let down her mistress by not taking good care of him.

But since coming here, they had encountered more kindness than malice. Now, her young master was no longer alone; he had not just a companion but also a family. Her long-held worries were finally put to rest.

Noticing her emotions, Shen Qingzhu said nothing but quietly patted her hand under the table.

Zhou Song, who was watching him, placed a comforting arm around his shoulder.

“So, should we all have a drink to celebrate?” Lin Erzhu broke the silence, bringing back the cheerful mood.

For once, Aunt Qian didn’t scold her cheeky son. Instead, she lovingly patted his head, “You and Zhou Song can drink on our behalf.”

At this, Zhou Song raised his cup and clinked it with Lin Erzhu’s before downing it in one gulp.

Seeing him drink so heartily, Lin Erzhu quickly finished his cup too.

The meal lasted a good while with everyone eating heartily, filling their stomachs.

Hearing Xiaobao’s faint cries from the other room, Liu Fang went to take care of him while the others cleared the dishes and leftover food.

Since the elders had been busy cooking all day, they weren’t allowed to handle the washing. Even Shen Qingzhu was shooed out of the kitchen, with the two men volunteering to wash the dishes.

They had all agreed to stay up for the New Year. Aunt Qian brewed a pot of strong tea using the tea leaves Zhou Song had given her, keeping it warm on the stove for anyone to drink.

Liu Fang brought the now well-rested Xiaobao back out. The little one was wide awake, sucking on his tiny hands with big, round eyes.

When Shen Qingzhu leaned close, Xiaobao grinned at him.

“Even such a tiny kid already knows who looks good,” Liu Fang laughed, gently shaking his little hand.

As if understanding his mother’s words, Xiaobao pouted, looking as though he was about to cry.

Liu Fang teased him for being so quick-tempered, but her hands were gentle as she soothed him.

Watching them, Shen Qingzhu couldn’t help but wonder what kind of baby Zhou Song had been. Was he as silent and serious back then as he was now, not even crying when hungry?

The thought of a stern-looking baby made him chuckle to himself. Shaking off the thought, he reached out to play with Xiaobao.

When Zhou Song stepped into the main hall, he saw Shen Qingzhu’s warm smile as he played with Xiaobao, clearly enjoying being around the child.

This image softened Zhou Song’s gaze, making him wonder if they had a child together, Shen Qingzhu would surely be a wonderful father.

But that thought was fleeting. Remembering the pain Liu Fang had endured during childbirth, he quickly brushed off the idea and walked over.

Noticing him, Shen Qingzhu smiled, “Finished with the cleaning?”

“Yeah,” Zhou Song nodded, sitting beside him, “Erzhu’s finishing up.”

As he sat closer, Shen Qingzhu noticed the faint scent of wine and glanced at Zhou Song’s face, relieved to find he wasn’t drunk. He reached out to touch Zhou Song’s face, “Feeling okay?”

Instinctively, Zhou Song leaned into his touch and shook his head, “Barely had a few cups.”

At their wedding, they couldn’t get him drunk no matter how much they tried. Today’s drinks were nothing, just for fun.

Hearing this, Shen Qingzhu retracted his hand. But just as he turned his head, he met Xiaobao’s big, curious eyes, making him chuckle as he poked the baby’s cheek, “What are you staring at, Xiaobao?”

Liu Fang, playing along, gave him a playful pinch. “Oh, he’s curious about everything right now.”

Surprisingly, instead of crying when pinched, Xiaobao giggled, looking utterly adorable.

The night dragged on, and while staying up could be tedious, with everyone together, chatting made the time pass quickly. Before they realized it, the new year had arrived, with firecrackers crackling outside.

Little Xiaobao, who had been dozing off in his mother’s arms, woke up crying from the noise. Liu Fang quickly covered his ears, and Aunt Qian hurried over to help calm him.

Inside and outside, the house bustled with excitement.

Lin Erzhu jumped up and ran outside, shouting, “Brother Song, come on, let’s go light some firecrackers!”

Zhou Song turned to Shen Qingzhu, asking if he wanted to come. After getting a nod, he helped wrap his cloak around him and led him outside.

Just as they stepped out, Lin Erzhu had already lit a string of firecrackers. The night was filled with crackling sounds, even louder than the others.

Before Shen Qingzhu could cover his ears, Zhou Song’s warm hands shielded them for him. Through the muffled noise, he looked up and met Zhou Song’s deep gaze, a smile spreading across his lips. “Happy New Year, Zhou Song.”

With the sound of firecrackers, Zhou Song didn’t hear him clearly and leaned closer, “What did you say?”

Seeing him come close, Shen Qingzhu leaned in too. But instead of repeating himself, he softly kissed Zhou Song on the cheek.

Zhou Song was momentarily stunned, turning to see Shen Qingzhu’s mischievous eyes watching him.

“Brother Song, hurry up! Time to light more firecrackers!” Lin Erzhu hadn’t noticed the pair under the eaves, his hands covering his ears as he yelled, as excited as a little boy.

Shen Qingzhu chuckled, nudging Zhou Song, “Go on, or Erzhu might light the next batch without you.”

Zhou Song was about to say it didn’t matter since he wasn’t as thrilled about firecrackers as Erzhu was, but looking into Shen Qingzhu’s amused eyes, he let himself be guided away.

“Come on, our firecrackers have to be louder than everyone else’s,” Lin Erzhu called, handing over a lit incense stick.

Zhou Song took it, crouched down to find the fuse, and, before lighting it, glanced back to make sure Shen Qingzhu’s ears were covered, then lit it.

He stepped back as the firecrackers burst to life, filling the courtyard with explosive sounds.

“Happy New Year, Brother Song!!” Lin Erzhu shouted over the noise, his hands cupped around his mouth.

“Happy New Year,” Zhou Song didn’t shout back, but he knew Lin Erzhu understood.

Pausing, he thought back to what Shen Qingzhu had whispered to him earlier, and turning, he caught Shen Qingzhu’s eyes. Shen Qingzhu was standing under the eaves, hands over his ears, smiling at him.

Zhou Song walked over to him, stopping on the steps so that their eyes were level, and he smiled at his husband. “Happy New Year.”

It was his response to Shen Qingzhu’s earlier words.

“Look! It’s snowing again!”

Lin Erzhu’s voice broke their gaze as a snowflake landed on Zhou Song’s nose. Reflexively, Zhou Song looked up, watching the delicate snow fall silently amidst the crackling firecrackers.

Shen Qingzhu reached out, catching a snowflake on his fingertip, but before he could feel its chill, Zhou Song’s large hand wrapped around his, warming it.

“Careful, don’t catch a cold,” Zhou Song gently squeezed his cold hand.

Shen Qingzhu smiled, holding his hand in return, “A timely snow promises a prosperous year. Zhou Song, it’s a good omen.”

Looking up, Zhou Song met his gaze, his expression softening as he nodded, “Yes, this year will be a good one.”

Every year with Kun Ze would be a good year.