It hadn’t snowed in the morning on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month.

A neighbor from the village came over to chat, he had specifically come to deliver some news.

The wolfdog at Hunter Zhu’s house in Shangxi Village had given birth to a litter of puppies—four in total, three males and one female. Today marked their full moon, and Zhu had announced that all four puppies were for sale.

The neighbor thought that the Chen family wanted to buy a dog, so he hurried over to let them know.

Father Chen couldn’t sit still at this news. He hurriedly went to the cow shed at the back of the house to harness the cart.

“Youngest, Yuanjiu, you two should follow along to take a look,” Dad Chen said as he entered the house to get some money.

Chen Yuanqiu took the money and rushed outside, calling, “Dad, wait for me and Brother Jiu!”

Cui Yuanjiu quickly followed behind.

Once the neighbor left, only Dad Chen and his son Chen Yuping, along with little Cao ger, remained in the kitchen.

It was a bit quiet.

A couple of days ago, Dad Chen had been wanting to discuss something with his third son, and today seemed like a good opportunity. With no one else around, he directly brought it up: “New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. After the holidays, Yuanjiu will likely be going out to work. He’s going on a mission with the escort agency, which will take a lot of time. Have you talked to him about this? If you both are serious about getting married, you should have some long-term plans.”

“He’s mentioned it to me,” Chen Yuping replied, ready to discuss the matter with his dad. “Recently, we’ve had some trouble with thieves at home, and since we’re doing better, it attracts attention. He thinks we have a lot of work at home and need a helping hand, so he plans to go to the county after the New Year to resign from the escort agency and stay home.”

Dad Chen was surprised, but more than that, he was pleased: “Did he really say that? Did he bring it up himself, or did you mention it first?”

“He brought it up. I even gave him a bit of advice, since there might be gossip.”

“That’s true.” Dad Chen frowned: “This matter is a bit tricky.”

“He said he doesn’t care, let people say what they want. As long as our family understands, that’s what matters.”

Upon hearing this, Dad Chen’s eyes lit up: “This boy is sensible! Ping ger, let me tell you, he’s a good kid. You should treat him well. Genuine feelings will be reciprocated. If you hold him close to your heart, he will do the same for you.”

“Dad, I understand.”

The topic of his third son’s marriage had always weighed heavily on Dad Chen’s mind. Now that there seemed to be some hope, he felt he could sleep soundly tonight.

Cui Yuanjiu was a good kid. He’s a bit younger but mature, methodical in his work, and someone who could handle a married life.

“I’ve always worried that you might be like your elder brother. Both of you are strong-willed, he thinks he has a bad temperament and feels insecure. You, on the other hand, don’t seem to rush into marriage. But who in the world lives alone forever? What kind of life is that?”

“Your brother is too eager to get married. You, however, don’t even want to think about it. Just look at your brother’s life now, finding the wrong partner is a lifelong burden. Luckily, you have good fortune to have met Yuanjiu. I think he’s much better than your brother’s husband. You should be content, don’t overthink it. There’s no such thing as perfection. For now, you’re quite lucky.”

Dad Chen rambled on, and Chen Yuping listened attentively.

“Some truths your brother never seems to grasp. Your father and I have been together through thick and thin, and you wouldn’t know all the struggles we faced. Even with mutual affection, marriage requires effort, and feelings can change easily. Without nurturing it, even deep feelings can fade away under the pressures of life, leading to chaos.”

“You are clear-headed, and Yuanjiu has seen a lot in his life which makes him thoughtful. No matter how big or small the matter, don’t shy away from talking to him. Have casual conversations, negotiate where needed, and stand firm when necessary. You must know your boundaries.”

“Your brother, he just doesn’t see clearly, and his life is a mess. Speaking of your brother’s husband, he’s not bad or good, but managing a household isn’t difficult if you understand it. I’ve tried to explain it to your brother many times, yet he just doesn’t get it.”

“Dad, I understand, I get what you’re saying.”

“You do?” Dad Chen’s expression softened, his gaze warm and kind. He smiled, “I believe you understand. If you don’t, that’s fine. Life is lived day by day. If you encounter problems, talk to me, I have more experience.”

He continued to share his thoughts, hoping to impart some wisdom to his third son, even if he wasn’t sure how much would be understood. It was hard not to say something, especially as good things seemed to be on the horizon. He truly thought Yuanjiu was a good match, and if his son let this opportunity pass, it would be hard to find another like him.

Back then, Chun ger said he understood.

Dad Chen sighed softly and added a few sticks of firewood to the fire pit.

The firewood slowly caught fire, the flames grew larger, and soon the spout of the iron kettle began to emit steam.

The water in the kettle was almost boiling.

“Dad, what are you thinking about?” Chen Yuping asked, noticing Dad Chen suddenly looking forlorn. “I know what you mean, don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Yuanjiu.”

