The New Year, the most important holiday for the people of the Celestial Empire, marks the end of the old and the beginning of the new.
For most people, it's just another ordinary Spring Festival spent with family, watching the evening gala, listening to the elders' chatter, and watching the children play.
But for Ren, this New Year was different.
This year, Ren didn't return to his hometown for the New Year as usual.
His parents decided to come to the city to celebrate because they were worried that his pregnant wife, Jada, might get tired from the long journey.
So, the whole family gathered in their large home.
"Oh, big cities are great! They look so bustling. There were even security guards stopping people at the entrance. It feels so safe," Ren's father, who loved to drink, remarked as he sipped his wine.
"If you like it, why don't you come live here?" Ren suggested again.
To be honest, Ren had already brought this up last year, but his parents had refused.
"Yes, Dad, Mom," Jada chimed in, looking earnestly at Ren's parents.
Ever since she and Ren visited his parents last year, they had been calling her regularly to chat and check in on her.
This reminded her of her university days in Beijing when her own parents would call her frequently to check on her.
This feeling of being cared for by her parents made her treat Ren's parents as her own. "Our house is big, and it would be great for you to come and enjoy life here."
Yueyue, holding her juice with wide eyes, hugged her grandmother's arm. "Grandma, come live with us and Yueyue~~"
ヽ(｀⌒メ)ノ
She glared at Ren. "That way, Daddy won't bully me anymore!"
"Hehehe," Ren's mother laughed, patting Yueyue's head. "If your dad dares to bully you, just call Grandma. I'll come over and give him a good beating! Imagine, he dares to bully Yueyue!" She playfully pinched Ren's side, making him wince.
Ren's father added, "Yes, just call us. But moving here, no thanks."
To them, the big city was nice, but it lacked the charm of the countryside.
Everything felt unfamiliar. If they really lived here, they would be uncomfortable and miss having friends to chat, play cards, or play chess with.
For parents, seeing their children doing well is enough. Why interfere in their lives?
"Alright," Ren sighed. "Dad, Mom, Jada, Yueyue, let's have a toast. Mom, Jada, Yueyue, you can just have juice."
Jada used to drink, but not while pregnant.
Ren raised his glass. Jada and the others happily lifted their orange juice. Yueyue, holding her juice, looked enviously at the wine glasses. "Can I have a sip of wine?"
Curious, Yueyue wondered why her dad and grandpa liked it so much. Could there be something tastier than cola or juice?
Without a word, Ren flicked her forehead. "Kids don't drink wine! Even when you grow up, don't drink! Haven't you seen how one of the main characters in 'Magical Girl Lilith' died of a heart attack from drinking?"
"Oh..." Remembering the news from the morning, Yueyue nodded, looking scared.
Her adorable reaction made the family burst into laughter.
Ren raised his glass. "Dad, Mom, Yueyue, Jada, Happy New Year! I wish you good health and all the best!"
"Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year!"
Dinner didn't take long.
After eating, Ren went to wash the dishes alone.
There was no way he could let his parents wash dishes when they were guests.
And his wife was pregnant, so Ren didn't even want her to go to work.
As for Yueyue? Besides eating, what else could she do?
So, Ren was alone in the kitchen while the others chatted in the living room. Little did he know, his mom got excited and started telling Jada and Yueyue about Ren's embarrassing childhood stories...
"Let me tell you, when Ren was five, he wet the bed and made a map of the Celestial Empire. Everyone praised him for his 'achievement.' This little guy was so proud and even asked me for a reward! He wanted me to praise him and buy him snacks. I was so mad. He made me wash the sheets, and he wanted a reward? Can you believe this kid?"
"Oh my, thinking about it now still makes me angry."
"Mom!" Ren, washing dishes, overheard his mom and turned red with embarrassment. He wanted to stop her, but it was no use. They kept chatting and laughing.
When Ren came out, he saw everyone laughing heartily. A sense of revenge stirred in him.
He looked around.
Hmm, he couldn't target his parents. He didn't want to face a mixed double attack.
Jada?
Hmm... Unless he wanted to sleep on the couch tonight, she was off-limits too.
So, his eyes settled on Yueyue, who was laughing the hardest.
The only one he could bully was his daughter.
Feeling a mix of anger and determination, Ren walked over to Yueyue, who was still engrossed in her grandma's stories. She didn't notice Ren sneaking her chocolates into his pocket and slipping away.
When she finished listening, she reached for her chocolates and froze.
Where were they?
Tears welled up in her eyes.
·°(﹏)°·.
By then, Ren had already vanished.
"Hehe, your dad will always be your dad," Ren chuckled, popping a chocolate into his mouth.
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