“I was thinking about your brother. He also said he understood back then. At that time, I truly believed he did. He’s always been sensible, rarely making us worry, a child who brought us peace of mind. I really thought he got it, and though his husband isn’t great, since your brother agreed, we accepted the marriage.”

“Later, I watched as his life spiraled downward, and I felt anxious. I told him this in front of his husband,” Dad Chen said, feeling some regret. “Perhaps I was too eager, and too worried about him. Every time he came back, I would talk to him, wishing I could roll up my sleeves and help him manage his life. In the end, he started coming back less often and didn’t share anything with me about the family.”

“Of all the children, the one I feel the most sorry for is Chun ger. Some say the first child is the luckiest, but in our family, Chun ger is the one who suffers the most,” Dad Chen lamented.

He hated to see Chun ger struggle. He wanted to do something but fearing it might backfire. He had already made one mistake and couldn’t afford to make another. With Chun ger and his spouse, he didn’t dare intervene casually.

He could only watch helplessly, while his heart felt as if it were soaked in bitter bile.

Chun ger was a very good child, it was just that he and his wife had not done their job as parents.

Chen Yuping didn’t know what to say. “Dad, don’t worry. Brother’s life will definitely get better.”

“It all depends on when he figures things out,” Dad Chen understood clearly. “If he doesn’t, it won’t matter how much we say or help.”

“It will get better. Dad, you have to believe me.” Chen Yuping decided to take responsibility for this situation.

Dad Chen was a particularly good dad, he just hoped to see his son happy.

Father Chen and the others arrived in time, and there were still two puppies left unsold, one male and one female.

The two puppies were increasingly endearing. Glancing at his bulging money pouch, Father Chen decided to splurge and bought both.

The puppies, barely a month old, were chubby and plump. Their voices were soft and adorable, and their big, bright eyes.

“These puppies are great!” Father Chen said, unwilling to let them go, instructing his youngest son to drive the cart. “It’s cold now, so when we get home, make a little doghouse in the corner by the fire. In the spring, we can build a bigger one at the back of the house.”

Cui Yuanjiu was also very pleased with the two puppies. “When they turn three months old, I’ll take them into the mountains often. With training, they’ll be great watchdogs.”

“Right, that’s something you’ll have to handle.”

Excitedly, Chen Yuanqiu chimed in, “Brother Jiu, how about we go into the mountains together when the time comes?”

“Sure.”

“Wife!” When they reached home, Father Chen rushed into the kitchen with the puppies. “These two dogs were a great buy, come and take a look!”

Dad Chen glanced over and smiled, “They’re quite plump.” He reached out to pinch one, saying, “Easy to raise.”

The little puppy yipped in response, its thin little tail wagging happily.

“Ah, ah!” Cao ger watched curiously, tugging at his Dad’s sleeve and giggling.

“They’re puppies. Do you want to pet them?” Chen Yuping said, lifting his precious son to his side, holding his little hand and gently stroking the puppy’s head.

The soft texture was novel to Cao ger, who laughed joyfully, his eyes turning into crescent moons.

With two puppies at home, Cao ger seemed to gain two little friends, always watching the puppies scurry around the kitchen, unsure why it made him so happy.

Dad Chen sighed, “These two puppies may be a bit pricey, but they’re worth it.”

The brief moment before bedtime was a rare time for Cui Yuanjiu and Chen Yuping to be alone.

Usually, it was Cui Yuanjiu who initiated the conversation, but tonight, Chen Yuping spoke first. “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. We’ll have a sumptuous reunion dinner in the evening, but I plan to keep lunch simple. You should buy a sheep tomorrow, around 40 to 50 pounds, and we’ll roast it. I’m thinking of inviting Eldest Brother and his family over.”

“Isn’t 40 to 50 pounds too little?”

“A whole roasted sheep, plus a pot of lamb offal soup with pancakes should fill us up. Oh, and you should buy some lamb offal from town. One sheep’s offal won’t be enough, and we need some blood too. The spices you brought back last time will come in handy.”

“Got it, I’ll go first thing in the morning.”

Hearing about the roasted sheep, Chen Yuanqiu was the most excited. 

“Third brother, just tell me what to do! I promise to handle everything perfectly!” He pounded his chest, exhilarated. A whole roasted sheep! He had only heard of it but never seen or tasted it, such a delicacy that he had only dreamed of! Now that his third brother mentioned it, he couldn’t help but drool.

“Of course, there will be tasks. Once the sheep is back, you and Yuanjiu can take care of it.”

“Absolutely no problem!”

Dad Chen pulled his third son aside. “Your brother probably won’t be able to make it.”

“Why not? Can’t a married man come home for lunch on New Year’s Eve? It’s not like we’re just having the reunion dinner.”

“It’s not about that. There are married men in our village who come home for lunch on New Year’s Eve, and some even have their reunion dinner at home. However, the situation is different for ger and women, a married couple is just that, a couple living together. This is why men tend to separate and live independently after getting married.”

“What does Dad mean by that?”

Dad Chen furrowed his brows. “I once mentioned that your brother should alternate years between having the reunion dinner at Zhang’s and at home. Your brother disagreed, saying there’s too much to handle at Zhang’s, and no one else helps organize the New Year’s Eve dinner.”

“I remember Zhang’s family has three sons and one daughter. How can no one help organize the dinner? What about the other two daughters-in-law?”

“I asked, and your brother didn’t say anything.”

Chen Yuping thought for a moment. “Dad, leave this to me. I’ll go to Zhang’s house.”

“Be careful with your words.”

“Don’t worry, Dad.”

Before the sheep returned, Dad Chen and his second sister-in-law were already discussing the details of the reunion dinner. Chen Yuping asked his younger brother to keep an eye on Cao ger and Qiaoniu while he went to Zhang’s.

Zhang’s house was tightly shut. Chen Yuping glanced at the old house and walked over.

Just then, he spotted Zhang Zhiwei pushing a millstone.

“Brother-in-law.”

“Ping ger!” Zhang Zhiwei looked a bit surprised to see him.

“I need to talk to my brother.”

“He’s in the kitchen.”

Chen Yuping headed straight for the kitchen. “Brother.”

Chen Yuchun didn’t come out, but there was some noise from the main room. Old Lady Zhang stood under the eaves, her face beaming with smiles. “I heard your voice, Ping ger! What brings you here today? Come in and sit.”

“Aunt Zhang, there’s too much to do at home right now. I just need to talk to my brother for a moment.”

Chen Yuchun stood at the kitchen door. “Ping ger, what’s up?” He seemed a bit anxious, worried that something was wrong at home.

“It’s nothing serious. We bought a sheep at home, and I plan to roast it for lunch. I was thinking of inviting Brother and family over to eat.”

“Oh, Ping ger, that won’t do! Chun ger can’t go. If he leaves, who will handle the New Year’s Eve dinner at home?” Old Lady Zhang quickly interjected. “Ping ger, your brother is now part of Zhang’s family. If he wants to return to Chen’s, it should be after the second day of the New Year. It doesn’t make sense for him to leave home on New Year’s Eve with all the responsibilities.”

“According to what logic?” Chen Yuping laughed. “What law clearly states that a married ger can’t come home for a meal on New Year’s Eve? Aunt Zhang, you’re mistaken, a couple living together is just that—living together. My brother and brother-in-law are still part of the Chen family. Even if he stays for the reunion dinner at Chen’s tonight, no one would dare gossip. It’s common for married gers to come home for reunion dinners.”

“Brother, get ready and bring the kids, we’re going back home. It’s been years, and you’ve always been the one organizing the New Year’s Eve dinner. Is it possible that the Zhang family only has one son? If that were the case, I wouldn’t be here talking.”

Unable to convince Chen Yuping, Old Lady Zhang turned her gaze to Chen Yuchun: “You can’t leave. Ping ger doesn’t understand because he’s not married, and you can’t go along with his nonsense! Hurry back to the kitchen and get everything sorted. It’s almost lunchtime, don’t delay.”

“Brother, where are Dazhuang and An ger?”

“They’re in the kitchen.”

In the kitchen, Dazhuang, who was watching An ger, had already heard his third uncle’s voice and wanted to come out and say something, but he didn’t dare.

At this moment, hearing third uncle ask about him and his brother, the little guy couldn’t sit still anymore. He ran out happily, calling out sweetly: “Uncle.”

“Uncle is making roasted whole sheep for lunch, a particularly delicious dish that’s rare to eat. Do you want to go home with Uncle? Cao ger and Qiaoniu miss you and An ger a lot.” Chen Yuping affectionately ruffled Dazhuang’s hair.

Da Zhuang didn’t know what roasted whole sheep was, but he liked going back to the Chen family. He nodded vigorously: “Uncle, I want to go to Chen’s house. I want to go to Chen’s house.” He said it quickly and loudly.

“Uncle will take Dazhuang home right now.” Chen Yuping said, taking Dazhuang’s hand, and then he went into the kitchen to pick up An ger: “Brother, let’s go.”

Chen Yuchun hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed.

This made Old Lady Zhang, who was standing under the eaves, extremely angry: “Zhang Zhiwei, are you a fool? Did I not give you ears? Or a mouth?”

“Brother-in-law, are you leaving or not? If not, we will.”

Zhang Zhiwei glanced at his angry mother and decisively released the millstone. He hunched his shoulders, looking meek, and obediently followed them out of the Zhang family yard.